If I had to choose two words to describe this book, I would choose beautiful and heartbreaking. Two words that are just as conflicting as my feelings while reading this book. Before We Fall is a domestic violence story that blossoms into one of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read. I found myself questioning how the author could take something so cringeworthy and turn it into something so endearing. In this story we are introduced to Natasha and Cole, who are often described as a "friend of a friend" to each other. But one random night, that turned out to be equally as awful as it was random, changed the dynamics of these two characters relationship. "Yet he knew better. Experience had taught him better. It might feel appealing to go ahead and pretend to be some knight in shining armor riding in on his Timberlands, but if his suspicions were right - and his gut told him that they were - he would be creating a bigger problem for Tasha."
Tasha appeared to be a happily married woman, living her life to the fullest. But things are never as they seem when you're on the outside looking in on a domestic violence victim. "So she did everything he asked her to. She flat pressed her hair every day because her natural hair annoyed him. She quit the well -paying graphic design job she'd had when he insisted, he made more than enough money for both of them. She transferred all her savings into their joint savings account because that was what married people did. She slowly distanced herself from anyone who criticized him and anyone he criticized." Tasha was living as a prisoner, and none of her close friends knew the horror she was enduring. No matter how much she placated her husband, Jeremy, it was never enough for him. "'You're the most important person in my life. I don't care what any man thinks he sees when he looks at me. I dressed up to impress you. I wanted you to be proud of the woman on your arm,' she spluttered, hating herself a little bit more as the words she knew would pacify him spilled from her mouth." Until one night, Cole happened to be in the same place as her and her husband, seemingly knowing immediately what kind of situation Tasha was in.
Cole never expected to see Tasha so soon after their chance encounter. Again, she was just a friend of a friend. But her need to silence what he saw sent her fumbling in to his office. No matter how much Cole tried to talk himself out of being involved, he couldn't resist himself. "Cole knew he should be running in the opposite direction. It was the smart thing to do. The only thing Tasha wanted was for him to keep her secret." But Cole's past wouldn't let him walk away from Tasha. "My desire to help stems from my childhood, most definitely. That is why I donate and volunteer to organizations that assist persons in abusive relationships." When Cole's past collides with is future, readers will be on the edge of their seat waiting to see the outcome. "Cole Mason didn't play with people he cared about. He pulled no punches when it came to the people he loved."
This book pulled on so many emotions. Almost every other chapter I wanted to cry. Tears of sorrow, tears of joy, tears thinking of what could be. "Your love is the love I deserve. Your love is the love I choose. Don't ever doubt us again." I couldn't figure out what emotion I wanted to bask in, but I was feeling everything these characters were going through, and that is a sure sign of a well written book. Rilzy Adams was already working her way on to my favorite authors list and this book gave her the push she needed to solidify her spot as one of my one-click authors. If domestic violence is a trigger for you, I would advise you to stay away from this read. If you can handle domestic violence and would like to witness a rainbow after a storm, this is the perfect read for you. Great job Rilzy!!!
These characters originally appear in Go Deep (Unexpected Lovers Book 1). It isn’t required to read Go Deep prior to reading this book, but does make the story more enjoyable. Before We Fall is set to be released November 1, 2021.