Falling Into Forever
Raw & Emotional & Absolutely Epic Love Story
Some books fill your heart with myriad emotions, others sit heavy on your mind with deep truths and insights, some immerse your spirit in laughter and joy, and still others resonate with your very soul. Very few do all of those, all at once, and to a level that leaves you breathless and sniffling and snortlaughing and ready to dive back in for a second, third, or fourth read in a row. Falling Into Forever by Avery Maxwell did it. And I am still not over it.
More than just a second chance romance, Falling Into Forever is a deep dive into recovering a life decimated by grief, acceptance of hurts that may never heal but are worth confronting and fighting through, and support that only comes from a place of true and endless love.
Building on the strength and depth of Your Last First Kiss and One Little Secret, Maxwell continues to bring incredible intensity and realism to her stories. Main characters Saylor and Dante feel so present, it was like watching their life and struggles rather than reading about them. Her attention to the intricate details that develop and build their individual lives and their relationship evoke so many layers and levels of emotions. Part of that stems from the plot and the characters’ goals, but even more of it is the result of the struggles they face within it. Maxwell tackles the difficult topics of anxiety and depression with respect, while simultaneously vividly pulling readers into Saylor's reality. And Dante is more than just a book boyfriend. He's a soulmate.
Maxwell continues to create supporting characters who are so much more than background dwellers, they’re essential elements of the story, essential elements of Saylor and Dante's lives. They pull readers into the entire story, propelling it forward through laughter, tears, rage, and fear. Maxwell creates a sense of realism through words that will punch you in the gut, embrace you through your heart, and settle in your soul.
But Falling Into Forever is far from a story of heavy emotions and trauma. Humor is a huge part of bringing the characters together and enveloping the reader in their narrative. Consider yourself warned: do not drink or eat anything when you start reading chapter fourteen. And the humor is so genuine and authentic and palpable. There is nothing contrived in the attempt to create honest interactions between characters so multidimensional it’s hard to remember they’re not real.
Yes, this story is a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions, and it’s truly wonderful for it. I went from laughing so hard I cried, to crying so hard I had to close my eyes and reminded myself I was reading a book, not witnessing the raw and honest emotions of people in the same room as me. And while the plot is perfectly planned and laid out, the pacing solid, and the HEA epic, I still found small details that made it even richer the second and third time I read it.
Falling Into Forever is a standalone novel and readers can jump right in without having read any of Maxwell’s other books. Readers who are already a fan will recognize some names and places, and those who are new to Maxwell’s stories will definitely be tempted to check out her backlist. And that is quite the epic binge to enjoy as well.
