Maybe there’s only
one direction to go when two people fall
in love at rock
bottom—up.
NOW AVAILABLE!
As a celebrity, I lived in the public
eye, but somewhere along the way, I’d lost myself in the spotlight.
Sam Rivers was a gorgeous, tattooed
stranger who saved my life with nothing more than a simple conversation.
But we were both standing on
that bridge for a reason the night we met. The secrets of our pasts
brought us together—and then tore us apart.
Could we find a reason to hold on as
life constantly pulled us down?
Or maybe there’s only one direction to
go when two people fall in love at rock bottom—up.
It’s a wonder why Levee Williams, one of the most successful and recognizable singers of her generation should be on a bridge in the dead of night in a disguise contemplating the unthinkable.
Sam Rivers comes to the bridge to think, it’s his place of solace when the pain the of past gets too much. On this night however, he encounters a woman with clear intentions, his instincts kick in and he strikes up a conversation with her as means of distraction.
Terrified that she should try again, Sam takes it upon himself to night after night be her knight in tarnished armour. An unlikely love story unfolds, in which we see the beauty in their sorrow bloom and their kinship in their losses flower. Sam and Levee to me were a seamless fit and their relationship one without ego.
It has to be mentioned that Sam has to be one the standout male characters i’ve ever read, although not without his own flaws, his main priority is and had always been Levee and her wellbeing. He is her rock throughout all her struggles and she really is lucky to have him.
The story is an emotionally gripping one, with the fantastic addition of levity and steam. I’m absolutely thrilled the series will continue with Henry, the BFF to Levee. Apart from Sam and Levee he stole the show in this one and I can only imagine what he’ll be like as the lead.
The Fall Up is not only my favourite book by Aly Martinez but also one of my favourite books of the year.
“Thank fuck!” Sam said, swinging the door open before Devon even
had the car in park.
“Oh, this isn’t my place. We’re just dropping Devon off. I’m
about twenty minutes across town?” I
tossed him a sugary smile then boldly shifted my hand into his lap, purposely
brushing the bulge under his denim.
Grabbing my wrist, he narrowed his eyes and called out, “Devon,
I’m gonna need to borrow a bedroom.”
I burst out laughing as Devon cursed loudly.
“Fine. This is my place. No smoking inside though,” I snipped as
I climbed from the SUV.
“You better have some seriously exciting extracurricular
activities to keep me distracted, then.”
“Not exactly what I was thinking.” He mischievously cocked his
head. “But I guess paddles and balls are as good a start as any.” Dipping down,
he hoisted me over his shoulder. “Point me to the Ping-Pong table, my lady.”
I didn’t. I laughed hysterically as he carried me inside. Then I
directed him to my bedroom instead.
I heard Devon locking up the house as Sam deposited me on the
bed.
“Jesus. This view.” He
pushed the curtains back. “Why the hell would you ever go up to the bridge when
you have this here?”
“I don’t know,” I answered, pulling my earrings off and placing
them on my nightstand.
Oh, but I knew. It might not have been what had originally sent
me up that bridge, but it was why my feet carried me back every night. And that
very reason was currently standing in front of me with entirely too much clothing
on.
“You want a beer?” I asked, sliding my shoes off.
“Nah, I’m good.” He faced me, and I could tell something was off
with his demeanor. He didn’t inch any closer. Instead, his lips were tight and
his eyes uncomfortably flashed around the room.
It suddenly didn’t feel like Sam standing in front of me at all.
He felt like a stranger who had just come face-to-face with Levee Williams.
“Why are you looking at me like that? Are you about to freak
out?” I whispered, nervously moistening my lips.
He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’m not really sure yet.
But I’m gonna need you to stop licking your lips long enough for me to figure
it out.” His mouth cracked into a wide grin, and my shoulders relaxed.
Now that was a flash of
my Sam.
“Want to tell me what’s going on?” I asked.
“It’s just… I think this is the first time I’ve realized that
you’re some big-time celebrity. I might be in over my head here, Designer
Shoes.”
“I just make music, Sam.” I returned his smile and very slowly
prowled in his direction. “Imagine how I feel though. You’re Samuel Nathan
Rivers. A tough, tattooed furniture designer who makes six figures a year but
is too afraid to tell his mommy he votes democratic.” I giggled as he frowned
humorously. Stopping in front of him, I dragged a fingernail down his chest
then teased the waistband of his jeans. “Have you considered that maybe I’m the
one who’s in over her head here?” I leaned forward to nip at his lips, but he
spun us around.
“Excellent point. I’m going to need you to try really hard to
keep it together, Levee. You haven’t even seen my six-pack and huge cock, yet.”
He smirked and attempted to return my nip, but I stepped out of his reach.
“You brought beer and chicken?” I feigned excitement.
That one corny joke was all it took to bring my Sam back
completely.
With a sexy smile and a coy shrug, he seductively backed me
toward the bed. “What can I say? I like to be prepared.”
He moved in close so his lips were only a centimeter away, but
for as much as I wanted him, it was agonizing. “Clearly,” he repeated, his
smoky yet sweet breath breezing across my mouth.
His strong arm looped around my waist, tugging me against his
chest, while I stared into his hooded eyes, eagerly waiting for him to make a
move.
Aly
Martinez
Born and raised in
Savannah, Georgia, Aly Martinez is a stay-at-home mom to four crazy kids under
the age of five, including a set of twins. Currently living in South Carolina,
she passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can
get her hands on, preferably with a glass of wine at her side.
After some encouragement
from her friends, Aly decided to add “Author” to her ever-growing list of job
titles. Five books later, she shows no signs of slowing. So grab a glass of
Chardonnay, or a bottle if you’re hanging out with Aly, and join her aboard the
crazy train she calls life.
