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Catch Me If I Fall
Two ex-best friends.
Fifteen painful years apart.
One hell of a heart-pounding reunion.
Cole
Jasper Fox was my first friend, my first fantasy, and my first heartbreak. When I confessed my crush at seventeen and he pulled away, I got scared and left town without saying goodbye. Fifteen years later, we’re both back in Sugar Hills, and all I want is closure. But when he proposes a flashback tour through our friendship, all my feelings come flooding back.
When our reunion leads to romance, is the fall worth the pain of losing Jasper again?
Jasper
By the time I realized I'm not so straight, Cole was gone, and I was confused and alone.
Now I’m back home, between jobs, and looking for a second chance. I need Cole to know he was never just my best friend. The closer we get, the less I want to be without him, even knowing I’ll eventually be leaving town again for my dream job. Maybe it’s my turn to put my heart on the line so I can prove to Cole my feelings are real.
I didn't know how to catch him when we were kids, but I'm finally ready for one last fall.
Catch Me If I Fall is a best-friends-to-strangers-to-lovers, second chance, MM romance that also features meddling friends, a curious library cat, and a fluffy fall small town Canadian setting. It's low angst, swoony, steamy, and packed with tons of early 2000s nostalgia.
Fifteen painful years apart.
One hell of a heart-pounding reunion.
Cole
Jasper Fox was my first friend, my first fantasy, and my first heartbreak. When I confessed my crush at seventeen and he pulled away, I got scared and left town without saying goodbye. Fifteen years later, we’re both back in Sugar Hills, and all I want is closure. But when he proposes a flashback tour through our friendship, all my feelings come flooding back.
When our reunion leads to romance, is the fall worth the pain of losing Jasper again?
Jasper
By the time I realized I'm not so straight, Cole was gone, and I was confused and alone.
Now I’m back home, between jobs, and looking for a second chance. I need Cole to know he was never just my best friend. The closer we get, the less I want to be without him, even knowing I’ll eventually be leaving town again for my dream job. Maybe it’s my turn to put my heart on the line so I can prove to Cole my feelings are real.
I didn't know how to catch him when we were kids, but I'm finally ready for one last fall.
Catch Me If I Fall is a best-friends-to-strangers-to-lovers, second chance, MM romance that also features meddling friends, a curious library cat, and a fluffy fall small town Canadian setting. It's low angst, swoony, steamy, and packed with tons of early 2000s nostalgia.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2021
51 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Noah Steele
11 books95 followersNoah Steele is a gay author based in Toronto, Canada. His books are low angst, dreamy, steamy reads starring queer characters getting the happy endings they deserve. Queerness is strength, and the men at the heart of his books embody that strength without experiencing queerness as a roadblock to happiness.
Like Noah, they're figuring themselves out and thriving in their whirlwind romantic adventures! When he's not writing, Noah is an avid video gamer and gym-goer.
Like Noah, they're figuring themselves out and thriving in their whirlwind romantic adventures! When he's not writing, Noah is an avid video gamer and gym-goer.
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October 2, 2024
Catch Me If I Fall is a stand alone romance by Noah Steele. This is my first book by this author. This is a sweet, steamy story of two people finally getting their second chance at love. Since I’ve never read Noah Steele before, at first, I was a little unsure. But I stuck with it and at times, the writing was so poetic. I enjoyed meeting these two characters and was so hopeful they would get their happy ever after.
Jasper Fox and Cole Bixby have been best friends their entire lives. They were inseparable, living in the small community of Sugar Hills, Ontario. The one difference was that Cole was gay and Jasper was not. Also, Cole had a huge secret crush on Jasper. It was almost graduation day and Cole and Jasper had big plans for their last summer in Sugar Hills before they went their own ways for college. Cole takes the biggest risk of his life and admits his feelings to Jasper, shocking him. Out of fear, Cole ran away, broken hearted, knowing Jasper didn’t feel the same way and thinking it was better than facing him again.
Fifteen years later, Cole is working back in Sugar Hills as a librarian. Jasper is between jobs and came back to stay with a different friend of theirs while continuing his job search. Both Cole and Jasper know they need closure and agree to spend the time while Jasper is in town going on the nostalgia tour they had planned for that long ago summer. Little did these two know that this tour would help them to remember just how important they were to each other, and feelings that never really went away, resurfaced. They agree to act on their feelings and just enjoy the present together, knowing that as soon as Jasper finds a new job, he’ll be leaving again.
“I was good without him, but with him, I was unstoppable.”
It was obvious that these two were soul mates. And I loved that Jasper didn’t even hesitate for a second with Cole, even though he was inexperienced. Their tour of memories was sweet. There were some awkward parts in the book here and there where I felt things didn’t quite flow the way it might have. But the love between the characters did come through and made me feel all swoony. They refer to themselves as friend to strangers to lovers which is a pretty good description. I’m glad I chose this for my fall reading. I love the cover too!
“I wanna give you what we should have been. What we’re gonna be.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Jasper Fox and Cole Bixby have been best friends their entire lives. They were inseparable, living in the small community of Sugar Hills, Ontario. The one difference was that Cole was gay and Jasper was not. Also, Cole had a huge secret crush on Jasper. It was almost graduation day and Cole and Jasper had big plans for their last summer in Sugar Hills before they went their own ways for college. Cole takes the biggest risk of his life and admits his feelings to Jasper, shocking him. Out of fear, Cole ran away, broken hearted, knowing Jasper didn’t feel the same way and thinking it was better than facing him again.
Fifteen years later, Cole is working back in Sugar Hills as a librarian. Jasper is between jobs and came back to stay with a different friend of theirs while continuing his job search. Both Cole and Jasper know they need closure and agree to spend the time while Jasper is in town going on the nostalgia tour they had planned for that long ago summer. Little did these two know that this tour would help them to remember just how important they were to each other, and feelings that never really went away, resurfaced. They agree to act on their feelings and just enjoy the present together, knowing that as soon as Jasper finds a new job, he’ll be leaving again.
“I was good without him, but with him, I was unstoppable.”
It was obvious that these two were soul mates. And I loved that Jasper didn’t even hesitate for a second with Cole, even though he was inexperienced. Their tour of memories was sweet. There were some awkward parts in the book here and there where I felt things didn’t quite flow the way it might have. But the love between the characters did come through and made me feel all swoony. They refer to themselves as friend to strangers to lovers which is a pretty good description. I’m glad I chose this for my fall reading. I love the cover too!
“I wanna give you what we should have been. What we’re gonna be.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
October 27, 2022
I really wished the communication was better with these childhood best friends separated for 15 years because of NO COMMUNICATION. For me a really good best friends trope execution is when the characters can say whatever they want/feel with no judgment because there’s comfort level. That is the benefit in this type of romance. So, that’s not here until about the 60ish% point.
The small town, fall vibes were definitely reminiscent of Gilmore Girls ‘Stars Hollow’. There’s a gazebo in town. Sex scenes were a little awkward and hard to keep up with and it feels like Cole gets a personality transplant during them.
The small town, fall vibes were definitely reminiscent of Gilmore Girls ‘Stars Hollow’. There’s a gazebo in town. Sex scenes were a little awkward and hard to keep up with and it feels like Cole gets a personality transplant during them.
October 27, 2021
Three small stars. It started appealing, best friends since they were kids, a confession, confusion and one of them runs away. It felt promising, friends to enemies/strangers to lovers.
The friends part in the beginning was nice, only, there was no enemy part, and as lovers they felt awkward to me.
A lifetime ago Cole confessed his feelings to his best friend. After getting a cold shoulder he disappears and leaves town.
After fifteen years, Jasper is back in town, he desperately wants to reconnect with Cole. It’s going well, they are even getting to the status ‘boyfriends’. Until Jasper gets a dream job offer, in London at his favorite gallery of all places. The million-dollar question is: Should I stay or should I go.
I did write a lot of things I couldn’t feel in this story or felt awkward about. I erased them.
In big lines the story has nice content, when I look closer I didn’t feel it until the very end, that was sweet and cheesy af.
The friends part in the beginning was nice, only, there was no enemy part, and as lovers they felt awkward to me.
A lifetime ago Cole confessed his feelings to his best friend. After getting a cold shoulder he disappears and leaves town.
After fifteen years, Jasper is back in town, he desperately wants to reconnect with Cole. It’s going well, they are even getting to the status ‘boyfriends’. Until Jasper gets a dream job offer, in London at his favorite gallery of all places. The million-dollar question is: Should I stay or should I go.
I did write a lot of things I couldn’t feel in this story or felt awkward about. I erased them.
In big lines the story has nice content, when I look closer I didn’t feel it until the very end, that was sweet and cheesy af.
October 10, 2021
this was sooo cheesy and romantic. if you want a soft read, with little conflict, this fit.
Jasper and Cole's chemistry was strong, their friendship was cute. their moments together are a bit.. childish? but i think they are just living out their teenagers life.
their doubts.. (especially Jas) was frustrating.. it felt like he was half assing the relationship. mind you, he had 15 years to decide this!!!!
one part after sex;
"Do I need more than this? Would it scare me if I woke up next to him tomorrow?" — what?????
and... it continues on. i really felt so bad for Cole, bc he was so fully invested in this r/s.. meanwhile for Jas, "i'm in love with Cole but can i be gay for him?"
and.. is Jas always semi hard around Cole? uh..
Jasper and Cole's chemistry was strong, their friendship was cute. their moments together are a bit.. childish? but i think they are just living out their teenagers life.
their doubts.. (especially Jas) was frustrating.. it felt like he was half assing the relationship. mind you, he had 15 years to decide this!!!!
one part after sex;
"Do I need more than this? Would it scare me if I woke up next to him tomorrow?" — what?????
and... it continues on. i really felt so bad for Cole, bc he was so fully invested in this r/s.. meanwhile for Jas, "i'm in love with Cole but can i be gay for him?"
and.. is Jas always semi hard around Cole? uh..
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November 1, 20212.5 stars
Full review to come sweet. This happens in small town Canada and as I also live in a small town in Canada, I was going to read it no matter what, I just love these vibes in books. This was sugary sweet and I loved they had a strong friendship. But this is about two friends who got separated 15 years ago and never contacted each other and the book is the story of their second chance. I have a pet peeve with second chance and it’s when the one who left the first time is still not sure they will stay the second time around. I don’t like how they are almost ready to inflict the same hurt for a second time, and sadly, this was a big part of this book.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
Full review to come sweet. This happens in small town Canada and as I also live in a small town in Canada, I was going to read it no matter what, I just love these vibes in books. This was sugary sweet and I loved they had a strong friendship. But this is about two friends who got separated 15 years ago and never contacted each other and the book is the story of their second chance. I have a pet peeve with second chance and it’s when the one who left the first time is still not sure they will stay the second time around. I don’t like how they are almost ready to inflict the same hurt for a second time, and sadly, this was a big part of this book.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
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October 30, 2021DNF. 2nd chance romance is one my favorite tropes but I couldn't get into this one. Gave me young adult vibes and it is not my thing
dnf
November 6, 2021DNF @ 77%
It’s me. Not the book. It’s a very fluffy, slight angst, repetitive love proclamation type of story. Sometimes I’m in the mood for those, and sometimes they just make me roll my eyes. This was not a time for me to read this.
If you love the cheesy, happy, best friends to strangers to lovers story then you will most certainly like this, and should read it.
It’s me. Not the book. It’s a very fluffy, slight angst, repetitive love proclamation type of story. Sometimes I’m in the mood for those, and sometimes they just make me roll my eyes. This was not a time for me to read this.
If you love the cheesy, happy, best friends to strangers to lovers story then you will most certainly like this, and should read it.
August 25, 2025
3.5⭐️
This was such a sweet read and I really enjoyed it. Miscommunication is basically a main character here but since Cole and Jasper were young (and stupid), I could accept it. Plus, there wouldn’t be a story without it.
The second half of the book was definitely my favourite. Cole and Jasper are adorable together and even after being apart for 15 years, they still know each other so well. The chemistry came right back and it was beautiful.
It was a cozy small-town romance and I loved it.
This was such a sweet read and I really enjoyed it. Miscommunication is basically a main character here but since Cole and Jasper were young (and stupid), I could accept it. Plus, there wouldn’t be a story without it.
The second half of the book was definitely my favourite. Cole and Jasper are adorable together and even after being apart for 15 years, they still know each other so well. The chemistry came right back and it was beautiful.
It was a cozy small-town romance and I loved it.
December 16, 2021
Sweet and swoony
If you're looking for a sweet romance with more melodrama than angst, and lots of hot sex, you've found it.
I enjoyed Noah Steele's story of childhood friends who reunite after a 15-year separation and claw at each other like a pair of tomcats. It's a small-town love story, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
If you're looking for a sweet romance with more melodrama than angst, and lots of hot sex, you've found it.
I enjoyed Noah Steele's story of childhood friends who reunite after a 15-year separation and claw at each other like a pair of tomcats. It's a small-town love story, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
November 17, 2023
It was cute. Cozy in a comfortable way. It had enough angst to be interesting but not so much as to make it a truly angsty book. A nice, mostly sweet story.
I can see it as a good book, but it isn't what I'm looking for at the moment in terms of a vibe.
I can see it as a good book, but it isn't what I'm looking for at the moment in terms of a vibe.
dnf
November 11, 2021DNF at 23%
Writing style not working for me. I can’t follow the blocking in the scenes.
Writing style not working for me. I can’t follow the blocking in the scenes.
October 31, 2021
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
I'm so torn about how to review this book. Every positive opinion I have comes with the heavy weight of a "but", so I guess that's how I'll approach it.
Jasper and Cole had been best friends all of their lives and were looking forward to a summer send off tour together before parting ways to go to college in the fall. Instead, a confession of feelings followed by a confused reaction to said confession resulted in 15 years of no contact between the two. I appreciated this premise in theory, but in 2006 there was way too much technology to explain a loss of contact like that. I just couldn't buy into the idea that what happened between them would be enough to plunge them into radio silence in that way, especially when they had been such good friends for so long. I would have even accepted a drunk text message as proof of an attempt to reconcile, but nothing? Hmmm...
Their reconciliation was cute. I liked that they tried to pick up where they left off and felt like Cole's reticence was warranted since, as far as he knew, Jasper had been scared and maybe even a little disgusted the last time they'd seen each other. You know, before the resulting 15 years of avoidance. But their interactions were kind of...strange? It was like Jasper had been suspended in time over those years apart and when he woke up he just kept moving forward as if unaware that time had passed.
The love story was sweet. I loved how their friendship was the backbone, even if it felt like it relied too heavily on nostalgia at times. There was a whole lot of looking back, but not a lot of on page discussion about what took place during their years apart. And there was so much wishy washy inner monologue that eventually I stopped caring about how they reached their HEA as long as they hurried up and got there.
I will say that, apart from the first sex scene (which my brain had a hard time keeping up with), the sexy times were really hot. These two men had great chemistry once they got their shit together and started using their words. They eventually learned how to use their phones too, which was a relief.
So this wasn't a win for me, but other people obviously liked it so it was probably just a me thing.
I'm so torn about how to review this book. Every positive opinion I have comes with the heavy weight of a "but", so I guess that's how I'll approach it.
Jasper and Cole had been best friends all of their lives and were looking forward to a summer send off tour together before parting ways to go to college in the fall. Instead, a confession of feelings followed by a confused reaction to said confession resulted in 15 years of no contact between the two. I appreciated this premise in theory, but in 2006 there was way too much technology to explain a loss of contact like that. I just couldn't buy into the idea that what happened between them would be enough to plunge them into radio silence in that way, especially when they had been such good friends for so long. I would have even accepted a drunk text message as proof of an attempt to reconcile, but nothing? Hmmm...
Their reconciliation was cute. I liked that they tried to pick up where they left off and felt like Cole's reticence was warranted since, as far as he knew, Jasper had been scared and maybe even a little disgusted the last time they'd seen each other. You know, before the resulting 15 years of avoidance. But their interactions were kind of...strange? It was like Jasper had been suspended in time over those years apart and when he woke up he just kept moving forward as if unaware that time had passed.
The love story was sweet. I loved how their friendship was the backbone, even if it felt like it relied too heavily on nostalgia at times. There was a whole lot of looking back, but not a lot of on page discussion about what took place during their years apart. And there was so much wishy washy inner monologue that eventually I stopped caring about how they reached their HEA as long as they hurried up and got there.
I will say that, apart from the first sex scene (which my brain had a hard time keeping up with), the sexy times were really hot. These two men had great chemistry once they got their shit together and started using their words. They eventually learned how to use their phones too, which was a relief.
So this wasn't a win for me, but other people obviously liked it so it was probably just a me thing.
January 3, 2022
I didn’t like it that much.
I didn’t connect to the characters and I haven’t feel any chemistry or love. It was pure physical, they weren’t in love with each other just in lust.
2 bffs list their friendship over a stupid misunderstanding and a big miscommunication, one of them run away and they haven’t seen each other for 15 years.
How no one them thought of contacting each other in 15 years !!
Anyway one of them came back, they meet again to rekindle their friendship and it was the beginning of a sex fest. Waaaaaaay too much sex and too much insta boners, they were hard all the damn time !!! One of them has never been with a man and he’s a gay sex pro !!
The hate sex was lame, they even admitted they sucked at hate sex.
Most of the book is “ I love you I can’t live without, I can’t breath without you, but no talk about the future and our expiration date, let’s just fuck 24/7 everywhere even jerk off in the restaurant under the table ” til the end where they proposed to each other in the same time.
The only time they haven’t fucked it was because they used all the condoms.
It was repetitive : hand jobs, blow jobs and anal sex all in the same time. They’re sex robots they get hard a few seconds after orgasming and then round 2, round 3..
That’s why I said it was just physical, there wasn’t any emotional connection. Just lust not love
The epilogue .. just a looooong boring sex scene at their weeding night, a year after they got engaged and the first time they fucked bare.
They waited more than a year to get tested and lose the condoms. Like for real ??!!!
I highly don’t recommend
I didn’t connect to the characters and I haven’t feel any chemistry or love. It was pure physical, they weren’t in love with each other just in lust.
2 bffs list their friendship over a stupid misunderstanding and a big miscommunication, one of them run away and they haven’t seen each other for 15 years.
How no one them thought of contacting each other in 15 years !!
Anyway one of them came back, they meet again to rekindle their friendship and it was the beginning of a sex fest. Waaaaaaay too much sex and too much insta boners, they were hard all the damn time !!! One of them has never been with a man and he’s a gay sex pro !!
The hate sex was lame, they even admitted they sucked at hate sex.
Most of the book is “ I love you I can’t live without, I can’t breath without you, but no talk about the future and our expiration date, let’s just fuck 24/7 everywhere even jerk off in the restaurant under the table ” til the end where they proposed to each other in the same time.
The only time they haven’t fucked it was because they used all the condoms.
It was repetitive : hand jobs, blow jobs and anal sex all in the same time. They’re sex robots they get hard a few seconds after orgasming and then round 2, round 3..
That’s why I said it was just physical, there wasn’t any emotional connection. Just lust not love
The epilogue .. just a looooong boring sex scene at their weeding night, a year after they got engaged and the first time they fucked bare.
They waited more than a year to get tested and lose the condoms. Like for real ??!!!
I highly don’t recommend
October 27, 2021
Noah Steele's Catch Me If I Fall is a really good second chance romance with some out for you elements and just a hint of angst...
Read the rest of my review and Sarah's too!
http://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2021...
I received an ARC to facilitate my review
Read the rest of my review and Sarah's too!
http://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2021...
I received an ARC to facilitate my review
November 5, 2021
DNF @ 15%.
New-to-me author. The writing isn’t quite working for me with this one, it’s quire melodramatic, and pairing that with the second chance trope just isn’t a good fit for me.
New-to-me author. The writing isn’t quite working for me with this one, it’s quire melodramatic, and pairing that with the second chance trope just isn’t a good fit for me.
October 24, 2021
I love a good second chance romance, and Catch Me If I Fall by Noah Steele provided that.
This book tells the tale of Cole Bixby and Jasper Fox, two best friends who become estranged after high school when Cole admits his feelings for Jasper. It takes Jasper time to wrap his head around his best friend's admission and by the time he's ready to act on it, Cole has left town. Then, they don't see one another or talk to one another for fifteen years. When they both end up back in their small town, its a combination of hatred for how their friendship ended and long suppressed yearning.
The characters in this book are good, and I was able to relate to them fairly easily. The romance came with very little angst, especially once they both admitted that there was still something between them. I felt bad for their third best friend, constantly having to put up with their shenanigans. However, after getting to know the characters, I couldn't understand why neither of them reached out over the fifteen years, how they could let the friendship that they claimed to be the cornerstone of their life completely fade into oblivion.
It doesn't even feel as if either of them tried to bridge the gap in that time. It doesn't seem to make sense for the ways the characters seemed to be portrayed.
Other than that, the book was pretty well written and drew me in. I give it a high four star review, because beyond the lack of attempt of reconciliation over the decade and a half they were missing, it felt like there was something else missing that I can't quite put a finger on.
This book tells the tale of Cole Bixby and Jasper Fox, two best friends who become estranged after high school when Cole admits his feelings for Jasper. It takes Jasper time to wrap his head around his best friend's admission and by the time he's ready to act on it, Cole has left town. Then, they don't see one another or talk to one another for fifteen years. When they both end up back in their small town, its a combination of hatred for how their friendship ended and long suppressed yearning.
The characters in this book are good, and I was able to relate to them fairly easily. The romance came with very little angst, especially once they both admitted that there was still something between them. I felt bad for their third best friend, constantly having to put up with their shenanigans. However, after getting to know the characters, I couldn't understand why neither of them reached out over the fifteen years, how they could let the friendship that they claimed to be the cornerstone of their life completely fade into oblivion.
It doesn't even feel as if either of them tried to bridge the gap in that time. It doesn't seem to make sense for the ways the characters seemed to be portrayed.
Other than that, the book was pretty well written and drew me in. I give it a high four star review, because beyond the lack of attempt of reconciliation over the decade and a half they were missing, it felt like there was something else missing that I can't quite put a finger on.
October 26, 2021
“From best friends to strangers to boyfriends, but always soulmates.”
This about sums up the sweet, low-angst second chance romance that is Catch Me If I Fall. Best friends for their entire lives, teenager Cole and Jasper have always done everything together and have always been there for each other. Until Cole confesses his feelings for his best friend who is so shocked, he doesn’t know what to do. When he realizes his feelings may match Cole’s, his best friend has already fled town and 15 long years will pass until they are both back in Sugar Hills and see each other again.
I loved their reunion, like they said, whatever happened between them and despite how many years have passed, they could never be stranger, they know th other’s heart better than their own.
The fact that the book is super sweet doesn’t detract at all from the steamy hotness of it; after all, Jasper and Cole have 15 years of repressed love and lust to make up for, and, oh, boy, they do!
This was my first book by Noah Steele, and I absolutely adored his writing style, I will definitely look out for more books from this author!
This about sums up the sweet, low-angst second chance romance that is Catch Me If I Fall. Best friends for their entire lives, teenager Cole and Jasper have always done everything together and have always been there for each other. Until Cole confesses his feelings for his best friend who is so shocked, he doesn’t know what to do. When he realizes his feelings may match Cole’s, his best friend has already fled town and 15 long years will pass until they are both back in Sugar Hills and see each other again.
I loved their reunion, like they said, whatever happened between them and despite how many years have passed, they could never be stranger, they know th other’s heart better than their own.
The fact that the book is super sweet doesn’t detract at all from the steamy hotness of it; after all, Jasper and Cole have 15 years of repressed love and lust to make up for, and, oh, boy, they do!
This was my first book by Noah Steele, and I absolutely adored his writing style, I will definitely look out for more books from this author!
June 10, 2022
This was a nice story. Cole and Jasper were best friends until Cole left because Jasper freaked out about Coles feelings for him. 15 years later, they finally reunite and get their second chance at love. There wasn’t really much angst and although they didn’t always communicate well, they did get it all together and find their way back to each other.
June 22, 2023
love!
This was such a cute read. I was in the mood for a good second Chance romance and this was perfect!
It’s such a feel good book and watching them come together and work through 15 years of hurt was just sweet
This was such a cute read. I was in the mood for a good second Chance romance and this was perfect!
It’s such a feel good book and watching them come together and work through 15 years of hurt was just sweet
October 26, 2021
This is a great second-chance romance that I could not put down. Jasper and Cole are two intriguing characters that I enjoyed getting to know. Their story tugged on my heartstrings and had me rooting for their happiness.
March 11, 2022
2.5 ⭐🤷🏻♂️
I honestly struggled to finish this book, I even fast forwarded some scenes a few times and then forced me to go back and read them properly because it's disrespectful to just skip parts of a book.
But still... I just didn't feel a connection to them, I didn't even feel like they were truly in love, more like obsessed with each other. Quite honestly I thought both were morons, pure and simple.
Lots of corny lines and pretty awkward sex scenes, and their obsession to jerking off all the time over and over while imagining phantom versions of the other was weird AF instead of hot.
I honestly struggled to finish this book, I even fast forwarded some scenes a few times and then forced me to go back and read them properly because it's disrespectful to just skip parts of a book.
But still... I just didn't feel a connection to them, I didn't even feel like they were truly in love, more like obsessed with each other. Quite honestly I thought both were morons, pure and simple.
Lots of corny lines and pretty awkward sex scenes, and their obsession to jerking off all the time over and over while imagining phantom versions of the other was weird AF instead of hot.
Read
October 27, 2021DNF at the 50% mark. It wasn’t working for me. The writing was good but I couldn’t feel the chemistry / the need / the CLICK between the leads, so everything else that followed I found hard to care about. But I wanted to love this book. Just look at that cover. Sigh. You win some and you lose some I guess.
February 1, 2024
I think that you would like this book if you are looking for a total comfort read with very little angst. This is a nostalgia piece, lots of references to things from the 90s and early 00's and the small town vibe the author is creating is reminiscent of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. Very autumnal, cozy vibes.
Main plot is Cole and Jasper have been best friends since they were little kids, always doing everything together. Cole has had a crush on Jasper since he was in his early teens, decides to finally tell Jasper before they graduate high school. Jasper is confused by this, but in a week, he things 'maybe I am bi?' and wants to tell Cole, but Cole has left. 15 years pass, they never speak to each other during all that time. Jasper comes back to town because he lost his job and wants to reconnect or something, and he meets up with Cole again. They meet up and become friends and more!
Like many reviewers mention, the lack of communication between these two is annoying. Also, I may be in the minority, but I don't really understand pining for lover from high school for 15 years...its like, really all that time for them when you have gone out into the world? But I know that's a me thing. Cole has been pining for Jasper for forever, and when they do get together, it always felt like Cole was super in love with Jasper, but Jasper wasn't feeling it as much. Jasper took a long time to get the picture. The third act drama barely felt like anything, you knew both were going to pick each other, but there were these really drawn out thought-processes and I sort of rushed through most of this book.
I normally finish books like this really fast, but this one I had to take a break from and then I read it again just to complete it. It was cute and sexy, and I think good if you are looking for a cozy, mostly drama-free read. I was not impressed enough to further read more of this author's books though.
Main plot is Cole and Jasper have been best friends since they were little kids, always doing everything together. Cole has had a crush on Jasper since he was in his early teens, decides to finally tell Jasper before they graduate high school. Jasper is confused by this, but in a week, he things 'maybe I am bi?' and wants to tell Cole, but Cole has left. 15 years pass, they never speak to each other during all that time. Jasper comes back to town because he lost his job and wants to reconnect or something, and he meets up with Cole again. They meet up and become friends and more!
Like many reviewers mention, the lack of communication between these two is annoying. Also, I may be in the minority, but I don't really understand pining for lover from high school for 15 years...its like, really all that time for them when you have gone out into the world? But I know that's a me thing. Cole has been pining for Jasper for forever, and when they do get together, it always felt like Cole was super in love with Jasper, but Jasper wasn't feeling it as much. Jasper took a long time to get the picture. The third act drama barely felt like anything, you knew both were going to pick each other, but there were these really drawn out thought-processes and I sort of rushed through most of this book.
I normally finish books like this really fast, but this one I had to take a break from and then I read it again just to complete it. It was cute and sexy, and I think good if you are looking for a cozy, mostly drama-free read. I was not impressed enough to further read more of this author's books though.
October 29, 2021
Sweet second chance with his bestfriend
Trope: former bestfriend to lovers, second chance, awakening.
I really didn't know what to expect. First book by this author and I was not disappointed. I was afraid that there would be a lot of resentment about the past and the author knew how to express all the sadness and heartbreak that it brings to their lives with a good dose.
No flashback due to a prologue well in place, written in an incredible way, not too long, straight to the point without detour where we discover the two friends and their emotional torments. We also deduce their personalities. One anxious and lost who often turns to the other who finds solutions.
Sweet story, no angst even after everything it feel more like regret and longing. After 15 those bestfriend, two in the same peas, reunited back and try to forget the past and live in the present without future.... but when feelings get involve, the future is scarier. Follow those idiots doubts about their love, their bonding and their feelings for each others, always speculating the worst and finally getting the best.
The author does a remarkable job of keeping us interested in their reunion, a sweet story filled with love and possibility. But even then I remove 1 star because I lose interest in the book at 60% where all were going right but doubt submerge.
Will they make the right choice 15 years later or will they make the same mistakes?
Trope: former bestfriend to lovers, second chance, awakening.
I really didn't know what to expect. First book by this author and I was not disappointed. I was afraid that there would be a lot of resentment about the past and the author knew how to express all the sadness and heartbreak that it brings to their lives with a good dose.
No flashback due to a prologue well in place, written in an incredible way, not too long, straight to the point without detour where we discover the two friends and their emotional torments. We also deduce their personalities. One anxious and lost who often turns to the other who finds solutions.
Sweet story, no angst even after everything it feel more like regret and longing. After 15 those bestfriend, two in the same peas, reunited back and try to forget the past and live in the present without future.... but when feelings get involve, the future is scarier. Follow those idiots doubts about their love, their bonding and their feelings for each others, always speculating the worst and finally getting the best.
The author does a remarkable job of keeping us interested in their reunion, a sweet story filled with love and possibility. But even then I remove 1 star because I lose interest in the book at 60% where all were going right but doubt submerge.
Will they make the right choice 15 years later or will they make the same mistakes?
October 25, 2021
Is there anything sweeter than a Noah Steele romance? You’ve known Steele for insta-love, low-angst sugary goodness but in Catch me If I Fall, he departs insta-love and deep-dives into a love thirtyish years in the making.
I am a professed sucker for a good second-chance romance and this one has all the feels. Cole Bixby and Jasper Fox are best friends their whole lives, sharing a rare breed of friendship where the entire town sees them as a package deal. That all changes a week before high school graduation when Cole expresses deeper feelings for Jasper. By the time Jas is finished processing, Cole is gone. And fifteen years go by.
Now both back in Sugar Hills, Ontario, the men must come to terms with their past while trying to navigate the present. So much goodness ensues. The world Steele has created is enhanced by Cole’s “weird cat-dog” and his friend Sabina, as well as Jasper’s buddy Evan.
I was hooked from page one and dreamily sighed through the entire book until its so-satisfying conclusion. I don’t want to give anything away, but Steele is on fire. Full of deeply emotional, intensely satisfying scenes, this book will have you believing in soul-mates all over again.
I am a professed sucker for a good second-chance romance and this one has all the feels. Cole Bixby and Jasper Fox are best friends their whole lives, sharing a rare breed of friendship where the entire town sees them as a package deal. That all changes a week before high school graduation when Cole expresses deeper feelings for Jasper. By the time Jas is finished processing, Cole is gone. And fifteen years go by.
Now both back in Sugar Hills, Ontario, the men must come to terms with their past while trying to navigate the present. So much goodness ensues. The world Steele has created is enhanced by Cole’s “weird cat-dog” and his friend Sabina, as well as Jasper’s buddy Evan.
I was hooked from page one and dreamily sighed through the entire book until its so-satisfying conclusion. I don’t want to give anything away, but Steele is on fire. Full of deeply emotional, intensely satisfying scenes, this book will have you believing in soul-mates all over again.
October 31, 2021
I enjoyed this book! It was a short and nice read!
Catch Me If I Fall tells the story of two high school bestfriends, Cole and Jasper. One day, Cole confesses his crush to Jasper who pulls away from Cole and wants time for himself to think. Unfortunately before anything can happen, Cole leaves town and both men become heartbroken in the process.
I love a good second chance, enemies-to-lovers book so it was no surprise that I picked this book up. 15 long years of separation is bound to come with some baggage, and uncertainty but Cole and Jasper are soulmates and no matter how many years have passed, they were bound to come back to each other.
I enjoyed both Cole and Jasper and thought that their dynamic was cute and for a second chance enemies to lovers, there was surprisingly little angst and both characters were easy to relate with. One thing I do have problems when it comes to second chance romances is how the initial separation could have been prevented by a simple conversation and I understand that Jasper needed time to process what he was going through but are you telling me that in 15 years, they did not clear the air once? I thought that was a little silly. Other than that, I did find the book endearing and cute and perfect for an Autumn day.
Thank you so much Gay Romance Reviews for an ARC of this book.
Catch Me If I Fall tells the story of two high school bestfriends, Cole and Jasper. One day, Cole confesses his crush to Jasper who pulls away from Cole and wants time for himself to think. Unfortunately before anything can happen, Cole leaves town and both men become heartbroken in the process.
I love a good second chance, enemies-to-lovers book so it was no surprise that I picked this book up. 15 long years of separation is bound to come with some baggage, and uncertainty but Cole and Jasper are soulmates and no matter how many years have passed, they were bound to come back to each other.
I enjoyed both Cole and Jasper and thought that their dynamic was cute and for a second chance enemies to lovers, there was surprisingly little angst and both characters were easy to relate with. One thing I do have problems when it comes to second chance romances is how the initial separation could have been prevented by a simple conversation and I understand that Jasper needed time to process what he was going through but are you telling me that in 15 years, they did not clear the air once? I thought that was a little silly. Other than that, I did find the book endearing and cute and perfect for an Autumn day.
Thank you so much Gay Romance Reviews for an ARC of this book.
October 31, 2021
Catch Me If I Fall is the first I’ve read by this author. I had high hopes for this one. Friends to lovers is my favorite trope and the second chance trope is a close second.
I enjoyed the prologue with the backstory of when they last saw each other in high school. It was touching and painful and brought back memories of those chaotic feelings and responses you get when you're a teenager. I felt for both of them and understood each viewpoint based on my experiences at that age. That was an excellent start to the story.
They seem to fit well through the rest of the story. But I couldn't connect to Cole and Jasper the way I needed to.
Their character development seemed to stop fifteen years ago. I didn't get an adult vibe from either one. They were, in my opinion, juvenile in their childlike thoughts, dialogue, mannerisms, and activities. And the sexy times were difficult for me because I couldn't picture them as adults.
There were some beautiful, emotional parts that I enjoyed. I even shed a tear at one point. There were humorous parts also. Those are what kept me reading.
I did have a problem keeping up with the point of view throughout the book. I don't know if they both sounded alike or if it was some other writer-ly something that I can't put into words right now.
Catch Me If I Fall has good bones, and I'm sorry I can't be more positive about it.
I enjoyed the prologue with the backstory of when they last saw each other in high school. It was touching and painful and brought back memories of those chaotic feelings and responses you get when you're a teenager. I felt for both of them and understood each viewpoint based on my experiences at that age. That was an excellent start to the story.
They seem to fit well through the rest of the story. But I couldn't connect to Cole and Jasper the way I needed to.
Their character development seemed to stop fifteen years ago. I didn't get an adult vibe from either one. They were, in my opinion, juvenile in their childlike thoughts, dialogue, mannerisms, and activities. And the sexy times were difficult for me because I couldn't picture them as adults.
There were some beautiful, emotional parts that I enjoyed. I even shed a tear at one point. There were humorous parts also. Those are what kept me reading.
I did have a problem keeping up with the point of view throughout the book. I don't know if they both sounded alike or if it was some other writer-ly something that I can't put into words right now.
Catch Me If I Fall has good bones, and I'm sorry I can't be more positive about it.
October 12, 2021
This book tugs at your heartstrings! Cole and Jasper were best friends throughout school when Cole confessed to Jasper that he loved him. Then he panicked and ran off to college without giving Jasper a chance to think about it and respond. Jasper is hurt and angry because Cole never gave him a chance and left without saying goodbye. Now many years later, Jasper comes back to their old hometown and tries to reconnect. Cole has been back in their hometown for a while and is still angry at the rejection he thinks he received. This book was good and I sympathized with Jasper’s character more than Cole’s. Cole kind of refuses to look at anything from the other person’s point of view, even though he eventually realizes that he never gave Jasper time to even say goodbye, which was hardly fair. Now that they are both adults, these two can try to repair the damage done. Jasper is so determined to try and get Cole to let him in and reconnect, he is willing to try just about anything. It’s a good book. It’s got a little bit of hate sex, which isn’t really hate by the way, and a lot of reminiscing. I did enjoy how these guys both realize they can’t live in the past and have to look forward and move on in order to really live.
October 26, 2021
Catch Me if I Fall is a second chance at Love, Cole Bixby and Jasper Fox were best friends that after a confession become estranged, Cole admitted his feelings for Jasper and took to long for Jasper to wrap his head around his best friend's admission, by the time he realize his feelings for him it was to late, Cole left town. Both of them didn’t even try to make contact with each other for fifteen years. They both now end up back in town, Cole is working at the Library and Jasper is staying with a mutual friend for high school because he is applying for a new job, their story it’s a combination of both been angry and longing for how their friendship ended and the what if….
The romance is a little angsty since Cole is angry it took Jasper too long to admitted what he was feeling and that there was still so much between them. I like who they start to try to mend their friendship and later they fall into lust..I don’t understand why neither of them reached out over the fifteen years, their do everything together and have so many memories that they could reach each other and talk.
Neither of them have a serious relationship because I think they were meant to be together, I like who finally Jasper chose Cole and they have their HEA.
The romance is a little angsty since Cole is angry it took Jasper too long to admitted what he was feeling and that there was still so much between them. I like who they start to try to mend their friendship and later they fall into lust..I don’t understand why neither of them reached out over the fifteen years, their do everything together and have so many memories that they could reach each other and talk.
Neither of them have a serious relationship because I think they were meant to be together, I like who finally Jasper chose Cole and they have their HEA.
October 28, 2021
This was a cute read. Two high school best friends, about to graduate. One comes out to the other, admits his feelings, and the other friend is stunned and takes a while to get his head around it. The first boy, sure he’s lost his best friend, leaves for college early and both are devastated at the abrupt end to their friendship. 15 years pass, and both men find themselves back in their home town – one there permanently, the other just stopping through. Now it’s time to explore what happened and determine what will happen.
There’s a bit of angst. The young adult angst from the initial confession, to the angst Bixby carries with him at the abrupt loss of his best friend. Jasper, on the other hand, carries a lot of guilt, realizing his freakout could have been better handled and not sent his best friend running.
The two men reconnect, recreating the high school summer farewell they had planned. There are hurdles each has to overcome, and trust to be regained, but both characters are adorable – especially over-energetic, puppy-like Jasper – and it was a pleasure to read about their antics and learn so much more about them as they reminisced about their younger relationship and what happened to each of them over the intervening years.
There’s a bit of angst. The young adult angst from the initial confession, to the angst Bixby carries with him at the abrupt loss of his best friend. Jasper, on the other hand, carries a lot of guilt, realizing his freakout could have been better handled and not sent his best friend running.
The two men reconnect, recreating the high school summer farewell they had planned. There are hurdles each has to overcome, and trust to be regained, but both characters are adorable – especially over-energetic, puppy-like Jasper – and it was a pleasure to read about their antics and learn so much more about them as they reminisced about their younger relationship and what happened to each of them over the intervening years.
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