An Amazon Best Book of the Month!“Dark and delicious.”—KERRELYN SPARKS, New York Times bestselling author, for Race the Darkness Seeing is believing…Thomas Brown can’t see color, but he can see people’s true souls. His abilities allow him to work with criminal investigators and deliver justice to families of the wronged. And he’s starting to accept that his life will forever be in black and … families of the wronged. And he’s starting to accept that his life will forever be in black and white…
Then he encounters Helena Grayse, and everything changes. She brings vibrant color to his world, and he brings acceptance and belief to hers. But Helena’s past is quickly catching up with her, and Thomas is in the crosshairs.
As an enemy hidden in plain sight threatens their every move, they’ll have to rely on their love to beat the darkness.
Fatal Dreams series:
Race the Darkness (Book 1)
Hunt the Dawn (Book 2)
Never Let Me Fall (Book 3)
What People Are Saying About Abbie Roads:
“A dark and intense romance that pulls no punches and offers plenty of mind-bending twists.”—RT Book Reviews for Hunt the Dawn, 4 Stars
“A haunting story about love, redemption, overcoming the past, and acceptance.”—Harlequin Junkie for Saving Mercy
“Roads blends high-action romantic suspense with the paranormal to tell a love story.” —Booklist for Race the Darkness
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This had me hook, line, and sinker. This book was an unexpected delight. The author has a strong voice and establishes strong characters in a well developed universe. Beginning to end I found the story compelling and honest. I became emotionally invested very quickly and couldn’t put the book down before finishing the last page.
Character-driven, action-packed and steamily romantic – This one is a MUST-BUY!
Amazing, absolutely AMAZING! This book is so many things. A TEN STAR love conquers all romance, a suspense story, and some incredibly sensitive portrayals of the lingering effects of evil – as the reader is kept in the dark, and in a continual state of suspended tension as one tidbit of information is given at a time! “NEVER LET ME FALL” is truly incredible, and this reader is in awe of author Abbie Roads ability to keep me entertained with edge-of-the-seat suspense and turning pages as quickly as I could to find out what happens to Thomas and Helen/Helena. I want to say so much more but I don’t want to ruin even one twist or spoil even one moment of a reader’s journey through “NEVER LET ME FALL.” Quite honestly, even though I read the statement about the promised happy ending, I really could not see how this one was going to work out, so my kudos go to Abbie Roads and her phenomenal job of writing “NEVER LET ME FALL!” If you like romance or a slice of suspense with some dark thriller icing, then “NEVER LET ME FALL” is the novel to purchase today! Along with all of the above is a spiritual vein that runs through the entire story that only becomes apparent at the end of this action-packed tale. Since there may be some triggers, discussion, and portrayal of dark issues, “NEVER LET ME FALL” is for those over 18, please. While I volunteered to read this amazing book by author Abbie Roads and this is my honest 5+STAR review, this is one novel I will be purchasing to support a GREAT Indie Writer. If you have never read anything by Abbie Roads, then I would STRONGLY suggest you start with “NEVER LET ME FALL.” Happy pages!
Never Let Me Fall (Fatal Dreams #3) by Abbie Roads was a unique, heart pounding, paranormal thriller, that had me hooked from start to finish.
My first read by this author and for this series. Again, if you know me, I tend to read books out of order, but no worries this book reads as a standalones. And form what I have researched about this original series, so do the other books. That being said, this book isn’t like anything I have read before. It puts a new spin on crime dramas, and that uniqueness adds something more than special and extra, it makes it stand out and memorable.
I love finding these, out-of-box reads; it has taken something has has been done and elevates it into something rare and as I said, memorable. What I liked the most was the excellent balance of good with the dark and twisty. The tone shifts were on point and really brought this tale to life. Our MC was topnotch, well rounded and believable. His emotions were raw and powerful, not only in love but in his ambition to do what’s right.
Overall this book is a solid 5 star read. If the other books are anything like this one, then I’m missing out and need to go back and read the other two books. So please take my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval, that you will be addicted to this book.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
This author has been on my tbr list with finally sitting down to open one. Of course what lured me to this one is the character Thomas whom caught my curiosity especially with how unique he was. Then there is Helena to add to the puzzle with this becoming one that quickly has you turning the pages to see what will be what. Being it is layed out not like most will keep you captivated to their story. Even though this is a stand alone I do believe it would of been more richer read as a whole with the series. More and more I wish that would be said in experts etc. even though some do say when it can read as a stand alone. Danger will still bloom growing large with this becoming deep. Was very pleased though over all with this from start to finish.
4 Stars
Review by Morgen
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Never Let Me Fall is book three in the Fatal Dreams series by Abbie Roads. It’s a paranormal suspense story about surviving tragedy and finding a way to save each other.
Helena is an oddball that was raised and home schooled by her grandparents. She was naive and didn’t have much practice interacting with anyone her own age. At eighteen she is convicted of murder and sent to a woman’s reformatory, which is not near as glamorous as it sounds. Still she never gave up. She’s strong, protective, and independent.
Thomas has survived a lot in his life and has the scars to prove it. His childhood was full of tragedy but he doesn’t let it keep him down. He consults for the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). His past and gifts make him uniquely suited to help the family of victims get justice. He is sweet, honest, and caring
On Helena’s last night in the reformatory, we get a taste of how hard it was for her to survive inside. She was wrongfully accused and that knowledge weighs heavy on her shoulders. Having to constantly fight for her life crushed her spirit and she built up walls around her heart and kept silent to stay sane. Thomas keeps his demons buried deep down but someone releases his family’s darkest secrets for the world to see. It haunts him but now that everyone knows he can no longer hide. His stepfather, the sheriff, is linked to many crimes, but can’t be found. The BCI needs to investigate starting with him as their lead witness, however even as an adult it is impossible for him to speak about what happened.
From the moment Helena and Thomas’s eyes meet they know they need more. They need to know each other, they crave it. One coincidence after another has them stumbling into each other’s lives. Helena won’t speak and Thomas can’t keep his eyes of her. They are both broken in different ways and have reasons to try to keep their pasts hidden. Fearing rejection if their flaws are shown. Not knowing that their damaged souls had so much in common.
The imagery created was beautiful the detail is amazing and pieces together a scene wonderfully. Their connection is instant and feels like destiny. The intensity of it overwhelmed me. The chemistry between them is strong and they fight hard to deny it and not give in at first. The characters have depth and their inner struggles take us on a wild ride. The suspense of what could happen from one moment to the next kept me hooked. The pacing was great. Each touch lit a fire under their skin that only more contact could soothe. I would recommend reading the first two books before this to truly get a sense of the world you’re in.
Fatal Dreams #3, Each of the Fatal Dreams books can be read as a standalone. While this one didn’t quite have the same umph as Roads last three books it was still a fantastic read. Very deep in the internal conflict of recognizing who they are together and what they are becoming. A dark fairy tale/folklore at the root of it all tells a tale of never ending love and the power it holds and the reincarnated souls that carry on that power.
Thomas Brown lost the ability to see color when his step father tried to kick his face in, the resulting damage caused serious problems to the optic nerve. He also has the ability to see a person’s “death shadow” which tells him basically how evil a person really is and after a person dies it can show him the person’s life up until their death. Helena Greyse was tried and convicted for a murder she never committed and spent the last ten years fighting for her life. Helen survived many attacks while in prison some that should have killed her, even her last night there she barely made it out with her life. When they meet for the first time, the day Helen was released, they both knew their lives have unequivocally changed. Helen has brought color to Thomas’ life and for the first time in ten years Helen felt safe with Thomas. Thomas and Helen’s lives are tied together in so many ways but there is still one giant obstacle for them to overcome. Can their love overcome this common enemy who has been a source of pain for them both?
Overall, this book was outstanding it’s an emotional read, it’s dark, it’s paranormal, it’s suspenseful, it’s heavy on the internal conflict without the characters sounding whiny and useless. They are each other’s strength, they are the balm for their souls it’s a beautiful insta-love romance. The external conflict wasn’t as traumatizing for me as the other two, it was still bad but it almost feels like it was glossed over and leaves you with just assuming how bad the events were; but it was still good and I loved the conclusion.
What brought me into the book was the cover, the title, intriguing, the story kept me enthralled. The story of Helena Grayse and Thomas Brown was full of discovery of themselves and that love and healing that goes along with it. While their touch and healing was not our normal touches it brought color and acceptance to them. A special book and series from Abbie Roads and is one you remember.
I feel like I’m really missing something here…
Admittedly, I didn’t read the other books in this series, but that’s not usually a problem with most books. I’m usually a pretty quick study, and the majority of authors put in enough clues to let me know what I might have missed in previous books. So, I don’t think my confusion is caused by the fact that I didn’t read the other books in the series. I think this book is just unnecessarily weird and complicated.
First of all, it’s a paranormal romance that doesn’t have any vampires, werewolves, or shapeshifters. I actually really like that. I ADORE paranormal romances that don’t go the obvious route. But here’s what didn’t work for me with this one…
It’s all over the place:
There’s sooooooo much going on in this book. You’ve got the heroine’s fight for survival in prison, then you’ve got the hero’s supernatural abilities (which keep developing and morphing into more supernatural abilities, because having a hero with just one supernatural ability would be boring, amirite?), the people who want to hurt the heroine once she’s out of prison, the people who want to hurt the hero (because REASONS), the hero’s tragic past…it’s just exhausting. I made it to about the 50% mark in the book before I was worn out and just gave up.
Instalove:
Now, I’m usually willing to overlook instalove when it happens in a shifter romance novel. But when it happens in a non-shifter novel, it really irks the crap out of me. In this book, the hero sees the heroine for the first time, and the power of, I dunno, her spirit/awesomeness/beauty heals him of a physical disability that was caused by a childhood injury. And, before she’s even said a single word to him outloud (because REASONS), they’re falling into bed and realizing they’re soul mates. It was just too much for my bullshit meter to handle.
Boooorrrrriiiiinnnnnggggg:
At some point, I’m sure that all the little extraneous details (like the story in the beginning about the history of some ancient totem pole that went on for, like, a hundred years) were paid off. But I didn’t make it far enough in the story to find out. So as it stands, I was just bored with all the extra details that didn’t seem relevant to the story in any way. I’m sorry, but in a romance, I think the hero and heroine should meet within the first few pages, and the story should proceed from there. The romance is the most important part of the story, and if it isn’t, then you’re not reading (or writing) a romance.
Long-story-short, this one wasn’t my cuppa. It was just too weird for me.
Full disclosure: We received an ARC from NetGalley, free of charge.
And don’t forget to follow Romance Rehab for more rants, raves, and other fun romance-y stuff: http://www.romancerehab.com/
A past lacking in colour, steeped in violence… embracing destiny to give you the capacity to redefine your worth…
I have been so privileged to have read some wonderful books through 2018. Then there are the books you read that take your reading journey to the next level. Those books that bring out so much emotion. They leave your reeling, astonished, shaken yet challenge your intellect at the same time. It’s those books that draw you into the very emotional fabric of the story, they make you not only feel, they make you think deep on the psychology of the mind, what drives our actions, thoughts and behaviours, why we act the way we do. What has shaped our existence, what taunts our emotional, mental and physical wellbeing and our will to survive… One of those books… is NEVER LET ME FALL by Abbie Roads.
There are standout moments within the confines of NEVER LET ME FALL, that I was literally holding my breath, the suspense heightened… hoping good would ultimately prevail… then a brief moment of empathy. ok. .. so it doesn’t last long but still that moment for the bad character/s when all starts to unravel… and the why’s are exposed. That is an exceptionally, talented author.
Abbie Roads has gifted you an emotionally charged, impeccably crafted, story with NEVER LET ME FALL, Book 3 in her FATAL DREAMS series. Beautifully intense words, an extraordinary tale, steeped in paranormal legend, that captivates from the start until it’s compelling conclusion. You’ll delve into the murkiness of innocence destroyed and it’s emotional roller coaster of feeling. It’s a story that leaves you feeling shattered, heartbroken, torn at the depravity and systematic abuse of life and love. Just how far this insidious evil stretches is mind-boggling. At the same time, Abbie weaves those precious threads of hope and goodness… learning that the gifts of love, trust, faith, caring, and compassion are not only powerful, in the right hands, they are the very tools that give you the capacity to redefine your worth and value.
If you are a fan of dark paranormal, romantic and psychological suspense… you will read and then want to binge read the rest of this series. Intriguing, dark romantic suspense, a psychologically gripping story, soaking you in a minefield of emotional pain that leaves you wondering if there is enough hope and goodness left to overcome a lifetime of abusive wrongs.
I could not get enough of Abbie Roads and the way she embraces the connections of family, love, and friendship, throughout her story. How we handle and conquer the fears that have been instilled for a lifetime. Such a touching and heartfelt book. Without the other half of your heart and soul, you are fractured, never complete. It may provide tough reading aspects for some, so worth every moment of your time as you sink inside the pages and get swept up into this storm of vulnerability, intrigue and drama, and how Thomas and Helena manage their journey.
Thomas Brown was the victim of horrific child abuse by his stepfather. Because of that Thomas lost the ability to see colors at the age of five. Thomas did gain something though… he can see people’s soul shadows… He lived in a black and white world until he met “Helen”…
Helena Grayse was a young woman tried and convicted of killing her boyfriend; ironically, she was innocent. Sentenced to 10 years hard time in prison, it’s a battle every day inside to stay alive. Targeted by a vicious prison gang, the Sisters, Helena fights for survival, doing whatever it takes. She just wants to get out and prove her innocence…
When Thomas meets “Helen”, colors explode into his world once again. Confused but thrilled, Thomas enjoys the vibrancy once stolen from him. But all is not as it seems, as the fragile young woman he met refuses to share her story with him and she refuses to speak. A short time apart proves to Thomas that “Helen” is the key to bringing color back into his life, along with emotional attachments. However, Helena is terrified; terrified to tell Thomas who she really is, and what she was accused of, fearing the loss of his affection. But the truth will find a way to be revealed.
Malevolence stirs in the shadows as a killer stalks Thomas and Helena. Only together can they hope to face and defeat the evil that is slowly encroaching. The past returns to haunt them, as they embark on a desperate mission to find the killer and clear Helena’s name.
Utterly riveting! I couldn’t put this book down! The vivid imagery and complex scenarios takes my breath away! If you read only one book this year, you MUST READ “NEVER LET ME FALL”.
Abby Roads creates the most beautifully damaged characters. Yet while each has survived their own personal hell, they are more beautiful for it.
Never Let Me Fall, the 3rd installment in Roads’ Fatal Dreams series, starts with introducing us to Helena. She’s lived in hell for 10 years for a crime she didn’t commit. She hasn’t spoken in 9 years, because it’s not like anyone was listening. Helena just wants to say good bye to what’s left of her previous life and move far far away.
Thomas hasn’t seen color since his step-father kicked him in the face. The same stepfather who gave his older sister, Evanee to his son to be abused. Malone made his and his sister’s childhoods a living hell. But just as he lost color in his life, he gained the ability to see the “shadow of death”.
And here’s where Roads really pours on the magic. She brings two damaged souls together, to create something magical and whole. Helena becomes a warrior to save others when they don’t know how to fight for themselves. Thomas shows Helena the road to healing her own wounds and soul.
I LOVE the legend of Nameless and Bear. Roads’ prose is both beautiful and poetic. The world she’s created lives right along aside the one we live in. Roads has mastered the very delicate balance of reality and magic to make you believe this could really happen. Roads also keeps you guessing, wondering what’s around the next corner, or in this case, on the next page.
I hope Roads has more Fatal Dreams waiting in the wings, because I am already craving more!
***5 Stars***
If you’ve read any of the Fatal Dreams books you know that you need to keep your mind open to…well…basically everything (and if you haven’t, well, now you do). You need to simply accept that everything is possible and just roll with it because you will be taken on a journey and boy did this one take me on a journey. This one I pretty much devoured in no time flat and even gave me a “Whoa” moment that I wasn’t expecting, but ended up making absolute sense in the end.
Helena and Thomas. There is so much I want to say about both of them, but that would involve me being all spoilery, which I try not to do. So, what I will say is that my heart bled for all they had endured in their lives and I couldn’t help but admire the strength they both had, even when they didn’t see it, to survive it all…and this is all before they even collide. But once they do all bets are off and I loved watching them both become more, not only for themselves but for each other.
And there is the story as a whole. There are a lot of twists and turns that kept me guessing as to what was really going on, which had me #multitasking as I kept turning the pages to see what would happen next and if that next piece of the puzzle would clue me in to just what the hell was going on and when it did…it was a total “whoa” moment and at that point I couldn’t put the book down because I NEEDED to know how everything would work out in the end.
I didn’t expect this one to grab hold of me the way it did, but everything in this book just worked for me and I couldn’t put it down. This one tackles a bunch of dark themes, so if you have triggers you’ve been warned. And while this one can be read as a stand-alone, I do recommend that you read the first two in the series, especially since we get to catch up with Lantham and Evanee, to get a good feel for what the series is about.
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
NEVER LET ME FALL is the third instalment in Abbie Roads’ contemporary, adult FATAL DREAMS paranormal, romantic suspense series. This is police department consultant Thomas Brown, and former inmate Helena Grayse’s story line. NEVER LET ME FALL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the story in order for back story.
NOTE: NEVER LET ME FALL contains scenes of graphic violence and sexual abuse, and may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.
Told from several third person perspectives including Thomas and Helena NEVER LET ME FALL follows the building relationship between police department consultant Thomas Brown, and former inmate Helena Grayse. Ten years earlier Helena was sentenced to prison for a crime she did not commit but Helena found herself the target of a prison gang, a gang determined to end her life. Upon release from prison, a battered and battle -scarred Helena headed back to the family home, a home now owned by consultant Thomas Brown. When the attacks against Helena’s life continue on the outside, Thomas is determined to protect the woman that literally calls to his heart, a woman with whom he is psychically tethered. What ensues is the building but struggling relationship between Thomas and Helena, and the potential fall-out as Thomas’s past is determined to own him body and soul, a malevolent past that is closely connected to the woman he loves.
Thomas Brown has a special ability of which only a few are aware. With his ability to ‘read’ and ‘see’ the shadow of death, Thomas is surprised when Helena’s aura is a beacon of colour and light, colour he hasn’t seen in too many years. Helena has survived the prison abuse but was unaware of the how and why. Keeping to herself, remaining quiet in the face of danger and death, Helena continues to be targeted for sins of the past.
The relationship between Thomas and Helena is one of immediate attraction. Thomas knows immediately, with one touch, that Helena is his soulmate -her nearness allows Thomas to see colours and light; his touch heals that which would have killed a lesser human. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
NEVER LET ME FALL is a story of heartbreak and pain; family and loss; betrayal and vengeance. The premise is dark, gritty and raw; the romance is fated; the characters are broken, damaged and lost.
If your looking for a Paranormal Suspense book that totally unique this is the book for you. I have to admit I was not a Thomas fan. In the early books he was kind if a jerk but after finding out about his childhood I can understand why. I love the recurring reincarnation theme in all the books. You can’t help but root for Thomas and Helena they’ve been through so much. They deserve a HEA. Abbie Roads is on my auto buy list because I know its gonna be a five star read that is unlike anything you’ve read before! Keep them coming!!
I don’t know where the author gets the ideas for her books, but wow, this was so good. I like how the story tied in with the previous books and I loved how the characters are able to heal each other after all that they’ve been through. I was so into this one that I hated having to put it down for real life stuff lol. I definitely look forward to reading more by this author. I recommend Never Let Me Fall to fans of dark romance with paranormal twists.
rah-rah-sis-boom-bah
First, I have to say that book cover is perfect. Black and white with a burst of color between Thomas and Helena. You won’t have to invest much time into the book to discover how accurate the cover is.
touch
In the Fatal Dreams novels you learn how important touch is. Thomas and Helena discover their destiny and love for one another. But the most important part of their unique love is all in the touch. Touch heals. Touch protects.
I felt a connection with Thomas and Helena which made the love scenes beautiful and vivid.
Now don’t settle yourself down and expect to read about soft bunnies and pretty rainbows. Abbie shows us two sides of a coin. The shiny, bright side and the tarnished, damaged side. It’s a dark, paranormal romance with lots of suspense and a sadistic, creepy bad guy.
Final note, Thomas’s paranormal ability to read and see shadows of death was awesome! I just love Abbie’s creativeness and wonderful storytelling.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Omg I loved this story!
The way Abbie Roads writes makes you feel like you’re watching the story unfold like a movie.
The plot cleverly reveals lots of surprises, some quite shocking with lots twists and turns that I was on the edge of my seat through most of the book.
It truly is a wonderful story.
Although this is a paranormal romance, I think it’s also a psychological thriller too as it’s fast paced with lots of action.
The characters are brilliant, I love the way they’re created like unraveling a rose bud.
I have enjoyed Abbie Roads books so far and can’t wait to read more from her
His world was dark and dreary before her. He can never go back to a life without her. This book was hot, plot twisting, mind boggling and all together should be turned into a lifetime movie! Absolutely fantastic! Also Kent and Charity need their own novella… like for real…
Abbie Roads writes another winner! She is fast becoming the type of author where you see her name and buy her book, because you know it’ll be good!
Thomas Brown suffered greatly at the hands of his stepfather, who abused him. He wore the abuse on his face from the damage caused when he was a little boy. To try to shield himself, he kept the abuse to himself. An injury left not just a scar and loss of seeing colors, but an ability to see the shadow of death. An ability that as an adult, he used in law enforcement to help solve crimes.
Helena Grayse was serving time for murder of her boyfriend, Rory Elis. She also has suffered from abuse at the hands of women inmates, who refer to themselves as The Sisters. Despite many attempts on her life, Helena has survived. When she is released, Helena decides to pay respects to Rory Ellis and her grandparents. Nostalgia pulls her back to her grandparents’ home where happy memories reside.
A chance encounter between Thomas and Helena leaves them both feeling a deep connection. Helena is too aware of how people view her and plans to leave Sundew, Ohio. When Thomas discovers Helena camping on his property, he’ll move heaven and earth to get Helena to stay with him.
If you enjoy paranormal romantic thrillers, then you’ll love Never Let Me Fall. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley via Sourcebooks Casablanca and have provided an honest review.
This is Book 3 in the Fatal Dreams series. This was the first book that I’ve read by this author. You can read this as a stand-alone, but it would make more sense if you read the first two books. It’s based around a story that Helena’s grandfather told her about the lives of Fearless and Bear but she’s not sure if it’s a true story or not. The story starts with Helena in prison and she’s going to be released the next day, that is if she can make it out alive. I’m not sure if the story of why she’s in prison starts in the first books or not but the part where’s she’s in prison didn’t make a lot of sense. But it doesn’t take that much away from the story. Thomas was severely hurt as a child and now can’t see color. He’s also able to find things out by touching dead bodies. He sees Helena at the cemetery where they are getting ready to bury his mother. The events after that will keep you gripping the edge of your seat. You may even want to make sure someone is in the house with you, so you won’t be along. I really enjoyed reading this book and if you like mysterious spooky things, you need this book. Now I’m off to read the first 2 books. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book from Netgalley.