Book Review – Falling for You

SYNOPSIS

Famously beautiful model Willow Bradford is taking a temporary break from her hectic schedule to work as the innkeeper at her family’s small-town bed-and-breakfast. She was enjoying the peace of her hometown, Merryweather, Washington, right up until she came face-to-face with Corbin Stewart, the man she loves to hate. A thoughtful rule-follower by nature, Willow threw caution to the wind four years ago when she entrusted her heart to Corbin–and suffered the consequences when it all fell apart.

Former NFL quarterback Corbin is forceful, charming, and accustomed to getting what he wants . . . except where Willow Bradford is concerned. Unable to forget her, he’s never stopped regretting what happened between them. When their paths unexpectedly cross again, he’s determined to make her give him a second chance.

When a decades-old missing persons case finds Corbin and Willow working together, they’re forced to confront their past and who they’ve become–and whether they can risk falling for one another all over again.

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve been a huge fan of Becky Wade, since her debut novel.  Her contemporary romances are sweet, but not cloying, sincere and very human. You can imagine her characters as your friends, family members or neighbors. I’ve really been looking forward to Willow’s story, which is the second book in Wade’s Bradford Sister series. And Falling for You didn’t disappoint.

Willow reminds me of myself in many ways. As the oldest of three girls, I understand her need to be responsible, act as a role model and to think protectively in terms of her younger sisters. I also can relate to her need to protect herself from further pain, by putting up emotional walls. I really love how the author avoided writing Willow as a cliché. Yes, she’s a famous model, but she’s quietly generous, kind and thoughtful. She uses the power of her fame to support important causes and doesn’t allow it to swell her head.

Being the eldest in a family of sisters I also really appreciate how the author portrays the close bond between Willow and her own sisters. It is so true to my own experience and gives me an even better grasp on Willow’s life.

And then there’s Corbin. Strangely, I found that I also had a few things in common with this ex-football player. Particularly, the habit of using humor and charm as a shield. A means of deflection from having to expose deeper feelings and thoughts. I know all about that. It kind of makes me like him even more. One of the reasons I’ve been looking forward to Willow’s story is because Corbin is in it. Wade introduced us to him briefly in the Porter family series and he left quite an impression on me.

His back story was a surprise and a reminder that it is never good to judge anyone by outward appearances. Who could have known, he had such a challenging upbringing. I really appreciated how his relationship with his father was portrayed. It’s not often someone with a mental illness like bi-polar disorder is viewed so compassionately through the eyes of those who love them. Corbin’s ability to understand and love his dad for who he is, is inspiring. It says a lot about Corbin and explains how he is able to pursue Willow despite her continued rejection of him.

My only complaint with Falling for You is in regards to the mystery angle. The mystery itself is well-written and kept me interested. I just have a very hard time believing it as a plot device for bringing Corbin and Willow together. It’s also difficult to believe that they would have success solving a case that years of law enforcement investigations could not.

Though it isn’t necessary to read True to You, the first book in the series, I still recommend it. It just adds a little depth of detail to Willow and Corbin’s story. For that matter, I recommend that you read all of Becky Wade’s books because they are so fantastic. The third and final book on the Bradford sisters releases next spring. I’m looking forward to spending more time with these ladies.

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