I wasn't sure I could get behind Jessie Kay as a heroine based on her character in the previous 2 novels but I liked her really well. She was well done as an insecure woman who pretty much hated herself and had been looking for validation in others particularly men. She was trying to become a better person and like herself. Lincoln was also very well written as a man who had made major mistakes in his life which had led to horrendous consequences. He also had basically turned his life around. But he refused to let himself be happy. I loved how he compromised and eventually forgave himself for her sake. It wasn't all one sided. Jessie Kay tried hard to help him and to do things for him to show him she valued him. MS. Showalter does an excellent job focusing on her main couple even while having plenty of secondary characters. I could totally buy the feelings between them. I hope this series is not over even though the three main male characters have each had a story. Maybe Daniel now? Still whatever she writes next, I'll more than likely give it a go. ( )

The Harder You Fall by Gena Showalter
3rd book in the Original Heartbreaker series. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Recurring characters from prior books are included so better read as a series.

Jessie Kay is determined to rise above her prior party girl reputation and can’t believe that West is really serious about his interest in her. Besides that, he will only commit to two months. He freely explains that’s the limit he will give to a relationship. She can do better. But he is persistent and so much fun and he makes her feel important.
Lincoln West moved back to small town Strawberry Valley, OK with his best friends. Now that they are all successful, the world is theirs to conquer. He can’t keep his eyes or hands off Jessie Kay. But she wants more than he has to give emotionally.

Twists and multiple story complications make this book intense and interesting. There is a touch of humor too, mostly from Jessie Kay’s attitude and one liners. She’s had a difficult upbringing but her strength and determination are admirable. Her friendships with Harlow and sister Brook Lynn add a nice depth to the group.
Overall a complex and wonderful romance. ( )

West and Jessie Kay dance around each other a lot, they both like to antagonize each other in snarky ways. Great humor, even if they've both had sad histories. I didn't like Jessie Kay from the previous books, she's almost an entirely different person here, turning a leaf from party, good time girl to holding out for love.
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The Harder You Fall is book three in The Original Heartbreakers series by Gena Showalter.

I’m just adoring this series and devouring the books one by one. I just love the hometown feel, the characters and what they go through, and last narrator Savannah Richards captures me from the moment I start listening to the very end.

In The Harder You Fall we have Jessie Kay Dillon and Lincoln West. Jessi Kay is Brook Lynn’s sister. We’ve gotten to know her as a party girl and Brook Lynn is constantly saving her. We also see that their is some type of hostility or is it chemistry; between Jessie and West. Lincoln West, the millionaire video-game creator. He moved to Strawberry Vale to help his friend out. He’s got some major issues; a dark past that’s filled with drug addiction, foster homes, and more. He’s never forgiven himself on what his best friend went through and what happened to his teenage girlfriend, so now he is punishing himself.

We finally get a better understand of Jessie Kay’s actions and why she did the things she did and we also get to understand West and his issues. We see that Jessie Kay is turning her life around and starting to value herself. She’s proving to her sister and herself that she can turn her life around and be good. She’s spontaneous, crazy, funny, and cares about her family and friends. I felt for her. As for West, well I’ve liked him since book one and couldn’t wait to see someone come along and help him out of his funk and get him to enjoy life. He needs a little life back in his life.

These two together where amazing. I loved their relationship and how it progressed. Jessie Kay just seemed to know how to help West get over his issues. They were made for each other and brought out the best in each other.

Audio: Savannah Richards is a wonderful narrator for this series. She brings out the heartfelt moments and channels the characters to perfection. I have no complaint’s. I’ve come to adore the audio’s and can’t see myself enjoying them in another way. I’m pulled in from the start to end.

The Harder You Fall is sexy, sweet, and tender in all the right places. I feel in love with this couple at the start and had a fun ride seeing them work through things and find happiness. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend in order, if not you will miss out on the character connections and how they all come together to have these amazing relationships.

Rated: 4 Stars

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The Harder You Fall

The Characters:

Jessie Kay Dillon
Lincoln West

The Story:

So we start with two people desperately attracted to each other but vehemently denying that attraction for their own separate reasons. There is delicious sexual tension between Jessie Kay and West throughout most of the book. Watching them try not to give into it was hilarious, intense and totally entertaining. I love the way they help each other overcome their fears, except that spider stuff Jessie Kay SHOULD be afraid of those monsters.

I also love that through this story we get to see more of Beck, Harlow, Brook Lynn and Jase. I won’t spoil things but I’m delighted with the way things are going for everyone. I’d love to be a fly on the wall for the next part of their journeys. Perhaps this will not be the last we see of Strawberry Valley and my wish will come true.

The Random Thoughts:

4 Stars ( )