“K.K. proves, once again, that she is the Queen of Angst…and second chance romance.” ~ The Rest Just Falls AwayNow a TOP 60 Bestseller!Our greatest risk was the one we never took … It was an accidental spring fling three years ago—one week spent in the mountains of Big Sur and no one was the wiser. Ignore the fact that Tobias James was my neighbor and my best friend’s older brother. Or that … older brother. Or that upon our return his hoop dreams were waiting for him, robbing us of any potential future we could have shared.
Now, I’m fulfilling my own dreams in L.A. and my biggest dream of all is about to come true. The last thing I expected was for my past and my present to collide.
Not now. Not here. Not him.
But he struts back into my life like he never even left. Unfortunately, I’ll never forget what happened after he did.
The ball is in my court, but Tobias isn’t below stealing—my power, my resolve, my heart… When he wants a second chance to reignite our connection, my answer is simple. We can’t.
Not unless we defy the rules our dreams were built on and risk everything.
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REVIEW: 4 STARS
“You know as well as I that you can’t put a label on what we are. We’re just Amelia and Tobias. We’re moon and earth, living among the stars and sun. We’re everything. And no matter the distance, we still make sense together.”
YES. YES. YES. I am smiling from ear to ear right now. For my second book by KK Allen, I have no need or desire to stop reading her words. She gives me a compelling love. She fills my heart with smiles. My eyes are seeing hearts. I am just so happy and enjoying this dance world she is giving me. I’m not the creative type, so I don’t have any real comparison to that creative need to dance/write/create, so this book was such a great escape into the minds of two very determined lovers to not only better themselves, but also their “specialty”. I fell head over heels in love with that aspect, as well as Tobias and Amelia.
I loved Amelia and Tobias so much. They had a love that not only could I feel, but I could connect with as well. One part that I seriously enjoyed, and previously enjoyed with Center of Gravity, was the interactive side of her books. There are links to click on to watch the videos that she is ‘referencing’ throughout the book and it makes the read that much more “real”. What an inspiration – hands down. I loved “seeing” what she was explaining to me. The models she used were so spot on from her description that it gave the best visual – before, during, and after. It allowed me to “place” Amelia on the dance floor. It allowed me to “watch” Tobias on the court. It was a very visual experience for me this time, and it just made it that much more enjoyable for me. And, to be honest, they were what made the story come to life for me.
Tobias was everything and I mean that. He was such good book boyfriend material. He was strong, and intense. He was loving and bold. He was protective and sensitive. He really was the whole package. I really think Amelia complemented his demeanor very well. Amelia had a strength that should not go unnoticed, and it is a discussable one. She was very strong and determined. She was so giving of her heart, but stood by her convictions. She had everything he needed and wanted, and offered more than he understood. I loved their dynamic. This book was the love that I needed to read this week. I smiled throughout their love story, and I couldn’t put it down. His love was PURE and I couldn’t stop thinking about how he took care of her and comforted her…just as she did him. I adored their relationship – on every level. And their banter was next level. LOVED that part.
“He was watching me with the same eyes I drowned in whenever he was near.”
I did feel that there was a wordy vibe to this story, which made it feel longer. But, not that it was too wordy – I know I’m contradicting myself, but work with me. It was a much slower pace than I usually read so it wasn’t a quick paced read. While I generally enjoy a slow build, sometimes it feels longer than it should. BUT….if that’s the only thing I can complain about, then I think I’m golden because I got caught up in their storyline and their love affair. It truly was a wonderful read.
Amelia and Tobias had real insecurities and real drama play out. It wasn’t fluff and immature/childish actions, which I could completely appreciate. It was a journey towards their destination, for sure – and not easy by any means. The characters were young and acted age appropriate, but were wise beyond their years in some aspects. Love pushed them, and that’s the kind of love I seek. I want that push, the one thing that drives them to not only take care of their lover, but themselves as well. Decisions and lessons were learned, but it was worked into the story effortlessly. The craving and the need these two characters had, the pull and the intensity….I really felt it in this one, but in such a way that I felt it deep within. The coil of anticipation was there, and the devotion that Tobias and Amelia had for each other wasn’t without turmoil, but was embedded deep within their souls. I liked it!! I liked it a lot.
“You forget my profession. I’m not above stealing. Try to resist me, Amelia.”
The temperament she created in these characters was so relatable on many different levels. While I haven’t ever had to deal with the world that was handed to Tobias, I was able to feel his pain and confusion even though I didn’t understand the depth of his anger or pain on a personal level. While I don’t have a creative bone in my body, I would love to move like Amelia does….but a back surgery reminds me I’m not nimble enough to dance like that, so couch dancing it is for me! It’s this style of writing that reminds me that I have found a voice in KK Allen that I can sink into and really enjoy. This story gave me all the feels and the thoughts that I am not sure I would have ever really given any honest thought to, yet she gave me a perspective that I was able to understand and appreciate for the experience she gave me. I am loving the stories she’s given me so far and I really want to read more by her. I should probably read the books I’ve purchased of hers….ya think?
I just really enjoyed this book. It was a smooth, easy read and was a lot of fun. The free prequel, Falling From Gravity is a fun little read, but definitely not necessary to enjoy the book in full. It gives some background on their relationship and gives us a deeper look into how they began and fell in love, but you can feel the chemistry just from reading this book.
By the way…..this title was perfection.
“If kissing was a language, then Tobias and I spoke it fluently.”
~BEE
Book (AA link): https://amzn.to/2Yn03fF
Three years ago Amelia Clark was involved with Tobias James but when he gets a chance to play in the NBA, Amelia pushes him away and breaks his heart. Slowly the two drift away especially when Amelia’s own dreams come into question.
Yet love has a funny way of turning things around and when Amelia and Tobias end up in the same town can they find a way of working everything out. Yet when there are certain “rules” in place will Tobias and Amelia have to chose once again between love and their own dreams and goals?
This is another great book by the author about finding love and trying to find the balance between accomplishing your own dreams and that once in a lifetime kind of love.
I must admit that I was sad that Amelia split with Tobias at the beginning as he really wanted to give their love a shot and she didn’t. My heart broke for what she went through in following her dreams and the way she was treated. The stuff she went through was awful and I think it is evident of the way society still is in a certain way.
Tobias was completely in love with Amelia and never wanted to lose her but at a certain point he realizes that he may actually cost her the dreams she’s been after and has to make a tough choice. I understood why he did what he did but I was still sad at the whole thing!
Through the book there is also questions about the revelation that Tobias was adopted and how he can’t get any information on it. I was sad about his mother and then totally surprised with everything we learn about his father. I definitely was not expecting that and I was mad for sure at the secrets that were revealed.
I loved the end with Amelia and how she made the choice that she wanted and how it was all on her terms and it was really perfect!!
The epilogue was awesome and I can’t wait for more from the author!!
Strong characters and true love – This is why I read romance.
Besides this being a second chance sports romance, I loved that this also contained a strong message of resilience, self love and over coming an abusive relationship. And let me be clear, bullying comes in all guises and in all walks of life. It’s tough, and when you change your dream and your goal, it’s not giving up, it’s just changing to a better direction.
KK Allen is a new to me author, and I will definitely be reading more. She gave me everything that I love to read in a romantic book and my heart wept with joy as I nurtured it with the words from Amelia and Tobias’s story. I could forever tout why it stuttered as confessions were said to each other in those private (and hot) stolen moments, but I’m giving nothing away. Realistic expectations or not, there are others like me who love the extremes that our characters will go to in order to keep that dream of love alive. Tobias is a beautiful man who, in spite of everything, continued stoically to work towards his plans of true love.
Another bonus is when an author will share their love of music, and how it inspired their writing. Though it’s not always to my taste, KK Allen has gone a step further in visually stimulating her reader’s emotional attachment to Amelia and Tobias’s story. Music is food for my soul, and adding that element to the book through links, really enhanced every emotion that Ms Allen’s words stirred within me as I read. I felt like I had an insight as to where her head was at, as I followed the links to watch the YouTube vids.
I’ll finish off by saying that second chances, sports romances, best friend’s brother and dual POV are among my most favourite choices in a book. Tick, tick, tick and tick, meaning that Defying Gravity is a 5 Star read that I highly recommend. One click that and the prequel – you won’t be sorry.
Where do I even begin with this book?! Sister’s best friend, sports romance, forbidden love, oh and some HOT dancing…just so much goodness all wrapped into one!
I lost count of the number of times I felt the need to throw my kindle across the room only to be drawn back in and before I knew it I was releasing happy sighs. My emotions were all over the place in the best possible way. The story of Amelia and Tobias has become one of my new favorites. Following their story of secret love and heartbreak. Of perusing dreams and then discovering those dreams just might not be what’s actually best for them. Finally, the realization that perhaps everyone deserves a second chance at life and love. Absolute perfection!
Get ready to fall in love and swoon over these two. Tobias is every womans dream boyfriend and life partner. He is like a big warm hug on a cold night. You will melt at the love and devotion he has for Amelia.
Amelia and Tobias have orbited around each other for years without ever letting on that they both felt this attraction to each other. Amelia was Tobias younger sister’s best friend, he wasn’t supposed to notice her grow up, and she was told to stay away from him my said best friend. So they spend years wishing for more, but knowing watch from a distance is all they would ever have. That was until Spring Break.. Read that story the Prequel Falling From Gravity to see just how much they had been denying themselves.
After Spring Break trip to Big Sur, they were in a bubble of their own making, sneaking around and meeting up late at night in order to be together as long as they could before they each had to go their separate ways to reach their dreams. They remained long distance friends for a while, until their dreams caused them to part. Each went on to refocus on dreams without each other’s support and encouragement, which made them both strong.
Three years pass and fate or Tobias’ desire to make all his dreams come true bring them back to LA and back into each other lives.. Timing has always been an issue for them. Having each other and their dreams always seemed impossible. They manage to defy gravity and make everyone of their dreams come true and then some.
This book will give you all the feels. Tobias and Amelia’s love is a love that is destained. Both having dreams of being part of the NBA they know their love will be forbidden.
This beautiful story broke me. The love these two share is so strong but yet they both put each other first. I loved their drive to never give up.
Defying Gravity by K.K. Allen
5 Stars ~ Second Chance Sports Romance
Very well beautifully written!! Full of emotional angst! Full of love and character chemistry! Captivated my interest throughout! Kept me wanting more and more! I didn’t want it to end!!
“What happens when two people ignore all the rules and all the obstacles the world throws at them and finally end up together? Amelia smiled. “I believe they call that defying gravity.”
Very highly recommend!! Loved it! So magical and outstanding!
“Your heart is the only mirror you should trust.”
There are SO many beautiful lines in this story (you should see my highlights), but this is the one that really jumps out at me. It says so much about Amelia, Tobias, and just life, in general. Too often, we sell ourselves short because we worry more about how we are perceived rather than how something makes us feel…
With Defying Gravity, KK proves, once again, that she is the Queen of Angst…and second chance romance.
This book. Friends. I don’t know if I can find the words to adequately express how much I loved this book. And if I start gushing, I may give too much away! But know this…my heart was in my throat from page one…so much so, that I almost dreaded turning the page! Almost. I couldn’t read this fast enough.
Amelia and Tobias gave me all of the feels. Every moment between them built off of the last. Their chemistry certainly sizzles, but it is their deep understanding and acceptance of the other that really drew me in.
We get to see our favorite characters from Center of Gravity, and I’m really hoping that one day we get Shane’s story!
Note: Though it isn’t necessary to do so, it helps to read the free prequel, Falling From Gravity, before reading this one. The prequel adds so much more to the experience, since we get to see the very start of Amelia and Tobias’ love story.
I absolutely love a second chance romance, and this one stood out to me right away, not only because it is by one of my favorite authors, but because these characters were so intimately connected from the first chapter. It was so apparent and they found their way into my heart immediately!
Amelia & Tobias’ story began when they were just teenagers, and there were no “what ifs” about it – they happened, and then there was the fall-out. But their initial connection and chemistry were always there as the underlying premise as their story continued. It never faded. There wasn’t a question as to whether these two belonged together – it was simply a matter of timing and circumstances. They had to “defy gravity”.
Tobias James swooned his way right into my heart! It was apparent from the beginning that this guy was head over heels with Amelia, and the sacrifices he made for her and his bold personality made him that much sexier. He wasn’t afraid of making a wrong move, or pissing people off – he wanted one thing, and that was Amelia in his life. Although Tobias had a major curveball thrown at him during his young adult life, he remained driven and refocused his career on basketball after a slight downward spiral. Throughout that time period, Amelia was always part of his grand plan, and his devotion to her was so swoon-worthy!!! Sigh….
Amelia is such an inspiring heroine! This girl faces the stereotypical mental and physical abuse that many girls and women face today in athletics, dance, gymnastics, modeling, everywhere! She was fierce, determined, and yet held her head high when it mattered the most. Her connection with Tobias was always simmering, and each time they were on the pages together, they were on FIRE! I loved their relationship – their friendship, bond, trust in one another, chemistry, and passion. There was a comfort between them that never disappeared, and although they had obstacles in front of them – they each fought their own personal and internal battles to win the other.
If you love second chance romances, with a side of NBA/dance, then you NEED this book! And if you know nothing about dance or the NBA – you STILL NEED this book! Amelia & Tobias are everything you want in a relationship. They will make you laugh, swoon, sigh, shed a few tears, and cheer for them. Both are awe-inspiring in their own way. Well done once again KK Allen!
Another outstanding story from Allen with angst, love, loss, mistakes and great characters with a happy ending.
He was the boy next door and she was his younger sisters best friend, it was supposed to be a fling between two young people in a forbidden love.
Amelia has worked for one thing to be a dancer for the NBA and Tobias is working his way to play pro basketball.
A secret sets Tobias back and Amelia helps him see it isn’t to late to make it happen.
She makes the team but because of unfair perceptions, body shaming and a lousy coach she has to step back and regroup.
They can’t be openly together and they can’t move on.
5 Cranky Stars
My heart went on a rollercoaster with this book. Just when I think things were leveling out and the ride was going smoothly another lie made your heart drop. It’s not all lies though. Amelia and Tobias are defying gravity. They say a perfect solar system can’t exist, but Amelia and Tobias are damn near perfect if only they can get past all the hurdles in their way.
Amelia has always dreamed of being an NBA dancer. She has always wanted to stand in the center of the court and do what she loves the most and that’s dance. She’s always took notice of Tobias but as a promise she made to Trinity she never took that chance. If you read Falling from Gravity, then you know what happened there. Fast forward to Tobias and Amelia keeping their relationship a secret because in her mind their relationship had an expiration date. He was off to the NBA and she had a career in dance. Her journey isn’t without ups and downs and loads of self-doubt and horrible self-image at the hands of an NBA dancing coach. She has kept in touch with Tobias until one fated night that she walked away to focus on herself and the next step in her life. Now they are back in each other’s orbit and she knows that maybe just maybe they are really meant to be and she will do whatever it takes to keep it that way.
Tobias was dealt a huge blow in Falling from Gravity. He is still adrift and has no idea where his career is going. When he is drafted to play for a minor league basketball group in Chicago, he realizes this is his chance to prove himself but it’s also a sure-fire way to get his heart broken with Amelia. He tries for the long distance with her, but she closes herself off. He doesn’t want to stand in her way of her dreams, so he finds a way to move on. He keeps tabs on her and tries to put himself in her path. His one and only goal has always been to make it back to L.A. and when he lands on a professional team that is where he goes. His life is still in turmoil, but he will do anything to get Amelia back and even lie to the team and sneak behind backs to get there. When his past collides with his present, he knows with Amelia by his side he can do anything.
Y’all!! I loved Tobias and Amelia. They are real people with real problems. K.K. Allen made them seem so relatable. That driving desire to know where you came from that driving desire to want to achieve your goals. The people that will tear you down and how it affects your mental stability like it did Amelia. I loved that their relationship in a lot of ways was just simple. Back of the truck camping staring at the stars real. I was angry with Trinity. I understood her crankiness but come on you don’t own the guy he’s your brother. She was rude for lack of a better word. I just couldn’t wait for this story and I had to devour it slowly cause I didn’t want it to end. This is a story that stretches years and K.K. Allen did a nice job of making that a reality you didn’t feel like there was chunks of time missing but you also didn’t feel like it was so much story. It was a perfect blend. We also got to see some characters from Center of Gravity and I hope a certain someone gets a story as well. If you love stories of dancers and ball players then this is for you!!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
This is such a raw, emotionally demanding story that is such a pleasure to read. I was instantly drawn into this book like children to a gingerbread house adorned with candy.
The plot of this story is fantastic. I loved how it spans years. We get to see both main characters at turning points in their lives and in their relationship. The story is told from both POVs, which I also loved. There are so many obstacles that the main characters face through the course of the story. I loved all the tension and unexpected turns.
Tobias and Amelia’s characters really spoke to me from the beginning. They were both so ambitious and committed to their dreams. Amelia’s strength was very inspiring. Her character was so relatable. Tobias was equally wonderful. He suffers after some devastating news but he doesn’t let it own him. And what’s better is that Amelia and Tobias make each other better when they are together. They just bring out the best in each other. I loved the character development for both characters. These characters are full of so much depth and will make you fall in love with them from the start.
The romance in this story is intense. Their love is so palpable that the reader could reach out and touch it. Their chemistry is explosive and almost like something that you can feel in the air around you. It is brought to life so brilliantly by the author.
Overall, this is such a beautiful and captivating love story that explores the spectrum of emotions. This is a journey that leaves your heart feeling so many things by the end. The story is written beautifully and I can’t recommend it enough! This is my first time reading K.K. Allen but it will not be my last!
This was a beautiful read! Loved it!!
“Tobias was never supposed to crawl under my skin. We were only supposed to be a spring fling.”
Three years ago, Amelia fell in love with her best friend’s older brother. However, she’s always known he was strictly off limits. She and Tobias both had dreams of being part of the NBA but life throws them a curve ball where life takes them on separate paths, and their burgeoning relationship eventually falls apart.
“You’re my moon, you know?…The light in my dark. I’ll never stop reaching for you.”
Tobias has never forgotten Amelia and every thing he has done has been focused on having a future with her in it. When that’s finally a possibility with both their dream careers about to come true, a future together appears as impossible as it’s always been. How will a relationship shrouded in secrets and lies ever blossom into a happy and fulfilling future together?
“Could anyone see how my heart spread its wings whenever he came close? Or how my breath caught at just one glance?”
This story was written really beautifully. The author has a real way with words and her delivery was oftentimes poetical. Amelia and Tobias were very much like star-crossed lovers and my heart hurt for them and the seeming impossibility of their situation. I loved the endurance of their feelings and their very real connection. I loved their drive, their ambition and also their ability to bounce back and carry on. I thoroughly enjoyed their journey and how they came back full circle, in spite of their circumstances and outside forces coming between them.
This is the first time I’ve read this author and I’ll definitely be reading more of her books.
Tobias and amie stole my heart within the first chapter of this story. I laughed, cried and swooned during this read.
K.K. Allen has the ability to create a story that builds and builds until it’s explodes off the pages. Defying Gravity is not the typical boy next door story. It’s full of chemistry, angst, heartbreak and an ending that had me gripping my kindle so hard I thought it’d break. It has turmoil, secrets galore and so much hot off the pages chemistry that you can’t help but love these characters. I loved every word of this book and felt all the heartbreak and happiness right along with the characters. K.K. Allen delivers it again!
Defying Gravity is the first book by K.K. Allen that I have read, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I loved reading and following Amelia and Tobias’s second chance love story. I can’t wait to read the Gravity books that she has written.
I’ve read most all of KK Allen’s stories……..but after reading Defying Gravity, I have an absolute new favorite from her. This story was amazing and I couldn’t get enough of it. I would have finished it in one day if I hadn’t had to work, but you can bet that I was reading it every chance I could. Tobias and Amelia were just special and wonderful, and I just loved them so much. Their story was a sweet and emotional second chance romance, that gave me all the feels. This one definitely has been added to my favorites list of 2019!
5 STARS
“Ours was a forbidden love that danced among lightning in equal measures of excitement and fear.“
Defying Gravity is the second book in the Gravity Series. This book starts out as a teenage crush that becomes a spring fling romance. But later on becomes a second chance at falling in love and for making their dreams come true. I loved the struggle and how K.K. Allen portrayed that their relationship wasn’t easy, but could still endure time and distance.
“You know as well as I that you can’t put a label on what we are. We’re just Amelia and Tobias. We’re moon and earth, living among the stars and sun. We’re everything. And no matter the distance, we still make sense together.”
Despite the circumstances Amelia and Tobias find themselves in the second time around, they find a way to be together.
“I’d much rather live with you in secret, than without you in a lie.”
Defying Gravity by K.K. Allen is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
~ Thank you to the author and Social Butterfly PR for generously providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After reading Center of Gravity I have been waiting patiently for Defying Gravity, to be back in that world and those wonderful characters that K.K. Allen has created.
This is a second chance sports romance with best friend/brother thrown in. What an emotionally charged epic love story she gives us with Tobias and Amelia.
Amelia was warned from her best friend Trinity that her brother Tobias was off limits. She always respected that until one day her birthday no less her parents and best friend all forgot about her birthday and she was left alone. She happened to see that Tobias was packing his truck and found out he was going camping. She begged him to let her go and he said no until he found out that it was her birthday. We see how just one short week on a camping trip changed everything between Tobias and Amelia.
This is a slow burn romance full of emotional angst but there was always this love and chemistry. There were some serious issues battled in this book a hidden adoption, mean girls and hateful coach, self-esteem issues, and jealously. At times I would almost hold my breath while reading so afraid what was going to happen. From start to finish I consumed this story and loved every single bit of it.
We were gifted an amazing cast of secondary characters, some returning and some new faces that all just strengthen this story!
Sometimes you finish a book and you just sit there reflecting on the beautiful story that you have just read, this story with Tobias and Amelia was one of those stories.
I am positively in love with Defying Gravity it was outstanding!!
“We’re moon and earth, living among the stars and sun. We’re everything. And no matter the distance, we still make sense together.”
“Our love wasn’t just written in the stars. Our love was the stuff stars and planets were made of.”
GAH! I have read several of this author’s books and none have made me tear up and touch me on such an emotional level as Defying Gravity. I can honestly say that this is one of my all time favorite second chance romances.
Tobias and Amelia’s story is a deeply moving, epic journey to soul awakening love. Larger than life, grand on every measurable scale, this is a wholly unforgettable love story. Passionate and sexy when it needed to be, but it was also raw and heart-breaking at times while still managing to be uplifting and hopeful. The delicate balance of this story was masterfully crafted by K.K. Allen in what is undoubtedly her finest work to date.