The Fallback by Mariah Dietz Pages: 465
on January 10, 2019
Genres: New Adult, contemporary, Romance
Source: eARC from Author
Breaking up is hard to do.
It's even harder when you're not expecting it.
Brooke Jensen is a planner. Not only in her personal life but also professionally as one of the most sought after event planners in Chicago.
But, when the ideal life she built for herself, complete with handsome, long-term boyfriend and perfect apartment crumbles, she realizes there are some things you just can’t plan for.
While trying to start anew from her best friend's guest room and discovering the best doughnuts in the city, an idea sparks to life when she meets Levi. He's intriguing, funny, and shockingly good-looking, and what had been a few stray thoughts becomes a new passion for Brooke, a blog detailing learning how to be single. The project introduces Brooke to new people and experiences, and keeps returning her back to Levi.
But, Brooke learns kismet may have been wrong when she learns Levi is the last person she should be interested in.
Falling for the wrong guy once has Brooke hesitant to start a new relationship, but Levi is quickly proving that The Fallback might be even better.
The Fallback is a new adult contemporary romance by Mariah Dietz. I know it is early in 2019, but I can already tell this book is going to be a favorite of the year. It just had everything I was looking for in a book. I read it one day because I just could. not. put. it. down. And this book clocks in on 465 pages, so it isn’t what I would call short. It just came out this week, and you all need to run, not walk to grab a copy. If you like romantic comedy types reads that are a pinch of The Devil Wears Prada and dash of The Wedding Planner, I absolutely loved The Fallback. I fell in love with the characters, and their romance was super sweet. This novel was a lot of fun.
Brooke is an event planner at a very well respected Chicago firm. The book starts off on a very personal level with Brooke. I felt like we really got to know her even before Levi ever entered the scene, which I really appreciated. But once Levi did enter the story, I was hooked. There was no looking back for me. Though the book certainly had predictable moments, it totally delivered on everything it promised; great characters and a great romance. I loved watching Levi and Brooke, especially once she learned of his connection to her boss. I can so easily see this story translate to a rom com movie. I also loved Brooke’s blog. That was a great side story line for the book, and an awesome way to get an insight into Brooke figuring out who she was as a single woman. It led to some excellent character growth and development.
If you like cute romantic comedies with a wonderfully sweet connection and slow burn romance, the Fallback is a must read for you. I know it is going to be a big contender for best books of 2019 and Levi is totally topping the chart of favorite book boyfriends. This is the first book I have read by Mariah Dietz, but it certainly won’t be the last. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
Holly @ The Writing Finch
I have just read this for the blog tour (my stop is on Wednesday) too! I absolutely adored it as well, and it is definitely a contender for my top books of 2019 and we aren’t even halfway through January. I actually wished that Levi had come on the scene slightly earlier in the book because I felt like I was left waiting a little bit toooo long for his arrival and was expecting it to be happen so many times before it did. But I do agree with you that it was interesting (and quite unique to be honest) to get to know Brooke as her own individual character before being introduced to the love interest. She is such an amazing woman!!
Michelle @ Book Briefs
hi Holly!
I actually went back and forth whether I thought it was too long for Levi to enter the story, so I know exactly what you mean. When I was reading, I did feel like we were waiting a while to meet him, but once I finished the story and I was thinking back on everything, I didn’t mind because, as you said, it is unique that we got to know Brooke so well before meeting the love interest. I just don’t see that too often in books and it really helped me make a deeper connection to her. But yes, I LOVE LEVI!! So more of him is always great haha