Beth Hyland

The story of Ivy & Jon is the story of two troubled souls who come together to see just how good life can be with the love of each other. This is the first book released by Beth Hyland and it was a wonderful story with just enough angst to keep the reader going and yet not so much that you feel that the story is too farfetched.

“The problem is that I am finding myself way too attracted to Jon Preistly, and I can’t afford to make any more stupid mistakes in my life.” – Ivy McAllister

Ivy McAllister is starting the 2nd semester at a new school far away from home because she is running from her past. The reader doesn’t get the full story for several chapters, but this keeps you going, wanting to know more.

Jon Preistly is also a student at PSU and many see him as a tough guy who isn’t looking for more than a hook up. The first time the reader really sees the true Jon is when he is coaching Ivy off the roof of a house where she is attending a party.

“But sometimes a minor inconvenience kicks events into motion so that everything in your life changes, leaving nothing the same.” – Jon Preistly

I really loved that Ms. Hyland shared the story from both Ivy and Jon’s points of view without retelling it. You get the back story through their thoughts as they experience things together.
Though both of them are hesitant to get into a relationship for different reasons, they do end up together early in the books (like 20%), but, of course, everything doesn’t just go smoothly.

“He’s no hero. Not even close. He’s more like a villain with a few redeeming qualities.” – Ivy

I love seeing how Ivy goes from seeing him as a bad influence and someone that she should stay clear of, to defending him to her friends even before she is in a relationship with him.
The story talks about fate and destiny and how we all can follow it or create our own. The characters, while flawed, are also very much people I would want to have as friends in real life.

“I close my eyes for a moment, hoping I’m not making a huge mistake. I learned long ago not to let anyone in too deep, and Ivy is rattling all sorts of things inside me I didn’t know were there.” – Jon

One of my favorite things about this book was that Ivy and Jon accidently realized that they both knew American Sign Language and would talk back and forth around others without anyone knowing what they were saying. I love the idea of a “secret language” and they were so cute when they used it.

Jon does have a few alpha tendencies that I think readers will like and Ivy isn’t just a poor, defenseless girl (at least not all the time). Though both of them have some deep scars, they can put those aside and help each other heal. I love this story and give it 4.5 (out of 5) stars!… (mer)

I love dual POV books.

I love books about women looking toward new beginnings.

I love books with tough men that have a soft spot for only a few people.

I love strong sidekicks and interesting prefaces.

And although Fall into Forever has all that good stuff, I didn’t fall in love with this book.

There are books that you can read in one sitting. Sometimes that’s a bad thing, other times it’s the best feeling in the world. To be so connected and interested in a story that it takes over your life as you sink into someone else’s. And that is how this reading experience started out, but about halfway through (somewhere between Ivy freaking the hell out about “this Gretchen chick” in Jon’s friend requests and that tent scene) it lost traction with me. (And I didn’t read it in one sitting, either. A few nights actually).

And I’m pretty sure the reason I did not fall in love with this book is solely Ivy’s fault. I just couldn’t connect with her. She is just trying to start over after a traumatic experience, and apparently all is better once her knight is shining armor shows up. (Which let’s face it, we all want, but he won’t solve all your problems).

Jon is that rugged, fucked up kinda sexy. With a soft heart and anger issues that conflict with one another. “He’s got black gauges in his earlobes the size of a medium-tipped Sharpie. A bruise is starting to form under his left eye.” (Every guy I’ve ever let buy me a drink anywhere. I have a type apparently). His story is interesting and made me teary-eyed a few times!

Also, I’ve read a few books dealing with amnesia, and this is the first where it just randomly blocks out a one particular moment. (I think that’s called selective memory, but whatevs). The amnesia didn’t really add anything to the story, just a background layer.

Little tid-bits I absolutely loved: Arctic Monkey’s mention, glimpses of Jon’s lyrics, Jon’s tattoo (!!omg!!), and the zombie run.

There has to be nothing that cuts deeper than when someone who should protect and care for you denies something you’re having issues with. In this case, I mean Ivy’s bitch mom. I can’t even with her.

Fall into Forever is an overall cute story that I would love to see made into a movie!

It wasn’t my favorite, but it could be yours. I'll definitely keep an eye out for this author in the future!

p.s. is that Zayn Malik on the cover?! Totally looks like him.… (mer)

***ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***

Ivy and Jon's story was pretty fast paced. I liked the chemistry between these two and how at ease they seemed to make each other. I liked the fact that there was no games between them either. They were for the most part pretty straight with each other. The few times they weren't I didn't feel any build up so it wasn't hard for them to be apart. There is some darkness but it doesn't over take the story like I was expecting. Overall it was a good quick read.… (mer)