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How We Fall
Ever since Jackie moved to her uncle's sleepy farming town, she's been flirting way too much--and with her own cousin, Marcus.
Her friendship with him has turned into something she can't control, and he's the reason Jackie lost track of her best friend, Ellie, who left for...no one knows where. Now Ellie has been missing for months, and the police, fearing the worst, are searching for her body. Swamped with guilt and the knowledge that acting on her love for Marcus would tear their families apart, Jackie pushes her cousin away. The plan is to fall out of love, and, just as she hoped he would, Marcus falls for the new girl in town. But something isn't right about this stranger, and Jackie's suspicions about the new girl's secrets only drive the wedge deeper between Jackie and Marcus--and deepens Jackie's despair.
Then Marcus is forced to pay the price for someone else's lies as the mystery around Ellie's disappearance starts to become horribly clear. Jackie has to face terrible choices. Can she leave her first love behind, and can she go on living with the fact that she failed her best friend?
Her friendship with him has turned into something she can't control, and he's the reason Jackie lost track of her best friend, Ellie, who left for...no one knows where. Now Ellie has been missing for months, and the police, fearing the worst, are searching for her body. Swamped with guilt and the knowledge that acting on her love for Marcus would tear their families apart, Jackie pushes her cousin away. The plan is to fall out of love, and, just as she hoped he would, Marcus falls for the new girl in town. But something isn't right about this stranger, and Jackie's suspicions about the new girl's secrets only drive the wedge deeper between Jackie and Marcus--and deepens Jackie's despair.
Then Marcus is forced to pay the price for someone else's lies as the mystery around Ellie's disappearance starts to become horribly clear. Jackie has to face terrible choices. Can she leave her first love behind, and can she go on living with the fact that she failed her best friend?
304 pages, Hardcover
First published March 14, 2014
30 people are currently reading
8589 people want to read
About the author
Kate Brauning
3 books194 followersKate Brauning is an author of young adult thrillers with a twist of the unusual, including How We Fall and the short story “Godzilla Girls.” As a child, she spent a lot of time in her local library, wandering the shelves and discovering all kinds of stories about all kinds of people. She grew up in the hills of Missouri on twenty acres with a big pear tree, cats, dogs, chickens, rabbits, and bottle calves. An incurable love for seeing real life through the pages of a book drew her to writing fiction, and at fifteen she decided she wanted someone to find her own books by searching through the shelves of a library. She’s been writing ever since, and she’s not going to stop until she can no longer put one word after another.
Currently Kate lives in Austin, Texas, with her family and her Siberian husky, Willow. In her spare time, she travels, works on her baking skills, hunts down new music, and reads just about everything. Kate loves people, dark chocolate, snorkeling, feminism, everything about autumn, bright colors, grassroots social action, red maple trees, superstitions, advocating for human rights, ghost stories, night skies, equality, pie, and talking about books. She’s working hard on her next few novels, and if you see her, say hello, because she’d love to take you out for coffee and ask you what you’re reading.
For more about Kate, follow her on Twitter and Facebook, or subscribe to her newsletter.
Currently Kate lives in Austin, Texas, with her family and her Siberian husky, Willow. In her spare time, she travels, works on her baking skills, hunts down new music, and reads just about everything. Kate loves people, dark chocolate, snorkeling, feminism, everything about autumn, bright colors, grassroots social action, red maple trees, superstitions, advocating for human rights, ghost stories, night skies, equality, pie, and talking about books. She’s working hard on her next few novels, and if you see her, say hello, because she’d love to take you out for coffee and ask you what you’re reading.
For more about Kate, follow her on Twitter and Facebook, or subscribe to her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
January 15, 2015
***I received the ARC eBook free as a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review***
I want to start off by saying that I can’t wait to read How We Fall again! Which I know sounds weird when I read it only a few hours ago… but it’s one of those reads that you speed though so quickly without realising to be left spinning when it’s all over which you can’t quite believe.
This book seemed to have a fairly simplistic storyline but looking back at the details, I can see how cleverly woven the mystery was in the writing. It worked perfectly to keep my interest which is always a worry when I decide to read a contemporary because I often can’t immerse myself in a world that’s so similar to my own and therefore don’t enjoy it nearly as much as I’d like. However Kate Brauning’s beautiful story felt like the opposite of this, and I couldn’t put it down.
The forbidden romance was much more centre stage then I imagined before starting, and for a while I didn’t understand how this could work when they inevitably “broke up” but once again Brauning proved me wrong.
I loved Jackie as a protagonist because it was so easy to connect with her on many levels, and her personality along with her pain simply radiated out of the pages. I always understood where she was coming from even when I disagreed with some of her actions. Granted Marcus was as much to blame; I thought the way he dealt with everything was worse than Jackie and so I lost some of my sympathy for him. However saying this I could never hate either of these characters and was always rooting for their relationship to work.
The message that just because people think something’s wrong, doesn’t mean they’re right rings true in so many circumstances and the ability to do what makes you happy no matter what other people think is a lesson I believe everyone can learn. So even though I couldn’t relate to Jackie’s particular love life it all felt real and you can take different things from it.
On a lighter note Will was easily my favourite character in this book, and I definitely wish we saw more of him. But in the end How We Fall was an incredibly enjoyable and moving debut by an author that I can’t wait to see more of, and who I’d like to thank for the chance to read her stunning book.
Posted on: http://enchantedbyya.blogspot.co.uk/
I want to start off by saying that I can’t wait to read How We Fall again! Which I know sounds weird when I read it only a few hours ago… but it’s one of those reads that you speed though so quickly without realising to be left spinning when it’s all over which you can’t quite believe.
This book seemed to have a fairly simplistic storyline but looking back at the details, I can see how cleverly woven the mystery was in the writing. It worked perfectly to keep my interest which is always a worry when I decide to read a contemporary because I often can’t immerse myself in a world that’s so similar to my own and therefore don’t enjoy it nearly as much as I’d like. However Kate Brauning’s beautiful story felt like the opposite of this, and I couldn’t put it down.
The forbidden romance was much more centre stage then I imagined before starting, and for a while I didn’t understand how this could work when they inevitably “broke up” but once again Brauning proved me wrong.
I loved Jackie as a protagonist because it was so easy to connect with her on many levels, and her personality along with her pain simply radiated out of the pages. I always understood where she was coming from even when I disagreed with some of her actions. Granted Marcus was as much to blame; I thought the way he dealt with everything was worse than Jackie and so I lost some of my sympathy for him. However saying this I could never hate either of these characters and was always rooting for their relationship to work.
The message that just because people think something’s wrong, doesn’t mean they’re right rings true in so many circumstances and the ability to do what makes you happy no matter what other people think is a lesson I believe everyone can learn. So even though I couldn’t relate to Jackie’s particular love life it all felt real and you can take different things from it.
On a lighter note Will was easily my favourite character in this book, and I definitely wish we saw more of him. But in the end How We Fall was an incredibly enjoyable and moving debut by an author that I can’t wait to see more of, and who I’d like to thank for the chance to read her stunning book.
Posted on: http://enchantedbyya.blogspot.co.uk/
January 17, 2018
This review can also be found on my blog: A Match Made in Heaven
I would like to give this book 3.5/5. It wasn't really what I was expecting, and had certain factor that made me uncomfortable, but it was interesting, well written, and featured very likable characters. The blurb mentions Jackie's relationship with her cousin, Marcus, but it doesn't even touch on the true depth of their relationship. It's somewhat misleading. You have to be able to accept a relationship between first cousins to really enjoy this book I think.
Jackie and her family of four, and Marcus and his family of eight, moved in together to share a home when they were 14. They liked each other from the beginning. In such a large family they instantly gravitated towards each other, because they were the same age and they were both quiet. But after an innocent game of "Truth or Dare", they see each other in a different light, and their relationship is changed forever. The book starts during the summer before Jackie and Marcus' senior year, when their relationship is beginning to reach a tipping point. When they first give in to their secret relationship they give themselves rules. No commitment. Not labels. No sex. But things are getting too serious and they can't stop it. Marcus wants to spend more time with Jackie. He wants to be able to take her out without being afraid. Jackie is getting insanely jealous of Marcus talking to other girls. She is afraid she is falling in love with him, which she cannot allow. Their relationship just cannot be. So they try to make a preemptive clean break. It was inevitable, right?
Regardless of what I might think of their relationship, Jackie and Marcus were very well developed, believable, and likable characters. Even when they were going through some rough spots I still liked them. All of their arguments were realistic and I understood both of their point of views, and why they were acting the way they were. The situation they had ended up in was difficult and really, neither of them were to blame. But its impossible to separate them from their relationship and the fact that they were cousins. If they weren't cousins none of this would have happened. There would have been no conflict. And if they hadn't been cousins, they wouldn't have become the people that they had.
I have a hard time accepting the fact that they were cousins, and I am trying not to think about it in realistic terms. I get a little freaked out when I think of this happening in real like. But, as a story it was very well portrayed and understandable. I could see how they were each others refuge. Despite how freaked out I may have been when I realized what I was reading, Kate Brauning made me accept it enough to finish the book. She made me really care about Jackie and her intelligence and laughter. And Marcus and his strength and steadfastness. They deserved happiness, and after reading their story, I know they would only be happy together and I am glad they made it work. I only wish that I could have seen more. I always prefer it when a book has an epilogue.
There was also a side-story about the disappearance of Jackie's best friend which accented the book with a bit of mystery. It was a nice addition and I really couldn't figure out what was going on. But it wasn't focused on that much, and the book would have still been able to carry itself as a contemporary romance without it.
As much as I appreciate being drawn into a story, this loses more than a star for the serious "ick" factor. Despite the taboo subject matter, this story was completely clean and YA appropriate. There is only kissing and a conversation or two about safe sex and abstinence. If you don't have a problem with the taboo nature of this story (I am sure those who have read Forbidden won't even bat an eye), I would recommend this to those who are looking for a good, angsty story. For those who enjoy emotional, forbidden romance.
I would like to give this book 3.5/5. It wasn't really what I was expecting, and had certain factor that made me uncomfortable, but it was interesting, well written, and featured very likable characters. The blurb mentions Jackie's relationship with her cousin, Marcus, but it doesn't even touch on the true depth of their relationship. It's somewhat misleading. You have to be able to accept a relationship between first cousins to really enjoy this book I think.
Jackie and her family of four, and Marcus and his family of eight, moved in together to share a home when they were 14. They liked each other from the beginning. In such a large family they instantly gravitated towards each other, because they were the same age and they were both quiet. But after an innocent game of "Truth or Dare", they see each other in a different light, and their relationship is changed forever. The book starts during the summer before Jackie and Marcus' senior year, when their relationship is beginning to reach a tipping point. When they first give in to their secret relationship they give themselves rules. No commitment. Not labels. No sex. But things are getting too serious and they can't stop it. Marcus wants to spend more time with Jackie. He wants to be able to take her out without being afraid. Jackie is getting insanely jealous of Marcus talking to other girls. She is afraid she is falling in love with him, which she cannot allow. Their relationship just cannot be. So they try to make a preemptive clean break. It was inevitable, right?
Regardless of what I might think of their relationship, Jackie and Marcus were very well developed, believable, and likable characters. Even when they were going through some rough spots I still liked them. All of their arguments were realistic and I understood both of their point of views, and why they were acting the way they were. The situation they had ended up in was difficult and really, neither of them were to blame. But its impossible to separate them from their relationship and the fact that they were cousins. If they weren't cousins none of this would have happened. There would have been no conflict. And if they hadn't been cousins, they wouldn't have become the people that they had.
I have a hard time accepting the fact that they were cousins, and I am trying not to think about it in realistic terms. I get a little freaked out when I think of this happening in real like. But, as a story it was very well portrayed and understandable. I could see how they were each others refuge. Despite how freaked out I may have been when I realized what I was reading, Kate Brauning made me accept it enough to finish the book. She made me really care about Jackie and her intelligence and laughter. And Marcus and his strength and steadfastness. They deserved happiness, and after reading their story, I know they would only be happy together and I am glad they made it work. I only wish that I could have seen more. I always prefer it when a book has an epilogue.
There was also a side-story about the disappearance of Jackie's best friend which accented the book with a bit of mystery. It was a nice addition and I really couldn't figure out what was going on. But it wasn't focused on that much, and the book would have still been able to carry itself as a contemporary romance without it.
As much as I appreciate being drawn into a story, this loses more than a star for the serious "ick" factor. Despite the taboo subject matter, this story was completely clean and YA appropriate. There is only kissing and a conversation or two about safe sex and abstinence. If you don't have a problem with the taboo nature of this story (I am sure those who have read Forbidden won't even bat an eye), I would recommend this to those who are looking for a good, angsty story. For those who enjoy emotional, forbidden romance.
June 1, 2014
I don’t normally read contemporary. It’s not that I’ve had a bad experience, it’s more a fear that if there’s no vampire or angel or demon lurking in the shadows, the story won’t hold my attention.
I’m happy to say, Brauning proved me wrong.
HOW WE FALL was fast paced, full of tension, and had a romance that was both challenging and magical. Okay, let’s get straight to the whole cousin thing. I’m not going to lie – the idea of cousins getting it on was different. But Brauning wrote Jackie and Marcus’ story in such a compelling way, it had me rooting for them the ENTIRE story. Their romance was so real, so full of depth, I didn’t care that they were cousins. They were in love, so why should other people decide if they could, or couldn’t be together? All that mattered to me, was that they find a way.
Adding to the romantic tension, Brauning threw in the disappearance of Jackie’s best friend, Ellie. It was dark and intriguing, full of twists, and did not disappoint.
HOW WE FALL was a great debut for Brauning. She’s proved she’s the master of pace and tension, has a talent for layering in description, writes characters that readers will care about, and OH MY GOODNESS SHE CAN WRITE A KISSING SCENE. They were hot and addictive, and had me turning the pages for more. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of HOW WE FALL, but will be buying a copy when it’s released and plan to read it again!
I’m happy to say, Brauning proved me wrong.
HOW WE FALL was fast paced, full of tension, and had a romance that was both challenging and magical. Okay, let’s get straight to the whole cousin thing. I’m not going to lie – the idea of cousins getting it on was different. But Brauning wrote Jackie and Marcus’ story in such a compelling way, it had me rooting for them the ENTIRE story. Their romance was so real, so full of depth, I didn’t care that they were cousins. They were in love, so why should other people decide if they could, or couldn’t be together? All that mattered to me, was that they find a way.
Adding to the romantic tension, Brauning threw in the disappearance of Jackie’s best friend, Ellie. It was dark and intriguing, full of twists, and did not disappoint.
HOW WE FALL was a great debut for Brauning. She’s proved she’s the master of pace and tension, has a talent for layering in description, writes characters that readers will care about, and OH MY GOODNESS SHE CAN WRITE A KISSING SCENE. They were hot and addictive, and had me turning the pages for more. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of HOW WE FALL, but will be buying a copy when it’s released and plan to read it again!
September 1, 2021
Kate is a brilliant author. Her prose sings and her stories are tightly plotted and deeply emotional. Highly recommended!
March 23, 2019
I picked up this book with the intention of reading an absolute trainwreck. With further inspection, this trainwreck was a lot worse than I thought it would be. "How We Fall" is the first book in a long time to make me absolutely speechlessly angry, although I do have to congratulate it for being the first book I've read in approximately a year.
Incest is not okay why would you ever do this?? It seemed like it was going to be fine for a while but then they just went back to each other??? There is exactly one character in this entire book who finds their incest weird and she's not even there for a majority of the book, and I'm mad about it. Also, the double standard is infuriating is this what people think teenagers argue about??
tl;dr you should absolutely not put your fingers in the belt loop of your cousin's jean shorts and this book should not exist
Incest is not okay why would you ever do this?? It seemed like it was going to be fine for a while but then they just went back to each other??? There is exactly one character in this entire book who finds their incest weird and she's not even there for a majority of the book, and I'm mad about it. Also, the double standard is infuriating is this what people think teenagers argue about??
tl;dr you should absolutely not put your fingers in the belt loop of your cousin's jean shorts and this book should not exist
December 29, 2014
MANY THANKS TO MERIT PRESS AND EDELWEISS FOR THIS REVIEW COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
This book wasn’t bad – it just wasn’t what I expected it to be.
When I requested this book from Edelweiss, I was expecting it to be an emotional journey of being in a forbidden relationship, with an added touch of mystery and suspense on the side. I did get... some of it, but not exactly what I was expecting. Like I said on my pre-review, everything was all over the place. I wish, it just focused more on the relationship and the struggle of falling in love with your cousin. Throwing in that suspense, that mystery, made it very confusing to me. I had the same problem with another book I've read recently.Now that the hell was the title of that book? Shit. Sometimes, simplicity is the best. A complicated plot line just makes it more confusing, irritating for the reader to stay focus on what's happening to the characters.
THE GIST
I've read Forbidden, and fell in love with it immensely. That is a book with so much passion that it oozes through its pages. It takes you in, makes you feel their pain, makes you feel their love, and then breaks you towards the end. They may have been brothers and sisters, but I didn't care. I felt the connection. I felt the reason. It felt real despite it being so wrong. But in love, who could say what's wrong or right, right? Incest may be a sensitive topic for a lot of people, but I'm not one of them. Just because other people doesn't think it's right, makes it wrong. And Forbidden showed the readers that. I was kind of hoping this book would make me feel that as well. Unfortunately, it didn't. There was a point that I was getting there, but then it just focused on something else entirely, which is why I couldn't give this book a high rating.
Jackie was an okay protagonist. I didn't hate her, but I didn't like her either. Her internal monologues weren't helping as well. I agree with Marcus, she was the one who wanted them to split upif they were even together in the first place. She was the one who makes all the irrational decisions. I feel that all the decisions she made, was very unfair for Marcus. He was a nice guy. He only cared about her well-being, but what she does is only push him away. I get that she was scared. This wasn't normal - but really who is? Nobody is. Like I said earlier, just because other people think it's not right, doesn't make it wrong. We are all humans here capable of thinking. Capable of making their own decisions. I'm not a big fan of people whose decisions are based on what other will think of them. Of course, I'm not saying everyone should not care what other people think of you - what I meant was, do what you think will make you happy. And if other people couldn't get that, screw them.
Marcus was well... I'm not sure I liked him too much as well. I get that he was hurt, but it was all too easy for him to move on. It sucks for me reading about it.
Now Will, I really liked. He's been a good friend to Jackie. I think of all the characters in this book, he was my favorite. And if you read the book, you'll see why. :)
I have this issue with their parents. Seriously, they weren't alcoholics, they weren't addicts, they weren't like Maya and Lochan's mom, so there was no reason for them not to notice that stuff has been going on with these two. I don't have any cousins that I'm close with, so I have no idea if this was normal. There were four adults in that house, and they didn't notice anything? Except maybe Claire but that's a different story.
What bothered me: Marcus and Jackie's relationship is what bothered me. I didn't like the fact that their relationship already started when they were introduced to us. I would have wanted to see more depth to the relationship, but I only saw bits of it. So I wasn't that invested on their relationship. For me, it felt that I have to finish the book just to see how the story ended, not because I wanted them to end up together.
And the mystery/thriller part, didn't really work for me. I really wish it was opted out. This book would have become a favorite. Like I said, this book wasn't bad - all the other stuff just didn't work for me.
Incestuous love story + missing girl + psycho stalker = Just didn't work for me I would have liked that this story dwelt more on the incestuous love story.
I hate leaving negative reviews, so I'm so sorry I left this. I really wanted to like this. I do want to emphasize though the importance of a simpler plot, but with a more complex character. Then again, it could just be for me. I've read a lot of good review for this book, so I'm sure a lot of you would like it as well. Unfortunately for me, I just didn't feel like.
This book wasn’t bad – it just wasn’t what I expected it to be.
When I requested this book from Edelweiss, I was expecting it to be an emotional journey of being in a forbidden relationship, with an added touch of mystery and suspense on the side. I did get... some of it, but not exactly what I was expecting. Like I said on my pre-review, everything was all over the place. I wish, it just focused more on the relationship and the struggle of falling in love with your cousin. Throwing in that suspense, that mystery, made it very confusing to me. I had the same problem with another book I've read recently.
THE GIST
Jackie and Marcus like each other.
They feel that they're meant to be together.
They understand each other more than anyone else can.
The only problem was...
They're cousins.
They knew it's wrong.
They try to avoid it.
They try to stay away from each other.
But the attraction is just too strong.
Jackie didn't want to hurt Marcus and her family.
She decided it was better, if they should stop whatever it was they have.
She decided it was for the best.
Ellie, Jackie's friend, has been missing for a couple of months now.
She blames herself because she hasn't been in touch with her.
She feels that if she could have been there for her, this shouldn't have happened.
A new girl comes to town. And she was somehow related to Ellie.
Marcus starts falling for the new girl.
Jackie becomes suspicious.
Marcus wouldn't hear any of it.
Then unexplained stuff started happening and the new girl was acting weird.
Does she have anything to do with Ellie's disappearance, or was Jackie just trying to prove something to get Marcus back?
I've read Forbidden, and fell in love with it immensely. That is a book with so much passion that it oozes through its pages. It takes you in, makes you feel their pain, makes you feel their love, and then breaks you towards the end. They may have been brothers and sisters, but I didn't care. I felt the connection. I felt the reason. It felt real despite it being so wrong. But in love, who could say what's wrong or right, right? Incest may be a sensitive topic for a lot of people, but I'm not one of them. Just because other people doesn't think it's right, makes it wrong. And Forbidden showed the readers that. I was kind of hoping this book would make me feel that as well. Unfortunately, it didn't. There was a point that I was getting there, but then it just focused on something else entirely, which is why I couldn't give this book a high rating.
Jackie was an okay protagonist. I didn't hate her, but I didn't like her either. Her internal monologues weren't helping as well. I agree with Marcus, she was the one who wanted them to split up
Marcus was well... I'm not sure I liked him too much as well. I get that he was hurt, but it was all too easy for him to move on. It sucks for me reading about it.
Now Will, I really liked. He's been a good friend to Jackie. I think of all the characters in this book, he was my favorite. And if you read the book, you'll see why. :)
I have this issue with their parents. Seriously, they weren't alcoholics, they weren't addicts, they weren't like Maya and Lochan's mom, so there was no reason for them not to notice that stuff has been going on with these two. I don't have any cousins that I'm close with, so I have no idea if this was normal. There were four adults in that house, and they didn't notice anything? Except maybe Claire but that's a different story.
What bothered me: Marcus and Jackie's relationship is what bothered me. I didn't like the fact that their relationship already started when they were introduced to us. I would have wanted to see more depth to the relationship, but I only saw bits of it. So I wasn't that invested on their relationship. For me, it felt that I have to finish the book just to see how the story ended, not because I wanted them to end up together.
And the mystery/thriller part, didn't really work for me. I really wish it was opted out. This book would have become a favorite. Like I said, this book wasn't bad - all the other stuff just didn't work for me.
Incestuous love story + missing girl + psycho stalker = Just didn't work for me I would have liked that this story dwelt more on the incestuous love story.
I hate leaving negative reviews, so I'm so sorry I left this. I really wanted to like this. I do want to emphasize though the importance of a simpler plot, but with a more complex character. Then again, it could just be for me. I've read a lot of good review for this book, so I'm sure a lot of you would like it as well. Unfortunately for me, I just didn't feel like.
August 9, 2014
4.5
I had to sit down and spend a lot of time trying to create the perfect review for this book because I just couldn’t find words. I feel like I owe it to all of you to do this book review justice because usually I have such a hard time expressing my feelings towards a book and can’t really get my thoughts out to be understandable. So although this will still probably be confusing and rambly I’m sorry. And I would love to say thanks again to the author for giving me a copy for review and making me feel all the feels.
In the wake of her best friends disappearance, Jackie realizes just how consumed and obsessed she has been with her relationship with Marcus, her cousin. She comes to terms with the fact that she has neglected everything else in her life and feels at fault for what had happened to Ellie. As she begins to try and uncover Ellie’s whereabouts it causes a rift between her and Marcus and their increasingly intense hidden relationship. Trying to call off the relationship makes her realize just how much she is in love with Marcus and causes her to really face the decisions and choices that lay in front of her.
Starting this book I was not sure how I would feel by the end of it. How We Fall focuses on taboo love, with things like this and the controversy behind it, already so many feelings and opinions were created in my head. At the beginning I was a little weirded out (I consider myself a pretty open-minded person) because I kept putting myself in Jackie’s position and couldn’t ever see myself falling in love with my cousin. By the end and definitely after reading some of the authors blog post about the book I realized it was so much more than the taboo love of cousins. I was rooting for Jackie and Marcus’s best friends/love relationship by the end of the book and was so invested in the story.
This (love) story although not very relatable for me personally, still drew me in and felt so real. The emotions, feelings and witty banter were on point! Jackie was an absolutely fantastic female character who I found I have a lot in common with. She blogs, reads and is into classic black and white movies (my soulmate!) She also like to hide from her family and spend time off by herself. Jackie’s love life was not relatable to me, but she was fantastically sarcastic and sassy and full of personality that I still found such a connection with that character.
Of course there were some swoony love interest and some highly intense detailed romantic scenes that were written with such intensity and realism. There was no fake or quick insta love to make the story unrealistic and unbelievable. Kate Brauning did a down right super fantastic job writing a deep, intriguing story filled with love, family, teenage angst, hard and difficult choices, mystery, drama and insight to life. Literally all the components that make a well rounded contemporary.
Overall, How We Fall was a face paced, well written book that had me from page one and left me in awe filled with feels and without words to express just how much I enjoyed this book. It was deep and insightful, filled with dynamic and witty characters that came to deep realizations about love, life and loss.
(I still feel like I didn’t get out what I really wanted to say. I might have to try and rewrite this review soon. I lent out my copy of the book, but might try to re-read it close to the release date!)
I had to sit down and spend a lot of time trying to create the perfect review for this book because I just couldn’t find words. I feel like I owe it to all of you to do this book review justice because usually I have such a hard time expressing my feelings towards a book and can’t really get my thoughts out to be understandable. So although this will still probably be confusing and rambly I’m sorry. And I would love to say thanks again to the author for giving me a copy for review and making me feel all the feels.
In the wake of her best friends disappearance, Jackie realizes just how consumed and obsessed she has been with her relationship with Marcus, her cousin. She comes to terms with the fact that she has neglected everything else in her life and feels at fault for what had happened to Ellie. As she begins to try and uncover Ellie’s whereabouts it causes a rift between her and Marcus and their increasingly intense hidden relationship. Trying to call off the relationship makes her realize just how much she is in love with Marcus and causes her to really face the decisions and choices that lay in front of her.
Starting this book I was not sure how I would feel by the end of it. How We Fall focuses on taboo love, with things like this and the controversy behind it, already so many feelings and opinions were created in my head. At the beginning I was a little weirded out (I consider myself a pretty open-minded person) because I kept putting myself in Jackie’s position and couldn’t ever see myself falling in love with my cousin. By the end and definitely after reading some of the authors blog post about the book I realized it was so much more than the taboo love of cousins. I was rooting for Jackie and Marcus’s best friends/love relationship by the end of the book and was so invested in the story.
This (love) story although not very relatable for me personally, still drew me in and felt so real. The emotions, feelings and witty banter were on point! Jackie was an absolutely fantastic female character who I found I have a lot in common with. She blogs, reads and is into classic black and white movies (my soulmate!) She also like to hide from her family and spend time off by herself. Jackie’s love life was not relatable to me, but she was fantastically sarcastic and sassy and full of personality that I still found such a connection with that character.
Of course there were some swoony love interest and some highly intense detailed romantic scenes that were written with such intensity and realism. There was no fake or quick insta love to make the story unrealistic and unbelievable. Kate Brauning did a down right super fantastic job writing a deep, intriguing story filled with love, family, teenage angst, hard and difficult choices, mystery, drama and insight to life. Literally all the components that make a well rounded contemporary.
Overall, How We Fall was a face paced, well written book that had me from page one and left me in awe filled with feels and without words to express just how much I enjoyed this book. It was deep and insightful, filled with dynamic and witty characters that came to deep realizations about love, life and loss.
(I still feel like I didn’t get out what I really wanted to say. I might have to try and rewrite this review soon. I lent out my copy of the book, but might try to re-read it close to the release date!)
May 23, 2014
This book is well written. It's a quick read--I couldn't put it down--and nicely paced. The characters are intense but real. They have layers. They're deep and smart and witty.
I finished this book two days ago, and I can't wait to read it again. I plan to buy an actual copy of the book after it comes out (I was lucky enough to obtain an e-arc.) This author is talented. I can't wait to read her next offering.
I finished this book two days ago, and I can't wait to read it again. I plan to buy an actual copy of the book after it comes out (I was lucky enough to obtain an e-arc.) This author is talented. I can't wait to read her next offering.
January 1, 2015
*4.5 star rating*
*A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!*
How We Fall was one of those books that you see everywhere but you end up feeling like you don't have the right guts to pick it up at any moment of the day—but in the end, it was extremely satisfying, interesting, and special, more than any naked eye can see. Kate Brauning will certainly become the new Lauren Kate, or Suzanne Collins, in that matter.
At first, I saw this book as complete and utter incest. I have to admit that I got a little too grossed out—Jackie and Marcus were COUSINS for goodness sake. That was a little too far, but I do now understand why Brauning did it. And now, at this moment, I do have to say that their romance was heart-pounding and wondrous. So where does that take us in that matter? Into a world of mystery, thrill, and reality, in most circumstances.
I guess you can say that incest forms when people aren't able to see anyone else in their lives except the members of their family, all the time, 24/7. Take for example, V.C. Andrews. THE CHARACTERS WERE BROTHER AND SISTER. Now that was far worse—but they were stuck in an attic for practically all of their lives.
Jackie and Marcus live in the same house, with their brothers and sisters and parents. For more than a year, they've been keeping their cousinly romance a secret, but inside, Jackie knows that they're risking too much and their love is being too strong at the moment to handle even further. At the same time, Jackie's best friend Ellie goes missing. What happens when your first love moves on with someone who is unspeakable to think about, and when all you have to deal with is loss and falling?
A lot of the feelings in this book were despair, guilt, and loss. Those three elements together can seriously produce tears. When I saw this book for the first time, I expected a mermaid story, to be honest. Or at least, something girly and cutesy with no action whatsoever. What I got, especially towards the end, was something totally kickass and pretty great, if you ask me. This book was honestly everything I was looking for, and more.
The funny thing is—I felt like I had deja-vu while reading this book. I witnessed something like this before. Haha, I think that it was so good and unique that I felt like I'm somehow connected to it? Something like that, hopefully. I hope it's not something superstitious or whatever. But hey, that's another good side, isn't it? The concept was perfectly there and it was like biting into your favourite sweet-then-sour dish. Funny, there's not too many of those, either.
For the first few chapters I saw this as something bland and chill. The author did a great job introducing us to the characters, and I fell in love with them instantly. Jackie was kickass and stubborn for what she wanted, in a good way. She fought for what made her happy and didn't get whiny or depressed as many other protagonists would in a contemporary-romance. But remember, there were dark events prior to the ending, as you read on with the book.
*feels* I blushed, and blushed, and blushed. I JUST WANT MORE, OKAY? It was all powerful and special and it totally made sense with this whole story. I ship them so hard, even though I was such a hater in the beginning of the book. You see, I even feel some guilt.
MARCUS MARCUS MARCUS YOU'RE CUTE. AS IS WILL. ALL OF THE MEN WERE CUTE. IT MADE ME WANT TO PINCH THEIR CHEEKS EVEN HARDER.
I felt like this whole story and plot was like a puzzle. At first, everything was messed up and unfitting, but as you continued to solve it, you got into some mishaps, but eventually, it all turned out perfect and smooth. The beginning of the end was a little confusing, but it all turned out awesome by the end.
The great thing is that I finished reading this in one sitting and I still didn't have enough. All in all, this was a pretty quick read, but at the same time, you feel like you're stuck in a majestic world where reality is bound to happen, if you get what I'm saying. This wasn't your average novel. It shows the struggles of being a teenager with boundaries that you've totally overtaken, and it shows how your first love can absolutely be your true love. I WANT MORE!
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more reviews!
*A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!*
How We Fall was one of those books that you see everywhere but you end up feeling like you don't have the right guts to pick it up at any moment of the day—but in the end, it was extremely satisfying, interesting, and special, more than any naked eye can see. Kate Brauning will certainly become the new Lauren Kate, or Suzanne Collins, in that matter.
At first, I saw this book as complete and utter incest. I have to admit that I got a little too grossed out—Jackie and Marcus were COUSINS for goodness sake. That was a little too far, but I do now understand why Brauning did it. And now, at this moment, I do have to say that their romance was heart-pounding and wondrous. So where does that take us in that matter? Into a world of mystery, thrill, and reality, in most circumstances.
I guess you can say that incest forms when people aren't able to see anyone else in their lives except the members of their family, all the time, 24/7. Take for example, V.C. Andrews. THE CHARACTERS WERE BROTHER AND SISTER. Now that was far worse—but they were stuck in an attic for practically all of their lives.
Jackie and Marcus live in the same house, with their brothers and sisters and parents. For more than a year, they've been keeping their cousinly romance a secret, but inside, Jackie knows that they're risking too much and their love is being too strong at the moment to handle even further. At the same time, Jackie's best friend Ellie goes missing. What happens when your first love moves on with someone who is unspeakable to think about, and when all you have to deal with is loss and falling?
A lot of the feelings in this book were despair, guilt, and loss. Those three elements together can seriously produce tears. When I saw this book for the first time, I expected a mermaid story, to be honest. Or at least, something girly and cutesy with no action whatsoever. What I got, especially towards the end, was something totally kickass and pretty great, if you ask me. This book was honestly everything I was looking for, and more.
The funny thing is—I felt like I had deja-vu while reading this book. I witnessed something like this before. Haha, I think that it was so good and unique that I felt like I'm somehow connected to it? Something like that, hopefully. I hope it's not something superstitious or whatever. But hey, that's another good side, isn't it? The concept was perfectly there and it was like biting into your favourite sweet-then-sour dish. Funny, there's not too many of those, either.
For the first few chapters I saw this as something bland and chill. The author did a great job introducing us to the characters, and I fell in love with them instantly. Jackie was kickass and stubborn for what she wanted, in a good way. She fought for what made her happy and didn't get whiny or depressed as many other protagonists would in a contemporary-romance. But remember, there were dark events prior to the ending, as you read on with the book.
*feels* I blushed, and blushed, and blushed. I JUST WANT MORE, OKAY? It was all powerful and special and it totally made sense with this whole story. I ship them so hard, even though I was such a hater in the beginning of the book. You see, I even feel some guilt.
MARCUS MARCUS MARCUS YOU'RE CUTE. AS IS WILL. ALL OF THE MEN WERE CUTE. IT MADE ME WANT TO PINCH THEIR CHEEKS EVEN HARDER.
I felt like this whole story and plot was like a puzzle. At first, everything was messed up and unfitting, but as you continued to solve it, you got into some mishaps, but eventually, it all turned out perfect and smooth. The beginning of the end was a little confusing, but it all turned out awesome by the end.
The great thing is that I finished reading this in one sitting and I still didn't have enough. All in all, this was a pretty quick read, but at the same time, you feel like you're stuck in a majestic world where reality is bound to happen, if you get what I'm saying. This wasn't your average novel. It shows the struggles of being a teenager with boundaries that you've totally overtaken, and it shows how your first love can absolutely be your true love. I WANT MORE!
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more reviews!
February 21, 2015
I had been quite excited for this book for awhile, so I was so wonderfully pleased when it more than lived up to my expectations!
First of all, the cousin romance was so, so intriguing. Kate Brauning was not only able to make it seem realistic, but she made it relatable, which is really quite an accomplishment because I assume most of us have not actually been in love with our cousins. I rooted for Jackie and Marcus from basically page one: Hard on the family? Who cares!? Too taboo? Ignore the naysayers! Basically, I cheered for them through every obstacle. I found Jackie to be very likable as a main character, and it was clear to see what she loved about Marcus as well. Their relationship just worked, regardless of familial status.
Now, this is not an action-driven book, but that didn't stop me from devouring it and simply not being able to put it down. The feelings that absolutely radiated from Jackie were so apparent, I just had to know what was going to happen for her, for Marcus, for their friends and family. Outside Jackie and Marcus, there was such a well crafted bunch of side characters that added complications, escapes, and mystery. Jackie's family was... different. I thought that Jackie and Marcus's parents were eccentric, yes, but also kind of irresponsible and absent. I did enjoy their siblings and friends and the roles they played, and the unique family situation definitely worked for the story.
The disappearance of Ellie was the one thing I wasn't completely on board with in the book. Actually, at first I was okay with it, because it added a layer to the turmoil and solitude that Jackie was feeling, especially while trying to hide her feelings for Marcus. But when the mystery intensified, and took some of the focus from the rest of the story, I wasn't as into it. I do think that for some readers, it will add an extra layer of excitement, but I just wanted more of the main story! That said, I think that adding the mystery helped the book in two ways: First, having the characters completely consumed by their romance would have been unlikable and unbelievable. Second, taking some focus off the romance and making me want to read more of the romance kept things flowing very well, since I was anxious to keep reading. So overall, it worked, even if it wasn't my favorite part of the book.
Basically, I have never read a book about romance, any romance, that had me on the edge of my seat like How We Fall did. It wasn't just the "will they or won't they?" aspect either, it was the overall connection to the characters, and the emotion that I felt as I read their story. It was a beautiful and accurate portrayal of the angst we all feel as we worry about how we appear to the outside world, as we balance our wants and needs with the expectations of those around us. With the lovely, and sometimes heartbreaking romance, the emotional pull, and the amazing characters, this is definitely a book worth reading!
**Copy provided from publisher for review via EdelweissThis review was originally posted on It Starts at Midnight
First of all, the cousin romance was so, so intriguing. Kate Brauning was not only able to make it seem realistic, but she made it relatable, which is really quite an accomplishment because I assume most of us have not actually been in love with our cousins. I rooted for Jackie and Marcus from basically page one: Hard on the family? Who cares!? Too taboo? Ignore the naysayers! Basically, I cheered for them through every obstacle. I found Jackie to be very likable as a main character, and it was clear to see what she loved about Marcus as well. Their relationship just worked, regardless of familial status.
Now, this is not an action-driven book, but that didn't stop me from devouring it and simply not being able to put it down. The feelings that absolutely radiated from Jackie were so apparent, I just had to know what was going to happen for her, for Marcus, for their friends and family. Outside Jackie and Marcus, there was such a well crafted bunch of side characters that added complications, escapes, and mystery. Jackie's family was... different. I thought that Jackie and Marcus's parents were eccentric, yes, but also kind of irresponsible and absent. I did enjoy their siblings and friends and the roles they played, and the unique family situation definitely worked for the story.
The disappearance of Ellie was the one thing I wasn't completely on board with in the book. Actually, at first I was okay with it, because it added a layer to the turmoil and solitude that Jackie was feeling, especially while trying to hide her feelings for Marcus. But when the mystery intensified, and took some of the focus from the rest of the story, I wasn't as into it. I do think that for some readers, it will add an extra layer of excitement, but I just wanted more of the main story! That said, I think that adding the mystery helped the book in two ways: First, having the characters completely consumed by their romance would have been unlikable and unbelievable. Second, taking some focus off the romance and making me want to read more of the romance kept things flowing very well, since I was anxious to keep reading. So overall, it worked, even if it wasn't my favorite part of the book.
Basically, I have never read a book about romance, any romance, that had me on the edge of my seat like How We Fall did. It wasn't just the "will they or won't they?" aspect either, it was the overall connection to the characters, and the emotion that I felt as I read their story. It was a beautiful and accurate portrayal of the angst we all feel as we worry about how we appear to the outside world, as we balance our wants and needs with the expectations of those around us. With the lovely, and sometimes heartbreaking romance, the emotional pull, and the amazing characters, this is definitely a book worth reading!
**Copy provided from publisher for review via EdelweissThis review was originally posted on It Starts at Midnight
October 31, 2014
Find this review and more at
kimberlyfaye reads
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THIS BOOK. My god, this book. I don't know how I'm supposed to feel about it. I don't know HOW I ACTUALLY feel about it. Except that I kinda loved it... And really, it's more of a 4.5 star than 4 star read, IMHO.
So, romance between cousins. It sounds icky, but I was still intrigued the minute I saw the synopsis. I think it's because it was different and edgy and I was eager to see what it would be like. What it was was incredible. I was completely sucked into the story. The relationship between Jackie and Marcus might have been taboo, but it sure didn't feel that way while I was reading. These characters were just so right together, regardless of how wrong it should have been. I devoured this book in one sitting. It was a total roller coaster ride for me and my emotions were all over the place. I wanted them together, then I wanted them to find happiness even if it wasn't together, then I was mad when someone tried to move on... ALL. OVER. THE. PLACE.
The mystery of Ellie's disappearance and the question of what Sylvia was really hiding added another level of interest to this story, too. I guessed the outcome, if not all the details, but that was ok. It didn't feel too predictable. And actually nothing about this book was predictable as far as I can see. Kate has a fresh voice and really made me stop and think. The characters and their struggles, however, are what really made this book for me. It was real and raw and I was completely hooked and went through every emotion with them.
I'm really glad I took a chance on this book. If I hadn't, I would've missed an incredible read and a very real romance. I know the subject matter might turn off some readers, but I hope more open-minded readers will give it a shot, too. I think they will find themselves surprised, just like I was, that something so taboo can be so right.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
THIS BOOK. My god, this book. I don't know how I'm supposed to feel about it. I don't know HOW I ACTUALLY feel about it. Except that I kinda loved it... And really, it's more of a 4.5 star than 4 star read, IMHO.
So, romance between cousins. It sounds icky, but I was still intrigued the minute I saw the synopsis. I think it's because it was different and edgy and I was eager to see what it would be like. What it was was incredible. I was completely sucked into the story. The relationship between Jackie and Marcus might have been taboo, but it sure didn't feel that way while I was reading. These characters were just so right together, regardless of how wrong it should have been. I devoured this book in one sitting. It was a total roller coaster ride for me and my emotions were all over the place. I wanted them together, then I wanted them to find happiness even if it wasn't together, then I was mad when someone tried to move on... ALL. OVER. THE. PLACE.
The mystery of Ellie's disappearance and the question of what Sylvia was really hiding added another level of interest to this story, too. I guessed the outcome, if not all the details, but that was ok. It didn't feel too predictable. And actually nothing about this book was predictable as far as I can see. Kate has a fresh voice and really made me stop and think. The characters and their struggles, however, are what really made this book for me. It was real and raw and I was completely hooked and went through every emotion with them.
I'm really glad I took a chance on this book. If I hadn't, I would've missed an incredible read and a very real romance. I know the subject matter might turn off some readers, but I hope more open-minded readers will give it a shot, too. I think they will find themselves surprised, just like I was, that something so taboo can be so right.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2014
Short and Sweet:
I loved this book! Swoony romance, murder mystery, and gah! Beautiful. *insert incoherent gushing*
To Elaborate...
I sat down with this book one morning, intending to just read for a while, and I spent the next 3 or so hours unable to put it down. It is exciting, intense, and completely captivating.
Going into this story, I expected to be challenged by the cousin romance, and I was in the best way. It is the perfect combination of taboo, heart-throb, and INSANE swoon that made me ship Marcus and Jackie so hard. I love how the characters deal with their feelings (especially when they handle it badly). It is moving, sweet, torturous, and unforgettable. It makes you think hard about what is socially appropriate and how societal norms play a serious role in relationships.
But beyond the incredible romance, the plot in How We Fall is just breathtaking. The mystery behind the missing/dead Ellie and the new-to-town Sylvia is engaging and builds in a marvelously paced suspense. I love how real the story makes it. It does a wonderful job of showing characters who are dealing with a lot on a big scale (a missing person, a possible stalker, a taboo romance, etc.), but they also have to face everyday challenges like doing homework, babysitting, and attempting to find some sort of balance between everything.
Overall, I just can't say enough about how much I loved this story. Kate Brauning has a fantastic voice in her writing, and I'm impatiently eager to read more from her. If romantic suspense is your thing, this would be an excellent read to try.
5 Big Hearts!
Originally posted at I Heart YA Fiction: http://iheartyafiction.blogspot.com/2...
I loved this book! Swoony romance, murder mystery, and gah! Beautiful. *insert incoherent gushing*
To Elaborate...
I sat down with this book one morning, intending to just read for a while, and I spent the next 3 or so hours unable to put it down. It is exciting, intense, and completely captivating.
Going into this story, I expected to be challenged by the cousin romance, and I was in the best way. It is the perfect combination of taboo, heart-throb, and INSANE swoon that made me ship Marcus and Jackie so hard. I love how the characters deal with their feelings (especially when they handle it badly). It is moving, sweet, torturous, and unforgettable. It makes you think hard about what is socially appropriate and how societal norms play a serious role in relationships.
But beyond the incredible romance, the plot in How We Fall is just breathtaking. The mystery behind the missing/dead Ellie and the new-to-town Sylvia is engaging and builds in a marvelously paced suspense. I love how real the story makes it. It does a wonderful job of showing characters who are dealing with a lot on a big scale (a missing person, a possible stalker, a taboo romance, etc.), but they also have to face everyday challenges like doing homework, babysitting, and attempting to find some sort of balance between everything.
Overall, I just can't say enough about how much I loved this story. Kate Brauning has a fantastic voice in her writing, and I'm impatiently eager to read more from her. If romantic suspense is your thing, this would be an excellent read to try.
5 Big Hearts!
Originally posted at I Heart YA Fiction: http://iheartyafiction.blogspot.com/2...
November 19, 2014
***This review has also been posted on The Social Potato
Actual Rating 3.5
I’d like to start off by saying that if you’re interested in this book because you loved Forbidden you might want to give it a pass. I don’t actually say this with any authority since I haven’t actually read the book but from the reviews I’ve read, I’d imagine that this book is nowhere near the same level as Forbidden.
That said, I adored the book. It wasn’t mind blowing, it wasn’t AMAHZING but at the same time, it was an emotional read and it kept me up for a couple minutes. You might imagine that is not a lot but I am usually someone who’d rather daydream before going to bed so the fact that I kept on coming back to this book was a big deal for me.
The characters are what take the cake in this book. The author makes them realistically flawed but at the same time they aren’t horrible people. They are lovable even if you want to shake them from time to time.
There is a good chance Jackie will bother you but she didn’t bother me. I loved that she wasn’t all, ‘we love each other, let’s do this’. She had doubts. She knows her relationship with her cousin isn’t going to be viewed the way she wished it could be viewed. The way society feels affects her. She doesn’t want to be the one that sticks out like a sore thumb because of who she loves. As a result, she ends up not realizing the extent of her feelings for Marcus and ends up pushing him away. I love that she actually realizes how silly she is being in a lot of the cases. That’s what makes her a likeable character. This is a self-discovery process and it takes her a while to realize what it is she wants and it takes her even longer to actually do something about it but then again, no one said that change would happen in a day.
Marcus is just as wonderful. He is a perpetually sweet guy but at the same time, he is tired of not being sure how Jackie feels about him and when they call the quits, he is a jerk. We know that he loves her but at the same time; he does immature things because he is heartbroken. Maybe subconsciously, he does want to hurt her, the same way she hurt him. It did make me want to shake him but considering the kind of guy he is, it made sense that he would lash out this way.
My favorite secondary character was hands down Will. The author could have easily made him into the douchy guy that would make the female lead realize how much she loved Marcus but the author didn’t do that. Instead she let Will be a genuinely nice guy, appearances aside. She let the two be friends and she let Will be the friend she really needed at that point of time.
All these wonderful things said; I am not so sure how I feel about the romance. It’s emotional and angsty and amazing but at the same time, I was discomforted by it. It was that odd mix of where I was cheering for them but at the same time, I wasn’t entirely comfortable with their relationship. In this case though, I don’t think it would entirely be possible to write a romance that would be a 100% comfortable.
The mystery was definitely a nice addition to the story but don’t go into this book thinking it’s going to be a mystery. It’s not. It’s still primarily a contemporary romance.
That isn’t to say that the mystery wasn’t good, the little there was. It just wasn’t as well developed as it could have been considering how well the author lay the foundations.
I wish I could talk about the ending but me saying anything would give away what happens and I think it’s for you to find out what becomes of the two and whether they get the HEA they want or if they end up going their separate ways.
I’d definitely recommend this to anyone looking for an intense, emotional, contemporary romance to read.
Actual Rating 3.5
I’d like to start off by saying that if you’re interested in this book because you loved Forbidden you might want to give it a pass. I don’t actually say this with any authority since I haven’t actually read the book but from the reviews I’ve read, I’d imagine that this book is nowhere near the same level as Forbidden.
That said, I adored the book. It wasn’t mind blowing, it wasn’t AMAHZING but at the same time, it was an emotional read and it kept me up for a couple minutes. You might imagine that is not a lot but I am usually someone who’d rather daydream before going to bed so the fact that I kept on coming back to this book was a big deal for me.
The characters are what take the cake in this book. The author makes them realistically flawed but at the same time they aren’t horrible people. They are lovable even if you want to shake them from time to time.
There is a good chance Jackie will bother you but she didn’t bother me. I loved that she wasn’t all, ‘we love each other, let’s do this’. She had doubts. She knows her relationship with her cousin isn’t going to be viewed the way she wished it could be viewed. The way society feels affects her. She doesn’t want to be the one that sticks out like a sore thumb because of who she loves. As a result, she ends up not realizing the extent of her feelings for Marcus and ends up pushing him away. I love that she actually realizes how silly she is being in a lot of the cases. That’s what makes her a likeable character. This is a self-discovery process and it takes her a while to realize what it is she wants and it takes her even longer to actually do something about it but then again, no one said that change would happen in a day.
Marcus is just as wonderful. He is a perpetually sweet guy but at the same time, he is tired of not being sure how Jackie feels about him and when they call the quits, he is a jerk. We know that he loves her but at the same time; he does immature things because he is heartbroken. Maybe subconsciously, he does want to hurt her, the same way she hurt him. It did make me want to shake him but considering the kind of guy he is, it made sense that he would lash out this way.
My favorite secondary character was hands down Will. The author could have easily made him into the douchy guy that would make the female lead realize how much she loved Marcus but the author didn’t do that. Instead she let Will be a genuinely nice guy, appearances aside. She let the two be friends and she let Will be the friend she really needed at that point of time.
All these wonderful things said; I am not so sure how I feel about the romance. It’s emotional and angsty and amazing but at the same time, I was discomforted by it. It was that odd mix of where I was cheering for them but at the same time, I wasn’t entirely comfortable with their relationship. In this case though, I don’t think it would entirely be possible to write a romance that would be a 100% comfortable.
The mystery was definitely a nice addition to the story but don’t go into this book thinking it’s going to be a mystery. It’s not. It’s still primarily a contemporary romance.
That isn’t to say that the mystery wasn’t good, the little there was. It just wasn’t as well developed as it could have been considering how well the author lay the foundations.
I wish I could talk about the ending but me saying anything would give away what happens and I think it’s for you to find out what becomes of the two and whether they get the HEA they want or if they end up going their separate ways.
I’d definitely recommend this to anyone looking for an intense, emotional, contemporary romance to read.
August 11, 2016
**Thank you to the lovely author, Kate Brauning, for allowing me the opportunity to read and review with an advance copy of this novel!**
Let me tell you a story.
More than several years ago, once I reached the age of most teen heroines, I fell out of love with young adult novels. Right at its pinnacle, right as bestsellers came bursting on the YA scene, I backed oh-so slowly out the door.
I couldn't keep reading stories about trivial love triangles and over-juiced teen angst and all kinds of paranormal nonsense mixed with mean-girl dramatics. I just couldn't read it any more.
I was in search of something more fulfilling, so I left the YA arena entirely with no regrets and the hope of better, more beautiful novels. Not only was I tired of the contrived and recycled plot lines, I couldn't stand first person narration. To me, it felt empty, cheap, and lacked emotional depth. I found what I was looking for elsewhere, so I never bothered much with young adult any more.
Until now.
Flash forward a few years and this book, HOW WE FALL, has changed my opinion on young adult entirely. Maybe I needed time away from the genre, or maybe it needed to refresh itself with new ideas, new authors, new trends. This novel is a unique snapshot of a summer turned upside down for one ordinary girl seeking so much more than meets the eye.
HOW WE FALL is narrated by Jackie, an intelligent classic-film maven with a staggering crush on her hunky cousin Marcus.
All right, I know what you are thinking. Her COUSIN? Oh, no. How can you expect me to believe that?
Kate Brauning made me believe it. Not only that, she made me cheer for it. The book speaks volumes about love: who we choose to love and who we can't help but fall in love with. Love is love.
All messages aside, this novel is expertly written. The voice draws the reader in from page one. This book is casual without being conversational, which is hard to pull off. The characters are multilayered, but at the heart they are people. They are young people, growing up, and facing all the complex emotions and challenges we all must face as we reach adulthood.
The tension in this novel is sky-high. I devoured each secretive scene with Jackie and Marcus and literally read on the edge of my seat. It was dangerous yet delicious and I couldn't look away. The narration is beautifully written, but not flowery or overdone. It's simple and charming. The romance is sweet, funny, and heartbreaking all at the same time. I didn't want the story to end and I really felt like I knew the characters.
Running parallel to the forbidden romance is the mystery that unfolds surrounding Jackie's missing friend Ellie. Jackie spends much of her time thinking about Ellie and trying to piece together what happened to her.
The climax of the novel is suspenseful and rewardingly spooky. I wasn't able to predict every detail (though some subtle foreshadowing helped me figure things out).
I liked the setting, the multilayered characters, the suspense, the taboo romance, and the voice. I am very much looking forward to Kate Brauning's future novels. She definitely helped draw me back to young adult and now I know there are many wonderful things happening within the genre. After this fabulous debut, I can't wait to see what she writes next!
Let me tell you a story.
More than several years ago, once I reached the age of most teen heroines, I fell out of love with young adult novels. Right at its pinnacle, right as bestsellers came bursting on the YA scene, I backed oh-so slowly out the door.
I couldn't keep reading stories about trivial love triangles and over-juiced teen angst and all kinds of paranormal nonsense mixed with mean-girl dramatics. I just couldn't read it any more.
I was in search of something more fulfilling, so I left the YA arena entirely with no regrets and the hope of better, more beautiful novels. Not only was I tired of the contrived and recycled plot lines, I couldn't stand first person narration. To me, it felt empty, cheap, and lacked emotional depth. I found what I was looking for elsewhere, so I never bothered much with young adult any more.
Until now.
Flash forward a few years and this book, HOW WE FALL, has changed my opinion on young adult entirely. Maybe I needed time away from the genre, or maybe it needed to refresh itself with new ideas, new authors, new trends. This novel is a unique snapshot of a summer turned upside down for one ordinary girl seeking so much more than meets the eye.
HOW WE FALL is narrated by Jackie, an intelligent classic-film maven with a staggering crush on her hunky cousin Marcus.
All right, I know what you are thinking. Her COUSIN? Oh, no. How can you expect me to believe that?
Kate Brauning made me believe it. Not only that, she made me cheer for it. The book speaks volumes about love: who we choose to love and who we can't help but fall in love with. Love is love.
All messages aside, this novel is expertly written. The voice draws the reader in from page one. This book is casual without being conversational, which is hard to pull off. The characters are multilayered, but at the heart they are people. They are young people, growing up, and facing all the complex emotions and challenges we all must face as we reach adulthood.
The tension in this novel is sky-high. I devoured each secretive scene with Jackie and Marcus and literally read on the edge of my seat. It was dangerous yet delicious and I couldn't look away. The narration is beautifully written, but not flowery or overdone. It's simple and charming. The romance is sweet, funny, and heartbreaking all at the same time. I didn't want the story to end and I really felt like I knew the characters.
Running parallel to the forbidden romance is the mystery that unfolds surrounding Jackie's missing friend Ellie. Jackie spends much of her time thinking about Ellie and trying to piece together what happened to her.
The climax of the novel is suspenseful and rewardingly spooky. I wasn't able to predict every detail (though some subtle foreshadowing helped me figure things out).
I liked the setting, the multilayered characters, the suspense, the taboo romance, and the voice. I am very much looking forward to Kate Brauning's future novels. She definitely helped draw me back to young adult and now I know there are many wonderful things happening within the genre. After this fabulous debut, I can't wait to see what she writes next!
September 13, 2014
As you know if you've read any of my reviews, I'm a sucker for something that hasn't been done before (or that has been done so rarely that I've never heard of it). While cousins in love is not at all a new story, the fact that they are teenagers in the Midwest in 2014 is indeed a new story. I can't remember having read anything that wasn't so old as to be in the public domain with this kind of premise. So Kate had me right where she wanted me from the start.
I also love when a story takes place somewhere that is familiar to me, but not to millions of other people. For example, I don't get excited about a book that takes place in Houston (where I live), but I do when it's set in rural northwest Missouri (where my husband was born and raised). I got a little thrill when St. Joseph (the closest town of much size in the area) was mentioned, and when I chatted with Kate on Twitter, she said she was from a town near Maryville, where my in-laws still live.
Kate had me enthralled with the setting and the premise, but it was the execution of the story that kept me reading. I had thought I would read How We Fall in one sitting, but as I got into the book, I realized that it was too intense for that. I'd read about fifty pages, then take a break for a couple of days. The complexities of an unusual living arrangement (four adults and way too many kids; think the shoe house from the nursery rhyme), the added tension that comes from Marcus and Jackie living in the same house (but loving only in secret), and the disappearance of Jackie's best friend results in a dense and powerful story.
Until the last couple of chapters, I felt that the whole side-story of the bestie's disappearance wasn't necessary, and I was actually a bit annoyed at it for taking up time that could be spent on the sexual tension between Marcus and Jackie (which was really spectacular). But by the time I turned the last page, I understood that the absence of her friend opened Jackie up more completely to Marcus. I won't give away the ending, but the disappearance actually made all the pieces fit together.This review was originally posted on LeilaReads
I also love when a story takes place somewhere that is familiar to me, but not to millions of other people. For example, I don't get excited about a book that takes place in Houston (where I live), but I do when it's set in rural northwest Missouri (where my husband was born and raised). I got a little thrill when St. Joseph (the closest town of much size in the area) was mentioned, and when I chatted with Kate on Twitter, she said she was from a town near Maryville, where my in-laws still live.
Kate had me enthralled with the setting and the premise, but it was the execution of the story that kept me reading. I had thought I would read How We Fall in one sitting, but as I got into the book, I realized that it was too intense for that. I'd read about fifty pages, then take a break for a couple of days. The complexities of an unusual living arrangement (four adults and way too many kids; think the shoe house from the nursery rhyme), the added tension that comes from Marcus and Jackie living in the same house (but loving only in secret), and the disappearance of Jackie's best friend results in a dense and powerful story.
Until the last couple of chapters, I felt that the whole side-story of the bestie's disappearance wasn't necessary, and I was actually a bit annoyed at it for taking up time that could be spent on the sexual tension between Marcus and Jackie (which was really spectacular). But by the time I turned the last page, I understood that the absence of her friend opened Jackie up more completely to Marcus. I won't give away the ending, but the disappearance actually made all the pieces fit together.This review was originally posted on LeilaReads
May 27, 2015
This book is not what it seems. I thought it was going to be a mystery about the disappearance of a girl's best friend, but it's mostly about the girl hooking up with her cousin. Seriously, in the first 100 pages, there are only a few brief references to the disappearance, which ordinarily would be a pretty big deal. Not in this story, though. The focus is heavily on the forbidden romance between the 2 cousins as they try to resolve their dilemma. The last 50 pages finally deal with the disappearance, almost as a bothersome detail that must be addressed. The editing missed several mistakes and at least 1 detail was unresolved. Unfortunately, the story ends with the cousins finding a way to make their romance work. I kept hoping the mystery part would take over and redeem the story. Just one more lesson to help teach me it's ok to quit on a book.
November 3, 2014
An intruiging mystery/thriller with a complicated romantic component.
January 21, 2015
As I was reading How We Fall, I was surprised that I was enjoying the book so much. After all, How We Fall is a book that deals with "kissing cousins." My curiosity got me Googling - and guess what? In Canada, it is legal to marry your cousin. The US however, is a different story. Our story takes place in small town Wisconsin, so these guys would be a no-no. They want to go to college in California - where cousins CAN get married. Anyhow, back to the book.
How We Fall is written from the point of view of Jackie, our 17 year old narrator. I loved her voice and how she described her family. Jackie's family moved from California and is now living a granola style life with her aunt and uncle and their six children. Jackie is not a teenager with a crush - she is very much in love with her 17 year old cousin Marcus. As the older children in the combined family, Jackie and Marcus have a lot of chores and they get to spend a lot of time together. They are best friends and they fall in love. They know that their attraction is not conventional and they know that it would cause a lot of turmoil in the family, but they continue, sneaking off for time alone. Jackie sets some rules about the relationship and Marcus agrees.
It's a busy household and the parents (all 4 of them) seem to be very busy with their jobs, the farm, and the like to notice what is going on. (Enter Young Adult absent parent trope). Jackie and Marcus are caring for the young ones quite often. Jackie escapes to her old movies, the ones that the kids would never want to watch.
Realizing that they could never have a public relationship, Jackie and Marcus break it off. Marcus starts dating Sylvia, a new girl in town. Jackie meets Will through Marcus' younger brother Chris. Will is awesome and fun and wonderful and every girl needs a Will in their life.
In the meantime, all is not perfect in this small farming town. Jackie's friend Ellie is missing and presumed dead. Someone runs Marcus and Jackie off the road. A stalker has been leaving things for Sylvia. Marcus' truck gets vandalized.
With regards to the stalker, it wasn't hard to figure out - I hate when that happens. Also Jackie does a TSTL (too stupid to live) moment that had me wanting to throw the book across the room.
Overall, How We Fall was an enjoyable read with a very sweet couple.
Thank you to Merit Press for a review copy of this book
How We Fall is written from the point of view of Jackie, our 17 year old narrator. I loved her voice and how she described her family. Jackie's family moved from California and is now living a granola style life with her aunt and uncle and their six children. Jackie is not a teenager with a crush - she is very much in love with her 17 year old cousin Marcus. As the older children in the combined family, Jackie and Marcus have a lot of chores and they get to spend a lot of time together. They are best friends and they fall in love. They know that their attraction is not conventional and they know that it would cause a lot of turmoil in the family, but they continue, sneaking off for time alone. Jackie sets some rules about the relationship and Marcus agrees.
It's a busy household and the parents (all 4 of them) seem to be very busy with their jobs, the farm, and the like to notice what is going on. (Enter Young Adult absent parent trope). Jackie and Marcus are caring for the young ones quite often. Jackie escapes to her old movies, the ones that the kids would never want to watch.
Realizing that they could never have a public relationship, Jackie and Marcus break it off. Marcus starts dating Sylvia, a new girl in town. Jackie meets Will through Marcus' younger brother Chris. Will is awesome and fun and wonderful and every girl needs a Will in their life.
In the meantime, all is not perfect in this small farming town. Jackie's friend Ellie is missing and presumed dead. Someone runs Marcus and Jackie off the road. A stalker has been leaving things for Sylvia. Marcus' truck gets vandalized.
With regards to the stalker, it wasn't hard to figure out - I hate when that happens. Also Jackie does a TSTL (too stupid to live) moment that had me wanting to throw the book across the room.
Overall, How We Fall was an enjoyable read with a very sweet couple.
Thank you to Merit Press for a review copy of this book
September 30, 2015
{My Thoughts} – Jackie and Marcus are first cousins, their families live together and they are the same age. They are both seventeen and they both share a very deep secret that has the potential to hurt their families and disrupt their day to day lives.
Jackie and Marcus are the oldest two that are living home still and because of that, they have a lot of responsibility. They both have to help with childcare for the younger children in the house and they both have chores and other obligations. However, everything they do works out in the end because they always seem to find some time to themselves, some alone time, some time where they can just be them and not worry about everyone or everything else.
This book begins with them working at the farmers market or something similar where they sell the produce that they grow. It references a missing person’s flier for a girl named Ellie Wallace and she apparently had been a friend of Jackie’s. According to the book they were close until she moved to a new city and then they had drifted apart. Jackie seems to blame herself for not being closer to the girl or more interested in her life and because of it she’s determined to try and figure out what happened to her in a sense.
Th book tosses and turns between Marcus and his relationship with his girlfriend Sylvia and Jackie and her relationship with a guy named Will. It also talks a lot about their families and the hidden secret. If you want to know what happened to Ellie and what the big secret is you’ll have to read the book. I will tell you although I found the subject matter difficult at times to read, that it is a well written story. I also know that although I may not agree with the subject matter, I do know that it can happen in real life and its something that I think people should be more aware of, instead of left in the dark about.
However, with that said, I am not sure this is a book I would particularly want my child two read until they are old enough to honestly understand the consequences of choices and actions. I know that you can’t always help the way things turn out, but sometimes, it helps to be able to look at them from another perspective and this book sort of helps you to look at the subject matter from another perspective.
Jackie and Marcus are the oldest two that are living home still and because of that, they have a lot of responsibility. They both have to help with childcare for the younger children in the house and they both have chores and other obligations. However, everything they do works out in the end because they always seem to find some time to themselves, some alone time, some time where they can just be them and not worry about everyone or everything else.
This book begins with them working at the farmers market or something similar where they sell the produce that they grow. It references a missing person’s flier for a girl named Ellie Wallace and she apparently had been a friend of Jackie’s. According to the book they were close until she moved to a new city and then they had drifted apart. Jackie seems to blame herself for not being closer to the girl or more interested in her life and because of it she’s determined to try and figure out what happened to her in a sense.
Th book tosses and turns between Marcus and his relationship with his girlfriend Sylvia and Jackie and her relationship with a guy named Will. It also talks a lot about their families and the hidden secret. If you want to know what happened to Ellie and what the big secret is you’ll have to read the book. I will tell you although I found the subject matter difficult at times to read, that it is a well written story. I also know that although I may not agree with the subject matter, I do know that it can happen in real life and its something that I think people should be more aware of, instead of left in the dark about.
However, with that said, I am not sure this is a book I would particularly want my child two read until they are old enough to honestly understand the consequences of choices and actions. I know that you can’t always help the way things turn out, but sometimes, it helps to be able to look at them from another perspective and this book sort of helps you to look at the subject matter from another perspective.
July 17, 2016
It used to be Jackie, Marcus, and Ellie selling vegetables at the farm stand. But Ellie disappeared four months ago and Jackie and Marcus are in the most complicated relationship. One, because they are head over heels for each other, and two, because they are first cousins and live in the same house with their parents and Marcus’s multiple siblings. They have rules not to be too close and so they don’t get caught. But it feels impossible to keep away from each other.
Mystery surrounds them as Ellie’s backpack is found, and someone in a white truck is following Jackie and Marcus. The same man is suspected to have slashed the tires on Marcus’s truck. A new girl named Sylvia moves to town and Jackie doesn’t trust her. She also doesn’t like the way Sylvia throws herself at Marcus. They both try to move on and to find people it’s okay to date, but Jackie doesn’t want Marcus dating Sylvia. As things go on, Jackie tries to figure out but things are getting worse. She knows she’s falling hard for Marcus, but not being with him is breaking her. They’ll have to work things out before things come to a head and the truth about everything is revealed.
At first, I was a bit thrown with two first cousins secretly kissing, but as the story went on, I started rooting for the two of them to be free to love each other. I understand why Jackie was so adamant against letting others know, but Marcus really was such a sweet guy. The intense plot was captivating! A few of the twists had me gasping out loud. I stayed up late so I could finish the book and couldn’t put it down until I knew what happened. I really enjoyed this story! It’s a wonderful book!
Mystery surrounds them as Ellie’s backpack is found, and someone in a white truck is following Jackie and Marcus. The same man is suspected to have slashed the tires on Marcus’s truck. A new girl named Sylvia moves to town and Jackie doesn’t trust her. She also doesn’t like the way Sylvia throws herself at Marcus. They both try to move on and to find people it’s okay to date, but Jackie doesn’t want Marcus dating Sylvia. As things go on, Jackie tries to figure out but things are getting worse. She knows she’s falling hard for Marcus, but not being with him is breaking her. They’ll have to work things out before things come to a head and the truth about everything is revealed.
At first, I was a bit thrown with two first cousins secretly kissing, but as the story went on, I started rooting for the two of them to be free to love each other. I understand why Jackie was so adamant against letting others know, but Marcus really was such a sweet guy. The intense plot was captivating! A few of the twists had me gasping out loud. I stayed up late so I could finish the book and couldn’t put it down until I knew what happened. I really enjoyed this story! It’s a wonderful book!
June 21, 2014
I don't usually review books written by people I know, but I have a few thoughts about HOW WE FALL that I want to share with folks adding this book to their TBR list.
I dare you to try and put it down once you've started.
What makes HOW WE FALL stand out from other YA contemporary romances (I'd even say it straddles the line between YA and NA) isn't just that it's a thriller, too, or that it's a cousin romance—but that for a majority of the book, the two main characters aren't together.
It's so refreshing, so much fun to read (and so depressing, too) that you can't help turning the pages. When will they make up?! When will they realize? It's a great roller coaster of a book that filled me with all the feels. (Oh, god, Will. WILL. That is all.)
I didn't drop a complete 5 stars on this one, though, because I feel that at times, the mystery subplot suffered at the hands of the romance, putting it on the back-burner when it perhaps should have been on the front-burner in Jackie's mind. I wanted to get to know Ellie a little better, but (understandably) Jackie was pretty focused on the chaos-in-progress unfolding around her and Marcus's relationship. So I don't know if I can really fault her for being a bit of a self-obsessed teenager.
Regardless, I loved HOW WE FALL because it's intense. It's surprising and thrilling and heartbreaking, all at the same time. It's incredibly sexy, and incredibly scary (at the right moments). There were definitely some tears, and I may have finished the entire thing in one day, ahem.
I dare you to try and put it down once you've started.
What makes HOW WE FALL stand out from other YA contemporary romances (I'd even say it straddles the line between YA and NA) isn't just that it's a thriller, too, or that it's a cousin romance—but that for a majority of the book, the two main characters aren't together.
It's so refreshing, so much fun to read (and so depressing, too) that you can't help turning the pages. When will they make up?! When will they realize? It's a great roller coaster of a book that filled me with all the feels. (Oh, god, Will. WILL. That is all.)
I didn't drop a complete 5 stars on this one, though, because I feel that at times, the mystery subplot suffered at the hands of the romance, putting it on the back-burner when it perhaps should have been on the front-burner in Jackie's mind. I wanted to get to know Ellie a little better, but (understandably) Jackie was pretty focused on the chaos-in-progress unfolding around her and Marcus's relationship. So I don't know if I can really fault her for being a bit of a self-obsessed teenager.
Regardless, I loved HOW WE FALL because it's intense. It's surprising and thrilling and heartbreaking, all at the same time. It's incredibly sexy, and incredibly scary (at the right moments). There were definitely some tears, and I may have finished the entire thing in one day, ahem.
January 22, 2015
“Debut novelist Brauning tells a touching story of young, star-crossed lovers caught in a drama they have tried hard to avoid…A sweetly written mix of mystery and romantic turmoil.” — Kirkus Reviews.
“Heartbreaking and well-paced, this mystery novel challenges readers to look past preconceptions and get to the know characters, rather than focus on an uncomfortable taboo. Brauning’s characters are well developed and their story engrossing. An intriguing thriller… this title will raise eyebrows and capture the interest of teens.” – School Library Journal
February 2, 2016
This story was so intense, I couldn't put it down. It's heartbreaking and so beautifully written. The forbidden romance between cousins was done in such away that my heart ached for them. The mystery behind Jackie's friend's disappearance was suspenseful and had me sitting at the edge of my seat, turning pages to find out what had happened to her. The voice was great and Brauning writes multi-layered characters that I felt as if I truly knew each one of them.
November 10, 2014
I loved this! Sizzling taboo romance, sharp writing, and a suspenseful story that keeps you turning the pages -- the perfect combination!
September 21, 2015
Check out this and other reviews on my young adult book blog, Here's To Happy Endings!
This book made me want some hot chocolate. Aside from the fact that the characters in this book make tons of it, it seemed like a book that could pair well with a nice cup of hot chocolate with extra marshmallows and a warm, fuzzy blanket.
I've read a lot of books with heartwarming relationships, and yes, they're sweet and fun, but I mean, how many of those types of stories can you read, really? Eventually something is going to come along and rattle the cage a little bit, because it's so taboo and different than other stories you've read. This book falls into the latter category. It's different than your typical love story. How? Well the two main characters are cousins.
Weird yet?
That's the thing. It's weird, but in another light, it's a sweet love story between a boy and girl who know they can't be together, but can't deal with being apart.
The main character in this story, Jackie, has been through a lot. She and her parents moved out of their home in California into a farmhouse with her aunt and uncle, and their huge family. So there are quite a few people living under one roof, and she's often put in charge of babysitting her younger cousins. Her oldest cousin, Marcus, is the same age as she is, and the two of them are incredibly close. They are always paired together for chores, babysitting, etc., and they spend a lot of time together.
A few months prior to the story's beginning, Jackie's best friend goes missing. While she and Jackie weren't as close as they had once been, Jackie is still lost and in a lot of pain. She feels guilty for not spending more time with her friend, and it's eating at her. Throughout the book. Jackie learns new facts about her friend's disappearance, that lead up to a thrilling ending.
But back to Jackie and Marcus. At first, a few summers ago, they had kissed on a dare while they were playing with their friends. While they thought it was kind of weird, their attraction to each other made them do it again, and eventually, two summers later, they realize that the feelings that they have for each other are more than they should be. They try and hide their "relationship" from their friends and families, because it's not something that others would be accepting of. They call it quits so many times, only to find their way back to each other. They even try dating other people, thinking that it will help them get over one another, but in the end, is it ever really that easy?
When Jackie and Marcus realize that they truly love each other and can't get away from it (plus, how easy can it be to break up when they're living in the same house and seeing each other every day?), they have to decide whether it's worth it to be with the one that they love, even if it means facing the criticism of their families and friends, and wondering if their choices are the right ones.
This book is fantastic. It's not only well written, but it's captivating and fun to read. It keeps you guessing the entire way through - what really happened to Jackie's best friend? Will Jackie and Marcus stay together, despite everything, or will they choose to end their forbidden relationship, in search of something a little more "normal?"
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book made me want some hot chocolate. Aside from the fact that the characters in this book make tons of it, it seemed like a book that could pair well with a nice cup of hot chocolate with extra marshmallows and a warm, fuzzy blanket.
I've read a lot of books with heartwarming relationships, and yes, they're sweet and fun, but I mean, how many of those types of stories can you read, really? Eventually something is going to come along and rattle the cage a little bit, because it's so taboo and different than other stories you've read. This book falls into the latter category. It's different than your typical love story. How? Well the two main characters are cousins.
Weird yet?
That's the thing. It's weird, but in another light, it's a sweet love story between a boy and girl who know they can't be together, but can't deal with being apart.
The main character in this story, Jackie, has been through a lot. She and her parents moved out of their home in California into a farmhouse with her aunt and uncle, and their huge family. So there are quite a few people living under one roof, and she's often put in charge of babysitting her younger cousins. Her oldest cousin, Marcus, is the same age as she is, and the two of them are incredibly close. They are always paired together for chores, babysitting, etc., and they spend a lot of time together.
A few months prior to the story's beginning, Jackie's best friend goes missing. While she and Jackie weren't as close as they had once been, Jackie is still lost and in a lot of pain. She feels guilty for not spending more time with her friend, and it's eating at her. Throughout the book. Jackie learns new facts about her friend's disappearance, that lead up to a thrilling ending.
But back to Jackie and Marcus. At first, a few summers ago, they had kissed on a dare while they were playing with their friends. While they thought it was kind of weird, their attraction to each other made them do it again, and eventually, two summers later, they realize that the feelings that they have for each other are more than they should be. They try and hide their "relationship" from their friends and families, because it's not something that others would be accepting of. They call it quits so many times, only to find their way back to each other. They even try dating other people, thinking that it will help them get over one another, but in the end, is it ever really that easy?
When Jackie and Marcus realize that they truly love each other and can't get away from it (plus, how easy can it be to break up when they're living in the same house and seeing each other every day?), they have to decide whether it's worth it to be with the one that they love, even if it means facing the criticism of their families and friends, and wondering if their choices are the right ones.
This book is fantastic. It's not only well written, but it's captivating and fun to read. It keeps you guessing the entire way through - what really happened to Jackie's best friend? Will Jackie and Marcus stay together, despite everything, or will they choose to end their forbidden relationship, in search of something a little more "normal?"
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2014
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
3.5 stars
I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I have to admit that this story took a bit to get use to. The idea of cousins in what is basically an incestuous relationship in not typically the type of relationship I like to read about. I kept thinking about my own cousins. No offence if any of them happen to read this but YUCK! Initially I thought that I would hate the book but that was not the case.
Perhaps it was because the relationship was so different from what I typically read that I couldn't put the book down. I desperately wanted to know how things would play out for Jackie and Marcus. Once I got past the yuck factor of them being cousins I have to admit that Brauning captured the emotions and turmoil of the two beautifully. Also I think that because the relationship was unique compared to what I am accustomed to, it added to my curiosity. I do wish that their relationship began with the book so that the reader could have been a part of that journey instead of it already being developed at the beginning of the story. I think this might have helped me get over the whole cousin thing a lot quicker. Even though I am a little shocked to say this, I really enjoyed the relationship aspect of this story even though I didn't fully relate to it.
The mystery aspect of this story was just alright for me. I found that for the first 3/4 of the book it was barely there and just random tidbits were thrown in along the way. The focus was so much on Jackie and Marcus that Ellie was almost non-existent in the story and in Jackie's thoughts. Then all of a sudden near the end it becomes the entire focus of the story. It disappointed me slightly that Jackie didn't think about her more before this time. I understand that her focus was on Marcus but once she became aware of what happened to Ellie I expected a little more. It wasn't terrible but I feel like the story could have stood its own if it just focused on the relationship and left the mystery out of it. My rating would have been higher if this was the case.
Over all it was a quick and unique story that I was happy to read. I applaud Brauning for making a believer out of a sceptic like me. She is now an author I will be sure to read more from in the future.
3.5 stars
I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I have to admit that this story took a bit to get use to. The idea of cousins in what is basically an incestuous relationship in not typically the type of relationship I like to read about. I kept thinking about my own cousins. No offence if any of them happen to read this but YUCK! Initially I thought that I would hate the book but that was not the case.
Perhaps it was because the relationship was so different from what I typically read that I couldn't put the book down. I desperately wanted to know how things would play out for Jackie and Marcus. Once I got past the yuck factor of them being cousins I have to admit that Brauning captured the emotions and turmoil of the two beautifully. Also I think that because the relationship was unique compared to what I am accustomed to, it added to my curiosity. I do wish that their relationship began with the book so that the reader could have been a part of that journey instead of it already being developed at the beginning of the story. I think this might have helped me get over the whole cousin thing a lot quicker. Even though I am a little shocked to say this, I really enjoyed the relationship aspect of this story even though I didn't fully relate to it.
The mystery aspect of this story was just alright for me. I found that for the first 3/4 of the book it was barely there and just random tidbits were thrown in along the way. The focus was so much on Jackie and Marcus that Ellie was almost non-existent in the story and in Jackie's thoughts. Then all of a sudden near the end it becomes the entire focus of the story. It disappointed me slightly that Jackie didn't think about her more before this time. I understand that her focus was on Marcus but once she became aware of what happened to Ellie I expected a little more. It wasn't terrible but I feel like the story could have stood its own if it just focused on the relationship and left the mystery out of it. My rating would have been higher if this was the case.
Over all it was a quick and unique story that I was happy to read. I applaud Brauning for making a believer out of a sceptic like me. She is now an author I will be sure to read more from in the future.
October 16, 2015
HOW WE FALL is a captivating read—a thrilling page-turner with an achingly powerful love story.
It’s hard to believe this is Brauning’s debut because she is such a masterful writer—particularly in terms of character and dialogue. I knew I was in good hands from the first page. The main character, Jackie, is a strong character with a bit of an ‘old soul’, a witty voice, and moments of raw, teenage vulnerability.
Brauning peels back a curtain on a social dynamic I have never experienced, and she does it with authenticity that rings from every page. Rarely have characters felt so real to me as they did in this story. I enjoyed the banter between Jackie and Marcus so much, that I re-read entire scenes!
I enjoy stories about conflicted love and romance, and this book approaches this in a construct I’d never read before. HOW WE FALL explores the relationship of best friends and cousins, Jackie and Marcus, whose families happen to live together. This aspect of the book is fascinating. Brauning’s portrayal of the sort of ‘hippy’ parents and their unusual community style of parenting is an utterly unique setting, and the catalyst for much of the tension between Jackie and Marcus. The two are thrown together in roles of caring for their families, (they practically raise the younger siblings, as well as contribute toward the family’s income!) The bond they share is close and genuine . . . and yet inherently wrong in a social sense.
Brauning is not afraid to explore this—and push readers to really consider ideas of love and what is acceptable and true and right. The sexual tension explodes off the page at times, counterbalanced with such honest emotion, at times I was left cheering or cringing.
Though the relationship between Marcus and Jackie is the foundation of the story, it’s also a thriller that explores the mysterious disappearance of Jackie’s best friend. Both plot lines will keep readers turning pages long into the night.
In turns heartbreaking and hopeful, HOW WE FALL takes readers on a one-of-a-kind journey of poignant friendship, passion, mystery and danger. This is one of the books where I’ve dog-eared pages with dialogue that made me laugh out loud, and poignant moments—even sentences—written by a talented author. You know a book is good when you want to go back and re-live a moment with them. Brauning’s characters did more than entertain me—they leaped off the page and made me see love in a whole new light.
It’s hard to believe this is Brauning’s debut because she is such a masterful writer—particularly in terms of character and dialogue. I knew I was in good hands from the first page. The main character, Jackie, is a strong character with a bit of an ‘old soul’, a witty voice, and moments of raw, teenage vulnerability.
Brauning peels back a curtain on a social dynamic I have never experienced, and she does it with authenticity that rings from every page. Rarely have characters felt so real to me as they did in this story. I enjoyed the banter between Jackie and Marcus so much, that I re-read entire scenes!
I enjoy stories about conflicted love and romance, and this book approaches this in a construct I’d never read before. HOW WE FALL explores the relationship of best friends and cousins, Jackie and Marcus, whose families happen to live together. This aspect of the book is fascinating. Brauning’s portrayal of the sort of ‘hippy’ parents and their unusual community style of parenting is an utterly unique setting, and the catalyst for much of the tension between Jackie and Marcus. The two are thrown together in roles of caring for their families, (they practically raise the younger siblings, as well as contribute toward the family’s income!) The bond they share is close and genuine . . . and yet inherently wrong in a social sense.
Brauning is not afraid to explore this—and push readers to really consider ideas of love and what is acceptable and true and right. The sexual tension explodes off the page at times, counterbalanced with such honest emotion, at times I was left cheering or cringing.
Though the relationship between Marcus and Jackie is the foundation of the story, it’s also a thriller that explores the mysterious disappearance of Jackie’s best friend. Both plot lines will keep readers turning pages long into the night.
In turns heartbreaking and hopeful, HOW WE FALL takes readers on a one-of-a-kind journey of poignant friendship, passion, mystery and danger. This is one of the books where I’ve dog-eared pages with dialogue that made me laugh out loud, and poignant moments—even sentences—written by a talented author. You know a book is good when you want to go back and re-live a moment with them. Brauning’s characters did more than entertain me—they leaped off the page and made me see love in a whole new light.
November 5, 2014
Jackie feels guilty, guilty that she has feelings for her cousin, guilty that those feelings are the reason she lost track of her best friend, Ellie, guilty that those feelings might be the very thing that tear her family apart.
Jackie didn't mean to fall in love with Marcus, but then again, who means to fall in love with their cousin? It's not illegal, she checked, but the ramifications of their relationship could cause trouble.
When Jackie breaks it off she doesn't expect Marcus to go running into the arms of Sylvia, the new girl who just moved to town, but that's exactly what he does.
Now not only has Jackie lost her best friend but she has no one to confide in about her relationship, or the lack there of, with Marcus.
When someone starts targeting Marcus, sending not so subtle threats, Jackie can't help but think that it has to do with Ellie's disappearance and maybe, just maybe Sylvia is the common denominator.
First off can I just establish the fact that, yes, I did wholeheartedly ship cousins... Don't ask me how I can have a problem with Shea and Coach Carr's relationship in "One and Only" and yet I'm completely fine with Jackie and Marcus'... It baffles even me.
Secondly, WOW, just... WOW.
I had no idea what I was getting into when I opened up this book. I figured it was going to be a cute, southern, contemporary 'romance'. A 'quick read'.
Instead I got the most amazing, witty, smart, thoughtful characters. I got mystery and intrigue and nail biting suspense. The story line drew me in from the first page and I was hooked.
Thirdly, I loved how developed Kate's characters were, from the second they were introduced you knew who they were and what they stood for, they came alive on the pages and told a story you won't soon forget.
I am still in shock that this is a debut novel and I cannot wait to see what else Kate has up her sleeve.
Needless to say she has a lifelong fan in me.
Until next time,
Ginger
In compliance with FTC guidelines I am disclosing that this book was given to me for free to review.
My review is my honest opinion.
August 3, 2015
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This is my first time reading a book about cousins falling in love with each other so How We Fall definitely kept me on my toes. What I liked about How We Fall is that not only does it have intriguing romance, but it also has mystery/suspense that I wish came sooner. It was an interesting read since you're dying to know what's going to happen with these 2 cousins (Jackie and Marcus).
I thought the characters were great. The author, Kate Brauning did an awesome job elaborating the characters and what they do in their daily lives. I connected with Marcus and Jackie because I have faced some of their problems that they had in this book (i.e. babysitting siblings, doing chores, going home late + have to deal with grumpy parents). Just the way the characters acted and made decisions were very realistic. Sometimes I could see myself in them which is good.
Like I said, there IS a bit of mystery thrown halfway into the book which I liked, but I wish most of the suspense/mystery part weren't thrown literally at the end of the book. It's like the author sprinkled a little bit of mystery here and there during half of the book more or less, then sprinkled mystery everywhere towards the end. I guess what I'm trying to say is it wasn't balanced.
The romance was very intriguing and the reason why I kept reading. I just wanted to see if Jackie and Marcus would end up together at the end or not! I also like the message that this book sends which is screw what society thinks. I think the reason why our world is f'd up sometimes is because of society and normality. Overall I highly recommend you to read How We Fall if you're up for intriguing romance, family + friendship, and suspense.
This is my first time reading a book about cousins falling in love with each other so How We Fall definitely kept me on my toes. What I liked about How We Fall is that not only does it have intriguing romance, but it also has mystery/suspense that I wish came sooner. It was an interesting read since you're dying to know what's going to happen with these 2 cousins (Jackie and Marcus).
I thought the characters were great. The author, Kate Brauning did an awesome job elaborating the characters and what they do in their daily lives. I connected with Marcus and Jackie because I have faced some of their problems that they had in this book (i.e. babysitting siblings, doing chores, going home late + have to deal with grumpy parents). Just the way the characters acted and made decisions were very realistic. Sometimes I could see myself in them which is good.
Like I said, there IS a bit of mystery thrown halfway into the book which I liked, but I wish most of the suspense/mystery part weren't thrown literally at the end of the book. It's like the author sprinkled a little bit of mystery here and there during half of the book more or less, then sprinkled mystery everywhere towards the end. I guess what I'm trying to say is it wasn't balanced.
The romance was very intriguing and the reason why I kept reading. I just wanted to see if Jackie and Marcus would end up together at the end or not! I also like the message that this book sends which is screw what society thinks. I think the reason why our world is f'd up sometimes is because of society and normality. Overall I highly recommend you to read How We Fall if you're up for intriguing romance, family + friendship, and suspense.
September 25, 2014
The Short:
This book was not bad at all. Having said that, it was not very good either. It was just kind of meh. The characters were not that good, the story was okay, and the murder aspect of it was just kind of random.
The Good:
The murder was fun. I had a good time reading about it. It was interesting and moderately suspenseful.
The romance was very well done. It was incestuous, but it was done in a way that no matter what I was rooting for them.
The old movie. The main character was obsessed with old films, and it was wonderful to hear her thought about them.
The Bad:
I didn't really connect with any of the characters. They were not bad, or poorly developed, but they were just not ones that I felt at all similar to.
I thought the murder aspect was stupid. Don't get me wrong it was fun, and well done, but it was just useless to the story. It did not help advance the plot in the slightest.
The pacing was too slow. I did not have a good time reading the beginning because it was just the main character moping around, and I was like "GET OVER YOURSELF!!"
This book was not bad at all. Having said that, it was not very good either. It was just kind of meh. The characters were not that good, the story was okay, and the murder aspect of it was just kind of random.
The Good:
The murder was fun. I had a good time reading about it. It was interesting and moderately suspenseful.
The romance was very well done. It was incestuous, but it was done in a way that no matter what I was rooting for them.
The old movie. The main character was obsessed with old films, and it was wonderful to hear her thought about them.
The Bad:
I didn't really connect with any of the characters. They were not bad, or poorly developed, but they were just not ones that I felt at all similar to.
I thought the murder aspect was stupid. Don't get me wrong it was fun, and well done, but it was just useless to the story. It did not help advance the plot in the slightest.
The pacing was too slow. I did not have a good time reading the beginning because it was just the main character moping around, and I was like "GET OVER YOURSELF!!"
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