I believe I got this book for free a while back and now I’m disappointed in myself for not reading it sooner. Further to Fall is the story of Austin, a MMA fighter, & Carter, innocent but fiery teacher. Some may call Further to Fall as a enemies to lovers story. At their first meeting, Austin mistakes Carter as a groupie when she goes out to meet her best friend, Liam, who is a famous musician. Austin has a rocky past that makes him weary of the opposite sex. The story takes us as Austin and Carter slowly becomes friends and almost more until one night a mistake broke them apart. She takes time to heal. Then as Carter and Austin try again as friend , there lies the creepy happenings with Carter. I enjoyed reading the friendship between Carter and her roomie/best friend/fellow teacher, Taylor (who I found out, stars in Beautifully Broken Pieces, first book in the Sutter Lake series). Other secondary characters such as Ford and Liam are so amazing. I hope they have books as well. I was so into the story that I read this book in 24 hours. (I actually read it again right after in case I missed out on anything the first time). It would have been less if work didn’t get in the way. Haha. Austin is gruff but with a heart of gold, especially for Carter. Carter is innocent but fierce. If you, like Carter & Taylor, have a love of cheesy, made-for-TV movies then you will love this book! Also, if you sign up for the newsletter, there is a bonus scene!

A lesson in female dependency. As long as you keep that in mind you’ll be golden.
I loved the genuine connection between the MCs and the grovelling the MMC had to do, but seriously… never have I ever encountered a FMC who was so dependent on all the people around her for her to function. This was especially the case for her relationship with the MMC and it was not cute. I really wanted her to get off her ass and help her fucking self rather than depend on her friends an boyfriend. No such thing as a strong, independent woman here.
But whatever, if you can look past that this was a fun, grovelly romance. I still prefer small towns settings over this one which took place jn LA, but it was a nice change from other Catherine Cowles novels though.

Cute story. Fist time reading this author but I will definitely read her again!

Further to Fall is a novel written from the first person perspective of Carter, the innocent school teacher and Austin, the MMA champion. After a rocky first meeting through their mutual celebrity friend, Liam, both Carter and Austin seem to find each other attractive but will they act on this?

Carter and Austin live very different lives but quickly become firm friends. When Carter decides she wants more Austin runs scared only to discover life is empty without Carter. Will he be able to get his former friend to trust him and let him back into his life?

Catherine Cowles debut novel is one about romance, friendship, seduction, secrets, innocence and passion. It is a novel I received an ARC for and I whizzed through in 2 days. Cowles has created 2 completely opposite lead characters to show us opposites really do attractive. However, rather than your average romance novel which is all flowers and roses there is an undercurrent of suspense, elements of a thriller genre and many trials to be faced between the protagonists before the novel is up.

The book addresses the every day issues of relationships and friendships and in many ways is very relatable. However, most people don’t have a celebrity musician for a best friend and celebrity sportsman for their boyfriend, as well as being on the end of a stalking situation.

I thought the story was veering towards Austin replicating Christian from the Fifty Shades of Grey as a domineering, rich male persona (not sexually but in his overpowering physical protection) but Cowles nicely addresses how being too close, intertwined and overprotective can ruin a relationship. Whilst Carter may be as innocent as Anastasia in Fifty Shades she is a stronger character who can fend for herself and will happily stand up to Austin and others. In doing this Cowles has, for me, created a heroine. Someone who has endured and fought and kept on fighting after being exposed to horrors her innocent self could not even comprehend.

I give this book 4 stars and would definitely recommend it

I just have to say that I loved everything Catherine has written and Further to Fall. Loved Carter and Austin’s story. You are such an amazing writer Catherine!

I feel like I’ve read a million Catherine Cowles books, I can almost feel ‘that familiar jaw tick’.
That being said, this is the best one. Out of all the books and there are sooooo many. This. Is. The. Best. One.

I wish I would’ve read this before the Sutter Lake series... not that it was needed because this is a complete standalone. But since I didn’t, I got to see my old Sutter Lake pals, Liam and Taylor, and find out how my boos, Austin and Carter got together.

It was sweet and I really enjoyed it!
I’m so excited for more from this incredible author! Her words are magic!