Tracey Kruger
While I enjoy all of Lexi Ryan's books, I'm going to start out by saying that it was the idea of a 'curvy girl' as the main character that had me adding EVERY TIME I FALL to my TBR. I think that it's important for authors, especially romance authors, to realize that their readers come in many shapes and sizes, and that writing stories that embrace this spectrum can make a serious difference in the reading experience. I both appreciate and applaud Lexi for including this book in the Orchid Valley series, and am glad to have had the opportunity to read this book. As a curvy woman myself, I can attest to the fact that until you see yourself as just as attractive, smart, worthy, what have you, it doesn't matter what others are telling you. While Abbi's self-doubt is understandable, given her past experiences, she is the only one that can get out of her own way and see how amazing she is, and I really appreciate that Dean lays it right out for her, no holds barred. Speaking of Dean, this guy is a serious keeper. Saddled with his own share of issues in the self-worth department, his decision to handle them and move forward to be the kind of person that he wants to be is extremely satisfying. EVERY TIME I FALL is an important addition to both Lexi's catalog, and to the current genre in general, and while I didn't necessarily love Abbi and Dean off the bat, their evolution and growth made this a book that I very much enjoyed, and would happily recommend. As a note, EVERY TIME I FALL can be read as a standalone, but reading the other books in the series will provide some good background. I'm not sure where the series is headed, but I'd love to see more of these characters. And, because Lexi is so good at developing her characters, if anyone can redeem Amy Matthews, she can... ❤️
6 people found this review helpful
Karen Gagnon
I thoroughly enjoyed this friends to lovers romance. Abbi and Dean have had crushes on each other for years, but neither felt worthy of the other. After a devistating breakup, Abbi is struggling to find the confidence she needs. She learned to be ashamed of her body instead of embracing it. Now Dean has a chance to show Abbi just how beautiful and desirable she is, even if she is incapable of seeing it herself. The more time they spend together, the more their walls begin to crumble, and they start to believe that just maybe they are worthy of each other's love. But when their pasts come crashing into their lives, will they be strong enough to trust what they have started to build together? Abbi and Dean's story was emotionally riveting and my heart broke for both of them at times. Both Abbi and Dean are wonderfully flawed characters who lack self confidence for different reasons. I swooned so hard over how Dean cared so tenderly for Abbi, helping to build her confidence. But Dean had his own demons that weren't as visible as Abbi's that were heartbreaking. Abbi is sweet and I loved her growth and determination to learn to love herself. I loved them together even when they frustrated me at times. They helped each other heal, grow stronger, and their love scenes were sizzling hot. Ryan created such rich, and well defined characters, and the feelings that she wrote were so honest and real. I love when the girlfriends get together, and how all their family and friends are fun, loyal, and unconditionally supportive. I can't get enough of this series and this group of friends. I have grown to really care for each of them. This is a fun, emotional, inspiring, and sizzling romance!
1 person found this review helpful
Jackie Wright
This is book 3 in the Orchid Valley Series and I was excited to see which direction Ms Ryan was going to take us with Abbi and Dean’s story. This is a slow burn, small town romance that also has its fair share of steamy moments, it’s a captivating brothers best friend romance that will appeal to a wide range of audiences. This couple have a lot of baggage and that makes for a journey with a fair few bumps along the way. Dean may want to help Abbi with her bedroom issues but he needs to get past his own issues before becoming the man she wants and needs. Confidence pays a big part in this story and I found myself hoping and wishing together this couple could grow not only as lovers but also as people and show me the confidence I saw in them. The chemistry is sizzling and this couple are adorable so it was perfect to see them get the happy ever after they so deserved.