What do you think?
Rate this book
Alejo and Bobby #1
Fall Into the Sun
They should have spent the past 22 years together, but life took some unexpected turns for Bobby Gallegos and Alejo Sandoval. Heartbreak and rejection can harden the hearts of two passionate, stubborn men. One, deeply devout, wanted to attend college. One, who perfected a tough act to deceive his brothers, might have followed his dad to prison. Now, at 40 years old, they maintain a long-distance relationship as sex buddies, who don't quite trust each other.
Their lives have sharply diverged. One is now divorced with two teenagers, who bring him joy and despair. One has just had a near-death experience on the job. When Bobby returns to Albuquerque, he will use sex, persuasion, and memories of their shared past to try to convince Alejo to take a chance on him and reach for the future that they were meant to share together.
Note: REACH FOR THE MOON is listed as a prequel to FALL INTO THE SUN, but only in the sense of having the same characters at a younger age. Think of FALL INTO THE SUN as what might have occurred on an alternate timeline. Meanwhile, REACH FOR THE MOON is what really happened on the main timeline. The events of REACH FOR THE MOON do not fit into the backstory of FALL INTO THE SUN.
Their lives have sharply diverged. One is now divorced with two teenagers, who bring him joy and despair. One has just had a near-death experience on the job. When Bobby returns to Albuquerque, he will use sex, persuasion, and memories of their shared past to try to convince Alejo to take a chance on him and reach for the future that they were meant to share together.
Note: REACH FOR THE MOON is listed as a prequel to FALL INTO THE SUN, but only in the sense of having the same characters at a younger age. Think of FALL INTO THE SUN as what might have occurred on an alternate timeline. Meanwhile, REACH FOR THE MOON is what really happened on the main timeline. The events of REACH FOR THE MOON do not fit into the backstory of FALL INTO THE SUN.
166 pages, ebook
First published January 30, 2012
5 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
May 28, 2013
4.5 Stars for this is a beautiful and emotional recollection of the lives of two men over a thirty four year period seen through the eyes of our two MC’s Bobby and Alejo with evocative and poignant prose from Val Kovalin… I loved her writing, I was absorbed from the start and the time passed in a blur whilst reading this love story, I was filled with sadness but and at the same time hope and a sense of satisfaction that love prevails all.
This book fills you with the warm and fuzzies, but also heartache and pain of what could have been. From the tender age of six these boys became the very best of friends… inseparable, they loved each other innocently and unconditionally and as they matured their love grew more intense, with puberty came passion and their love for each other morphed, encompassing the whole of them, they were soul mates, had grown up together and were meant to share the rest of their lives.
But for two Hispanic boys growing up in the 70s one from a respected and deeply religious Catholic family who lived his life to please his parents and the other who lived life by the seat of his pants, a father in prison, a mother who spent more time with a bottle of alcohol than her sons and two older brothers who took pleasure in abusing and bullying their youngest sibling. But when you are young and in love and without responsibility, the rest of the world pales into insignificance. That is until the pressures of adolescence and the unfamiliar emotions that come with it consume you and you are unable to contain or even understand the fear, jealousy, insecurities and responsibilities all become too much of a burden on such young shoulders, and like a disease they start to spread, destroying the love, leaving bitterness and rejection in it’s wake. Which heartbreakingly leaves two men whose love, despite circumstances had never waned spending 22 years apart and never quite feeling whole without the other.
As adults, I probably related more to Bobby with my emotions for him the strongest, I felt he was the injured party in all of this, I wanted him to be angry with Alejo, but his love was so strong he would forgive him anything, which for me was frustrating and at no time did he even feel bitterness towards the man he loved, where I was totally pissed at him. Instead, Bobby took the rejection and heartache and channelled it, focusing on a future and even this was for Alejo, he wanted him to see that he was more than the sum of his background and family and he wanted to be worthy… and throughout their separation his love never ceased, Alejo was always at the back of his mind and threw himself into his career and work to leave him little time to reflect on what could have been.
I wanted Alejo to man up, take control of his life and grow a pair, it seemed as though he spent his whole life enabling those that continue to take without giving in return, kowtowing to his Mother, who in my opinion had spent her life being selfish, admittedly she had been a woman scorned and when Alejo’s Father died he was the one responsible for his Mother, so he had rejected his one love for the sake of the family and married their best friend Eugenia. I liked her, she was a strong character, and even though he had loved her, he did her an injustice as it was never on the same level as Bobby. They are blessed with twins and they become his life, the Daughter, loved her, she is straight and to the point, with a mature and sensible head on her shoulders, but the Son, Carlos, he needed a firm hand and he wasn’t getting that from Alejo… As an honourable man he takes pride in his responsibilities but all at the expense of his own happiness.
There is a lot of soul searching from both characters as they look back and reminisce on the events that had brought them to where they are today and I loved this journey with Bobby and Alejo, I was desperate for them to at last find the happiness they both deserve. Val Kovelin in Fall Into The Sun brings us two very believable and well developed characters and her writing is excellent and she endeared me to these two strong willed men, evoking emotions in me from anger to sadness to happiness and everything in between. The ending was both fitting and beautiful… this is a fabulous book and I highly recommend reading it, and I can't wait to have another visit with Bobby and Alejo when Reach for the Moon is released on the 10th June.
This book fills you with the warm and fuzzies, but also heartache and pain of what could have been. From the tender age of six these boys became the very best of friends… inseparable, they loved each other innocently and unconditionally and as they matured their love grew more intense, with puberty came passion and their love for each other morphed, encompassing the whole of them, they were soul mates, had grown up together and were meant to share the rest of their lives.
But for two Hispanic boys growing up in the 70s one from a respected and deeply religious Catholic family who lived his life to please his parents and the other who lived life by the seat of his pants, a father in prison, a mother who spent more time with a bottle of alcohol than her sons and two older brothers who took pleasure in abusing and bullying their youngest sibling. But when you are young and in love and without responsibility, the rest of the world pales into insignificance. That is until the pressures of adolescence and the unfamiliar emotions that come with it consume you and you are unable to contain or even understand the fear, jealousy, insecurities and responsibilities all become too much of a burden on such young shoulders, and like a disease they start to spread, destroying the love, leaving bitterness and rejection in it’s wake. Which heartbreakingly leaves two men whose love, despite circumstances had never waned spending 22 years apart and never quite feeling whole without the other.
As adults, I probably related more to Bobby with my emotions for him the strongest, I felt he was the injured party in all of this, I wanted him to be angry with Alejo, but his love was so strong he would forgive him anything, which for me was frustrating and at no time did he even feel bitterness towards the man he loved, where I was totally pissed at him. Instead, Bobby took the rejection and heartache and channelled it, focusing on a future and even this was for Alejo, he wanted him to see that he was more than the sum of his background and family and he wanted to be worthy… and throughout their separation his love never ceased, Alejo was always at the back of his mind and threw himself into his career and work to leave him little time to reflect on what could have been.
I wanted Alejo to man up, take control of his life and grow a pair, it seemed as though he spent his whole life enabling those that continue to take without giving in return, kowtowing to his Mother, who in my opinion had spent her life being selfish, admittedly she had been a woman scorned and when Alejo’s Father died he was the one responsible for his Mother, so he had rejected his one love for the sake of the family and married their best friend Eugenia. I liked her, she was a strong character, and even though he had loved her, he did her an injustice as it was never on the same level as Bobby. They are blessed with twins and they become his life, the Daughter, loved her, she is straight and to the point, with a mature and sensible head on her shoulders, but the Son, Carlos, he needed a firm hand and he wasn’t getting that from Alejo… As an honourable man he takes pride in his responsibilities but all at the expense of his own happiness.
There is a lot of soul searching from both characters as they look back and reminisce on the events that had brought them to where they are today and I loved this journey with Bobby and Alejo, I was desperate for them to at last find the happiness they both deserve. Val Kovelin in Fall Into The Sun brings us two very believable and well developed characters and her writing is excellent and she endeared me to these two strong willed men, evoking emotions in me from anger to sadness to happiness and everything in between. The ending was both fitting and beautiful… this is a fabulous book and I highly recommend reading it, and I can't wait to have another visit with Bobby and Alejo when Reach for the Moon is released on the 10th June.
February 9, 2012
First off I need to say this was a beautiful and fulfilling love story and one that I will treasure for a long time to come, this is what I call a true romance.
It had me thinking about the what ifs, the lost opportunities, about being stubborn and in denial and those silly hurtful words. Petty behavior and of course nothing good comes of it only heartbreak. There is grief and regrets which almost ruined their lives. Bobby and Alejo they had this deep connection, it started when they were little kids and it never went away, it only got buried underneath the misunderstandings and hurt. Alejo was his own worse enemy the indecision and fear, if only he had the courage to let go and take a chance earlier. All that time wasted, damn he was a fool. So after all the obstacles they faced and the bittersweet separations they finally got what should have been theirs from the beginning, each other. If anyone deserved some happiness it was these two!
Wonderful writing with adorable characters even if they deserved a slap on occasion. Most importantly you never know what life is going to throw at you every little moment spent together is precious hold on to it for dear life because who knows if you will ever get that second chance. Highly recommended to anyone who believes in true love!
It had me thinking about the what ifs, the lost opportunities, about being stubborn and in denial and those silly hurtful words. Petty behavior and of course nothing good comes of it only heartbreak. There is grief and regrets which almost ruined their lives. Bobby and Alejo they had this deep connection, it started when they were little kids and it never went away, it only got buried underneath the misunderstandings and hurt. Alejo was his own worse enemy the indecision and fear, if only he had the courage to let go and take a chance earlier. All that time wasted, damn he was a fool. So after all the obstacles they faced and the bittersweet separations they finally got what should have been theirs from the beginning, each other. If anyone deserved some happiness it was these two!
Wonderful writing with adorable characters even if they deserved a slap on occasion. Most importantly you never know what life is going to throw at you every little moment spent together is precious hold on to it for dear life because who knows if you will ever get that second chance. Highly recommended to anyone who believes in true love!
March 27, 2023
This was a very emotional story and a pretty good book though it wasn’t an easy read at times. I had this on my tbr for quite a while and since I saw it was pretty short I decided to read it. The book opens with Alejo and Bobby, two men in their 40s meeting in a hotel where they intend to spend a week together. They’re less than boyfriends and more than fuck buddies but most of all they’ve been best friends and later lovers since they were 6 (1972). And so the author, using flashbacks started narrating their difficult love story that started when they were 14, ended when they were 18 and resumed 22 years later for good. It’s not an easy story..it’s kind of sad and complicated yet it’s nothing we haven’t read before as it’s a tale old as time, quite a cliche after all these years. Fortunately it ends with a long awaited hea. It’s an emotional second chance love , like I said, and a pretty angsty one -that actually came as a surprise. I loved Bobby to pieces and I’m sorry to say that the entire book I felt that he deserved better because Alejo was kind of a self-centered coward and he didn’t do much to deserve Bobby. I was happy he got his head out of his ass by the end and came through for him. It’s a short book but it manages to paint a very clear picture of their families and their past together. 3.5 stars rounded up because the last chapter where they first kissed and touched each other when they were 14 is beautiful and sensual and heartwarming.
February 9, 2012
Idiots!
Stupid,stubborn,jealous,beautiful,adorable morons! So much wasted time...
...and so much more than a simple romance this was the emotional story of Bobby and Alejo - falling in love as little boys,breaking up as young adults and being seperated for the next two decades.How these two men who were so in love and tune with each other managed to make all the wrong decisions over family affairs,kids,marriage,jealousy,insecurity and fear that kept them apart instead of being together...incredible!
Beautifully written and smoothly switching between present and past this was a "coming alive before my eyes" story I had a wonderful hard time with....
Highly recommended!
Stupid,stubborn,jealous,beautiful,adorable morons! So much wasted time...
...and so much more than a simple romance this was the emotional story of Bobby and Alejo - falling in love as little boys,breaking up as young adults and being seperated for the next two decades.How these two men who were so in love and tune with each other managed to make all the wrong decisions over family affairs,kids,marriage,jealousy,insecurity and fear that kept them apart instead of being together...incredible!
Beautifully written and smoothly switching between present and past this was a "coming alive before my eyes" story I had a wonderful hard time with....
Highly recommended!
February 6, 2012
5 stars
Bobby (Roberto) and Alejo met when they were six years old at an Easter Mass in Albuquerque New Mexico in 1972. Since then, they grew up together. By age 14, they found out their attraction to each other. In 1984, at age 18, they had to split because Alejo's father died and he had to follow the tradition: continuing his father's restaurant, get married, have kids, etc. Alejo told Bobby not to see him again. They fought hard, and broke up in really bad terms.
Broken heart, Bobby left the town to Houston, TX, for college. They had never met each other again for years. Not even in their high school's 10th reunion, which Bobby skipped since he still couldn't face Alejo. A year after, Bobby visited the town and the two met. Alejo had been separated from his wife (although not yet complete divorce) and wanted to have an experience again with Bobby, to remember him by. They had steamy night together after so many years. After that, Bobby returned to Houston. When several years later Bobby's brother died, he came back for the funeral with Quinn, his partner at his side. Alejo's heart ached, but he knew he had made his choice years ago, as had Bobby now.
Fast forward, the year was 2006. It's been 22 years since they first split. They're both 40 now. Alejo had been officially divorced from his wife. The ex was getting re-married to a nice guy. His children were teenagers (with all troubles they brought) and about to graduate from high school. Bobby was single again after Quinn left him. Whenever he was in town, like this weekend, Bobby and Alejo enjoyed steamy nights together. Brokeback Mountain had just lost the Oscar but was still playing. Could Bobby convince Alejo to watch the movie? And more importantly, could they manage to avoid the fate of Ennis and Jack?
It's a beautiful book. It's sweet, but surely is not sugary sweet. Sometimes, it's heart wrenching, but it's never really too angsty since the author didn't make the MCs swim in agony or emotional distress. They have broken heart, but they understand and accept the reasons and live with it.
Both characters are Hispanic, and as it is two institutions are integral parts of their lives: family and the Catholic Church. Yet, the book manage to avoid the stereotypes that people who go to church must be ready to lynch the gays. No, it's not portrayed as Kumbaya-style of loving everybody either. There's balance between those who disapprove, approve, and are indifferent. Neither does the book dive into quasi-theological question. It simply depicts the cultural influences that the church has in the lives of Hispanic living in New Mexico.
The characters are likeable. Even the sad action that Alejo had to take (breaking up with Bobby, and not in a nice way) doesn't make me hate him. Disappointed yes, but not hate. The supporting characters, including Alejo's ex wife and children, are also interesting.
Bobby's use of Brokeback Mountain movie to convince Alejo is really nice and sad at the same time. After watching the movie, Bobby asked, "Doesn't it remind you of something?" Serious spoiler:
The book goes back and forth between the present and the past. Sometimes, it's a bit distracting but I got over it since each represents an important event in the characters lives.
Recommended.
Bobby (Roberto) and Alejo met when they were six years old at an Easter Mass in Albuquerque New Mexico in 1972. Since then, they grew up together. By age 14, they found out their attraction to each other. In 1984, at age 18, they had to split because Alejo's father died and he had to follow the tradition: continuing his father's restaurant, get married, have kids, etc. Alejo told Bobby not to see him again. They fought hard, and broke up in really bad terms.
Broken heart, Bobby left the town to Houston, TX, for college. They had never met each other again for years. Not even in their high school's 10th reunion, which Bobby skipped since he still couldn't face Alejo. A year after, Bobby visited the town and the two met. Alejo had been separated from his wife (although not yet complete divorce) and wanted to have an experience again with Bobby, to remember him by. They had steamy night together after so many years. After that, Bobby returned to Houston. When several years later Bobby's brother died, he came back for the funeral with Quinn, his partner at his side. Alejo's heart ached, but he knew he had made his choice years ago, as had Bobby now.
Fast forward, the year was 2006. It's been 22 years since they first split. They're both 40 now. Alejo had been officially divorced from his wife. The ex was getting re-married to a nice guy. His children were teenagers (with all troubles they brought) and about to graduate from high school. Bobby was single again after Quinn left him. Whenever he was in town, like this weekend, Bobby and Alejo enjoyed steamy nights together. Brokeback Mountain had just lost the Oscar but was still playing. Could Bobby convince Alejo to watch the movie? And more importantly, could they manage to avoid the fate of Ennis and Jack?
It's a beautiful book. It's sweet, but surely is not sugary sweet. Sometimes, it's heart wrenching, but it's never really too angsty since the author didn't make the MCs swim in agony or emotional distress. They have broken heart, but they understand and accept the reasons and live with it.
Both characters are Hispanic, and as it is two institutions are integral parts of their lives: family and the Catholic Church. Yet, the book manage to avoid the stereotypes that people who go to church must be ready to lynch the gays. No, it's not portrayed as Kumbaya-style of loving everybody either. There's balance between those who disapprove, approve, and are indifferent. Neither does the book dive into quasi-theological question. It simply depicts the cultural influences that the church has in the lives of Hispanic living in New Mexico.
The characters are likeable. Even the sad action that Alejo had to take (breaking up with Bobby, and not in a nice way) doesn't make me hate him. Disappointed yes, but not hate. The supporting characters, including Alejo's ex wife and children, are also interesting.
Bobby's use of Brokeback Mountain movie to convince Alejo is really nice and sad at the same time. After watching the movie, Bobby asked, "Doesn't it remind you of something?" Serious spoiler:
The book goes back and forth between the present and the past. Sometimes, it's a bit distracting but I got over it since each represents an important event in the characters lives.
Recommended.
March 31, 2012
4 ½ stars
I’ve read and reviewed two of Val Kovalin’s m/m romances and enjoyed them both but this one is hands down my favorite. It’s sweet, romantic, sexy and perfectly angsty. Just the way I love a great romance!
Bobby and Alejo met when they were six years old and became best friend and secret lovers when they figured out they were attracted to each other as teens. But life and Alejo’s fears pulled their lives in two very different directions and they have spent the bulk of their adult lives living separate lives. Alejo took over running the family restaurant at eighteen, married a woman and raised twins who are now eighteen. Broken hearted Bobby became a successful attorney and has tried to live a life without Alejo in it. Though he has had several male lovers, his relationships never seem to work out for very long because Alejo, even after all this time, is the one he truly wants. The two get together occasionally over the years, unable to resist the pull of each other, but Alejo’s obligations and guilt always pull them apart. Even with Alejo’s children nearly grown and his now ex-wife on the verge of remarrying he is unable to admit out in the open what he truly wants. And all he wants is Bobby.
Oh the beautiful angst! Can you feel it? I’m getting all bleary eyed just recalling it.
Alejo is the guy who lives to please everyone except himself (and of course poor Bobby who loves him so much it hurts). Raised in a strict Catholic family, those values stuck and he constantly worries about what people will think if he comes out and how it will affect others around him – especially his kids. He coddles his surly son Carlos who has turned into a headstrong, spoiled brat who can’t seem to get out of his own way. Alejo is always there making excuses and smoothing things over so his son won’t hurt. As a parent I can understand why Alejo acts the way he does and my heart breaks for him even when it’s clear he is making things worse for Carlos. Alejo’s daughter Josephina brings a nice balance to all of the Carlos drama. She is intelligent, intuitive and only wants to see her Daddy happy. She is an easy character to love and I thought these two kids were very well developed and played important roles in the story.
The love story which spans decades is told through flashbacks. I admit that in the very beginning I was a little leery of the setup and feared it wouldn’t work for me. Alejo and Bobby start out the story as occasional sex buddies with a long past. Alejo can’t seem to fit Bobby into his life and I felt terrible for Bobby who is happy with scraps he can get because he is obviously madly in love. But as the author exposed bits of their tumultuous past and advanced their current relationship, I began to understand both of them, love Bobby even more, and felt that achy pain in the chest that only comes when reading an amazing romance. The heat between these two is something rare and beautiful to behold, and their love is 100% believable. The only slight niggle is that the story came to an end too fast and ended on a flashback. I wanted more current day happiness but I’m greedy like that! If you’re in the mood for some well written angsty love I highly recommend adding Fall Into The Sun to your ereader.
I’ve read and reviewed two of Val Kovalin’s m/m romances and enjoyed them both but this one is hands down my favorite. It’s sweet, romantic, sexy and perfectly angsty. Just the way I love a great romance!
Bobby and Alejo met when they were six years old and became best friend and secret lovers when they figured out they were attracted to each other as teens. But life and Alejo’s fears pulled their lives in two very different directions and they have spent the bulk of their adult lives living separate lives. Alejo took over running the family restaurant at eighteen, married a woman and raised twins who are now eighteen. Broken hearted Bobby became a successful attorney and has tried to live a life without Alejo in it. Though he has had several male lovers, his relationships never seem to work out for very long because Alejo, even after all this time, is the one he truly wants. The two get together occasionally over the years, unable to resist the pull of each other, but Alejo’s obligations and guilt always pull them apart. Even with Alejo’s children nearly grown and his now ex-wife on the verge of remarrying he is unable to admit out in the open what he truly wants. And all he wants is Bobby.
Oh the beautiful angst! Can you feel it? I’m getting all bleary eyed just recalling it.
Alejo is the guy who lives to please everyone except himself (and of course poor Bobby who loves him so much it hurts). Raised in a strict Catholic family, those values stuck and he constantly worries about what people will think if he comes out and how it will affect others around him – especially his kids. He coddles his surly son Carlos who has turned into a headstrong, spoiled brat who can’t seem to get out of his own way. Alejo is always there making excuses and smoothing things over so his son won’t hurt. As a parent I can understand why Alejo acts the way he does and my heart breaks for him even when it’s clear he is making things worse for Carlos. Alejo’s daughter Josephina brings a nice balance to all of the Carlos drama. She is intelligent, intuitive and only wants to see her Daddy happy. She is an easy character to love and I thought these two kids were very well developed and played important roles in the story.
The love story which spans decades is told through flashbacks. I admit that in the very beginning I was a little leery of the setup and feared it wouldn’t work for me. Alejo and Bobby start out the story as occasional sex buddies with a long past. Alejo can’t seem to fit Bobby into his life and I felt terrible for Bobby who is happy with scraps he can get because he is obviously madly in love. But as the author exposed bits of their tumultuous past and advanced their current relationship, I began to understand both of them, love Bobby even more, and felt that achy pain in the chest that only comes when reading an amazing romance. The heat between these two is something rare and beautiful to behold, and their love is 100% believable. The only slight niggle is that the story came to an end too fast and ended on a flashback. I wanted more current day happiness but I’m greedy like that! If you’re in the mood for some well written angsty love I highly recommend adding Fall Into The Sun to your ereader.
February 9, 2012
What a beautiful story!! I don't know if "Brokeback Mountain" is the inspiration (considering that the movie is used at one time in this book, for Bobby to remind Alejo about their own relationship), but like that book (and movie) it portrays a long-time yearning and deep love between two men, who cannot be together because one is too afraid to acknowledge it.
The writing is profound, and I care so much about the two characters (Bobby more than Alejo) and what they've been going through. I so want them to be happy because they could have been happy for the past 20 years or so, instead of being apart. Yes, there are times I want to shake some sense into the characters, especially Alejo, for not having enough faith ... but these men come from a different time, where being gay has serious repercussion (well, it still happens now too, sadly) with tight religion, that actually only breaks my heart. Isn't is sad, that these people cannot be together because they choose to be with someone with the same sex? It should not happen that way, at all. In any place at any time.
However, I need to point out a couple of technical issues for me, which sort of distracting me from the whole story:
One, I'm a bit annoyed with the time pointers -- in chapter 1 alone, it's around 8 times I encouncer words like "months ago", "one year ago", "after ten years", "early last year", "twenty-six years ago", "twenty-two years ago" ... At one time, I actually put it aside, before starting again after reading all the high praises from my friends. It's distracting, and I wonder if I should draw somekind of timeline on a paper to keep track.
Two: each chapter is written with this structure: present then flashback. All seven chapters. While each flashback marks one important event in both Bobby and Alejo's life before coming to present, I'm always been a 'future' kind of gal. I can appreciate the flashback UNTIL the last chapter. Personally, I prefer to have the book ends with something in the future, rather than ending it with something that happened in the past. Again, it's just personal thing.
The writing is profound, and I care so much about the two characters (Bobby more than Alejo) and what they've been going through. I so want them to be happy because they could have been happy for the past 20 years or so, instead of being apart. Yes, there are times I want to shake some sense into the characters, especially Alejo, for not having enough faith ... but these men come from a different time, where being gay has serious repercussion (well, it still happens now too, sadly) with tight religion, that actually only breaks my heart. Isn't is sad, that these people cannot be together because they choose to be with someone with the same sex? It should not happen that way, at all. In any place at any time.
However, I need to point out a couple of technical issues for me, which sort of distracting me from the whole story:
One, I'm a bit annoyed with the time pointers -- in chapter 1 alone, it's around 8 times I encouncer words like "months ago", "one year ago", "after ten years", "early last year", "twenty-six years ago", "twenty-two years ago" ... At one time, I actually put it aside, before starting again after reading all the high praises from my friends. It's distracting, and I wonder if I should draw somekind of timeline on a paper to keep track.
Two: each chapter is written with this structure: present then flashback. All seven chapters. While each flashback marks one important event in both Bobby and Alejo's life before coming to present, I'm always been a 'future' kind of gal. I can appreciate the flashback UNTIL the last chapter. Personally, I prefer to have the book ends with something in the future, rather than ending it with something that happened in the past. Again, it's just personal thing.
December 23, 2013
4.5 stars
To say I enjoyed this book would be an understatement. It was a well-written, engaging story that I just did not want to put down. The connection these two men have is awe-inspiring and captivating.
This is a story about Bobby and Alejo. Friends from the age of six, they've reached all aspects of a relationship in the decades they've known each other. From friends to lovers, breaking up and drifting apart, to getting reacquainted and becoming lovers all over. The feelings they've had for each other for over two decades never disappeared or lessened. Their lives have been made of love, heartache and missed opportunities but now both men have reached a point in their lives when being friends with benefits is no longer acceptable. Bobby's ready to move forward but Alejo might be too set in his ways to finally grab hold of what he desires most. And that's Bobby.
I absolutely adored these characters. Bobby and Alejo have such a great connection that I felt like I could feel it. They are both stubborn men and that stubbornness sometimes causes tension between them but their love always brings them back together. They are two completely different people. Bobby is an out and proud lawyer who doesn't much care what people think of him or how it'll effect his family. Alejo is a family man. He's divorced with two kids, owns a restaurant, a devout Catholic and can't have much of a life because of his troublemaker son who's desperate for attention. Bobby's forgiving and understanding but even he gets frustrated by Alejo's constant need to coddle the boy especially when it interferes with the limited time they have together.
One of the things I loved about this story was the use of flashbacks. Normally, I don't like flashbacks because when they're not done properly I feel like I'm getting whiplash. Ms. Kovalin, however, has an amazing way of smoothly transitioning the story between the past and the present. We get to see Bobby and Alejo then as teenagers and lovers, we get to see them years later when they meet for the first time after a long silent absence. We get to experience the simmering desire when they realize they're both at a time in their lives when they don't have obligations to other people and that they're once again able to explore what's between them. It's a beautiful story filled with love, hate, desire, and grief and it all shows us who Bobby and Alejo are and how they've come to be in the place they're in.
My only fault with the story is I wished there had been more of Bobby and Alejo in the here and now. I felt like, while the story did good in transitioning between the past and present, there wasn't enough of them alone together in the present.
Overall, this was an amazingly sensual story about second chances. The characters are lovable and interesting while the plot is captivating. Seeing these older men finally able to grab hold of the love they've had for each other was simply amazing and had me staying up late just so I could finish their story in one go. It's definitely a book I'd recommend especially since I know I could never get enough of Bobby or Alejo.
To say I enjoyed this book would be an understatement. It was a well-written, engaging story that I just did not want to put down. The connection these two men have is awe-inspiring and captivating.
This is a story about Bobby and Alejo. Friends from the age of six, they've reached all aspects of a relationship in the decades they've known each other. From friends to lovers, breaking up and drifting apart, to getting reacquainted and becoming lovers all over. The feelings they've had for each other for over two decades never disappeared or lessened. Their lives have been made of love, heartache and missed opportunities but now both men have reached a point in their lives when being friends with benefits is no longer acceptable. Bobby's ready to move forward but Alejo might be too set in his ways to finally grab hold of what he desires most. And that's Bobby.
I absolutely adored these characters. Bobby and Alejo have such a great connection that I felt like I could feel it. They are both stubborn men and that stubbornness sometimes causes tension between them but their love always brings them back together. They are two completely different people. Bobby is an out and proud lawyer who doesn't much care what people think of him or how it'll effect his family. Alejo is a family man. He's divorced with two kids, owns a restaurant, a devout Catholic and can't have much of a life because of his troublemaker son who's desperate for attention. Bobby's forgiving and understanding but even he gets frustrated by Alejo's constant need to coddle the boy especially when it interferes with the limited time they have together.
One of the things I loved about this story was the use of flashbacks. Normally, I don't like flashbacks because when they're not done properly I feel like I'm getting whiplash. Ms. Kovalin, however, has an amazing way of smoothly transitioning the story between the past and the present. We get to see Bobby and Alejo then as teenagers and lovers, we get to see them years later when they meet for the first time after a long silent absence. We get to experience the simmering desire when they realize they're both at a time in their lives when they don't have obligations to other people and that they're once again able to explore what's between them. It's a beautiful story filled with love, hate, desire, and grief and it all shows us who Bobby and Alejo are and how they've come to be in the place they're in.
My only fault with the story is I wished there had been more of Bobby and Alejo in the here and now. I felt like, while the story did good in transitioning between the past and present, there wasn't enough of them alone together in the present.
Overall, this was an amazingly sensual story about second chances. The characters are lovable and interesting while the plot is captivating. Seeing these older men finally able to grab hold of the love they've had for each other was simply amazing and had me staying up late just so I could finish their story in one go. It's definitely a book I'd recommend especially since I know I could never get enough of Bobby or Alejo.
February 10, 2012
4.5
There are some couples who you need with every fiber of your being for them to make it. That's how invested I was in Bobby and Alejo and their story. I admit there were a few times I worried where the story would turn. Would I get a lecture in homophobia? Would it get religion heavy and preachy? Would I get sappy, unrealistic, overall acceptance? Absolutely not. It touched on several issues, enough for me to get it and understand, but not get pounded. What I felt the most was the fear, the confusion, the weight of responsibility, the loss, the regret, the connection and reconnection, the longing, the hunger, the passion and the love. I still see some challenges ahead, but have no doubt they will work through them together and make the most out of their second chance.
There are some couples who you need with every fiber of your being for them to make it. That's how invested I was in Bobby and Alejo and their story. I admit there were a few times I worried where the story would turn. Would I get a lecture in homophobia? Would it get religion heavy and preachy? Would I get sappy, unrealistic, overall acceptance? Absolutely not. It touched on several issues, enough for me to get it and understand, but not get pounded. What I felt the most was the fear, the confusion, the weight of responsibility, the loss, the regret, the connection and reconnection, the longing, the hunger, the passion and the love. I still see some challenges ahead, but have no doubt they will work through them together and make the most out of their second chance.
October 10, 2012
Ok. Reread this and totally stand behind my original 5 stars. GAH! Alejo and Bobby are so effing great and it breaks my heart that they missed all those years together. As great as the kids are I still think A & B would hav had such a long and loving life in all that missed time. (Did I mention they're reallllly hot and when they're together it's like omgWOW!)
I'm totally impressed with the latin-american cultural references. Great job. And the flashbacks were just right. Didn't hurt the book. Alot of people totally fail in the flashback dept, but Val rocked that shit.
I'm in awe. The only other person who gets me moist for a book this way is Amy Lane. Val you rocked my socks...again.
I'm totally impressed with the latin-american cultural references. Great job. And the flashbacks were just right. Didn't hurt the book. Alot of people totally fail in the flashback dept, but Val rocked that shit.
I'm in awe. The only other person who gets me moist for a book this way is Amy Lane. Val you rocked my socks...again.
June 4, 2012
4.5 Stars...I think...maybe?
I'm really on the fence on how to rate this book...I mean, it was a beautifully written love story and I feel like I really got to know Alejo and Bobby, but the flashbacks kept filling me with and overwhelming sense of dread to the point I just wanted the book to be over with! It was so angsty for me! I understand the need for all the flashbacks since that was the way the story needed to be revealed to the reader, but that just isn't the style I like to read. The story spans approximately 34; years from when Bobby and Alejo met as boys at the age of 6 to the present time in the story where they are now 40 and finally get their HEA...at least I hope it's a HEA they got.
There wasn't any sexual tension, but there was plenty of homophobia, Catholicism and a bratty teenage son. I'm glad Alejo finally put himself first and chose Bobby in the end.
Reach for the Moon is listed as #2 in the series...so that has me worried But then the description says its a prequel...so now I'm just confused. Maybe I will read it...maybe i won't.
I'm really on the fence on how to rate this book...I mean, it was a beautifully written love story and I feel like I really got to know Alejo and Bobby, but the flashbacks kept filling me with and overwhelming sense of dread to the point I just wanted the book to be over with! It was so angsty for me! I understand the need for all the flashbacks since that was the way the story needed to be revealed to the reader, but that just isn't the style I like to read. The story spans approximately 34; years from when Bobby and Alejo met as boys at the age of 6 to the present time in the story where they are now 40 and finally get their HEA...at least I hope it's a HEA they got.
There wasn't any sexual tension, but there was plenty of homophobia, Catholicism and a bratty teenage son. I'm glad Alejo finally put himself first and chose Bobby in the end.
Reach for the Moon is listed as #2 in the series...so that has me worried But then the description says its a prequel...so now I'm just confused. Maybe I will read it...maybe i won't.
March 27, 2012
4.5 stars. I felt an immediate connection with the guys in this book - they are wonderful and complex characters with a lot of baggage. The story references Brokeback Mountain and it does have an echo of that kind of painful missed opportunity vibe going on, especially at first. It makes your heart ache for these guys. The flashbacks occasionally had me confused, figuring out where they came in chronologically. I almost wanted a timeline. And the ending was a bit abrupt but given that a sequel is clearly planned I'm okay with it. In all, an engrossing story that I read in one shot and definitely recommend.
February 14, 2012
4.5 stars. This was a very sweet love story. Although I enjoyed both MCs, my heart was breaking more for Bobby, he just seemed to be losing more and hurting more than Alejandro. These two so obviously belonged together, but circumstances and life kept them apart for so long, making neither of them truly happy.
February 4, 2012
4.5 stars. Very good m/m romance about two guys who were best friends and then lovers when they were growing up, until one of them broke the other's heart. It's 20 years later - is this a second chance? Or will fear and family split them apart again?
February 11, 2012
Until a few hours ago, Trinity Trespass and Wicked Cool were my favorite Val's books. Well, not anymore. It is this one.
I think it was Sagajo who said somewhere that Val has a writing style that "kidnaps" you and that is a very fitting description. I started reading the book and, before I knew it, I was on page 60+. It flows like water and pulls you in the story in the most natural way. I also feel obliged to mention, because this is a self-published book, and many self-published books fail in this aspect (and, unfortunately, not only them), that the editing was perfect. Since English isn't my first language, my grasp of it is very much instinctive, meaning, I get pulled out of the story before I know what is wrong with the grammar, spelling or the story itself. It didn't happen, not even once, while I was reading Fall into the Sun. Impressive.
This is a love story, but more than that it's a story about friendship, family and choices we make. While I wanted to throttle them (Alejo especially) for some of their choices, their choices were true to who they were and their circumstances. It takes all Bobby's determination, near-death experience and changes that take place in Alejo's life for them to come together. I liked how author incorporated the past events into the novel so that we get all the layers of their history. The ending was beautiful, but also heartbreaking because we know everything that happened afterwards, we know how much times they've missed.
I liked the fact that secondary characters weren't carbon copies of characters we have seen a million times before. Alejo's ex-wife was a nice surprise and I particularly liked Isidro and how he gave his "blessing" to Alejo.
Was this a perfect book? Well, no. Carlos, in particular, behaved more like he was 15 than eighteen years old. Plus, I always strongly dislike characters like this one and I suddenly find myself thinking that corporal punishment isn't such a bad thing, lol. Yup, I wanted to slap him. Sue me. XD
Overall, this is charming, warm, emotional book and I really fail to capture everything this book is in this review. The best I can do to recommend these story is to say: READ IT! NOW!
Almost, but not quite 5 stars. Highly recommended.
I think it was Sagajo who said somewhere that Val has a writing style that "kidnaps" you and that is a very fitting description. I started reading the book and, before I knew it, I was on page 60+. It flows like water and pulls you in the story in the most natural way. I also feel obliged to mention, because this is a self-published book, and many self-published books fail in this aspect (and, unfortunately, not only them), that the editing was perfect. Since English isn't my first language, my grasp of it is very much instinctive, meaning, I get pulled out of the story before I know what is wrong with the grammar, spelling or the story itself. It didn't happen, not even once, while I was reading Fall into the Sun. Impressive.
This is a love story, but more than that it's a story about friendship, family and choices we make. While I wanted to throttle them (Alejo especially) for some of their choices, their choices were true to who they were and their circumstances. It takes all Bobby's determination, near-death experience and changes that take place in Alejo's life for them to come together. I liked how author incorporated the past events into the novel so that we get all the layers of their history. The ending was beautiful, but also heartbreaking because we know everything that happened afterwards, we know how much times they've missed.
I liked the fact that secondary characters weren't carbon copies of characters we have seen a million times before. Alejo's ex-wife was a nice surprise and I particularly liked Isidro and how he gave his "blessing" to Alejo.
Was this a perfect book? Well, no. Carlos, in particular, behaved more like he was 15 than eighteen years old. Plus, I always strongly dislike characters like this one and I suddenly find myself thinking that corporal punishment isn't such a bad thing, lol. Yup, I wanted to slap him. Sue me. XD
Overall, this is charming, warm, emotional book and I really fail to capture everything this book is in this review. The best I can do to recommend these story is to say: READ IT! NOW!
Almost, but not quite 5 stars. Highly recommended.
February 6, 2012
4.5 rounded up! 4.5 only because I really could have used more scenes between Bobby and Alejo alone.
This book....man.....I am not sure I will be articulate enough. It just hit right. Soul mates from the age of six. Separated by life brought together again by love.
You will follow Bobby and Alejo through their journey present and past - revisiting the moments that make them who they will ultimately be together.
This book....man.....I am not sure I will be articulate enough. It just hit right. Soul mates from the age of six. Separated by life brought together again by love.
You will follow Bobby and Alejo through their journey present and past - revisiting the moments that make them who they will ultimately be together.
September 8, 2012
This is a story about real life getting in the way. Alejo and Bobby have been friends since they were 6 years old and in love with each other for just about as long. The book tells the story of their relationship through its ups and downs to the present where the men are 40 years old. Circumstances and split-second decisions forced Alejo and Bobby apart when they were 18 years old and although their lives briefly intersected again over the years it has taken them a long time to get to where they are now. The book tells the story of the two men in a series of flashbacks mixed in with scenes of the present day. This is a plot feature that doesn't always work for me but in this case the story unfolds perfectly. I felt that Bobby was the easier of the two men to sympathise with. Alejo seemed a much more reserved man and his feelings were slightly harder to discern. It was obvious, though, that these two men belonged together and watching the different roads that these two men travelled was slightly bittersweet. Reach for the Moon, the second book in the series takes Alejo and Bobby down another road where they didn't split up when they were 18 years old and I can't wait to read that one.
August 17, 2012
A very very good one. It is the story of a life long love, very well written and really moving.
February 18, 2015
What a wonderful love story. So beautiful and perfect. Like Brokeback Mountain, only with a happy ending.
P.s. Loved when the two MCs actually watched the movie Brokeback Mountain together : )
P.s. Loved when the two MCs actually watched the movie Brokeback Mountain together : )
January 31, 2012
4.5 rounded up to 5
Bobby and Alejo first met when they were six years old, after a Sunday mass at the church both their families went to on a regular basis. Both grew up in Albuquerque, both are of Hispanic origin, but that’s about all they have in common. Alejo’s parents owned a Mexican restaurant, they were among the pillars of their Catholic parish. The Sandoval children were raised to traditional middle-class values; Alejo’s older sisters married and had families of their own, and Alejo got into the family business when his father became ill. Bobby had three older brothers, all good-for-nothings like their father who died in prison when Bobby was fourteen; their mother worked two jobs, drank a lot and mostly left her children to their own devices, except for making them go to church on Sundays as long as they’d listen to her.
Still, Bobby and Alejo were best friends all through high school, fell in love with each other and even shared their first sexual experience with each other. But while Bobby was able to embrace his identity as a gay man pretty much from the beginning, despite the fact that his brothers’ violent homophobia posed a very real physical threat to him, Alejo had a much harder time coming to terms with his feelings for another man.
At eighteen, they split up over a vicious fight, and although Bobby wasn’t entirely without blame, it was mostly Alejo’s fault that their lives drifted apart. Bobby went to Houston, became a criminal defense lawyer and finally went into a relationship with another man. Alejo married, fathered twins and took over the family restaurant.
Over the course of the next two two decades or so, their lives touched several times, but they never found back to their former closeness, even though they reestablished a friendship-with-benefits after Bobby’s relationship broke up and Alejo got divorced.
Now, at forty, and after a traumatic event that changed his view of life, Bobby is back in Albuquerque and determined to try and make a change. Question is, are Alejo’s feelings for him strong enough so Bobby will be able to win Alejo over? Or is Alejo still too caught up in family ties and social expectations to give them a real chance?
The reader meets Bobby and Alejo at this critical point in their relationship and walks with them through the following week, learning about their history together and about past events through flashbacks. This narrative style worked for me, although, by its nature, it made for some gaps in the story I’d have dearly wished to see logically filled, particularly with Bobby’s transition from standing beaten up and penniless in a bad corner of Albuquerque to living in his own apartment in Houston. (not to mention his dogs Tank and Killer – dog lover that I am, I’d have loved to see more of them!)
The narrative alternates between Bobby’s and Alejo’s viewpoints, as do the retrospective parts, so we get to know both characters pretty well. I haven’t read many books with Hispanic characters yet, but for all I know, their characterizations rang true to me. Both were, in a way, firmly rooted in their respective traditions that were based mostly upon Catholicism and a strong sense of family.
Bobby’s familys’ hot-blooded machismo led his brothers to making bad choices that cost two of them their lives and landed the third in deep trouble, but it also fueled the stubborn intent with which Bobby went about his goals. Alejo was all about honor and duty and doing the right thing, which in a way, made him prone to be guilt-tripped into things. (By the way, Carlos, Alejo’s son, was a first-class selfish, immature whiner. I found him the best-drawn secondary character, although I thought him a bit too juvenile even for a lovesick eighteen year old. Well, and I hated him.)
But Alejo was also able to look at things differently, which made him considerate to Bobby and eventually, towards his own needs and dreams. I came to like both guys, even though I could’ve smacked Alejo once or twice for how he stood in his own way. I enjoyed watching them grow up with – and despite – each other, and grow together.
The Brokeback Mountain motive is evident in this story; in fact, the movie is referred to several times. Bobby even exploited it as part of his strategy to win Alejo over for good. However, I think this is anything but fanfiction; I’d rather call it a homage.
Still, the Brokeback Mountain movie scene didn’t work too well for me, as I’m generally not a fan of detailed citations and references in books. Viewed impartially, this scene forwarded the plot and fit the narrative, though, so this is probably only me and mostly a matter of taste.
All in all, I found Fall Into The Sun a well-thought-out tale about coming to realize what counts in life, and a romantic, emotional and very enjoyable read. Recommended.
Bobby and Alejo first met when they were six years old, after a Sunday mass at the church both their families went to on a regular basis. Both grew up in Albuquerque, both are of Hispanic origin, but that’s about all they have in common. Alejo’s parents owned a Mexican restaurant, they were among the pillars of their Catholic parish. The Sandoval children were raised to traditional middle-class values; Alejo’s older sisters married and had families of their own, and Alejo got into the family business when his father became ill. Bobby had three older brothers, all good-for-nothings like their father who died in prison when Bobby was fourteen; their mother worked two jobs, drank a lot and mostly left her children to their own devices, except for making them go to church on Sundays as long as they’d listen to her.
Still, Bobby and Alejo were best friends all through high school, fell in love with each other and even shared their first sexual experience with each other. But while Bobby was able to embrace his identity as a gay man pretty much from the beginning, despite the fact that his brothers’ violent homophobia posed a very real physical threat to him, Alejo had a much harder time coming to terms with his feelings for another man.
At eighteen, they split up over a vicious fight, and although Bobby wasn’t entirely without blame, it was mostly Alejo’s fault that their lives drifted apart. Bobby went to Houston, became a criminal defense lawyer and finally went into a relationship with another man. Alejo married, fathered twins and took over the family restaurant.
Over the course of the next two two decades or so, their lives touched several times, but they never found back to their former closeness, even though they reestablished a friendship-with-benefits after Bobby’s relationship broke up and Alejo got divorced.
Now, at forty, and after a traumatic event that changed his view of life, Bobby is back in Albuquerque and determined to try and make a change. Question is, are Alejo’s feelings for him strong enough so Bobby will be able to win Alejo over? Or is Alejo still too caught up in family ties and social expectations to give them a real chance?
The reader meets Bobby and Alejo at this critical point in their relationship and walks with them through the following week, learning about their history together and about past events through flashbacks. This narrative style worked for me, although, by its nature, it made for some gaps in the story I’d have dearly wished to see logically filled, particularly with Bobby’s transition from standing beaten up and penniless in a bad corner of Albuquerque to living in his own apartment in Houston. (not to mention his dogs Tank and Killer – dog lover that I am, I’d have loved to see more of them!)
The narrative alternates between Bobby’s and Alejo’s viewpoints, as do the retrospective parts, so we get to know both characters pretty well. I haven’t read many books with Hispanic characters yet, but for all I know, their characterizations rang true to me. Both were, in a way, firmly rooted in their respective traditions that were based mostly upon Catholicism and a strong sense of family.
Bobby’s familys’ hot-blooded machismo led his brothers to making bad choices that cost two of them their lives and landed the third in deep trouble, but it also fueled the stubborn intent with which Bobby went about his goals. Alejo was all about honor and duty and doing the right thing, which in a way, made him prone to be guilt-tripped into things. (By the way, Carlos, Alejo’s son, was a first-class selfish, immature whiner. I found him the best-drawn secondary character, although I thought him a bit too juvenile even for a lovesick eighteen year old. Well, and I hated him.)
But Alejo was also able to look at things differently, which made him considerate to Bobby and eventually, towards his own needs and dreams. I came to like both guys, even though I could’ve smacked Alejo once or twice for how he stood in his own way. I enjoyed watching them grow up with – and despite – each other, and grow together.
The Brokeback Mountain motive is evident in this story; in fact, the movie is referred to several times. Bobby even exploited it as part of his strategy to win Alejo over for good. However, I think this is anything but fanfiction; I’d rather call it a homage.
Still, the Brokeback Mountain movie scene didn’t work too well for me, as I’m generally not a fan of detailed citations and references in books. Viewed impartially, this scene forwarded the plot and fit the narrative, though, so this is probably only me and mostly a matter of taste.
All in all, I found Fall Into The Sun a well-thought-out tale about coming to realize what counts in life, and a romantic, emotional and very enjoyable read. Recommended.
March 24, 2012
4.5 stars.
I adore the re-united lovers theme, especially if their parting was dramatic. I like to see the awkward moments of the re-union and how the protagonists find the things that brought them together again and overcome their past. The story begins a little after that, and then it develops alternating flashbacks of the most important moments since when Alejo and Bobby first met and it goes forward, while the two men have to decide if they really want to be together during a stressful week full of events concerning Alejo's family.
Bobby seems to have the role of the pursuer: he is the one who has never hidden his sexuality, he has showed his love for Alejo to the point of looking pathetic, he accepts the reticence and the priorities of Alejo. Alejo is stuck in his role of family man. He knows Bobby is his ticket to happiness, he regrets what brought them apart, but whenever Carlos, one of his twins, has a personal crisis, Alejo is there, putting his own family first.
For a long time I was a bit mad at Alejo, because I didn't think he really deserved Bobby's devotion, and I really think he mistreated his friend, but Bobby didn't do everything right either before they parted (badly) the first time, because he tried to win Alejo with a lie and he was so possessive of Alejo that he didn't even realize how Alejo was hurting for his father's illness. So while Bobby is a sort of open book, because he doesn't seek to please, Alejo keeps his feelings guarded, because there are so many people he doesn't want to disappoint.
There are a couple of things that were done perfectly in my opinion:
It took me a little while to really get into the book, because flashbacks usually take me out of the story, but the sections in the present and the sections of flashbacks follow a sort of rhythm, so I got used to them. I also think the twins were cut into characters that were a bit stereotypical in their differences. On the other hand, I think Bobby's family was depicted with incredible vitality and the character of Isidro was fascinating in his complexity.
The writing was effective, I liked how sometimes it zeroed in on details, especially during the sex scenes (the first one was very hot, by the way, but jock straps are my weakness).
If you like re-united lovers, this is a very good and recommended story!
I adore the re-united lovers theme, especially if their parting was dramatic. I like to see the awkward moments of the re-union and how the protagonists find the things that brought them together again and overcome their past. The story begins a little after that, and then it develops alternating flashbacks of the most important moments since when Alejo and Bobby first met and it goes forward, while the two men have to decide if they really want to be together during a stressful week full of events concerning Alejo's family.
Bobby seems to have the role of the pursuer: he is the one who has never hidden his sexuality, he has showed his love for Alejo to the point of looking pathetic, he accepts the reticence and the priorities of Alejo. Alejo is stuck in his role of family man. He knows Bobby is his ticket to happiness, he regrets what brought them apart, but whenever Carlos, one of his twins, has a personal crisis, Alejo is there, putting his own family first.
For a long time I was a bit mad at Alejo, because I didn't think he really deserved Bobby's devotion, and I really think he mistreated his friend, but Bobby didn't do everything right either before they parted (badly) the first time, because he tried to win Alejo with a lie and he was so possessive of Alejo that he didn't even realize how Alejo was hurting for his father's illness. So while Bobby is a sort of open book, because he doesn't seek to please, Alejo keeps his feelings guarded, because there are so many people he doesn't want to disappoint.
There are a couple of things that were done perfectly in my opinion:
It took me a little while to really get into the book, because flashbacks usually take me out of the story, but the sections in the present and the sections of flashbacks follow a sort of rhythm, so I got used to them. I also think the twins were cut into characters that were a bit stereotypical in their differences. On the other hand, I think Bobby's family was depicted with incredible vitality and the character of Isidro was fascinating in his complexity.
The writing was effective, I liked how sometimes it zeroed in on details, especially during the sex scenes (the first one was very hot, by the way, but jock straps are my weakness).
If you like re-united lovers, this is a very good and recommended story!
November 6, 2012
I love reunion stories and Fall Into the Sun is a beautiful example of when an author gets it perfect! Alejo and Bobby (Roberto) are children when they meet. They experience everything together: first times, love and the discovery that they are gay. However, due to their culture and religion, Alejo decides he cannot come out and leaves Bobby when they are eighteen to marry a woman. Bobby, heartbroken, moves away to try and rebuild his life, but still harbors love for Alejo. This book tells the tale of how 22 years later, the two men now both free of romantic entanglements, can reunite. But is their happiness guaranteed with so much past baggage?
What I have always loved about Ms. Kovalin’s books is her ability to express intense emotions. Her characters feel, love and hurt; yet the angst is not so deep that I feel like jumping off a bridge after reading one of her books. The author is able to straddle that fine line between pain and love, and do it with style! Fall Into the Sun captures those emotions beautifully. I was with Bobby and Alejo every step of the way in their journey back to each other and when they finally get their well-deserved reunion, I was cheering. Include that Bobby and Alejo are Hispanic characters and the diversity debate in m/m romance, then that is an added bonus for this reader along with the great characterizations, plot and romance. After reading Fall Into the Sun, Ms. Kovalin’s is on my auto-buy list.
So, I highly recommended Fall Into the Sun and am looking forward to the prequel, Reaching for the Moon.
Dark Divas Reviews
What I have always loved about Ms. Kovalin’s books is her ability to express intense emotions. Her characters feel, love and hurt; yet the angst is not so deep that I feel like jumping off a bridge after reading one of her books. The author is able to straddle that fine line between pain and love, and do it with style! Fall Into the Sun captures those emotions beautifully. I was with Bobby and Alejo every step of the way in their journey back to each other and when they finally get their well-deserved reunion, I was cheering. Include that Bobby and Alejo are Hispanic characters and the diversity debate in m/m romance, then that is an added bonus for this reader along with the great characterizations, plot and romance. After reading Fall Into the Sun, Ms. Kovalin’s is on my auto-buy list.
So, I highly recommended Fall Into the Sun and am looking forward to the prequel, Reaching for the Moon.
Dark Divas Reviews
February 9, 2012
This was a really really good book. It is sad and hopeful. The story is told in the present as well as in flashback and there are alternating POVs of both MCs, but I think that it actually enhances the way the story unfolds.
There were times when my heart was racing and I just wanted to read faster so I could get through the difficult parts of the past between these two men who so obviously belonged to each other. The flashback scenes were amazing. The immediacy of the conflict, danger and violence kept me on the edge of my seat.
While this book isn't very long, so much time and emotion is covered in these pages. I was aching for Bobby and Alejo to come to their senses and stop fighting the inevitable. I loved Alejo's daughter and wife who knew that being with Bobby was the only thing that would make Alejo happy. I wanted to smack Carlos upside the head most of the story. He definitely needed some sense knocked into him! Even 'Sidro came through in the end.
Really really enjoyed this one. First book I've read by this author, but I have two more in queue and now I need to move them up the list!
There were times when my heart was racing and I just wanted to read faster so I could get through the difficult parts of the past between these two men who so obviously belonged to each other. The flashback scenes were amazing. The immediacy of the conflict, danger and violence kept me on the edge of my seat.
While this book isn't very long, so much time and emotion is covered in these pages. I was aching for Bobby and Alejo to come to their senses and stop fighting the inevitable. I loved Alejo's daughter and wife who knew that being with Bobby was the only thing that would make Alejo happy. I wanted to smack Carlos upside the head most of the story. He definitely needed some sense knocked into him! Even 'Sidro came through in the end.
Really really enjoyed this one. First book I've read by this author, but I have two more in queue and now I need to move them up the list!
July 11, 2012
I love this author's stories, but when I bought this one for some reason hearing that this work was inspired by "Brokeback mountain" made me put it aside and only pick it up today. Oh I had no doubt that this author will give all the necessary credit to the work of art that inspired her and will create something original based on it, no what worried me is the ending of Brokeback mountain. I was worried that this work may also have overload of angst and the ending I usually do not care for (of course there are always exceptions to the rule). I should not have worried. Other reviewers already went into detailed description of plot and characters, so I won't do that. I will just say that both Bobby and Alejo felt very real and sympathetic characters to me and their connection was so strong and I loved it so much. I loved everything about these guys - how their culture influenced them so much, their struggles, their mistakes and their triumphs (the main one for me that they finally managed to end up together. I loved how "Brokeback mountain" was incorporated in the story, of course I did.
February 3, 2012
The blurb doesn’t say it all. It’s not only a story of two guys who are trying to rekindle their past love. It’s a story of friendship that started at the age of 6. A story of dealing with different family obligations (an ill father, an addicted brother, a spoiled child). A story that portrays the Hispanic community in USA, with its machismo and religiousness.
Good amount of angst in the middle of the story made me bump my rating from 4.5 to 5.
Good amount of angst in the middle of the story made me bump my rating from 4.5 to 5.
June 21, 2012
What an amazing story.
The story itself is not specially original or spectacular. It's the way of telling the story. It's the tone of the story.
Longing is all over the book.. till the last page of the book. Ah.. Im still gasping. And.. What a way to end the book. My heart is melting.
The story itself is not specially original or spectacular. It's the way of telling the story. It's the tone of the story.
Longing is all over the book.. till the last page of the book. Ah.. Im still gasping. And.. What a way to end the book. My heart is melting.
August 7, 2022
Mñe, lo dejo en 3 porque lo terminé y ya es algo.
November 17, 2014
Gods, my heart...! Oh I love Bobby and Alejandro, what a wonderful lovestory.
When I first saw Alejandro and Bobby's story a year ago, noticing that there were two novels, and both telling us their story in two different ways (different universes = two versions), I picked up the other one first, because I hoped it would be less heartbreaking. It's got the HEA without them spending years and years apart.
Reach for the Moon is set in 1984 (their past) and Fall Into the Sun set in their future (when they're both 40 something years old). It is a different future though, because in the other version they find their way to each other and hold on to that! Which sadly, in Fall Into the Sun does not happen until Alejandro gets divorced and his kids are 18....
I have to be honest with you, Reach for the Moon was more intense and wonderful, and it'll always stay with me!
Still, I enjoyed revisiting the two men almost a year later (it was about time!), and their flashbacks which we see in Reach for the Moon and partly in This is Yours.
It was great to see these versions of Bobby and Alejandro, even though it hurt like a bitch to know they've spent more than twenty years apart.
Knowing how Alejandro grew up and all made me understand his fears but not to the extent that he didn't dare being true to himself and Bobby, and instead went thru a painful live without his best friend. Sure, I can see how it was an easier life and he probably loved Eugenia and all that... but still.
His fears made me wanna punch him, over and over! :(
It was never fair toward Bobby... And yet it's difficult to blame Alejandro for being scared.
Whenever they're together and loving each other, it's honestly always one of the most intense things.
I LOVE them loving each other. *Sigh*
Fall Into the Sun is a bit of a tearjerker, but not as bad as I expected! Unless you get emotionally involved, which I did after having read Reach for the Moon first, you should be okay.
The most touching scene?
The last scene in the book, which is their first time together, which brought me to tears because it's so beautiful. And with the knowledge of what will happen, god it just broke my heart.
I wish Alejandro would have been stronger.
I'll always be hurting for them both.
When I first saw Alejandro and Bobby's story a year ago, noticing that there were two novels, and both telling us their story in two different ways (different universes = two versions), I picked up the other one first, because I hoped it would be less heartbreaking. It's got the HEA without them spending years and years apart.
Reach for the Moon is set in 1984 (their past) and Fall Into the Sun set in their future (when they're both 40 something years old). It is a different future though, because in the other version they find their way to each other and hold on to that! Which sadly, in Fall Into the Sun does not happen until Alejandro gets divorced and his kids are 18....
I have to be honest with you, Reach for the Moon was more intense and wonderful, and it'll always stay with me!
Still, I enjoyed revisiting the two men almost a year later (it was about time!), and their flashbacks which we see in Reach for the Moon and partly in This is Yours.
It was great to see these versions of Bobby and Alejandro, even though it hurt like a bitch to know they've spent more than twenty years apart.
Knowing how Alejandro grew up and all made me understand his fears but not to the extent that he didn't dare being true to himself and Bobby, and instead went thru a painful live without his best friend. Sure, I can see how it was an easier life and he probably loved Eugenia and all that... but still.
His fears made me wanna punch him, over and over! :(
It was never fair toward Bobby... And yet it's difficult to blame Alejandro for being scared.
Whenever they're together and loving each other, it's honestly always one of the most intense things.
I LOVE them loving each other. *Sigh*
Fall Into the Sun is a bit of a tearjerker, but not as bad as I expected! Unless you get emotionally involved, which I did after having read Reach for the Moon first, you should be okay.
The most touching scene?
The last scene in the book, which is their first time together, which brought me to tears because it's so beautiful. And with the knowledge of what will happen, god it just broke my heart.
I wish Alejandro would have been stronger.
I'll always be hurting for them both.
February 7, 2012
I Loved this book. I Loved everything about it. 4.5
My first concern was the fact that this title was not long enough to accumulate the details and angst of 20 years. Separations, reunions, heartaches, marriages and kids is something very few authors are capable of composing in eloquence. This however was weaved with smooth elaborations and such refined anamnesis that I was left with an exquisite savoring I craved over and over through my read. There were no confusions during reminiscences of past vitals and how they were embedded beautifully with the running present. I was taken by the writing and the engulfing story line.
For me, it was not the kind of book I couldn’t put down. I found myself putting this title aside many times after finishing a chapter so I can let the latter seep in and ground me to the plot. I took breaks and relished the time I spent thinking about the two MCs and how I felt assimilative by the inundating force with which they dealt every ordeal in their lives.
I felt their anguish, their denials, their love and their sacrifices and it’s very rare for me to feel such potent positivity for a title. Some scenes were written with such reverence that I read them again and again just for sake of savoring the bitter dilemma I have been craving in my day to day readings. Their reunion was maturely laid out, enunciating their eccentric partition. This was a pivotal point in the story and I loved the way the author congealed a decade of desolation transforming these boys to men.
Some personal aspects I would like to state: I don’t think Bobby should have perused Alejo with such forbearance. A person putting you second in everything and anything and trying your patience is not a reliable lover in both long and short term. Bobby made himself. He literally carved himself from the ashes left of his family into a pillar of concrete, a pillar only as strong as wax, melting, molding, and flowing in any direction Alejo choose. A person of such harsh character with brutal acknowledgement of life should have gone for someone balancing out his motivation for sustenance.
Alejo, even though elaborated as a much grounded personality, lacked conviction. Conviction towards his own thoughts, and maturity towards his perception of life. In my opinion, I think he often took Bobby for granted. Using and abusing Bobby comes naturally to Alejo. He whines about Carlos but sometimes he behaves exactly the same way as his son. Like, pleading for a continuance of affiliation knowing well that it will bring much undeserved grief to his ex lover.
My first concern was the fact that this title was not long enough to accumulate the details and angst of 20 years. Separations, reunions, heartaches, marriages and kids is something very few authors are capable of composing in eloquence. This however was weaved with smooth elaborations and such refined anamnesis that I was left with an exquisite savoring I craved over and over through my read. There were no confusions during reminiscences of past vitals and how they were embedded beautifully with the running present. I was taken by the writing and the engulfing story line.
For me, it was not the kind of book I couldn’t put down. I found myself putting this title aside many times after finishing a chapter so I can let the latter seep in and ground me to the plot. I took breaks and relished the time I spent thinking about the two MCs and how I felt assimilative by the inundating force with which they dealt every ordeal in their lives.
I felt their anguish, their denials, their love and their sacrifices and it’s very rare for me to feel such potent positivity for a title. Some scenes were written with such reverence that I read them again and again just for sake of savoring the bitter dilemma I have been craving in my day to day readings. Their reunion was maturely laid out, enunciating their eccentric partition. This was a pivotal point in the story and I loved the way the author congealed a decade of desolation transforming these boys to men.
Some personal aspects I would like to state: I don’t think Bobby should have perused Alejo with such forbearance. A person putting you second in everything and anything and trying your patience is not a reliable lover in both long and short term. Bobby made himself. He literally carved himself from the ashes left of his family into a pillar of concrete, a pillar only as strong as wax, melting, molding, and flowing in any direction Alejo choose. A person of such harsh character with brutal acknowledgement of life should have gone for someone balancing out his motivation for sustenance.
Alejo, even though elaborated as a much grounded personality, lacked conviction. Conviction towards his own thoughts, and maturity towards his perception of life. In my opinion, I think he often took Bobby for granted. Using and abusing Bobby comes naturally to Alejo. He whines about Carlos but sometimes he behaves exactly the same way as his son. Like, pleading for a continuance of affiliation knowing well that it will bring much undeserved grief to his ex lover.
June 3, 2012
Val Kovalin has created an intensely emotional story greatly influenced by the movie Brokeback Mountain. Not only is the movie mentioned often but the rollercoaster relationship between Alejo and Bobby is very reminiscent of the main characters from the movie. Their love story has an epic feel to it as the reader is shown the first spark of their feelings for each other as youngsters through their turbulent teen years to their realizations that they're wasting the time they have left apart. At every turn this story tugs at your heartstrings and even after the last page is turned, the lives of these two men stay with you.
Alejo had a difficult upbringing with brothers that were violent with numerous addictions. He was mentally and physically abused and his unplanned coming out led to violence and him leaving town and never looking back to make a future for himself. Being with Bobby gave him a sense of safety and feelings of being valued and loved. In contrast, Bobby's family were loving but extremely religious so coming out was not an option for him so he tried to live his life as his religious beliefs warranted. He treated Alejo as his dirty little secret, drawn to him yet never showing the truth in public. These differences carried through the years as Alejo embraced what they had while Bobby fought things every step of the way but ultimately coming back every time. I felt sympathetic towards Alejo throughout the entire story. Coming from the background he did of constantly having to clean up his family's messes to desperately wanting to be acknowledged by the only man he truly loved and constantly being kept a secret made me resent Bobby at times for his unknowingly callous treatment of Alejo. Bobby was a coward when it came to matters of the heart and his religion definitely kept him shackled to his life built on lies.
Alejo and Bobby's early sexual interludes were fumbling yet sweet. As they matured and with each encounter being but for a fleeting moment there was always a sense of longing and desperation in the intensity of their coming together. These interludes, once they ended, made me ache for what they could have if Bobby only let himself be happy.
The Mexican culture is beautifully on display with its beliefs and expectations of of how a man should act greatly affecting both Bobby and Alejo. The descriptions of the city and culture fully immersed the reader in the story and added an extra layer to the story. There's an intriguing number of secondary characters that greatly influenced the relationship between Bobby and Alejo with many of them appealing and one or two extremely exasperating.
This was a wonderful story that pulls you in from the very first page and stays with you long after the final page is turned. Every up and down these two men experienced, I felt right along with them. Readers wanting a realistic story full of rollercoaster emotions should definitely give Fall Into the Sun a try.
Alejo had a difficult upbringing with brothers that were violent with numerous addictions. He was mentally and physically abused and his unplanned coming out led to violence and him leaving town and never looking back to make a future for himself. Being with Bobby gave him a sense of safety and feelings of being valued and loved. In contrast, Bobby's family were loving but extremely religious so coming out was not an option for him so he tried to live his life as his religious beliefs warranted. He treated Alejo as his dirty little secret, drawn to him yet never showing the truth in public. These differences carried through the years as Alejo embraced what they had while Bobby fought things every step of the way but ultimately coming back every time. I felt sympathetic towards Alejo throughout the entire story. Coming from the background he did of constantly having to clean up his family's messes to desperately wanting to be acknowledged by the only man he truly loved and constantly being kept a secret made me resent Bobby at times for his unknowingly callous treatment of Alejo. Bobby was a coward when it came to matters of the heart and his religion definitely kept him shackled to his life built on lies.
Alejo and Bobby's early sexual interludes were fumbling yet sweet. As they matured and with each encounter being but for a fleeting moment there was always a sense of longing and desperation in the intensity of their coming together. These interludes, once they ended, made me ache for what they could have if Bobby only let himself be happy.
The Mexican culture is beautifully on display with its beliefs and expectations of of how a man should act greatly affecting both Bobby and Alejo. The descriptions of the city and culture fully immersed the reader in the story and added an extra layer to the story. There's an intriguing number of secondary characters that greatly influenced the relationship between Bobby and Alejo with many of them appealing and one or two extremely exasperating.
This was a wonderful story that pulls you in from the very first page and stays with you long after the final page is turned. Every up and down these two men experienced, I felt right along with them. Readers wanting a realistic story full of rollercoaster emotions should definitely give Fall Into the Sun a try.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews