Book Review: Don’t Let Me Fall by Kelsie Rae
As someone who’s constantly on the lookout for that perfect blend of emotional depth and swoon-worthy romance, Don’t Let Me Fall by Kelsie Rae instantly caught my attention. The premise—a complicated love triangle involving a hockey player, his best friend’s girlfriend, and the undeniable chemistry between them—promised to deliver all the feels. And oh, did it deliver!
At its core, Don’t Let Me Fall beautifully explores themes of forbidden love and self-discovery. We meet Ashlyn, a devoted girlfriend caught in a web of loyalty and desire, and Colt, the “bad boy” hockey star who is more than meets the eye. Kelsie Rae skillfully navigates Ash’s internal conflict, as she tries to reconcile her feelings for Colt with her commitment to her boyfriend, Logan. The setup is certainly cliché, but Rae’s writing transforms it into something refreshingly relatable. Readers get to root for Ash as she finds her voice and decides what she truly wants—a journey that resonates deeply.
One of the standout elements of Rae’s writing is her engaging and conversational style. The pacing felt just right, with the steamy moments complementing the character development without overshadowing it. The dialogue sparkles, encapsulating the playful banter between Colt and Ash, while also painting a vivid picture of their emotional struggles. Colt’s character is a delightful mix of cocky confidence and hidden vulnerabilities. His protectiveness towards Ash, coupled with his sense of humor, makes him an instant heartthrob—how could anyone not fall for a guy who looks good in a T-shirt and has a soft spot for a “ray of sunshine”?
A few memorable lines jumped out at me, capturing the essence of their connection perfectly:
- “Did you think of me when he took it off you?” – This line reflects the longing and complexity that defines Colt’s character, making my heart race.
- "You’re the only thing I’ve been looking forward to since I moved back." – Colt’s admission is raw and relatable, resonating with anyone who’s ever felt a profound connection with someone amidst chaos.
Despite the strong character dynamics, some readers have noted pacing issues, feeling that certain aspects of the plot, particularly the relationship between Ash and Logan, lacked depth. While I found Logan to be a rather flat character, serving mainly as a foil to Colt, it didn’t detract significantly from my enjoyment of the story. The lingering threads of Ash and Logan’s relationship may leave some wanting more, but it ultimately adds to the tension and emotional heft.
For anyone who enjoys a heartfelt and engaging romance with a hint of hockey, Don’t Let Me Fall is a must-read. Kelsie Rae has created a captivating story with relatable characters that effectively portrays the struggles of young love and self-realization. I can’t help but root for Ash and Colt to find their way to each other, and I look forward to more of Rae’s work—this is definitely an author I’ll be following!
So, whether you’re a fan of the sports romance genre or love stories about complex relationships, grab a copy of Don’t Let Me Fall. You might just find it hard to put down—as I did!