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Hope Falls: Brewed Awakenings #1
Falling in Fate
Ava Wells had no idea that Dear John letters actually existed until she received one on the morning of her wedding. When she woke up, she expected to walk down the aisle and say, “I do.” Instead, she ended up at a diner commiserating with her sisters as she inhaled a carb heavy breakfast and ate her feelings. With her entire future in limbo, Ava was plotting her next move when she overheard a deep, sexy, blast-from-the-past voice ask for a table for two. She tried to place where she'd heard the baritone vibrato before but it was sort of hard to concentrate with the tiny hairs on the back of her neck standing up, goosebumps lifting on her bare skin, and her lady parts throwing a rave.
After nearly twenty years on the force Asher Ford thought he could handle anything, but becoming a single dad to a rebellious teenage girl overnight was proving to be more difficult than he’d expected. In a hail Mary move, he decided to quit his job as a homicide detective in New York City and move his daughter across the country to a simpler life in a small town. Things were going as planned until his fresh start was threatened after running into a breathtakingly beautiful woman whose smile made him feel like a teenager again and he also happened to share a complicated history with.
Sometimes it's best to leave the past in the past...spoiler alert: this isn't one of those times.
After nearly twenty years on the force Asher Ford thought he could handle anything, but becoming a single dad to a rebellious teenage girl overnight was proving to be more difficult than he’d expected. In a hail Mary move, he decided to quit his job as a homicide detective in New York City and move his daughter across the country to a simpler life in a small town. Things were going as planned until his fresh start was threatened after running into a breathtakingly beautiful woman whose smile made him feel like a teenager again and he also happened to share a complicated history with.
Sometimes it's best to leave the past in the past...spoiler alert: this isn't one of those times.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2021
623 people are currently reading
666 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Shawn
134 books1,850 followersNEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn writes HEAs filled with sweet and sassy heroines, heroes who are cinnamon rolls in the streets alpho-holes in the sheets, casts of supportive *cough: meddling* friends and family who put the fun in funny, toe-curling combustible heat, and sugary sweet “aww” moments that will have your hearts and e-readers melting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
November 13, 2021
3.5 stars
A cute read.
The h and the H first meet when he saves her life 7 years ago.
On the day she was due to marry the guy she’d been with since she was 12, he wrote her a Dear John letter and let her know he’d been cheating on her and there wouldn’t be a wedding.
The h felt relieved when she truly examined her feelings. For the last 7 years, she’d had fantasies of the mystery man who saved her.
A chance encounter after the H moved to the small town with his teenage daughter and the h decided to stay in the town instead of moving back to where her ex fiancé was. They had a spark but the H had to put his daughter first and wasn’t sure he could get seriously involved after his divorce.
The story builds and we watch their relationship grow.
There was potential for drama once the daughter knew the h was the woman her dad nearly lost his life for. Instead, the author solved this off the page and had it all be fine. Perhaps taking the easy way out here with the writing.
We see the ex finance again but he was written a little over the top. Think badly written dramatic ex girlfriends-and make it a male.
All in all it was a sweet book.
A cute read.
The h and the H first meet when he saves her life 7 years ago.
On the day she was due to marry the guy she’d been with since she was 12, he wrote her a Dear John letter and let her know he’d been cheating on her and there wouldn’t be a wedding.
The h felt relieved when she truly examined her feelings. For the last 7 years, she’d had fantasies of the mystery man who saved her.
A chance encounter after the H moved to the small town with his teenage daughter and the h decided to stay in the town instead of moving back to where her ex fiancé was. They had a spark but the H had to put his daughter first and wasn’t sure he could get seriously involved after his divorce.
The story builds and we watch their relationship grow.
There was potential for drama once the daughter knew the h was the woman her dad nearly lost his life for. Instead, the author solved this off the page and had it all be fine. Perhaps taking the easy way out here with the writing.
We see the ex finance again but he was written a little over the top. Think badly written dramatic ex girlfriends-and make it a male.
All in all it was a sweet book.
January 9, 2022
POV: Dual.
Push/Pull: Yes.
Descriptive Sex: Yes.
OW/OM: Yes.
Cheating: Yes.
Separation: No (-ish?).
★★ ½ I would've rated higher but I didn't think Ava and Asher had enough time together on the pages. Their interactions together were sweet, but too few for me.
This is my first review and I hate that I seem to be in the minority with this one. It is my first book by Melanie Shawn, and even though I didn't rate this very high I do still plan to read more.
In the future I think I'll stick with doing the brass tacks (as seen above) in reviews. I find myself searching for these answers and hope to provide them for others who might seek the same.
Push/Pull: Yes.
Descriptive Sex: Yes.
OW/OM: Yes.
Cheating: Yes.
Separation: No (-ish?).
★★ ½ I would've rated higher but I didn't think Ava and Asher had enough time together on the pages. Their interactions together were sweet, but too few for me.
This is my first review and I hate that I seem to be in the minority with this one. It is my first book by Melanie Shawn, and even though I didn't rate this very high I do still plan to read more.
In the future I think I'll stick with doing the brass tacks (as seen above) in reviews. I find myself searching for these answers and hope to provide them for others who might seek the same.
November 9, 2021
We are back in Hope Falls in this new spin-off series. One that, as with the original, promises to become an all time favorite.
Seven years ago Ava Wells and Asher Ford crossed paths in New York during a shooting at a convenient store. Ava never forgot the man that saved her life and still thinks and refers to as “dark, tall and dangerous”.
She never knew that Asher was undercover and almost lost his life.
On the day of her wedding in Hope Falls, her fiance sends her a message saying there will be no wedding. Instead of pain, she feels relief.
Even on her wedding day, she was still fantasizing about the stranger that saved her life.
Little did she know that Asher has recently moved to town with his teenage daughter determined to be a better father.
Their accidental encounter will change their lives forever. Will they embrace their attraction , or will the fantasy be better than reality?
A story that is at times heartbreaking, it’s also heartwarming. It’s a story about family, and second chances in life and love.
A winner in a series I predict will become another favorite from this duo.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Seven years ago Ava Wells and Asher Ford crossed paths in New York during a shooting at a convenient store. Ava never forgot the man that saved her life and still thinks and refers to as “dark, tall and dangerous”.
She never knew that Asher was undercover and almost lost his life.
On the day of her wedding in Hope Falls, her fiance sends her a message saying there will be no wedding. Instead of pain, she feels relief.
Even on her wedding day, she was still fantasizing about the stranger that saved her life.
Little did she know that Asher has recently moved to town with his teenage daughter determined to be a better father.
Their accidental encounter will change their lives forever. Will they embrace their attraction , or will the fantasy be better than reality?
A story that is at times heartbreaking, it’s also heartwarming. It’s a story about family, and second chances in life and love.
A winner in a series I predict will become another favorite from this duo.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
November 11, 2021
I loved going back to Hope Falls. It was like getting together with old friends. It was so wild how Ava and Asher met. Then they didn’t see each other again for seven years until they literally ran into each other in Hope Falls. It was so crazy how Ava was left at the alter on her wedding day by Ian and she had been dreaming about Asher that morning. I was so glad that jerk left her even though it had to sting some. Hindsight helped her to realize how selfish he was. Asher’s 13 year old daughter Blake had been acting up so her mother sent her to live with Asher and he moved them to Hope Falls. I was glad Asher moved and was able to spend more time with his daughter. It is always fun to watch teenagers ups and downs. There were things Asher and Ava had to get through to have a chance at a life together. Ava’s sister Viv is such a riot and adds so much fun and craziness to everything. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
November 25, 2021
It was so wonderful to learn that we'd be returning to Hope Falls in the new Brewed Awakenings series!
Asher Ford was an undercover cop in New York for years, but after his cover was blown seven years ago and also was shot while saving a civilian, his life took a turn when his wife divorced him and he continued being a part-time father. Fast-forward to the present and with his daughter acting out, she is now living with him and they are moving across the country to Hope Falls, where he'll be a detective with he police department.
Ava Wells was set to get married, but on the day of her wedding, her fiancé left her a letter saying he no longer could go through with the marriage. While most would be devastated, Ava was happy as she realized it was the best thing that could have happened. She continues to think about the man that saved her seven years prior and tall, dark and dangerous enters her mind more than she would like him to.
When Asher and Ava meet, sparks fly immediately and they both feel like they've met before. When they realize they have, things begin to fall into place. With Asher dealing with his teenaged daughter and his ex coming to town, Ava begins to wonder if this was all too good to be true. Will Asher and Ava be able to make something work between them?
I enjoyed this story so much. It was great to be back in Hope Falls and all of the characters in this one just made it enjoyable to read. I'm looking forward to what's coming next in this quaint little town!
Asher Ford was an undercover cop in New York for years, but after his cover was blown seven years ago and also was shot while saving a civilian, his life took a turn when his wife divorced him and he continued being a part-time father. Fast-forward to the present and with his daughter acting out, she is now living with him and they are moving across the country to Hope Falls, where he'll be a detective with he police department.
Ava Wells was set to get married, but on the day of her wedding, her fiancé left her a letter saying he no longer could go through with the marriage. While most would be devastated, Ava was happy as she realized it was the best thing that could have happened. She continues to think about the man that saved her seven years prior and tall, dark and dangerous enters her mind more than she would like him to.
When Asher and Ava meet, sparks fly immediately and they both feel like they've met before. When they realize they have, things begin to fall into place. With Asher dealing with his teenaged daughter and his ex coming to town, Ava begins to wonder if this was all too good to be true. Will Asher and Ava be able to make something work between them?
I enjoyed this story so much. It was great to be back in Hope Falls and all of the characters in this one just made it enjoyable to read. I'm looking forward to what's coming next in this quaint little town!
November 12, 2021
Oh my gosh I loved this book! Asher and Ava’s passed so many times it really did seem like fate. Asher saved Ava’s life, getting shot in the meantime. 7 years later, Ava’s left at the alter and Asher and Ava are in the same small town just at the right time. The chemistry these two have is hot! Navigating all the complications was tricky, but when you know, you know. Absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down and stay up way too late, but it was SO GOOD!!
June 6, 2024
Dun story
This was a lot fun. I enjoyed the characters and reading their story. The town seems super cute and definitely magical.
This was a lot fun. I enjoyed the characters and reading their story. The town seems super cute and definitely magical.
October 23, 2023
I think I’m too jaded a reader to put up with a town like Hope Falls. At the onset, it seems pleasant with good people populating it and a tried-but-true legend about the Falls. It’s a case of being told how caring everyone is, but with too few examples of how and why they care.
Ava is one of four Wells sisters and our heroine. Asher is a policeman in Hope Falls and our hero. After meeting years earlier in a harrowing incident that almost cost both of them their lives (a tantalizing beginning, yes?), they meet again in Hope Falls. Ava is portrayed as a caring, selfless, sympathetic woman but doesn’t behave like it, especially around Asher. We readers are aware that Ava is ga-ga over Asher; we know this because the writer tells us on every other page. But when Asher’s daughter falls and breaks her ankle, Ava “couldn’t help but think that she was about to see Asher again. She knew that this wasn’t about her, but the thought kept popping up in her mind….” No, it wasn’t about her at all. It was about a 13-year-old girl who was in pain and her father was miles away working and trying to get to her. But our Ava can’t keep her mind focused on anything but seeing Asher again.
Why does she like him? We know why she’s infatuated. But what is it about him that makes her appreciate him for who he is? We don’t know because her obsession gets in the way. Everything he does is overanalyzed, critiqued, assessed, and evaluated by Ava and her sister, Viv, with her other two sisters weighing in from time to time.
What does Asher see in Ava? She’s a pretty blonde. Okay. He likes pretty blondes; his ex-wife is a very pretty blonde. Okay, again. He supposedly never forgot Ava and wears an Archangel Micheal medallion she left for him years ago. But…these are details we’re told. What is it that Archer likes about Ava? He’s consumed by her looks and the sex they have but seems to overlook her character. He can be forgiven for that, perhaps, because we aren’t shown much good in Ava’s character. She’s too busy mooning after Asher, once she’s turned control over to him from her ex-fiancé, Ian.
Other characters in the book seem made from cardboard. His daughter is too ridiculous running hot and cold, pushing the teenage angst to its limits, although we do get the reason for her acting out towards the end of the book. Until we’re told the reason, she’s an over-the-top teenager and it’s tiresome to read. There are too many “oh-here-we-go-again” moments.
Viv is the bossy, crazy-like-a-fox sister who pushes Ava outside her comfort zone and forces her into uneasy situations. It’s because of Viv’s wild behavior that Ava is rufied. That isn’t explored, however. Ava’s being drugged is a reason for Asher to talk to her and for them to get together.
Spoiler alert:
Some of Ms. Shawn’s word choices struck me as odd. For instance, she describes our hero’s eyes as “seductive but safe.” That made me pause my reading. Is safe the opposite of seductive? If someone is seductive, should they also be safe? Maybe. It still seemed like a strange way to describe a seductive man, particularly when Ava was in an extraordinarily unsafe situation at the time. Maybe the reader is supposed to infer that Ava would be safe in the unsafe situation because of Asher’s eyes? I don’t know.
There are some editing/proofreading issues in the book:
A comma is misplaced here: “She was the quiet, intellectual of the Wells sisters.” The comma after “quiet” implies a list of adjectives used to describe something. However, “quiet” is the only adjective and “intellectual” is used as a noun here, not another adjective. It should read, “She was the quiet intellectual of the Wells sisters.”
Here, a comma is needed: “Audrey crossed the room to Ava and Grace set the paper down and followed.” Without a comma, it appears that Audrey crossed the room to be with Ava and Grace. It might read better like this, “Audrey crossed the room to Ava, and Grace set the paper down and followed.” That’s from context, after stopping for a moment to figure out what the writer is trying to say. Chicago Manual of Style states that a comma between independent clauses is preferred.
And a comma is needed here: “…she gave Asher a quick hug. ‘Good luck Dad.’” Unless Asher’s daughter is calling him a good luck Dad, a comma is needed to indicate she’s talking to him. It should read, “Good luck, Dad.”
Quotation marks are missing (I’ve removed mine to avoid confusion, but the following is a quotation): “Yeah.” He nodded. We’re almost there and I promised I’d take a picture for a project….” A beginning set of quotation marks is needed after the word, nodded: “Yeah.” He nodded. “We’re almost there….”
Here, there’s one single tick mark too many: “He hadn’t’ thought about that.” Oops. That should be, “He hadn’t thought about that.”
Changes in tense, mid-thought, are rarely good: “Asher took the martini glass out of the girl’s hand and gave it to the rookie. They need to test it.” The action starts in past tense and needs to remain there. This should read, “They needed to test it.”
In Chapter 7, Viv is describing her sister being rufied, “After she took the shots, we were headed back to the table….” In Chapter 8, Ava states that “her sister [Viv] was the one carrying the drinks.” It paints a confusing picture. In the first version, Viv and Ava are standing at the bar top and Ava drinks the two shots. In the second version, Viv is carrying the drinks that were rufied. Clarification is needed because the drinks are an important part of what happens to Ava.
There are some unusual word choices. For example, “…they talked amongst themselves.” That’s a more British expression than American. They’re in California and would probably say, “…the talked among themselves.”
Pronouns go missing: “This isn’t a date, he said to himself as pulled a shirt from the closet.” This should read, “…as he pulled a shirt….”
This is most likely my own perspective, but words like “manhood” to describe a man’s penis in contemporary sex scenes make me laugh, destroying the mood. It is such an archaic term, better used in period pieces (IMHO).
The writer hits the reader over the head regarding how much the hero and heroine think about each other. In chapter 14, when I read “She’d occupied his every waking and sleeping thought,” I wanted to throw my poor Kindle across the room. (I didn’t) Enough, already. The reader gets it. Really. Asher thinks about her nonstop. And in chapter 15, Ava is in the same boat: “She’d been fantasizing about him long before she even knew his name.” This is the umpteenth time we’ve been told this. And how many times does the writer think we need to read that Asher and his ex-wife met in high school and got married because she became pregnant? Once is enough; we’ll remember. Honestly, we will.
We are frequently reminded how much better Asher is than Ava’s ex-fiancé, Ian. Turns out, Ava has really just turned control over from Ian to Asher. This is reinforced throughout the book, never more so than in this passage from chapter 26: “Ava was doing her best to keep busy but found herself checking her Apple watch every five minutes.” She was waiting for Asher to show up, or at least call. Asher is now controlling her.
Ms. Shawn has some important things to say about toxic masculinity, relationships and technology, and adolescent struggles with social media. Her thoughts are well put. I highlighted several places and have since gone back to reread the passages and think about them. I like what she has to say.
I rated the book 2.5 stars and rounded down because I got tired of all the repetition that seemed to take the place of activity. The reader is incessantly beaten over the head by Ava’s and Asher’s infatuation with each other, with their sexual longings (even the sex between them, after the initial sex scene, got tiring), with Asher’s feelings about his ex-wife and their backstory, and with the awful behavior of Ava’s ex-fiancé. Ironic how Ava turned her life over to her ex – and has now turned her life over to Asher, at least emotionally. Argh! Too much. Just too much. So, 2-stars.
Ava is one of four Wells sisters and our heroine. Asher is a policeman in Hope Falls and our hero. After meeting years earlier in a harrowing incident that almost cost both of them their lives (a tantalizing beginning, yes?), they meet again in Hope Falls. Ava is portrayed as a caring, selfless, sympathetic woman but doesn’t behave like it, especially around Asher. We readers are aware that Ava is ga-ga over Asher; we know this because the writer tells us on every other page. But when Asher’s daughter falls and breaks her ankle, Ava “couldn’t help but think that she was about to see Asher again. She knew that this wasn’t about her, but the thought kept popping up in her mind….” No, it wasn’t about her at all. It was about a 13-year-old girl who was in pain and her father was miles away working and trying to get to her. But our Ava can’t keep her mind focused on anything but seeing Asher again.
Why does she like him? We know why she’s infatuated. But what is it about him that makes her appreciate him for who he is? We don’t know because her obsession gets in the way. Everything he does is overanalyzed, critiqued, assessed, and evaluated by Ava and her sister, Viv, with her other two sisters weighing in from time to time.
What does Asher see in Ava? She’s a pretty blonde. Okay. He likes pretty blondes; his ex-wife is a very pretty blonde. Okay, again. He supposedly never forgot Ava and wears an Archangel Micheal medallion she left for him years ago. But…these are details we’re told. What is it that Archer likes about Ava? He’s consumed by her looks and the sex they have but seems to overlook her character. He can be forgiven for that, perhaps, because we aren’t shown much good in Ava’s character. She’s too busy mooning after Asher, once she’s turned control over to him from her ex-fiancé, Ian.
Other characters in the book seem made from cardboard. His daughter is too ridiculous running hot and cold, pushing the teenage angst to its limits, although we do get the reason for her acting out towards the end of the book. Until we’re told the reason, she’s an over-the-top teenager and it’s tiresome to read. There are too many “oh-here-we-go-again” moments.
Viv is the bossy, crazy-like-a-fox sister who pushes Ava outside her comfort zone and forces her into uneasy situations. It’s because of Viv’s wild behavior that Ava is rufied. That isn’t explored, however. Ava’s being drugged is a reason for Asher to talk to her and for them to get together.
Spoiler alert:
Some of Ms. Shawn’s word choices struck me as odd. For instance, she describes our hero’s eyes as “seductive but safe.” That made me pause my reading. Is safe the opposite of seductive? If someone is seductive, should they also be safe? Maybe. It still seemed like a strange way to describe a seductive man, particularly when Ava was in an extraordinarily unsafe situation at the time. Maybe the reader is supposed to infer that Ava would be safe in the unsafe situation because of Asher’s eyes? I don’t know.
There are some editing/proofreading issues in the book:
A comma is misplaced here: “She was the quiet, intellectual of the Wells sisters.” The comma after “quiet” implies a list of adjectives used to describe something. However, “quiet” is the only adjective and “intellectual” is used as a noun here, not another adjective. It should read, “She was the quiet intellectual of the Wells sisters.”
Here, a comma is needed: “Audrey crossed the room to Ava and Grace set the paper down and followed.” Without a comma, it appears that Audrey crossed the room to be with Ava and Grace. It might read better like this, “Audrey crossed the room to Ava, and Grace set the paper down and followed.” That’s from context, after stopping for a moment to figure out what the writer is trying to say. Chicago Manual of Style states that a comma between independent clauses is preferred.
And a comma is needed here: “…she gave Asher a quick hug. ‘Good luck Dad.’” Unless Asher’s daughter is calling him a good luck Dad, a comma is needed to indicate she’s talking to him. It should read, “Good luck, Dad.”
Quotation marks are missing (I’ve removed mine to avoid confusion, but the following is a quotation): “Yeah.” He nodded. We’re almost there and I promised I’d take a picture for a project….” A beginning set of quotation marks is needed after the word, nodded: “Yeah.” He nodded. “We’re almost there….”
Here, there’s one single tick mark too many: “He hadn’t’ thought about that.” Oops. That should be, “He hadn’t thought about that.”
Changes in tense, mid-thought, are rarely good: “Asher took the martini glass out of the girl’s hand and gave it to the rookie. They need to test it.” The action starts in past tense and needs to remain there. This should read, “They needed to test it.”
In Chapter 7, Viv is describing her sister being rufied, “After she took the shots, we were headed back to the table….” In Chapter 8, Ava states that “her sister [Viv] was the one carrying the drinks.” It paints a confusing picture. In the first version, Viv and Ava are standing at the bar top and Ava drinks the two shots. In the second version, Viv is carrying the drinks that were rufied. Clarification is needed because the drinks are an important part of what happens to Ava.
There are some unusual word choices. For example, “…they talked amongst themselves.” That’s a more British expression than American. They’re in California and would probably say, “…the talked among themselves.”
Pronouns go missing: “This isn’t a date, he said to himself as pulled a shirt from the closet.” This should read, “…as he pulled a shirt….”
This is most likely my own perspective, but words like “manhood” to describe a man’s penis in contemporary sex scenes make me laugh, destroying the mood. It is such an archaic term, better used in period pieces (IMHO).
The writer hits the reader over the head regarding how much the hero and heroine think about each other. In chapter 14, when I read “She’d occupied his every waking and sleeping thought,” I wanted to throw my poor Kindle across the room. (I didn’t) Enough, already. The reader gets it. Really. Asher thinks about her nonstop. And in chapter 15, Ava is in the same boat: “She’d been fantasizing about him long before she even knew his name.” This is the umpteenth time we’ve been told this. And how many times does the writer think we need to read that Asher and his ex-wife met in high school and got married because she became pregnant? Once is enough; we’ll remember. Honestly, we will.
We are frequently reminded how much better Asher is than Ava’s ex-fiancé, Ian. Turns out, Ava has really just turned control over from Ian to Asher. This is reinforced throughout the book, never more so than in this passage from chapter 26: “Ava was doing her best to keep busy but found herself checking her Apple watch every five minutes.” She was waiting for Asher to show up, or at least call. Asher is now controlling her.
Ms. Shawn has some important things to say about toxic masculinity, relationships and technology, and adolescent struggles with social media. Her thoughts are well put. I highlighted several places and have since gone back to reread the passages and think about them. I like what she has to say.
I rated the book 2.5 stars and rounded down because I got tired of all the repetition that seemed to take the place of activity. The reader is incessantly beaten over the head by Ava’s and Asher’s infatuation with each other, with their sexual longings (even the sex between them, after the initial sex scene, got tiring), with Asher’s feelings about his ex-wife and their backstory, and with the awful behavior of Ava’s ex-fiancé. Ironic how Ava turned her life over to her ex – and has now turned her life over to Asher, at least emotionally. Argh! Too much. Just too much. So, 2-stars.
November 18, 2021
I’m not sure I have the right word for this read. Fantastic, exceptional, superb are just some of the words that could be said for this read. I feel in love very early in this book. They are excellent characters and beautiful story line.
On the morning of Ava Wells wedding, she receives a letter from the man she is supposed to marry stating he is not going through with the wedding and that he has been having an affair and is going back home to be with that woman. Ava is not as devastated as everyone including her sisters think she is. Ava was only going through with the wedding because she promised her dying mother, she would marry Ian. With not wanting to go back home just yet to move her stuff out of their apartment, Ava decides to stay in Hope Falls and work at the camp as a therapist for the kids.
Asher Ford is a single dad that just quit his job as a lead homicide detective to move to Hope Falls to be a small-town cop. Asher knows with the new job he will be able to spend more time being a dad and hopefully finding out what his troubled daughter is going through.
Unbeknownst to Asher the woman who he saved 7 years ago, that he has never been able to forget, is in the same town he is moving to.
Ava has always wondered what ever happened to the man who saved her life during a robbery, 7 years prior. Yes, she has had many sexual dreams about him, but she doesn’t even know his name, where he lives or what ever happened to him. So, what happens when the two finally meet? Will Ava get a chance to thank him? Will he even remember who she is? Or will the connection they shared 7 years ago still be just as of explosive now as it was then?
What happens when Asher’s ex wife comes back in the picture? Or when Ian comes back to Hope Falls agreeing to go ahead with the wedding to Ava?
This is a must read. Such a great story. Highly recommended.
On the morning of Ava Wells wedding, she receives a letter from the man she is supposed to marry stating he is not going through with the wedding and that he has been having an affair and is going back home to be with that woman. Ava is not as devastated as everyone including her sisters think she is. Ava was only going through with the wedding because she promised her dying mother, she would marry Ian. With not wanting to go back home just yet to move her stuff out of their apartment, Ava decides to stay in Hope Falls and work at the camp as a therapist for the kids.
Asher Ford is a single dad that just quit his job as a lead homicide detective to move to Hope Falls to be a small-town cop. Asher knows with the new job he will be able to spend more time being a dad and hopefully finding out what his troubled daughter is going through.
Unbeknownst to Asher the woman who he saved 7 years ago, that he has never been able to forget, is in the same town he is moving to.
Ava has always wondered what ever happened to the man who saved her life during a robbery, 7 years prior. Yes, she has had many sexual dreams about him, but she doesn’t even know his name, where he lives or what ever happened to him. So, what happens when the two finally meet? Will Ava get a chance to thank him? Will he even remember who she is? Or will the connection they shared 7 years ago still be just as of explosive now as it was then?
What happens when Asher’s ex wife comes back in the picture? Or when Ian comes back to Hope Falls agreeing to go ahead with the wedding to Ava?
This is a must read. Such a great story. Highly recommended.
November 16, 2021
Falling in Fate by the dynamic sister duo known as Melanie Shawn is the first book in their new Hope Falls series, Brewed Awakenings. Returning to Hope Falls brings all the magic readers grew to love; as well as reconnecting with old friends. This little town has many new characters ready for this new spin-off series. This is a heart-warming story about family, and second chances in life and love that at times is heartbreaking.
Ava and Asher had an unforgettable and eventful encounter in a store in New York City years ago. They didn’t know each other’s names and lived separate lives for several years. Ava was preparing for her wedding when her fiancé left, leaving just a simple note. Relief filled Ava because she knew she wasn’t in love with him. She never forgot about her encounter with the “tall, dark, and dangerous” stranger. She didn’t know his whereabouts but she continued dreaming of him. Asher’s 13 year old daughter, Blake, had been acting up, so her mother sent her to live with Asher, who then moved them to Hope Falls; allowing him to spend more time with his daughter. It was fun seeing Blake adjust to this small town and to making new friends. Ava and Asher have an accidental meeting; Hope Falls makes for a heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking reunion of the two. The chemistry between them is off-the-charts sizzling and the attraction is magnetic. Ava and Asher might have had different lives, expectations, and dreams but being given a second chance, family encouragement, and believing in love, all makes for an enjoyable journey. I highly recommend Falling in Fate and am looking forward to the next story in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ava and Asher had an unforgettable and eventful encounter in a store in New York City years ago. They didn’t know each other’s names and lived separate lives for several years. Ava was preparing for her wedding when her fiancé left, leaving just a simple note. Relief filled Ava because she knew she wasn’t in love with him. She never forgot about her encounter with the “tall, dark, and dangerous” stranger. She didn’t know his whereabouts but she continued dreaming of him. Asher’s 13 year old daughter, Blake, had been acting up, so her mother sent her to live with Asher, who then moved them to Hope Falls; allowing him to spend more time with his daughter. It was fun seeing Blake adjust to this small town and to making new friends. Ava and Asher have an accidental meeting; Hope Falls makes for a heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking reunion of the two. The chemistry between them is off-the-charts sizzling and the attraction is magnetic. Ava and Asher might have had different lives, expectations, and dreams but being given a second chance, family encouragement, and believing in love, all makes for an enjoyable journey. I highly recommend Falling in Fate and am looking forward to the next story in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 13, 2021
Falling in Fate is the first novel of the new Hope Falls spin-off series - Hope Falls: Brewed Awakenings. It's neat to be back in the Hope Falls world with all of the characters from the original series!
We meet Ava on her wedding day in Hope Falls. She's been with Ian for 20 years, literally since middle school, but something in her gut is telling her that something isn't right. When the entire day is ruined, instead of being upset she is relieved.
Asher is new to Hope Falls and has moved there with his teenage daughter. He has turned his life around and is solely focusing on Blake. When he gets to town, the last thing he expects is to literally run into someone from his past that has haunted him unknowingly.
I loved Ava and Asher's fateful meeting and subsequent journey to getting to know each other. Ava calls the magic of Hope Falls the Hope Falls effect. Maybe that is what their meeting was, but Asher has to make sure that Ava doesn't get away when other aspects of his life come to town and throw a bit of a wrench into things. I cannot wait for more from the Wells sisters and Hope Falls!
We meet Ava on her wedding day in Hope Falls. She's been with Ian for 20 years, literally since middle school, but something in her gut is telling her that something isn't right. When the entire day is ruined, instead of being upset she is relieved.
Asher is new to Hope Falls and has moved there with his teenage daughter. He has turned his life around and is solely focusing on Blake. When he gets to town, the last thing he expects is to literally run into someone from his past that has haunted him unknowingly.
I loved Ava and Asher's fateful meeting and subsequent journey to getting to know each other. Ava calls the magic of Hope Falls the Hope Falls effect. Maybe that is what their meeting was, but Asher has to make sure that Ava doesn't get away when other aspects of his life come to town and throw a bit of a wrench into things. I cannot wait for more from the Wells sisters and Hope Falls!
November 11, 2021
Coming back to Hope Falls, it brings all the magic the readers grew to love. The little town has many new characters for the new spin-off series. Ava and Asher had an unforgettable and eventful encounter in a store in New York City years ago. They didn’t know each other’s names and had separate lives for several years. Ava was preparing for her wedding when her fiancé left, leaving just a simple note. Relief filled Ava because she knew she wasn’t in love with him. She never forgot about her encounter with the “tall, dark, and dangerous” stranger. She didn’t know his whereabouts but she continued dreaming of him. Asher just moved to Hope Falls with his daughter, to get their lives reconnected and help his daughter during her teenage years. Ava and Asher have an accidental meeting. Hope Falls makes for a heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking reunion of the two. They have different lives, expectations, and dreams but with second chances, family encouragement, and believing in love, it makes for a delightful journey. So happy to reconnect with the residents of Hope Falls. It was a fantastic book!
November 14, 2021
Loving the theme of fate! Ava and her sisters were raised on the dream of hopeless romance, although it never happened for their mother or any of the sisters. But after twenty years with her middle school sweetheart, Ava is left at the altar and realizes that she’s not heartbroken, especially because her mind still goes back to seven years ago when she was rescued by a stranger in a convenience store shooting. Asher has relocated to Hope Falls to attempt to give his daughter a slower pace of life after she acted out while living with her mother. With Ava staying for at least the summer in town, when she meets Asher, she instantly knows who he is and the attraction is still there and is reciprocated by him as well. This was such a sweet story and I loved getting to know not only these characters but Ava’s sisters as well (who I hope will get their own books in the future)! Per usual, I enjoy the style of writing from these authors and the pace of their books are perfect! Can’t wait to see what’s next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 13, 2021
Asher Ford and Ava Wells first met when Asher saved her life during a convenience store robbery and that was seven years back.
Fate has brought them both to Hope falls, Ava was supposed to get married here and her fiancé just called it off, and Asher has just relocated to Hope falls with his teenage daughter.
Their first meeting had an impact on both their lives, and their current accidental encounter might just change their lives forever.
I absolutely loved this book and super excited to be back in Hope falls once again and revisiting the characters from there.
This is a heartwarming read about second chances and family. I loved the connection between Asher and Ava, and the way they reached their HEA. Avas sister Viv and Ashers daughter Blake are worth a mention just for their adorableness.
A book that has me rereading Hope fall series once again.
Fate has brought them both to Hope falls, Ava was supposed to get married here and her fiancé just called it off, and Asher has just relocated to Hope falls with his teenage daughter.
Their first meeting had an impact on both their lives, and their current accidental encounter might just change their lives forever.
I absolutely loved this book and super excited to be back in Hope falls once again and revisiting the characters from there.
This is a heartwarming read about second chances and family. I loved the connection between Asher and Ava, and the way they reached their HEA. Avas sister Viv and Ashers daughter Blake are worth a mention just for their adorableness.
A book that has me rereading Hope fall series once again.
November 15, 2021
elcome back to the best town in books, Hope Falls!
This is a standalone book, but also part of a great series.
Ava thought her life was all laid out in front of her. From the time she was in middle school she met Ian and they were planning to wed. She didnt feel the zing, butterflies, and excitement with Ian, but it was comfortable. Until one day when she was at a convenience store and saw "tall, dark, and handsome" and literally was in the middle of a robbery gone wrong. He saved her life that day and gave her several years of hot dreams.
Asher was an undercover detective who after saving Ava's life almost lost his life and blew his cover. The shooting affected his marriage and relationship with his daughter. He decides to quit his job and relocate to Hope Falls with his now troubled daughter.
He literally runs into and Ava again and as the title says, they both Fall into Fate.
This is a standalone book, but also part of a great series.
Ava thought her life was all laid out in front of her. From the time she was in middle school she met Ian and they were planning to wed. She didnt feel the zing, butterflies, and excitement with Ian, but it was comfortable. Until one day when she was at a convenience store and saw "tall, dark, and handsome" and literally was in the middle of a robbery gone wrong. He saved her life that day and gave her several years of hot dreams.
Asher was an undercover detective who after saving Ava's life almost lost his life and blew his cover. The shooting affected his marriage and relationship with his daughter. He decides to quit his job and relocate to Hope Falls with his now troubled daughter.
He literally runs into and Ava again and as the title says, they both Fall into Fate.
November 12, 2021
I love everything about this story! This is a restart/spin off of the lovely Hope Falls series and what a worthy and wonderful beginning of a new string, centered around the coffee shop Brewed Awakenings. Ava and Asher are amazing and realistic characters. They really shine in an understated way and the chemistry is off the charts. I love the build up in this story! Every step is very well written and carefully crafted, so you literally sitting at the edge of your seat, waiting for The Moment (you'll know…). It's exciting and frustrating and also oh so perfect, because I wouldn't miss a word of the story unfolding. I so recommend this!
November 12, 2021
I am so freaking excited to be back in Hope Falls!! I am also very excited for the 4 Wells sisters to get their HEA!! Up first is Ava and Asher!! So much to unpack in this book that you will not be able to put this book down!! Fate will bring this couple back together when the timing is right and you will enjoy the off the charts chemistry between them!! A few minor hurdles to cross that will create some drama but then off the charts lust and steamy love scenes will keep you glued!! Loved this book and can't wait for the next book in the series!! Go grab your copy today and enjoy this wonderful town, this couple and all the family that support them!!
November 13, 2021
It was so good being back in Hope Fall's again. This is the start of a new series and the first book is about Ava and Asher. From the moment I picked it up I turned page after page and I just could not put it down. I just had to know when it would happen and when it did what would happen next! Being back in Hope Fall's again just gives the book and the story line more. This book will make you laugh, cry and sometimes even scream in frustration but that will only make you want to keep reading. I cannot wait until the next book. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2021
In this book, we get to go home to Hope falls and feel the blast of The Hope falls effect. The effect is when everything falls into place in your life and my life became a bit brighter because we went home.
This story had a very grown-up feel to it. The characters were older, more experienced, dealt with tragedy and death. There weren't any silly misunderstandings or red herrings in the plot. Their background made them ready to experience more, including joy, love, friendship, growth, and contentment. Ava is a lovely person, inside and out; she is getting over a being left at the altar scenario. She and her sisters stand as one and their commitment to each other is quite wonderful. Asher is a single dad, trying his best to connect with his daughter while also navigating a new job and town. The Hope falls effect hits them both and the end result was extremely satisfying.
This story had a very grown-up feel to it. The characters were older, more experienced, dealt with tragedy and death. There weren't any silly misunderstandings or red herrings in the plot. Their background made them ready to experience more, including joy, love, friendship, growth, and contentment. Ava is a lovely person, inside and out; she is getting over a being left at the altar scenario. She and her sisters stand as one and their commitment to each other is quite wonderful. Asher is a single dad, trying his best to connect with his daughter while also navigating a new job and town. The Hope falls effect hits them both and the end result was extremely satisfying.
November 15, 2021
I’m sooooo happy to be back in Hope Falls! I love any and all the books in Hope Falls. Asher and Ava’s story was a true romantics dream! From their very first interaction, to seven years later where Ava is (thankfully) left at the alter and accidentally runs right into Tall, Dark, & Dangerous. Who wouldn’t root for this couple. This book wasn’t as steamy as some of the other Melanie Shawn books, but those parts were still pretty good. Overall, such a great story and I can’t wait to continue to watch it unfold in future books.
I can’t wait for the next Hope Falls book! Read this book, you won’t be sorry!
I can’t wait for the next Hope Falls book! Read this book, you won’t be sorry!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2021
Falling in Fate is my introduction to the Hope Falls series and what an introduction it is!! I think the quote, “Sometimes life doesn’t turn out the way you planned, sometimes it’s better,” says it all for me. This book is a mixture of all the feelings. I felt happiness, sadness, anger, and it all came full circle with the ending. Oh my heart!! It was full to bursting by the end. Melanie Shawn sure knows how to make her stories so full of characters that you love to love. I am ready to binge the Hope Falls series and I can’t wait to read Grace’s story on my favorite night of year!
November 14, 2021
This was a great story! I absolutely loved how Ava and Asher made their way to each other and how it seemed like their HEA was absolutely fate! This story was sweet and the pace was great! I absolutely loved the small town vibe of Hope Falls. Asher, Ava and Blake make an adorable family! I can't wait to get to read the books about Ava's sisters and continue to see what comes in these characters lives.
This was my first trip through a book set in Hope Falls and I will be returning to read all the previous books from this location.
This was my first trip through a book set in Hope Falls and I will be returning to read all the previous books from this location.
November 15, 2021
Asher and Ava met when he was working undercover and saved her life. They shared a deep connection even though they did not even know each other’s names. They are reunited in magical Hope Falls when Asher moves across the country to give his daughter a better life and Ava is trying to figure out what to do after being jilted at the alter.
I love these two together! Great chemistry and well written - I stayed up too late reading because I was so caught up in the story. I can’t wait to see what Melanie Shawn has in store for the next books in this Hope Falls spin off.
November 21, 2021
Falling in Fate is the first book in a new series by Melanie Shawn. The story captivated me from the first pages. Fate definitely had a hand in bringing Ava and Asher back together. I was on pins and needles waiting for these two to connect. I understood Asher's reluctance on staying with Ava but I didn't love reading about it. I loved her sisters ! They all rallied around Ava and proved that family comes first.
It definitely makes me want to go back to Hope Falls.
I received a old the book for a honest review
It definitely makes me want to go back to Hope Falls.
I received a old the book for a honest review
November 13, 2021
new author for me!!
I loved this book.. this is the first one by this author!! Won’t be the last though…. Asher and Ava are perfect together..I won’t go into detail because I always say you have to read a book yourself to form your own opinion… you will definitely enjoy it that much I know… now I’m going to go troll through her books and find out if the rest of the wells sisters have a book… enjoy!!!
I loved this book.. this is the first one by this author!! Won’t be the last though…. Asher and Ava are perfect together..I won’t go into detail because I always say you have to read a book yourself to form your own opinion… you will definitely enjoy it that much I know… now I’m going to go troll through her books and find out if the rest of the wells sisters have a book… enjoy!!!
November 15, 2021
Asher and Ava first crossed path during an shooting where Asher saves Ava’s life. Ava finds herself stood up for her wedding. Asher finds himself moving to Hope Falls their paths cross again. Hope Falls has an effect on people and Ava and Asher are just the next lucky couple. Many times crossing paths and trying to avoid each other but that doesn’t seem to work.
This story was really great and I love Hope Falls and all the stories that come from the town!
This story was really great and I love Hope Falls and all the stories that come from the town!
November 16, 2021
So excited to be back in Hope Falls and I’m in love with this Brewed Awakenings series and the Wells sisters. I enjoyed meeting the Wells sisters and getting to know more about them and I also liked how this story started with Ava and Tall, Dark,and Dangerous. What a small world when she sees him again in Hope Falls after what should have been the happiest day of her life. I really liked the story, the Wells sisters, Asher and Blake and of course our amazing friends already living in Hope Falls. Great story all around and the ending was so awesome for Ava, giving her exactly what she always dreamed of and Justin and Amanda’s news and the name, what a beautiful tribute. I loved the line, ‘the impossible suddenly becomes possible’. So excited for Grace’s story coming soon. Thank you Melanie Shawn for giving us more Hope Falls and more magical visits to this great town.
November 10, 2021
This book takes us back to hope falls. Ava is stood up at the alter by her boyfriend/fiancé of twenty years and all she can feel is relief because Ava can’t get TDD (tall dark and dangerous) off her mind and out of her dreams. TDD saved her life and just happens to be moving to hope falls with his teenage daughter. Melanie Shawn is a no-brainer one click author for me……this sister duo doesn’t disappoint ever!!
November 10, 2021
I have a new book boyfriend, ❤TDD.
I truly loved reading the book!
It's a feel-good, sexy, funny
& moving romance.
Great characters you can't get enough of.
Ava & Asher, had a sort of chance meeting inside a New York bodega.
But life interfered. It had been years
& many miles away from NY.
Was it fate that stepped in to help?
Ava & Asher, chemistry is amazing.
Can not wait for Grace's story.
Captivated me from the very
first page!!
I truly loved reading the book!
It's a feel-good, sexy, funny
& moving romance.
Great characters you can't get enough of.
Ava & Asher, had a sort of chance meeting inside a New York bodega.
But life interfered. It had been years
& many miles away from NY.
Was it fate that stepped in to help?
Ava & Asher, chemistry is amazing.
Can not wait for Grace's story.
Captivated me from the very
first page!!
December 2, 2021
Love when an author returns to a series after some time away. Returning to Hope Falls was so much fun. Meeting the sisters who own Brewed Awakenings and catching up with all the others was such a fun read. Getting dumped at the altar was just what Ava needed and in a crazy way probably wanted. Running into Asher was also what she needed and at just the right time. I love the story line with Asher's daughter and the epilogue about her getting a bonus mom made me tear up just a little.
Can't wait for more of Hope Falls and the Brewed Awakenings crew.
Can't wait for more of Hope Falls and the Brewed Awakenings crew.
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