I have a friend who survived a plane crash and I was so in awe of the fact that I peppered her with questions without being mindful of the residual trauma she must have felt, even years afterwards. This novel puts into context a number of things I haven’t really thought about. Shaylie Beck is one of eleven people who survive a plane crash. At a meeting of survivors and relatives of survivors she meets Piper Cole, who lost her fiancé and reconnects with Jason, the man who assisted her. In their shared experience, a friendship between them begins to form.

I loved the concept of this story and all the possibilities it holds. Told in first person from Shaylie’s point of view, her friendship with Piper slowly develops into more for Shaylie. Besides the obvious of Piper still grieving, Shaylie also has a secret and the way she battles with herself is really well-expressed. I enjoyed the pace of this slow burn connection. Shaylie’s best friend, Marisa, and her interest in Jason add a lovely dimension to the story too.

Bryant’s style of writing is definitely one I enjoy and I was thoroughly engaged for the first three quarters of the book until a character crossed one of my invisible, undulating lines. The problem is that I don’t always know where they are and often enough it’s a surprise to me to discover that I have completely switched off a character. In this case it was both the event itself as well as the length of time it took to resolve which was not helped by the luke-warmness of the resolution. From then on I had totally lost my belief and trust in the character which doused any hopes for a lasting HEA.

Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

The characters felt so damn real! They were believable and perfectly fleshed out. The story was well paced and made it difficult for me to put down.

I enjoyed much about this book. The characters and their relationships were well drawn. I liked the idea for the plot. But I felt that the writing and plot development were pretty choppy in spots. Some scenes ended abruptly and could have been better developed. The biking/camping trip for instance seemed like an important turning point in the characters' relationship, but ended rather quickly. I felt the same way about the trips to the ranch. I wanted more. Overall, though, an enjoyable satisfying romance.

This is not a bad book but it's also not really a book that worked for me. The main problem I had here was the fact that I just couldn't connect to these characters, especially Piper. I feel like we never really get to know Piper here. I went into this one expecting quite an emotional book but in reality this is quite a light easy read so I think that may have brought my personal enjoyment level down, as it just wasn't what I was after at the time.

This my 4th book by Bryant and I really enjoyed it. Probably not as much as Listen which is still my favorite Bryant book.

Falling is about literally falling out of the sky and letting yourself fall for the love of your life. The book opens with a BANG! Shaylie Beck is on a flight back to Denver where she has just left her seat to go to the restroom when it experiences some sort of mechanical malfunction and literally falls out of the sky. She is hurt pretty bad but survives along with 13 others. In comes Piper Cole. She lost her fiance and best friend on the plane and meets Shaylie at a survivors meeting. Since this one is only told through the eyes of Shaylie, I am only sure that there is at least a one sided attraction to Piper. (As a side note, I wish this was told through the eyes of both Shaylie and Piper).

As time goes on, they become friends and support each other as they deal with life after a plane crash. I really enjoyed the interaction between them as they get to know each other. Shaylie is determined to live life at her fullest because this is her second chance. At some point in the book you start to feel that there is an attraction that goes both ways. Just know that the chemistry between MCs is pretty hot. There is also a bonus side story about Shaylie's best friend and the guy that saved Shaylie after the plane crashed.

This is just a really good romance. Sure there has to be some angst in the story line to make it complete. I did find myself wishing for a little bit more after the angst on Piper's side. This was one of the few times I wish that this book wasn't from Shaylie's POV.

Anyway this was a good read and I will give it 4.25 stars.

This was a classic example of a lesbian romance, in that, girl finds girl, they connect, truth gets in the way and they have to deal with a secret that one of them is definitely not ready to handle. (Trying not to give the plot away here). So in that context, it was a satisfying read. The pacing was good, the characters were memorable, the intro certainly grabbed my attention and I actually read this in just two sittings.
I think my favourite parts were the ones out on the ranch. Jason was mindful, engaging and charming, and I'm so glad he survived the crash. I wanted his mother to adopt me and Marisa was the typical best friend that I expected.

Also satisfying was the ending. Somewhere in my life, I turned into someone who is a sucker for a heart-warming romance, filled with animals and a happy ever ending for all the characters concerned. Throw in a couple of horses and a foal...and I'm a fan. This is the perfect book for bedtime reading, or for when you need a nice safe romance. Read something dark and edgy later. This is one for soft blankets, hot cocoa and a pet (or lover) curled up beside you.

My only complaint was the cover, which I recognize is not the author's fault. At first glance, one might think they're going to read erotica. Relax, you aren't. Yes, there's sex and plenty of it in all the right parts. The cover is pale, misleading and looks like something you might not want to read in front of your Grandmother without a cover on it. Preferably one that says 'Calculus for Nerds' or something. Ignore the cover and get this book.
I'm telling you, it's as satisfying as any long warm bath. But better.

Kris Bryant's Falling is an interesting and riveting lesbian romance.

The beginning will grab you immediately, as the plane crash is described in detail. When Shaylie meets Piper, who's girlfriend and best friend were her seat mates, a friendship develops and grows into more.

I appreciated the conflict as it's definitely realistic and relatable. The romance itself was good, and the journey held my attention. I just didn't really care about them much, but I enjoyed their conflict.

Just remember the story starts with a plane crash, so definitely avoid this one if that's too sensitive of a topic for you.

This was a great read. I was engrossed in this from beginning to end. Ms Bryant is an amazing writer. I loved all the characters, especially Shaylie, she is a sweetheart. Piper took me a few chapters to like. I loved the story line and the pace was just right. I also loved the relationship between Marisa and Jason. They were also sweethearts.

High;y recommend giving this a read.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Shaylie Beck has just survived a plane crash. She just happened to be sitting next to Piper Cole's fiancee and best friend who didn't survive. As Shaylie and Piper come to terms with their own grief and emotions, they forge a connection. As their connection develops, Shaylie has a secret which could be catastrophic for their relationship.
Whilst I did enjoy this book I found it hard to connect with the characters, well mainly Piper, I found her emotionally hot and cold and thought she was checking out of the relationship at some of the later stages in the book when she wasn't really. Or maybe that was my poor interpretation of her character. I also felt that Shaylie was disproportionately invested in the relationship particularly towards the end. I did struggle with the closing out of the story as everything seemed to be wrapped up too conveniently and a little too quickly. But seriously, that cover is smoking!

Falling is a great title for this story and a perfect fit regarding the progression of the characters’ relationships. The characters, to certain degrees, were impacted by the traumatic event of a plane crash.
Shaylie survived the plane crash with the help of fellow passenger, Jason. Marisa, Shaylie’s best friend, was then introduced to Jason. Piper lost her best friend and fiancée in the crash who happened to be seat mates with Shaylie. Eventually, they all met and relationships formed.But while Marisa and Jason’s relationship developed smoothly, Shaylie and Piper each toed the line on what was considered appropriate behavior since Piper obviously just lost loved ones.There were moments of angst involved, especially when secrets were revealed, but the author did not take it to extreme levels.

Even though this was a romance story between Shaylie and Piper, I actually enjoyed Shaylie and Marisa’s solid friendship just as much. It felt real and their interactions were extremely supportive, sensitive, and quite humorous at times. Their relationship added another level of depth to this already interesting story.

Once again, Kris Bryant has written a story with memorable characters that captures attention from start to finish.

A romance with a unique inception.

Shaylie, a real estate professional, survives a plane crash. She ends up meeting Piper, a yoga instructor, at an airline communication conference trying to get info about root cause. Piper is a relative of a couple of people who did not survive the crash. Shaylie ends up developing feelings for Piper and feels guilty because of the circumstances.

I'm a fan of Kris Bryant. She writes well and I loved 'Listen' And 'Breakthrough.' Unfortunately, this one was just OK. It is a solid romance and worth reading, but you won't be blown away.

The book suffered with pacing. Started off with a bang and slowed down significantly from there. Then things got resolved at breakneck speed toward the end.

I really liked the concept and idea but it just never met my expectations. I wanted more from all of the different situations Bryant presented to us. I wanted friends on the camping trip to take notice and take issue. I wanted the best friend to do something instead of just constantly warning Shaylie. I wanted Shaylie to hold Piper accountable for a bit.

In other words: I didn't think there was enough drama. There are a LOT of readers out there that will be appreciative of that. So take this for what it is: My opinion only.

There were a few things that I didn't care for. There was an excessive amount of winking. At one point Piper was described having braided hair but in the next minute she is described with her hair messily up in a bun. I never understood why Shaylie thought so highly of Jason as her hero. The guy carried her out. If he hadn't, the rescue people would have. It wasn't like she was in the fiery inferno of the main cabin and had to be dragged away to safety.

What I did like was the realism of giddiness with the initial texting between Shaylie and Piper. My relationship started with fun and flirtatious texting so it was something I could relate to and feel right along with Shaylie.

There were some intimate scenes that definitely made me blush.

I recommend this to people who love romance, catastrophe, giddy texting, friendship, Denver, Wyoming, and yoga.

<i>I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review</i>

Whew. The beginning of this. That was amazing and terrifying.

I don't think its too much of a spoiler to say that this all starts with a plane crash that one of the main characters, Shaylie, is in.

She and ten other people survive the crash, and she is rescued by a guy named Jason (his subplot was great). I was wary when he appeared, but, all of the characters were pitch perfect, from Marisa to Jason to Piper (who lost both her fiancee and Best Friend in the crash).

There is the typical romantic push and pull between Piper and Shaylie, but, what made it interesting to me was the layers in that back and forth. The facts behind the push and pull (like Shay has a secret).

That's what made it an amazingly fun ride of a novel for sure.

I received this book via Netgalley thanks to Bold Strokes Books.

Honestly, the story started a little rough for me in the beginning, but it didn't take long for me to become engrossed in the story.

This felt like a very intense and emotional story, starting chapter one with a plane crash! Throughout the progression of the book, I could really feel the emotional build up between the two main characters. I genuinely was not sure where things were going to go and that was refreshing. Even the side characters were enjoyable and I did not mind at all when those stories would be brought forward to center stage. I cared about everyone in the book.

I normally tend to like first-person storytelling less than third person. I admit I was biased to that opinion as soon as I started reading. Pretty quickly though I found myself not minding it at all. The author did a great job.

The ending felt a tiny bit rushed, but at the same time, I understand why. We got the story the author was telling and any more than that would have dragged it on too much. I think I just found the relationship to be sweet and interesting and just wanted to read more about them.

This book was sweet. Started out rough as Shay was in a plane crash where literally everyone died except 11 people including her. She luckily survived. At a support group meeting she meets the beautiful Piper, who it turns out, lost her fiancée and best friend, whom Shay had been sitting next to during the flight. Shay and Piper become friends. Then they become more then friends. This book has a lot of emotions in it because of Piper's loss and how Piper and Shay met. The author does a great job describing all the emotions that both Shay and Piper are going through in the aftermath of the plane crash and their losses and how they find each other. A beautiful love story. Thanks to NG for the ARC!!

Wow! I knew I wanted to read Falling by Kris Bryant when I heard about the book several months ago. Ms. Bryant is an exceptional author, so I had high hopes that this would be a really good story. I am very pleased to tell you that this novel has exceeded all of my expectations.
The story is told in first person narrative which makes the beginning even more compelling and terrifying since you will experience a major plane crash through the eyes and other senses of the main character, Shaylie Beck. This tragic accident changes not only Shaylie’s life but those around her as well. It also leads her to meet Piper Cole. Piper lost loved ones in the crash as well. Shaylie, her best friend Marisa, Jason (the man who pulled Shaylie out of the plane wreckage), and Piper meet at a survivors group therapy session. This leads to all of them forming a friendship and then maybe more as the story continues. There is a secret that Shaylie keeps from Piper though, and this secret could end up causing a lot of heartache.
Ms. Bryant is changing my view of first person narrative. I normally don’t like to read this POV because it can be limiting. It is a hard narrative to write in, but Ms. Bryant is an expert and gives the reader everything they need through Shaylie. This novel could be used as a textbook example on how to write in this point of view.
Falling is one of the best stories I’ve read so far this year and is definitely going into my favorites folder. It is a wonderful and heartwarming story that you really do not want to miss.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

Kris Bryant knocks it out of the park with her latest work, Falling. Shaylie Beck is one of only 11 people who survive a plane crash. During one of the information sessions after the crash, Shaylie meets Piper Cole, a yoga instructor whose fiancee and best friend both died in the crash. The story covers how these two women become friends and much more.

I loved the character development in the book and the difficult feelings that were involved. I can't imagine what something like surviving a plane crash would be like or how I would react to others who lost loved ones while I was still alive. This story kicks things up a notch by introducing attraction and love into that mix of emotions. The sex scenes are HOT and are definitely worth reading for.

It is a very enjoyable read that I am sure I will come back to. I look forward to an audiobook version, hopefully in the near future.

'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher in exchange for an honest review'

**'Great dialogue has transparency.Something is being said while something else is being felt..Sentences are not different enough to hold the attention of readers unless they are dramatic..'

Kris Bryant takes readers on a meandering journey in 'FALLING' which is written with a gentle tenderness and empathy -- though perhaps it is this tenderness borne from her mission to really emphasize on the personal growth of each character after the plane crash. It felt like there was an awareness of this author's connection to the story because it was evident in the depth and intimacy that resonates within it. Some readers might notice that certain parts of a few chapters seems a bit like some carefully constructed narrative of an introspective to being traumatize then having the choice of being truthful to the person you Love because the course of true Love never runs smoothly.
Though the storyline reads with a certain rhythm and felt almost like being in the turbulence which led to the crash -- even while getting different snapshots of everything that Shaylie was enduring, it might help readers to become entrenched with the storytelling from beginning to end.
Shaylie did wrestle with that overwhelming after-effect of being depress and traumatize, even dealing with that burden of survivor's guilt and the complexities of her memories -- then eventually feeling better as the storyline progresses. She also finds herself learning how not only to be accepting of being alive but to thrive -- making lots of positive changes in her life, letting her heart be open to falling in Love and be prideful at watching her best friend (Marisa) finally find Love.
There's also a paean of independence pertaining to both the main and secondary characters, of self-reliance and then that searing quiet comfort of living honestly while being in Love as a family.

Ultimately, with a feeling of warmth,a little humor and the graphic,evocative details of the plane crash, those remote picturesque towns in Denver, those ever growing friendships (from acquaintances to relationships) and some characters's daily struggles vividly to life, I do think that 'FALLING' can be viewed as somewhat as a heartwarming,Love story that involves two very close friends (Shaylie & Marisa) finding joy,peace and that overpowering kinda Love for others (Piper & Jason)
Recommended book!

This is one of the most sensuous covers we’ve ever seen. The cover is enough to draw you to reading it – and the book lives up to expectation. Not overly sexual, but with a very nice blend of emotion and attraction, this is a one-sitting read.

Shaylie Beck, a realtor, suddenly becomes a statistic – a survivor in a plane crash. She attends a support group meeting for other survivors and family/friends of the crash victims. One of the other attendees is Piper Cole who has lost both, her fiancée and her best friend in the crash. During the meeting, Shaylie mentions her seat number. Piper finds her at the end of the meeting and says the two people she lost were in the same row and asks whether Shaylie would mind talking to her. Thus starts their relationship: Piper is struggling to come to terms with her loss and seeks Shaylie.

Though narrated in first person in Shaylie’s voice, we get to know both the MCs really well and are able to truly empathise with both. In addition to the two lovely ladies, there is a clutch of really nice supporting characters and really heart-warming relationships amongst many of them. And always a big plus: great sex.

This is so recommended.

Netgally Review:

Falling was very enjoyable. The plot was interesting and hit on multiple genres, well! The characters were sweet and there was just the right amount of angst. I spent most of the book waiting for the other shoe to drop but not in the way I sometimes do, distracted by what some characters know or don't know. All and all a solid 4 stars

Ok, so, um, yeah... a Must read. Great story and powerful characters. I couldn't put this book down. The first chapter had the emotions rolling and I just had to keep going. I don't know what more to say other than, "I highly recommend".