Maybe there’s only one direction to go when two people fall in love at rock bottom—up.
Title: The Fall Up
Author: Aly Martinez
Series: none
Release Date: October 26th, 2015
I wanted to jump.
He made me fall.
As a celebrity, I lived in the public eye, but somewhere along the way, I’d lost myself in the spotlight.
Until he found me.
Sam Rivers was a gorgeous, tattooed stranger who saved my life with nothing more than a simple conversation.
But we were both standing on that bridge for a reason the night we met. The secrets of our pasts brought us together—and then tore us apart.
Could we find a reason to hold on as life constantly pulled us down?
Or maybe there’s only one direction to go when two people fall in love at rock bottom—up.
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FLO'S REVIEW
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 **beer and chicken** STARS
“Take me home and let me struggle with you.”
That was one delightful read and it sure lived up to the gorgeous cover and the hype. The Fall Up was my second book by Aly Martinez and also my favourite so far. A beautiful love story, hilarious banter and oh so heartwarming. Really a well rounded feel good read with an important message.
“Once upon a time...I fell in love with Spiderman. #TrueStory”
It took Sam Rivers three nights watching the girl with the blonde wig, the huge sunglasses and the designer shoes, before his concern took over and he finally had to approach and save her from herself. What he doesn't know is that the mystery girl with the apparent death wish is called Levee Williams and she also happens to be the biggest pop star around and she comes with a truckload of complications.
Sam and Levee are from very different worlds. He is a very ordinary guy who makes furniture out of anything and everything, he has a body full of tattoos and a dog, but that’s it for the most part. Levee on the other hand is a highly successful singer and songwriter who works too much and has lost the ability to shut the world out for a minute and who spends most of her free time visiting sick children in hospitals.
And yet, both their lives have lead them to a bridge in the middle of the night and a lot will change because of it. Sam falls for the girl even before he knows who she is, or better yet because he doesn't know who she is and Levee needs a lifeline in the form of a sexy tattooed smoker.
I'm absolutely in love with Sam. I actually think I need to start a new shelf for him - swoon worthy nice guys, maybe. Normally my book boyfriends run under the category alpha and there very rarely is occasion to label them anything else. But dear Sam couldn't be further away from the domineering assholes that usually grace my reading shelf. He is kind, caring and has a saviour complex. His only follies are his excessive smoking habit and his need to save everyone around him. He is damn near perfect and so gosh darn hilarious I couldn't stop smiling. He is the character who grounds this story and makes it an exceptional tale.
In some regards Levee is the polar opposite. She is a bit reckless, impulsive and self-destructive, but not necessarily in a negative way. All of those traits are not unlike in Sam’s case pointed towards others. She cares more about strangers well being than her own and has a hard time putting herself first. She needs help!
I loved how Ms. Martinez managed to wove this beautiful love story around real issues. The first one rather obviously - suicide. Along the line mental illness, anxiety and depression are discussed and dealt with in full. So yes, you not only get swoon worthy heroes but also substance and something to think about. Bottom line - READ THE BOOK!
I absolutely adored this read. Sam and Levee make such a wonderful couple with a hot and fast love story. The banter between them is witty, razor sharp and absolutely hilarious. The writing is effortless and the story has a nice flow to it. Especially the ending pulled all the strings nicely together and made this a well rounded and perfectly paced book that was over way too fast if you ask me. I laughed, I cried. What more could a girl want?
The Fall Up is a standalone new adult book, written in dual POV.
**ARC very kindly provided for BlogTour in exchange for an honest review.
SANDY'S REVIEW
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
***5 Free Fall Stars***
The Fall Up is a beautiful inspirational love story of two people from different walks of life but fighting the same daemons of the past. But mostly this story is character driven, right in the beginning we are introduced to the characters and the bizarre circumstances they meet, from there it’s only about how they shape each other’s life, help fight the ragging battle with their own self, and most importantly to love incalculably which fuels their life, becomes the reason for their new found happiness.
Levee and Sam meet up on a bridge one cold night, like any other story theirs also start with small talk and amiable conversation but what sets them apart is Sam is actually trying to talk her out of jumping off the bridge. They both have their reasons to walk up to that bridge every night but Sam was curious as to know why this girl hides behind her blond wig and sunglasses, stares at water every time she’s there, what’s her story and why she wants to end her life? Since he’s been watching her for quite a while now, he takes it upon himself to help her or at least be there for her if she needs to talk to someone. Little did Sam know this woman with designer shoes was none other than Levee Williams, a top celebrity in music industry. There develops a booming attraction between the two and when Sam doesn't see her for few nights straight, he didn't realise he would be actually praying and hoping desperately for her to be alive. On other hand Levee wants to go that bridge more often not for the same reason as before but to meet the tattooed smoker who’s always there waiting for her.
That’s all I’m going to say and that’s everything you need to know about this story and rest you have to simply experience!!
I can point out plenty of reasons why this book was a complete winner for me but one name which stole my heart right from page one was Sam Rivers - the tattooed perfection, who made me laugh and swoon throughout the book. My very own Mc Dreamy!! Hold and behold ladies, Sam will definitely make you forget all your fantasy BF’s. I finished this book 24 hours ago and I'm still running high on him!! He’s smart, funny, caring, protective, ridiculously sexy and above all a true boyfriend, supporting Levee in all her endeavours. I loved Levee’s character too, she didn't let fame get to her but stayed humble and kind throughout. And then, there’s the wonderful secondary characters, they added more essence to already great story, loved each one of them, especially Henry♥.
This is my second from this author, first being fighting silence ever since I read that book I knew she will be my go to author. With impeccable story and real life characters Aly Martinez won me over with FS, needless to say I had to sign up for this the minute I read the blurb. While I was reading this book I was surprised to see she didn't lay down many background stories, at least for Levee and I failed to see the reason why she was in state of chronic depression-Stress? Loneliness? Lack of love? Moreover, the story was fast paced and all the significant events takes place in a matter of a week! Now stories like this i.e without much plot development or insta-love are one’s I very much loathe but this one stands out for the very reason that the love and tangible emotions which was so proudly projected becomes soul of their story and not overdone at any point. Despite the fact they become a couple very soon this is much more than a story of how a boy and girl falls in love, it’s about how their love becomes path to their salvation.
Before you wonder if this is a sappy depressing kinda story, let me stop you right there. What I mentioned above was just the insight of the story, The Fall Up is anything but sad in fact, I don’t remember smiling or swooning this badly for any other book because this one is undeniably hilarious and damn witty. You would be surprised to know there are tons of laugh worthy dialogues and banters; not the repetitive kind which you read in almost all rom-coms but these one’s are smart, refreshingly unique and never heard before funny references, mind you there are tons. I must say the author uses humour as a tool to portray their unconventional love and life, which btw she NAILED it!!
I'm sure there are many readers out there who like me has certain requirements when it comes to our beloved romance genre but worry not, you can just go in blind and enjoy the ride. This book is for every romance reader who wants to feel the depth of love which stirs strong emotions plus this author wrote some hot wonders too *winks*
Lastly, prepared to be swooonnned and fall in love with, well all the characters!!!
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
EXCERPT
“Thank fuck!” Sam said, swinging the door open before Devon even had the car in park.
“Oh, this isn’t my place. We’re just dropping Devon off. I’m about twenty minutes across town?” I tossed him a sugary smile then boldly shifted my hand into his lap, purposely brushing the bulge under his denim.
Grabbing my wrist, he narrowed his eyes and called out, “Devon, I’m gonna need to borrow a bedroom.”
I burst out laughing as Devon cursed loudly.
“Fine. This is my place. No smoking inside though,” I snipped as I climbed from the SUV.
“You better have some seriously exciting extracurricular activities to keep me distracted, then.”
“I have Ping-Pong!”
“Not exactly what I was thinking.” He mischievously cocked his head. “But I guess paddles and balls are as good a start as any.” Dipping down, he hoisted me over his shoulder. “Point me to the Ping-Pong table, my lady.”
I didn’t. I laughed hysterically as he carried me inside. Then I directed him to my bedroom instead.
I heard Devon locking up the house as Sam deposited me on the bed.
“Jesus. This view.” He pushed the curtains back. “Why the hell would you ever go up to the bridge when you have this here?”
“I don’t know,” I answered, pulling my earrings off and placing them on my nightstand.
Oh, but I knew. It might not have been what had originally sent me up that bridge, but it was why my feet carried me back every night. And that very reason was currently standing in front of me with entirely too much clothing on.
“You want a beer?” I asked, sliding my shoes off.
“Nah, I’m good.” He faced me, and I could tell something was off with his demeanor. He didn’t inch any closer. Instead, his lips were tight and his eyes uncomfortably flashed around the room.
It suddenly didn’t feel like Sam standing in front of me at all.
He felt like a stranger who had just come face-to-face with Levee Williams.
Damn it.
“Why are you looking at me like that? Are you about to freak out?” I whispered, nervously moistening my lips.
He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’m not really sure yet. But I’m gonna need you to stop licking your lips long enough for me to figure it out.” His mouth cracked into a wide grin, and my shoulders relaxed.
Now that was a flash of my Sam.
“Want to tell me what’s going on?” I asked.
“It’s just… I think this is the first time I’ve realized that you’re some big-time celebrity. I might be in over my head here, Designer Shoes.”
“I just make music, Sam.” I returned his smile and very slowly prowled in his direction. “Imagine how I feel though. You’re Samuel Nathan Rivers. A tough, tattooed furniture designer who makes six figures a year but is too afraid to tell his mommy he votes democratic.” I giggled as he frowned humorously. Stopping in front of him, I dragged a fingernail down his chest then teased the waistband of his jeans. “Have you considered that maybe I’m the one who’s in over her head here?” I leaned forward to nip at his lips, but he spun us around.
“Excellent point. I’m going to need you to try really hard to keep it together, Levee. You haven’t even seen my six-pack and huge cock, yet.” He smirked and attempted to return my nip, but I stepped out of his reach.
“You brought beer and chicken?” I feigned excitement.
That one corny joke was all it took to bring my Sam back completely.
With a sexy smile and a coy shrug, he seductively backed me toward the bed. “What can I say? I like to be prepared.”
“Clearly,” I breathed.
He moved in close so his lips were only a centimeter away, but for as much as I wanted him, it was agonizing. “Clearly,” he repeated, his smoky yet sweet breath breezing across my mouth.
His strong arm looped around my waist, tugging me against his chest, while I stared into his hooded eyes, eagerly waiting for him to make a move.
Any move.
Every move.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Aly Martinez is a stay-at-home mom to four crazy kids under the age of five, including a set of twins. Currently living in South Carolina, she passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a glass of wine at her side.
After some encouragement from her friends, Aly decided to add “Author” to her ever-growing list of job titles. Five books later, she shows no signs of slowing. So grab a glass of Chardonnay, or a bottle if you’re hanging out with Aly, and join her aboard the crazy train she calls life.
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