Book Review – Worth the Fall by Claudia Connor

Worth the Fall: The McKinney Brothers
I was soooo in the mood for a book like this. It was a total “new-to-me” surprise in a recent release list with a premise that had my heart, right from the start. I just knew this would be my next. And… it’s not because I read many “military” romance books (although I have no idea why, ’cause to me, these guys are the ultimate heroes while retaining their bad-ass alpha-ness). Perfect for me. I should read more of ’em!

I dunno… there was just something calling me about a Navy SEAL on leave, attempting to heal (or escape) from a tragedy… spending a week alone on a beach. His memories are haunting him. That part already had my heart, but when I realized he and a single mother (and her children) become friends in the process? I just HAD to experience that!

And I’m so glad many of you loved it with me!

bev: Worth the fall, just got this yesterday when I saw someone else rec it.  I like that the heroine’s situation may be a little different than what I usually read.

Maryse: Okay I’m in 2% and already love it like crazy…

Jessica: Worth the fall is absolutely amazing! He’s one of my fav book heroes ever

Victoria: I’ve read over 200 books this year and Worth the Fall is one of my top ten for 2014! I cannot recommend enough for readers that enjoy contemporary romances. Hard to believe this is the authors debut novel. To say I am impressed would be an understatement. This is a MUST read, feel good book! Loved it!

Jill: I’m 37% in and having lots of feels and heart aching for both the main characters in Worth the Fall! So far so good! 🙂

Maryse: Yep… I’m loving “Worth The Fall” 😀

Lori: Loved Worth the Fall, it made me sob my guts out, in a good way.

bev: I finished Worth the Fall. Once I started it I couldn’t stop.

Cheryl:  …finishing Worth The Fall (which I really enjoyed-Matt *swoon*)

It was everything I had envisioned, (nothing too twisty or angsty, although there are a few surprise scenes of *that* I definitely “Ohhhh noooooooooo’d” a few times). But mostly just pure sweetness…

As he approached the shore, a small football landed off to his right with a splash and he glanced around for the thrower. No one was anywhere near him in the ocean, but a little boy stood at the water’s edge, watching him.

Matt squinted against the reflecting sun and waded onto the beach, NERF ball in hand. “Here you go.”

The boy looked to be around five or so and stared silently up at Matt as he took the ball.

Deed done, Matt turned to go. He hadn’t taken two steps before something wet hit his shoulder. He sighed at the small blue and yellow football at his feet.

When he looked back, the expression on the kid’s face reminded him of a dog, after dropping a ball at your feet for the tenth time.

You probably don’t want to play with me, but I sure wish you would.

Awwwwwwwww!!!!!! *my heart*

Moments of pining…

His deep voice vibrated through and around her as he greeted the children. That alone caused a flutter in her stomach.

Settle down. He’s only a man.

Pure moments of joy and happiness.

The velvety sound of her laughter as her two-year-old Tasmanian devil spun across the sand brought a strange twisty feeling to his chest.

He liked watching her when she didn’t know. There were no games. No trying to impress him. Just beautiful and real. The kind of woman a man would do everything in his power to keep.

Moments of personal anguish,

Bunkmates. Teammates. Best friends.

Until that friend had come home in a body bag.

Matt stared at the ocean below his condo balcony, fighting the gory memories, teetering between punching the wall and crying like a baby.

and fear.

A sick feeling slithered through her. The scene was too perfect, too real. Just the type that always preceded a crushing blow.

Walk away now. Before you get attached. Before you get hurt.

Moments of doubt. Moments of sadness. <— I’ll let you get to those on your own… 😉

Two people healing, coping, trying to find their own peace and happiness amongst painful memories.

The gold band caught the light and she worked it until it slipped over her knuckle. It wasn’t an unbreakable circle, like she’d wanted to believe. It was a hole and she’d stood alone in it all her life.

WOW!!!! Deep. So deep. So many eloquently worded thoughts and emotions just like that one.

Two. At first, only wanting to be alone. Leary of connecting, but unable to resist each other’s pull. They become friends. Great friends… and all the while, believing that they will be able to walk away (as friends) at the end of their vacation.

There was no risk of being left, she was leaving too. And, really, how attached could she get to someone in three days?

Mmmmhmmm. You get the picture?

Even though they believe it is better to leave it as is once the week is over… their connection is just too strong, so when that week comes to an end… *oomph*!!!

And what made this one better was just how great the writing was. How personal it was. How clever the scenes were, that introduced the two to each other. How many times it made me awwwww out loud. How realistic the internal dialogue was. How AH-MAAAAZING, how sweet and gentle, and protective he is… of her, and her little ones. I felt him, and I couldn’t help but love him like crazy.

But he’s only on temporary leave, you see. He’s a SEAL through and through. A hero, a protector. And no matter how badly he wants to love and be loved… his loyalty is to his team. He’s got a job he loves, and a promise to fulfill. Throw in her fear of becoming attached, of being left, yet again, and your heart will be aching with them, non-stop.

And therein lies much of the angst. Much of the push and pull.

Just a great, sweet romance story overall. It has a bit of everything, not too much of anything (except her over-focus on what she believes is the “inevitable” which of course introduces a bit too much personal drama, but then again, she did have plenty to hurt about). But the emotion, the connection, the clever, silly-sweet scenes, that family feel and the slow burn? It’s all there. I lived this one with them, smiled with them, giggled with them… hurt with them. And for that, I would definitely recommend it, especially if you’re looking for pure romance, pure heartwarming love with a some definite angsty touches.

4 stars!

➔➔➔  Looking for more of my must-read recommendations? Browse my 5 star and 4.5 star and 4 star reviews. 😀

➔➔➔ Love this genre? Check out more of my love after loss and/or military romance features and reviews on my blog!