Fall is such an interesting word with lots of meanings; to become lower in size, amount or strength, to come down from a higher position to a lower one, to belong to a particular group, to be beaten or defeated, to change to a particular condition from a different one and much more. What a little word with power in its essence!
You will be wondering where I am going with this… Well, Fall by Kristen Callihan couldn’t have a better title. This book has all of that but in the end the thing that wins is its opposite; Rise. This is a story with lots of lows and lots of highs but what stays in your heart is love and hope that shines above everything else.
Jax is the singer/guitarist for one of the most famous bands. John is the real man behind the persona. He is a man who feels lonely, often in pain and fights depression. When he meets a funny, sassy girl, all his walls are ready to crumble because she makes him hope. Hope though is such a dangerous feeling because if you lose it, you can lose everything.
Stella has raised practically herself. She has no one to depend on but she fights to have a good life. She might be independent but it’s difficult not having anyone to trust. After a cute encounter with a gorgeous man, she cannot stop thinking about him but she is sure she won’t see him again; until she moves next to him…
The attraction is there from the start but these two have many obstacles to overcome. They have to open their hearts and that’s a difficult thing when theirs are already hurt.
Their relationship is so believable. The pace is actually perfect and I love that these two work well as friends firstly. There is not anything better than falling in love with someone you can trust your feelings.
Kristen Callihan has a way of writing beautifully crafted characters with flaws and imperfections you can connect to. Jax/John is a man who has mental health issues and the author treats him with respect. Same goes for Stella. You can see her pain but also her beauty. They are perfectly imperfect together.
There is this connection between them and although they make mistakes, you never fault them or blame them. You just empathize.
Kristen manages to provoke feelings without even trying and that needs talent. I found myself crying and laughing and feeling in general. Her words have depth and are meaningful.
If you have read the other books in this series, then you will be glad to see the previous characters that have moved on with their lives. This “family” of friends is adorable and I cannot wait to read the stories of the whole band.
Kristen Callihan wrote one of my most favorite stories of this year so I dare you not to “Fall” in love with this book!
