Downfall

Sutton #1

by Evelyn Sola

He thought he had his life figured out, but he had no idea.

Summer Madison is the opposite of everything Maxwell Sutton finds attractive in a woman. And yet, here he is, fighting powerful feelings for the new personal assistant his brother hired while he was out of town.


Everything about her is wrong, yet his thoughts are consumed with nothing but her. Determined to do anything he can to stay away from her, Maxwell develops a no fraternization clause to the company policy.


But rules and logic only last for so long.


When the attraction between the two of them becomes too much to contain, Maxwell finds himself violating the very policy that he put into effect. Now that he's had a taste, he knows he can never say no to her again.

Downfall is an age gap, office romance.

Genres: Romance, Interracial Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Workplace, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook

448 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2022

About the author

A Boston native, wife, mother, and wine enthusiast. If she’s not writing, thinking about writing, you will find Evelyn with a book in her hands. While a new publisher, she’s been writing for years, and she will continue to write for many years to come.
Evelyn is obsessed with assertive and confident men who will stop at nothing to get their woman. Her stories are filled with love, passion and humor.
She currently lives in Washington, DC with her husband and two daughters.

Reviews

[m · Rating 2 out of 5]

just no...

as the book went on it got progressively worse, if you want to read good relationship development this isn't the book for you. summer and maxwells relationship felt so surface level, their relationship is literally just sex. the book is 420 pages but they get together so early on in the book, that the rest is a slog; the plot is literally just office, sex, hang out with friends and family. for the majority of the book, summer and maxwell are in a relationship and it was so BORING. they rarely encountered road blocks as a couple. i mean it's an age gap, office, interracial romance for crying out loud, there are so many conflicts you can go in depth about that would decently develop their relationship, but no... all the potential conflicts were either quickly dismissed or got resolved by sex. the only major conflict we got was the inevitable 3rd act conflict, which was handled poorly in my opinion.

i do not like maxwell, he's 41 years OLD but acts immature as hell. i'm supposed to believe that maxwell is the more mature brother but always throws a tantrum whenever summer is in the vicinity of another man??? his possessiveness over summer isn't attractive at all, it was like she was his territory and he was claiming her. it's acknowledged how possessive maxwell is but it's always in a joking manner and i wish they addressed it more seriously. i just knew this book wasn't for me when i looked more forward to david & calebs scenes than summer & maxwells. if david ever gets a book of his own i'm looking forward for it!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

*audiobook

Okay, so here's the deal:

This was a good time, not gonna lie.

Like, I had fun. Seriously. The FMC and MMC? Chemistry for days. Romantic tension? A+. Sexual tension? Off the charts from the beginning!

Loved the secondary characters too! Which is not something that happens to me often.. lol

Im often bored with secondary characters and think they take way too much time on the page when i literally always only want to deal with fmc and the mmc... but it was different this time! I enjoyed them!

Fmc's family, her best friends, her coworkers efc... wholesome as fuck...

Also, can we talk about the mmc's bother David for a second? Loved him. Big fan. Pretty please let his book be next. And if it’s him and Delaney—the runaway bride FMC’s best friend—that would be chef’s kiss!!!!

Now, why didn’t this get a full-on 4 or 5 stars? Buckle up, cause here we go:

1. Racism plotlines in romance books? Hard pass. Always. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I don’t want talks about race relations and racism in my romance books!!!. Keep it sexy. Keep it fun. Spare me, i beg!!

I do not want racism plots in my romance books.

Please keep talks of race relations and racism away from my romance books!!!

Please and thank you.

Racism plots or talks of racism are the farthest thing from sexy...


2. The Celia situation. She’s the antagonist, and her entire character is built on the tired, outdated trope of “woman fights another woman over a man.”

I think, in the year of our queens Beyonce and Megan Thee Stallion 2024—gee, almost 2025 now cause we are literally in November 2024, Thanksgiving Day, as I am typing this review...

We can do better than making the conflict in a romance book be a woman fighting another woman over a man.

Women shouldn’t be fighting over men. Ever. It’s not interesting. We should move past this old, sexist ass trope of having a female "villain" make her whole life revolve around a man and going after him at all cost like some lost fish on land desperate for a drop of water, and hating the fmc because the man likes her...

It's tired and it's boring.

It's not impressive at all. It's unbecoming.

I'm bored. 😴

😫 😩

But! The good parts? Still solid. Loved David stealing his brother’s cat (iconic behavior and really adorbs). Caleb being a total drama queen about his ex, Justine? Hilarious. And the FMC? Surrounded by amazing friends, a supportive family, and a boss who doesn’t suck—

And to mention again... the FMC and MMC’s chemistry? Fire! 🔥🔥🔥

So yeah, I’m hyped for the next book, as long as:

1. No race stuff. Ew, not sexy, not romantic... shoo!


2. The antagonist isn’t another desperate woman humiliating herself over a guy and willing to lose her job over it lol. . . Pathetic.

Like girl, you could have kept your big-time job if you weren't running and tripping over your heels going after dick, weirdo!

How about we buy some self-esteem and dignity with that fat severance i know you got after your ass got fired, girl...

But anyway, otherwise, this was funny, wholesome, and spicy in all the right places!!!

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

there was more than one person that needed to be slapped

I usually do not care for the age-gap romance. They are usually filled with call me daddy, spank me daddy, daddy please, or something along those lines. I have now found the second age-gap romance that I enjoyed from the beginning all the way to the last words on the screen. There was more here than just sex and more sex. Summer and Maxwell gave me a couple to root for. Along with the family and friends that are introduced to me in the story.

Summer was more than just a 23-year old. She was an older soul that knew what she wanted and how to get it. She was not a spoiled little rich girl. She was not a pamper brat. She was also driving Maxwell Sutton out of his mind. Maxwell was a 41-year old man that has fallen hard and fast for the one person he should not have.

There was a lot going on between these two even before the first kiss. They both were rubbing the other one the wrong way or maybe it was the right one. The connected on different levels and in different ways. They were working together and this could be an issue. Max does not even know how to be himself without putting his foot in his mouth. Watching the train wreck become a smooth sail down the track was entertaining. There were obstacles. There was jealousy. There were deceptions. There were even some tears and a chase or two.

There most certainly is something more coming for the Suttons. The added bonus look was interesting and gave a little something extra

[K · Rating 1 out of 5]

What the hell was this book. I had to stop about 30% in because I just couldn’t take the cringe anymore. I usually don’t mind instalove but he literally falls in love the second he lays eyes on her? The writing was literally worse than what I find on wattpad. I truly don’t understand why this has such high ratings.

[Salmonella · Rating 1 out of 5]

for the sake of my mental health i’ll pretend they get a divorce at the end

[dia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I can give this book four stars. But they were just too many cringy moments and the MMC acted incredibly juvenile throughout the book. 🥲

[Valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not My Favourite

While Ms Sola wrote an exciting, at times hilarious, and uniquely engaging storyline for Takeover and Takeoff, Downfall did not possess these attributes. This book is a clear case of quantity over quality as there was little to no depth and the narrative throughout was repetitive. Although Maxwell was the lead male character his brother David was far more interesting. I prefer a storyline that I can sink my teeth in and my imagination is running wild. This was not my experience. It was analogous to expecting a meat and potatoes dinner but miraculously the meat is missing. At a certain point, the plot lost my interest. Evelyn Sola has written some wonderful stories as evidenced in her novels regarding the Taylor sisters. If you appreciate a romance novel that is reflective of soft porn than you will enjoy this book. For me Downfall was certainly not my favourite.

[Kashi Ashley-Ann Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner

Another 5 star worthy book from Evelyn Sola. I enjoyed this book from the beginning to the end. Maxwell trying to fight his feelings was hilarious, even summer. I stayed up all night just to read Downfall. That’s how good it was. Highly recommend it. I do hope David and Delaney get their a story

[Yamariah Walters · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I’m being generous giving this book two stars. I only did so because I did not finish.

The book was good at the beginning. I actually loved it. I was enthralled with the writing and the characters. However, as it progressed it quickly lost my attention. I get the books is fiction, but there were too many annoying and unrealistic things happening and thoughts.

For me the MMC, Maxwell Sutton, ruined it all. This man is the most childish character ever. This man is supposed to be 41 yo but he acts like a child. The fact that he wanted to fire anyone that made Summer mad is the stupidest thing I’ve ever read. As I stated, I understand it’s fiction but HELLO that was dumb and cringy. Furthermore, it’s like huh. His actions aren’t at all sexy in any way. Like I just can’t. It’s wild that this book was about a Maxwell but his brother was more interesting. Maxwell is dry. In addition, I just couldn’t stand how he flexed his money and the control. Like he wouldn’t let her male friend buy her an ice cream….an ice cream! I love that he’s all I got you babe but boy oh boy an ice cream. Like what?!

Now, I love smut…but I love smut and a plot even more. At the time of me dnf’ing this. The only plot was Cecila being jealous and telling Summer that Maxwell will leave her when he’s ready for a real woman. Also, when she reported them to HR. Again this is fiction but Bruh their behavior, Maxwell’s behavior, in the workplace was cringy. He acted like a teenage boy who has never had a girlfriend in his life. It’s was just ughhhh. Also, their relationship read more like a sexual transaction to me. Even though it was more than that based off his actions in the book. But underlying theme of the book read like a sexual transaction. I got 83% into it and it was still like ok so when is something going to happen, wheres the plot, will Maxwell grow up? ANYTHING!

I wanted to read the next book in the series, because I loved David in this book…More than Maxwell and Summer, but if it’s written anything like this is. I don’t care to read it.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Idk what it is about this authors writing style, but I love it

[TinaNoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

My reaction to this book is 100% down the line indicative of my relationship with most of this author's books.

1. They start badly. By that I mean, I generally do not like the either or both the FMC or MMC characters at the beginning. They typically annoy me. This is usually because the author immediately puts them at cross purposes for, imo, dumb reasons. Or if the reason is valid, their actions tend to be ridiculous or immature or both. This is the case in this book where Max, the hero, first meets Summer, the heroine, and because he falls into insta-lust but doesn't want to, he acts with all the maturity of a 6 year old pulling a girl's pig-tails to get her attention.

2. But It gets better. Usually about the time they decide to stop acting dumb and whatever situation that has been set up to make them enemies has mercifully been ejected to allow them to become lovers. This is usually where the book picks up and this one was no different.

I will say Summer and Max's relationship when it hits this point still wasn't as great as I would have liked. It felt like it took forever to get to this point. This was a long book -- which I appreciate a lot. And I don't need them to get together right away. But slogging through 17 chapters of their juvenile stupidity was working on my last nerve. I was thisclose to DNF'ing because they made me tired. But like I said, I have a relationship with this author's books that make me glad I finished them. So I kept on, mostly skimming, tbh.

Also, It was mostly sex. And Max's insta lust fell over into cave man insta love and they fucked liked rabbits. They had no chill and it didn't matter where.

And even then, Max still worked my nerves. He was just ridiculous. Whenever any attractive man was in her vicinity he had to act like a jealous asshole. Even when it was a professional work event. I wish instead of so many sex scenes the story had taken time to resolve what felt like some trust issues when it came to him.

3. The side characters/family are excellent. In all the books I've read by this author the supporting characters and family are uniformly fantastic. They add so much to the book that half of my enjoyment comes from them. This one was top tier in that regard. I loved Max's relationship with his brother. I loved how the author developed their cousin Caleb over the course of the book. Max's integration into Summer' family was really fun to watch as was his interactions with her younger sister. And then there is Delaney.

Delaney is Summer's BFF who has a sub-plot that is obviously setting up for the next book.. I became incredibly invested in Delaney in the course of the story and of course I will read the next book because I am dying to see the fall out of what happened with her.

4. She sticks the landing. I always come away from the book liking the characters by the end. I become incredibly forgiving of the hateration I have for the start of the story.

So yeah as much as I disliked Summer and especially Max at the start of this book and flirted with DNF'ing, I decided to stick because I was fairly comfortable I knew the MO. If this had been the first book I'd read by this author I may not have.

I gave it three stars because the very strong second half more than made up for the dismal start. But I couldn't give it more because of the dismal start.

But yeah... I am off to read the next one because I need to know what happens with Delaney and David needs his own HEA.

[nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[La Vida Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the age difference with Summer being only 23 was just fine. I thought her character was well-written and mature for her 23 years so it worked. Max needed to reassess his life big time, but I think Summer was just what the doctor ordered. She's totally not his type, but yet, he can't resist the pull he feels towards her and the romance begins. It's sexy, sweet and basically just what I expect from an Evelyn Sola romance books. This woman can write!! Definitely recommend.

[Disgusted Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crazy how there was a 18yr age gap between the MMC & FMC yet the MMC was written as so immature. The age gap trope is pointless if hes gonna act the same age (if not worse) than her.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star Review Downfall by Evelyn Sola
Maxwell (Max) Sutton and Summer Madison have nothing in common but Max is attracted to his brother David’s new personal assistant. Coming off a bitter divorce, Max is determined to ignore the feelings that Summer brings out in him.
After a series of miss understandings and jumping to incorrect conclusions the barriers slowly come down. The heart wants who the heart wants and despite himself he eventually finds himself crossing the line with Summer.
The chemistry between them is palpable and it was entertaining to watch the push and pull dynamic as their relationship progressed.
This was a heartwarming, story that is fast paced, well written with characters who were engaging. It’s a story of learning to love and trusting that the one you open your heart to, will keep it safe.

[xoa.xo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning really wasn’t doing it for me, BUT I’m so glad I kept reading. I gave this book a fair chance and I liked it a lot!!

[Anilsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all know Evelyn Sola can write a good romance
But an agegap romance that is where she excells.
While the age difference between the H and h is substantial is written in a way that is just flows as opposed to leaving readers feeling irked.
You see how Max falls for Summer fast and almost instantly he is committed to making it work and you get a sense that he is ready to go all way and Summer while feels the same way her response is more age appropriate she is not fully there ready for the finish line.
I will always appreciate the realistic way Ms sola writes Bw in her books.
My only complaint is I kept waiting for D and D to meet and it never happened.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I enjoyed this book immensely. This was my first book from this author and I loved it. It was funny and entertaining, I can't wait for the next book. I laughed so much, I would recommend

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer Madison was having a hard time opening the cafe door because of the strong winds. Just another unpredictable spring day in Boston. Yesterday had been beautiful as she was helping her best friend Delaney make plans for her upcoming weather, but overnight the temperature dropped 20° with winds that just blew through you.

As she is rushing across the parking lot taking the last bite of her croissant she notices that there are more cars than normal in the Sutton Marketing parking lot. She must be later than she thought when she arrives on her floor to see everyone rushing into the conference room. She has worked as a personal assistant to one of the two owners and evidently, the absent brother decided to return after being away from the office for over a year.

I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This book is laugh-out-loud hilarious. Max and his brother David couldn't be any further apart in personality and their brotherly banter will keep you laughing.

This enemies-to-lovers interracial romance is full of action, steamy hot sexual encounters and had me laughing non-stop, especially with Max's internal conversations. Highly recommend!

[Rose B. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope. Nope. Nope.🫠 Maxwell is a walking red flag.

[Trishia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's very rare I read age gap books because some are either too creepy and others too unrealistic. While I don't think 23 year old are mature as portrayed by Summer's character (except in 1 or 2 instances), her character was well written. Max wanted Summer and made sure everyone knew that including her - love it.

The story flowed well and I liked the extra detail with the secondary characters. Hopefully, Delaney and David will end up together.

Evelyn Sola has proven many times to be an awesome author and I'll definitely read her again and again.

[Aneesah · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is what I'm talking about when I say I am fearful of trying new authors. This book was such and utter letdown. At about 45% when I realized it wasn't going to get better, I skim read until the end (I didn't want to DNF and have my ENTIRE Saturday wasted). Needless to say I won't be giving this writer another go. Sorry.

[sxnsativee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't expect this to be some 5 star book, just something to get me back into reading. But literally there's barely plot and they relationship is just them fucking all the time and then the big conflict at the end just to be brushed off with the pregnancy troupe. fav character was Delaney 😭

[Rossy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.499⭐

I am so torn, I enjoyed this, but at the same time.. damn it got repetitive and the brother cousin behaviour became a bit clown-ish.. maybe overall underlying humour didn't work for me here?

[kehindeslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book by Evelyn Sola and let me tell you, she did not disappoint.

This book was SO GOOD I honestly couldn’t stop reading it. Page after page, this book was so captivating and interesting.

David, Max’s brother is hilarious and made me chuckle at every moment, and throughout my time reading, I was hoping that he’s getting a book. Ironically, I check Evelyn’s TikTok as see that David is getting a book and she’s currently writing it🥹MY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED.

Max is the DEFINITION of BOY OBSESSED.
some examples? OF COURSE!

Summer: “If you don’t get away from me, I will claw your face like a rabid raccoon.”

Maxwell: “If that’s the only way you’ll touch me, go ahead.”

MANNN😩😩😩

As for Maxwell and Summer, I am OBSESSED with them.

The fact that Max was obsessed and with her the moment he met her, and worshipped the ground Summer walked on made me smile so much, ✨love a black women from infinity to infinity” ✨

and can we talk about the spice? THE SPICE? man I had to take a second and put my phone down because I was too damn busy smiling and laughing. The chemistry is off the charts, I felt through the pages, page after page. I felt like I was intruding Summer and Max so damn much, I had my hand covering my eyes😭.

Maxwell is an amazing partner, and I love the way he’s so affectionate and loving towards Summer. Every person deserves for their partner to worship the ground they walk on and for that, I couldn’t get enough of this book.

5 ⭐️. There’s no other expectable rating.

[Oshlii McTier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max and Summer!!!!!!!!

Ok, so the tension in this book had me clutching my pearls from the BEGINNING! As someone in an interracial marriage, I expected there to be some sort of "learning curve" when it came to both main characters experiencing this for the first time...what I DIDN'T expect is for the initial cause of contention to be perceived racism! Now, don't get me wrong, I had a few raised eyebrows with certain comments and gestures he made, and her initial reactions were completely valid. However, when his true feelings for her were revealed and his actions explained, THE SWOON entered the chat!!!!!!!

Maxwell Sutton has to be one of the most genuine MMC's I've ever read about! The phrase "he falls first" was displayed so eloquently throughout this book that I couldn't stop listening and finished in one day! Evelyn Sola did an amazing job with each auxiliary character as well. Anxiously awaiting the next audiobook to explore his brother David's journey into the forbidden fruit that is black women 😉🫠...

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max is back to work after taking a break. After a high profile divorce you need to chill out on the family yacht for a while. His is in for a big surprise when he meets the new assistant. He is literally smitten with her the second he sees her. Summer is just trying to do her job the best she can. When one of her bosses comes back to work her first impression of him isn’t good. He is a pompous jerk right from the start. Max goes after Summer strong and she’s not having it. But as he wears her down she understands him better. The beginning of this book really dragged for me. But once we got into the meat of the story I really Enjoyed it. I truly enjoyed all the characters and I’m really hoping we get more books on this group! I would Definitely like to see what happens next with several of these characters.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Maxwell and Summer’s story, Maxwell has taken some time off work to regroup after a divorce, and when he returns, he meets Summer who has been hired by his brother as his personal assistant. There is an instant attraction when Summer and Max cross paths, and no matter how much he tries to avoid her, the chemistry between them is palpable. This is a well written story which is fast paced, and with engaging characters, romance, family, friendships, and love, which leads to a heartwarming and entertaining page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Janice Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Downfall

Sullen and aloof Maxwell Sullen Sutton made the worst first impression in forever but he still ended up up the girl of hid dreams which he never knew he wanted. Sunny Summer was offended when her new boss snubbed her only to find out he didn't hate her like she thought and she didn't hate him either it was quite the opposite. She is not his usually type but this goes to show the heart wants what the heart wants. Neither of them has date outside their race before but they fell fast and hard for each other . I love the dynamics between Max and David. Are we gonna get David and Delaney's story. I can not wait. I love this book. I love all you stories. Love the banter love the whole thing.