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maferg01's review
5.0
A.L. Jackson has this magical way of creating poetry within her prose and I love how it adds such depth to her writing. Catch Me When I Fall is another one that will pull at your heartstrings. You fall in love with bad boy Royce right from the get go. He painted his pain all over himself, creating a nightmare-scape on his skin, but at his core is the most moral and kind person. He connects with Emily right away and sparks fly.
Emily is strength and sweetness, carrying the burden of her brother and her band, and broken at the same time. I love how Royce steps in and is her champion right away. Many things keep you guessing for a while with these two but there is a magic between the two of them that can't be denied.
Royce meets Emily in a bar and then follows Carolina George on the road. One of my favorite parts of this story is how they pass lyrics between each other. Emily and and Royces' secrets are revealed gradually as the story moves to its climax and you'll be on the edge of your seat and flipping pages, racing to the end. This amazing story will touch you on so many levels and I don't think I've loved a set of characters as much as these two since Lyrik and Tamar stole my love. This amazing story needs to be in your TBR list yesterday.
Emily is strength and sweetness, carrying the burden of her brother and her band, and broken at the same time. I love how Royce steps in and is her champion right away. Many things keep you guessing for a while with these two but there is a magic between the two of them that can't be denied.
Royce meets Emily in a bar and then follows Carolina George on the road. One of my favorite parts of this story is how they pass lyrics between each other. Emily and and Royces' secrets are revealed gradually as the story moves to its climax and you'll be on the edge of your seat and flipping pages, racing to the end. This amazing story will touch you on so many levels and I don't think I've loved a set of characters as much as these two since Lyrik and Tamar stole my love. This amazing story needs to be in your TBR list yesterday.
gretareadsromance's review against another edition
5.0
A.L. Jackson can do no wrong when it comes to a rockstar romance. She pulled it all out for Royce and Emily’s story. Royce is everything you want in a broody alpha and so much more. Emily is the perfect southern girl trying to make it in the music world while holding onto some pretty serious secrets. So many things happened in this book with an explosive ending that was so surprising. There are still some questions I have and I hope we learn more about the other members in Carolina George soon!
profromance's review
5.0
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
I am completely and utterly drawn to the A.L. Jackson’s Falling Stars series. I said in my review of the first book, Kiss the Stars, that there is a poetry to Jackson’s books. In her second book, Catch Me When I Fall, Jackson continues her poetic storytelling. In this book, the danger of silence threatens the lives of her characters, and it makes for a compelling, page-turning ride.
This story continues to follow the journey of Carolina George. In the first book, the story revolved around Leif, the group’s drummer. In this story, Emily, the lead singer and only female, is struggling. Her ambition and drive to “make it” in the business is faltering. Her bandmates are clueless about her anxiety and reticence to sign a lucrative contract. What they don’t know is that Emily is harboring a secret, and her silence keeps her closed off and scared. When a record executive from the company that wants to sign Carolina George joins them on tour, Emily feels inexplicably drawn to him. Like Emily, Royce is also harboring a secret. As Emily and Royce are drawn to each other by some force, Royce’s secret threatens any future between the two of them. Is it possible for Emily and Royce to make beautiful music together?
At its core, Catch Me When I Fall is a beautiful story of two people who are hiding secrets. For one of them, it is dangerous. For the other, it will unravel the other’s world, while also championing for a family member. It is in this story arc where Jackson shows us the power of love to overcome fear and allow for forgiveness. As she lays out her story, you can’t help but fall in love with Royce and Emily. Their story is heavy and sensual and compelling. Jackson develops a magnetism between the two of them that pulls you into the story. It is overwhelming in all the best ways. As they come together and become pulled apart over and over again, your heart breaks for them each time, but Jackson’s ability to pace her story keeps you engaged. You need Royce and Emily to find their happy ending, and you’re willing to feel their pain and joy in equal measure. I think that’s what I love about Jackson’s storytelling. She has this ability to invest you in her characters. It doesn’t matter if they are doctors or construction workers or restaurant owners or bakers or rock stars. You feel connected to them, and their journey feels important to you. Royce and Emily are two people with some mortal wounds that simply need healing through their love for each other.
Even more, there is a poetics to Jackson’s writing. In this series and her Bleeding Stars series, Jackson’s story feels like a song. She makes songwriting look so easy as she presents her characters’ lyrics and music on the page. Yet, her style also follows this same meter. It is sometimes the difficulty in reading her stories. There are times when Jackson’s insistence on writing in fragments can slow the story down. Because you have to work between the phrases, it takes more time to move through the story. This could be intentional; if it is, it’s genius. However, when you want to get to the happily-ever-after for her characters, it can make the reader feel impatient, as the style slows the story. In Catch Me When I Fall, one of my favorite parts is the creation of a song between Emily and Royce. Their song becomes like a love letter, as their journey progresses through the story. That song is the memento of their journey, and it grounds their relationship when it feels lost. I loved that aspect of this book.
Lastly, there is a key message for women in this story. I want to divulge it, but to do so would spoil this book for the reader. Instead, I encourage you to read Catch Me When I Fall, so that you can be challenged to find a voice in the midst of injustice, to face fear and make choices even when it might come at some personal cost. In our world today, that message is more important than it ever has been.
Oh, how I love A.L. Jackson’s storytelling. The lyricism, her compelling romance, and the ethereal nature of your writing feel gratuitous and a personal treat. Emily and Royce’s story in Catch Me When I Fall is the type of romance we’ve come to love from Jackson: these are soulmates, fated for each other. However, in order to get there, they have to love themselves first, while finding their eternity together.
Merged review:
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
I am completely and utterly drawn to the A.L. Jackson’s Falling Stars series. I said in my review of the first book, Kiss the Stars, that there is a poetry to Jackson’s books. In her second book, Catch Me When I Fall, Jackson continues her poetic storytelling. In this book, the danger of silence threatens the lives of her characters, and it makes for a compelling, page-turning ride.
This story continues to follow the journey of Carolina George. In the first book, the story revolved around Leif, the group’s drummer. In this story, Emily, the lead singer and only female, is struggling. Her ambition and drive to “make it” in the business is faltering. Her bandmates are clueless about her anxiety and reticence to sign a lucrative contract. What they don’t know is that Emily is harboring a secret, and her silence keeps her closed off and scared. When a record executive from the company that wants to sign Carolina George joins them on tour, Emily feels inexplicably drawn to him. Like Emily, Royce is also harboring a secret. As Emily and Royce are drawn to each other by some force, Royce’s secret threatens any future between the two of them. Is it possible for Emily and Royce to make beautiful music together?
At its core, Catch Me When I Fall is a beautiful story of two people who are hiding secrets. For one of them, it is dangerous. For the other, it will unravel the other’s world, while also championing for a family member. It is in this story arc where Jackson shows us the power of love to overcome fear and allow for forgiveness. As she lays out her story, you can’t help but fall in love with Royce and Emily. Their story is heavy and sensual and compelling. Jackson develops a magnetism between the two of them that pulls you into the story. It is overwhelming in all the best ways. As they come together and become pulled apart over and over again, your heart breaks for them each time, but Jackson’s ability to pace her story keeps you engaged. You need Royce and Emily to find their happy ending, and you’re willing to feel their pain and joy in equal measure. I think that’s what I love about Jackson’s storytelling. She has this ability to invest you in her characters. It doesn’t matter if they are doctors or construction workers or restaurant owners or bakers or rock stars. You feel connected to them, and their journey feels important to you. Royce and Emily are two people with some mortal wounds that simply need healing through their love for each other.
Even more, there is a poetics to Jackson’s writing. In this series and her Bleeding Stars series, Jackson’s story feels like a song. She makes songwriting look so easy as she presents her characters’ lyrics and music on the page. Yet, her style also follows this same meter. It is sometimes the difficulty in reading her stories. There are times when Jackson’s insistence on writing in fragments can slow the story down. Because you have to work between the phrases, it takes more time to move through the story. This could be intentional; if it is, it’s genius. However, when you want to get to the happily-ever-after for her characters, it can make the reader feel impatient, as the style slows the story. In Catch Me When I Fall, one of my favorite parts is the creation of a song between Emily and Royce. Their song becomes like a love letter, as their journey progresses through the story. That song is the memento of their journey, and it grounds their relationship when it feels lost. I loved that aspect of this book.
Lastly, there is a key message for women in this story. I want to divulge it, but to do so would spoil this book for the reader. Instead, I encourage you to read Catch Me When I Fall, so that you can be challenged to find a voice in the midst of injustice, to face fear and make choices even when it might come at some personal cost. In our world today, that message is more important than it ever has been.
Oh, how I love A.L. Jackson’s storytelling. The lyricism, her compelling romance, and the ethereal nature of your writing feel gratuitous and a personal treat. Emily and Royce’s story in Catch Me When I Fall is the type of romance we’ve come to love from Jackson: these are soulmates, fated for each other. However, in order to get there, they have to love themselves first, while finding their eternity together.
I am completely and utterly drawn to the A.L. Jackson’s Falling Stars series. I said in my review of the first book, Kiss the Stars, that there is a poetry to Jackson’s books. In her second book, Catch Me When I Fall, Jackson continues her poetic storytelling. In this book, the danger of silence threatens the lives of her characters, and it makes for a compelling, page-turning ride.
This story continues to follow the journey of Carolina George. In the first book, the story revolved around Leif, the group’s drummer. In this story, Emily, the lead singer and only female, is struggling. Her ambition and drive to “make it” in the business is faltering. Her bandmates are clueless about her anxiety and reticence to sign a lucrative contract. What they don’t know is that Emily is harboring a secret, and her silence keeps her closed off and scared. When a record executive from the company that wants to sign Carolina George joins them on tour, Emily feels inexplicably drawn to him. Like Emily, Royce is also harboring a secret. As Emily and Royce are drawn to each other by some force, Royce’s secret threatens any future between the two of them. Is it possible for Emily and Royce to make beautiful music together?
At its core, Catch Me When I Fall is a beautiful story of two people who are hiding secrets. For one of them, it is dangerous. For the other, it will unravel the other’s world, while also championing for a family member. It is in this story arc where Jackson shows us the power of love to overcome fear and allow for forgiveness. As she lays out her story, you can’t help but fall in love with Royce and Emily. Their story is heavy and sensual and compelling. Jackson develops a magnetism between the two of them that pulls you into the story. It is overwhelming in all the best ways. As they come together and become pulled apart over and over again, your heart breaks for them each time, but Jackson’s ability to pace her story keeps you engaged. You need Royce and Emily to find their happy ending, and you’re willing to feel their pain and joy in equal measure. I think that’s what I love about Jackson’s storytelling. She has this ability to invest you in her characters. It doesn’t matter if they are doctors or construction workers or restaurant owners or bakers or rock stars. You feel connected to them, and their journey feels important to you. Royce and Emily are two people with some mortal wounds that simply need healing through their love for each other.
Even more, there is a poetics to Jackson’s writing. In this series and her Bleeding Stars series, Jackson’s story feels like a song. She makes songwriting look so easy as she presents her characters’ lyrics and music on the page. Yet, her style also follows this same meter. It is sometimes the difficulty in reading her stories. There are times when Jackson’s insistence on writing in fragments can slow the story down. Because you have to work between the phrases, it takes more time to move through the story. This could be intentional; if it is, it’s genius. However, when you want to get to the happily-ever-after for her characters, it can make the reader feel impatient, as the style slows the story. In Catch Me When I Fall, one of my favorite parts is the creation of a song between Emily and Royce. Their song becomes like a love letter, as their journey progresses through the story. That song is the memento of their journey, and it grounds their relationship when it feels lost. I loved that aspect of this book.
Lastly, there is a key message for women in this story. I want to divulge it, but to do so would spoil this book for the reader. Instead, I encourage you to read Catch Me When I Fall, so that you can be challenged to find a voice in the midst of injustice, to face fear and make choices even when it might come at some personal cost. In our world today, that message is more important than it ever has been.
Oh, how I love A.L. Jackson’s storytelling. The lyricism, her compelling romance, and the ethereal nature of your writing feel gratuitous and a personal treat. Emily and Royce’s story in Catch Me When I Fall is the type of romance we’ve come to love from Jackson: these are soulmates, fated for each other. However, in order to get there, they have to love themselves first, while finding their eternity together.
Merged review:
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
I am completely and utterly drawn to the A.L. Jackson’s Falling Stars series. I said in my review of the first book, Kiss the Stars, that there is a poetry to Jackson’s books. In her second book, Catch Me When I Fall, Jackson continues her poetic storytelling. In this book, the danger of silence threatens the lives of her characters, and it makes for a compelling, page-turning ride.
This story continues to follow the journey of Carolina George. In the first book, the story revolved around Leif, the group’s drummer. In this story, Emily, the lead singer and only female, is struggling. Her ambition and drive to “make it” in the business is faltering. Her bandmates are clueless about her anxiety and reticence to sign a lucrative contract. What they don’t know is that Emily is harboring a secret, and her silence keeps her closed off and scared. When a record executive from the company that wants to sign Carolina George joins them on tour, Emily feels inexplicably drawn to him. Like Emily, Royce is also harboring a secret. As Emily and Royce are drawn to each other by some force, Royce’s secret threatens any future between the two of them. Is it possible for Emily and Royce to make beautiful music together?
At its core, Catch Me When I Fall is a beautiful story of two people who are hiding secrets. For one of them, it is dangerous. For the other, it will unravel the other’s world, while also championing for a family member. It is in this story arc where Jackson shows us the power of love to overcome fear and allow for forgiveness. As she lays out her story, you can’t help but fall in love with Royce and Emily. Their story is heavy and sensual and compelling. Jackson develops a magnetism between the two of them that pulls you into the story. It is overwhelming in all the best ways. As they come together and become pulled apart over and over again, your heart breaks for them each time, but Jackson’s ability to pace her story keeps you engaged. You need Royce and Emily to find their happy ending, and you’re willing to feel their pain and joy in equal measure. I think that’s what I love about Jackson’s storytelling. She has this ability to invest you in her characters. It doesn’t matter if they are doctors or construction workers or restaurant owners or bakers or rock stars. You feel connected to them, and their journey feels important to you. Royce and Emily are two people with some mortal wounds that simply need healing through their love for each other.
Even more, there is a poetics to Jackson’s writing. In this series and her Bleeding Stars series, Jackson’s story feels like a song. She makes songwriting look so easy as she presents her characters’ lyrics and music on the page. Yet, her style also follows this same meter. It is sometimes the difficulty in reading her stories. There are times when Jackson’s insistence on writing in fragments can slow the story down. Because you have to work between the phrases, it takes more time to move through the story. This could be intentional; if it is, it’s genius. However, when you want to get to the happily-ever-after for her characters, it can make the reader feel impatient, as the style slows the story. In Catch Me When I Fall, one of my favorite parts is the creation of a song between Emily and Royce. Their song becomes like a love letter, as their journey progresses through the story. That song is the memento of their journey, and it grounds their relationship when it feels lost. I loved that aspect of this book.
Lastly, there is a key message for women in this story. I want to divulge it, but to do so would spoil this book for the reader. Instead, I encourage you to read Catch Me When I Fall, so that you can be challenged to find a voice in the midst of injustice, to face fear and make choices even when it might come at some personal cost. In our world today, that message is more important than it ever has been.
Oh, how I love A.L. Jackson’s storytelling. The lyricism, her compelling romance, and the ethereal nature of your writing feel gratuitous and a personal treat. Emily and Royce’s story in Catch Me When I Fall is the type of romance we’ve come to love from Jackson: these are soulmates, fated for each other. However, in order to get there, they have to love themselves first, while finding their eternity together.
profromance's review against another edition
5.0
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
I am completely and utterly drawn to the A.L. Jackson’s Falling Stars series. I said in my review of the first book, Kiss the Stars, that there is a poetry to Jackson’s books. In her second book, Catch Me When I Fall, Jackson continues her poetic storytelling. In this book, the danger of silence threatens the lives of her characters, and it makes for a compelling, page-turning ride.
This story continues to follow the journey of Carolina George. In the first book, the story revolved around Leif, the group’s drummer. In this story, Emily, the lead singer and only female, is struggling. Her ambition and drive to “make it” in the business is faltering. Her bandmates are clueless about her anxiety and reticence to sign a lucrative contract. What they don’t know is that Emily is harboring a secret, and her silence keeps her closed off and scared. When a record executive from the company that wants to sign Carolina George joins them on tour, Emily feels inexplicably drawn to him. Like Emily, Royce is also harboring a secret. As Emily and Royce are drawn to each other by some force, Royce’s secret threatens any future between the two of them. Is it possible for Emily and Royce to make beautiful music together?
At its core, Catch Me When I Fall is a beautiful story of two people who are hiding secrets. For one of them, it is dangerous. For the other, it will unravel the other’s world, while also championing for a family member. It is in this story arc where Jackson shows us the power of love to overcome fear and allow for forgiveness. As she lays out her story, you can’t help but fall in love with Royce and Emily. Their story is heavy and sensual and compelling. Jackson develops a magnetism between the two of them that pulls you into the story. It is overwhelming in all the best ways. As they come together and become pulled apart over and over again, your heart breaks for them each time, but Jackson’s ability to pace her story keeps you engaged. You need Royce and Emily to find their happy ending, and you’re willing to feel their pain and joy in equal measure. I think that’s what I love about Jackson’s storytelling. She has this ability to invest you in her characters. It doesn’t matter if they are doctors or construction workers or restaurant owners or bakers or rock stars. You feel connected to them, and their journey feels important to you. Royce and Emily are two people with some mortal wounds that simply need healing through their love for each other.
Even more, there is a poetics to Jackson’s writing. In this series and her Bleeding Stars series, Jackson’s story feels like a song. She makes songwriting look so easy as she presents her characters’ lyrics and music on the page. Yet, her style also follows this same meter. It is sometimes the difficulty in reading her stories. There are times when Jackson’s insistence on writing in fragments can slow the story down. Because you have to work between the phrases, it takes more time to move through the story. This could be intentional; if it is, it’s genius. However, when you want to get to the happily-ever-after for her characters, it can make the reader feel impatient, as the style slows the story. In Catch Me When I Fall, one of my favorite parts is the creation of a song between Emily and Royce. Their song becomes like a love letter, as their journey progresses through the story. That song is the memento of their journey, and it grounds their relationship when it feels lost. I loved that aspect of this book.
Lastly, there is a key message for women in this story. I want to divulge it, but to do so would spoil this book for the reader. Instead, I encourage you to read Catch Me When I Fall, so that you can be challenged to find a voice in the midst of injustice, to face fear and make choices even when it might come at some personal cost. In our world today, that message is more important than it ever has been.
Oh, how I love A.L. Jackson’s storytelling. The lyricism, her compelling romance, and the ethereal nature of your writing feel gratuitous and a personal treat. Emily and Royce’s story in Catch Me When I Fall is the type of romance we’ve come to love from Jackson: these are soulmates, fated for each other. However, in order to get there, they have to love themselves first, while finding their eternity together.
Merged review:
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
I am completely and utterly drawn to the A.L. Jackson’s Falling Stars series. I said in my review of the first book, Kiss the Stars, that there is a poetry to Jackson’s books. In her second book, Catch Me When I Fall, Jackson continues her poetic storytelling. In this book, the danger of silence threatens the lives of her characters, and it makes for a compelling, page-turning ride.
This story continues to follow the journey of Carolina George. In the first book, the story revolved around Leif, the group’s drummer. In this story, Emily, the lead singer and only female, is struggling. Her ambition and drive to “make it” in the business is faltering. Her bandmates are clueless about her anxiety and reticence to sign a lucrative contract. What they don’t know is that Emily is harboring a secret, and her silence keeps her closed off and scared. When a record executive from the company that wants to sign Carolina George joins them on tour, Emily feels inexplicably drawn to him. Like Emily, Royce is also harboring a secret. As Emily and Royce are drawn to each other by some force, Royce’s secret threatens any future between the two of them. Is it possible for Emily and Royce to make beautiful music together?
At its core, Catch Me When I Fall is a beautiful story of two people who are hiding secrets. For one of them, it is dangerous. For the other, it will unravel the other’s world, while also championing for a family member. It is in this story arc where Jackson shows us the power of love to overcome fear and allow for forgiveness. As she lays out her story, you can’t help but fall in love with Royce and Emily. Their story is heavy and sensual and compelling. Jackson develops a magnetism between the two of them that pulls you into the story. It is overwhelming in all the best ways. As they come together and become pulled apart over and over again, your heart breaks for them each time, but Jackson’s ability to pace her story keeps you engaged. You need Royce and Emily to find their happy ending, and you’re willing to feel their pain and joy in equal measure. I think that’s what I love about Jackson’s storytelling. She has this ability to invest you in her characters. It doesn’t matter if they are doctors or construction workers or restaurant owners or bakers or rock stars. You feel connected to them, and their journey feels important to you. Royce and Emily are two people with some mortal wounds that simply need healing through their love for each other.
Even more, there is a poetics to Jackson’s writing. In this series and her Bleeding Stars series, Jackson’s story feels like a song. She makes songwriting look so easy as she presents her characters’ lyrics and music on the page. Yet, her style also follows this same meter. It is sometimes the difficulty in reading her stories. There are times when Jackson’s insistence on writing in fragments can slow the story down. Because you have to work between the phrases, it takes more time to move through the story. This could be intentional; if it is, it’s genius. However, when you want to get to the happily-ever-after for her characters, it can make the reader feel impatient, as the style slows the story. In Catch Me When I Fall, one of my favorite parts is the creation of a song between Emily and Royce. Their song becomes like a love letter, as their journey progresses through the story. That song is the memento of their journey, and it grounds their relationship when it feels lost. I loved that aspect of this book.
Lastly, there is a key message for women in this story. I want to divulge it, but to do so would spoil this book for the reader. Instead, I encourage you to read Catch Me When I Fall, so that you can be challenged to find a voice in the midst of injustice, to face fear and make choices even when it might come at some personal cost. In our world today, that message is more important than it ever has been.
Oh, how I love A.L. Jackson’s storytelling. The lyricism, her compelling romance, and the ethereal nature of your writing feel gratuitous and a personal treat. Emily and Royce’s story in Catch Me When I Fall is the type of romance we’ve come to love from Jackson: these are soulmates, fated for each other. However, in order to get there, they have to love themselves first, while finding their eternity together.
I am completely and utterly drawn to the A.L. Jackson’s Falling Stars series. I said in my review of the first book, Kiss the Stars, that there is a poetry to Jackson’s books. In her second book, Catch Me When I Fall, Jackson continues her poetic storytelling. In this book, the danger of silence threatens the lives of her characters, and it makes for a compelling, page-turning ride.
This story continues to follow the journey of Carolina George. In the first book, the story revolved around Leif, the group’s drummer. In this story, Emily, the lead singer and only female, is struggling. Her ambition and drive to “make it” in the business is faltering. Her bandmates are clueless about her anxiety and reticence to sign a lucrative contract. What they don’t know is that Emily is harboring a secret, and her silence keeps her closed off and scared. When a record executive from the company that wants to sign Carolina George joins them on tour, Emily feels inexplicably drawn to him. Like Emily, Royce is also harboring a secret. As Emily and Royce are drawn to each other by some force, Royce’s secret threatens any future between the two of them. Is it possible for Emily and Royce to make beautiful music together?
At its core, Catch Me When I Fall is a beautiful story of two people who are hiding secrets. For one of them, it is dangerous. For the other, it will unravel the other’s world, while also championing for a family member. It is in this story arc where Jackson shows us the power of love to overcome fear and allow for forgiveness. As she lays out her story, you can’t help but fall in love with Royce and Emily. Their story is heavy and sensual and compelling. Jackson develops a magnetism between the two of them that pulls you into the story. It is overwhelming in all the best ways. As they come together and become pulled apart over and over again, your heart breaks for them each time, but Jackson’s ability to pace her story keeps you engaged. You need Royce and Emily to find their happy ending, and you’re willing to feel their pain and joy in equal measure. I think that’s what I love about Jackson’s storytelling. She has this ability to invest you in her characters. It doesn’t matter if they are doctors or construction workers or restaurant owners or bakers or rock stars. You feel connected to them, and their journey feels important to you. Royce and Emily are two people with some mortal wounds that simply need healing through their love for each other.
Even more, there is a poetics to Jackson’s writing. In this series and her Bleeding Stars series, Jackson’s story feels like a song. She makes songwriting look so easy as she presents her characters’ lyrics and music on the page. Yet, her style also follows this same meter. It is sometimes the difficulty in reading her stories. There are times when Jackson’s insistence on writing in fragments can slow the story down. Because you have to work between the phrases, it takes more time to move through the story. This could be intentional; if it is, it’s genius. However, when you want to get to the happily-ever-after for her characters, it can make the reader feel impatient, as the style slows the story. In Catch Me When I Fall, one of my favorite parts is the creation of a song between Emily and Royce. Their song becomes like a love letter, as their journey progresses through the story. That song is the memento of their journey, and it grounds their relationship when it feels lost. I loved that aspect of this book.
Lastly, there is a key message for women in this story. I want to divulge it, but to do so would spoil this book for the reader. Instead, I encourage you to read Catch Me When I Fall, so that you can be challenged to find a voice in the midst of injustice, to face fear and make choices even when it might come at some personal cost. In our world today, that message is more important than it ever has been.
Oh, how I love A.L. Jackson’s storytelling. The lyricism, her compelling romance, and the ethereal nature of your writing feel gratuitous and a personal treat. Emily and Royce’s story in Catch Me When I Fall is the type of romance we’ve come to love from Jackson: these are soulmates, fated for each other. However, in order to get there, they have to love themselves first, while finding their eternity together.
Merged review:
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
I am completely and utterly drawn to the A.L. Jackson’s Falling Stars series. I said in my review of the first book, Kiss the Stars, that there is a poetry to Jackson’s books. In her second book, Catch Me When I Fall, Jackson continues her poetic storytelling. In this book, the danger of silence threatens the lives of her characters, and it makes for a compelling, page-turning ride.
This story continues to follow the journey of Carolina George. In the first book, the story revolved around Leif, the group’s drummer. In this story, Emily, the lead singer and only female, is struggling. Her ambition and drive to “make it” in the business is faltering. Her bandmates are clueless about her anxiety and reticence to sign a lucrative contract. What they don’t know is that Emily is harboring a secret, and her silence keeps her closed off and scared. When a record executive from the company that wants to sign Carolina George joins them on tour, Emily feels inexplicably drawn to him. Like Emily, Royce is also harboring a secret. As Emily and Royce are drawn to each other by some force, Royce’s secret threatens any future between the two of them. Is it possible for Emily and Royce to make beautiful music together?
At its core, Catch Me When I Fall is a beautiful story of two people who are hiding secrets. For one of them, it is dangerous. For the other, it will unravel the other’s world, while also championing for a family member. It is in this story arc where Jackson shows us the power of love to overcome fear and allow for forgiveness. As she lays out her story, you can’t help but fall in love with Royce and Emily. Their story is heavy and sensual and compelling. Jackson develops a magnetism between the two of them that pulls you into the story. It is overwhelming in all the best ways. As they come together and become pulled apart over and over again, your heart breaks for them each time, but Jackson’s ability to pace her story keeps you engaged. You need Royce and Emily to find their happy ending, and you’re willing to feel their pain and joy in equal measure. I think that’s what I love about Jackson’s storytelling. She has this ability to invest you in her characters. It doesn’t matter if they are doctors or construction workers or restaurant owners or bakers or rock stars. You feel connected to them, and their journey feels important to you. Royce and Emily are two people with some mortal wounds that simply need healing through their love for each other.
Even more, there is a poetics to Jackson’s writing. In this series and her Bleeding Stars series, Jackson’s story feels like a song. She makes songwriting look so easy as she presents her characters’ lyrics and music on the page. Yet, her style also follows this same meter. It is sometimes the difficulty in reading her stories. There are times when Jackson’s insistence on writing in fragments can slow the story down. Because you have to work between the phrases, it takes more time to move through the story. This could be intentional; if it is, it’s genius. However, when you want to get to the happily-ever-after for her characters, it can make the reader feel impatient, as the style slows the story. In Catch Me When I Fall, one of my favorite parts is the creation of a song between Emily and Royce. Their song becomes like a love letter, as their journey progresses through the story. That song is the memento of their journey, and it grounds their relationship when it feels lost. I loved that aspect of this book.
Lastly, there is a key message for women in this story. I want to divulge it, but to do so would spoil this book for the reader. Instead, I encourage you to read Catch Me When I Fall, so that you can be challenged to find a voice in the midst of injustice, to face fear and make choices even when it might come at some personal cost. In our world today, that message is more important than it ever has been.
Oh, how I love A.L. Jackson’s storytelling. The lyricism, her compelling romance, and the ethereal nature of your writing feel gratuitous and a personal treat. Emily and Royce’s story in Catch Me When I Fall is the type of romance we’ve come to love from Jackson: these are soulmates, fated for each other. However, in order to get there, they have to love themselves first, while finding their eternity together.
bibliophile90's review
4.0
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
"I touch you, and you won't ever forget it. I'll wreck you, beautiful. Looks to me like your heart is banged enough."
Catch Me When I Fall was a great book, and my favorite thing was the progression of Emily and Royce's relationship. Most of AL Jackson's book start of in a bit of an insta-love/lust way, which I normally don't like, but I always enjoy how the author handles it in her books. So I didn't really mind it in this case. Emily is the lead singer of the country band Carolina George (the same band Leif from the previous book Kiss the Stars is a member of), and Royce is head of A&R at Mylton Records who is put in charge to convince the band to sign to the record label. However, from the start you will notice that things aren't what they seem, and that Royce is hiding things from Emily and the band. He is out for revenge, but who is he exacting the revenge for and what is his end goal? You'll need to read the book to find out.
"That's what fallin' does, Royce. It changes everything. Because when you fall, you don't know where you're going to land. This...this was where I wanted to be. To fall and land in the safety of your arms."
I loved seeing Royce and Emily trust and open up to each other. Royce was very caring, protective and understanding. Emily has been hurt in the near past and is trying to find her way out of the darkness. Royce sees her cry out for help and piece by piece pulls her out of that darkness. I loved these two together so much. The dynamic of their relationship was great, and the way the it developed felt very organic. They were both hurt in the past, but they were able to heal each other and come out stronger. The setting of the book was also very enjoyable, I especially loved when the band was on tour and back in their home town. This book was romantic, emotional, suspenseful, sensual, and a little bit mysterious, which all worked perfectly together. I only wish the epilogue was longer, but it did make me extremely happy when I read it.
"I touch you, and you won't ever forget it. I'll wreck you, beautiful. Looks to me like your heart is banged enough."
Catch Me When I Fall was a great book, and my favorite thing was the progression of Emily and Royce's relationship. Most of AL Jackson's book start of in a bit of an insta-love/lust way, which I normally don't like, but I always enjoy how the author handles it in her books. So I didn't really mind it in this case. Emily is the lead singer of the country band Carolina George (the same band Leif from the previous book Kiss the Stars is a member of), and Royce is head of A&R at Mylton Records who is put in charge to convince the band to sign to the record label. However, from the start you will notice that things aren't what they seem, and that Royce is hiding things from Emily and the band. He is out for revenge, but who is he exacting the revenge for and what is his end goal? You'll need to read the book to find out.
"That's what fallin' does, Royce. It changes everything. Because when you fall, you don't know where you're going to land. This...this was where I wanted to be. To fall and land in the safety of your arms."
I loved seeing Royce and Emily trust and open up to each other. Royce was very caring, protective and understanding. Emily has been hurt in the near past and is trying to find her way out of the darkness. Royce sees her cry out for help and piece by piece pulls her out of that darkness. I loved these two together so much. The dynamic of their relationship was great, and the way the it developed felt very organic. They were both hurt in the past, but they were able to heal each other and come out stronger. The setting of the book was also very enjoyable, I especially loved when the band was on tour and back in their home town. This book was romantic, emotional, suspenseful, sensual, and a little bit mysterious, which all worked perfectly together. I only wish the epilogue was longer, but it did make me extremely happy when I read it.
syndi3's review
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Well this is different. Usually miss Jackson is a dramatic, poetic writer. I still remember Pieces of Us, one of her fine work. In Catch Me When I Fall, she change her signature writing. I find I wish she writes it with her signature writing.
The whole book is not bad. It still romantic swoony story. There is so many plots that enhance the story. Especially Royce's past. His past is the backbone of the story. But you have to be very patience because the secret reveal toward the end.
Overall I do enjoy this book OK. OK read for weekend.
The whole book is not bad. It still romantic swoony story. There is so many plots that enhance the story. Especially Royce's past. His past is the backbone of the story. But you have to be very patience because the secret reveal toward the end.
Overall I do enjoy this book OK. OK read for weekend.
jananaa's review
5.0
I loved this book. There was so much raw emotion in it, it connected me to the characters in a great way. I also really enjoy the authors writing and veiled explanations of events that happened. It makes the book all the more alluring and it makes the reader want to read it and continue. Great book!
kara_hildebrand's review
5.0
Catch Me When I Fall is the first book in the Falling Stars series by the talented AL Jackson and it's in audio first! This is one of those books that I didn't know I even needed. Remember the band Carolina George from other AL Jackson books? This series is about them! They are an up and coming country rock band looking to get signed. They are dedicated and talented, but a few of them have deep, dark secrets that could destroy them before they even get off the ground. Their lead singer, Emily, is hiding something. She meets a sexy stranger and they spend one hot night together. Royce should never have touched her. He needs to sign her band, not get involved with the sexy lead singer. There's too much at stake. Royce needs this deal to go through and he won't stop until it's done. Royce has to fight the strong connection he has with Emily. What happens when Royce and Emily's secrets come out. Will it destroy them or bring them closer together? This story is full of emotion and angst and my heart almost couldn't take it!
Audio: Listing to Jason and Virginia narrate this made it more heartbreaking for me. They are masters at using their voices to show emotion. Voices breaking, gasps, sighs. They did an amazing job with Royce and Emily.
Audio: Listing to Jason and Virginia narrate this made it more heartbreaking for me. They are masters at using their voices to show emotion. Voices breaking, gasps, sighs. They did an amazing job with Royce and Emily.
kara_hildebrand's review against another edition
5.0
Catch Me When I Fall is the first book in the Falling Stars series by the talented AL Jackson and it's in audio first! This is one of those books that I didn't know I even needed. Remember the band Carolina George from other AL Jackson books? This series is about them! They are an up and coming country rock band looking to get signed. They are dedicated and talented, but a few of them have deep, dark secrets that could destroy them before they even get off the ground. Their lead singer, Emily, is hiding something. She meets a sexy stranger and they spend one hot night together. Royce should never have touched her. He needs to sign her band, not get involved with the sexy lead singer. There's too much at stake. Royce needs this deal to go through and he won't stop until it's done. Royce has to fight the strong connection he has with Emily. What happens when Royce and Emily's secrets come out. Will it destroy them or bring them closer together? This story is full of emotion and angst and my heart almost couldn't take it!
Audio: Listing to Jason and Virginia narrate this made it more heartbreaking for me. They are masters at using their voices to show emotion. Voices breaking, gasps, sighs. They did an amazing job with Royce and Emily.
Audio: Listing to Jason and Virginia narrate this made it more heartbreaking for me. They are masters at using their voices to show emotion. Voices breaking, gasps, sighs. They did an amazing job with Royce and Emily.