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A un Passo dal Cadere
An up-and-coming MMA fighter trying to take on the world. An innocent teacher trying to make the world a better place.
He never expected her to become his best friend. But she fought her way into his life, one tongue-lashing at a time. Until one night, one mistake tore them apart.
Losing her… that gutted him. But now, as one of the top fighters in the world, he’s back and determined to battle for his girl.
But, from the sidelines, someone watches. Someone who’ll do just about anything to keep them apart.
Their second chance might be over before it even begins…
He never expected her to become his best friend. But she fought her way into his life, one tongue-lashing at a time. Until one night, one mistake tore them apart.
Losing her… that gutted him. But now, as one of the top fighters in the world, he’s back and determined to battle for his girl.
But, from the sidelines, someone watches. Someone who’ll do just about anything to keep them apart.
Their second chance might be over before it even begins…
Paperback
First published October 24, 2018
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About the author
Catherine Cowles
48 books27.3k followersWriter of words. Drinker of Diet Cokes. Lover of all things cute and furry, especially her dog. Catherine has had her nose in a book since the time she could read and finally decided to write down some of her own stories. When she's not writing she can be found exploring her home state of Oregon, listening to true crime podcasts, or searching for her next book boyfriend.
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October 8, 2018
Further To Fall is the debut book by Catherine Cowles. Let me tell you that Catherine is making her entry into the world of books with a huge bang. I loved this book. It has everything that for me, makes a book unputdownable. Especially the second half.
Carter McCarthy was a small town Georgia girl, fresh out of college with her elementary education degree, ready to make a difference in the world. She took a job in a low income area of Los Angeles as a fourth grade teacher. On her first day of training, she meets who will become her best friend, Taylor. Also, her childhood best friend, Liam Fairchild, who is now a famous music star, lives in Los Angeles so she’s excited to be able to spend time with him. It’s on the night that she and Taylor are going to meet up with Liam that she first meets him, Austin. Except that their first meeting didn’t go very well.
Austin Lyons is an up and coming MMA fighter. He has been working his way through the ranks and is ready to break out in the higher ranked fights. All of his focus is on his training. Austin has been hurt, badly, and still carries the scars on his heart. He handled his meeting with his friend, Liam’s childhood friend badly to say the least. He can’t seem to say the right thing when he’s around her. But eventually, he gets the apology right and Austin and Carter become close friends.
Carter is so taken with Austin. But she doesn’t sense that he feels the same way about her. Month after month they spend all of their time together but their relationship doesn’t progress further than best buds.
“Carter had snuck through my defenses with her disarming innocence, and now I knew she was too close.”
Something happens which forces Carter and Austin to face the reality of their feelings. Carter is ready to own them but Austin is not. He has convinced himself that his career is all that is important, that he’s not ready for anything that involves his heart.
In time and through many mistakes, Austin will eventually realize that Carter was all that mattered all along. He just wasn’t ready to let her in. Will she give him a second chance? At the same time, there is someone else that wants to keep Carter and Austin apart. And this person will go to any lengths to make sure that happens.
So, as I said above, I loved this book. Carter was so refreshing. I loved her playful innocence. But this is no helpless woman. She has the will of a lioness. I will admit I had a love/hate relationship with Austin. He messed up so many times. He was sexy and all alpha but there were times I wanted to give him a kick in the booty and tell him to smarten up!
Then there were the secondary characters. Taylor was the perfect friend to Carter. And Austin’s two best buddies, Liam and Ford were equally fantastic. I see future possibilities of stories with any of these characters!
This book was amazing all the way through but especially the second half. I couldn’t put it down or stop thinking about it. I am so thrilled to have had the chance to read this and highly recommend it. I hope you will love it as much as I have.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
Carter McCarthy was a small town Georgia girl, fresh out of college with her elementary education degree, ready to make a difference in the world. She took a job in a low income area of Los Angeles as a fourth grade teacher. On her first day of training, she meets who will become her best friend, Taylor. Also, her childhood best friend, Liam Fairchild, who is now a famous music star, lives in Los Angeles so she’s excited to be able to spend time with him. It’s on the night that she and Taylor are going to meet up with Liam that she first meets him, Austin. Except that their first meeting didn’t go very well.
Austin Lyons is an up and coming MMA fighter. He has been working his way through the ranks and is ready to break out in the higher ranked fights. All of his focus is on his training. Austin has been hurt, badly, and still carries the scars on his heart. He handled his meeting with his friend, Liam’s childhood friend badly to say the least. He can’t seem to say the right thing when he’s around her. But eventually, he gets the apology right and Austin and Carter become close friends.
Carter is so taken with Austin. But she doesn’t sense that he feels the same way about her. Month after month they spend all of their time together but their relationship doesn’t progress further than best buds.
“Carter had snuck through my defenses with her disarming innocence, and now I knew she was too close.”
Something happens which forces Carter and Austin to face the reality of their feelings. Carter is ready to own them but Austin is not. He has convinced himself that his career is all that is important, that he’s not ready for anything that involves his heart.
In time and through many mistakes, Austin will eventually realize that Carter was all that mattered all along. He just wasn’t ready to let her in. Will she give him a second chance? At the same time, there is someone else that wants to keep Carter and Austin apart. And this person will go to any lengths to make sure that happens.
So, as I said above, I loved this book. Carter was so refreshing. I loved her playful innocence. But this is no helpless woman. She has the will of a lioness. I will admit I had a love/hate relationship with Austin. He messed up so many times. He was sexy and all alpha but there were times I wanted to give him a kick in the booty and tell him to smarten up!
Then there were the secondary characters. Taylor was the perfect friend to Carter. And Austin’s two best buddies, Liam and Ford were equally fantastic. I see future possibilities of stories with any of these characters!
This book was amazing all the way through but especially the second half. I couldn’t put it down or stop thinking about it. I am so thrilled to have had the chance to read this and highly recommend it. I hope you will love it as much as I have.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
October 24, 2018
➳When an MMA fighter meets his biggest rival of a warm-hearted school teacher, sparks fly, and the chemistry between both individuals takes a stake claim in one's heart...
➳When Catherine Cowles contacted me to read her novel, I was not expecting to fall head-over-heels in love with Carter and Austin and their true passion that they have towards each other. There is no denying that both have become one of my favorites this year. As a first point of view, when you first meet them, Austin is not the ideal individual whom Carter would go for because of his attitude. His past has made him rugged and into this wall-held-up individual that does not want anything to do with relationships, but to just focus on his career and what he is striving for in life. He does not see that Carter's presence is one that would affect his everyday mind, making him crave her attitude, her spark, and most of all her true self of being a strong young woman.
➳After being put in a situation that Austin wants nothing to do with, but also does not want Carter to be in any sort of danger, Austin teaches her some moves to protect herself in case something does happen to her and if she is in any sort of danger. To the eye of the reader their evolved, first turned into friendship relationship is something that Austin does not expect to learn to admire and crave, and in which Carter does not expect to need in her life and to slowly learn to love Austin in more than a friends type of way. Her care for him is also something that throughout time she starts to realize may break her heart. To Austin's eye there is only pure admiration and protectiveness;
➳Obstacles are thrown through every page, stalkers are involved, enemies are brought into place, but no matter what Austin does not give up in fighting for Carter's true passion and love. Overall this is a second chance and a friends-to-lovers romance that you do not want to miss out on. There is no denying that Catherine has done a marvelous job in acquiring that interest from the reader to the page and story plot, one thing that is something that I very rarely encounter upon. Make sure to grab your copy now because this is one book you do not want to miss out on!
➳ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review...
➳Follow Me On:
Blog ♕ Instagram ♕ Facebook ♕ Twitter
➳When Catherine Cowles contacted me to read her novel, I was not expecting to fall head-over-heels in love with Carter and Austin and their true passion that they have towards each other. There is no denying that both have become one of my favorites this year. As a first point of view, when you first meet them, Austin is not the ideal individual whom Carter would go for because of his attitude. His past has made him rugged and into this wall-held-up individual that does not want anything to do with relationships, but to just focus on his career and what he is striving for in life. He does not see that Carter's presence is one that would affect his everyday mind, making him crave her attitude, her spark, and most of all her true self of being a strong young woman.
➳After being put in a situation that Austin wants nothing to do with, but also does not want Carter to be in any sort of danger, Austin teaches her some moves to protect herself in case something does happen to her and if she is in any sort of danger. To the eye of the reader their evolved, first turned into friendship relationship is something that Austin does not expect to learn to admire and crave, and in which Carter does not expect to need in her life and to slowly learn to love Austin in more than a friends type of way. Her care for him is also something that throughout time she starts to realize may break her heart. To Austin's eye there is only pure admiration and protectiveness;
"This was why I didn't want Carter coming to my flights. I knew something like this would happen. She was too innocent, too pure, and it radiated off her for everyone to see. She was an easy mark, and an important one if people knew how much she meant to me..."
➳Obstacles are thrown through every page, stalkers are involved, enemies are brought into place, but no matter what Austin does not give up in fighting for Carter's true passion and love. Overall this is a second chance and a friends-to-lovers romance that you do not want to miss out on. There is no denying that Catherine has done a marvelous job in acquiring that interest from the reader to the page and story plot, one thing that is something that I very rarely encounter upon. Make sure to grab your copy now because this is one book you do not want to miss out on!
➳ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review...
➳Follow Me On:
Blog ♕ Instagram ♕ Facebook ♕ Twitter
May 13, 2023
DNF 44%..
SELF-RESPECT IS CALLED TO STAND..
Usually, I enjoy Catherine Cowles’ writing. But you win some, you lose some. Unfortunately, this one was a big flop for me. I’m so glad that the author’s writing and character traits and agissements improved in her recent releases. Now, let me rant.😗
After reading 'Beautifully Broken Pieces' I was intrigued in all "the MMA fighter marrying the sweet teacher."
For the first 30% of the book everything was pretty darn good and then he knew she had feelings for him ‘cause they’d been inseparable from the moment they met and it lasted a full year. The important point is that we witnessed all the development of their friendship. He chickened out because apparently he had some commitments issues after what happened with his ex. And what our big boy did ?
✨He missed around with the heroine’s roommate knowing she HATED her and was a couple of times upfront mean to her in front of him..✨
You think this is bad and ugly? Huh, there’s more..
They didn’t talk for a year. She was depressed and lonely with a broken heart and the hero was partying and having fun and screwing with half L.A. female population. The moment he knew she moved on and was dating, *pouf* big boy wanted her to give him a second chance and that was my FREAKING CUE because she took him back without a blink.🙃
SELF-RESPECT IS CALLED TO STAND..
Usually, I enjoy Catherine Cowles’ writing. But you win some, you lose some. Unfortunately, this one was a big flop for me. I’m so glad that the author’s writing and character traits and agissements improved in her recent releases. Now, let me rant.😗
After reading 'Beautifully Broken Pieces' I was intrigued in all "the MMA fighter marrying the sweet teacher."
For the first 30% of the book everything was pretty darn good and then he knew she had feelings for him ‘cause they’d been inseparable from the moment they met and it lasted a full year. The important point is that we witnessed all the development of their friendship. He chickened out because apparently he had some commitments issues after what happened with his ex. And what our big boy did ?
✨He missed around with the heroine’s roommate knowing she HATED her and was a couple of times upfront mean to her in front of him..✨
You think this is bad and ugly? Huh, there’s more..
They didn’t talk for a year. She was depressed and lonely with a broken heart and the hero was partying and having fun and screwing with half L.A. female population. The moment he knew she moved on and was dating, *pouf* big boy wanted her to give him a second chance and that was my FREAKING CUE because she took him back without a blink.🙃
Want to read
October 24, 2018LIVE! | AMZ US | B&N | KOBO | iBOOKS |
CHECK THIS OUT!
Stand-alone.
LIVE! | AMZ US | B&N | KOBO | iBOOKS |
Blurb:
An up-and-coming MMA fighter trying to take on the world. An innocent teacher trying to make the world a better place.
He never expected her to become his best friend. But she fought her way into his life, one tongue-lashing at a time. Until one night, one mistake tore them apart.
Losing her… that gutted him. But now, as one of the top fighters in the world, he’s back and determined to battle for his girl.
But, from the sidelines, someone watches. Someone who’ll do just about anything to keep them apart.
Their second chance might be over before it even begins…
CHECK THIS OUT!
Stand-alone.
LIVE! | AMZ US | B&N | KOBO | iBOOKS |
Blurb:
An up-and-coming MMA fighter trying to take on the world. An innocent teacher trying to make the world a better place.
He never expected her to become his best friend. But she fought her way into his life, one tongue-lashing at a time. Until one night, one mistake tore them apart.
Losing her… that gutted him. But now, as one of the top fighters in the world, he’s back and determined to battle for his girl.
But, from the sidelines, someone watches. Someone who’ll do just about anything to keep them apart.
Their second chance might be over before it even begins…
May 12, 2020
Unlike some other readers I actually prefer to read about virgin heroines rather than too sexually experienced ones. Saying that I also hate it when authors make virgin heroine’s to be weak martyrs who are basically doormats. It bothers me a lot now that author’s like this write about so called “Hero’s” that can’t keep it in their pants and even sleep with the heroine’s nemesis during separation whilst the heroine stayed pure even whilst going out with another man. I want my heroine’s more innocent sure but not stupid and pathetic. How can she just forgive him for sleeping around and sleeping with her enemy? Books like this if she had slept with someone else it would have made more sense but no she had to stay pure and deal with all his groupies in her face all while being all forgiving and soft. He did not redeem himself, he was a wimp and yes I call him a cheater because he had feelings for heroine but still slept around. He was also a nasty jerk for sleeping with the ow knowing the heroine disliked her. Who knows when he gets scared in the future if he wouldn’t do it again and pathetic heroine will stay upset for two seconds and then just forgive him!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2019
2 STARS
Ugh.
I really wanted to like this but unfortunately I didn’t.
This had best friends to lovers trope, unrequited love (I LOVE this trope), and the H is an MMA fighter.
The pacing was too fast and there were so many time jumps that it left me confused and the book ended up with a lot of telling and no showing.
Like, I didn’t even know the h and H have known each other for a year when the last time jump stated it was only “2 months”.
Gotta admit, the first quartrer of this book was a solid 4 stars for me cuz the h and H were actually cute together but then the separation happened.
And can we talk bout how the h forgave the H so easily???
I HATE THAT.
Like, after one half-ass apology and telling them u fucked up and wanted to be more than friends after A YEAR of not talking to each other, the h is suddenly friendly and smiling at him when H broke her heart and said some pretty shitty things to her.
Tbh, what he did was unforgivable ESPECIALLY when he fucked her roommate who treated her like shit and was basically the main reason for their separation.
She said she needed time and space but she forgave him so EASILY.
omfg that made me so annoyed and frustrated.
She should’ve made him work harder!
I wanted to see a good grovel but we never had that here and that disappointed me so much.
The H fucked up when pushing away from the h when she said ily to him in her sleep and next day, h catches him with OW/h roommate on her knees unzipping her pants??
We didn’t even get a clear explanation as to why that happened?
H said that the OW “cornered him” but then other characters kinda implied that H did it on purpose and H felt ashamed.
AND can we talk about how he slept with so many OW for almost the whole time when they were separated for a year??
I do not like when heroes do this because it completely makes him an asshole in my eyes and there’s no redeeming that.
It undermines his “love” for h when he keeps “fucking nameless women”.
And apparently, when they were friends he was sleeping with OW during that time too but he said in his inner monologue that he wasn’t cuz he was concentrating for his fight but that lasted only a couple of months.
They’ve known each other for a year... so did he??
It was never really explained but the h thought he did so im so confused.
Honestly, even if he was sleeping with OW when they were bffs and hangin out all the time, he was never redeemed in my eyes.
Same goes with the h.
She forgave him too easily which means we didn’t get the grovel she deserved and us readers needed.
And chemistry? I really didn’t feel it.
I didn’t feel the “love” that the H supposedly feels, unfortunately, cuz of the OW situation and not being celibate AT ALL during separation and when they were falling for each other.
Dnt care if he was falling in love with her and he didn’t know.
Dsnt excuse his man ho ways cuz he probs thinks h is not good enough if he slept with OW, imo.
It makes me uncomfortable and I just dont like my H like that.
I mean I really don’t mind OW drama sometimes but the H being a dumbass and having tons of meaningless sex? Ya... that’s not my cuppa.
I mean actions speak louder than words right? If he took that long to get his head outta his ass, that means he’s a dumbass.
Ya...
I don’t like my heroes to be a dumbass who thinks with their dick and tries to blame the other person for their mistakes... for a year.
Honestly, if I were the h, I would think I deserve better than this asshole.
Only characters I loved here were the MCs friends Liam, Taylor, and Ford.
I honestly love them especially Liam! That scene when he walks in on them going on second base? Fave part.
Ugh.
I really wanted to like this but unfortunately I didn’t.
This had best friends to lovers trope, unrequited love (I LOVE this trope), and the H is an MMA fighter.
The pacing was too fast and there were so many time jumps that it left me confused and the book ended up with a lot of telling and no showing.
Like, I didn’t even know the h and H have known each other for a year when the last time jump stated it was only “2 months”.
Gotta admit, the first quartrer of this book was a solid 4 stars for me cuz the h and H were actually cute together but then the separation happened.
And can we talk bout how the h forgave the H so easily???
I HATE THAT.
Like, after one half-ass apology and telling them u fucked up and wanted to be more than friends after A YEAR of not talking to each other, the h is suddenly friendly and smiling at him when H broke her heart and said some pretty shitty things to her.
Tbh, what he did was unforgivable ESPECIALLY when he fucked her roommate who treated her like shit and was basically the main reason for their separation.
She said she needed time and space but she forgave him so EASILY.
omfg that made me so annoyed and frustrated.
She should’ve made him work harder!
I wanted to see a good grovel but we never had that here and that disappointed me so much.
The H fucked up when pushing away from the h when she said ily to him in her sleep and next day, h catches him with OW/h roommate on her knees unzipping her pants??
We didn’t even get a clear explanation as to why that happened?
H said that the OW “cornered him” but then other characters kinda implied that H did it on purpose and H felt ashamed.
AND can we talk about how he slept with so many OW for almost the whole time when they were separated for a year??
I do not like when heroes do this because it completely makes him an asshole in my eyes and there’s no redeeming that.
It undermines his “love” for h when he keeps “fucking nameless women”.
And apparently, when they were friends he was sleeping with OW during that time too but he said in his inner monologue that he wasn’t cuz he was concentrating for his fight but that lasted only a couple of months.
They’ve known each other for a year... so did he??
It was never really explained but the h thought he did so im so confused.
Honestly, even if he was sleeping with OW when they were bffs and hangin out all the time, he was never redeemed in my eyes.
Same goes with the h.
She forgave him too easily which means we didn’t get the grovel she deserved and us readers needed.
And chemistry? I really didn’t feel it.
I didn’t feel the “love” that the H supposedly feels, unfortunately, cuz of the OW situation and not being celibate AT ALL during separation and when they were falling for each other.
Dnt care if he was falling in love with her and he didn’t know.
Dsnt excuse his man ho ways cuz he probs thinks h is not good enough if he slept with OW, imo.
It makes me uncomfortable and I just dont like my H like that.
I mean I really don’t mind OW drama sometimes but the H being a dumbass and having tons of meaningless sex? Ya... that’s not my cuppa.
I mean actions speak louder than words right? If he took that long to get his head outta his ass, that means he’s a dumbass.
Ya...
I don’t like my heroes to be a dumbass who thinks with their dick and tries to blame the other person for their mistakes... for a year.
Honestly, if I were the h, I would think I deserve better than this asshole.
Only characters I loved here were the MCs friends Liam, Taylor, and Ford.
I honestly love them especially Liam! That scene when he walks in on them going on second base? Fave part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2022
This was a mix of two of my least favorite tropes.
That’s what I get when I go in blind. 🤷🏼♀️
So, I’m gonna preface this review with the fact that I found this very entertaining over all, despite the Friends-to-lovers and Second Chance tropes. The writing is very impressive for a debut novel. I would not have guessed it’s a first try.
What I loved:
- the h, Carter, is 22 and just super sweet and naive and a total sunshine character. She works as a teacher for underserved children.
- the H, Austin, (early 20s???) he’s an up-and-coming MMA fighter - he’s grumpy and rude at first, due to his last relationship, but he turns into a true possessive/protective hero - he’s very resistant to being in a relationship
- I loved all the drama - the OW drama, the OM drama, the relationship drama, the fighting drama… it’s a drama whore’s dream. 🤷🏼♀️
- so many damsel in distress moments. Between dangerous abusive parents of her students and her stalker, we get loads of great scenes where the the H can swoop in and come to her rescue or comfort the h 😍😍😍
- they have a great group of friends. I really liked the secondary characters
- I loved how fiercely protective the H was
- so much angst. I legit sobbed at one point.
- the last 30% of the book the H becomes the perfect protective boyfriend and the angst is over. It’s just them, together and devoted, against the outside drama. 🥺
- they consciously agree to forgo condoms
- he calls her “baby” ❤️
- very sweet emotional HEA and epilogue
Sounds good right? It really was. But you know I’m a weirdo and there were some details and nuance that just didn’t work for me. Of course. 😅
⚠️MAJOR SPOILERS BELOW⚠️
- the h lives with a vindictive jealous bitch, Lexi. The H sees that she’s a shitty person and warns the h to be careful around her because she does not wish the h well. Well, as soon as he starts getting a little nervous about his feelings for the h, who do you think he runs to? You guessed it. The h catches him in a room with her nasty roommate about to get a bj. Now mind you, they are still “just friends” at this point, but they both know it’s way more… so h runs out devastated. And the H knows he effed up and spends the night calling her over and over and getting drunk. The next day the h tells him she needs space and he responds in a terribly cruel way. They don’t speak to each other or see each other FOR A YEAR. The h is completely crushed. She mopes around for the year and just barely starts dating toward the end of the separation. Meanwhile, the H is manwhoring it up with groupies as a now-successful famous fighter. The H eventually pulls his head out of his ass and reaches out to the h and starts working on trying to win her back… but he’s got a secret. That Lexi chic? You’d think he would have shunned her after the mess his association with her caused before. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. 😐 Eventually, a bombshell is dropped. Austin slept with the snake Lexi during the separation. Even though he knew how awful she’d been to the h and how devastated the h had been, he still went there. He couldn’t just stick with faceless groupies. And frankly? I could forgive him the groupies, and even the first Lexi scene where he’s about to get a bj, since they weren’t together and he was going off the rails, but I never could forgive him for going back and sleeping with Lexi. Why? Why do that??? Why double down on that? It felt intentionally vindictively hurtful. And I hold a grudge. 🤷🏼♀️
So that’s the big unforgivable thing.
Here’s the rest of the stuff that bugged me:
- the H only pulls his head out of his ass after an intervention by his friends and him deciding he was tired of the manwhore lifestyle. And he hears that Lexi has started dating. He never tries to talk to her or see her before this. The way it was portrayed, he was just fine whoring his way through LA. This really bothered me. Then all of the sudden he’s like, “I’m gonna go get my girl” 👀🙄 Great. Lucky her. Now that you’re a walking STD, go after “your girl”, but maybe get a shot of penicillin before you get on your way?? 😒 There was no character development that would make me think he deserved sweet Carter at this point.
- Carter is way too much of a pushover. (And I like pushovers) She does not hold him truly accountable. He apologizes for all the wrong things, but he doesn’t seem to GET IT. It’s like he apologizes for upsetting the h, but not for what he actually did. Since he never demonstrated a true understanding of what he did wrong, I never really believed that he wouldn’t do something like that again.
- the reason I didn’t believe that is because Austin kept demanding she trust him, but he never gave her a reason to. He kept the fact that he slept with Lexi a secret and the fact that he now works with her. He lets groupies hang on him, saying that he didn’t realize it would bother Carter, and that he’s never had to worry about someone else’s feelings before… which is total nonsense. He was in a very serious relationship before he met The h. So that excuse was super dumb. But Carter never calls him on it. She just folds and forgives and agrees that she has to trust him. 😒
- Austin blames Carter, in his head, for not being “strong enough” to deal with his famous fighter lifestyle. Maybe she’s too sweet to put up with the groupies and gossip. 👀 😒 I wanted to club him when his brain went there. He is 100% responsible for any doubt Carter feels, but he NEVER owns that completely. He is forever blaming someone/something else. He is taken and needs to make that clear to everyone.
- Austin never truly dealt with the Lexi problem. She was harassing Carter with explicit texts about Austin and taunting her when she’d see her out. And Austin does absolutely nothing. He even works with her. And he never corrects that. He never puts the h FIRST.
- when the h finds out he slept with Lexi while they were apart, she asks for space. And he gives it to her. He doesn’t grovel. He doesn’t make a grand gesture. He doesn’t set things to right so that Lexi is out of their lives. He just lets her shut him out for a week. More proof that he doesn’t get it. The only reason that separation is cut short is because of stalker drama, and he comes running. And Carter just forgives him and moves on. 😐
- now the sex. 👀 Or lack thereof. Look, I realize he was trying to be respectful and give her a chance to be ready, since she’s a virgin. But this book was sorely missing all the lead up stuff. Where’s the sexual tension? Where’s the making out? Where’s the kissing? Where’s the dry humping scenes? He finger bangs her once right before they have actual sex, but that’s at 70%. We’ve read nearly the entire book without any sexually-charged touching and almost no kissing to speak of. They are with each other all the time and are in relationship but they hardly touch. It’s not normal. He treats her like a little sister for most of the book. And she has these weird random bursts of sexual aggression out of nowhere… then goes back to being a prude. And the sex we do finally get is lackluster, at best. They had the least chemistry during the sex scenes. 😬😬
Bottom Line? I know it seems like I hated it, but I didn’t. 😅 I was riveted. But I never fully forgave the H because I didn’t feel like he owned his shit, and I also felt like the h didn’t truly hold him accountable either. Carter deserved a real grovel. And Austin needed to be more aggressive in proving that he understood what the issue was (him) and fixing it so that she never felt that insecurity again. So, I was side eyeing that very sweet HEA. I AM likely to try another book by this author, though. The angst and drama were real good. 👌🏻👌🏻 This was a pretty great debut novel, overall. 🤷🏼♀️ 3.5 stars
⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- cheating - depends on your definition 🤷🏼♀️ - they do not have sex with other people once they are in an official committed relationship - the H does likely have sex with OP during the period of time where they were only BFFs, even though they both had feelings for each other
- no sharing
- loads of OW drama - the h catches the H about to get a bj (while they are just friends) and the h has to watch groupies hang on the H
- OM drama - the h dates a coworker
- no dubcon
- the h is a virgin and is celibate during a year separation, she is only with the H
- the H is a manwhore - he whores around during their separation - but this is before they have been intimate or in an official romantic relationship but after they have developed feelings
- no condoms - he says he’s been tested and is clean and she’s on birth control. - he does NOT say if he normally uses condoms with his random skanks.
That’s what I get when I go in blind. 🤷🏼♀️
So, I’m gonna preface this review with the fact that I found this very entertaining over all, despite the Friends-to-lovers and Second Chance tropes. The writing is very impressive for a debut novel. I would not have guessed it’s a first try.
What I loved:
- the h, Carter, is 22 and just super sweet and naive and a total sunshine character. She works as a teacher for underserved children.
- the H, Austin, (early 20s???) he’s an up-and-coming MMA fighter - he’s grumpy and rude at first, due to his last relationship, but he turns into a true possessive/protective hero - he’s very resistant to being in a relationship
- I loved all the drama - the OW drama, the OM drama, the relationship drama, the fighting drama… it’s a drama whore’s dream. 🤷🏼♀️
- so many damsel in distress moments. Between dangerous abusive parents of her students and her stalker, we get loads of great scenes where the the H can swoop in and come to her rescue or comfort the h 😍😍😍
- they have a great group of friends. I really liked the secondary characters
- I loved how fiercely protective the H was
- so much angst. I legit sobbed at one point.
- the last 30% of the book the H becomes the perfect protective boyfriend and the angst is over. It’s just them, together and devoted, against the outside drama. 🥺
- they consciously agree to forgo condoms
- he calls her “baby” ❤️
- very sweet emotional HEA and epilogue
Sounds good right? It really was. But you know I’m a weirdo and there were some details and nuance that just didn’t work for me. Of course. 😅
⚠️MAJOR SPOILERS BELOW⚠️
- the h lives with a vindictive jealous bitch, Lexi. The H sees that she’s a shitty person and warns the h to be careful around her because she does not wish the h well. Well, as soon as he starts getting a little nervous about his feelings for the h, who do you think he runs to? You guessed it. The h catches him in a room with her nasty roommate about to get a bj. Now mind you, they are still “just friends” at this point, but they both know it’s way more… so h runs out devastated. And the H knows he effed up and spends the night calling her over and over and getting drunk. The next day the h tells him she needs space and he responds in a terribly cruel way. They don’t speak to each other or see each other FOR A YEAR. The h is completely crushed. She mopes around for the year and just barely starts dating toward the end of the separation. Meanwhile, the H is manwhoring it up with groupies as a now-successful famous fighter. The H eventually pulls his head out of his ass and reaches out to the h and starts working on trying to win her back… but he’s got a secret. That Lexi chic? You’d think he would have shunned her after the mess his association with her caused before. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. 😐 Eventually, a bombshell is dropped. Austin slept with the snake Lexi during the separation. Even though he knew how awful she’d been to the h and how devastated the h had been, he still went there. He couldn’t just stick with faceless groupies. And frankly? I could forgive him the groupies, and even the first Lexi scene where he’s about to get a bj, since they weren’t together and he was going off the rails, but I never could forgive him for going back and sleeping with Lexi. Why? Why do that??? Why double down on that? It felt intentionally vindictively hurtful. And I hold a grudge. 🤷🏼♀️
So that’s the big unforgivable thing.
Here’s the rest of the stuff that bugged me:
- the H only pulls his head out of his ass after an intervention by his friends and him deciding he was tired of the manwhore lifestyle. And he hears that Lexi has started dating. He never tries to talk to her or see her before this. The way it was portrayed, he was just fine whoring his way through LA. This really bothered me. Then all of the sudden he’s like, “I’m gonna go get my girl” 👀🙄 Great. Lucky her. Now that you’re a walking STD, go after “your girl”, but maybe get a shot of penicillin before you get on your way?? 😒 There was no character development that would make me think he deserved sweet Carter at this point.
- Carter is way too much of a pushover. (And I like pushovers) She does not hold him truly accountable. He apologizes for all the wrong things, but he doesn’t seem to GET IT. It’s like he apologizes for upsetting the h, but not for what he actually did. Since he never demonstrated a true understanding of what he did wrong, I never really believed that he wouldn’t do something like that again.
- the reason I didn’t believe that is because Austin kept demanding she trust him, but he never gave her a reason to. He kept the fact that he slept with Lexi a secret and the fact that he now works with her. He lets groupies hang on him, saying that he didn’t realize it would bother Carter, and that he’s never had to worry about someone else’s feelings before… which is total nonsense. He was in a very serious relationship before he met The h. So that excuse was super dumb. But Carter never calls him on it. She just folds and forgives and agrees that she has to trust him. 😒
- Austin blames Carter, in his head, for not being “strong enough” to deal with his famous fighter lifestyle. Maybe she’s too sweet to put up with the groupies and gossip. 👀 😒 I wanted to club him when his brain went there. He is 100% responsible for any doubt Carter feels, but he NEVER owns that completely. He is forever blaming someone/something else. He is taken and needs to make that clear to everyone.
- Austin never truly dealt with the Lexi problem. She was harassing Carter with explicit texts about Austin and taunting her when she’d see her out. And Austin does absolutely nothing. He even works with her. And he never corrects that. He never puts the h FIRST.
- when the h finds out he slept with Lexi while they were apart, she asks for space. And he gives it to her. He doesn’t grovel. He doesn’t make a grand gesture. He doesn’t set things to right so that Lexi is out of their lives. He just lets her shut him out for a week. More proof that he doesn’t get it. The only reason that separation is cut short is because of stalker drama, and he comes running. And Carter just forgives him and moves on. 😐
- now the sex. 👀 Or lack thereof. Look, I realize he was trying to be respectful and give her a chance to be ready, since she’s a virgin. But this book was sorely missing all the lead up stuff. Where’s the sexual tension? Where’s the making out? Where’s the kissing? Where’s the dry humping scenes? He finger bangs her once right before they have actual sex, but that’s at 70%. We’ve read nearly the entire book without any sexually-charged touching and almost no kissing to speak of. They are with each other all the time and are in relationship but they hardly touch. It’s not normal. He treats her like a little sister for most of the book. And she has these weird random bursts of sexual aggression out of nowhere… then goes back to being a prude. And the sex we do finally get is lackluster, at best. They had the least chemistry during the sex scenes. 😬😬
Bottom Line? I know it seems like I hated it, but I didn’t. 😅 I was riveted. But I never fully forgave the H because I didn’t feel like he owned his shit, and I also felt like the h didn’t truly hold him accountable either. Carter deserved a real grovel. And Austin needed to be more aggressive in proving that he understood what the issue was (him) and fixing it so that she never felt that insecurity again. So, I was side eyeing that very sweet HEA. I AM likely to try another book by this author, though. The angst and drama were real good. 👌🏻👌🏻 This was a pretty great debut novel, overall. 🤷🏼♀️ 3.5 stars
⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- cheating - depends on your definition 🤷🏼♀️ - they do not have sex with other people once they are in an official committed relationship - the H does likely have sex with OP during the period of time where they were only BFFs, even though they both had feelings for each other
- no sharing
- loads of OW drama - the h catches the H about to get a bj (while they are just friends) and the h has to watch groupies hang on the H
- OM drama - the h dates a coworker
- no dubcon
- the h is a virgin and is celibate during a year separation, she is only with the H
- the H is a manwhore - he whores around during their separation - but this is before they have been intimate or in an official romantic relationship but after they have developed feelings
- no condoms - he says he’s been tested and is clean and she’s on birth control. - he does NOT say if he normally uses condoms with his random skanks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2023
You guys know how obsessed I am with Cathrine Cowles, so once I finished all of her series, I had to go back to my last book by her, which is her first. Keeping that in mind, this definitely read like an author's first book and Catherine has really developed her voice and brand since then. This is so different from what she usually writes and the pacing wasn't as perfected as it is now. The heroine got jealous A LOT and it got kind of annoying by the end since he's an MMA fighter and will always have girls interested in him. He also did something that I don't think would have been forgivable, and there were a few other things that needed fleshed out just a bit more. I would also have loved to see so much more of the side characters since she had a famous best friend who kind of disappeared after the hero and heroine met and started hanging out. I'm glad I read this to see where Catherine started, but it's not a new favorite of mine.
October 29, 2019
Manwhore hero.
Virgin heroine. Doormat heroine.
Hero messes with the heroine's roommate. This was the cause of their drift (walked in on him about to get bj from roommate). During this separation hero sleeps with multiple women while the heroine can't even have a good date. She doesn't sleep with anyone so she stays a virgin. Guess who she gives her virginity to??? The man that slept with a lot of women during their separation without much thought of her.
It was when the sleeping around got old that the hero decided he missed the heroine. Of course the heroine was so quick to forgive.
On to the next book
Virgin heroine. Doormat heroine.
Hero messes with the heroine's roommate. This was the cause of their drift (walked in on him about to get bj from roommate). During this separation hero sleeps with multiple women while the heroine can't even have a good date. She doesn't sleep with anyone so she stays a virgin. Guess who she gives her virginity to??? The man that slept with a lot of women during their separation without much thought of her.
It was when the sleeping around got old that the hero decided he missed the heroine. Of course the heroine was so quick to forgive.
On to the next book
October 29, 2023
H and h were friends. After the h professed her love to the H, he tells her that he doesn't love her but cares for her and later goes and screws her nemesis (ow). There is separation of H & h for a year.
After 1 year of whoring around and getting rich, he realises that he loves the h and he wants her back. The doormat h takes him back. Even then, he doesn't tell her that he and ow work together till the ow throws it on her face. But the h forgives it all.
The H pops her cherry, om attacks her, she's hospitalised, H realises he has to wife her up, and they live happily ever after (sniffle... sniffle... 😢).
Da hell 😤😠! One thing I hate more than cheating, is a DOORMAT zeroine ���!
After 1 year of whoring around and getting rich, he realises that he loves the h and he wants her back. The doormat h takes him back. Even then, he doesn't tell her that he and ow work together till the ow throws it on her face. But the h forgives it all.
The H pops her cherry, om attacks her, she's hospitalised, H realises he has to wife her up, and they live happily ever after (sniffle... sniffle... 😢).
Da hell 😤😠! One thing I hate more than cheating, is a DOORMAT zeroine ���!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2021
Recensione sulla mia pagina Bookstagram
https://www.instagram.com/vicky_spboo...
La prima volta che Carter incontrò Austin fu un vero disastro. A causa di un equivoco, o per meglio dire di quei pregiudizi che solitamente finiscono per compromettere la visione reale delle cose, si erano resi antipatici l’uno nei confronti dell’altra.
Austin era un promettente lottatore dell’MMA, dal carattere scontroso e brusco, Carter invece una giovane insegnante con tante valide idee in testa che, se attuate, a detta sua avrebbero reso il mondo un posto migliore.
Anche se l’inizio della loro conoscenza era stata turbolenta, frequentandosi in modo costante e aprendo i loro cuori, avevano finito per diventare migliori amici. Un tipo di amicizia che, senza neppure rendersene conto, si trasformò in breve tempo in un sentimento più profondo.
Ma Austin era determinato a inseguire fama e successo e diventare qualcuno nel mondo delle Arti Marziali, dunque l’amore nella sua vita e soprattutto in quel momento, non era contemplato. Ragion per cui si vide costretto ad allontanarsi da Carter, lasciandola così nello sconforto più totale.
Ebbero occasione di rivedersi anni dopo, e tra parole non dette e verità ancora da svelare, non fecero in tempo a chiarirsi che l’ombra di un pericolo imminente fece la sua comparsa nelle loro vite.
🖋️Un romanzo dalla trama non proprio originale, ma la giusta dose di suspence, intrigo e mistero, lo hanno reso una lettura piacevole.
Il tema affrontato è molto delicato, e devo ammettere che l’autrice è stata brava a far trasparire lo stato di tensione emotiva che ha coinvolto, in maniera anche drammatica, la protagonista del libro.
Ho trovato adorabile il cagnolino Blue, la sua comparsa nel romanzo è stata molto utile, e ho apprezzato l’amicizia sincera e profonda tra Carter, Liam e Ford, i fratelli che non ha mai avuto e che le sono stati vicini sempre, anche nei momenti più bui, cosa che ha fatto anche la sua amica Taylor.
*Ringrazio la CE per la copia ARC
https://www.instagram.com/vicky_spboo...
La prima volta che Carter incontrò Austin fu un vero disastro. A causa di un equivoco, o per meglio dire di quei pregiudizi che solitamente finiscono per compromettere la visione reale delle cose, si erano resi antipatici l’uno nei confronti dell’altra.
Austin era un promettente lottatore dell’MMA, dal carattere scontroso e brusco, Carter invece una giovane insegnante con tante valide idee in testa che, se attuate, a detta sua avrebbero reso il mondo un posto migliore.
Anche se l’inizio della loro conoscenza era stata turbolenta, frequentandosi in modo costante e aprendo i loro cuori, avevano finito per diventare migliori amici. Un tipo di amicizia che, senza neppure rendersene conto, si trasformò in breve tempo in un sentimento più profondo.
Ma Austin era determinato a inseguire fama e successo e diventare qualcuno nel mondo delle Arti Marziali, dunque l’amore nella sua vita e soprattutto in quel momento, non era contemplato. Ragion per cui si vide costretto ad allontanarsi da Carter, lasciandola così nello sconforto più totale.
Ebbero occasione di rivedersi anni dopo, e tra parole non dette e verità ancora da svelare, non fecero in tempo a chiarirsi che l’ombra di un pericolo imminente fece la sua comparsa nelle loro vite.
🖋️Un romanzo dalla trama non proprio originale, ma la giusta dose di suspence, intrigo e mistero, lo hanno reso una lettura piacevole.
Il tema affrontato è molto delicato, e devo ammettere che l’autrice è stata brava a far trasparire lo stato di tensione emotiva che ha coinvolto, in maniera anche drammatica, la protagonista del libro.
Ho trovato adorabile il cagnolino Blue, la sua comparsa nel romanzo è stata molto utile, e ho apprezzato l’amicizia sincera e profonda tra Carter, Liam e Ford, i fratelli che non ha mai avuto e che le sono stati vicini sempre, anche nei momenti più bui, cosa che ha fatto anche la sua amica Taylor.
*Ringrazio la CE per la copia ARC
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May 7, 2020
✰ 3 stars ✰
Meh, could be better tbh. Their friendship in the beginning was cute, but I kinda thought it went downhill afterwards. :/
I really liked Taylor, Liam, and Ford though. 👀💓
Meh, could be better tbh. Their friendship in the beginning was cute, but I kinda thought it went downhill afterwards. :/
I really liked Taylor, Liam, and Ford though. 👀💓
October 24, 2018
One of the things I love about reading is discovering new books and new authors. Further To Fall is the exciting debut novel from author Catherine Cowles. And Catherine Cowles is definitely an author to keep an eye on.
Further To Fall follows the story of Carter and Austin. Told from dual points of view, this story will have you hooked from the first page and dying to see how the story is going to play out. I fell in love with Carter and Austin almost instantly. At first glance, Austin seemed like a total jerk with a side of alpha. I wasn’t too sure of him, but he quickly won me over. And Carter was just as sweet as can be. She was innocent in more ways than one, but had a fire inside that was just bursting to get out. Carter and Austin couldn’t be more opposite, yet they somehow became the best of friends. The journey to happily ever after wasn’t an easy one for these two. They had a lot of obstacles and fears to move past, but there was just something about this couple that had me rooting for them to find a happily ever after.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. With a great mix of friendship, angst, sexy good times, drama and romance; this story hit all the marks for me. The characters were easy to connect with, even if they frustrated me at times. Carter and Austin’s story intrigued me and some really great push & pull. I also really enjoyed the added element of suspense that accompanied their story. The secondary characters also deserved to be metioned. I feel that they added a lot to the story and definitely have me wanting to see more of them in future stories.
Further To Fall was a really good read from beginning to end. I loved the innocence of Carter and the flaws of Austin. Their story isn’t just a romance. It’s also a story of letting go of the past and fears, learning to see past someone’s flaws, learning to communicate and finding love when you least expect it. Austin and Carters story is sweet with just the right amount of sexy to keep you coming back for more.
For a debut novel, I think Further To Fall was written pretty well. Sure there some bumps along the way, but nothing major or hard to overlook. I think this author has a ton of great potential and I’m excited to see where her writing is going to take us next.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Further To Fall follows the story of Carter and Austin. Told from dual points of view, this story will have you hooked from the first page and dying to see how the story is going to play out. I fell in love with Carter and Austin almost instantly. At first glance, Austin seemed like a total jerk with a side of alpha. I wasn’t too sure of him, but he quickly won me over. And Carter was just as sweet as can be. She was innocent in more ways than one, but had a fire inside that was just bursting to get out. Carter and Austin couldn’t be more opposite, yet they somehow became the best of friends. The journey to happily ever after wasn’t an easy one for these two. They had a lot of obstacles and fears to move past, but there was just something about this couple that had me rooting for them to find a happily ever after.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. With a great mix of friendship, angst, sexy good times, drama and romance; this story hit all the marks for me. The characters were easy to connect with, even if they frustrated me at times. Carter and Austin’s story intrigued me and some really great push & pull. I also really enjoyed the added element of suspense that accompanied their story. The secondary characters also deserved to be metioned. I feel that they added a lot to the story and definitely have me wanting to see more of them in future stories.
Further To Fall was a really good read from beginning to end. I loved the innocence of Carter and the flaws of Austin. Their story isn’t just a romance. It’s also a story of letting go of the past and fears, learning to see past someone’s flaws, learning to communicate and finding love when you least expect it. Austin and Carters story is sweet with just the right amount of sexy to keep you coming back for more.
For a debut novel, I think Further To Fall was written pretty well. Sure there some bumps along the way, but nothing major or hard to overlook. I think this author has a ton of great potential and I’m excited to see where her writing is going to take us next.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
March 30, 2024
Another guy whose a manwhore while separated from his true love who of course stays pure and virginal. Hate that trope. The female main character is also a doormat - another thing I loathe. When you loathe the characters the plot isn't going to do to much for you either.
October 25, 2018
I think this author is new and after reading this book I will be looking out for further books depending on the direction she writes in, but I will definitely take a look.
The book is well written. Its a good premise for a story and lots of potential for secondary characters to have their own books.
Its a slow burn. Best friends to lovers romance.
Austin is loyal, protective hard
working and total 'Alpha' but he is also scarred by a really bad experience with an ex.
Carter is best friends from childhood with Liam (no romantic feelings on either side) so she comes into association with Austin via Liam.
At first Austin takes an instant dislike upon laying eyes on Carter, jumping to conclusions based on his past experience and her outfit.
Austin doesn't do relationships, he is totally focused on his career within MMA, when he needs a woman he finds one.
Carter is a virgin, possibly only had one boyfriend.
Carter has been friend zoned by Austin but they are very close.
Austin messes up, Carter walks in on her flat mate undoing his zipper. He is very drunk and there is no more detail to the scene at that point but it's her friend so he crosses a line here.
There is a time of separation, during this time, she tries to date but isn't physical with anyone, he wakes up with random groupies.
There are no details of the scenes with him with other women but I know some readers don't like the Hero to be with anyone other than the heroine after meeting so this will go against that.
She gives in a bit too quick for me, she does make him work for it but I would have liked a bit more.
HEA.
Epilogue.
There is a note at the end that the best friend will have a book soon.
💖💞💕💔
The book is well written. Its a good premise for a story and lots of potential for secondary characters to have their own books.
Its a slow burn. Best friends to lovers romance.
Austin is loyal, protective hard
working and total 'Alpha' but he is also scarred by a really bad experience with an ex.
Carter is best friends from childhood with Liam (no romantic feelings on either side) so she comes into association with Austin via Liam.
At first Austin takes an instant dislike upon laying eyes on Carter, jumping to conclusions based on his past experience and her outfit.
Austin doesn't do relationships, he is totally focused on his career within MMA, when he needs a woman he finds one.
Carter is a virgin, possibly only had one boyfriend.
Carter has been friend zoned by Austin but they are very close.
Austin messes up, Carter walks in on her flat mate undoing his zipper. He is very drunk and there is no more detail to the scene at that point but it's her friend so he crosses a line here.
There is a time of separation, during this time, she tries to date but isn't physical with anyone, he wakes up with random groupies.
There are no details of the scenes with him with other women but I know some readers don't like the Hero to be with anyone other than the heroine after meeting so this will go against that.
She gives in a bit too quick for me, she does make him work for it but I would have liked a bit more.
HEA.
Epilogue.
There is a note at the end that the best friend will have a book soon.
💖💞💕💔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2020
Further to Fall is the debut book of Catherine Cowles and she did it soooo right. This book had everything which was a shocker to me since I had been putting it off because the MMA fighter thing did not seem like my cup of tea. Boy was I wrong.
Austin Lyons is one of those characters you adore but simultaneously want to slap. Austin is an up and coming MMA fighter who at first appears to be cold, rough and quite the ass. He has sworn off booze and women to focus more on his fighting. The minute he meets his best friend Liam's childhood friend Carter, he must push harder to keep these feelings locked down. Friendship, that is what Austin can offer and only friendship......it can't be that hard right?
Carter McCarthy, small town Georgia girl moves to the big city of LA fresh out of college to take a job at a low-income school to make a difference. Carter instantly meets Taylor, who will become her BFF and all-around support system. Carter is happy to be in LA, not only does she get to start a job she loves she gets to spend time with her childhood friend who lives there and is now a big-time music star. She however does not intend to meet his best friend who happens to be a brute of a man with no filter and a scowl that could rival anyone's
As Carter and Austin come to a understanding they form a friendship that leads to heartbreak. After life takes them on different paths briefly they both have to come to a realization that just because you have been hurt before doesn't mean you can keep running from something that possibly could hurt you. This book isn't just about the happy, there is heartbreak and some troubling times for Carter as well as Austin. The suspense was a nice added touch to me. Was not too over played or too over the top.
What made this book even better was the secondary characters like Liam, Ford and Taylor. Now that I have fallen into this world with these characters, I hope to get their stories as well, especially Taylor's!! A lot of reviews for this book were quite terrible but to me it was simply perfect. It was an easy read that made me question my doubts about MMA romances and read every single Catherine Cowles book I can find.
Austin Lyons is one of those characters you adore but simultaneously want to slap. Austin is an up and coming MMA fighter who at first appears to be cold, rough and quite the ass. He has sworn off booze and women to focus more on his fighting. The minute he meets his best friend Liam's childhood friend Carter, he must push harder to keep these feelings locked down. Friendship, that is what Austin can offer and only friendship......it can't be that hard right?
Carter McCarthy, small town Georgia girl moves to the big city of LA fresh out of college to take a job at a low-income school to make a difference. Carter instantly meets Taylor, who will become her BFF and all-around support system. Carter is happy to be in LA, not only does she get to start a job she loves she gets to spend time with her childhood friend who lives there and is now a big-time music star. She however does not intend to meet his best friend who happens to be a brute of a man with no filter and a scowl that could rival anyone's
As Carter and Austin come to a understanding they form a friendship that leads to heartbreak. After life takes them on different paths briefly they both have to come to a realization that just because you have been hurt before doesn't mean you can keep running from something that possibly could hurt you. This book isn't just about the happy, there is heartbreak and some troubling times for Carter as well as Austin. The suspense was a nice added touch to me. Was not too over played or too over the top.
What made this book even better was the secondary characters like Liam, Ford and Taylor. Now that I have fallen into this world with these characters, I hope to get their stories as well, especially Taylor's!! A lot of reviews for this book were quite terrible but to me it was simply perfect. It was an easy read that made me question my doubts about MMA romances and read every single Catherine Cowles book I can find.
October 22, 2018
I love MMA Romance. I don't know why but I am always attracted to them so I was very excited to read this one.
Further to Fall is Catherine Cowles debut book where an elementary school teacher, the proverbial good girl and an up and coming MMA fighter come together.
While the story was nice, it just didn't check all the boxes I was hoping it was going to and by large I think it has to do with the heroine and her overall personality.
Carter is innocent and inexperienced and being around little children her use of "bad words" is non-existent and I completely loved that. It is such a novelty to find a character that is not battered or bruised from their past and is genuinely a good person and her friendship with Austin was my favourite.
But keeping all that aside Carter lacked. There is a fine line between being good and innocent and being naive and Carter was more of the latter. There were certain instances in the book where her gut instincts should have peaking and raising alarms but she was quiet and trustworthy. She honestly felt a tad mousy.
Throughout the story, I had hoped that she would grow and not be so blind to what was so obvious and happening right under her nose.
There was always this want for more.
I mean, don't get me wrong, the story is good but in terms of the development of the characters and plotline, it could have used more work. As I said, there was just something more that I was hoping for.
2.5 Stars!
★ Buy Further To Fall (Kindle)
_________________________
For more reviews and recommendations:
✦ Facebook Page
✦ Main Blog
✦ Twitter
*ARC gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Further to Fall is Catherine Cowles debut book where an elementary school teacher, the proverbial good girl and an up and coming MMA fighter come together.
While the story was nice, it just didn't check all the boxes I was hoping it was going to and by large I think it has to do with the heroine and her overall personality.
Carter is innocent and inexperienced and being around little children her use of "bad words" is non-existent and I completely loved that. It is such a novelty to find a character that is not battered or bruised from their past and is genuinely a good person and her friendship with Austin was my favourite.
But keeping all that aside Carter lacked. There is a fine line between being good and innocent and being naive and Carter was more of the latter. There were certain instances in the book where her gut instincts should have peaking and raising alarms but she was quiet and trustworthy. She honestly felt a tad mousy.
Throughout the story, I had hoped that she would grow and not be so blind to what was so obvious and happening right under her nose.
There was always this want for more.
I mean, don't get me wrong, the story is good but in terms of the development of the characters and plotline, it could have used more work. As I said, there was just something more that I was hoping for.
2.5 Stars!
★ Buy Further To Fall (Kindle)
_________________________
For more reviews and recommendations:
✦ Facebook Page
✦ Main Blog
*ARC gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review*
July 1, 2021
DNF 70%
I don’t think this is worth my time to review. It isn’t worth reading for the nearly non existent angst. He’s a total ho and she’s a precious goody-two shoes snowflake.
One of my biggest pet peeves (unintentional irony) and why H/h broke up the first time…
H’s ex makes the moves on his bestie (also h’s bestie) and the bestie tells H. He dumps the gf. Now he’s a hard hearted asshole and meets the h. After being her BFF for ONE YEAR…H fucks h’s roommate while trying not to pursue the h sexually. I can’t even with this shit. Fuck a random. Don’t do the roommate she hates. Guess he never learned from his own devastation. He then goes on to fuck a multitude of women during their year apart and She takes him back immediately. Fuck. Off.
I don’t think this is worth my time to review. It isn’t worth reading for the nearly non existent angst. He’s a total ho and she’s a precious goody-two shoes snowflake.
One of my biggest pet peeves (unintentional irony) and why H/h broke up the first time…
H’s ex makes the moves on his bestie (also h’s bestie) and the bestie tells H. He dumps the gf. Now he’s a hard hearted asshole and meets the h. After being her BFF for ONE YEAR…H fucks h’s roommate while trying not to pursue the h sexually. I can’t even with this shit. Fuck a random. Don’t do the roommate she hates. Guess he never learned from his own devastation. He then goes on to fuck a multitude of women during their year apart and She takes him back immediately. Fuck. Off.
August 12, 2018
Sexy MMA fighter and innocent teacher are the perfect equation for a sweet love story. HEA included! Carter and Austin start out as unlikely friends, but quickly learn that their feelings run deeper. Austin has been hurt by an ex girlfriend and Carter has no experience with men. Together these two must overcome their own fears and outside forces that don't believe in their relationship. This book is action packed and has a mystery that will keep you guessing up until the end. Perfect read for a lazy pool day.
February 26, 2020
Dit was zo'n fijn boek! Austin en Carter beginnen als vrienden, maar na een grote fout verliezen ze elkaar uit het oog. Heel knap beschreven hoe ze elkaar toch langzaam weer leren kennen. Ook tof dat er nog een paar onverwachte wendingen in het verhaal zaten. Wel was het af en toe voorspelbaar, wat een klein beetje af deed aan het leesplezier. Cowles is een schrijfster die ik in de gaten ga houden, want ik ben groot fan van haar schrijfstijl.
October 25, 2018
4.5 stars!!
One of the best parts about blogging is discovering new authors. One email sent to us this summer had a blurb that intrigued us and Further to Fall has been on my TBR since then. I am THRILLED to have had the chance to read this debut novel and excited that I can now share it with you! Further to Fall by Catherine Cowles was a little bit of everything that I love in a book...MMA fighter enemies to friends friends to lovers mature angst second chances �� thriller aspect I could go on and on!
Where to start....I love both characters so much that I don't want to choose. Let's start from the beginning with A for Austin ;) If looks could kill and first impressions were the only impressions...this man would be on my shit list. Good thing for him that he redeemed himself big time. Austin has been burned in the past - BAD - and it has hardened him and made him focus on the only thing that matters....his MMA career. It bugged me to no end that he and Carter had a rough start (she is such a sweet girl!), he was a class A douche to her and needed to be slapped. After awhile he came to his senses and from that point on it was swoon city. His friendship and protectiveness was on the way to being so much more, I just wanted to reach into the pages and nudge him in the right direction, to make him take that leap.
I straightened my spine and made my way back to Carter, the girl who had my insides twisted up in knots that might never unravel.
Carter was no match for Austin, one fight he never had a chance at. She is a school teacher sweetheart with a rock star best friend (Liam was great and he needs his own story now too please ;) ) and I loved her from the start. She is brave and kind and determined to succeed in her new job. Throwing Austin into the mix wasn't expected for her but she takes it in stride. When he was mean, she stood up for herself, when he apologized she listened. Their friendship was a slow build to something more even if they didn't want to own up to it and admit what was there. I loved watching them both struggle with their emotions, sounds mean of me but they needed to struggle to come out in the sunshine!
This was such a beautiful relationship. Watching it blossom, wither and then bloom again was beautiful. Sometimes you need to take a break before coming to the end that you deserve. There is so much in between all of this that I can't wait for you to read. The mature angst of their friendship and relationship, the thriller aspect that I mentioned (you need to read to see what I'm talking about) and everything in between. I will definitely be reading more from Catherine Cowles in the future!!
"You've always been more. You've always been everything."
One of the best parts about blogging is discovering new authors. One email sent to us this summer had a blurb that intrigued us and Further to Fall has been on my TBR since then. I am THRILLED to have had the chance to read this debut novel and excited that I can now share it with you! Further to Fall by Catherine Cowles was a little bit of everything that I love in a book...MMA fighter enemies to friends friends to lovers mature angst second chances �� thriller aspect I could go on and on!
Where to start....I love both characters so much that I don't want to choose. Let's start from the beginning with A for Austin ;) If looks could kill and first impressions were the only impressions...this man would be on my shit list. Good thing for him that he redeemed himself big time. Austin has been burned in the past - BAD - and it has hardened him and made him focus on the only thing that matters....his MMA career. It bugged me to no end that he and Carter had a rough start (she is such a sweet girl!), he was a class A douche to her and needed to be slapped. After awhile he came to his senses and from that point on it was swoon city. His friendship and protectiveness was on the way to being so much more, I just wanted to reach into the pages and nudge him in the right direction, to make him take that leap.
I straightened my spine and made my way back to Carter, the girl who had my insides twisted up in knots that might never unravel.
Carter was no match for Austin, one fight he never had a chance at. She is a school teacher sweetheart with a rock star best friend (Liam was great and he needs his own story now too please ;) ) and I loved her from the start. She is brave and kind and determined to succeed in her new job. Throwing Austin into the mix wasn't expected for her but she takes it in stride. When he was mean, she stood up for herself, when he apologized she listened. Their friendship was a slow build to something more even if they didn't want to own up to it and admit what was there. I loved watching them both struggle with their emotions, sounds mean of me but they needed to struggle to come out in the sunshine!
This was such a beautiful relationship. Watching it blossom, wither and then bloom again was beautiful. Sometimes you need to take a break before coming to the end that you deserve. There is so much in between all of this that I can't wait for you to read. The mature angst of their friendship and relationship, the thriller aspect that I mentioned (you need to read to see what I'm talking about) and everything in between. I will definitely be reading more from Catherine Cowles in the future!!
"You've always been more. You've always been everything."
avoid
June 29, 2022Avoid.
Biggest doormat.
Biggest manwhore…who’s still a whore after meeting the h.
Meluvsbooks has all the dirt.
Biggest doormat.
Biggest manwhore…who’s still a whore after meeting the h.
Meluvsbooks has all the dirt.
September 17, 2018
FIVE STARS
*ARC of this book generously provided by the author and I'm leaving my honest review*
OMG! This book! This book was EVERYTHING! The synopsis is just the scratch of what it is about. It has so much depth, heart and powerful storytelling. It was well written and well developed. I loved the setting / scenery and that it was written in dual POV. I still can't believe this is Catherine's debut book. The storytelling was amazing and captivating, the words/writing just flowed that I was pulled into the story from start to finish. I couldn't put the book down even though I didn't want to finish it too fast. But I also wanted to know what happens next.
Enemies to Lovers✔️
Friends To Lovers✔️
Angsty✔️
Passionate✔️
Intense✔️
Slow burn✔️
Second chance✔️
Add to all of these mystery and a little suspense and you got yourself an amazing book to read.
Austin is a MMA fighter striving to be at the top of his sport. He is a little jaded from his past and because of that he doesn't want to be in a relationship. Until Carter. He is charming, loving, caring, funny but also vulnerable and stubborn.
Carter is a grade school teacher who loves teaching and children. She wants to change the world for the better. She is so caring, loving, nerdy but also vulnerable and has a self doubt.
Austin and Carter were amazing characters - hero and heroine. They are just one of those characters that you can't help but fall for them. What I loved about them is that they are both flawed and complex characters. Others might not see them as a couple but in my opinion they are just perfect together. They click. They simply understand each other and I rooted for them from the moment they met. Also I loved their friendship which I think is a great foundation for a relationship. The more they spend time together the more there are feelings between them even though they are not ready to admit yet afraid that they will ruin friendship. I loved their banter and interaction; their conversations and the way they were so at ease with each other. I loved how protective Austin was of Carter and that Carter just kept up with him and put him in his place when he deserve it. Loved the way they reconnected and their second shot at love. How Austin didn't give up on them and tried to earn her trust. The epilogue was amazing and I never wanted it to end.
I loved the secondary characters: Taylor, Carter's best friend and Liam and Ford, Austin's (and Carter's) best friends. Can we please, please have their books and their happy endings (lol)? They deserve it.
I highly recommend this book and I can't wait for the next book from this amazing author.
*ARC of this book generously provided by the author and I'm leaving my honest review*
“I was beginning to believe that a very few times in your life, if you were lucky, you might meet someone who was exactly right for you. Not because he was perfect, or because you were, but because your combined flaws were arranged in a way that allowed two separate beings to hinge together.” - Lisa Kleypas
OMG! This book! This book was EVERYTHING! The synopsis is just the scratch of what it is about. It has so much depth, heart and powerful storytelling. It was well written and well developed. I loved the setting / scenery and that it was written in dual POV. I still can't believe this is Catherine's debut book. The storytelling was amazing and captivating, the words/writing just flowed that I was pulled into the story from start to finish. I couldn't put the book down even though I didn't want to finish it too fast. But I also wanted to know what happens next.
Enemies to Lovers✔️
Friends To Lovers✔️
Angsty✔️
Passionate✔️
Intense✔️
Slow burn✔️
Second chance✔️
Add to all of these mystery and a little suspense and you got yourself an amazing book to read.
Austin is a MMA fighter striving to be at the top of his sport. He is a little jaded from his past and because of that he doesn't want to be in a relationship. Until Carter. He is charming, loving, caring, funny but also vulnerable and stubborn.
Carter is a grade school teacher who loves teaching and children. She wants to change the world for the better. She is so caring, loving, nerdy but also vulnerable and has a self doubt.
Austin and Carter were amazing characters - hero and heroine. They are just one of those characters that you can't help but fall for them. What I loved about them is that they are both flawed and complex characters. Others might not see them as a couple but in my opinion they are just perfect together. They click. They simply understand each other and I rooted for them from the moment they met. Also I loved their friendship which I think is a great foundation for a relationship. The more they spend time together the more there are feelings between them even though they are not ready to admit yet afraid that they will ruin friendship. I loved their banter and interaction; their conversations and the way they were so at ease with each other. I loved how protective Austin was of Carter and that Carter just kept up with him and put him in his place when he deserve it. Loved the way they reconnected and their second shot at love. How Austin didn't give up on them and tried to earn her trust. The epilogue was amazing and I never wanted it to end.
I loved the secondary characters: Taylor, Carter's best friend and Liam and Ford, Austin's (and Carter's) best friends. Can we please, please have their books and their happy endings (lol)? They deserve it.
I highly recommend this book and I can't wait for the next book from this amazing author.
June 28, 2019
Austin Lyons is an MMA fighter poised for stardom and a belt. Carter McCarthy is the image of sweetness, a teacher, who took a job with a low income school so she could make a difference. Her childhood friend, Liam, is friends with Austin and that is how the two meet. He is a major douche bag to her. Time and time again actually. Than he is asked, no told by Liam, to cool it and how great she is. Eventually the two will work to friends than to great friends.
Austin is set to keep it friends as he wants no distractions to his dream of being champ but when Carter's job puts her at risk things change. As the two grow close, there is still an unknown threat lerking and it will put not only their relationship in danger, and one of their lives.
I loved Carter, she was a great heroine. Austin was not likable early on but he will earn your respect as a hero. I like the hate to love angst, the way Cater never backed down. I loved Ms Cowles writing style. I am a fan.
4 stars
Austin is set to keep it friends as he wants no distractions to his dream of being champ but when Carter's job puts her at risk things change. As the two grow close, there is still an unknown threat lerking and it will put not only their relationship in danger, and one of their lives.
I loved Carter, she was a great heroine. Austin was not likable early on but he will earn your respect as a hero. I like the hate to love angst, the way Cater never backed down. I loved Ms Cowles writing style. I am a fan.
4 stars
September 30, 2018
Anyone that knows me knows that MMA romances are my weakness. I love the intensity of the ring and the fighters and how that heat and passion culminate into a relationship. Just by reading the blurb, Further to Fall seemed to tick all the boxes that I love in these kind of stories. A good girl, an up and coming MMA fighter and a second chance to make things right. Unfortunately, this story was a bit of a mixed bag for me as I had huge issues with the heroine and her doormat-esque personality.
While I enjoyed Austin and Carter's friendship, Carter's personality was a little bit draining for me. I completely loved that she was innocent and inexperienced. It's a novelty in stories nowadays. But she had little to zero sass. It was almost like she was an agreeable mouse who went with whatever everyone wanted. Likewise, in the "after", I hoped for maybe more of a backbone and spirited personality from her as a hard lesson was learned and almost a year went by. But unfortunately (to me) the lack of character development was obvious and disappointing.
Please don't get me the wrong. The story was interesting but I kept hoping for more. More intensity, more fight, more passion and more sass. Just something more. 3 stars! ~Ratula
While I enjoyed Austin and Carter's friendship, Carter's personality was a little bit draining for me. I completely loved that she was innocent and inexperienced. It's a novelty in stories nowadays. But she had little to zero sass. It was almost like she was an agreeable mouse who went with whatever everyone wanted. Likewise, in the "after", I hoped for maybe more of a backbone and spirited personality from her as a hard lesson was learned and almost a year went by. But unfortunately (to me) the lack of character development was obvious and disappointing.
Please don't get me the wrong. The story was interesting but I kept hoping for more. More intensity, more fight, more passion and more sass. Just something more. 3 stars! ~Ratula
June 2, 2022
2.5 austincarter were cute till i hit 40%…
“Hey, you okay, man?”
“Not really. Shit, Ford, I’ve never been so fucking scared in my life.”
“You care about her.”
“Of course, I fucking care about her,” I spat. “She’s my best fucking friend.”
you could really see that austin loved & cared for her through his actions and i love the fighter overprotective alpha grump bf with the soft sweet teacher gf trope
“You don’t talk about her. You don’t look at her. You don’t even think about her. Or I will find you, and I will gut you.”
but after their ,,fight’’ everything changed. the nearly one year time jump, him only realizing that she’s the one after he noticed that a groupie can’t make him hard anymore (while he fucked everything that moves to forget about her, even her fake roommate), him using every insecurity against her just to hurt her because she wanted to take a step back from their friendship after he told her he doesn’t love her &&& just a not real man behavior so yeah do whatever you want with that information hope you enjoy it more than me.
“Hey, you okay, man?”
“Not really. Shit, Ford, I’ve never been so fucking scared in my life.”
“You care about her.”
“Of course, I fucking care about her,” I spat. “She’s my best fucking friend.”
you could really see that austin loved & cared for her through his actions and i love the fighter overprotective alpha grump bf with the soft sweet teacher gf trope
“You don’t talk about her. You don’t look at her. You don’t even think about her. Or I will find you, and I will gut you.”
but after their ,,fight’’ everything changed. the nearly one year time jump, him only realizing that she’s the one after he noticed that a groupie can’t make him hard anymore (while he fucked everything that moves to forget about her, even her fake roommate), him using every insecurity against her just to hurt her because she wanted to take a step back from their friendship after he told her he doesn’t love her &&& just a not real man behavior so yeah do whatever you want with that information hope you enjoy it more than me.
Read
August 19, 2018Pass me the cucumbers. Further To Fall by Catherine Cowles kept me up way past my bedtime with her intense and powerful storytelling.
From the first line I was hooked, and this book didn't let me go. Almost immediately, I was invested in the characters. They're real, likeable, and I wanted to be part of the gang.
Austin is going to zoom his way toward the top of your book boyfriend list. He's the kinda guy who shows his feelings with actions instead of words. It won't take long for you to fall a little bit in love. And he's an MMA fighter... enough said.
We all read our love stories for the heroes, so when there's a heroine that I want to be besties with, that's just icing on the cake. Carter is totally that girl.
But be warned, you're gonna want Ford, Liam, and Taylor's stories too.
From the first line I was hooked, and this book didn't let me go. Almost immediately, I was invested in the characters. They're real, likeable, and I wanted to be part of the gang.
Austin is going to zoom his way toward the top of your book boyfriend list. He's the kinda guy who shows his feelings with actions instead of words. It won't take long for you to fall a little bit in love. And he's an MMA fighter... enough said.
We all read our love stories for the heroes, so when there's a heroine that I want to be besties with, that's just icing on the cake. Carter is totally that girl.
But be warned, you're gonna want Ford, Liam, and Taylor's stories too.
September 15, 2018
Loved this book! From a new-to-me author, I was captivated by the storytelling and the cast of well drawn, believable characters. When pick up this book, clear your day because you’ll be captured and pulled right in. I hope there are more books to come as I am anxious to see what happens next. Very well done!
January 20, 2022
https://emozionidicarta2020.blogspot....
Carter è Liam si conoscono sin da piccoli, crescendo sono diventati grandi amici, da adulti riescono a realizzare i loro desideri, Liam è diventato una Rockstar e vive a Los Angeles e Carter accetta il lavoro dei suoi sogni, insegnare nel ghetto di Los Angeles alla Teach For Our Youth.
Austin Lyons è l'ex guardia del corpo di Liam ed è un promettente lottatore di MMA, è grazie a Liam che Austin e Carter si incontrano, certo l'inizio non è dei più promettenti.
Austin è scorbutico e maleducato a causa dei pregiudizi che ha nei confronti delle donne, creando tensione e antipatia tra lui e Carter.
La loro frequentazione turbolenta si trasforma pian piano in amicizia, anche se tra i due c'è una forte attrazione riescono a tenerla sotto controllo ma, senza rendersene conto, col passare del tempo si trasforma in qualcosa di più profondo.
Austin però è determinato a mantenere le distanze, la sua precedente storia finita in maniera disastrosa non riesce a farlo rilassare, soprattutto è concentrato a diventare un campione nel mondo delle Arti Marziali, lascia quindi Carter sola e amareggiata, rifiutandosi di approfondire il loro rapporto.
«Sai cosa, Carter, non chiamare. Diventare amici è stato un errore. L’ho fatto per Liam, ma è stato un errore.»
Carter dopo aver accettato che il sentimento che la lega a Austin non è di semplice amicizia, vorrebbe di più da lui ma, quando questo la abbandona nel peggiore dei modi per inseguire la strada del successo, ne resta completamente devastata.
"Stavo scegliendo la mia felicità a discapito della sua, ma se non avessi lottato per me stessa, chi lo avrebbe fatto? Non lui. Avevo bisogno di combattere per il mio bene."
Anni dopo Austin ha tutta l'intenzione di farsi perdonare da Carter e ricominciare da dove avevano lasciato, ma c'è qualcuno che trama alle loro spalle per rendere la loro riconciliazione impossibile. Sul finale questa suspense rende la lettura molto più intrigante e adrenalinica tenendo il lettore un po' col fiato sospeso.
"Non avrei mai dovuto lasciarla andare sin dall'inizio. Ma il fatto era che, se non l'avessi persa, avrei sempre potuto considerarla un po' scontata."
Due mondi e due caratteri molto diversi tra di loro, Carter è una ragazza dolce e ingenua ma che al momento opportuno riesce a tirare fuori un carattere forte e determinato, Austin ha un carattere duro e spigoloso, secondo me l'autrice ha sbagliato a non approfondire la sua storia personale perché l'avrebbe fatto apparire meno egoista e più umano.
In definitiva una lettura piacevole per passare un paio d'ore ma che purtroppo non mi ha fatto provare forti emozioni, anche la parte hot non è stata particolarmente coinvolgente, vista l'inesperienza di Carter e al contrario la troppa esperienza di Austin mi aspettavo qualcosa di più coinvolgente che invece l'autrice non è riuscita a sfruttare a pieno. Ho apprezzato molto invece il rapporto di amicizia che ha legato da sempre Carter a Liam.
Ringrazio la Hope Edizioni per la copia ARC
Carter è Liam si conoscono sin da piccoli, crescendo sono diventati grandi amici, da adulti riescono a realizzare i loro desideri, Liam è diventato una Rockstar e vive a Los Angeles e Carter accetta il lavoro dei suoi sogni, insegnare nel ghetto di Los Angeles alla Teach For Our Youth.
Austin Lyons è l'ex guardia del corpo di Liam ed è un promettente lottatore di MMA, è grazie a Liam che Austin e Carter si incontrano, certo l'inizio non è dei più promettenti.
Austin è scorbutico e maleducato a causa dei pregiudizi che ha nei confronti delle donne, creando tensione e antipatia tra lui e Carter.
La loro frequentazione turbolenta si trasforma pian piano in amicizia, anche se tra i due c'è una forte attrazione riescono a tenerla sotto controllo ma, senza rendersene conto, col passare del tempo si trasforma in qualcosa di più profondo.
Austin però è determinato a mantenere le distanze, la sua precedente storia finita in maniera disastrosa non riesce a farlo rilassare, soprattutto è concentrato a diventare un campione nel mondo delle Arti Marziali, lascia quindi Carter sola e amareggiata, rifiutandosi di approfondire il loro rapporto.
«Sai cosa, Carter, non chiamare. Diventare amici è stato un errore. L’ho fatto per Liam, ma è stato un errore.»
Carter dopo aver accettato che il sentimento che la lega a Austin non è di semplice amicizia, vorrebbe di più da lui ma, quando questo la abbandona nel peggiore dei modi per inseguire la strada del successo, ne resta completamente devastata.
"Stavo scegliendo la mia felicità a discapito della sua, ma se non avessi lottato per me stessa, chi lo avrebbe fatto? Non lui. Avevo bisogno di combattere per il mio bene."
Anni dopo Austin ha tutta l'intenzione di farsi perdonare da Carter e ricominciare da dove avevano lasciato, ma c'è qualcuno che trama alle loro spalle per rendere la loro riconciliazione impossibile. Sul finale questa suspense rende la lettura molto più intrigante e adrenalinica tenendo il lettore un po' col fiato sospeso.
"Non avrei mai dovuto lasciarla andare sin dall'inizio. Ma il fatto era che, se non l'avessi persa, avrei sempre potuto considerarla un po' scontata."
Due mondi e due caratteri molto diversi tra di loro, Carter è una ragazza dolce e ingenua ma che al momento opportuno riesce a tirare fuori un carattere forte e determinato, Austin ha un carattere duro e spigoloso, secondo me l'autrice ha sbagliato a non approfondire la sua storia personale perché l'avrebbe fatto apparire meno egoista e più umano.
In definitiva una lettura piacevole per passare un paio d'ore ma che purtroppo non mi ha fatto provare forti emozioni, anche la parte hot non è stata particolarmente coinvolgente, vista l'inesperienza di Carter e al contrario la troppa esperienza di Austin mi aspettavo qualcosa di più coinvolgente che invece l'autrice non è riuscita a sfruttare a pieno. Ho apprezzato molto invece il rapporto di amicizia che ha legato da sempre Carter a Liam.
Ringrazio la Hope Edizioni per la copia ARC
June 24, 2020
Was a cute story, easy to pick up and want to get lost in, but nothing to write home about. The story could get a bit flowery, I felt like the relationship needed more depth, and maybe an adjustment in the timeline. There was so much plot jammed into this book, and such a vast time line (we’re talking like 2 years) that I think the building of a relationship slipped through the cracks a little. They became best friends and then were told it’s months later and the heroine is in love, kind of scenario.
I can appreciate the suspense aspect, I enjoyed it. But then it seemed like anything not directly involved in the suspense at that point, was flat. The characters were having the same conversations, the same dialogue, at times verbatim it felt like. “I love you, no I love you more, okay you go rest while o order your favourite dinner”. I get it. She liked Italian food and the hero wanted to protect her. But give me a little more than that, you know? Just needed some variety.
I believe this mY have been the authors debut, so a good start. I have seen a new story with a side character from this book that I’m interested in, will probably give it a try at some point.
I can appreciate the suspense aspect, I enjoyed it. But then it seemed like anything not directly involved in the suspense at that point, was flat. The characters were having the same conversations, the same dialogue, at times verbatim it felt like. “I love you, no I love you more, okay you go rest while o order your favourite dinner”. I get it. She liked Italian food and the hero wanted to protect her. But give me a little more than that, you know? Just needed some variety.
I believe this mY have been the authors debut, so a good start. I have seen a new story with a side character from this book that I’m interested in, will probably give it a try at some point.
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