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.
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The Upside of Falling has EVERYING that I want – electric attraction, slow-building love and a battle of choosing what you want and what is right. In my opinion, it is one of Meghan’s best books. From the very first chapter, I fell in love with this story and the characters.
Meghan expertly brought out the characters of Colby and Rory. I can feel their turmoil and internal battle. I like that the story was told in both POV which really provided depth to each character. I was able to see what they were thinking and how the decisions were made. Meghan’s smooth writing had drawn me into the story and made me feel a lot of emotions. Watching Rory and Colby fall in love had warmed my heart. Colby was so sweet and understanding regarding Rory’s obligations to her family. I was furious when Rory made her choice when faced with Colby’s graduation. She thought she made the right choice for Colby, but I think there were alternatives and she did not listen to what Colby had to say. I was shocked at the twist at the end. I had a lot of questions and I came up with a lot of scenarios in my head on how the story will progress. I am so looking forward to book two of the Blue Line Duet and continue on the emotional journey with Colby and Rory.
OMG this story !!! I am a huge fan of Meghan’s words but this book …… I absolutely loved it.
This book just had it all and i was emotionally invested in right from the start, cheering Colby & Rory on. I loved that it was written in duel point of view and the letters they wrote to each other were classic and so old school romance but fit them so well and pulled me deeper into their story.
Colby had not had the best of starts, especially after losing his father and i loved his drive and determination to live out his dream and become a fighter pilot. Rory gave up her dreams to be there for her family, her brother and is making the best out of the life she has. Colby isn’t looking for love, he doesn’t have time for it but when Rory pursues him she starts to break through that hard protective shell he built around himself and before he realises it, he is in deep.
I must have gone through every emotion possible with this book, it was a highly emotive read and that ending, that cliffhanger …….. WHY Meghan WHY – i think i shouted at my kindle !!!! I can’t wait to find out what happens in the second instalment and i just hope that it finishes the way i want it to !!
Wow, just wow. Colby Brooks is a cadet at the Air Force Academy. He is single minded, focused on excelling and getting into flight school. Rory Oaks is a fitness instructor and massage therapist, who gave up her dreams of going to New York to stay in her home town and help her parents with her brother who has Autism. Colby wants no distractions, but Rory wants Colby, and she is determined to break down his defenses. As this is a duet book, there is a cliffhanger at the end, which threw me for a loop and I wasn’t saying nice things about Ms. Quinn! Luckily, I finished this book on the day that The Downside of Love was published so I was able to right in.
I kind of wish I had spoiled this for myself. Rory was aggravating. It is not her “duty” to give up her life for her brother. she should have left Colby alone. He got the shaft in this. Hated that cliffy!
This book is part one of a duet and ends on a cliffhanger.
Rory and Colby share a passionate journey. At first, Colby is very closed off and thinks of Rory as a distraction. Rory is very persistent in her quest to get Colby to open up. After several meetings, Rory begins to write Colby letters.
Let me tell you…these letters are EVERYTHING! The emotions, vulnerability, and passion these two share on paper will bring you to happy tears. They truly open up their heats to one another in the hopes that they will never be broken.
I loved Rory. She knew what she wanted and never backed down. She knew she was meant to be in Colby’s life and didn’t let his attitude deter her. She was loving, thoughtful, and always looking for Colby’s best interests.
Colby was a lost, tortured soul. He was living life going through the motions. As he began to open up, you saw that he was a very passionate, romantic guy. He didn’t take things for granted and loved profusely.
Now for the cliffhanger…OMG!! Why, why why??? I don’t see how the book could go that way. I am itching to get the second book so that Meghan can make everything right in the world again.!
-An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review. –
The Upside of Falling is book one in Meghan Quinn’s highly anticipated Blue Line Duet about love, heartache, dreams and sacrifices…
Although it’s been several hours since I reached that shock-worthy ending, my heart is still beating a million miles an hour and my stomach is in all sorts of knots. I knew immediately without a doubt that the moment I began this story it was going to be impossible to put down and I was right because I ended up devouring it in one sitting. Meghan Quinn has certainly captivated my soul in this emotionally beautiful and realistic romance!
Colby Brooks is a young man who is focused on his dreams and he avoids distractions at all costs. At least that is until he meets the beautiful Rory Oaks at a party. Suddenly, she’s a distraction he doesn’t want and yet a distraction he can’t help but crave. Their chemistry is undeniably real and their romance burns bright for all to see. I’ve got to say that right from the beginning I was rooting for them every step of the way and I couldn’t wipe that huge smile off my face while I was reading their story. While the majority of this story had be swooning, the hard moments brought unexpected tears to eyes and I wished that I could go back to their happier moments each and every time.
I am already on the edge of my seat in anticipation for The Downside of Love, the conclusion in the Blue Line Duet… ESPECIALLY, after that intense ending and all I can think about right now is THANK GOODNESS I won’t have to wait too long for it!
There is no reward, without learning to take risks. The Upside of Falling is the act of learning to take chances. Colby knows what it means to dream. Dreaming got him through the toughest moments of his life. What happens when the hope that helped you survive, stands between you and your heart’s desire? Colby and Rory are the beginning of the sweetest fantasy.
Absolutely enamored!
I had a genuine smile on my face whilst reading this beautiful story! And a warm feeling in my heart for the characters!
The wonderful way this book is written is rather incredible! I admire the authors ability to draw you into her words! Words that move you!
The friendship and connection developing in this story are just so heartwarming and gave me the fuzzies! Lol!
Colby says such profound words to Rory and the whole getting to know you part is incredibly caring and wonderful! Rory has such a great heart! She deserves the world
Then there are moments where you just feel so sad for Colby, I had tears….I cant even describe how certain parts got to me. It’s something you have to read for yourself to understand.. I just loved Rorys family and Colbys grandpa!
This book was too astoundingly beautiful for words and I am incredibly excited for more..
Where do I even begin with this review? In the beginning, we meet our Hero, Colby, a hard working cadet in the Air Force Academy. We then meet our heroine, Rory, an exercise instructor and massage therapist. In the beginning, I thought I was truly going to hate Colby. He just set off that vibe. As the story progressed, Colby became such a lovable character. The love story between the two characters was the sweetest thing ever. Learning about their pasts and the events that molded the people they had become tugged at my heartstrings. Then the ending… that cliffhanger has me all torn up. I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book of the duet!
The Upside Of Falling is a sweet story about first love, pain and sacrifice and I fell in love with both Rory and Colby right from the start.
This story reminded me of an old fashioned love story with the beautiful letters exchanged between both characters as they started getting to know each other and then the letters evolved to a way to keep their connection when they were separated.
They both have challenges and decisions that they have to face. Is their love enough and their sacrifices worth it?
Rate: 5 / 5 stars
Oh lordie, Colby Brooks is special and I’m not just saying it for the heck of it. He truly is special. And you’ll find out for yourself how much once you read this book. My goodness my poor heart was very excited when I started reading this book, but once the first chapter of Colby as a child appeared it started to hurt. You start figuring out who Colby is and why he is the way he is in a general basis, but mostly importantly why he tries to stay away from Rory. You get glimpses of his past and what he went through, and it’s amazing to be able to contrast that scared 10 year old boy with the 22 year old man who is strong, determined and so damn caring once you get past his hard exterior.
As I said, Colby didn’t have an easy childhood, for many reasons, all related to each other in a snowball effect. He has always known what he wanted to do, and the hardships he had to endure only made him more determined to achieve his dream of being a pilot. His only support system has always been his grandpa, who instilled in him the love for planes and always feed that love and Colby’s dream of flying.
Colby is so very close to graduating, and then knowing if he got into Flight School. He’s trying to stay focused on his goals, working hard and studying. But one day, when he’s home on break, his best-friend and housemate convinces him to go to a party and it’s at this party that Colby and Rory first lay eyes on each other. He tries to stay away from her, he doesn’t need a distraction but Rory is very persistent. She knows what she wants, and she can tell from the start that Colby is worth pursuing. Boy is she right! And she really sees that along the way, when he starts opening up to her.
Even though he tried to stay away, she became a distraction anyway because he couldn’t stop thinking about her after they met. And with a little more persistence and creativity Rory wins him over. They fall. They fall hard. At every little secret or quirk Rory learns about Colby, makes her see how truly amazing he is. And seeing him with her family and interacting with her autistic brother only proves that. They found ‘the one’ in each other but with Colby’s future looming over them, things are nothing but easy. What will Colby choose, his dream or the love of his life? And will Rory let him give up on that dream?
Since this is a duet, I bet you know the answer to at least one of those questions. My god, I already knew this wasn’t gonna end well. And at one point in the book, it’s pretty clear what will happen but let me say this, that epilogue oh my god. My poor heart. His poor heart. Holy f*ck! It hurt. And now I’m DYING to see how everything will play out because I NEED to know, not just what happens next but what the heck happened in that one year gap. Ah, I feel like screaming just thinking about it. Damn it!! These are the kind of things that really get to me. I swear I’ve never wanted to have the second book of a duet as much as I want this one right now. iedfjngvojglfnjenriodvfngh. I’m a mess, but I guess you could probably already tell at this point.
Okay, okay. Please pick up this book, it might destroy you in the end but it is truly so good. I think with every book I read of Meghan’s I fall a little more for her writing. And this book, no doubt has been my favorite. These two were beyond perfect together. They are two very sweet characters who have sucky family situations, even though in very different ways, that have come out on top and have strived and are just amazing people. I seriously loved them, but you know with that ending my opinion of Rory might change. It’s very possible.
For real though, pick this one up. You won’t regret it. #promise
I have been gravitating towards duets this year and I was totally on board with this one as soon as I read the synopsis. With my husband in the military, I’ll take on a military romance here and there. I love reading about the couples relationships and the trials and tribulations they constantly face. I totally understand it and it’s not an easy relationship to be in.
As I started, we get the beginnings of a new relationship. With Colby always having his dreams set on being a fighter pilot, he could never afford any sort of distractions. His life since he left home after high school has been a routine. Doing everything the same, everyday until he finally got to his goal.
But then the one time he gives in and decides to live a little and steer away from his rigid routine, Rory completely knocks him on his ass. I liked that he endlessly tried to stay away for her, but Rory’s persistence was something to be admired.
As to be expected, the thing I hate about duets is how the book ends. It’s always on a cliffhanger and usually I’m feeling all the feels and teetering on the edge of anxiety because I just need to know what happens. For majority of the book, we see these two blazing through the honeymoon stage of their relationship. Colby’s walls are breaking down and he’s opening up about his rough life growing up especially after losing his dad. We witness Rory’s uttermost devotion and dedication to her brother that is autistic. You’ll be wondering when that other shoe will drop.
It’s no surprise what Colby will do once he graduates from the Air Force Academy, already accepted into his dream. There’s that gray cloud looming over them because they will both need to decide what is to happen with their future.
All I have to say is that around half way through the book, I had a very strong feeling about what was going to happen. And it left me feeling not so great… especially as I was nearing the end. And then it finally happened as I assumed and I was left pretty darn angry…
If only I could go into more details, but this is something you’ll have to read and find out. As angry as I am about the cliffhanger, I’m 100% nervous about the conclusion book. I feel like that will be the one where we dive deeper into all the emotions we didn’t quite experience in this one. It’ll be a dark and angsty road to get through and hearts will be broken over and over again. How can any happiness come out of this?!
I wanted to love this, but it’s steering into something that I don’t usually read. And I have no idea how I’m going to handle this. The writing was flawless and everything flowed so perfectly. I’m not sure if my heart will be able to handle the conclusion…
5 star review of The Upside of Falling (Blue Line #1) by Meghan Quinn
I have read several books from Meghan Quinn and each time I think, this is my favourite and yes you guessed it, I am saying this again,
As I have come to expect from a Meghan Quinn book, this story had wonderful characters with great depth, they were easy to relate to and written with such care and expressive feelings that I was immediately invested in the story of Colby and Rory from chapter one.
To say that Colby Brooks is swoon worthy may well be the understatement of the year and Rory Oaks, well I fell for her too.
Rory is one of those characters that gets you right in the heart, always willing to give up her hopes and dreams to do what is right and needed by her family.
Colby is totally focused on his goals and the last thing he wants or needs is a distraction which when he meets Rory at a party he feels she would be.
There was nothing that I did not like about this book, well except the ending, but thankfully we only have to wait about a month to find out what happens, otherwise I would not be responsible for what happens next.
This was one of those books that left me with a massive book hangover so you have been warned. I firmly believe that the conclusion with not only be an emotional roller coaster of a ride, but it will be epic.
One click now, you won’t be disappointed.
Omg…this book is why I love the way Meghan writes. She captures you from the beginning to the end. And this book was everything and more. I love Colby. He’s one of my favorite characters in her books. I love his emotion, his dreams, his character. And his gramps? Love the two of them. Rory was good for him. Man, did their relationship give you the feels. I cannot wait to read the ending to this. I know it’s going to be just as great, if not better, than this one!
5 Stars
It’s like some kind of trap. Meghan Quinn is known for Rom-Com, but this is another level of amazing. This isn’t the funny, off-the-wall hilarious story you’re used to getting.
This is going to break you. The Upside of Falling is going to bury itself in your soul and it won’t let you go. You’re going to cry. You’re going to embark on a journey you aren’t prepared for. You’re going to be distracted, much like Colby. And you’re going to love this distraction so hard. You aren’t going to want to put it down. You aren’t going to be prepared for the ending. You ARE GOING TO WANT THE NEXT BOOK RIGHT NOW.
Grab your tissues. Get in your comfy pjs, grab your drink of choice, and prepare to be broken. It’s gonna happen.
This book. OMG! What a ride it was!!
I am absolutely head over heels for Colby. He’s sexy and in command, at all times. He comes off a bit shy at first, but we soon learn it’s more of a guarded thing than shyness. Rory was perfect for him. Sweet, and just what he needed. The ending of this story??? GAH! The tears and urge to throw my kindle across the room was strong! I can’t wait for the continuation of this story, and would definitely recommend this!!!
WOW Meghan has outdone herself with this book. I adored every word in this brilliant story an I become emotionally invested in this story to the point that I am on the edge of my seat for the next book in the duet.
I loved how this was told in dual POV and the letters they wrote to each other were filled with such beautiful emotion and honesty. It was lovely going back to the old fashioned romance instead of relying solely on text messages.
The chemistry between Colby and Rory was off the charts and so deep and emotional. The slow build and eruption of their relationship made my heart happy and full. The built a beautiful connection with their letters before they moved onwards.
My heart broke for them with the obstacle put before them. Colby is on track to follow his dream to become a fighter pilot and Rory has family ties and commitments preventing her from following him across the country.
I am now desperate to see what happens in the next book. ESPECIALLY AFTER THAT CLIFFHANGER!! I alternated between shouting NNNNOOOO and WTF!!!. I am hoping my heart will be healed but I know whatever path Meghan Quinn takes will cement this duet as one of my favourite books from her.
It was an amazing book and boy did I get mad and cried, but once again the heroine left a bad taste in my mouth… she knew what she was getting into and still her actions made me go hmm.. I wish I could call her selfless like other people did, but I just can’t.. Colby I love you and life is gonna serve you a better plate once you reach your dreams! overall a really amazing book and trust me you want to read this!! because its everything is not what you think of!
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Omg, I loved this book so much! This is so different from Meghan Quinn’s funny romcoms. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for the next book.
Colby is broken and has one dream in life and that is to get into flight school and become a pilot. In his short life he has been let down a lot and by the people he needed the most. The one person he can count on is his grandfather who encourages him and shows him love. He is determined to not let anything distract him from his dream. That all changes one night at a party that he didn’t even want to attend.
Rory is sweet and very protective of her family. She has given up her dream to stay close to home and help with her brother. She never expected to meet a guy at a party that is so closed off. The more he ignores her the more she is interested in him. She shows him what it’s like to have someone care for you.
The way these two feel in love was so sweet. Now comes the tricky part as they figure out how to make it work when he goes off to school. Will they be able to make their relationship work?
I loved this story and these characters so much. I can’t wait for the conclusion to see how it ends. I highly recommend this book.
Meghan Quinn is an amazing author who’s books I love to go into blind, will we get a RomCom or a beautifully written emotion packed romance?? The Upside of Falling is most definitely the latter and then some.
Colby won my heart from the get go when we meet the young boy with tradegy at the centre of his world. His love of flying is his life focus that takes him from the home he knew and his stubborn determination comes with its own downsides, one making Colby seem a little standoffish.
Rory is a great chatacter that isn’t afraid to go after what she wants and after a chance meeting she wants Colby.
These two characters will win you over with the slow burn to their relationship, the way in which they communicate and open up to each other is a lovely refreshing angle. It is so emotionally charged and one you need to read to appreciate.
But brace yourself because this first book in this duet is headed for a cliffhanger that pulls the earth from under you. Now anxiously awaiting the second book because WTH??