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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
The Year We Fell Down is the first novel in the very popular Ivy Years series from author Sarina Bowen and is a book that I've heard a lot of good things about. When I finally got the chance to review the galley for the latest release in the series, The Fifteenth Minute, I decided it was time to read all the ones that came before it (because that's just how I roll...God, does anyone actually still say that?). After all, this series starter has been waiting for me on my Kindle app since March 2014 and now I feel rather ashamed that it took me this long to read it. I admit it--I'm a book hoarder and I've got a butt-load of books that are still waiting to be read but thank goodness I came to my senses and read this one because once I began, there was I voraciously made my way through each book in the series. This was book bingeing at its finest.
The friends-to-lovers trope is probably my top favorite in the romance genre because there's already a foundation that's been set over a certain period of time by the two main characters. In the case of Corey and Hartley, the length of time they've been friends may not be substantial but there's a high level of trust and respect between them and there's no doubting the affection they both have for each other. So, while they may not have been best friends for very long, we do get to see their relationship develop from being virtual strangers to good friends to besties and then to the something more that we all anticipate them getting to. There was no rushing these two and that's probably my favorite thing about this book. I liked that it evolved in its own good time and that they had to overcome hurdles to get their happily-ever-after.
This book had a cast of characters that I would probably consider one of my top favorites ever. You become curious about the supporting characters mentioned and wonder what kind of stories they've got waiting to be told while still remaining focused on the love story going on between Corey and Hartley. Then you've got the respective side stories that the main characters bring with them and that they need to get through in order for them to move forward with their lives, both of which add dimension to this hockey-loving couple that's now joined the ranks of my favorite fictional couples. This isn't the first book I've come across that had friends falling in love (nor is it the first focused on the sport of ice hockey), but dare I say that The Year We Fell Down is how friends-to-lovers stories should be written. Five-plus stars. ♥
The Year We Fell Down is the first novel in the very popular Ivy Years series from author Sarina Bowen and is a book that I've heard a lot of good things about. When I finally got the chance to review the galley for the latest release in the series, The Fifteenth Minute, I decided it was time to read all the ones that came before it (because that's just how I roll...God, does anyone actually still say that?). After all, this series starter has been waiting for me on my Kindle app since March 2014 and now I feel rather ashamed that it took me this long to read it. I admit it--I'm a book hoarder and I've got a butt-load of books that are still waiting to be read but thank goodness I came to my senses and read this one because once I began, there was I voraciously made my way through each book in the series. This was book bingeing at its finest.
The friends-to-lovers trope is probably my top favorite in the romance genre because there's already a foundation that's been set over a certain period of time by the two main characters. In the case of Corey and Hartley, the length of time they've been friends may not be substantial but there's a high level of trust and respect between them and there's no doubting the affection they both have for each other. So, while they may not have been best friends for very long, we do get to see their relationship develop from being virtual strangers to good friends to besties and then to the something more that we all anticipate them getting to. There was no rushing these two and that's probably my favorite thing about this book. I liked that it evolved in its own good time and that they had to overcome hurdles to get their happily-ever-after.
This book had a cast of characters that I would probably consider one of my top favorites ever. You become curious about the supporting characters mentioned and wonder what kind of stories they've got waiting to be told while still remaining focused on the love story going on between Corey and Hartley. Then you've got the respective side stories that the main characters bring with them and that they need to get through in order for them to move forward with their lives, both of which add dimension to this hockey-loving couple that's now joined the ranks of my favorite fictional couples. This isn't the first book I've come across that had friends falling in love (nor is it the first focused on the sport of ice hockey), but dare I say that The Year We Fell Down is how friends-to-lovers stories should be written. Five-plus stars. ♥
4.5 stars!! what took me so long to read this?? can't wait for Bridger:)
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It seemed very formulaic and there were so many problems and so much drama. And at the end, I'm not sure Adam is right for Corey, and I'm not sure he's even a good person, and I'm not sure he's long term material. Skimmed the last 1.5 chapters
funny
inspiring
fast-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
The year we fell down is not as good as what it hyped. I found the characters are interesting. But if only they stay apart. When they got together, I can not feel their chemistry.
Their banter is also not helping. It has been a while since I read Miss Bowen. I was looking forward to this book, but sadly.... it just ended up being OK read.
Their banter is also not helping. It has been a while since I read Miss Bowen. I was looking forward to this book, but sadly.... it just ended up being OK read.
I wanted to LOVE this. I liked it. It was disappointingly propped up by cliches, despite the whole spinal cord injury thing.
If you're looking for a book with a true hero, this is the one for you. Oh my goodness, this story was incredible. Adam Hartley is simply amazing. A man with a huge heart, who is genuine and looks beneath the surface rather than judge someone on what's on the outside. Corey Callahan is an amazingly strong heroine and one I admire. I can't imagine how I'd hold up in her place, not nearly as gracefully or as courageously. I very much enjoyed the story of Hartley and Callahan, the emotions, the growth, and the true and deep friendships within the story. This is a new-to-me author and I am looking forward to reading more of her works.
I'm late to the party but this book was so good! It reminded me of the old days when I first fell in love with NA/college romance. It's a great slow burner, and there's just enough angst to make it interesting. I wanted to smack Hartley and adored Corey; it's usually the opposite with this genre. I enjoyed the new spin on the college years trope. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. If you've given up on NA, read this one!
Audible: The female narrator is excellent. The male narrator was decent, but his female voices drove me bonkers.
Audible: The female narrator is excellent. The male narrator was decent, but his female voices drove me bonkers.