Fall

I honestly don't know where to start, Fall hits you right in the heart, especially if, like myself, you have battled the inner voices in your head. Kristen realistically portrays the exact conflict anxiety and depression creates within a person. In that way, Jax/John felt so relatable and realistic to me. I have the same spirals where for no apparent reason you can sink into a pattern of negativity always directed at yourself. However, it is characters such as Jax that make you realise that you aren't the only person to experience these things, with Jax's fame and influence attached to it, he is a beacon of hope for all of his fans, making them realise they are not alone in their struggles 💕 Although, it does take time and a lot of work to move out of the darkness, and sometimes the smallest of things can create huge setbacks. Especially the concern of others and the way in which you can be treated differently as a result of your health issues. Jax has managed by embracing the numbness of his emotions but this also makes him detached from his own life and happiness. Meeting Stella is the wake-up call he didn't realise he needed.  It is uncanny how fate throws Jax and Stella together at a point in their lives when they need each other the most. Their similarities in food choices only add to the feeling of inevitability within the narrative 💘 Stella isn't without her own problems with abandonment and trust issues stemming from a grifter parent and the loss of her mother, Stella finds it exceptionally difficult to accept help and love from others. Keeping a tight guard on her emotions as she doesn't want to need anyone in case they leave her 😢 Even with her issues, Stella is a bright light to others, providing warmth and comfort just by her presence alone.  You know from the very nature of the barriers both Jax and Stella carry within themselves there are going to be more than little complications on their path to happily ever after; adding to the emotion of the story as a whole. I completely adored the way in which the characters developed along the way, including finding and accepting friendship and affection when it is offered. The other VIP characters are all intricately woven into the story adding to the friends/family feel within the plot.  Fall makes my heart ache in all the best ways whenever I think about it - ALL THE FEELS 💖💓💘💕💝

*This is not your typical romance and that is what makes this book so good. That and the wonderful characters that you can’t help but love! While this book has a ton of humor, Fall (VIP bk 3) touches upon some serious subject matter and the Author’s Note at the beginning of the book is perfect. Jax is the lead singer of Kill John. He suffers from depression and anxiety and has a history of a suicide attempt from years prior. The author does a great job touching upon mental health and I found her portrayal of mental illness to be spot on. As the author states it isn’t “all gloom and doom. They are often extremely intelligent, talented, funny, and charismatic people”. This book has humor, romance, and serious emotions all wrapped into one entertaining read. How can one be surrounded by people and still be lonely? Jax’s character demonstrates that the depression and anxiety are real and affect daily life. It has shaped how he approaches things and his relationship with Stella. The author also shows how he is sometimes treated with kid gloves by his bandmates and manager. He is a strong character and perhaps one of my favorite rockstar heroes (and I have read a lot of rockstar romances). Stella is fun, quirky character. Stella is very kind and caring (and is almost too perfect to me - I would have liked to have seen a few more flaws), but is lonely without any real friends and very vulnerable when it comes to any type of relationship based off her past . She is as Jax describes “the girl next door meets Wednesday Adams”. She is the type of heroine that I would love to be friends with. The chemistry between Jax/John and Stella as well as their love for each other is palpable and I loved how there was a lot of romance/wooing. The first chapter was quite humorous and sucked me right in. Fall moves at a good pace with no parts that lag. The characters are charismatic, strong and well developed. I enjoyed getting to read more about Rye, Whip, and Brenna as well more of Scottie and Sophie (from Managed). Killian and Libby are only mentioned a few times in this book and I would have liked to have seen them more. Fall is book 3 in the VIP series. I have read both Idol and Managed and while there is some character overlap, Fall can be read as a standalone.

Thank you so much for this wonderful story ! It's not often I find one that i want to go back and read again. John and Stellas story will stay with me.. looking forward to reading Rye and Whips, hopefully Jules and Brenna 's as well .. and THANK YOU for reaquainting me with Peter Gabriel's "in your eyes" it was such an emotional moment i got caught tearing up at my desk!