Smitten by Books

The Season will start reviewing Young Adult novels on a regular basis in the summer, but here’s a 10 Star teaser from the very talented Gwen Hayes. Comment to enter to win a copy of FALLING UNDER.

Falling Under
Author: Gwen Hayes
Publisher: NAL Trade
Pub. Date: March 1, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0451232687
Retail: $9.99

Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she’s seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.

And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia’s not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.

~*~*~

Falling Under is a world in which darkness and innocence collide, cleverly crafted and created by Gwen Hayes.

Seventeen-year-old Theia Anderson has had an anything but normal life growing up. With a strict father who has always sheltered her from becoming careless like her mother, who lost her life when Theia was born, she has never had been anything but the perfect daughter. That is until the mysterious dreams start and Theia’s life turns inside out and things become incredibly inexplicable.

Haden Black is Theia’s dreams come true – literally. How or why is anyone’s guess and the smoldering connection between the two is undeniable, no matter how much Haden tries to push Theia away and repulse her. Haden has arrived in Serendipity Falls, California, on a mission. A deep, dark mission that will change lives forever. He is anything but pure, or at least that is what he has been taught to believe.

When the realms of dreams and reality collide, Theia and Haden become intertwined within a dance of pure emotional and physical seduction that cannot be denied, no matter the consequences. Lives will be changed and souls forever stolen, unless temptation can be resisted.

Falling Under is a deeply sensual and provocative story that is amazingly vivid and, at times, menacing. Gwen Hayes displays an unforgettable talent for blending paranormal, romance, suspense, loyalty, friendship and forbidden desire into one superb story. Geared toward Young Adult readers, Falling Under easily crosses that barrier into a wonderful and engrossing story for adults as well. The idea of “tortured and forbidden love” is a bit on the Twilight theme side, however that is where the similarities end. I found this to be a unique and incredible story that left me with a sense of yearning throughout, as I read. Nearing the end, I was tortured with the conflict of wanting to see what would happen next and the pain of not wanting the story to end. I adored both Theia and Haden, deeply, and felt wrapped within their story, their torment. Ms. Hayes’ characterization and descriptions were perfection and truly brought the story and each and every character to life, in vivid proportion.

Falling Under is the first in a new series and I desperately cannot wait for the next installment. The ending of the story was perfect and left me with a tinge of satisfaction, as well as a nail-biting yearning for more. I do have to mention, as well, that the cover of Falling Under is exquisite and is absolute perfection for cradling the delightful and unforgettable story within.

I can’t recommend Falling Under enough to readers who love all the qualities mentioned above. This is a book that will forever have a home on my shelf, awaiting it’s companions to join it.

Rating: 10 (Perfect)

Heat Level: 1 (Inspy , no lovemaking, but still incredibly sensual with sizzling chemistry)

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