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The Consequences of Falling
When a lonely rideshare driver picks up a mysterious older woman, their lives are turned inside out.
Andie Fitz is down on her luck and struggling to reclaim the life she loved before a debilitating work accident stole it away.
Kate Mayer is grappling with her powerlessness as her wife deteriorates from the ravages of dementia.
As the two form an unlikely bond, they’re forced to confront their notions about love, loyalty, and the age gap that separates them.
Andie Fitz is down on her luck and struggling to reclaim the life she loved before a debilitating work accident stole it away.
Kate Mayer is grappling with her powerlessness as her wife deteriorates from the ravages of dementia.
As the two form an unlikely bond, they’re forced to confront their notions about love, loyalty, and the age gap that separates them.
254 pages, ebook
Published August 22, 2022
31 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
D. Dale
2 books11 followersDDale writes stories about lesbians over 60 who are still raising hell and living out loud. She imagines this will not win her a spot on The New York Times Best Seller List.
In past lives she’s been a copywriter, graphic designer, musician, karate student, and artist. She’s survived 12 years of Catholic school and an Italian grandmother. If there’s a heaven, she has certainly prequalified. Coming out in the mid-70s molded her into a lifelong lesbian feminist with a penchant for flannel shirts and womyn’s music.
These days she makes her home on ten lovely acres nestled in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania that she and her wife share with two rotten cats, a small flock of spoiled hens, and a herd of white-tailed deer hell-bent on devouring the landscaping.
When she’s not writing she gets into trouble by working on projects better suited to a much younger version of herself.
She loves good books, good coffee, and watching the fireflies on warm summer nights.
In past lives she’s been a copywriter, graphic designer, musician, karate student, and artist. She’s survived 12 years of Catholic school and an Italian grandmother. If there’s a heaven, she has certainly prequalified. Coming out in the mid-70s molded her into a lifelong lesbian feminist with a penchant for flannel shirts and womyn’s music.
These days she makes her home on ten lovely acres nestled in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania that she and her wife share with two rotten cats, a small flock of spoiled hens, and a herd of white-tailed deer hell-bent on devouring the landscaping.
When she’s not writing she gets into trouble by working on projects better suited to a much younger version of herself.
She loves good books, good coffee, and watching the fireflies on warm summer nights.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 23, 2022
A hidden gem. Unfortunately, there are two listings for this book. I wish they were combined.
First read of this author's work and it won't be the last. Ms. Dale's storyline is infused with emotion, poignancy and character frailties. I was transported by the depth of feelings and well fleshed out main and supporting characters and read without stopping.
Kate is in her 60's, steadfast in her care for a wife who no longer knows she exists due to dementia. Her daily routine (a visit to the long term care facility where Vivian is) becoming increasingly draining physically and mentally.
Andie at 32 is barely getting by on a daily basis. She is racked with physical pain from a workplace accident which left her in dire need of a second back surgery. Her insurance coverage is inadequate plus the original surgery was botched job. Too proud to accept help, the once top notch athlete and restoration painter now limps along as a rideshare driver. These two lonely souls meet when Kate needs a ride and Andie answers the call. A tenuous friendship is formed. Slowly but surely feelings deepen but pride, fear of change, guilt, the age gap and personal baggage keeps getting in the way of expanding emotions. Then there's a major wrinkle in in their lives.
I am so happy that I took the chance to read Ms. Dale's work and can't wait to get into "Full Circle".
Enthusiastically recommend - firmly on my re-read shelf.
First read of this author's work and it won't be the last. Ms. Dale's storyline is infused with emotion, poignancy and character frailties. I was transported by the depth of feelings and well fleshed out main and supporting characters and read without stopping.
Kate is in her 60's, steadfast in her care for a wife who no longer knows she exists due to dementia. Her daily routine (a visit to the long term care facility where Vivian is) becoming increasingly draining physically and mentally.
Andie at 32 is barely getting by on a daily basis. She is racked with physical pain from a workplace accident which left her in dire need of a second back surgery. Her insurance coverage is inadequate plus the original surgery was botched job. Too proud to accept help, the once top notch athlete and restoration painter now limps along as a rideshare driver. These two lonely souls meet when Kate needs a ride and Andie answers the call. A tenuous friendship is formed. Slowly but surely feelings deepen but pride, fear of change, guilt, the age gap and personal baggage keeps getting in the way of expanding emotions. Then there's a major wrinkle in in their lives.
I am so happy that I took the chance to read Ms. Dale's work and can't wait to get into "Full Circle".
Enthusiastically recommend - firmly on my re-read shelf.
January 28, 2022
What a mesmerizing tale of an unique love! It has a great blend of emotional turmoil, lies, secrets, passion and a wall of tension. A really well done age gap story. The author is completely new to me and I am now very curious about her other books.
August 9, 2022
A hidden gem. Unfortunately, there are two listings for this book. I wish they were combined.
First read of this author's work and it won't be the last. Ms. Dale's storyline is infused with emotion, poignancy and character frailties. I was transported by the depth of feelings and well fleshed out main and supporting characters and read without stopping.
Kate is in her 60's, steadfast in her care for a wife who no longer knows she exists due to dementia. Her daily routine (a visit to the long term care facility where Vivian is) becoming increasingly draining physically and mentally.
Andie at 32 is barely getting by on a daily basis. She is racked with physical pain from a workplace accident which left her in dire need of a second back surgery. Her insurance coverage is inadequate plus the original surgery was botched job. Too proud to accept help, the once top notch athlete and restoration painter now limps along as a rideshare driver. These two lonely souls meet when Kate needs a ride and Andie answers the call. A tenuous friendship is formed. Slowly but surely feelings deepen but pride, fear of change, guilt, the age gap and personal baggage keeps getting in the way of expanding emotions. Then there's a major wrinkle in in their lives.
I am so happy that I took the chance to read Ms. Dale's work and can't wait to get into "Full Circle".
Enthusiastically recommend - firmly on my re-read shelf.
First read of this author's work and it won't be the last. Ms. Dale's storyline is infused with emotion, poignancy and character frailties. I was transported by the depth of feelings and well fleshed out main and supporting characters and read without stopping.
Kate is in her 60's, steadfast in her care for a wife who no longer knows she exists due to dementia. Her daily routine (a visit to the long term care facility where Vivian is) becoming increasingly draining physically and mentally.
Andie at 32 is barely getting by on a daily basis. She is racked with physical pain from a workplace accident which left her in dire need of a second back surgery. Her insurance coverage is inadequate plus the original surgery was botched job. Too proud to accept help, the once top notch athlete and restoration painter now limps along as a rideshare driver. These two lonely souls meet when Kate needs a ride and Andie answers the call. A tenuous friendship is formed. Slowly but surely feelings deepen but pride, fear of change, guilt, the age gap and personal baggage keeps getting in the way of expanding emotions. Then there's a major wrinkle in in their lives.
I am so happy that I took the chance to read Ms. Dale's work and can't wait to get into "Full Circle".
Enthusiastically recommend - firmly on my re-read shelf.
August 19, 2022
I could relate to Kate in part because I took care of my wife who had dementia. Kate however was not treated as an equal by Vivian and her truth comes out later. Andie is suffering in pain both physically and emotionally. They are both strong willed and a bit stubborn. It was a tearful journey but so worth reading.
December 14, 2022
Read it!
A really good read. If you think that it deals with some pretty serious topics and it will be a heavy read think again, it’s a very well written age-gap with one of the MC over 60.
A really good read. If you think that it deals with some pretty serious topics and it will be a heavy read think again, it’s a very well written age-gap with one of the MC over 60.
January 28, 2022
Andi, a 32-year old, has suffered a terrible injury because of a bad fall from a scaffold. The injury has left her with excruciating pain and the need for reparative surgery. 65+-year-old Kate faces the daily burden of watching her wife failing life due to the ravages of Alzheimer's disease. One day Andie meets Kate and they soon find themselves growing in their friendship and attraction towards the other. Will their age gap and their present circumstances, coupled with their pasts, be too insurmountable for them to overcome? Will they be able to move beyond their defenses and fears?
D Dale has beautifully crafted a gorgeous story about losses, hurt, betrayals, pride, shame, and forgiveness and their impact on the characters in the story. Dale has the gift of evoking many emotions, and I found myself deeply touched as the story comes to its final climax. The book is thoughtful and speaks of the potential for love and healing if we can but see beyond our blinding fears.
I cannot wait to read more by D Dale!
D Dale has beautifully crafted a gorgeous story about losses, hurt, betrayals, pride, shame, and forgiveness and their impact on the characters in the story. Dale has the gift of evoking many emotions, and I found myself deeply touched as the story comes to its final climax. The book is thoughtful and speaks of the potential for love and healing if we can but see beyond our blinding fears.
I cannot wait to read more by D Dale!
January 23, 2024
“Yes. But some fish fly and some birds swim. We can’t control where love comes from. We can only welcome it or send it away.”
I liked this so much in the beginning, and it's really disappointing that my rating is what it is, because I really did think this would be a 4 at least. But the second half of the book just wasn't as enjoyable as the first. It outright lost me several times, and you know you're not doing too great as a romance novel when I'm like, 'actually yeah, maybe you two shouldn't be together.'
But the beginning was good. It's an age gap romance between an older retiree who visits her dying wife in hospice every day, and the younger rideshare driver who ends up picking her up every day, seeking out her friendship. Kate is facing down her wife's mortality, adjusting to life on her own after it revolved around her wife for so many years. Andie is struggling with a new disability and recovering from an opioid addiction, fighting an uphill battle with her insurance company. There's an immediate spark between them that Kate is determined to ignore, and Andie is determined to pursue. The age gap is pretty huge (34 years) and I liked that there was so much attention paid to it, and so much serious discussion around it that made it seem realistic. It's not the kind of thing you can just brush off. But it always felt really romantic and really sweet, even when Kate was denying her feelings. They built such a great friendship, and I loved that they took chances on each other, went the extra mile to trust each other. The building relationship was sensual and warm in a way I really loved.
The book lost me first because the pace was a bit fast; both characters were using the l word (love not lesbian) by the 50% mark, about a month or so into knowing each other? And then other parts of the plot took off, with Kate's wife and Andie's FWB, and I just did not like that at all.
So that really put a damper on my enjoyment of the book as a whole. It's still a 3 star because I liked the writing (mostly) and because of how much I liked the beginning. Lots of great snippets about life, taking things as they come, living in the moment. But because of the latter half, this was a bit of a disappointment, ngl.
Content warnings:
August 30, 2022
I have to say, that for an age-gap story, this one is, in my opinion, a five-star read. The way the MCs were struggling with their own personal trials and tribulations made their lives so different, yet the struggles they faced made the final outcome that much more rewarding. I was totally engrossed in this book from the very beginning. Although the age difference was steep, Andie and Kate both had a love for each other that was destined to beat the odds. Thank you D for sharing your amazing talent in writing this book.
June 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ — A quietly captivating romance with heart
The Consequences of Falling was such a nice and mesmerizing read—it pulled me in more than I expected, and I found myself relating to Kate in a way that felt surprisingly personal. Her emotional journey, having a wife battling with dementia, felt grounded and honest, and her chemistry with Andie was absolutely lovely. The two of them share a dynamic that’s both tender and real, and watching them navigate their individual struggles while figuring out what they mean to each other was really amazing to read.
The story is solidly written and thoughtfully built, with a good pace and some truly charming moments. I especially appreciated the attention to the secondary characters—Beth, in particular, absolutely stole my heart. Her presence added warmth and nuance as well as guidance for Andie, and I found myself looking forward to every scene she was in.
That said, something was missing for me—it's hard to pinpoint, but there was a certain emotional depth or spark that didn’t fully land. That’s the main reason I settled on 3½ stars rather than a higher rating. Still, I truly believe this book deserves more recognition. It may not have been a perfect match for me, but it’s absolutely worth reading and recommending
The Consequences of Falling was such a nice and mesmerizing read—it pulled me in more than I expected, and I found myself relating to Kate in a way that felt surprisingly personal. Her emotional journey, having a wife battling with dementia, felt grounded and honest, and her chemistry with Andie was absolutely lovely. The two of them share a dynamic that’s both tender and real, and watching them navigate their individual struggles while figuring out what they mean to each other was really amazing to read.
The story is solidly written and thoughtfully built, with a good pace and some truly charming moments. I especially appreciated the attention to the secondary characters—Beth, in particular, absolutely stole my heart. Her presence added warmth and nuance as well as guidance for Andie, and I found myself looking forward to every scene she was in.
That said, something was missing for me—it's hard to pinpoint, but there was a certain emotional depth or spark that didn’t fully land. That’s the main reason I settled on 3½ stars rather than a higher rating. Still, I truly believe this book deserves more recognition. It may not have been a perfect match for me, but it’s absolutely worth reading and recommending
May 22, 2022
The Consequences of Falling
by D Dale
MC Andie Fitz & Kate Mayer
Review
The story opens with backgrounds on each main characters. Andie is down on her luck. She was hurt at work, had a botched surgery that left damage. She feels lost, without a plan.
Kate’s wife has Dementia. Kate feels like she has lost her love.
Andie felt a instant attraction to Kate, when they met. Andie wanted to be up front and honest about her current situation.
This is my first book by the author. She did a wonderful job expressing herself throughout the story. The support characters were superb and added depth to the story.
Kate had a hard time letting Andie in. Trusting her because of her past relationship with her wife. The author did a wonderful job showing how both characters loved each other, but had their own struggles to overcome.
This is my first book by this author. I have to say it was simply beautiful! It’s a story of overcoming your past to have a love you always wanted ! This book is a true treasure. Visit the author website for this amazing story. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Author website ddalewrites.com the book is available there.https://ddalewrites.com/
by D Dale
MC Andie Fitz & Kate Mayer
Review
The story opens with backgrounds on each main characters. Andie is down on her luck. She was hurt at work, had a botched surgery that left damage. She feels lost, without a plan.
Kate’s wife has Dementia. Kate feels like she has lost her love.
Andie felt a instant attraction to Kate, when they met. Andie wanted to be up front and honest about her current situation.
This is my first book by the author. She did a wonderful job expressing herself throughout the story. The support characters were superb and added depth to the story.
Kate had a hard time letting Andie in. Trusting her because of her past relationship with her wife. The author did a wonderful job showing how both characters loved each other, but had their own struggles to overcome.
This is my first book by this author. I have to say it was simply beautiful! It’s a story of overcoming your past to have a love you always wanted ! This book is a true treasure. Visit the author website for this amazing story. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Author website ddalewrites.com the book is available there.https://ddalewrites.com/
August 30, 2022
This was an amazing story. It depicted the personal struggles of addiction and overcoming it. It depicted dedication and commitment. Most of all, it tells how age is not significant when two people truly love each other. There were struggles and doubts, but the heart won out in the end. DDale writes these things with amazing accuracy. This is one book I know I will revisit and enjoy it just as much, if not more, the next time I read it. Thank you D for sharing your amazing talent.
May 14, 2024
It’s a good book. Not great, but good.
How they met and how they engaged with each other is not natural at all, cause Andie basically follows Kate until she agrees to have a coffee with her, but they presented it to you like Kat actually noticing Andie the same way but being stubborn.
I think there’s part of the drama that is completely unnecessary but it makes the work. I’m not sure how I feel about the end? I mean, it’s good, but I think it’s too fast. One of them made a stupid choice and in 10min everything is solved and you finished the book. But it has a happy ending so I’m not complaining (too much).
How they met and how they engaged with each other is not natural at all, cause Andie basically follows Kate until she agrees to have a coffee with her, but they presented it to you like Kat actually noticing Andie the same way but being stubborn.
I think there’s part of the drama that is completely unnecessary but it makes the work. I’m not sure how I feel about the end? I mean, it’s good, but I think it’s too fast. One of them made a stupid choice and in 10min everything is solved and you finished the book. But it has a happy ending so I’m not complaining (too much).
March 14, 2022
Nice to read a book with older main characters than I am. And we get old on our own anyway. It's something new for me to read something like that. Andie and Kate are both so stubborn that they almost end their relationship before they allow it.
The next can be a spoiler, so I hide it.
Overall, a recommendable book.
The next can be a spoiler, so I hide it.
Overall, a recommendable book.
July 22, 2022
The consequences of falling can lead you into a whole new world.
Our down and out cab driver finds this out after falling head over heels for a client. Before this she's already accidentally fallen which has led her to the job she dislikes.
The client, a significantly more senior lady, seems untouchable with her own past and secrets.
This is not your most common love story and that's what makes it one that will linger in your mind long after "the end".
Our down and out cab driver finds this out after falling head over heels for a client. Before this she's already accidentally fallen which has led her to the job she dislikes.
The client, a significantly more senior lady, seems untouchable with her own past and secrets.
This is not your most common love story and that's what makes it one that will linger in your mind long after "the end".
February 19, 2023
I enjoyed the older person rep but did not enjoy the conflict and resolution being basically an addict acting up and harming themselves to get the attention of their love interest. I feel like this story should have been about Kate and her coming to some conclusions about her life thus far and taking some time to decide what she wants rather than being forced into another relationship via emotional duress. I did appreciate the twist, absolutely did not see that coming.
May 18, 2023
I loved it, but I felt like the came too late in the book and without much foreshadowing. I do wish we could have spent more time with Andie and Kate as a couple, but that's an issue I have with many novels. Still, a lovely, emotional time, and I enjoyed reading it.
July 1, 2024
Rounding this score up. I really liked the storyline and the complex issues that MCs needed to work through. But I really disliked one of the MCs and really couldn't see why the other would put up with it. I didn't think the story showed enough of their relationship to make me believe it was worth it.
September 17, 2022
Great book
It is so refreshing to read about about an older woman that acknowledges the changes of age but doesn’t believe they should limit your life.
The most important thing though is that it is a great read and you will have a hard time putting it down.
It is so refreshing to read about about an older woman that acknowledges the changes of age but doesn’t believe they should limit your life.
The most important thing though is that it is a great read and you will have a hard time putting it down.
July 10, 2022
An interesting story about two characters in very different stages of life.
August 14, 2022
Quite good…
It’s all about the story (not much in the way of visuals) and a pretty good story it is, too. My main complaint is it wrapped up too quickly.
It’s all about the story (not much in the way of visuals) and a pretty good story it is, too. My main complaint is it wrapped up too quickly.
November 5, 2022
Excellent story of older/younger and each character having their own issues with fear of disclosing. Throw in some unexpected twists, and ice and a lemon twist then Shake (not stirred). A good read.
December 5, 2022
Nicely written. Enjoyable to read.
January 8, 2023
Love race
Opposites attract and an age gap awareness 💙. What a wonderful spin teasing out the insecurities. Thanks for sharing this story.
Opposites attract and an age gap awareness 💙. What a wonderful spin teasing out the insecurities. Thanks for sharing this story.
July 4, 2024
talk about a rollercoaster of a story
November 25, 2022
Age-gap, Mc over 60, a little bit of disability... You'd think it would be depressing, right?
Well, this is NOT a depressing book. Despite the serious issues that the MCs are dealing with, it is medium to low angst at most. Spoiler alert: I highly recommend this book!
I don't want to give too much away but I'll say this much - this book is by a new author (I think it's her 1st or 2nd novel) and it's soooo good! Hard to believe she's a newbie :)
This book has a good tight story with good reasoning behind the behavior of both MCs. It is both heart-warming and heart-wrenching at the same time. As mentioned, not too much angst, just some sad scenes that made me tear up. I really enjoyed the read and would happily read more from this author.
T&T
Tropes: age-gap, rich girl/poor girl, close proximity
Triggers: substance abuse/addiction, loss/death of a spouse, infidelity
Well, this is NOT a depressing book. Despite the serious issues that the MCs are dealing with, it is medium to low angst at most. Spoiler alert: I highly recommend this book!
I don't want to give too much away but I'll say this much - this book is by a new author (I think it's her 1st or 2nd novel) and it's soooo good! Hard to believe she's a newbie :)
This book has a good tight story with good reasoning behind the behavior of both MCs. It is both heart-warming and heart-wrenching at the same time. As mentioned, not too much angst, just some sad scenes that made me tear up. I really enjoyed the read and would happily read more from this author.
T&T
Tropes: age-gap, rich girl/poor girl, close proximity
Triggers: substance abuse/addiction, loss/death of a spouse, infidelity
July 23, 2022
Nice to read a book with older main characters than I am. And we get old on our own anyway. It's something new for me to read something like that. Andie and Kate are both so stubborn that they almost end their relationship before they allow it.
The next can be a spoiler, so I hide it.
Overall, a recommendable book.
The next can be a spoiler, so I hide it.
Overall, a recommendable book.
December 4, 2022
This lesbian romance falls under the sub-genre of “age gap romances,” I believe. I’m not really into sub-genres (genres are bad enough), but if this is your cup of tea, I think you will enjoy it. The characters and plot are fairly well-developed, and the writing is decent. The author states that she is into writing novels with characters over the age of 60, which is commendable.
November 29, 2022
Silver love story
I enjoyed the story about age diverse main characters. There were several story lines for the mains, not unlike real life. I enjoyed this story enough to read it in one day. I look forward to reading more stories from DDale, who happens to know that women come in all ages and anyone can fall in love.
I enjoyed the story about age diverse main characters. There were several story lines for the mains, not unlike real life. I enjoyed this story enough to read it in one day. I look forward to reading more stories from DDale, who happens to know that women come in all ages and anyone can fall in love.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews