The End of Me

The Downfall of Us #1

by Claudia Y. Burgoa

An emotional, angsty, tearjerker by USA Today Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa.

The End of Me is the first book of The Downfall of Us duet. An angst-filled romance about broken hearts, loss, and hope.

Genres: Audiobook, M M F, Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance, Friends To Lovers

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2023

About the author

Claudia is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author.
She writes alluring, thrilling stories about complicated women and the men who take their breath away.
She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband and her youngest two children. She has a sweet Bichon, Macey, who thinks she's the ruler of the house. She's only partially right.
When Claudia is not writing, you can find her reading, knitting, or just hanging out with her family.
At night, she likes to binge watch shows with her equally geeky husband.

Instagram: http://bit.ly/ClaudiasIG
TikTok: https://bit.ly/CBstiktok
Bloggers/Influencers: https://geni.us/CBBloggers
Newsletter: https://geni.us/CBNewsletter

Reviews

[BookishRaquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Heat Rating: 1/5 🌶️
Audiobook 5/5 🎧

The End of Me is the first part of The Downfall of Us duet. Archer and Piper have been committed to each other since a very young age. While on a secret mission, Archer goes missing. Piper is heartbroken but maintains her belief that Archer is alive and will one day be found. Everything takes place over several years, with a majority of the story being told through letters Archer left for her if he, for any reason, did not make it back home, text messages, and emails. Year after year, we witness Piper dealing with her grief and slowly getting back to living her life post-Archer. We are also introduced to Derek and learn how their lives are all connected.

It never fails. I knew Claudia was going to end this with a cliffhanger, yet I was still shocked when it happened. The End of Me is an emotional roller coaster, and I couldn't stop reading or listening. I will immediately be diving into part 2 because I have so many questions and need to know how this story ends.

NARRATION:
Jason Clarke, Maxine Mitchell, and Lance Greenfield narrate The End of Me. They all do a fantastic job giving voices to the characters. This was a wonderful performance that kept me engaged for the entire 8 hours and 23 minutes. I felt every single emotion, including the tension during the high-action moments.

Thanks to Claudia Y. Burgoa and Forever and Always PR for a gifted audiobook copy for review.

[Joyffree · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We can hold onto each other until you're ready to let me go. "

One minute I was crying - the next I was mad as a hornet - flip the page - and I was releasing the breath I did not even realize I was holding only to turn a few pages and start the process again
I am emotionally exhausted - But it was sooooo worth it

Seriously the best book of 2023 to date!!

A lot of the events that occur here interlink with the other couples in this series - so spoilers from this read are probable if you haven't read the previous releases. Though they are all intertwined so you always get a little preview as you go

Now back to the heart-twisting, mind-bending, soul-sucking, hope-inducing story that left me needing a drink and therapy - I'm not kidding

Archer is gone
Piper is not truly living
Him is having multiple identity crises
Finn is ... I'm not sure what is actually up with him
Deck is stuck in the middle of all of them
And the Fates?
They are having a laugh as they bump the above-mentioneds destinies against one another. Each time barely grazing one past the other. Just little moments to throw them off their game. To leave them with that feeling of Deja Vu. Enough to cause a pause but not enough for them to put the pieces together

Until it's too late

I am actually a bit terrified to open book two. What if Finn's new choices can't be undone? What if Piper can't recover from the attack and the following events (no spoilers lol)? How in the world is Deck going to keep himself from removing Archer's life force?
I am going in -
Therapy recommendations please ;)

[Daisy Nijs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wrecked me and left me in a mess, but in a good way. I was so looking forward to Piper’s story from the moment I knew what has happened to her in Seth’s book. But I was also kind of dreading it because I just knew Claudia was going to break my heart.
But I didn’t anticipate how she would actually break my heart. She made the story even more complicated than I thought it would already be, and I love it that she brings in another love interest for Piper.
But Piper firmly believes that Archer is still alive, and that he will come back to her, so she just doesn’t have it in her to move on.
When I started this book, after the first chapter, my first thought was ‘I’m not going to make it through without some tears’, and I was right. I felt every emotion Piper was feeling, those letters were so beautiful and devastating.
And Derek, he wants her, but he knows she won’t let Archer go. It was hard, on one side I was cheering him on ‘don’t give her up’, but I didn’t want her to give up on Archer either, so again, I was torn in two.
And now we have to wait a few weeks for the next book, which I can’t wait for, but I have a feeling this duet will be my favorite from Claudia’s books.

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The End of Me was such an emotional, angst page turner. My heart broke for Piper and I could feel all of her emotions deep within my soul.

This book was a rollercoaster. Actually that's an understatement this book was a whirlwind of heart wrenching emotion where each page had me on the edge of my seat with bated breath.

Claudia Burgoa really took me for a ride during The End of Me and while I want to know what is in store for Piper in the next book I'm terrified that it will be more gut wrenching and devastating than this one was!

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve read anything in this series at all then you know this is the story we've all been waiting for. And while we'll have to wait a short time for the conclusion, this first half is nothing short of magical. Devastating and heartbreaking, but magical.

Archer St. James works for The Organization and never comes home after a mission. Along with his family and extended family, he leaves behind his fiancée, Piper. Through Archer's advance planning, from letters and videos he leaves for Piper, we learn about their first meeting, their growing up together, and their falling in love. It's a precious and sweet love of a lifetime.

Everyone in her family tells Piper she needs to move on, but she's convinced Asher is still alive. It's been years, and she still holds out hope. It's not until Derek Farrow enters her life that her heart begins to beat again. But how can she let herself fall for another man when she knows in her soul that Asher is still alive?

Although this duet likely stands alone, you'll be better off if you follow along with the series. There are many peripheral characters that you'll understand better if you’ve gotten to know them in the previous books. But if, like me, you’re a CYB junkie you'll want to dive into this one ASAP and not miss a second of this wild, emotional, angsty read.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

After I read the last duet where pieces of this book was announced I was mentally preparing myself to start reading this book. I'm not sure if it was enough. When I started it I had to put it down two times before I could get past chapter 6.

But after I pushed past that chapter, everything changed. I couldn't put this book down. The grief, pain, hope all mixed in this first book was so powerful. It had a hold on me and heart until the very end. I'm not sure who to love or hate at this point. I kinda wish Piper would move on, especially since I know how HE is treating her after he rescues her. Derek will forever have a special place. That man deserves the best and I'm not sure I can take what's coming next for these three.

Hopefully the resentment and pain will be replaced with love, so I can sleep easier.

***Review copy requested and reviewed in behalf of OMGReads Blog***

[Foodiegirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing I have to say is I love Claudia. The first few pages had me doing an ugly cry, then rolling with laughter. It also explains how close to each other some of these characters became in the beginning.
My second is a complaint that we need family trees to be able to keep up with all these characters and families.
I love Derek, Piper, and Archer. I am starting to dislike Finn immensely. The cliffhanger ending is terrible but thankfully we don't have to wait long for the second book.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was a wild ride of a book! It ends on a cliffhanger so you want to start the second book just to find out what happens. I went in blind not knowing too much about the story and was hooked and finished it in one day. It’s addicting, fast and thrilling read. Also pretty emotional! I feel for Piper and her longing and feeing that her true love is still alive. I can’t imagine the pain and grief she is going through waiting and hoping. My heart broke when we find out what Archer has been doing the past years to set Piper up for moving on in the future incase something happens to him. The letters, the gifts, it all is just so incredible and thoughtful.
The audiobook narration by Jason Clarke, Maxine Mitchell, and Lance Greenfield, each with their distinct personas, gave this story more feeling, more depth, and had me wanting more.

[Natalie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a rollercoaster ride. One minute, I was crying, then I was happy, and then I was sad. Only to start all over again. I feel like I've been in an emotional washing machine.

But it was absolutely amazing, and I can't wait to jump straight into book 2.

The narrators were amazing they did such a good job at portraying the characters and bringing all the emotions to life

[Kirstie Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Underdeveloped but over thought at the same time

I received this book from B3 in exchange for an honest review and that's unfortunately what I'm going to deliver. This review will probably be a jumbled mess, but it'll match the book, so I guess that's the theme for today.

This book did nothing for me, which sucks sooo bad because it had amazing potential. I kept waiting to get invested. I went back and reread the blurb to see if I was missing something. The seven years pass in no time because, although every new chapter has a date, it means nothing. There was no real concept of time, other than us being told how long had passed.

This story reads like I'm snooping through someone's diary rather than being immersed in the character's world.

Right off the bat, there were too many characters with no real depth behind them. It took more than half the book for us to learn Piper's parents were in a throuple....like come on. We'd already met them, had multiple scenes with them and it was confusing until I pieced it together myself only for everything to be explained later.

There was no emotion, nothing binding me to the characters. There were brief hints of goodness between Derek and Piper, but they got glossed over. All the background family stuff was unnecessary because 1) we still hadn't even really gotten to know any of the three MCs and 2) we didn't get to experience anything that went on with these characters. D's sister went to jail....like WHAT?? That could've been something. Piper left to help care for family that had a baby?? She went to meet Zach's fiancee, then she dies?? WTF to the ultimate degree.

Maybe I'm missing something. Maybe this wasn't a book you jump in to without having read others by the author. To me, with all the other characters, that is what it felt like, a continuation of a story I had no clue about. All the characters felt both underdeveloped but over thought out at the same time.

Telling vs showing is what I kept coming back to. I knew I had to finish this book to complete my end of the ARC bargain, but this will be my last from this author. With other reviews I saw, I may be in the minority here, but I can live with that. I need a fully immersive story that packs loads of emotion, passion, and intrigue and this just did not deliver.

I will say I appreciate the length because had it been longer, I would not have finished it.

[Yolanda McGee~Veronica's Reading Vault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I hope everyone is ready for an ugly cry fest because The End Of Me (The Downfall Of Us #1) isn’t for the faint or sensitive heart and it’s one hell of a tearjerker and heartbreaker. I seriously don’t know what to do with my life after reading this book because I thought this was going to be the end of my damn heart. I love it when Claudia Burgoa writes M/F/M books because she’s one of the few authors that gets it right every single time.

I was deeply invested and consumed by this heart wrenching, angst filled and emotional storyline involving three incredible characters. Finn, Derek and Piper go through a lot individually, yet their connections are powerful and intertwined in more ways than one. Each one of them have more in common than they know considering they’ve suffered heartache, loss, tragedy and unbearable pain. And they’ve also experienced love.

The End Of Me is exactly why I’m always willing to put up with Claudia Burgoa’s emotional torture as it has a creative and well written storyline and its depth coupled with the emotional elements will leave you absolutely breathless and devastated. And I’m not going to lie, the cliffhanger is quite a doozy. I already know that When Forever Finds Us is going to slay me.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper and Archer have known that they were soulmates from the time that they were children and had their whole life planned out until Archer disappears. Piper is the only one that believes he is still alive as she can not only feel him but his emotions as well. She isn’t prepared to move on, but Derek slowly breaks through the walls she has built around herself.

Derek is a complex character as he isn’t close to his family and has been hurt in the past. When he takes an assignment helping the son of a dangerous cartel his life will never be the same.

Finn finds himself in an untenable situation where he doesn’t remember his past which has made him cautious and very private. Derek is there when he needs someone the most but there is also a woman in his dreams that he doesn’t remember and can’t forget.

The narrators are a perfect choice as this story is filled with so much angst and so much emotion and have you feeling for the plight of all three characters and leave you wanting more of them and their story.

[Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these characters! Been waiting for this book! Hard to review without giving anything away. Piper has been waiting for the love of her life to return from a mission. piper insists he’s still alive even years later and refuses to give up hope. Meanwhile a physical therapist she works with enters her life and they grow quite close. This book had me feeling every feeling there is, happy, sad, scared, lonely, tired, frightened. Beautifully written with a cliffhanger full of hope!!!

[Darlene Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

7 years has passed, love,lost and hope remains. This book is so angsty but with a promise of a future. Soulmates from beginning to end, an eternal love.
Ghost pains prevail. An amazing read and so well written, I found myself glued to each page. Looking for that HEA until the end. This is Book 1 of The Downfall of Us Duet and the reader will want more!

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not prepared for Pipers story and I can’t wait to get the second part as soon as possible! Wow just wow I loved it!!!

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 1 of a spellbinding chronicle of three unique individuals and their journey to love
Get a box of tissues before you begin reading. “Emotional, angsty, tear-jerker” is an understatement! When I read the letters Archer sent to Piper, I thought I was going to choke on my tears. I still tear up when I remember…
Piper’s Uncle Mason runs The Organization which is a private intelligence and security agency. They do jobs that the government is constrained from doing. Archer St. James is one of their operatives. Arch and Seth were sent on a dangerous assignment from which Seth returned but Archer did not. Everyone believes he is dead except for Piper who still feels his heartbeat. They are roughly 23yo when this saga begins but they have known one another since preschool for geniuses at four and three years old and have loved for that long. They are soulmates. When Piper is presented with “The Box” of letters and memorabilia selected by Arch to help her grieve and move on, you will know why you needed those tissues.
On the other side of the world Derek as a physical and occupational therapist takes on an assignment for a dangerous cartel to help the leader’s “son” to recuperate. Derek senses something is off so he prepares “Travis” for his potential escape. During this story, you will see how three unique people are searching for their other half. Or could it be other third?
Oh. My. Word. This is a thriller of the highest order. Wonderful storytelling and beautifully written. The ending is seven years in the making. I was spellbound. Be aware: there were so many characters at the start that I almost quit, but Ms. Burgoa took such pains to write believable storylines for each that before long, I felt like I knew them and how they fit into the fabric of the story. I was so agitated once I finished the book, I had to take a little time to sit down to write my review. This is a MUST read if you like suspenseful, passionate, and quite remarkable stories. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews. I cannot wait to read the conclusion in the next book. This one deserves ten stars!

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Archer St. James was a person I have heard about in several books; how he went missing in a mission that went wrong and has since been presumed dead. But seven years later, Piper still holds on to the fact that she can feel his heart beating, so she knows he's alive. This story starts with the events that caused Archer's disappearance, and we see what a toll it has played on Piper's heart, especially as she goes through the letters and videos that he left for her in the event he was killed on a mission.

This isn't an easy time for Piper, but she does everything Archer sets out for her in each of his letters, which includes getting help at the practice, which is how she meets Derick. D and Piper have great chemistry, and even though she feels the pull, there is no way she will betray the man she knows is still alive.

Continue reading my review here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewTEoM



**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Listeners Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
**I also purchased a kindle copy
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay this book was exhausting in the best way and it’s still not over! This duet crushed me, swooned me, made me so frustrated and mad…

Piper and Archer have been soul mates since kindergarten. Married each other secretly on his 21st birthday and have been inseparable. Archer went on a mission with Piper’s uncle’s security team and is now MIA. Piper knows he’s not gone even though everyone around her is saying he is.

Derek is hired to help a young man after getting hurt and has amnesia in South America. He helps this man even though he knows deep down this man’s “father” is lying about him being his son and is trying to get something from him. He helps train this amnesia man but once a doctor says there’s no need for Derek, Derek takes off before they ki.ll him. This young man goes on a mission for his “dad” to kick a land owner off his land but upon arrival the owner offers him help. Takes him under his wing to Europe and helps him. He becomes Finn.

Derek after leaving goes back to NY and gets hired under Piper. Piper runs a business to help heal people with music and Derek is there as a therapist. Feeling Archer is still out there she keeps Derek at an arms length, even though she knows she could fall for him.

This whole time, Archer left a box of notes and gifts for Piper in case a mission he fails to come back from will help heal her. I absolutely bawled 50% of this book. The commentary of Archer in the box was so sad!

I listened to this book on audio and it made the story come alive that much more!!!! Now I’m off listen to the second part of this duet.

Tropes:
Soulmates
Childhood best friends to Lovers
Amnesia
MFM/MMF
Security Detail
Doctor
Musical
Hidden Identity

[Elyvia (eliv_bookstagram) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐄
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙳𝚘𝚠𝚗𝚏𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚘𝚏 𝚄𝚜 𝙳𝚞𝚎𝚝 #𝟷
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 Listening via Audible
⏳ 08𝗛 23𝗠
🎙️ Jason Clarke, Lance Greenfield & Maxine Mitchell

❤️‍🩹𝙼𝚎𝚗𝚊𝚐𝚎𝚜 𝙼𝙼𝙵
❤️‍🩹𝙲𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚍𝚑𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝙵𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜
❤️‍🩹𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎
❤️‍🩹𝙰𝚐𝚎 𝙶𝚊𝚙
❤️‍🩹𝙰𝚖𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚒𝚊

This duet is part of the Decker Family series, the plot coincides with Covert Affairs Duet, which fortunately I have listened to. Though this duet can stand by itself, following the series gives me a deeper understanding of the story.

𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝟷 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙴𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝙵 𝙼𝙴
Piper and Archer are childhood sweethearts, they got married secretly at 21. When Archer went on a secret undercover mission and never returned, she was utterly devastated. This book spans about 8 years, we see the letters that Arch left her, and it gives me P.S. I Love You vibes, my heart is breaking with each letter. We also see what happened to Archer and how he was connected to Derek during this time. Over time, they somehow get reconnected without realizing each other identity, which will lead them to their shocking reunion…

🎧𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰🎧
Amazing performance from all narrators, Jason and Maxine are already some of my favorites, and Lance is new to me. I thoroughly enjoyed their performance in this duet, they delivered such a heartfelt performance, I cried on many occasions when I was listening. I especially loved that the audio changed into duet style during text messages and email scenes, really helped me to distinguish each character so it’s not confusing.

✿ 𝙸 𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚎𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚍𝚎 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 Forever & Always PR 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚖 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚟𝚘𝚕𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚢 ✿

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review
Boy was this book an emotional rollercoaster! I went in completely blind and was totally surprised by how emotional this book made me. I was already crying by chapter 3, so grab the tissues!
When the love of Piper’s life, Archer, goes missing she is convinced that he isn’t dead, he is out there somewhere and needs help. After some time has passed her cousins give her a box that Archer had made in the event of his death. To help her grieve and move on and live her life again, but how are you supposed to do that when you know in your heart he isn’t dead yet?

Piper isn’t ready to let go of Archer yet, but she does make room in her life for Derick, her business partner and very close friend. It is clear the two have chemistry and there could be something great between them if Piper would let go of Archer.

The End of Me was my first book by Claudia Burgoa and I look forward to checking out her other books. While there wasn’t much spice, it was made up for in angst and suspense!
The narration was fantastic and done in a unique way. Although the in-person dialogue was dual narrated, anytime a text or letter was being read it was read by the person who wrote the letter or text. So when Piper was reading the letters from Archer they were all read by Jason Clarke and every single time he called her Ladybug I teared up. Maxine Mitchell did a fantastic job giving a voice to Piper, not to mention her kid voices are on point! This was my first time listening to Lance Greenfield and I can’t wait to search for more from him!

[Patricia Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The End of Me: A Decker Family Novel (The Downfall of Us Book 1)

Piper is still feeling Archer, her best friend from kindergarten and the love of her life. The group came back from their mission. They were trying to wipe out the drug dealers in South America. As things when bad during the mission, Archer was never found. Piper believes he is still life. She can feel him. She goes on, they search for him with no luck. The Z's find him and he doesn't know who he is, so the leader makes him in and tries to help him, he hired a therapist named Derek. Derek works with him, having to teach him how to a grown up from scratch. Archer has memory issues. Finally after a couple of years Derek decided to leave so Archers father per say won't be able to kill him since he is a leader of the cartel. Archer is Finn, he leaves to go on a mission and decides to run away. Piper continues to make her life to without Archer. There is a perfect bond between Finn : Archer and Piper. Finn doesn't understand why ? So much chemistry between Finn, Piper and Derek. No one knows anything until when Derek comes to thinking about his relationship between Piper and Finn. Who knows what will happen next.... Have to wait and read the next book in the series. This story was simply delicious how it was written. I enjoyed reading about this story of Archer and Piper.... Like it was a true story, so in depth. The author did a excellent job of writing their story. ENJOY

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞 is the first book in the 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐞𝐭 by Claudia Burgoa, a heart-wrenching story about love, loss, and hanging on to hope. Piper and Archer have been inseparable since they met on the first day of school. With their future together set in stone, Piper’s world is shattered, when Archer fails to return from a mission. When everyone in their life accepts that he is dead, Piper is steadfast in her belief that she can still feel his soul on the Earth. How long would you wait if your soulmate went missing? She eventually meets an intriguing man named Derek, but her heart is still not available.

Wow! I feel like my heart has been through combat or something. Poor Piper! If I could crawl into a story and hug a character, it would be Piper!! The raw and gritty emotions, the grief, the angst, all of it was so beautifully written. I listened to the audio version of this book, narrated by Maxine Mitchell, Jason Clarke, & Lance Greenfield, and they executed all of this to perfection. I loved the format of them narrating together! What an amazing way to enhance the experience! The twists in this story were top notch, and I’m so thankful that I have 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙐𝙨 to immediately dive into, because that cliffhanger was epic!!

#claudiaburgoa #DownfallofUsDuet #theendofme #friendstolovers #ForcedProximity #SecondChance #GrumpySunshine #AmnesiaRomance #forbiddenromance #polyromance #MMFromance #emotionalreads #DeckerFamily #angstyromance

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review: Narrated by Maxine Mitchell, Lance Greenfield and Jason Clarke
4.5 stars for story / 5 stars for performance

I have been waiting so long for Archer and Piper's story. I love that the first book in this duet gives us such an insight into what happened after the accident in which these two get separated. Piper was everything I hoped she would be and more. The dedication she has for Archer is unwavering, and knowing what we know from previous stories, makes this story so heart wrenching (in the best ways). The introduction of Derek was well timed and the multi-layered relationship between all our main characters was so entertaining and made this story so much more emotional.

I am so glad I got to experience this on audio. I couldn't say enough about Maxine Mitchell. She is at the top of the game as far as romance narrators and I will instantly listen to anything she reads. Jason Clarke has such a perfect voice for an alpha-male main character and the anger that Finn exudes is amplified so much by his performance. Lance Greenfield also plays so well off both the other two and he is so easy on the ears, which is a plus since this book was so hard to turn off. I highly, highly recommend getting this one on audio.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

The End of Me is the seventh book in the Decker Family Series (The Downfall of Us Book #1) by Claudia Y. Burgoa. This (series) is a heartfelt journey through love, loss, and the complexities of family dynamics. Each book in the series weaves together emotional depth, relatable characters, and compelling storylines that kept me invested from start to finish.
Ms. Burgoa’s ability to create characters who feel like real people—flawed, vulnerable, and deeply human makes the series stand out from others in the same genre. The Deckers are a family you can’t help but root for, even as they navigate heartbreak, misunderstandings, and their own personal growth. The relationships, whether romantic or familial, are quite layered and authentic, making every interaction more meaningful.
The series balances lighthearted moments with emotional intensity - while also infusing humor and warmth. But Ms. Burgoa doesn’t shy away from tackling heavier themes like grief, betrayal, and healing either. And it’s this duality that makes the stories deeper and more meaningful.
This series is perfect for readers who love contemporary romance with a strong focus on family and emotional depth.
Happy Reading…

[Emily (ARCs.Mama.Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC Review
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The Downfall of Us Duet by Claudia Burgoa
The End of Me - Book 1
When Forever Finds Us - Book 2
Series: The Decker Family
Format: Audiobook
Star Rating: Book 1 - 5/5 ⭐️ Book 2 - 4.75/5 ⭐️
Spice Rating: Book 1 - 0/5 🔥 Book 2 - 2.5/5 🔥
Narration: 5/5 🎙️ (Dual) - Maxine Mitchell, Jason Clarke & Lance Greenfield
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Tropes: Age gap, why choose MMF, forced proximity, emotional, angst

Childhood soul mates Piper Decker and Archer St. James have been a part of each other’s lives since they met at 4 years old. After an undercover mission gone wrong, Archer was assumed dead, but that’s the thing about soul mates - Piper swears she can feel that Archer is still alive. After seven years, long years she might be ready to let him go. Derek meets Finnegan Gill after taking a humanitarian gig with a drug cartel, but they go their separate ways to avoid the clutches of the cartel. What are the odds that Piper eventually crosses paths with both Derek and Finn in a set of completely unrelated circumstances? It really is “a small world after all” - smaller than either of them realize.

I was so eager for this pair of audiobooks because of the storyline teased and referenced in the previous duet, but casting Maxine Mitchell, Jason Clarke & Lance Greenfield for this emotional rollercoaster? They absolutely crushed it - much like they did my heart in book 1. I really can’t share much of the plot without giving away spoilers, but think P.S. I Love You vibes, but with a better ending. I only wish the second book was either longer or spent more time with the characters “after”. I just wasn’t ready for their story to end yet.

The Downfall of Us duet is a part of Claudia Burgoa’s series following the Decker Family. All of her books are interconnected stand-alone and part of Claudia’s Multiverse. I’m working through the earlier Decker novels, but I was hard up for this duet when I was only halfway through the previous Covert Affairs duet. Those two duets have overlapping timelines, just from a different set of characters’ points of view. So far there are two more completed duets following the Downfall of Us.

Thanks again to Forever and Always PR for the audio tour! I received this audio tour in exchange for an honest review.

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 1 of Piper’s emotional story

Let me start by saying love triangles are not my favorite trope but I really wanted Piper’s story. This was unexpected and how love triangles should be written. It’s a beautiful story and I liked that it begins at Archer’s disappearance rather than where the previous duet ended.

The story follows the parallel lives of Piper, Derek and Archer/Travis/Finn. It’s so well written. Very emotional and frustrating in the best way. All I wanted was for these 3 to find their way to each other. This is definitely a slow burn with plenty of banter and innuendo setting the stage and creating sexual tension that is off the charts.

The narration brings this story to a whole new level. Maxine Mitchell shows why she is the queen. She’s amazing portraying Piper’s strength and never wavering belief in Archer, but also her vulnerability that she’s keeping from her loved ones. Jason Clarke is fantastic as the tortured, misunderstood Finn. Lance’s dynamic performance shows us why Derek is far from a third wheel in this triangle.

I’m happy I have part 2 downloaded and ready to go because I need the rest of their story.

[Kali Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐
1.0/5 🌶️
5.0/5 🎧

Goodness this was a sad read. I think the only reason I wasn't sobbing half the time was I knew that Archer was still alive, especially once we met Travis. However, I'm not sure I smiled once... It was angsty and heartbreaking and all around a sad girl read, just the way I love them.

The entire book I just kept waiting for that moment when the three of them truly realize who they are to each other. And waiting. And waiting. And even though I knew it was likely to be the cliffhanger at the end, I still waited on the edge of my seat and it was practically torture. Every email, every call, every POV, I was waiting for things to either come together beautifully or fall apart tragically. Then I got to the end and it was nothing like I expected and I'm rushing to write this review so I can start the next book.

The audio was fantastic. Jason Clarke, Maxine Mitchell and Lance Greenfield all did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. I loved listening to them tell this story and I can't wait for more.

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this start to the duet, The Downfall of Us. Piper believed in Archer coming back to her, so she waited. I loved all the letters Archer left for her; they touched my heart. She actually stole my heart with her faith, loyalty, and love for Archer. Archer had undergone quite a journey and became someone else, Finnegan. His anger, anguish, and loyalty to his "dream girl" kept me rooting for a resolution. Enter Derek. He became a bridge between Piper and Archer/Finnegan, even though it was a while before they knew it. I am so looking forward to the conclusion to this duet to see how it turns out.

The narration by Jason Clarke, Maxine Mitchell, and Lance Greenfield, each with their distinct personas, gave this story more feeling, more depth, and had me wanting more.

This is my unsolicited review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this audiobook kind of blind and I'm so glad I did. This was a very emotional, heartbreaking story about loss and grief. Performed in dual narration with text and emails performed in duet by Maxine Mitchell, Jason Clarke and Lance Greenfield. These three were outstanding. Maxine's performance as Piper was amazing. She portrayed the undying love that Piper has for Archer. She showed Piper's emotions so well. Jason's performance as Archer was very memorable. My heart melted and swooned. Lance exuded Derek's ability to help and care for people deeply. The emotional connections he made were felt through Lance's performance.

Thank you to @foreverandalwayspr for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Every Single Time! But come on…right from the start?

Ms. Burgoa has me tied in emotional knots!

I couldn't put this story down once started.

My husband kept asking me…"why are you reading that if all it does is make you cry!" LOL he just doesn't get it!

When an author can draw you in like that, and have you so invested in the characters, they've done their job, and man did Ms. Burgoa do hers!

Cannot wait for the next in the duet, but, I best run to the store for more tissues! I'm hoping for a happy ending though so maybe tears of joy!?!