Sweet, heartfelt, and real. If you aren't brought to tears by the epilogue, you are not human.

I'm a big fan of Pamela Clare's I-Team series, but wasn't that keen on the first two in her Colorado High Country series. The author completely redeemed herself with Falling Hard, a truly lovely ode to single moms, widows, military veterans, family, first responders, small towns, and even psychologists. Seriously, this story was wonderfully done, without veering into sappy, cheesy Hallmark movie territory.

Jessie and Ellie both have their own burdens and their romance isn't glossed over. There are awkward moments, not to mention both make painful mistakes with each other. But that is what makes watching them fall tenderly, fully in love with each other so worthwhile. Kudos to the author for honoring the military dead, the widows left behind, and the veterans still recovering from their service with a story so heartfelt and detailed that it felt very, very real.

4.5 stars

Ugh. I can't stand people like Mrs. Beech. "Your husband's dead, but at least your kids are a consolation prize!" Um, no.

Team members don't get paid? That's horrible!

Gosh, it really is a small world.

What the hell kind of sport is that?!

So. Cute.

People are stupid.

His house is now cleaner than mine will ever be.

Way to make her feel guilty, idiot. You know you are interested in her.

Really, man? Women regularly "happen" to fall on your penis?

His sister sounds like a crappy person.

Oh, God! Kids? This is why I could never be a doctor or a nurse.

So his father beat him but not his mother?

Who gave this kid permission to use explosives? Idiot!

Haha, way to announce to the whole town that you're having sex! Don't be surprised if it's in the paper tomorrow.

Ooh, giving him a key is serious.

Whoa, damn, Sacha!

God. No wonder he has nightmares.

It's good that he recognizes when he needs help. Now if only he would let Ellie in.

"Partner" sounds stupid. Just say "boyfriend".

Men are crazy.

I hope she got that on video.

Parents should never have to bury their kids.

Good Lord, I didn't know a flashback could come on so suddenly.

Dammit, her parents had one job to do! Two kids, two grandparents.

Such cute kids.

Pauline is a jerk.

Awww.

Okay, I need tissues.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I laughed, I cried and I sighed. Falling Hard had all my emotions changing from one paragraph to the next. This is a great series and Falling Hard is a great addition to it.