Title: The Fall Up
Author: Aly Martinez
~ SYNOPSIS ~
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.
~5 Stars~
Where do you start with a book that stopped you in your tracks and made you think about the unexplainable? The sad side of life? The hurt and pain we don't 'see'? All the while, including some seriously sexy-time, an actual story with very real drama and happiness and an HEA?
The Fall Up was that book. This book is so remarkable for so many reasons. One of the most important reasons is that it puts a very real name and face to suicide. I realize it's a book, and they aren't real characters.....but the situation was real, the love was real and the problem IS real.
This is NOT a downer book by any means. Not at all. This is a phenomenal story of a couple that met by FATE and were there for each other when needed. Their relationship was founded on similar problems bringing them to the same spot....which turned into a necessary ritual. It was grounded on trust and respect, above ALL else, not even taking into consideration who Levee was. I loved Sam.....he is the quintessential man. He is honest....sometimes to a fault. He is thoughtful. He is caring. He has alpha tendencies (yes, please!!). And last, but not least, he can take care of his woman. Haha!
This story was a beautiful telling of how life can pick you up, let you down, stress you out and pick you right back up again. The gamut of emotions I got to feel while reading this story was noteworthy. No, I didn't cry....it wasn't that type of book. It was, however, the type that made me seriously think....look beyond my own misconceptions (certainly not intentional) about suicide and the many reasons for why it happens. It opened doors. It provided meaningful thought and it started conversations with not only my book friends, but my husband and kids. I think it was a great handling of a sticky subject that does NOT get enough airtime and help in our overstressed, under-calmed (my word!!) world.
~There isn't a woman in the world who doesn't have demons of some sort. No matter who I end up with, it's always going to be a struggle." I kissed her hair again, letting it linger as if my lips were able to transfer the truth of my worlds. "Levee, I'd like to struggle with you."~
I am so in love with Sam. He is so perfect!! I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a thoughtful, discussion provoking, sexy and wonderfully written book. Well done, Aly!! Well done.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review*
“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 PingPong 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 facetoface 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 sixpack 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.
~Aly Martinez~
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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~Samantha Cole~
