Falling by Barbara Elsborg
Review by Lauren
Source: copy from netgalley; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Harper is no longer behind bars, but it doesn’t feel like it. Ten years
serving time fora crime he didn’t commit have left him shut down, numb,
and a frozen wreck over the simplest of choices.He’s acutely aware of the
dark-haired young man checking him out in the supermarket,but he’s too
deep in panic mode to even meet the guy’s gaze. Afraid the slightest
move will trigger a fall that will never stop.Fresh off a long-term
relationship with a controlling man, Malachi is stuck living
with relatives who think he’s a waste of oxygen. The tall guy in the
long, gray coat is the first bright spot he’s glimpsed in a long
time…though the man’s unblinking stare at a bottle of shower gel is a
touch alarming.Hard experience tells both of them to turn away before
lust turns to hopeless attraction,and inevitably to disaster. But once
their sparks connect, the arc of electricity is too strong to deny. Even
if the cost is too much to bear.
Review: I was fascinated by this summary, as it sounds like two guys that have been through a lot in their young lives trying to move on and find true happiness and love. What the summary sounds like is basically right. Harper was in jail for ten years but he was innocent, even though most people didn’t and still don’t believe him. He still harbors some guilt for some of the things that occurred though, and he’s not sure that being out of prison really means he’s “free.” As for Malachi, he was in a long-term relationship with an older man who essentially controlled everything he did. Malachi still loves him – which I can understand on some levels- but he eventually knows he needs to get away. Leaving upends his life though, and he’s not feeling too much better than Harper when they end up crossing paths.
One of the things that I really loved about Falling is Harper’s storyline. It’s heartbreaking and I hate to imagine all those people that have been in jail based on false and/or faked evidence. Malachi believes Harper when he tells him the truth about his past and that he’s innocent, but trying to go about proving that is difficult. The relationship between the two men is definitely heated and there is a lot of descriptive sex, if that type of thing bothers you. Sometimes it occurred a bit too much or went on too long for my liking, as I wanted to get back to the rest of the book, but overall, it was fine and it made sense. Harper is finally free to find comfort in physical connection, and the same with Malachi in a way, as he can make his own decisions for once.
Overall, I think this was a well done book. It takes place in England, which I loved since it’s cool to see books set in other countries. The characters felt mostly realistic and I was fascinated by Harper’s storyline in particular, as the book is mostly about trying to prove him innocent so he can truly be free and live his life the way he wanted.
To do with crime and set in England? I am so intrigued already! I have this obsession with reading books set in England lately so I will definitely have to add this to me TBR.
Lovely review as usual, Lauren <33
LOVE that it takes place in England, but it doesn't really sound like something I'd enjoy. :/
xx
I rarely read summaries anymore because I find that they either don't represent the story at all, or can be somewhat spoiler-y, so good to know that this book's was neither. The England locale sounds fun, and Harper's character interesting.
Carmel @ Rabid Reads
I love a good English setting no matter when it takes place. This sounds like it was a bit of an emotional read. So happy you liked it.
Have a nice weekend!
I also love books set in other countries. It's the first time I hear about this one but it sounds good. I usually love the books from this publisher I try.
I've read one book by Elsborg and really liked it. I have a friend who is a big fan of hers and she's read a lot of her titles. This lady has a wide spectrum of stories and some are really dark. One I know if supremely messed up, but I hear they're all compelling. I'm definitely intrigued by this story. The thought of spending time in jail when you didn't commit the crime is so very sad! Wonderful review, Lauren! 🙂
I have never heard of this one, but I'm really intrigued now. Both of them seem to have a really intense and interesting stories to share. I'm glad you enjoyed them. Great review 🙂
Sounds like a good mystery and I love that it is set in England.
I'm a sucker for wrongly convicted stories in both books and TV so I would probably LOVE this. Plus, set in England? YES PLEASE. Represent my home country! (hehe)
Ooh this sounds right up my alley and I love the England setting! I love to travel but don't really have a chance to very much so I do it vicariously through books 😉 Great review, hun!
I don't like when the sex carries on too long either but this does sound good enough that I could overlook it.
Karen @For What It's Worth