Every great romance comes with a risk... After a duke's betrayal, the resilient Sarah Forrester reinvents herself as the Golden Lady: society's leading light, the beautiful and witty life of the party. It's all a façade of course-one that protects her from another intimate disloyalty. When her old friend, Lieutenant Jackson Fletcher, returns to London, he is determined to rediscover the true and trusting Sarah he once knew. It'll take more than a kiss and a promise. It might even call for an innocent and necessary deception.

Then Jackson is enlisted to help capture the lead suspect in a murder-- a man who happens to be Sarah's most ardent suitor. Jack must continue the deception, and weathering this newest and gravest betrayal will be Sarah's ultimate test. But as Jack's passion for her grows, he must also reveal his own secrets. And as the killer turns his attention to his pursuers, more than love and trust is put at risk.

Review

Sarah Forrester was once a strong-willed girl not afraid to climb trees, speak her mind, or read the newspapers when her mother was not looking. Womanhood and beau abandonment changed her forever. Facing a set down from the ton after a duke throws her over for another woman; Sarah has no choice but to rise from the scandal with a new outlook… or at least a golden one.

Lt. Jackson Fletcher came back to London expecting to enjoy the friendly environment of the Forrester’s home, just as he did when he was a child. The transformation of Sarah into the sensational Golden Lady is too much though, stretching Jackson’s resolve. He can’t stand the fake persona she exudes, and vows to force her to relinquish the mask. A kiss, a deception, and a murder aren’t the only things heating up the late hours of London.  Now, all Jackson can do is follow along, but as the hole deepens he only hopes that his heart and will can protect Sarah from the danger.

Sarah Forrester is the epitome of a woman scorned, and I loved her to pieces. She’s strong, competent and the perfect match for any man. Yet, when left bereft by the Duke of Rayne (yes, the very one from Noble’s last release Follow My Lead) Sarah has to do something. Her sister hates her for stealing her season’s thunder, her family thinks she’s bound to spinsterhood, and Sarah just wants people to stop underestimating her. Enter the blast from the past, Jackson Fletcher. This is the boy Sarah spent too much time with as child running around playing pirates and climbing trees. He’s all grown up now too, and very much an annoyance. If anyone wants the old Sarah back its Jackson and he’ll do anything to get his way… even steal a kiss.

Jackson didn’t mean to kiss her or follow through with this hair brained scheme to bring back the old Sarah, but once he gets started all hell breaks loose. Next thing Jackson knows his emotions are involved, and lust is a bit powerful for a man who has never been to port; if you know what I mean *wink*.  I love Jackson’s ability to see through Sarah’s B.S. and the lengths he’ll go to protect and serve the ones he’s loyal to. The romance is just the icing on the cake for these two once-upon-a-time friends.

Noble does a phenomenal job of making this a stand-alone book, but after reading you’ll be clamoring for her entire backlist. There are characters from previous books sprinkled throughout If I Fall and each addition makes for wonderful book fodder, but I admit I was more intrigued about those characters individual stories as well. The characters are the most memorable part of the story, along with a few hilarious situations that will leave you laughing. I also enjoy Noble’s daring move when it came to villains, no punches are pulled and that’s just the way I like it. With a good back drop for mischief and an H/H willing to go the extra mile If I Fall was a good read. My only issue is that Jackson was a lot different than my own expectations. I expected a tough seaman, and while Jackson is strong in his own way; he’s not exactly alpha male. Again, this is a personal feeling, and I don’t think it should influence readers.

Overall, if you’re looking for a unique tale that draws together two people who are strong, yet surprising If I Fall is one to read. Plus it’s worth checking into this author’s backlist, as I plan on doing right away.  

Reviewed by Landra

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