Scarlett Cole's Next Time I Fall Review!
Next Time I Fall
By: Scarlett Cole
Release Date: November 16, 2021
Publisher: Kadelo Group Ltd
Author Website: http://www.scarlettcole.com/
5 Stars
With sensitivity and hope Scarlett Cole forges on with Next Time I Fall, the second installment of her Excess All Areas series, for a great addition!
If anyone could turn someone who seemed destined for villainy and self sabotage into not just an anti-hero but a full-fledged hero it is Scarlett Cole. Coming into this work the outlook for Jase Palmer, lead singer and walking disaster, was not looking good. His previous interactions in book one of this series, One Day Like This, were fraught with discord and anger and a stream of seemingly endless petty behavior. Jase was someone who shielded his pain and inner wounds with a bravado that most saw as arrogant and not worth the time to question. Yet with caring and chances this writer brought out a side of this character hidden by other's prejudicial perceptions that allowed him to take ownership of his path and give him a chance to not only show his potential but actually reach it.
Cerys Hughes-Bexter was the barely acknowledged daughter of legendary music producer Jimmy Bexter. A musical talent in her own right, Cerys decided to reach out to her father in the hopes that the experience of working with him would open doors to her own career aspirations and a real relationship with him. Quickly she discovered that she had her work cut out for as she fought to be acknowledged not only as Jimmy's daughter but for the skill set she brought with her. As so often is the case with Ms. Coles's heroines, they come with many strengths both obvious and hidden, Cerys was no exception. With tenacity and a smile she took on the obstacles put in front of her, including the sullen lead singer of the Sad Fridays. This character was wonderfully vulnerable yet capable at the same time. Taking chances and standing by her instincts and conclusions Cerys was someone willing to fight for what she believed in.
The dynamic between Jase and Cerys was genuinely sweet and touching, even as they generated a significant amount of steam. As they each took the time to truly see each other they evolved into a once in a lifetime love without losing their credibility by ignoring their personal baggage. They pushed and pulled each other, challenging themselves all the while and forming a bond that made them near invincible even in their weakest moments. Their ability to see the other's need to reach their personal goals and keep their individuality even while merging into a relationship was well done by this author.
Scarlett Cole taps into dysfunction and pain like a direct hit to the heart. Feelings come pulsing out of her work and every decision, good or bad, feels like a jolt keeping her stories compelling to her readers. This writer's audience never feel like they are walking away at the end of one of her books with anything but her very best. Next Time I Fall brings all of Scarlett Cole's enormous talent to the forefront for a great read!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*While this book can be read as a standalone it is recommended to read the previous work(s) of this series for the best reading experience.*