Falling Down

By: Eli Easton

Narrated by: Michael Stellman

Length: 7 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's Summary

Josh finds himself homeless at 18, but he has a plan. He’ll head north on the bus to New England and spend October there for his mother’s sake. She always talked about going to see the fall leaves someday. And when the leaves are done and the harsh winter comes, Josh plans to find a place to curl up and let go. It will be a relief to finally stop fighting. 

Mark spent his life trying to live up to the tough swagger of his older brothers until he pushed himself so far against his nature that he cracked. Now a former Marine, he rents a little cabin in the White Mountains of New Hampshire where he can lick his wounds and figure out what to do with the rest of his life. One thing was clear: Mark was nobody’s hero. 

Fate intervenes when Josh sets up camp under a covered bridge near Mark’s cabin. Mark recognizes the dead look in the young stranger’s eyes, and he feels compelled to do something about it. When Mark offers Josh a job, he never expects that he’ll be the one to fall. 

The snow is coming soon. Can Mark convince Josh that the two of them can build a life together before the flurries begin? 

Trigger warning: Suicidal thoughts

©2016 Jane Holmes (P)2019 Jane Holmes

Wonderful, Angsty, HEA.

This must be my week for reading angsty books as this is my second one in a row. 😊 I love a good angsty story with an HEA and this one is fantastic. While I have a couple of other audiobooks in my library performed by Michael Stellman, this is the first one I've listened to. His voice was absolutely perfect for this story.

Josh is a homeless teenager whose mother has just died. He's despondent but decides to go to New England to see the fall leaves like his mother always wanted to do. He ends up under a bridge near Mark's cabin.

Mark is a veteran of the Marine Corp where he served in Afghanistan. He's always felt like an outsider in his family; he's not the macho guy his brothers are and his time in the Corp didn't change that. He's finally come to terms with being gay but there's no way he can admit that to his family.

This story grabbed me from the beginning and broke my heart. Fortunately, it has an HEA but let me tell you, getting there was not easy. This is probably the most painful story I've ever listened to and at the same time one of the most beautiful.

Mark takes Josh under his wing, hiring him to help him paint a house he needs to get finished. The two grow closer together and become lovers. Josh has a very sensitive soul and he begins to feel close to the old woman whose house they are painting.

The book carries a warning for suicidal thoughts. Sometimes I think warnings are over done for books but I think it was appropriate for this one. If you've ever felt depression, and wondered if life is really worth hanging around, be forewarned that this story may be too intense for you.

A copy of this audio book was provided to me at no cost but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

Well written/spoken - but hard to listen to

First, let's start with the fact that I am a HUGE fan of Eli Easton and Michael Stellman. The love story itself was well written and grew steadily with the reader truly pulling for both the MCs. I would caution those that have had thoughts of suicide, or know someone who does/has - this book may be a trigger for you as the author took an incredibly difficult subject matter (suicide, thoughts of suicide, etc.) and wove it into her story.

The voice over work was well done with just a few odd technical errors but nothing that would distract from the book itself. Michael brought the MCs to life and kept the earnestness needed through-out the entire novel.

This was good, but not great

I do really like Easton's work, but I feel like she strayed from what makes her writing enjoyable with this one. Or at least what I find enjoyable about her writing. I understand wanting to try something different, but this was just a bit too predictable and melodramatic for me. The characters were decent enough which saved it from being flat out bad, but it was VERY predictable and the characters, though likeable, didn't seem to be as effectual and worthwhile as her previous characters.

Typically what makes her works great are that her books either have fabulous characters (Robby Riverton / Tender Mercies), interesting plots (Mating of Michael / Trouble with Tony), or both (The Mad Creek Series / Stolen Suiter). But in this work none of the characters were very compelling and the plot is as predictable as they come. The predictablility could be her going for the whole 'watching a train wreck and not being able to stop it' vibe, but because the characters are just decent I found that it made the story fall flat.

This is purely my opinion, but it feels more like a modern Hallmark winter special than the quality M/M romance book that I would expect from someone of her caliber.

I did like the book, but I didn't necessarily enjoy it.

my favorite eli easton audio

When I first read this book, it totally blew me away. Those characters just burrowed deep in my heart and didn't let go. I have listened to this audiobook several times now, and it is just as good each time.

Heartfelt romance between two lost individuals

Falling Down is quite a heartfelt romance between two lost individuals, pretty low in drama except for some sensitive thoughts. I love the style of the narrator, which sounds pretty mellow throughout, which really suit the tone of the story.

Josh is a homeless young guy. Just turned 18 with no one and nowhere to go. He had a very close relationship with his mum and thus decided to head to Hampshire, the place she long to go, but didn't manage to. Josh is a very pessimist guy, understandably due to his childhood situation.

We usually see homeless people around, they seems so inconsequential, like their are just the background among the busy metropolitan. But the author really makes me see homeless people in a new light.

Mark is in his mid twenties, just finished 4 years as a Marine. Although is not a pleasant experience for him, the story didn't delved much into his psych. But Mark is as aimless as Josh. Still in the closet and refuse to stay close with his own family. He can't even make a concrete future plan for himself.

Mark came upon Josh when he found out Josh was a homeless kid sleeping under the bridge near his cabin. His inner kindness can't ignore Josh that obviously need a helping hand. Mark took it upon himself to invite Josh into his cabin, offering food, a job and friendship.

The romance development is slow burn, with Mark not wanting to take advantage and Josh too unfeeling and couldn't care less about the world around him. But once the trigger happened, it development quite fast into an easy companionship.

After the half way mark, things seems to mellow out, the pacing was slow down a little. But it was still quite enjoyable, with their little engagement with old Mrs Fischer and the sudden appearance of Mark's family. The story pick up again near the ending with Josh's reaction towards Mark's attitude.

All in all, a pretty decent and heartfelt read about a lonely guy who finally found someone to live for. I couldn't be happier for Josh.

Hauntingly Beautiful Journey

Falling Down, by Eli Easton, delivers an emotionally draining yet stunning interpretation of how low a person can descend. The intense depth and strong characterization in the story enhance the overall experience and I sat staring at my iPhone for the longest time, lost in thought when it was over.

A powerful plot, along with Michael Stellman’s masterful, if not chilling, use of inflection, takes us on this hauntingly beautiful journey. Each character is easily identifiable, just by the spoken word, and every emotion radiates through your entire being. As you listen, Stellman submerses you into their world and as you experience their pain and struggle, it morphs into ultimate peace, acceptance and a happy-ever-after.

Unlike his brothers, Mark is not brave and is often harassed by them. His military career was his attempt to toughen up his closeted gay self. After four years and suffering the loss of fellow soldiers, he isn’t any tougher. Actually, in all honesty, he feels much weaker. Unable to bear the scrutiny of his family, Mark settles in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Suffering from PTSD, taking refuge in a somewhat secluded cabin, and working as a handyman, Mark distances himself from further anguish.

Josh is one dark and troubled young man. His life has been far from easy, but the loss of his mother ultimately extinguishes his internal flame. His plan is to peacefully release himself from the pain, and a calm settles over him. He has one more purpose in life and it is time to fulfill his mother’s dream.

The road to salvation for Mark and Josh begins on a cold October night under a bridge that Josh has chosen for the shelter it provides. Falling Down’s dual points of view enlighten us to each man’s story, as these random strangers slowly confide in each other.

A visit from Mark’s brother is the catalyst that unleashes a series of consequences neither man is willing to accept. Insecurities take a backseat as Mark and Josh fiercely defend what they have. And for a change, they fight instead of giving up. Facing an uncertain and potentially heartbreaking outcome, the pace of the story accelerates as a race to discover the outcome follows.

Falling Down is a magnificent story of self-discovery and acceptance with a sensitive depiction of some dark situations and thoughts. Side by side, Mark and Josh share their stories until the epilogue pulls their individual journeys together. It is then that this truly becomes their story giving them new purchase, focusing on future and family.

An audio masterpiece... 5+ stars!

Eli Easton is a go-to author for me, and what started my adoration for her writing was my first-ever read from her: Falling Down. When I learned that it was being released as an audiobook, I simply knew I had to add it at the very top of my must-listen-to list. As an eBook, there was a whole lot of introspection going on, and now as an audiobook, I found myself falling in love all over again with the story of eighteen-year-old Josh and twenty-four-year-old Mark, two men who know what it's like to spiral downward and hoping to find some way to get back up.

It goes without saying that the Eli Easton's story was already a winner for me. Her writing is impeccable, with a heartrending yet hopeful tale that had me in a contemplative state throughout. Michael Stellman's narration, however, did the near impossible: it elevated what I had already considered a masterpiece and made it the product of two geniuses: Easton and Stellman. I simply cannot imagine giving voice to Easton's words here other than Stellman; if you've never experienced either one, then you're sadly missing out. Five-plus stars go to Falling Down. ♥

A swing and a miss!

Any time I see Michael Stellman's name listed as narrator, I immediately want to purchase. Unfortunately, even his great narration job couldn't save this book. The book was painfully slow and put me to sleep at least half a dozen times.

A lovely story

I have yet to get a book by this author that I didn’t enjoy. I love her writing style. They give me the warm fuzzies.

Absolutely beautiful

Where to start? I loved this book, and I’m in awe of Eli Easton’s ability to create such heartfelt characters. To make you feel what they are feeling, letting them get a voice. She’s able to write light and fun romances and the serious ones. This one belongs to the latter and tissues might be a good idea to have nearby.

From the very beginning Josh and Mark had this wonderful connection, this invisible thread binding them together. Two hurt and broken souls healing each other and finding hope that you might hurt less tomorrow. I love the fact that the connection between Josh and Mark was so tangible, that you could feel how much they needed each other and the strength they got by being together, around each other. That they found peace in each other.

There were a lot of raw and painful emotions in this book. I just loved Josh, and his pain was so real. He was real. It wasn’t easy to be in his head, to experience it all with him, to know he only wanted it to just stop. Stop hurting. Stop existing. Just…stop.

🎧 He could curl up in a snow bank and... let go. It wouldn't hurt much probably. And it was a beautiful image-tragic and peaceful with the muffled fall of the snow covering him like a blanket. It felt right.

With snow comes pain and it’s overwhelming. There’s also hopelessness and despair. And the thoughts that you thought were buried just a tiny bit deeper than they were, came back. From the beginning of the book you just knew the snow was coming, the meaning of it. But it was brutal just the same. But maybe there is something worth living for at the end of the frozen road? That it could also bring clarity and possibly healing.

Michael Stellman did a fabulous job bringing this book to life, brining Josh and Mark to life. When listening to Josh’s parts you truly felt his despair, his loss and overwhelming grief and loneliness. It shone through every word. Yet Stellman also captured his secret want for more, longing for Mark for somewhere to belong. I doubt that it was easy to narrate this book but Stellman did it with grace and aplomb that fit the story and subject matter.

This was a book of healing and a slow-burn love that will give you hope. Hope that you will someday hurt less, be happy and have a future. And above all, have that all-encompassing love that will give you strength to face what tomorrow will bring.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review for Love Bytes.

Great story, but..

Great story, but let down a little by bad sound engineering. It wasn't so bad that I couldn't enjoy the story, but it was definitely noticeable, and thus I couldn't give this 5 stars over all, which I would have otherwise.

This narrator lulls me into sleep

No idea what happens in this book. It just goes on and my mind wanders off. I gave the story an avarage 3 stars because I can't judge it if I can't remember it. Narration was bland. Sound editing was appalling.

I could get addicted to Eli’s storytelling

This is the third title that I’ve listened to by this author in the past couple of weeks. I loved this story of love, hope and second chances at life and happiness. It’s brilliantly narrated and the development of Josh and Mark’s relationship draws you deep into their world. If you need your heart warming, give this a listen.

A favourite read

I read this book 3 years ago when it first came out, and it became an instant favourite that I have since re-read several times. The story is a definite 5 star for me.

The actual narration by Michael Stellman is excellent, both clear and well paced. What is not so good are the long pauses in chapters when a scene changes. These are off putting, and yet aren't used when a chapter changes which is the more usual. There are also a few repeated words, so the editing definitely needs tightening up.

An overall 5 stars, though.

loved it, poignant sadness and happiness.

Excellent listen, large silence gaps between chapters a bit odd. Full of sadness, emotion and happiness, quite a compelling listen, would recommend.

It was ok

This was an ok listen, if a little melancholic and glum. I didn’t feel like the young lead grew enough through the story and he still seemed really young by the end. The relationship seemed more convenient and grasping onto another person (for both leads) and I didn’t ever feel that they were it for each other. There were still good elements to the story.

Pure Bliss

On 29th November 2016 I posted this about the ebook version:
" As usual Eli didn't disappoint and the story was riveting. It gave me hope and tears in equal measure and in between it gave me humour and compassion. I had trouble putting it down because I was so invested in Josh and Mark and the hope that there would be a happy end. It isn't too much of a spoiler to admit there was *what was I expecting from Eli? There's always happy endings!* I highly recommend this story to you if you like Eli Easton's work or if you enjoy a truly well written story about two guys finding their happy ending after a tumultuous start."

Today I finished listening to the audio version and all I can say is it's a pity I can't give more than 5* ratings, as the story was even more moving and enjoyable to listen to Michael narrate it. If you haven't yet read this story and like listening to audio books I highly suggest you go buy this one and treat yourself to 7.5 hours of pure bliss.

Excellent story and narration.

Beautiful story, as one would expect from Eli Easton . Not really angsty in the true sense, kind of hauntingly sad, but with a thread of hope sneaking in every now and again. I loved both of the MCS, they were perfect for each other, loved their HEA. Definitely a keeper. There is talk of suicide, so beware if this is a trigger for you (tho this is actually clear from the blurb). The narration is first class.

One of my favourite stories

I read this story when it was first published a few years ago and was eager to listen to the audio version.

I always enjoy Eli Easton's writing and this story was no exception. From the start, my heart went out to Josh and his sorry plight. For one so young to see no point in living brought tears to my eyes and did so throughout the story. This wish to end it all had me wondering ‘will he or won’t he’ even after he met the lovely and caring Mark. I kept saying to myself, Eli wouldn’t write such a tragic ending. Even so, I worried what effect even an attempt would have on Mark, whose own life had been tragic in many ways.

The setting was wonderfully painted in words, both the beautiful fall leaves in New Hampshire and the snow-filled landscape towards the end of the story. I could picture the scenes and the emotions they stirred within Josh.

Josh and Mark’s blossoming friendship progresses at a delightful pace—perfect for them and their situation—and when they finally express their desire for each other, the days afterwards are filled with affectionate and steamy love-making.

And all through the happy times they share, I was anticipating the snow with a sense of dread and what it might mean for Josh.

“No matter what else happened from here on out, no matter if he stayed with Mark or had to leave. No matter if Josh lived till he was ninety or found his peace in the snow, he would love Mark 'til the end. He was suddenly so grateful to have experienced that.”

The final chapters of the story had me on the edge of my seat for what seemed like a long time. I was willing for things to turn out well for them. And thank goodness they have their happy ending.

This is such a beautifully written story—definitely one of my favourites. I loved the characters and everything about the story.

Michael Stellman captures the story and emotions well in his narration. His voice suits the characters and the pace of the story. My only grumble is with a few minor technical issues—there are overly long pauses after most scenes, making me wonder many times whether I had reached the end of the chapter. Plus there are the occasional words and phrases that are repeated.

Narration 1, production 0...

Well, I'm sticking with 4 stars for this one. Michael Stellman's narration was good as per usual but the production of the audio left quite a lot to be desired. Long pauses in chapters, and the sound quality was pretty meh...lots of hissing and also on my copy, some of the words repeated, as in 'heebie jeebies'...we got 'bies' repeated, as well as other stuff. All of which I think should have been taken care of in post production.

***2016 Book Review***

4.25 stars from me. Beautifully written as per usual by Eli, and yes, there were a few sniffles, especially at a certain note left in the snow, and I can't deny being completely ticked off with Mark at one stage, but yay!! HEA....