Gripping, heart-stopping, and an incredibly epic journey with a twist you’ll never see coming. Best selling author, Meghan Quinn, brings you a modern take on an old fashion romance that will leave you breathless and wanting more. Tucked away at the base of the Rocky Mountains lived a little boy with one singular dream: leave this broken and battered home and become someone.Be somebody’s hero.That … someone.
Be somebody’s hero.
That boy was me—Colby Brooks. Except I’m not that same little boy anymore.
My dreams might still be the same, but my reality isn’t.
I’m smarter. Stronger. A man.
And I learned a long damn time ago, the only way to achieve my dreams was to avoid distractions—at any cost.
Focus. Resolve. Determination.
But all it took was one single night. One night and my entire life…changed.
One night had me colliding head first with the biggest distraction of my life; Rory Oaks.
Smart. Charming. Beautiful.
Rory changed everything.
Quickly, my one-track mind started to bend.
Each kiss faded decade-long dreams.
And with one single incident, I fly off course.
more
Well then… I was not expecting that. At all! But I knew it was coming. I felt it deeply and in my very gut as my heart raced. Now I’m left here wondering what the heck is happening!? What have you done, Meghan Quinn!?
The Upside of Falling was beautifully heartbreaking and an emotional story of perseverance. It was everything you look for in a good angst filled romance that will give you all the feels!
Colby Brooks is an amazing, yet broken man. Brooding, quiet, and somewhat gloomy. He dreams of being up in the sky and becoming a fighter pilot just like his grandfather. He’s a man that carries his demons on his shoulders. The loss and pain he’s endured has caused him to build an impenetrable barrier… until Rory of course.
Rory she’s beautiful, sweet, and loyal. She gives up on her dreams to take care of her family. Colby and her meet at a party where their attraction for one another is potent and hard to deny, but Colby fights against it. Rory is feisty and she doesn’t give up on him. She slowly breaks down those walls that surround him. She’s the light among the darkness for him.
Colby and Rory spend the most magnificent months together. Sharing each other’s hopes, dreams, and secrets while basking in their love. But not all good things end happily. Soon everything is crumbling and you’re left shocked .
This book will throw you a curve ball you’ll never see coming and that’s for sure! I’m angry, confused, and on the verge of throwing something… but I loved it!! Every single mintue of this book I loved it. A definite must read, I need book 2 now please!
Can I just say this type of story is my favorite kind? The kind with the slow burn type of love with the little twists thrown in to push you to the edge? Yes. Give me more! Colby and Rory have that once in a lifetime kind of love. The deep, reach into your heart, soulmate kind of relationship. You can just feel the dedication that Colby has to goal to be a fighter pilot. He was made to fly free in the sky. It’s embedded in his genes. And that same dedication is inside Rory to her brother and family. Both of these two are just such good people. They are just made to be together. But life isn’t fair. This story was just so good and with an autistic daughter myself I could really identify with Rory and can’t wait for the second half of this duet. I know there’s so much more to this story!
I am absolutely in love with Colby and Rory as a couple. I was kind of heart broken at the end of the book though. I was also conflicted with some of these characters as well. I think Rory should take more chances despite her family situation, but it made the book that much better that she didn’t. I would never be able to say enough about these characters and thank god book 2 came out today, because I don’t think I could have waited after that ending. I’m sure I will not be disappointed in book 2 either. This is defiantly a recommend book to read!!
***4.5 ‘I Think You’re Mine’ Stars***
Ummm…what the…*Slowly puts the Kindle down so I don’t throw it as a plethora of curse words come out of my mouth that the beep is really just one long annoying sound with no breaks*?!?!?!
Yes, a cliffy was expected ~ it is a duet after all, but seriously??
THAT?!?
Nope. No. Just…I refuse…so we are just going to pretend that it doesn’t exist and move on.
(Why do I feel as if the author is giggling in devious delight right now at my reaction?)
*Time for deep, cleansing breaths*
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Okay. I’m chill. I’m good. I hope.
This one was definitely a journey and the feels were all kinds of real. Not only with Colby and Rory’s journey together (as can be verified by the start of this review) but with them as individuals. Both are driven, focused and stubborn. So. Very. Stubborn. And that works for and against them, but has made them into the people they are, which are human’s with huge hearts. I will say that it took me a bit to warm up to both of them, but once their pasts were revealed things started to click and I ended up loving both of them, there we still things that frustrated me, but such is life.
As for their romance. It really was all kinds of sweet and smexy when things finally got rolling. I loved how they communicated and really took the time to get to know one another. The smexy between them was hot and to be honest they were kinda sickeningly sweet – you know that couple you want to hate because they are so cute and just good together but you can’t? Yeah that’s them.
Now. I’m still not in a headspace where I want to address that which I am still in denial about, but I will say that had I not been so invested in Colby and Rory, my reaction would be what it is and for that I must kowtow to Ms. Quinn. She brought these two to life with her words and made them pretty damn amazing. But now we wait…
~ Copy provided via InkSlinger PR/author & voluntarily reviewed ~
One of my favorite books of 2018. Anyone who wants to read an original romance with amazing characters need this one! I promise, you won’t regret it! Meghan Delivers. Meghan Quinn
The Upside Of Falling is everything and so much more. It evoked so many emotions from me, it consumed my mind, heart and soul. Meghan Quinn wrote The Upside Of Falling with significant passion and heart. It’s romantic on many levels, I was captivated and I couldn’t help but fall deeply in love with Colby and Rory’s epic romance.
Colby and Rory are complete opposites and couldn’t be more wrong for each other. Rory is light-hearted, persistent, out-going, compassionate and selfless. I LOVED her spirit and tenacity. Colby is closed off, reserved and the epitome of a brooding hero. With that said, his characteristics give off a lot of sexy vibes. He is a beautiful man with a beautiful, damaged and broken soul. He is also selfless and is a wonderful man with a heart of gold. I don’t want to give too much away but reading how their love story unfolded was just wonderful. The character development and plot is absolutely brilliant. The Upside Of Falling’s story-line is engaging and it flowed perfectly.
Everyone needs to read this book, I can’t wait to read The Downside Of Love as I know it will be well worth the wait!
Holy range of emotions!! This book had me in ALL my feelings!! I was engrossed throughout the whole story. This was so beautifully written and such a heartwarming amazing story that ends on a cliffhanger. One click now and you won’t be disappointed!
This is one of my favorites by Meghan Quinn and when in a bit of a 2020 funk, I decided to take a trip back to Colorado to spend time with some of my favorite characters. This book is going to slingshot you back and forth between shattering your heart and putting the pieces back together. I love Colby so much and Rory’s strength is absolutely amazing. I wouldn’t be able to hold back from Colby either especially with that dirty mouth.
This was so good! It was more serious than the last series I read by Meghan, but I loved it. I’m giving it 5 out of 5 stars. This review is for an ARC, and reflects my honest opinion.
I don’t usually gravitate towards “military books”, but this one sounded so good, and I absolutely loved Meghan’s Dating by Numbers series, so I had to request it. This was dual POV, and also included some chapters set in the past. I actually cried a couple times; this book hit me with some major feels. It made me laugh/smile some, but it was definitely a more serious romance.
I loved Rory’s character. She was such a good person, so thoughtful and sweet. And Colby…he definitely had some problems opening up (for good reasons), but he was such a sweetheart. He’s definitely going on my book boyfriend list. I loved Rory’s family, and also seeing a little of Rory and Colby’s friends. And I absolutely adored Gramps! He was one of my favorite characters.
Forewarning: this book ended on a pretty dramatic part, and I think some people might be shocked by it. I wasn’t; I definitely called it way back in the book, but I might just be a good guesser. I want the second book already! I need to know what happens next, especially once I saw the blurb for book two soon after finishing book one.
I highly recommend this book if you like military romances, sweet/bubbly heroines, and a slightly jaded (but super loving) hero. Just be mentally prepared for some sad moments, and to be overwhelmed with some feels.
I still don’t know what to say about The Upside of Falling, and I don’t want to say too much, as you really need to experience this book for yourself. Yes, it’s a duet, so there is a cliffhanger at the end of this one (and I need book 2, right about now). But, please, please, please don’t let that scare you away. If it does, you will be missing out on one amazing story. I honestly feel it’s the best story she has ever written. You can tell she put her whole heart and soul into this story. It was beautiful, emotional, heartfelt……….absolutely incredible. She’s amazing at writing romantic comedies as we all know, but this just ups her writing game to another level.
Disappointed that with all Colby went through in his young life, he did not have a happily ever after with Rory.
Five Star Read
What a fantastic read! This is my third read by Meghan Quinn and she is becoming one of my one click authors. I love her writing style! The story flowed perfectly and she had me giggling in a few parts and for me to want to throw my kindle at the same time.
Not to mention attraction of these characters was enough to get you to feel like you were in their shoes. Colby was a dream come true. He knows what his dreams are and wants to fight for his heart at the same time..and Rory is want his heart wants. I love Rory’s personality; especially to fight for what she wants. Should I mention those sex scenes?! OMG!! Freaking HOT!! Meghan definitely knows how to tell those!!
The Upside Of Falling is the first book in The Blue Line Duet Series. I cannot wait to get book two: The Downside Of Love and see what is in store for these characters.
Wow , I don’t know that I have ever been this affected by a book before. The story in this book is so much more than just that, it is about being friends, lovers, and how you become so much more. However at the same time it is about what people will do or give up to achieve their dreams.
Colby has always wanted to be a fighter pilot , Rory wanted to be a ballerina . Colby is on the fast track to achieving his dreams while Rory gave hers up for certain reason. These two characters bring the reader into their story of falling in love. You as the reader will feel yourself falling in love with them as they fall for each other. But can they survive a life involved with the military and lost dreams.
This book gave me the worst book hangover I have ever had but in a good way . To me what makes a good book is one the story sticks with you , you agonize over it, you have theories about it, you can’t sleep because you are left with this whole where your heart was and this story will do everyone of those things. It will grip you and take you on a journey thru the upside of falling in love . Meghan Quinn is truly an amazing author who can give you laughs while slowly ripping you at the seams . I had to update this review . It is a few days later and I am still thinking about this book. I am so emotionally invested in the outcome of this series.
How is it possible for an author to wreck me and break my heart multiple times????? Ms. Quinn has been able to do this so many times and she did not disappoint with The Upside to Falling.
This book is absolute perfection!! The character development is spot on (which I knew it would be because Meghan Quinn is the author!!)
Now…..I really need The Downside of Love…….STAT…….ASAP…….NOW……immediately!!!!!
Reviewed by: Dana D.
I’ve never been so happy to be taken hostage by a book! Lately I’ve been feeling kind of funky. Book funky, that is. I’ve been disinterested in reading, and it’s been troubling me because I freaking love to read! I needed something to snap me the hell out of it, and The Upside of Falling did just that. I could not put this book down. And the cherry on top of this addictive sundae is that it’s only the first book in a duet.
How do you know if this story is for you? Ask yourself if you like…
• Romances that are sweet and also naughty
• Wounded heroes
• Warm fuzzies
• Soap opera worthy family drama
• Cliffhangers
If those qualities don’t tick your boxes then move along. If they get your heart pumping, then welcome aboard the Book Crack Train.
I do enjoy a tough hero who is also very vulnerable, and Colby is the perfect balance of both. He is brooding and single-minded in his goal to graduate from the Air Force Academy and become a fighter pilot. His seeming indifference to Rory keeps his brutally painful past at bay and protects his dreams for the future. I love how determined and persistent Rory is in tearing down Colby’s walls. She has a huge heart and her relationship with her brother is so dear.
Colby is tender with just the right amount of alpha, which gives his romance with Rory some heat to go along with the sweet. The combination helps the angst go down quite nicely.
This one is a heartbreaker with a cliffhanger I saw coming but still very much enjoyed. On to the conclusion…
Recommended for fans of:
Men in uniform
Angst
Airplanes
Sweaters and leggings
This book wasn’t what I expected I really enjoyed it but it took me forever to read it and I don’t know why.
Colby had a terrible childhood and only one dream and goal to make him truly happy to become a fighter pilot. Nothing would get in his way. Until he met her he knew from the moment he saw her she was trouble.
Rory wants nothing more than to find her happily ever after Baggage and all but who can deal with it? She wants more than a good time or a fun weekend she wants love.
Can these two find happiness in each other? Or will their differences and life goals get in the way?
A fantastically written, emotional story that has left my heart in my throat. Rory and Colby have an incredibly intense connection and everything they went through was filled with intense emotions and so much hope and love. But that ending….all I can do is scream in frustration. Scrambling now to start the next book as I’m dying here!
My heart just got smashed into a million little pieces.. I cried a lot, screamed, sniffed and wailed. Meghan Quinn, how could you do this to me?
Colby Brooks has always wanted to fly and be there up in the skies as a fighter jet pilot and make his daddy proud. But life always seemed to have a way to crash all his hopes and his dreams took a nose dive when he lost his father. He vowed to be someone worth looking up to (literally) and be a hero without getting sidetracked- meaning, no girls, no lovelife, no commitments, no distractions.
Rory Oaks came into his life when everything was about to unfold and make his dreams come true. He couldn’t deny the attraction he felt the moment he met her, but damn all hell if he would pursue his feelings. No, Rory was a distraction, someone he ought to forget and never to think about at all. Rory shouldn’t be flying on his radar, shouldn’t short-circuit his brain. Colby needed to erase her from his life and stop wanting her.
But he can’t stop.
Rory Oaks got a lot on her plate but had always seen her glass half full. Caring for a brother who needed special care had always been her top priority, and her fear of moving on distracted her from living her life. When she met Colby , she was intrigued by his aloofness, lonesome tendencies and indifference. She shouldn’t be that involved with someone who didn’t want anything to do with her. She needed to let him go.
I just loved this. Could not put it down. Colby and Rory make a great couple. Hanging in till I read book two, which I am starting right now. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone!
This book was fantastic! A slow build, a presentation of characters that takes place in different POW’s and some back-flashes, the author didn’t present the whole back story in one piece, but she spread it over various chapters, in a very effective way. The writing in this book was very spot on, great pace and great intriguing plot.
Colby Brooks knew what he wanted to be in his life, graduate from the Air Force Academy, get into flight school, and fly F-16 planes. He worked for this goal all his life, ever since he was a little boy. He was aided and abetted on his goal by his father, until he died when Colby was ten, then by his Gramps. His one-track mind helped him to become top of his class in the AF Academy and he was counting the days until graduation and flight school.
His friend Stryder, a fellow cadet with a family tradition of fighter pilots, had a lighter stance in life, and liked to party. He forced Colby to attend a party against his will and there he met Rory. Like he said, when he saw Rory and her red lips, it was like everything went black and his sight focused on only her. He tried to keep away but Rory truly rocked his world. In this part, I didn’t like the aggressive way that Rory pursued Colby. She was really relentless and wouldn’t take no for an answer. I typically find that very disgusting, because I feel it’s disrespectful of the other person’s choices. However, once they hook up, they made a great couple. She’s sweet and understanding, a happy girl with a great upbringing that brought a bright light into Colby’s darkness.
Colby is honorable, serious, steadfast, sexy, well-built, driven and caring. He understood Rory’s need to stay in town to care for her autistic brother, and understood why she gave up on her plans to dance ballet in New York. On the other hand, she was right and front supporting Colby on his dreams of being a fighter plane pilot, especially given his abusive childhood. The thing is, that what brought them together was also taking them apart.
The book ends on a sad note and a spectacular cliffhanger. It was expected and it was truly well brought about. I loved the story and I loved the characters, and incredibly, I loved the cliffhanger which I usually hate. Great way to leave a reader in suspense!