“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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This was my first story by K.K. Allen and it was a great choice for that start. Defying Gravity will definitely put her name even higher on the great author chart. Not being sure what to expect I delved in litely, but with each page turned I was drawn deeper into this story.
This is a story of young love, but love that had to grow as our characters did.
It is the story of Amelia, that young woman with a vision of her future and some very real understanding of what it will take to accomplish those dreams. She is level headed, yet she is afraid of her passions overtaking her desires for success. She is a woman torn between what she wants, and what she (does not know she) needs.
Tobias is your driven alpha male. While there are many things that characterize the alpha, one that sometimes gets missed is the quiet confidence that does not have to be explained, but is recognized all the same. He is driven, even when obstacles deter his efforts. Smart, gifted and damaged.
These two were neighbors as youngsters and grew together.. I was totally enveloped into the twist and turns each of these young people endured. K.K. left no stone safe as she brought out the raw truth that many never realize. Life is not always easy and it is never the same for two people. Family is family and love is patience.
This is a very gripping story with turns and surprised that will have you seated until the last page is read. Thank you K.K. Allen for putting on paper what many need to hear, read and see as they grow. While this is a young adult story, the message resonates with people of all ages.
I happily give this story my 5-star rating and look forward to your next book.
Wow, I don’t know where to start. Defying Gravity had my emotions all over the map! K.K. knows how to pull you in and immerse you into her stories. Her characters are so real and very relatable. I first met Amelia and Tobias during their “Spring Fling” in Falling from Gravity. I fell in love with their story and have been patiently awaiting the conclusion. Believe me K.K. did not disappoint! I thoroughly felt Amelia and Tobias’ magnetic connection throughout their turbulent journey. I laughed, I cried and I stood up and cheered as they defied gravity! #nothingbutloveforKK
This was a “moving” story about 2 people who put aside their relationship to reach their goals. The road is bumpy with a lot of heartbreak and rejection. It’s full of life lessons and learning to see things in a whole new light. It’s also about finding the road back to each other hoping its possible to have it all together.
Remarkable. That’s everything this book was! K.K Allen captured my attention with the prequel and had me dying for the rest of Amelia and Tobias’ story. And I was not disappointed. Defying Gravity was an emotional rollercoaster of growth and second chances .
By far one of the best second chance books I’ve read. Plus, it’s so much more than a typical forbidden, sports romance . From the very beginning there is so much character growth between Amelia and Tobias plus self discovery. It’s a beautiful journey of realizing people change and so can your dreams.
I can’t wait to see what’s next.
AHHHHH!! This book was AHHMAZING!!! The perfect mix of romance, heat, and angst. I love Amelia and Tobias’ story and everything they go through, apart and together, makes for a really great story!! Another favorite by K. K. Allen
K.k. Allen never ceases to amaze me with her books. I’ve read all of them and I’ve fallen in love with each and every story. Defying Gravity is no exception. This book was truly phenomenal! The forbidden romance, the dancing, and holy angst alert! Any K.k. Allen book wouldn’t be complete without angst and if any author can bring that out, it’s Ms. Allen. She is the queen of angst-filled books and weaves those emotions into the storyline perfectly.
Defying Gravity wasn’t just a fabulous read, it was visually appealing as well. Yes, visual. For those that read Center Of Gravity, you’ll know what I’m referencing. Defying Gravity is a dance romance centered around Amelia, who strives to be an NBA dancer. As a reader, we get an inside look at how incredibly hard it is to become one of these elite, talented, and extremely hard working—albeit, under paid dancers. The most exciting part of the book is when there’s a dance sequence, K.k. Allen includes YouTube links to match up with each scene. As a reader, you not only read what the character(s) are doing, you actually get to see the routines. Being able to see all the moves described, hear the music, and watch the dancers, was so impressive. Ms. Allen went above and beyond when it came to writing Defying Gravity.
If you love second chance romance with a bit of the forbidden thrown in, filled with angst, dance, sports, and a guy who truly will do anything to win his girl, grab Defying Gravity. I promise you, Tobias will be your next book boyfriend and this book will be your top 2019 read!
Overall Rating:
“She was there. Always there. Steadying me in the storm.”
In her newest book, Defying Gravity, K.K. Allen has drawn a beautiful universe of forbidden love. Beautifully etched with happiness and tears, Tobias and Amelia’s story lives deeply on the page, pulling at the heart-strings of her readers. This story will break your heart and then mend it all together in the end.
Synopsis:
This story begins after the moments in the prequel book, Falling Gravity. Tobias is Amelia’s best friend’s brother and her next-door neighbor. They engage in a tryst over Spring Break, knowing that their futures might problematize anything long term. However, hearts being as they are, both of them know that the other is becoming more important than they expected initially. Life enters, though. Tobias finds out that he has been given an opportunity to play developmental pro basketball. The issue: it’s in Chicago and he must leave within twenty-four hours. Additionally, Amelia realizes her life-long dream when she auditions for and makes the dance team for a professional basketball team in Los Angeles. As they go off to pursue their dreams, they try hard to hold onto their relationship, placing little expectations on it.
During their absence, Amelia encounters devastating challenges. This changes her, and she makes a drastic decision about her future, one that she cuts Tobias out of. This change causes a three-year absence from each other’s lives. One day, Tobias and Amelia meet again. Will they rekindle their romance, or has too much time passed? Can they ever find their HEA?
Review:
I need to say this. K. K. Allen blew my mind with this story. Here’s the thing. It isn’t out of the ordinary in terms of forbidden romance/best friend’s brother. Honestly, it’s a pretty common trope. What I LOVED about Defying Gravity from the start is Allen’s care in crafting this story.
With more people reading e-books than ever before (this reader included), there is so much available to authors in terms of multi-media that they can incorporate to enhance the story. And this is the genius of this book. This may seem so simple, but it made the book transcendent for me. K. K. Allen incorporates dance links into her book so we can really understand and feel Amelia. In my opinion, it’s genius. For one, it breaks up the narrative, giving the reader a break from Tobias and Amelia’s issues. Secondly, it shows the reader the image that Allen is trying to portray. One of my favorite dances comes towards the end of the book: “Broken and Beautiful.” This dance represents a HUGE moment in Amelia’s journey. Seeing this dance lived out after having read Amelia’s experience made me cry, a “full tears down my face” cry. I don’t know that I would have felt Amelia’s pain and healing so deeply without watching this dance. Again, this is so simple, yet Allen’s intention here makes the story more poignant, more visceral.
Additionally, Tobias James is my new favorite book boyfriend. This is a man who loves deeply and carefully and fully. From the start, through his confidence and his broken moments, I fell in love with Tobias simply because he loves Amelia distinctly. He waits for her, he treasures her, and he sees her in a way that no one else in the story does. Because of this, I was rooting for him and Amelia from the start.
Amelia is no slouch either. Like Tobias, Amelia knows Tobias in a way that shows the reader early on these two are destined for each other. I love how Allen creates them to be equal parts, completing each other. Even in their absence, they are never far from each other’s thoughts. Allen also crafts a heroine who is mature and self-aware. Amelia’s struggle could have derailed her, taking the story in a completely different direction. However, Allen makes her responsible to herself, and the choices she makes are healthy. This is important for readers. It reminds them to love themselves before they can love others. This book could have easily been over a third of the way through it. But the lesson to love yourself first is more important than two soulmates finding their happily-ever-after sooner rather than later.
This message of self-love also connects with Tobias’s challenges related to his adoption. Again, Allen suggests, through his story, that we have to find peace in our circumstances. For much of the book, Tobias lives a life of resentment given his parents’ choices about the knowledge of this adoption. However, when Amelia reminds Tobias of the need to let go of the anger and resentment, he is able to mature and develop deeper relationships with his family…and even her.
I cannot say enough about this book. There is so much beauty in this story, even in the angst of it. Lessons about loving yourself and letting go of the past flood the page, and you cannot help but hope for the best for Tobias and Amelia. Thankfully, K. K. Allen doesn’t disappoint, and she gives them a most beautiful ending.
“We were just Amelia and Tobias. Moon and Earth, living among the stars and sun. We were everything. And no matter the hardships we’d face along the way, we would always make sense together. “
Tobias and Amelia defy gravity in this book! These two have a past, which ended in not the best way. Three years later, fate has throws them together. The lovely, caring, yet very determined Tobias wants his second chance, but Amelia has trouble ignoring the past. Tobias and Amelia take you on an emotional, pulls at the heart strings journey, that you can’t help but rooting for. Both Tobias and Amelia have gone through some tough times, in some ways it still lingers, but will these two push the limits and given in? Read this beautifully written book, you won’t be let down.
LOVED! I am a huge fan of second chance romance and little sister/brother’s best friend stories and this one was amazing! A beautiful and emotional journey, Tobias and Amelia’s story will leave you will all the feels!
K.K. Allen, just… yep. All of it. Her stories are masterfully crafted from start to finish, and you can’t help but feel the push and pull of gravity, quite seriously, with her words in this story.
Amelia and Tobias shouldn’t have fallen in love. They weren’t supposed to – he’s her BFF’s brother. Their being together broke lots of relationships, but some things you just can’t control. Their connection starts when they are young, and their love story follows them trying to deny, erase, escape (mostly Amelia) and change the inevitable as they follow their dreams and gravity pulls these two back together time and again.
Cannot recommend this story highly enough! There’s a prequel novella, too, but not necessary to read before this! (I’m going backwards myself!)
Defying Gravity, the latest release from KK Allen, combines sports romance, best friends brother and second chance tropes all into one emotional tale. This is a story about chasing your dreams, about all the hard work and determination needed to succeed, its also about what happens when those dreams aren’t what you thought they would be.
This is Toby and Amelia’s story, a story that will have you glued to the pages as you embark on this journey, and it will evoke a range of emotions from you. These characters were relatable and likable, you will love them and will be rooting for them, the extended characters all provided great balance and support to the main characters, the story was well-written and had a message that I absolutely loved.
Defying Gravity was a fantastic page-turner which was engrossing and though-provoking. I enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.
Defying Gravity is everything I hope for when reading a romance novel. It’s sexy, sweet, deeply emotional, and so so angsty. Tobias and Amelia’s story is a slow burn filled with the hopes and dreams of two passionate souls trying to find a way to have it all. My heart broke with theirs and then slowly put back together as each piece of Tobias and Amelia was healed. Amelia may be my favorite KK Allen heroine yet. She is strong, fierce, and unapologetically herself.
Defying Gravity is another masterpiece from KK Allen. We may still have 5 months left in 2019, but I think Defying Gravity may end up being my top read of 2019. It’s definitely my top read so far!
I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
⇨ ⇨ R E V I E W ⇦ ⇦
Not my first READ by the author but my first OFFICIAL review for sure! This is a duo…that’s all I am saying about that!
I don’t know where to begin on this Amelia and Tobia’s were the perfect couple character. Deep down they were meant to be and along came of course HEARTBREAK, LIES AND SECRETS, but through out time their chemistry never left, it was just so beautiful to watch them together…even when Amelia’s sassy-ness came out!
Tobia’s is strong yes but after discovering a secret of his own, he went lose…needed to find himself and his identity, not to mention his goal be play in the NBA. It’s a hard thing when you lose yourself but you add on pressure and life…it not only get difficult but also if you’re not careful you can lose yourself in a whole different way. This is where I fell in love with Tobia’s because he was…no IS strong enough even when he didn’t believe in himself.
They both made HUGE sacrifices for their careers but at the end of the day when they lay their head down on the pillow…something is missing. Throw in forbidden, secrets, lies and lot’s of action…not to mention the every so sweet romance…a perfect disaster!
This second-chance romance blew me away and I couldn’t get enough, even from the first pages! That feeling I chase when I read, I FOUND IT HERE!!!
A MUST READ!
Rating:
Steamy:
Recommended: HIGHLY!
⇨ ⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦ ⇦
*My full BLOG review with teasers & more -> https://tgtrnbookreviews.wordpress.com/2019/07/22/r-e-v-i-e-w-%e2%9e%a0-defying-gravity-by-k-k-allen/
The love between Tobias and Amelia is a love that transcends anything I have ever read! I found myself in awe of not only their relationship but in how they overcame the obstacles they faced! I love how relatable K.K’s characters are! I find myself smiling and falling for each one because of how real they seem!
Amelia early on learns that love isn’t always enough. She has to make a choice that may break not only her but Tobias beyond any measure! Through fate and Tobias’s determination they find themselves thrust together again and this time Tobias makes it his mission to fight no matter what. Until he realizes just why the woman he loves walked away all those years ago! This time is up to Amelia to decide how hard she wants to fight and when she realizes that it was the lies and secrets they held that kept them from reaching their goals she once again is tasked with making a choice!
Go on this amazing journey with Tobias and Amelia and learn how love, friendship, and the truth of the heart can set the soul free! One of my Fave Kk Allen books!
OH – MY – LANTA!!! I seriously feel like I need to write this ENTIRE review in shouty caps. Like maybe (probably not) shouty caps could possibly portray my love for Defying Gravity… it doesn’t, it can’t… but I really wish you could feel my giddy excitement while I read this story. KK Allen, girl, you’ve got talent. You have this serious way with words. You talk directly to my heart. You fill it with all your words until it feels as though it could burst.
I’m really not even sure what to say in this review. Tobias and Amelia have this epic kind of love. This entire story felt epic. Miss Allen balances her writing on a tightrope taunt with this seriously raw and beautifully heartbreaking story mixed with a vibrant passion and a love so pure. Add in the poetic way KK Allen writes and Defying Gravity is unstoppable. I’m awed. I’m completely staggered. If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would. Allen has outdone herself here. This is my absolute favorite book she has ever written.
Have you stopped reading to purchase this book yet? Really, you’re wasting time reading my words when you could be reading KK Allen’s brilliant and lively words.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
Once again, K.K. Allen has delivered something so amazing that I honestly cannot form a proper sentence, let alone a review. I adored Center of Gravity and Defying Gravity is just as captivating and spell binding! The blend of the dance world with basketball intertwines a beautiful story that leaves you breathless. There was just the right amount of angst and messed up drama that makes you want to devour this book and beg for more! I loved the concept and the build throughout this story. Tobias is just oh so swoon worthy and I adored Amelia!
The one thing with this story, like all of K.K. Allen’s is that they really are raw with emotions and passion. The connection and how these two find their way back to each other is just amazing. Trying to articulate the words is really hard because it is just one of those books you just HAVE to read. The ups and downs leaves you dying to know how it will all end and honestly, it is never enough once you reach that final page. If you have not read books by K.K. Allen, please do so and especially this one. You will get hit hard with the feels and you will never want to go back ever!
Another stellar romance from KK Allen! She breathes life into her characters like no other. Even if romance isn’t your thing, I say give Ms. Allen a shot, because her words are magic.
I first met Amie in Center of Gravity and loved her spunk. I got to know her a little better Falling from Gravity. I was ready to dive in to Defying Gravity with my heart wide open, and boy did it fill that heart up! It’s obvious from the beginning that Amie and Toby are meant to be, & I rooted for them until their very last page.
I love how knowledgeable the writer is about dance and how much she brings those scenes to life with so much emotion. She also has done something uniquely brilliant in the Gravity series by incorporating YouTube links to dance studios performing the numbers (with permission!) It takes the reading experience to a whole new level that I hope other authors will adopt some day.
If your looking for romance that will grab you, straight from the beginning, then grab this one. Oh, and even if you’re a paperback lover, like myself, I suggest purchasing the ebook and reading that so you can get the whole experience!
Tobias and Amie’s story was my everything. You get to learn so much about Amie who we all fell in love with in Center of Gravity. This is one of my favorite reads of the year. I cant wait to see what K.K. Allen has in store for us next. Definitely a must read with all the feels!
Defying Gravity by K.K. Allen is a beautifully written second chance romance. Tobias and Amelia’s story takes you on an emotional roller coaster and their journey is filled with drama, secrets, betrayal and jealousy but it keeps you hooked and the ride is so worth it. I loved this book so much and highly recommend it!
Another book by K.k. Allen that will punch you right in the FEELS!!! After reading the prequel, Falling From Gravity, I fell in love with Tobias and Amelia. But that has nothing on the feelings brought on by reading Defying GRAVITY!!
These two go through so much together, trying to overcome their own ” demons”.
Their love for each other is so strong, so consuming, and they want nothing but the best for each other, even if that means they need to be apart so that the other one can fulfill their dreams.
After three years of not seeing each other, or speaking to each other, they run into each other again, and their feelings are still there, as strong as EVER! However, that doesn’t meen life will be easy for them. With everything pulling them apart, they still defy gravity, and come out with their love STRONGER than ever!!
This book is so much more than a second chance romance, a sports romance, and a friend’s to lovers romance! This is about believing in yourself, and knowing yourself WORTH! And the best part of all is having your soulmate right there with you, encouraging you and believing in you!
I didn’t think it possible to fall even more in love with these two, but it is, and I did!
I highly recommend this book!!!!!