Falling Hard - Tina Wainscott (Falling Fast #2)

I've apparently had this book on my currently reading shelf for several weeks, I should pay attention more. I also wish I had opened it up sooner, because it was great. There is nothing slow or cliche about this contemporary romance, just a novel with a strong message about strength, second chances, and acceptance. There is a heavy subject matter involved, but the author handles it in a perfect way. I loved this romance and while it is a standalone, I suggest you take a look at the entire series.
XOXO

Rating: 4.5 Stars
Published: December 2015
Many thanks to Netgalley and Loveswept for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Amazon Goodreads 

Gemma is back after being chased out of town in high school. She made the wrong choice of brothers, ending up with chauvinistic Blake, the beloved number one son. Pax never wanted to see her again, not after she ruined his family with her lies, but when he sees her on the side of the road with her flat tire he knows he has to help. On top of that, he's promised her father he'll watch over the Bed and Breakfast while he heals from his accident, which means watching over Gemma too. Gemma is there to take care of the B&B and her dad only, she'll leave as soon as it's done, no matter the feelings that are coming to life each time she sees Pax. As truths come to light from all those years ago, Pax and Gemma find themselves rethinking their stances on the small town and the crime that shook it.

"Fate. She might be a tricky bitch sometimes but she knows what she's doing."

I loved the characters of Gemma and Pax, flaws and all. I think each character is realistic, similar to someone you would meet in real life in the same situation. I enjoyed both the fun, humorous moments of the book, as well as the sad, hard to handle ones. They're complex characters, you feel like you've known them since the moment fate brought them together in high school and even though their history is filled with bumps and bruises you can only see a positive outcome for them, because their chemistry is on fire. The growth of each character is tremendous. The minor characters have stories of their own, each an underdog in a different way, and together, with Pax and Gemma, they make up such a powerful team. I felt like each character represented a different walk of life and that added many layers to the story line. It's absolutely a story of bravery, acceptance, taking chances, and overcoming the things that hold you down, whether that is others or yourself.

Hands down one of the best books I've read dealing with a terrible crime and sensitive subject matter. I was skeptical at first, I admit I avoid the topic pretty much like the plague, but Tina Wainscott did an amazing job. Sure it isn't the outcome you hope for at first, but the way it is handled is awesome and I related to it a lot more than I expected. I am such a fan of the underdog winning. I love the strength of the characters, the details of each different part of the book, and the dual POV. Your heart will hurt, but you will smile with happiness when you get to the end. Falling Hard has a powerful message and will absolutely be a book I pick up to read again. This is a standalone in the Falling Fast series.