FALL by Kristen Callihan Release Blitz

This falls into a category of what I consider “brave” books; books that tackle real life issues that many of us don’t think about on a daily basis, if at all. This goes into the same category as authors like Kennedy Ryan, L.B Dunbar, and Kristan Higgins for addressing tough topics and bringing them into the light.

Yes, this is a “rock star” book, but Jax the rock star is almost a secondary character. The male lead, John, is still dealing with the aftermath of decisions he made 2 years ago and is working to figure out how he and his performing persona fit together when a chance encounter brings him into contact with Stella. She has her own issues to deal with and fate keeps bringing her and John together.

Ms. Callihan is very clear from the beginning of Fall, and from the very beginning of the VIP series, that John has been struggling with mental health issues in the form of anxiety and depression. I appreciated the honesty in which John’s story was told; we were able to see behind the famous façade to a man trying to make it through each day.

I loved the interactions between Stella and John from the start. The slow burn from potential antagonist to friends to romance had moments of humor and frustration. Ms. Callihan didn’t take shortcuts in her story telling and let us see the strengths and flaws of both characters as they worked to figure out their dynamic. This is a well written book that features multiple examples of the type of give and take required for strong relationships as well as opportunities for them to each take care of each other when they were down.

This is a series that I’ve read and enjoyed, especially seeing the emotional evolution of Ms. Callihan’s male leads. The heavily integrated secondary casts within the series led for the prior leads (both male and female) to help John and Stella to find their way. While the VIP series is connected, Fall is also a stand-alone book. This definitely falls into the category of “must read” as it not only shows two people facing their demons, but it also addresses the importance of support networks for someone struggling. Sometimes a book is just a book, but sometimes it can be more and Fall is a “more” book.

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The first time I met Jax Blackwood things went a little sideways.

In my defense, I didn’t know he was Jax Blackwood—who expects a legendary rock star to be shopping for groceries? More importantly, a blizzard was coming and he was about to grab the last carton of mint-chocolate chip.

Still, I might have walked away, but then he smugly dared me to try and take the coveted ice cream. So I kissed him. And distracted that mint-chip right out of his hands.

Okay, it was a dirty move, but desperate times and all that. Besides, I never expected he’d be my new neighbor.

An annoying neighbor who takes great pleasure in reminding me that I owe him ice cream but would happily accept more kisses as payment. An irresistible neighbor who keeps me up while playing guitar naked–spectacularly naked–in his living room.

Clearly, avoidance is key. Except nothing about Jax is easy to ignore—not the way he makes me laugh, or that his particular brand of darkness matches mine, or how one look from him melts me faster than butter under a hot sun.

Neither of us believes in love or forever. Yet we’re quickly becoming each other’s addiction. But we could be more. We could be everything.

All we have to do is trust enough to fall.

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I clear my throat. “While I was eating my ice cream—”

He snorts, but remains tense.

“I thought about how you looked familiar to me.”

“It was the guilt haunting you.”

“Or … And I’m just throwing this out there. You’re Jax Blackwood.”

He actually flinches. “Fuck. You recognized me.”

“It was bound to happen. John? Really?”

His chin tips in a pugnacious angle. “It’s my name. John is … me. Jax is who I am onstage.”

I picture him performing, all electric energy and raw passion and sheer talent. It’s a sight to behold. Hell, a couple of really hot fantasies have been induced by that sight.

While I’m lost in a teen fantasy, his eyes dart around like he’s expecting someone to pop out from behind a snow mound and take his picture. Then his gaze snags on me. My expression must be slightly punch drunk, because his entire body leans away from mine. Not exactly flattering to realize he’s afraid I’ll try to lick his face or something.

I snap my gaping mouth closed. “Oh, calm down. It’s not like I’m going to start squealing and try to grab your junk.”

His expression lightens a little. “I think if you grabbed my junk, I’d be the one squealing.”

“True. I have surprisingly strong hands.” When he stares at me in horror, I hold them up and wiggle my fingers. “Yoga. It’s highly effective.”

“My balls just flinched in terror.”

“Consider yourself warned.”

He snorts but then glances at our building. “You really live here?”

“Do you really think I hunted you down?”

John—because I can’t seem to think of him as Jax—runs his hand through his damp hair, which makes his biceps bunch and twitch. “Yeah … that does sound crazy.”

Crazy. This whole situation is. One day, I’m offered a four-month home in a dream condo, the next I’m standing on my stoop talking to a rock star. The biggest legend of my generation. I honestly don’t know how I’m not stammering right now.

“I can’t believe we’re neighbors,” I say without thinking.

His green eyes glint in the afternoon light, but he pauses and looks at me more closely. “You know, not to sound conceited here, but you’re kind of leering at me right now.”

My chin snaps up like I’ve been hit, even as my body flushes with embarrassment. Shit. I totally had been leering. No, not leering. But I had been staring at him in awe. Ugh. “Well, you do sound conceited. I was simply making polite eye contact.”

Liar McLiar-Face.

Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she’d rather be. She is a three-time RITA nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer’s Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine’s Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher’s Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.

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