From New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy comes an angsty new adult romance about the popular quarterback and the smart girl who brings him to his knees. Jake Callahan. Prince of the popular crowd.My mortal enemy.Gorgeous. All the girls want him.Quarterback. All the boys want to be his friend. He’s the most popular boy in the senior class.And he hates me.Or so I … boy in the senior class.
And he hates me.
Or so I thought.
What I mistook for hatred turns out to be…interest. There’s that thin line, right? It makes me crazy. I can’t stand it. Attraction, chemistry, whatever it is, I also can’t resist it.
And neither can he.
Together, we make no sense. The odds are against us. His friends definitely don’t approve. I’m not a part of their crowd. Not one of the cool kids. I don’t fit in, or so they say.
But that doesn’t stop him from falling for me.
And it won’t stop me from fighting for him.
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The challenges of being the son of a famous football player are almost overwhelming for Jake. He puts a lot of pressure on himself to be the best at whatever he does to ensure he doesn’t let anyone down. I marveled at how well this is handled with a raw honesty as he navigates his senior year of high school. Meeting Hannah becomes a bright light for him and allows him to look at his life in a different way. She is the first girl that doesn’t want to date him because he’s the football star. She isn’t caught up in the mean girl/popular kid madness of high school. Hannah is focused on her school work and getting good grades to hopefully get into a good college. It’s always been her and her mom and the road hasn’t been easy for them. In Elementary school she was friends with the kids that are now the popular crowd but as everyone grew up, things changed and she became an outcast. Having Jake Callahan show an interest in her is disconcerting while exhilarating. The problem is can she trust him or is this just another high school game? Beautifully delivered and crafted. I enjoyed my journey back to high school while spending time with Drew and Fable’s kids as they navigate this crazy world. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Overall Grade:
Falling for Her, Monica Murphy’s current book, is my entree into her world. I start this review with this comment because I didn’t read the series that lead into this book, One Week Girlfriend et al. As I was reading this book, it was clear that I was missing out, BUT it didn’t do anything to deter from the essence of this story. In other words, Falling for Her is a complete standalone about two opposites attracting and their journey forward when the complications of high school make it difficult for them. As I began reading this book, it reminded me of the 90s movie, She’s All That and also the 80s Pretty in Pink or Some Kind of Wonderful. These movies are the foundation of my youth, so Falling for Her rekindled all the good feelings I have about a jerk jock hero and an introspective, intelligent unpopular heroine. With this story, Murphy reminds us that nothing is ever as it seems. In order to fully understand someone, you have to get to know them.
Now, to be honest, the hero of Falling for Her is not my favorite. Don’t get me wrong. I have no issues with an egotistical hero. Alpha-hole heroes are my favorites. However, Jake’s characterization as arrogant in that ugly high school bully way can be difficult. Even though it is made clear to the reader at some point that he never bullied certain characters, there is sometimes an unkindness and lack of empathy in him. Thankfully, Murphy balances this in two ways. For one, she opens a discussion about “oppositional defiant disorder,” a disorder conflated with ADD. This helps to explain and undermine Jake’s choices throughout the book. And the second choice Murphy makes is crafting a heroine such as Hannah. This is key and necessary for Falling for Her.
It’s clear that this book is a continuation of Murphy’s successful stories about Jake’s parents. As I didn’t read those, I’m not sure if Jake is a “chip off the old block.” Yet, Murphy’s creation of Hannah allows us to appreciate Jake’s purpose in this book. Hannah is a bit of a loner, although she isn’t lonely. She is self-contained, self-reflective, intelligent, insightful, and completely at ease with her self. In a word, she is likable in a way that Jake isn’t. Murphy carefully uses Hannah to (1) humanize Jake and (2) help him grow to be a better version of himself. Even as you read the bonus chapters, though, Jake is still $exually motivated and a bit full of himself. There is a continued promise, though, that Hannah will continue to help Jake become a better human being. For me, Hannah is the saving grace of this book. Also, thankfully, Murphy eases us into their physical relationship. This is a slow-burn relationship, which I loved because they are high school students, Hannah is inexperienced, and it keeps the reader interested in the story.
Additionally, there is a “type” for any reader in this story. There is the “mean girl,” “bully,” “jock,” “nerd,” “artist,” “cheerleader,” “gay best friend,” etc. This is every 80s and 90s romantic teen movie come to life. This feels like an allusion to those movies, and it feels as though there is a character for everyone. Beyond the idea that I could “read” my favorite movies into this story and Murphy’s characterization of Hannah, I also loved the developing friendship between Jake and Tony. Diego and Caleb are difficult guys to love. When Jake aligns himself with them, it makes it difficult to like the hero of the romance. When Jake and Tony ally themselves, it’s easier to appreciate Jake because he’s kinder and more reasonable because Tony is also both of those.
Is Monica Murphy doing anything different with this young/new adult romance, I’m not sure. Instead, I think you have to appreciate it for what it is and allow it to ignite your nostalgia for the teen romances of the past, the ones that taught you what it means to fall in love. I also think this is Murphy’s nod to her dedicated readers who fell in love with her characters through her One Week Girlfriend series. It’s always fun to return to characters you love, and Fable and Drew are very much a part of this story. If you love stories where the hot angry jock falls for the intelligent, artistic loner chick, then Falling for Her should be your read of the week.
Jake Callahan is that perfect popular, jock in high school who thinks he is the top dog, and nothing can bring him down. He is cocky and arrogant but underneath all that no one really sees that he feels like the weight of the world rests on his shoulders, especially when trying to live up to his ex pro football dad turned coach. Hannah is that quiet girl in school, that does what she has to just to get through each day and study hard and she comes from the wrong side of the tracks where her mother is single and works constantly so Hannah can have a decent life. These two are opposites in everywhere and when Hannah turns Jake down to wear his football jersey, he takes it personally and gets upset. Even if Jake does get upset, he sees there is so much more to Hannah that he originally thought. The book follows these characters as they try to navigate a new relationship while enduring high school drama and other’s thinking Hannah is not good enough for Jake. I loved jake he did not let his friends or society talk him out of dating Hannah and seeing her as less than them. His family was so supportive and loving and even if Jake did feel like he was struggling at times they did everything they could to help him. Hannah and Jake find love and happiness in each other and this will be a book I go back and reread again and again. I didn’t know it was the second book in the series but I was not lost at all and each one can be read as a standalone.
j’étais assez curieuse de découvrir cette histoire d’autant plus quand j’ai vu que Jake était le fils de Drew et Fable (que j’ai retrouvé avec plaisir !). Je ne me suis pas ennuyée une seule seconde avec lui et Hannah, j’ai eu le sourire de la première à la dernière page et on ne peut que dévorer les mots de l’autrice pour savoir ce qui va leur arriver. J’ai aimé le fait qu’il n’y ait pas trop de drames et j’ai adoré détester certains personnages. Le final est vraiment super mignon et je suis maintenant curieuse de découvrir l’histoire qui commence à peine à la fin de ce tome…
I loved Hannah and Jake’s story. Talk about angst and the witty banter between those two that will keep you intrigued from the get go. Jake is the quarterback and he feels the stress from everyone to take the team far. With the influence of his buddies he’s on the hunt to find someone to wear his jersey come game day. Hannah is quiet and reserved and would rather stay in the background then the center of attention. These two are complete opposites, but what a ride it was to see them both change with each page. I love this story that gives you an opposites attract and then throw in their friends and you get chaos with a side of fun. I can’t wait to read more of the Callahan crew.
Oh to be a teenager again and find the one that understands and balances you… Jake has taken the weight of the world on his shoulders. The amount of pressure that he feels to always perform and be the best causes him to lash out. Mix in some anger management issues, some rivalry, bullying, ego, betrayal and some awful friends, and it makes for a difficult senior year for Jake. Then he talks to the only girl that doesn’t faun all over him, but still cares if he’s OK. And just like that he becomes a fierce protector. Intrigued by feisty Hannah, who has a really hard time believing Jake’s good intentions, his determination and maturity grow. And that’s when you swoon over him. That’s when he starts smiling and dropping his hard guarded walls.
This story has a bit of sweet and sour to it. It is very relevant to what happens to teens frequently. And will have you rooting for the underdogs and the abused ones.
This is my first time reading anything by Monica Murphy and I now have to go back and read about all the other Callahan because I very much enjoyed this book. I loved the characters, which I was surprised about because I am so far removed from High school. That being said I really enjoyed the story, the writing and all the different characters and will very much like reading Ava’s story.
Even though this is a series you do not have to have read Autumns book to read this one. I had not but will be going back to do so. I also would love to read Drew and Fable’s books.
***I was generously provided with an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review***
4.5 Stars for Falling For Her ( The Callahans book 2)
This is book 2 in The Callahans Series but it can certainly be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone, I know this because I’m playing catch-up as I haven’t read book 1 yet but that took nothing away from this story, I had no issues following the characters and the storyline.
Hannah and Jake’s journey is set in a high school and it’s full of all the emotions you would expect from this age group but Ms Murphy went further than just high school angst she covered a bully romance in a compassionate way and that took this story to another level. There is a fine line between love and hate and Hannah really thinks she hates Jake the boy determined to get in her face, the Star quarterback who should want nothing to do with a girl who’s not part of the IN crowd. Will Jake win the girl over or will Hannah carry on believing it’s hate and not love she feels…..
This is a love story that’s well written, it’s sweet and romantic with just the right amount of angst to keep you entertained and it’s a journey you will want to join because in the end you will be left smiling I’m sure.
You know when you are 60% into a book and so in love with it that you run and order the paperback just to feel it in your hands? That’s where I was with this one. I don’t normally love high school drama romance, but Monica does it in a way that I love and I don’t want to throw my kindle. There is definitely drama, but Jake is such an amazing guy that I was in love with him chapter one.
I loved spunky Hannah as well. This story is totally relatable to me because it was so similar to my high school experience. Hannah was the smart girl, the one that was often overlooked by the popular crowd, but somehow caught the attention of the popular quarterback. He instantly fell for her, most likely because she turned him down flat and he wasn’t used to that sort of treatment. Sometimes people need to be knocked down a few pegs, but Jake was pretty perfect on his own. He wasn’t a womanizer or running around with all the girls, he left that to his friends. Ick. I digress. He had me at hello. I’m a sucker for a good guy, always, and Jake has such a great heart. I can’t wait for the next book! I’m so excited to dive back into this world!
4 Star Review of Falling For Her (The Callahans #2) by Monica Murphy
Monica Murphy is a relatively new author to me and I am so glad I found her. Although I don’t normally read YA/NA I decided to try it since I have thoroughly enjoyed the other books I have read from this author.
Set in high school this is a bully romance that again is not something I normally read. I really liked Hannah but I took a while to warm up to Jake Callahan. There is typical angst and high emotions as you would expect from this genre. There’s a fine line between love and hate and what Hannah thinks is hatred is in fact Jake’s convoluted way of showing he likes her.
There are so many reasons why Jake and Hannah should not work, not least of which is outside influences that are trying to keep them apart, but they do. He’s the popular boy, the quarterback and part of the “it” crowd, whilst Hannah isn’t, however she is also feisty and sassy.
This is a sweet, romantic,love story with angst and made me thankful I am no longer a teenager. It was a well written story that will take you on a journey that will leave you with a smile on your face.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: there is nothing quite like Callahan love! Monica Murphy was clearly born to write about this family and I have been hooked since One Week Girlfriend. Now that we are on the 2nd generation, the heartache is just as raw as Jake finds his way through all the crazy that is both his life and the last year of high school.
Murphy clearly has her finger on the pulse of what it’s like to go through those angsty HS years. I love how she doesn’t demean her characters and gives them a true personality that isn’t always simply some cliche. Hannah Walsh is truly wonderful. A young woman who stays quietly in the background with her two close friends and has such a beautiful soul. Her inner thoughts were refreshing to read and for me, she reminded me of Fable and her selfless ways. I just knew she had to be the one to make Jake Callahan smile again and finally enjoy his life the way it was intended.
There are a myriad of conflicts happening at almost a breakneck speed but it represents just how teens’s lives change almost daily. Jake has a ton on his plate and his burgeoning romance with Hannah, which knocks him for a loop is just one of the many issues he needs to address. I liked that he isn’t truly the a$$ he is seemingly viewed as and that Hannah sees his struggles and his concerns and never makes him feel less for it. Jake’s appreciation of her frankness and honesty goes way beyond anything he’s experienced before and it was lovely to see that he realizes he can be more than he ever thought possible especially with Hannah by his side.
And, of course, the couple of chapters in Drew and Fable’s POV are always a great bonus, as their parenting isn’t perfect no matter how much their love is. It’s a real family, no matter how well off they are, each offspring suffering in their own ways but knowing they have a support system always at the ready.
Jake and Hannah’s love affair is sweet and thoughtful and most times, effortless. The shy artist and the popular quarterback should have had nothing in common and yet their attraction to one another provides a happy surprise and a deep connection they both ultimately needed.
With a glance as to what’s to come in future books, there is more excitement to be found with Jake, Hannah, their close friends and the rest of the Callahan crew. It promises to be explosive and full of the kind of feels and intensity I crave.
Falling For Her is simply wonderful from beginning to end and I happily give it a solid 5 stars!
Hannah is nothing like the other girls he has dated, they are polar opposites, but for some reason he can’t take his eyes off of her. They have gone to school together for some time now, but he is just now noticing her, and he really likes what he sees, she on the other hand isn’t buying the words that he is peddling. But he isn’t giving up so easily, he knows in his heart she is the girl for him… he just needs to find a way to convince her to give him a shot!
Jake Callahan is the quintessential wealthy popular jock, and Hannah has no idea how she gained his attention, and she isn’t so sure she wants it. She likes being under the radar, living her quiet simple life and being in Jake’s world is anything but. With him, there are always prying eyes watching, rumors swirling around him, and expectations to uphold and she isn’t so sure she can live up to all of that or deal with a constant audience. But there is a tiny part of her that enjoys having his attention, having him look at her like she is the only girl he sees, and she wants to hold onto that… but at what cost?
Falling For Her is a story of young love, finding yourself, breaking boundaries, and letting go. Watching these two fall for one another was tough on the ticker at times, there was a lot of push and pull, outside influences interrupting things, and then of course their own self doubt and insecurities.
Having come from different worlds it was evident that they would have a battle ahead of them, and often it lead them to second guess themselves or mistrust one another, but in the end they found a way to let all of that go, and just exist with one another. From the moment I met this pairing I found myself completely taken with them, Hannah was sweet, feisty, and innocent and Jake surprised me a bit. I expected him to be an arrogant jock, which he was to some extent, but underneath there was a sweet guy with a heart of gold… one worthy of Hannah’s heart. I loved everything about this story, it was dramatic, engaging, sweet, funny, and heartwarming… all things necessary to keep my nose between the pages! Highly recommend this one, it’s characters are destined to steal your heart from the first page!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Ever since Monica Murphy announced she was writing books for Drew and Fable’s children I have been beside myself waiting for them one by one. I absolutely loved Autumn’s book and knew that I was going to love Jake’s. Little did I know how much I would love it.
Jake Callahan has the pressure of the world on his shoulders. It’s his senior year and he’s the quarterback of the team. He’s one of the most popular boys in school. Hannah Walsh has flown under the radar for much of high school. So when the most popular boy in school approaches her, she wants nothing to do with it. But there is something about Jake that she can’t shake. They don’t make sense together, they come from different worlds, but that doesn’t stop them from wanting each other. Can they make it work, or are their worlds too far separated?
I thought for sure that I had Jake figured out before I even read the book. I knew he’d be cocky, but I thought he would have that quiet confidence that Drew had/has. Boy was I wrong, Jake is so much like his Uncle Owen I couldn’t help but smile. I adored Owen and I adore Jake in much the same way. And Hannah, absolutely love her. She’s quiet and seems shy, but she comes out of her shell and is sassy when she needs to be and stands her ground. I loved watching her come into her own. Loved this story, and now I can’t wait for the next one!
Falling for Her is simply wonderful. This is book 2 in the Callahans series. If you aren’t familiar with this series yet it is Drew and Fable’s (from One Week Girlfriend series) kids. This is there second child Jake’s story. It is filled with all those wonderful and not wo wonderful high school moments. The angsty high school drama and following your heart when you are drawn to someone you didn’t expect. Jake is has his anger issues, which is refreshing in many ways, you can’t blame him for all the pressure he puts on himself. I love how Hannah helps him focus away from all his anger and Drew and Fable are ever present to help. Hannah is just so sweet and wonderful. She may not be popular but that is something you will love most about her. Jake and Hannah have this something special that just grows throughout this read. I couldn’t get enough of this one. I’m so in love with the Callahans series. I want more Jake and Hannah. I really can not wait for Ava’s story.
Monica Murphy gave me my “can’t put it down” moment. Falling for Her is the best kind of binge. Jake and Hannah could be a cliche, but end up stepping out of the obvious and into the emotional. Jake is the cool guy with the world at his feet. Hannah is the girl that is easy to forget. Except when she isn’t. I’m not usually into young adult romance, but Ms Murphy has me rethinking my stand on that.
Spending the weekend with the Callahan’s has been pretty amazing.
After reading book one in this series, I didn’t think I would love Jake as much I do. In the first book he seemed a bit like an arrogant tool but then again, he was like 15 and constantly being touted as a god.
Jake and Hannah couldn’t have been more perfect. I loved how sensitive he is and how she takes no crap from anyone. I couldn’t put this book down and I’m counting the days until Ava’s book.
* A review copy was provided by the author *
~ 3.75 Hannah Banana Stars ~
Well…..I don’t know how to really express my feelings about this book.
On one hand I really enjoyed the storyline, but on the other hand I really don’t know how I feel about Jake (Hero). Truthfully Hannah made this book for me. I loved her character so much!!!
I have always been a fan of the high school bully romance story and I think that is why I enjoyed this story.
But as for Jake….I had a hard time connecting with his personality. He had his sweet and swoony moments, but he was also kind of a jerk throughout the whole book. He really didn’t redeem himself in my eyes as the story went on. I don’t want to say too much, each reader should form their own opinion and I don’t want to spoil the story at all.
Falling For Her is the second book in Monica’s Callahan’s series. This book follows Jake Callahan. He is the middle sibling and oldest son to Drew and Fable. Again this book is a standalone novel and is told in Dual POV. I don’t believe you have to read the first book in this series to enjoy this story, but you do meet Jake in that book. Although in this story he is now a senior in high school and the starting quarterback for the football team. I will say that you will want to read this book before reading the 3rd book in this series (releasing in September ), because the storyline in this book sets up that book.
Even though this book is based in high school, I would label this book as a New Adult genre. There are some actions and behaviors of the characters that I wouldn’t say readers under the age of 16 should read. This is not a young adult story, in my opinion.
This book was filled with a lot of angst and emotion. Jake and Hannah’s story is not an easy one and they both go through ups and downs to get to a happy place.
If you are a fan of a New Adult high school bully romance that is filled with lots of angst and high school drama, then this is the book for you.