{"id":36107,"date":"2018-08-30T08:00:03","date_gmt":"2018-08-30T12:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/?p=36107"},"modified":"2018-08-30T09:30:09","modified_gmt":"2018-08-30T13:30:09","slug":"review-excerpt-tour-if-we-fall-what-if-duet-1-by-nina-lane","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/?p=36107","title":{"rendered":"Review & Excerpt Tour: If We Fall (What If Duet, #1) by Nina Lane"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u00a0Amazon<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Apple\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Nook\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Google\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 <\/strong>Kobo<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

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Synopsis<\/strong><\/h4>\n

We fell in love. Then our world fell apart.<\/p>\n

I wished so hard for Cole Danforth. And one day, he came true. He was my first boyfriend, my first lover, my first and only love. He should also have been my last.<\/p>\n

But in a split-second, we were ripped apart, our lives broken, my heart shattered. After ten years, I’ve returned to my hometown, the place of my greatest joy and darkest pain.<\/p>\n

Cole is still here, but the beautiful boy I’d loved is gone. Now he’s a ruthless, unforgiving man determined to feed both my resentment and my lust.<\/p>\n

Then our torturous past encroaches again, trapping us in a violent storm.<\/p>\n

But this time, there is no escape.<\/p>\n

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Add to Goodreads<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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Review<\/b><\/h4>\n

4 stars<\/b><\/p>\n

This is a raw and emotional second-chance-romance that is dramatic, passionate and gorgeously romantic. It\u2019s a quick read that packs a punch as we are taken on an emotional journey with two broken and damaged characters struggling with their demons yet beginning the path back to each other, and I loved it! I felt it all, and I struggled to put it down as I was sucked right into their journey.<\/p>\n

I would definitely recommend reading the prequel novella If We Leap<\/a> before making a start on this one, as it provides the background you need to really get invested in this couple and their story.<\/p>\n

This book begins with the heartwrenching separation of childhood best friends-now soulmates. Josie and Cole were everything to each other until they were torn apart by tragedy, sending both of them down unexpected paths, very much alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI loved you before we were even born.\u201d He pressed his face to my hair. \u201cI\u2019d never leave you, not if I didn\u2019t have to. You will always be my best friend, and wherever you are in the world, whatever happens, please believe all I ever want is for you to be safe and happy. I\u2019ll do anything for you except stay.\u201d<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

*sob*<\/p>\n

It\u2019s ten years after that heartbreaking scene and Josie has returned to her childhood home in a small coastal town in Maine to paint a mural commemorating the town. It\u2019s the first time she\u2019s been back since she left in devastating circumstances when she was 20, and she is not the woman she once was. Now plagued by fears, nightmares and phobias, she knows this trip will make her relive memories she would rather keep hidden, but it\u2019s an opportunity for her to face her demons and find herself again, hopefully helping her move on once and for all.<\/p>\n

And who should she run into when she gets into trouble on her first night in town, but Cole, the man who broke her heart. But he is no longer the sweet-hearted, gentle soul that she knew. Now cold, ruthless and seemingly uncaring, his cruelty is shocking.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not the Cole Danforth you used to know.\u201d
\nPain darkens her eyes. \u201cAnd you have no idea how much that breaks my heart.\u201d<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Cole went through hell when he and Josie split, and his life ever since has been consumed with anger, vengeance and bitterness. The reappearance of Josie sends him reeling, and though he still loves her deeply, he does his best to keep her at a distance, even as she opens her heart to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop looking at me like that.\u201d His expression suddenly darkens.
\n\u201cLike what?\u201d
\n\u201cLike you lost your best friend,\u201d he snaps.
\n\u201cI <\/i>did.\u201d Unexpected tears sting my eyes. \u201cTen years ago.\u201d<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The loss and grief that these two are still so clearly suffering from is just devastating. I could feel the sadness and longing that they were feeling, and my heart broke for them both and all that they had lost. But as lost and confused as Josie is, and despite how determined Cole is to push her away, they are both powerless to resist the connection that always existed between them, and OMG the feels!<\/p>\n

A groan escapes him. He fists a hand in my hair. \u201cI need you.\u201d
\n<\/i>I never stopped needing you.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The passion and intensity between Cole and Josie is beautifully written, and whenever they are together, it feels so right! They belong together, but they are still so wrecked by the tragedy that tore them apart, and so much has happened in the years since to change who they once were. The love is still very much there and they both know it, but they have so much to work through. Can they find their way back to each other in a way that will last?<\/p>\n

\u201cYou still there?\u201d she asks after a brief silence.
\n\u201cI\u2019m here.\u201d
\nI\u2019ll always be here. <\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Woven throughout the story is a minor mystery storyline as hints are dropped about events in the past. All may not be as it seems, leading to a whole new set of questions, and then that ending leaves us with even more questions as we are left wondering about the truth of all that happened and how it will impact our two lovers.<\/p>\n

I loved this book. It captivated me from start to finish, and I lost myself in all of the feels. I\u2019m really looking forward seeing how the rest of Cole and Josie\u2019s story plays out in the final to the duet.<\/p>\n

4 stars.<\/p>\n

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.<\/i><\/p>\n

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What If Duet<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"\"\u00a0 \"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

If We Leap (#0.5)
\n<\/strong>Review<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Apple\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Nook\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Google\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Kobo<\/a><\/p>\n

If We Fall (#1)<\/strong>
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Apple\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Nook\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Google\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Kobo<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

If We Fly (#2)
\n<\/strong>Review<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Apple\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Nook\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Google\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Kobo<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Excerpt<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u201cSir?\u201d The security guard phones in from downstairs. \u201cThere\u2019s a woman here insisting she needs to speak with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cName?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJosephine Mays.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet her in.\u201d<\/p>\n

I turn off the intercom and unlock my office door. A few minutes pass before the door flies open. Josie barges in, her hands fisted and an angry light in her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are an asshole,\u201d she snaps.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been told.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow dare you pull that kind of stunt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we both know damned well you brought it up only because I\u2019m<\/em> involved.\u201d She tosses her backpack and art portfolio onto a chair. She\u2019s trembling with anger. \u201cI don\u2019t care what you think about me, but bringing the people of this town into our personal shit is low, even for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

My shoulders tense. \u201cEven<\/em> for me? What do you know about me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing anymore.\u201d She slams her hands to her hips, her features twisting. \u201cBut I used to know everything<\/em> about you. Do you remember that? Then you walked out on me right when I needed you the most, proving you were never the man I thought you were. Now I find out that you run this company like a dictator, you\u2019re crushing independent businesses and putting people out of work, and you\u2019re publicly trying to stop me from creating a mural that\u2019s intended for both this town and my parents. What the hell<\/em> happened to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou<\/em> happened to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The words fly out of my mouth before I can stop them. The pencil I\u2019m holding breaks in two with the force of my grip.<\/p>\n

Josie steps back, her eyes widening. Her dark hair is windblown, her cheeks flushed, her chest heaving under her old army jacket. I\u2019d once had the right to comb her hair back from her forehead, slide my palm over her neck before edging my fingers into her V-necked T-shirt…<\/p>\n

Anger crushes my chest. I shove away from my desk and stride toward her. Fear flashes in her green eyes, which pisses me off even more. When the fuck was she ever afraid of me?<\/p>\n

I grab the lapels of her jacket, yanking her closer. Our lower bodies collide. She gasps, a little catching noise in the back of her throat that used to get me hot in a second.<\/p>\n

It still does. My blood starts to boil. She tilts her head back, her eyes flashing. I lower my head to look at her, fighting to ignore her scent\u2014goddamned summer leaves and cherry candy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI once would have done anything for you.\u201d The words grate roughly from my throat. \u201cAnd then I failed you in the worst possible way. I failed you, I failed Teddy, and I failed your parents.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stares at me, her eyes widening. \u201cCole, I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you left, I hoped with everything I was that you\u2019d have a chance at a normal life.\u201d I pull her closer, anger warring with the undeniable flare of lust. \u201cThat you could be happy again if you weren\u2019t constantly surrounded by reminders of everything you lost. Everything I took from you<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGoddamn you, Cole Danforth.\u201d Fire flames over her expression. She plants her hands on my chest and shoves herself away. \u201cThe only thing you took<\/em> from me was you.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

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About the Author<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"\"New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Nina Lane writes hot, sexy romances about professors, bad boys, candy makers, and protective alpha males who find themselves consumed with love for one woman alone. Originally from California, Nina holds a PhD in Art History and an MA in Library and Information Studies, which means she loves both research and organization. She also enjoys traveling and thinks St. Petersburg, Russia is a city everyone should visit at least once. Although Nina would go back to college for another degree because she\u2019s that much of a bookworm and a perpetual student, she now lives the happy life of a full-time writer.<\/p>\n

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Website<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Facebook<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Twitter<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 <\/strong>Newsletter<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  \u00a0Amazon\u00a0 |\u00a0 Apple\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nook\u00a0 |\u00a0 Google\u00a0 |\u00a0 Kobo   Synopsis We fell in love. Then our world fell apart. I wished so hard for Cole Danforth. And one day, he came true. He […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":35463,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","yasr_overall_rating":4,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":"Product","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[52,9,24,29],"tags":[59,188,48,893],"class_list":["post-36107","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-romance","category-second-chance-romance","category-steamy","tag-arc","tag-nina-lane","tag-review","tag-what-if"],"yasr_visitor_votes":{"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false},"number_of_votes":0,"sum_votes":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/If-We-Fall.jpg?fit=150%2C225&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7gaNL-9on","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36107","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=36107"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36107\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/35463"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=36107"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=36107"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=36107"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}