Everyone knows love is a battlefield. For Lenny Johnstone, it’s more like a challenge. Actually, everything is kind of a challenge for her. In comparison to her stunning—yet flighty—twin sister, Lenny’s awkwardly tall, painfully shy, and not so good at putting herself out there. Which is why she’s decided it’s high time she faced her demons. Starting with the one thing that’s always terrified her … always terrified her most: roller coasters.
Meeting a man was not on her summer to-do list. Falling for the tall, dark, and handsome stranger who wants to help her overcome her fears wasn’t either.
But Lenny’s about to learn that the only thing with more twists and turns than a roller coaster is love.
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What an adorable story. I was not prepared for how sweet and endearing this one was. Definitely a novella and one without the heart ache I have been so enmeshed in lately. Reading the story of Lenny and Rowan reminded me that for those of that can sometimes be afraid of making scary choices after experiencing something tragic, that there can be some real happiness. Lenny is scared of a lot of things after experiencing a tragic accident, but after a close friend of hers passes away from cancer, she makes it a point to start taking risks and living her life, as a testament to her lost friend. In the process she meets Rowan who completely changes her life and her outlook on her self.
A beautifully told story that reads super fast and will warm your heart. Highly recommended for a short and sweet read if that’s what you’re looking for!
I don’t think there will ever be a story that this author writes that I will not fall in love with. The Fear of Falling is a tale of overcoming fears and falling in love.
These characters just won my heart instantly. I was completely engrossed with the story, and I felt I could have read it forever, and its poignancy was incredible and touching.
And the romance swept me off from my feet. I adored it.
Another book I’d highly recommend. Incredible!
I love B. Cranford’s voice. I could read her books forever and this one is no exception. Real, witty, and wonderful writing – this is a must read!
Headline Review: 5 stars – Sometimes the fall is inevitable!
*sigh*
I really do put the ‘pro’ in procrastinate! Any other fellow sufferers? *snorts*
It always happens when I love a story and I find myself stumbling over my words *palms face*. Let me tell you, I’ve just had to have a stern word with myself. Don’t laugh! *folds arms* It was much needed talking to.
Right, let’s begin…
Now, I don’t know about you but sometimes novellas can leave me wanting. You all know by now that I’m always greedy for more *shrugs*.
Well, weeuulll (am I stressing this enough? *snorts*), imho TFoF is practically perfect in every way!
I actually described this story to a friend (read: fellow bookworm) as totally adorbs! It’s just all the things; sweet (my jaw was aching from grinning like a loon), heartfelt (I have a major girl crush on Lenny), steamy (sexy dentist – who knew?) and funny (I was snort-giggling)!
Side note: The Mommy’s timing sucks. I was just getting to the good stuff (insert winky-wink here) and in walks my mum needing me for something. Let me tell you peeps, it’s still entirely possible for a nearly 42-year-old to have a case of the strops. I think all my mother heard was:
“Mutter mutter phone. Mutter mutter Rowan – THE sexy dentist. Lenny SO needs this!”
TM really has a lot to put up with, eh? *laughs*
TFoF deals with the sensitive issue of anxiety and how our own personal demons can hold us back, however unintentional. Yet sometimes all it takes is for that one special person to have belief in you – who’ll walk by your side and lift you up for you to be able to see that nothing is insurmountable. *sigh* After that, world domination can ensue *smirks*.
I’m a newbie to B. Cranford’s books (say whaaa?), and I think it’s safe to say that fangirl mode has now been engaged. I’ll be good, I pinky promise.
I just need the next in the series NOW. That’s not asking too much, is it??!
I loved this wonderful novella. It was pun-tastically sweet, hot and funny.
This novella had everything I love most about her books. A brave heroine, a cocky yet vulnerable hero, and enough humor and heat to suck you all the way in. I loved Lenny and Rowan’s story. They had a whirlwind, sexy romance that you never want to end, at least I didn’t.
The Fear of Falling is a insta-love novella that just puts a big smile on my face. Rowan and Lenny had amazing chemistry, witty banter and made me fall in love with them. What a lovely feel-good story!
Lenny is full of anxiety and fears. Now she’s making a list a dear friend told her to try when she told her she needed to live. The last thing she expected was Rowan. Rowan is sweet and understanding. He’s her perfect counterpart. I loved these two together. Lenny learns to be brave and to love. A sweet, light romance that I really needed. Have always loved Beth’s books and this one was no different.
I have been a fan of the author’s work from the first book I picked up by her. So when the opportunity to review her latest came, I couldn’t pass it up! I will admit that I did not listen to the podcast where this story was featured. For me, Beth’s books are best devoured via the printed word and then maybe via auditory goodness.
This story, while a little on the shorter side, did not disappoint! I fell in love with Lenny and Rowan from the moment I started reading. These two characters complemented each other so well. I like that Rowan didn’t try to change Lenny or push her beyond her limits. I like that Lenny had her list of risks to take and start living life to her fullest potential. While Lenny’s friend was the catalyst for beginning to check off the items on the list, it was all Lenny and her perseverance to complete it.
I look forward to reading more stories in this Challenger series!
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
Looking for a standalone to devour as the kids are occupied and you have blessed moments of peace? Look no further than B. Cranford’s latest release.
Sometimes you are looking for a story that just makes you feel good. You love the characters and there is nothing to ‘fix’. Well, okay yes. Lenny has some anxieties. And she has a bucket list to help conquer them. What she doesn’t imagine is meeting Rowan to help conquer her fears.
The story line flows naturally and you can’t help loving the interaction between two opposites find each other. Rowan is the perfect man – sweet, understanding and patient.
If you need some happy smiles and make your heart flutter, check out The Fear of Falling.
Recommendation: Buy It
The Fear of Falling by B. Cranford is a contemporary romance novella told in first person, dual POV.
Lenny Johnstone has lived a cautious life paralyzed by fear. After losing a close friend, she makes a to-do list of things that scare her to challenge herself out of her comfort zone into truly living.
When Rowan Roberts spots a purple-haired beauty sitting on an amusement park bench, he’s drawn to her and has to meet her. When he learns the reason she’s there, he offers to help with her list, hoping to spend more time with her.
Read the book to find out what happens as they take on Lenny’s challenges together.
I enjoyed Lenny and Rowan’s story. It’s a feel-good story full of punny dialogue. I loved how understanding and supportive Rowan was as he helped Lenny face her fears and conquer them. There’s not much angst or external conflict in this story. It’s simply a sweet story about overcoming those internal crippling fears and falling in love.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
I love Lenny. Moving out of a comfort zone, when leaving it has had tragic consequences, is powerful. And Row was delightful. This was a great summer read!!
The Fear of Falling by B. Cranford is a light, sweet, and sexy novella that I really enjoyed! Rowan and Lenny meet by chance at an amusement park, where he sees her sitting on a park bench and is quickly drawn to her. It’s an instalove type story, which I always say I’m not a huge fan of, but I think the way the author wrote Lenny and Rowan……you couldn’t help but root for this couple.
Can somebody please explain to me how can such a short (too damn short) book be filled with so much feels?? My God I love Rowan and Lenny. After finishing this story I’m convinced that B.Cranford is a spy because there is a conversation in the book that my now husband said to me on our second date:
***“You’re so tall. I don’t have to bend down to half my height to kiss you. I can lean in and there you are. Do you have any idea how much of a fucking turn-on that is?”
It’s been too long since the last book and this feels like an apprizer so I’m looking forward to more stories by the amazing B.Crandford!!
A delightful and endearing novella! I loved the premise of the “bucket-list” and the instant attraction between Lenny and Rowan. Even as short as it was, the story was beautifully written and so heartfelt.
The characters were well developed and I could truly believe her dismay and anxiety. Rowan was the quintessential gentleman, ever present and compassionate. I would almost categorize this as a cozy romance, with lots of sparks, lol. Hopefully this will lead to more books by Ms Cranford, with a followup story about Lenny’s sister, Willa. I would highly recommend this beautiful tale.
The perfect story for this time
B. Cranford does what only great writers can do. She creates relatable stories and characters with an ease that belies just how difficult it is to create the everyday. Her writing has an economy that makes it a pleasure to read while packing a punch per page.
Lenny and Rowan are both people who could be my friends. Neither are over the top, and I bought into their instant camaraderie. As Lenny faces her fears, Row is there to support but not push. He is not only respectful of her boundaries, he gives her space to create new experiences.
Rowan is my favorite kind of hero. He’s smart, kind, and he doesn’t need to be aggressive to be strong. Lenny is kind and scared, but she no longer lets her fears keep her frozen. Watching the two of them breathe and grow is both funny and endearing. Couple that with Cranford’s signature chemistry, and you have the perfect recipe for a happily ever after. The side characters are fun and flawed and they had major impact on the story’s trajectory. There are no throw-away characters here!
The Fear Of Falling is the perfect short book for our time. It’s simultaneously sweet and optimistic with a hearty helping of hot. I really hope to see these characters in the future!
This was funny and witty and full of heart. Lenny is afraid of so much bit trying her best to fight it. Rowan with his quiet confidence, comes along with instant acceptance (and a heap of attraction) and supports her. I love how strong she is without even knowing, how she fights her insecurities and anxiety. I’m intrigued to see where her sister Willa is headed with her own story.
RATING 4.5 STARS
“It’s time to let go of the fear, sweetheart. It’s time to live.”
The Fear of Falling by B. Cranford, is a wonderful, stand alone novella that I enjoyed so much. It’s one of those stories that just makes your heart a little bit lighter.
Eleanora (Lenny) Johnstone lives her life cautiously, letting fear guide her way. She is tall, awkward and so shy. With the words of a dear friend in her head, Lenny has decided to confront her fears and creates a bucket list. One of those items is riding a roller coaster. The one thing she hadn’t counted on is that roller coaster ride leading her to meet a very good looking man. And having that man volunteer to help her with crossing more items off her list!
Rowan (Row) Roberts was at the park that day with friends when he saw her sitting on the bench. He had to talk to her, his feet found their way over to her before his brain even realized it. The more he talked with her, the more he didn’t want their time together to end.
The connection between Lenny and Row was instant and electric. They live three hours away from each other but for Row, he will overcome any obstacle if it means spending time with her.
This is a story of facing your fears, and opening your heart to unexpected love. Lenny always felt a little bit jealous of her twin sister, who was outgoing, adventurous and so tiny. But all she had to do was find the right person to show her that she was every bit as courageous as her sister, every bit as adventurous. These two were absolutely adorable together. The story is told from both their point of views. It also seems like there might be a story to be told regarding Lenny’s twin sister? I hope so. This was the perfect book for me today, a feel good, happy way to spend my afternoon.
Lenny needed to get out of her comfort zone and she found someone to support her as she worked through her list of things to conquer. Rowan was the perfect H for Lenny. Insta chemistry and lots of heat in this quick read.
Insta-love and novellas aren’t usually my jam for a variety of reasons. But this was a perfect book to spend a day with.
I’ve missed BC’s words in my life. Her books are funny, quirky, and leave me feeling so happy. It took a while for me to wipe the smile off my face after finishing Lenny and Row’s story.
I definitely am going to need Willa’s book! I’m so curious about her and whoever she’ll get her HEA with!!