What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fall Up #2
The Spiral Down
Standalone M/M romance.
I was afraid to fly.
He made me soar.
After years of climbing the ladder of success in the music industry, I finally had everything I could want.
Yet I still found myself wandering through life alone.
Captain Evan Roth was the one man I never saw coming.
Tall, dark, mysterious… Straight.
We were both damaged beyond repair and searching for something so elusive we weren’t sure it even existed.
But, when two broken souls collide in midair, falling is a given.
I just never expected to crave the spiral down.
I was afraid to fly.
He made me soar.
After years of climbing the ladder of success in the music industry, I finally had everything I could want.
Yet I still found myself wandering through life alone.
Captain Evan Roth was the one man I never saw coming.
Tall, dark, mysterious… Straight.
We were both damaged beyond repair and searching for something so elusive we weren’t sure it even existed.
But, when two broken souls collide in midair, falling is a given.
I just never expected to crave the spiral down.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2016
About the author
Aly Martinez
53 books7,818 followersOriginally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four young children.
Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, charcuterie boards, and her mildly neurotic golden retriever. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.
She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.
Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, charcuterie boards, and her mildly neurotic golden retriever. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.
She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 764 reviews
August 15, 2017
★★★★! The Spiral Down (stand-alone, book 2). Mid-air collision of super-star singer & the straight pilot he wants to seduce!
“The high that came from being with a straight man, knowing he was going against his own genetic coding just for one night with me, made every minute of the pain worth it.”
Books in The Fall Up series should be read in order:
Book 1: The Fall Up
Book 2: The Spiral down
The Spiral down (Stand-alone, book 2) picks up on a day both superstar singer and songwriter Henry Alexander aka Henry Alexander Gilchrist and pilot and ex-Airforce Evan Roth’s lives are spiraling out of control. Henry due to his fear of flying cue pilot Evan. And Evan being called to work while dealing with a break-up.
Lust at first sight, at least for Henry.
Henry gets off on seducing straight men and so a cat and mouse game of seduction is set in motion. Evan is ill-equipped to stand up to such a force, except in the bedroom as it turns out. Between the sheets they are equals, a perfect match. But as reality sets in they both have to confront conflicted emotions, painful pasts, phobias, stigmas and secrets.
It’s the free-falling journey finding oneself.
Eight words to describe Henry Alexander Gilchrist aka Henry Alexander: Generous, broken, charming, conflicted, lonely, insecure, immature and loyal.
Seven words to describe Evan Roth: Easy-going, conflicted, complex, immature, loyal, nurturing and candid.
The Spiral Down, told from dual POVs, is a mixture of steam and romance; angst and humor. I loved the journey they both took and though are both slightly obtuse and out of touch with their feelings they arrived at their destination perfectly.
Hot and bothered sex! Complex heroes! Stigmas and self-reflection!
“The inevitable spiral down when they realized what they had done.”
***
Henry’s rating: 4 stars
Evan’s rating: 4 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Plot rating: 4 stars
Dialogue rating: 4 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: 4.5 stars
**********************************************
Overall rating: 4 stars
Would I recommend this story: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
May 9, 2016
5 STARS
Book slump officially over! #DoublePeenForTheWin
It's no secret that I'm gaga for pretty much every Aly Martinez book that I read. There's just something about her writing that simply clicks with me. She manages to create heroes that have me head over ovaries for them each and every single time. Henry Alexander was the lovable secondary character from The Fall Up that I absolutely fell in love with. When Aly announced she'll be writing his book, I may or may not have done a pervy dance of excitement around my living room. What? This chick just happens to seriously love her some delicious MM, mkay?
But I digress. Henry Alexander has lived a hard life but now has everything he can ever desire; an amazing best friend that he sometimes performs with, a successful singing career, fame and fortune. Henry is also openly gay and happens to get his kicks by seducing straight men. There's just something about that rush that does it for him, no matter how badly it ends at the end of the night...
One of the things I adored about this book was the banter. Man. The banter. It was amazing. With Henry neuroses and his fear of flying, I found myself giggling like a school girl at his antics though most of the book.
Fate has some irony in store for Henry, when the man that has a horrific fear of flying ends up lusting for a sexy pilot that just happens to be straight...or is he?
Aly serves up some of the best sexual tension I have ever read with this book. Oh my GOD but it was utterly delicious. The very second that Henry and Evan appear in a scene together you can practically feel the crackle in the air. It was electrifying. The chemistry between them was instantaneous and just got better and better with every turn of the page.
Written in dual first person POV, you get equal time in both Henry and Evan's heads and it just makes the story that much better.
Henry is the lovable goof to Evan's dark brooding. Together they're sheer magic. They balance each other out and the sexual chemistry between them is so hot, I swear to you I actually felt an electric shock each time I turned a page. The author did a perfect job balancing just the right amount of steam that it adds to the story as opposed to distracting from it. The character development was absolutely fantastic. I fell so hard for both of these guys.
I also loved the cameos from Sam and Levee. I adored the friendship between Levee and Henry in the previous book and it only manages to get better here.
The Spiral down was everything I had hoped it would be and so much more. It was emotional and angsty perfection. I was glued to the pages from beginning to finish with the biggest case of book butterflies I have had in a very long while. Evan and Henry were absolutely magnetic together. If you haven't read anything by this amazing author yet, you're seriously missing out. And if you haven't yet read The Fall Up, I can't recommend it enough. However, you may easily read The Spiral Down as a standalone.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
This doesn't make you gay, Evan. It just makes you mine.
Book slump officially over! #DoublePeenForTheWin
It's no secret that I'm gaga for pretty much every Aly Martinez book that I read. There's just something about her writing that simply clicks with me. She manages to create heroes that have me head over ovaries for them each and every single time. Henry Alexander was the lovable secondary character from The Fall Up that I absolutely fell in love with. When Aly announced she'll be writing his book, I may or may not have done a pervy dance of excitement around my living room. What? This chick just happens to seriously love her some delicious MM, mkay?
But I digress. Henry Alexander has lived a hard life but now has everything he can ever desire; an amazing best friend that he sometimes performs with, a successful singing career, fame and fortune. Henry is also openly gay and happens to get his kicks by seducing straight men. There's just something about that rush that does it for him, no matter how badly it ends at the end of the night...
One of the things I adored about this book was the banter. Man. The banter. It was amazing. With Henry neuroses and his fear of flying, I found myself giggling like a school girl at his antics though most of the book.
Another loud bang made me flinch. "What the hell was that?"
He sighed. "Man. Up."
"I'd like to meet the pilot before we take off. Get his credentials and all. Maybe he's willing to take a bribe."
Fate has some irony in store for Henry, when the man that has a horrific fear of flying ends up lusting for a sexy pilot that just happens to be straight...or is he?
Aly serves up some of the best sexual tension I have ever read with this book. Oh my GOD but it was utterly delicious. The very second that Henry and Evan appear in a scene together you can practically feel the crackle in the air. It was electrifying. The chemistry between them was instantaneous and just got better and better with every turn of the page.
Written in dual first person POV, you get equal time in both Henry and Evan's heads and it just makes the story that much better.
Henry is the lovable goof to Evan's dark brooding. Together they're sheer magic. They balance each other out and the sexual chemistry between them is so hot, I swear to you I actually felt an electric shock each time I turned a page. The author did a perfect job balancing just the right amount of steam that it adds to the story as opposed to distracting from it. The character development was absolutely fantastic. I fell so hard for both of these guys.
I also loved the cameos from Sam and Levee. I adored the friendship between Levee and Henry in the previous book and it only manages to get better here.
"Yes. Sorry. I forgot. Please relay my apologies to Prince Everhard."
The Spiral down was everything I had hoped it would be and so much more. It was emotional and angsty perfection. I was glued to the pages from beginning to finish with the biggest case of book butterflies I have had in a very long while. Evan and Henry were absolutely magnetic together. If you haven't read anything by this amazing author yet, you're seriously missing out. And if you haven't yet read The Fall Up, I can't recommend it enough. However, you may easily read The Spiral Down as a standalone.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
May 17, 2016
5 stars!!!
When I heard that Aly Martinez was writing a book about my favorite character in The Fall Up, Henry Alexander, I was ecstatic! I love all the things that Aly writes, and I couldn’t wait to read her first MM book. She did an amazing job with this story. It was the perfect combination of humor, heat, and heart.
Evan is damaged and relationship impaired in his own way. After a failed and devastating relationship with a man, Evan’s type is now female. Although he’s attracted to both male and female, he was burned by the male gender and now is only with women. He’s been okay with that. Until Henry Alexander knocks him off his feet.
Of course, Henry first impression of Evan is that he’s straight… or is he? The feelings these two have for one another are confusing for them both. Henry and Evan were amazing together. It wasn’t easy for either of them. Both have pasts and things that make them hesitant to be in a relationship, but they were just perfect together. It took time and effort, but they were both able to conquer their fears. Their banter was great and Henry was always good for a laugh when things got too serious. I adored him just as much as I remembered I did!
The Spiral Down was a huge hit for me. Aly did a fantastic job with her first MM read and I hope she continues to dabble in it! Sweet, sexy, sassy, and full of laughs, this is one book you don’t want to miss out on! Can be read as a stand-alone, but I would recommend you read The Fall Up first. That is where you first meet Henry and it gives a little of his history. Plus, Sam and Levee’s story is great!
When I heard that Aly Martinez was writing a book about my favorite character in The Fall Up, Henry Alexander, I was ecstatic! I love all the things that Aly writes, and I couldn’t wait to read her first MM book. She did an amazing job with this story. It was the perfect combination of humor, heat, and heart.
The one thing I really wanted could never be bought. I wasn’t even sure it could be earned. It was something so rare that I feared it didn’t actually exist. Love. Unconditional. Unwavering. Eternal. Love.Henry Alexander is an openly gay and very famous and very talented musician. He sleeps around some and has a particular type. And that type is the straight man. Something to conquer. Something that isn’t risky. A straight man won’t love him. A straight man is an achievement, not something to be afraid of. Growing up the way he did and only ever feeling platonic/familial love from two women, it’s just the way he is made up. Henry is also terrified of flying. That is where he meets pilot Evan Roth. In the sky.
Evan is damaged and relationship impaired in his own way. After a failed and devastating relationship with a man, Evan’s type is now female. Although he’s attracted to both male and female, he was burned by the male gender and now is only with women. He’s been okay with that. Until Henry Alexander knocks him off his feet.
“This doesn't make you gay, Evan. It just makes you mine.��
Of course, Henry first impression of Evan is that he’s straight… or is he? The feelings these two have for one another are confusing for them both. Henry and Evan were amazing together. It wasn’t easy for either of them. Both have pasts and things that make them hesitant to be in a relationship, but they were just perfect together. It took time and effort, but they were both able to conquer their fears. Their banter was great and Henry was always good for a laugh when things got too serious. I adored him just as much as I remembered I did!
The Spiral Down was a huge hit for me. Aly did a fantastic job with her first MM read and I hope she continues to dabble in it! Sweet, sexy, sassy, and full of laughs, this is one book you don’t want to miss out on! Can be read as a stand-alone, but I would recommend you read The Fall Up first. That is where you first meet Henry and it gives a little of his history. Plus, Sam and Levee’s story is great!
His laugh. His randomness. The way he can captivate me from across a room. The rush I felt when we were together. It was the closest thing to flying I’ve ever experienced with my feet on the ground.
October 25, 2016
Okay, I am just SO in the minuscule minority here that I don't even know what to say.
Except that it must simply be me.
Seriously, I don't even have anything snarky or BAD to say about this book.
I know, right?
Imagine how I feel.
But I can't say anything bad...because there is nothing bad to say.
I LOVE Aly Martinez and her writing here was flawless as always.
Her characters were quirky and funny, her pop culture hilarity was on point as usual, the story line was great...this had all of the ingredients necessary for 5 stars.
So why not 5 stars?
Not.
A.
Clue.
Overall, I felt very disconnected from this story.
I had a hard time warming up to Evan, for whatever reason, and the story just never fully grabbed me.
In fact, it took me over a week to finish this...and I can't even fully explain why - even to myself.
All I can say is...
Find me at:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I am SO ready to take on some Aly Martinez m/m!
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review***
Except that it must simply be me.
Seriously, I don't even have anything snarky or BAD to say about this book.
I know, right?
Imagine how I feel.
But I can't say anything bad...because there is nothing bad to say.
I LOVE Aly Martinez and her writing here was flawless as always.
Her characters were quirky and funny, her pop culture hilarity was on point as usual, the story line was great...this had all of the ingredients necessary for 5 stars.
So why not 5 stars?
Not.
A.
Clue.
Overall, I felt very disconnected from this story.
I had a hard time warming up to Evan, for whatever reason, and the story just never fully grabbed me.
In fact, it took me over a week to finish this...and I can't even fully explain why - even to myself.
All I can say is...
Find me at:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I am SO ready to take on some Aly Martinez m/m!
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review***
May 13, 2016
4.5 “HEAVEN” STARS
[image error]
Fans of the previous book of this series knew that Henry Alexander’s story would be something special and I guess the question for those seasoned mm readers was could Aly Martinez pull a mm read off? I’m not an expert but since I love this author and Henry there was no way I wasn’t going to give his story a try. For me, she completely pulled off a solid mm love story with snarky and steamy sex scenes all of which left a big smile on this reader’s face.
”I have millions of fans. But it’s the people who get to know me who leave. It always happens.”
Henry sets his sights on what he deems another straight male in hopes that his dream of turning a man gay and only for him would be version of the perfect HEA. This concept was in fact skewed and twisted a bit but when he meets pilot Evan Roth. Evan Roth comes with his own experiences and baggage and while the two tango around one another with fantastic banter and undeniable attraction they find themselves in some interesting situations.
”This was so fucked up. It was like a comedy of errors without the actual comedy. I was a gay man trying to seduce a straight man who thought I was bisexual, while tried to pretend he wasn’t interested in a gay man by requiring that we share a women. Because that totally made it acceptable to dry-hump another man. So. Fucked. Up.”
Henry and Evan spar and eventually break down the barriers that prevent them from embracing what they could have together. The story was fun, sexy and sweet and can be read as a standalone if a reader wanted to skip the first book which I adored as well!
”Ten, nine, eight”
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
[image error]
Fans of the previous book of this series knew that Henry Alexander’s story would be something special and I guess the question for those seasoned mm readers was could Aly Martinez pull a mm read off? I’m not an expert but since I love this author and Henry there was no way I wasn’t going to give his story a try. For me, she completely pulled off a solid mm love story with snarky and steamy sex scenes all of which left a big smile on this reader’s face.
”I have millions of fans. But it’s the people who get to know me who leave. It always happens.”
Henry sets his sights on what he deems another straight male in hopes that his dream of turning a man gay and only for him would be version of the perfect HEA. This concept was in fact skewed and twisted a bit but when he meets pilot Evan Roth. Evan Roth comes with his own experiences and baggage and while the two tango around one another with fantastic banter and undeniable attraction they find themselves in some interesting situations.
”This was so fucked up. It was like a comedy of errors without the actual comedy. I was a gay man trying to seduce a straight man who thought I was bisexual, while tried to pretend he wasn’t interested in a gay man by requiring that we share a women. Because that totally made it acceptable to dry-hump another man. So. Fucked. Up.”
Henry and Evan spar and eventually break down the barriers that prevent them from embracing what they could have together. The story was fun, sexy and sweet and can be read as a standalone if a reader wanted to skip the first book which I adored as well!
”Ten, nine, eight”
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
October 20, 2016
Henry
✓Pop star celebrity
✓Gay
✓Smartass extraordinaire
✓Charming
✓Charismatic
✓Unbelievably sexy
✓✓✓Neurotic
Evan
✓Pilot
✓Not gay.
✓Not straight.
✓Not enough.
✓Just wants someone to make him happy.
➦Henry only chases after straight men because he wants to feel special. He sets his eyes on Evan, who he thinks is straight, and pursues him relentlessly.
➦Evan hates labels. Having been burnt before, he resists Henry's charms for as long as he's able.
"I just wanted to be somebody's. Not gay, not straight, not bi."
➦The first half of the book was fun and fast-paced. Unfortunately, it lost me at about a 60% mark. And I'm sad to say it was all due to his highness Henry. He was such a drama queen, it was just a bit too much for me to handle. His constant monologues were repetitive and boring me to death. The most ridiculous part was him admitting to himself that he was being irrational while still hiding under a rock.
"If he likes all men, how will I know that he truly loves ME?"
WELCOME TO THE CLUB OF RELATIONSHIPS!
➦I also have to admit that I was hoping for the book to be steamier. How shall I explain this? These two were tip toeing around each other and when they finally got together there was a lot of sexual foreplay but then it always ended with something along the lines of "and then he fucked me for half an hour straight until we were both spent." Well, I'm a perv, I want details. So sue me.
❤So to sum it up, it's a good book. The banter was great, the characters were well developed. I just thought it was a bit too dragged out with the whole Henry drama. My three stars go to Evan, he was a sweetheart and definitely an adult in the relationship. The epilogue made me tear up and left me satisfied. :)
May 22, 2016
4.5 Stars
I've been eagerly waiting for this one and it definitely didn't disappoint.I haven't read the first book.I did consider it but M/F is not my thing these days.The characters from book one are,however,very well presented here and fit into the story perfectly.
I believe this is the first M/M book by this Author and as a lover of this Genre I think she's done an excellent job.The characters,sexual tension and story are very well done.
Henry is hugely successful singer.He's openly Gay but is not interested in going after Gay men.He prefers to persue straight men,enjoys the chase and eventually bending these men to his will.This is one of my absolute favourite things in M/M books.
So when he sets his sights on a sexy pilot,Evan...the poor man is powerless to resist as Henry works his magic.
Evan's sexuality is a bit of a mystery at the start of the book.He hates to put a label on it and just goes with who he's attracted to....
For Henry,though,it's all about turning the straight guy....
I especially loved the first half of the book when Henry was persuing Evan,it was just delicious.I absolutely love it when one man is completely going for it and the other is trying to fight it.Sometimes the sexual tension in books is even hotter than the sex.
On that note,the sex scenes were extremely hot and well written...not too long and drawn out like you get in a lot of books and the perfect combination of sweet and dirty.
My only small negative here was when Evan finally let his defences down Henry had a meltdown...
These two men were just perfect together.The writing flowed beautifully and Henry is definitely one of my favourite book characters.His interactions with his friends and Evan were just so funny at times.
This book has humour,brilliant characters,just the right amount of angst,hot sex and an Epilogue which I just loved.
Highly recommended......
I've been eagerly waiting for this one and it definitely didn't disappoint.I haven't read the first book.I did consider it but M/F is not my thing these days.The characters from book one are,however,very well presented here and fit into the story perfectly.
I believe this is the first M/M book by this Author and as a lover of this Genre I think she's done an excellent job.The characters,sexual tension and story are very well done.
Henry is hugely successful singer.He's openly Gay but is not interested in going after Gay men.He prefers to persue straight men,enjoys the chase and eventually bending these men to his will.This is one of my absolute favourite things in M/M books.
So when he sets his sights on a sexy pilot,Evan...the poor man is powerless to resist as Henry works his magic.
Evan's sexuality is a bit of a mystery at the start of the book.He hates to put a label on it and just goes with who he's attracted to....
For Henry,though,it's all about turning the straight guy....
This was so fucked up.It was like a comedy of errors without the actual comedy.I was a gay man trying to seduce a straight man who thought I was bisexual while he tried to pretend he wasn't interested in a gay man by requiring we share a woman..
I especially loved the first half of the book when Henry was persuing Evan,it was just delicious.I absolutely love it when one man is completely going for it and the other is trying to fight it.Sometimes the sexual tension in books is even hotter than the sex.
On that note,the sex scenes were extremely hot and well written...not too long and drawn out like you get in a lot of books and the perfect combination of sweet and dirty.
My only small negative here was when Evan finally let his defences down Henry had a meltdown...
These two men were just perfect together.The writing flowed beautifully and Henry is definitely one of my favourite book characters.His interactions with his friends and Evan were just so funny at times.
This book has humour,brilliant characters,just the right amount of angst,hot sex and an Epilogue which I just loved.
Highly recommended......
June 13, 2016
5 stars!
"I was so high on this man I wasn’t sure I’d ever come back down."
Okay Aly Martinez fans... I get it now. I totally get it. After reading two books by this author which really weren't to my reading tastes, I decided to take another chance on this one, because well... MM romance is my weakness. I eat it up! And this book was so worth the risk!!
This is the story of pop star Henry and young pilot Evan. Henry is an openly gay superstar and has a type: straight men. Evan is a pilot going through a recent break up with his girlfriend he didn't love. The two meet when Henry's private pilot can't fly due to medical problems and Evan steps in.
"I have millions of fans. But it’s the people who get to know me who leave. It always happens.”
Even though I dnf'd the previous book in this duet, I still read enough to be curious about the character Henry. He has a unique sense of humor but I loved it. Henry is such a vulnerable man, looking for love in all the wrong places. Evan has been burned in the past with love and he has his own set of rules when it comes to relationships. He has no interest in anything with Henry, at first. But Henry's persistence wore him down.
This book was HAWT. HOT HOT HOT. You can feel the intensity leaking off of every page. With this came the most delicious angst that I ate right up. Basically, this book had my name on it. Loud and clear, I just couldn't see it for a while.
Anyways, this book was great and I am so glad I took a chance on it after not loving other books by this author. This shows her talent as an author and that she's diverse in her writing and doesn't stick to the same story/style which I can respect.
"This doesn't make you gay. It just makes you mine."
"I was so high on this man I wasn’t sure I’d ever come back down."
Okay Aly Martinez fans... I get it now. I totally get it. After reading two books by this author which really weren't to my reading tastes, I decided to take another chance on this one, because well... MM romance is my weakness. I eat it up! And this book was so worth the risk!!
This is the story of pop star Henry and young pilot Evan. Henry is an openly gay superstar and has a type: straight men. Evan is a pilot going through a recent break up with his girlfriend he didn't love. The two meet when Henry's private pilot can't fly due to medical problems and Evan steps in.
"I have millions of fans. But it’s the people who get to know me who leave. It always happens.”
Even though I dnf'd the previous book in this duet, I still read enough to be curious about the character Henry. He has a unique sense of humor but I loved it. Henry is such a vulnerable man, looking for love in all the wrong places. Evan has been burned in the past with love and he has his own set of rules when it comes to relationships. He has no interest in anything with Henry, at first. But Henry's persistence wore him down.
This book was HAWT. HOT HOT HOT. You can feel the intensity leaking off of every page. With this came the most delicious angst that I ate right up. Basically, this book had my name on it. Loud and clear, I just couldn't see it for a while.
Anyways, this book was great and I am so glad I took a chance on it after not loving other books by this author. This shows her talent as an author and that she's diverse in her writing and doesn't stick to the same story/style which I can respect.
"This doesn't make you gay. It just makes you mine."
May 19, 2016
**** 4,5 stars ****
Well look at that, Aly knows how to write good M/M. For real, how much I adored this book... le sigh...
I fell hard for Henry while reading The Fall Up (which is still one of my favourites), and was super excited to read his book. I'm happy to say it didn't disappoint.
Henry is a hilarious person, I had moments when I burst out laughing all the time. But somewhere behind that funny side of him, there is a vulnerable man hiding. And Evan was exactly the person to bring it out of him. Evan, having been burnt in a past relationship, even though he was looking, couldn't find the other half. He cared for the people he was dating but could never fully commit, that is until he meets Henry. Full of banter, chemistry and sexual tension journey takes us to their HEA.
This book was funny, sexy, cute with a touch of emotions and a little bit drama, but really tiny so don't be scared. I also loved getting more of Levee and Sam. Their interactions with Henry were priceless. And last but not least, it was scorching hot.
If you already enjoy M/M then I recommend, If you think about trying it for the first time, then it is a great book to do it IMO.
PS. Can be read as a standalone though I highly recommend reading The Fall Up because it's fucking awesome!
ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Well look at that, Aly knows how to write good M/M. For real, how much I adored this book... le sigh...
I fell hard for Henry while reading The Fall Up (which is still one of my favourites), and was super excited to read his book. I'm happy to say it didn't disappoint.
Henry is a hilarious person, I had moments when I burst out laughing all the time. But somewhere behind that funny side of him, there is a vulnerable man hiding. And Evan was exactly the person to bring it out of him. Evan, having been burnt in a past relationship, even though he was looking, couldn't find the other half. He cared for the people he was dating but could never fully commit, that is until he meets Henry. Full of banter, chemistry and sexual tension journey takes us to their HEA.
This book was funny, sexy, cute with a touch of emotions and a little bit drama, but really tiny so don't be scared. I also loved getting more of Levee and Sam. Their interactions with Henry were priceless. And last but not least, it was scorching hot.
If you already enjoy M/M then I recommend, If you think about trying it for the first time, then it is a great book to do it IMO.
PS. Can be read as a standalone though I highly recommend reading The Fall Up because it's fucking awesome!
ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2016
Holy Shit! That was so fucking delicious. I loved - loved - loved this book. :)
I'm not a M/M virgin, this is my 3rd book this genre but I swear a God, it's just gets better and better with each book. :D In the begining I was kind of afraid to get into M/M books but once I start to read them I'm begining to addicted of them.
Anyway let's go back to this book. This is Henry & Evan's story. I knew Henry from 1st book (The Fall Up) and I already loved him a lot buuuut when you meet Evan -the pilot-, oh boy you're gonna swoooon over him! :D And their chemistry was amazing and just let me say this after you read their sex scenes you're gonna need to chance panties. Oh yeah, trust me. I've been there. I lived it - loved it - not regret of it! :D
Oh I almost forgot, thank you Aly for Sam & Levee's camoe too. It was great to meet them again. :)
What can I say more? Pls don't be scare and just go and read this book (also 1st book was great too...) Henry & Evan will make you laugh a lot but above all this you're gonna feel their love with each other...
And that epilogue was just so sweet. I freaking loved it a lot. :)
May 16, 2016
5 **Heaven** STARS
The Spiral Down was everything I had hoped it would be and more. After having read a few books by this author I can safely say Aly Martinez is a favourite. But this book? Knocked it out of the park. Just perfect.
If you follow my reviews you might have noticed me being quite fond of MM reads over the last few months. It’s really a new obsession and when I saw that we would get Henry’s book I was over the moon.
The thing I love about these kinds of books is the bond between the characters. They usually have a deeper level of intimacy, and I don’t necessarily mean that in a sexual way. Maybe it’s the unfortunately still present social issue of ‘us against the world’. I don’t know, but I have yet to come across a MM book that didn’t make me fall madly in love with the characters through their struggle, especially in gay-for-you stories. Now The Spiral Down does fit that bill in some ways. You could say it's a twist on the GFY trope.
Let’s talk story...
We first met Henry Alexander in The Fall Up, as Levee’s best friend, music superstar and openly gay man. For the casual observer he has it all, but there is one thing that is missing in his life. A person to share it all with and preferably experience a bond like Levee and Sam share. Problem is he has a thing for straight guys and they normally don't stick around for too long.
Fortunately for Henry he is terrified of flying. Sounds like a contradiction, but bear with me. One day the pilot for his private jet has health problems and is replaced by his dream man. Tall, dark, mysterious… Straight. Evan Roth is the complete opposite of the flamboyant singer and in the midst of an out of control panic attack he can show his powers of calming poor Henry down and maybe catch the interest of the sexy singer.
I absolutely adored this read. Henry is a scene stealer with his over the top behaviour, quirky humour and the heart of gold. Paired with the grounded Evan they really become a lovable pair. Both have deep rooted issues when it comes to relationships and who they are attracted two, which just makes for a fun and entertaining read. One wants straight men and the other only goes for men when a girl is present. What could possibly go wrong?
As always the writing is effortless, the dual POV storytelling has a nice flow and the characters are nicely developed. The book can be read as a standalone, but I would suggest reading The Fall Up if you haven't yet, it was equally as entertaining.
The Spiral Down is not only a great light hearted read for fans of MM romance, but I also believe newbies to the genre could use this as a gateway drug. Maybe if you are curious about dipping your toes into MM give this a try, the characters alone will make your day. Next to Henry and Evan we got to catch up with Levee and then there was Carter, the lovable grumpy bodyguard. Believe me you want to meet that guy.
Ok, that's all. Thank you for your time. ;)
**ARC very kindly provided for the BlogTour in exchange for an honest review.
“I was so high on this man I wasn’t sure I’d ever come back down.”
The Spiral Down was everything I had hoped it would be and more. After having read a few books by this author I can safely say Aly Martinez is a favourite. But this book? Knocked it out of the park. Just perfect.
If you follow my reviews you might have noticed me being quite fond of MM reads over the last few months. It’s really a new obsession and when I saw that we would get Henry’s book I was over the moon.
The thing I love about these kinds of books is the bond between the characters. They usually have a deeper level of intimacy, and I don’t necessarily mean that in a sexual way. Maybe it’s the unfortunately still present social issue of ‘us against the world’. I don’t know, but I have yet to come across a MM book that didn’t make me fall madly in love with the characters through their struggle, especially in gay-for-you stories. Now The Spiral Down does fit that bill in some ways. You could say it's a twist on the GFY trope.
Let’s talk story...
“Ass was easy to come by. But the high that came from being with a straight man, knowing he was going against his own genetic coding just for one night with me, made every minute of the pain worth it.
Those forbidden encounters were a drug.
And I was a junkie.”
We first met Henry Alexander in The Fall Up, as Levee’s best friend, music superstar and openly gay man. For the casual observer he has it all, but there is one thing that is missing in his life. A person to share it all with and preferably experience a bond like Levee and Sam share. Problem is he has a thing for straight guys and they normally don't stick around for too long.
Fortunately for Henry he is terrified of flying. Sounds like a contradiction, but bear with me. One day the pilot for his private jet has health problems and is replaced by his dream man. Tall, dark, mysterious… Straight. Evan Roth is the complete opposite of the flamboyant singer and in the midst of an out of control panic attack he can show his powers of calming poor Henry down and maybe catch the interest of the sexy singer.
“With his gaze anchored to mine, the six feet that separated us was inconsequential and the air between us became charged, prickling the hair on the back of my neck.
We were two of nearly twenty thousand people.
But we were alone.”
I absolutely adored this read. Henry is a scene stealer with his over the top behaviour, quirky humour and the heart of gold. Paired with the grounded Evan they really become a lovable pair. Both have deep rooted issues when it comes to relationships and who they are attracted two, which just makes for a fun and entertaining read. One wants straight men and the other only goes for men when a girl is present. What could possibly go wrong?
As always the writing is effortless, the dual POV storytelling has a nice flow and the characters are nicely developed. The book can be read as a standalone, but I would suggest reading The Fall Up if you haven't yet, it was equally as entertaining.
The Spiral Down is not only a great light hearted read for fans of MM romance, but I also believe newbies to the genre could use this as a gateway drug. Maybe if you are curious about dipping your toes into MM give this a try, the characters alone will make your day. Next to Henry and Evan we got to catch up with Levee and then there was Carter, the lovable grumpy bodyguard. Believe me you want to meet that guy.
Ok, that's all. Thank you for your time. ;)
**ARC very kindly provided for the BlogTour in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2016
LIVE! http://amzn.to/1TjbZ6Y
5 "You are my exception" Stars!
Well, mark this down as a smashing success into the MM genre for Aly Martinez. I'd anxiously anticipated this book from the minute I met Henry Alexander in The Fall Up. Henry is the flamboyant, charismatic singing partner to Levee in The Fall Up. A known gay man with a kink for straight men, I just knew this book was going to hook me with an almost guaranteed gay-for-you love story.
Henry has issues with feeling wanted... needed. Being that number one that nobody else can measure up to. Having lived a sad life in the foster care system, he's experienced his fair share of disappointment, of being let down and never feeling truly worthy of someone's love. He wants to be the one for someone, the true deal changer, and straight men are his wicked challenge. What can be better than being the one person to turn a person against everything they've otherwise thought they wanted...A man. Him. An exception.
Evan Roth meets Henry Alexander in Henry's worst form- amidst panic attacks from flying. Evan is a substitute pilot for Henry's private jet and doesn't know if he should laugh or hug this man clearly freaking the heck out over flying. But something about him doesn't scream entitled a$$hole music star... But more so a man that appears alone amidst the millions of fans surrounding him.
The Spiral Down has it all in a hot, sexy, emotional MM romance. I'd highly recommend this for even newbies to the genre. Fans of Aly Martinez will get the characters she loves to paint for us- the ones we can't help but fall in love with. And Henry Alexander doesn't know what hits him with that tall, dark, sex-on-a-stick pilot.
Henry is so endearingly cute, I can't stand it. He had me laughing out loud with his dramatics and inner monologue but rest assured, he's still very masculine and virile. Aly can paint such a picture with her characters, the reader feels she knows them on some deeper personal level... And Henry was the kind of guy any girl would kill for that gay BFF.
Yah, that's our Henry and I dare you to read this book and not fall truly in love with him.
I can't finish my review without touching on the MM aspect of this book. Yes, it's male/male romance and is seriously steaming but also very romantic and just plain sweet. MM can get pretty intense and hard-core and I think this is pretty tame and beginners to this genre should really give it a try, especially if you're a true Aly Martinez fan because she does not disappoint in The Spiral Down.
This can be read as a standalone but for those who read The Fall Up, you'll be pleased to see Levee and Sam getting their happily ever after here. I forgot how hilarious Sam and Henry's banter was as well as how connected like siblings Henry is to his Levee.
A solid, all-around smashing success for Aly Martinez. Now she needs to get going on Carter's book because you're gonna fall for that big, brooding, hunka manmeat bodyguard.
Beta-copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.
5 "You are my exception" Stars!
Well, mark this down as a smashing success into the MM genre for Aly Martinez. I'd anxiously anticipated this book from the minute I met Henry Alexander in The Fall Up. Henry is the flamboyant, charismatic singing partner to Levee in The Fall Up. A known gay man with a kink for straight men, I just knew this book was going to hook me with an almost guaranteed gay-for-you love story.
Henry has issues with feeling wanted... needed. Being that number one that nobody else can measure up to. Having lived a sad life in the foster care system, he's experienced his fair share of disappointment, of being let down and never feeling truly worthy of someone's love. He wants to be the one for someone, the true deal changer, and straight men are his wicked challenge. What can be better than being the one person to turn a person against everything they've otherwise thought they wanted...A man. Him. An exception.
Evan Roth meets Henry Alexander in Henry's worst form- amidst panic attacks from flying. Evan is a substitute pilot for Henry's private jet and doesn't know if he should laugh or hug this man clearly freaking the heck out over flying. But something about him doesn't scream entitled a$$hole music star... But more so a man that appears alone amidst the millions of fans surrounding him.
The Spiral Down has it all in a hot, sexy, emotional MM romance. I'd highly recommend this for even newbies to the genre. Fans of Aly Martinez will get the characters she loves to paint for us- the ones we can't help but fall in love with. And Henry Alexander doesn't know what hits him with that tall, dark, sex-on-a-stick pilot.
Henry is so endearingly cute, I can't stand it. He had me laughing out loud with his dramatics and inner monologue but rest assured, he's still very masculine and virile. Aly can paint such a picture with her characters, the reader feels she knows them on some deeper personal level... And Henry was the kind of guy any girl would kill for that gay BFF.
"Sharing a room. That's pretty presumptuous."
"I prefer to view it as hopeful. I also cashed in on like, a hundred bucks in pennies in the fountain out front and used the wishes from my birthday candles for the next twenty years in order to make tonight happen."
Yah, that's our Henry and I dare you to read this book and not fall truly in love with him.
I can't finish my review without touching on the MM aspect of this book. Yes, it's male/male romance and is seriously steaming but also very romantic and just plain sweet. MM can get pretty intense and hard-core and I think this is pretty tame and beginners to this genre should really give it a try, especially if you're a true Aly Martinez fan because she does not disappoint in The Spiral Down.
This can be read as a standalone but for those who read The Fall Up, you'll be pleased to see Levee and Sam getting their happily ever after here. I forgot how hilarious Sam and Henry's banter was as well as how connected like siblings Henry is to his Levee.
A solid, all-around smashing success for Aly Martinez. Now she needs to get going on Carter's book because you're gonna fall for that big, brooding, hunka manmeat bodyguard.
Beta-copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.
May 13, 2016
♥ ♥ ♥ 4.5 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
"It's time for you to get used to the fact that I'm here to stay as long as you want me." I pressed a hard kiss to his lips.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
I had a bit of a rocky start with this series when I finished reading the first book. However, I love Aly Martinez's writing. How could I not give this one a read when it's M/M and about the lovable Henry Alexander? I just could not resist. I had to get my grabby hands on this one as soon as I could.
If you have read The Fall Up then you are very familiar with Levee's best friend Henry Alexander who is also a famous singer and openly gay. Henry is charming, smooth, and cocky. You can't help but fall in love with him and his contagious smile. Henry may appear all happy on the outside but something is missing in his life. His upbringing in foster care has left him with some issues of insecurity. When he was a child, the people around him easily tossed him away without a care, that left scars in Henry that he's never gotten over. Now, as an adult, he fears he will never be the reason a person stays. He feels unworthy of love, and unwanted. Henry hides behind his easy going facade so he doesn't have to let anyone in. This is why Henry only goes for straight men.
When Henry has to board a plane--something he is tremendously fearful of--he has one of his panic attacks. This is caused when he finds out the his usual pilot will be temporarily replaced by a younger pilot named Evan Roth. Henry freaks out and Evan is left trying to persuade him that all will be okay since his job is on the line. After Henry has calmed down, he can't help but notice how attractive Evan is. Henry will do anything to make sure Evan will stay as his permanent pilot.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
"How good this feels. Just being here with you. I never expected--" To crave you so deeply. And not only in the bedroom But in everyday life. "Evan. This. Me and you. It's not a bad thing."
"I know."
"Don't fight it, okay? Just trust me that I'm in this with you. One hundred percent. Every step of the way," he implored before leaning down and placing a reassuring kiss on my lips.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
I can't tell you enough how much I loved Henry! He was an absolute hoot and so freaking adorable. I loved the silly banter between Evan and Henry that made me smile all goofy like. I really enjoyed seeing Henry work to "woo" Evan into his bed. Henry really tried to pull out all the stops, he just never expected that Evan would have other plans that involved a woman in a threesome.
Evan Roth was a little more on the serious side when compared to Henry, but I still really loved him. I liked that he was finally willing to rediscover that side of him that is attracted to men. Evan has had a heartbreaking relationship with a man in the past that had caused him to swear off all men, hence why he only dated women. But here comes Henry with all the sexy swagger and he is willing to give it another try, even if it's just with no strings attached. I loved the palpable sexual tension between Evan and Henry. It was freaking scorching hot!
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
"You are my exception. Never in my entire life have I been so sure about something." I paused then corrected myself. "Someone." Dropping my forehead to his, I whispered, "I'll be the best damn King Kong you've ever seen."
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
The story itself was a very enjoyable one. I loved some of the secondary characters that added more humour to the book. I also loved Henry and Evan as a couple. The chemistry between them was spot on. There was one moment where Henry made me crazy with frustration, but I was glad Evan made him see the light. This book was fun, sexy, humourous, and sweet with some angst to keep things interesting. Aly Martinez did not disappoint with this one. I absolutely recommend you give this one a read. You can also read this one as a standalone. Now, I'm hoping Carter--Henry's bodyguard--will be getting a book soon. I know that one will definitely be very interesting.
May 16, 2016
★★★★★ 5 Stars ★★★★★
Now LIVE!
Amazon US | Amazon UK
I bloody loved this book! I had total trust in Aly to nail it, but to actually read it and find nothing disappointing about it at all, made me a very happy reader. It had all of the elements I love in a romance - banter, sexual tension, a little angst, swoony characters and, in this case, we have two gorgeous men who you cannot help but fall for.
Henry Alexander is a superstar singer/songwriter who grew up with nothing. He has very few people that he is close to, and more money than he could ever spend, but he gets lonely as all humans are prone to. He is also absolutely terrified of flying, and hyperventilates any time he has to take a flight. When his usual pilot gets sick, he is introduced to Evan Roth, ex-military man and all round sexy guy, who has an uncanny ability to make Henry feel more relaxed than usual.
The problem is, Henry only sleeps with straight men, and Evan only sleeps with men if there is a woman present. Say what now? Yep, what a quirky pair these make!
The two men find themselves unable to keep their hands off each other, but due to the sad state of affairs their past relationships left their hearts in, they can't seem to get it right, even though they know deep down they are made for each other.
Delicious is the only way I can describe it, I loved the way these two were around each other, they balanced each other out, and took turns in being alpha. Henry was funny, and Evan was kind and loving, but together they were PERFECT. Perfect I tell you!
Also, there was a great supporting cast with characters from the previous book The Fall Up, but it was written in a way that this series could definitely be read out of order and both are stand-alone novels. And, we got some hints (fingers crossed) for the next book. Carter, come to mamma!
If you are an Aly Martinez fan and you haven't dipped your toe in m/m romance before, I highly urge you to give this one a go. It's one of the best I have ever read in this genre, and it just goes to show that love is love, and it's a beautiful thing no matter what gender you fall for.
The Spiral Down is a male romance, told in dual POV
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Images featured in this review were created by me using stock images either purchased from deposit photo or from free stock sites.
![]()
Now LIVE!
Amazon US | Amazon UK
I bloody loved this book! I had total trust in Aly to nail it, but to actually read it and find nothing disappointing about it at all, made me a very happy reader. It had all of the elements I love in a romance - banter, sexual tension, a little angst, swoony characters and, in this case, we have two gorgeous men who you cannot help but fall for.
Henry Alexander is a superstar singer/songwriter who grew up with nothing. He has very few people that he is close to, and more money than he could ever spend, but he gets lonely as all humans are prone to. He is also absolutely terrified of flying, and hyperventilates any time he has to take a flight. When his usual pilot gets sick, he is introduced to Evan Roth, ex-military man and all round sexy guy, who has an uncanny ability to make Henry feel more relaxed than usual.
The problem is, Henry only sleeps with straight men, and Evan only sleeps with men if there is a woman present. Say what now? Yep, what a quirky pair these make!
The two men find themselves unable to keep their hands off each other, but due to the sad state of affairs their past relationships left their hearts in, they can't seem to get it right, even though they know deep down they are made for each other.
"I was so high on this man I wasn’t sure I’d ever come back down."
Delicious is the only way I can describe it, I loved the way these two were around each other, they balanced each other out, and took turns in being alpha. Henry was funny, and Evan was kind and loving, but together they were PERFECT. Perfect I tell you!
Also, there was a great supporting cast with characters from the previous book The Fall Up, but it was written in a way that this series could definitely be read out of order and both are stand-alone novels. And, we got some hints (fingers crossed) for the next book. Carter, come to mamma!
If you are an Aly Martinez fan and you haven't dipped your toe in m/m romance before, I highly urge you to give this one a go. It's one of the best I have ever read in this genre, and it just goes to show that love is love, and it's a beautiful thing no matter what gender you fall for.
"I can make you feel loved. I can do it—I swear on my life I can. You are my exception."
The Spiral Down is a male romance, told in dual POV
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Images featured in this review were created by me using stock images either purchased from deposit photo or from free stock sites.
May 24, 2016
I really enjoyed my first mm experience. The sexual tension, the story, the characters, the humor - it all blended perfectly.
May 16, 2016
***Rating edit***
This one started off great.
Rockstar ✔
Rags to riches ✔
Palpable chemistry ✔
Funny banter ✔
Nice pace ✔
Damaged heroes ✔
I was loving it and then-
The plot took a nosedive.
SPOILERS AHEAD. I try my hardest not to post any spoilers, but for me to explain why I rated this book low I needed to.
But at least the epilogue was sweet.
It's been a while since a book completely unraveled for me at the end like this. It was highly disappointing. I think it was more a personal issue for me. The conflict of the book- for some reason I found almost borderline offensive. I can't explain it I saw red. I'm sorry to be so vague, and it's probably me being over sensitive. Satisfaction Rating 2.5 Stars. I know I'll be the minority on this one, and I know this author comes with a large M/F following so I'm sure it'll do just fine.
ARC kindly provided to Gay Book Reviews for an honest review.
This one started off great.
Rockstar ✔
Rags to riches ✔
Palpable chemistry ✔
Funny banter ✔
Nice pace ✔
Damaged heroes ✔
I was loving it and then-
The plot took a nosedive.
SPOILERS AHEAD. I try my hardest not to post any spoilers, but for me to explain why I rated this book low I needed to.
But at least the epilogue was sweet.
It's been a while since a book completely unraveled for me at the end like this. It was highly disappointing. I think it was more a personal issue for me. The conflict of the book- for some reason I found almost borderline offensive. I can't explain it I saw red. I'm sorry to be so vague, and it's probably me being over sensitive. Satisfaction Rating 2.5 Stars. I know I'll be the minority on this one, and I know this author comes with a large M/F following so I'm sure it'll do just fine.
ARC kindly provided to Gay Book Reviews for an honest review.
June 14, 2016
Update...
My first M/M romance...
Original review...
I'm not a fan of rating books before I read them but I hate to see a book that hasn't come out yet (and that's written by an amazing author) have such low rating because of someone's issues!
Learn to respect the authors and their books because at the end of the day even if we love or hate a book we have to respect and appreciate the person that has poured their heart and soul into writing it.
So here's 5 stars from me to even the scale a little bit...
My first M/M romance...
Original review...
I'm not a fan of rating books before I read them but I hate to see a book that hasn't come out yet (and that's written by an amazing author) have such low rating because of someone's issues!
Learn to respect the authors and their books because at the end of the day even if we love or hate a book we have to respect and appreciate the person that has poured their heart and soul into writing it.
So here's 5 stars from me to even the scale a little bit...
May 17, 2016
I love Aly Martinez books, love, love, love them and her first m/m more than delivered. Truthfully, I never doubted her, because she delivers the feels like no one else.
If you read The Fall Up you will remember Henry, he is Levee’s best friend. Henry didn’t have the best childhood or a family, but the makeshift family he created means the absolute world to him. So while the world sees him as a famous pop-star, he is really this broken man searching for one-of-a-kind, unconditional love.
Evan and Henry meet when Evan is hired to fly Henry’s plane, the catch, Henry is deathly afraid of flying. Their beginning is honestly so freaking hilarious and being in Henry’s head had me laugh out loud for reals. I seriously loved him. His thoughts are so real and I think we can all relate to him some.
Henry is so taken with Evan he wants more, but Evan isn’t gay. Which is perfect for Henry, he loves straight men. Once Henry’s mission begins he will stop at nothing to hookup with Evan. From here I was hooked and in love with Henry. It took a little longer for me to fall for Evan, but once I did I wanted nothing more for them to be together.
Aly delivered a story that is laugh out loud funny, which isn’t something everyone can do. It’s completely swoon-worthy and made me sigh with happiness. It’s also sexy as sin, Henry and Evan together is freaking hot! I highly recommend this one. I get this is a lot people’s first m/m book and they have loved it, so even if this isn’t your typical cuppa I would recommend giving it a shot the love story alone is fantastic!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for a honest review.
If you read The Fall Up you will remember Henry, he is Levee’s best friend. Henry didn’t have the best childhood or a family, but the makeshift family he created means the absolute world to him. So while the world sees him as a famous pop-star, he is really this broken man searching for one-of-a-kind, unconditional love.
Evan and Henry meet when Evan is hired to fly Henry’s plane, the catch, Henry is deathly afraid of flying. Their beginning is honestly so freaking hilarious and being in Henry’s head had me laugh out loud for reals. I seriously loved him. His thoughts are so real and I think we can all relate to him some.
"Don’t fight it, okay? Just trust me that I’m in this with you. One hundred percent. Every step of the way.”
Henry is so taken with Evan he wants more, but Evan isn’t gay. Which is perfect for Henry, he loves straight men. Once Henry’s mission begins he will stop at nothing to hookup with Evan. From here I was hooked and in love with Henry. It took a little longer for me to fall for Evan, but once I did I wanted nothing more for them to be together.
The rush I felt when we were together. It was the closest thing to flying I’ve ever experienced with my feet on the ground.
Aly delivered a story that is laugh out loud funny, which isn’t something everyone can do. It’s completely swoon-worthy and made me sigh with happiness. It’s also sexy as sin, Henry and Evan together is freaking hot! I highly recommend this one. I get this is a lot people’s first m/m book and they have loved it, so even if this isn’t your typical cuppa I would recommend giving it a shot the love story alone is fantastic!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for a honest review.
May 6, 2016
5 'Heaven' stars
Being an m/m reader, I'm delighted to learn that Aly Martinez finally is dipping her toe into this genre. Yowza! Since I love all her m/f books, I'm absolutely sure that I'm gonna love The Spiral Down too. Now that all my expectation are fully met and I just wanna gush on how much I love Henry and Evan.
We met Henry Alexander, a famous singer and best friend of the previous heroine, Levee in The Fall Up. Who wouldn't love this funny gay pal who had an obsession towards straight man and absolutely terrified of flying. Yupe, he is a gay who doesn't like other gay. Weird, much?
Then we have Evan Roth, the replacement pilot who was hire to fly Henry's private plane. Evan is a man who doesn't like to be label and when he met Henry for the first time, all he can think about is wacky diva at his finest moment. Little did he know that the Henry's storm is going to be a permanent fixture in his life.
After getting over another overwhelming flight experience, Henry decided that he need to pursue his hot new pilot at all cost. Wine and dine and serenading Evan with his music are definitely on the menu. But he didn't count on having a threesome to be part of the seduction plan. Pants on fire! How do Henry get out of this unscathed and get his man?
One of the best part of Aly's story is always great cast of supporting characters. She just make me want to know more about every single one of them. We gotta catch up with Levee and Sam Rivers, then we have the humanoid bodyguard, Carter, the rebellious sister, Robin and Evan's bff, Scott. They provide tons of comic relief, although Henry alone is enough to make me pee my pants.
"I only care because we all know how this is going to end. You have to stop trying to convert the straight guys. It's always a train wreck."
The humor in this one is totally spot on. Not too juvenile to make me wanna roll my eyes, just the right amount of witty humor and sarcasm. Even the sex scene are not overdone or too much. Just the right amount to satisfy your craving and keep you asking for me. I definitely don't mind more!
I'd yet to see his face contorted mid-orgasm or in the middle of the night with his mouth hanging open and drool dripping from the corner. It was my duty as an American to discover this information. Strictly in the name of science, of course.
Henry's hypocritical and crazy obsession towards straight man seriously make me want to bash his head in a few times, but once I learn the real reason behind it, I can't help but wanna give him a bear hug and tell him that 'You are special, don't let anyone tell you otherwise'.
Evan also has his own demon to overcome. His own past is not short of its own drama and complication. But no matter how much the past hurts, the story didn't went into angst overload. Henry's charming persona is hard to resist, even for Evan, who had been guarding his heart for a decade.
Overall, The Spiral Down is one fun, loving and sexy package that shouldn't be miss by Aly's fan and m/m readers alike.
Being an m/m reader, I'm delighted to learn that Aly Martinez finally is dipping her toe into this genre. Yowza! Since I love all her m/f books, I'm absolutely sure that I'm gonna love The Spiral Down too. Now that all my expectation are fully met and I just wanna gush on how much I love Henry and Evan.
We met Henry Alexander, a famous singer and best friend of the previous heroine, Levee in The Fall Up. Who wouldn't love this funny gay pal who had an obsession towards straight man and absolutely terrified of flying. Yupe, he is a gay who doesn't like other gay. Weird, much?
Then we have Evan Roth, the replacement pilot who was hire to fly Henry's private plane. Evan is a man who doesn't like to be label and when he met Henry for the first time, all he can think about is wacky diva at his finest moment. Little did he know that the Henry's storm is going to be a permanent fixture in his life.
After getting over another overwhelming flight experience, Henry decided that he need to pursue his hot new pilot at all cost. Wine and dine and serenading Evan with his music are definitely on the menu. But he didn't count on having a threesome to be part of the seduction plan. Pants on fire! How do Henry get out of this unscathed and get his man?
One of the best part of Aly's story is always great cast of supporting characters. She just make me want to know more about every single one of them. We gotta catch up with Levee and Sam Rivers, then we have the humanoid bodyguard, Carter, the rebellious sister, Robin and Evan's bff, Scott. They provide tons of comic relief, although Henry alone is enough to make me pee my pants.
"I only care because we all know how this is going to end. You have to stop trying to convert the straight guys. It's always a train wreck."
The humor in this one is totally spot on. Not too juvenile to make me wanna roll my eyes, just the right amount of witty humor and sarcasm. Even the sex scene are not overdone or too much. Just the right amount to satisfy your craving and keep you asking for me. I definitely don't mind more!
I'd yet to see his face contorted mid-orgasm or in the middle of the night with his mouth hanging open and drool dripping from the corner. It was my duty as an American to discover this information. Strictly in the name of science, of course.
Henry's hypocritical and crazy obsession towards straight man seriously make me want to bash his head in a few times, but once I learn the real reason behind it, I can't help but wanna give him a bear hug and tell him that 'You are special, don't let anyone tell you otherwise'.
Evan also has his own demon to overcome. His own past is not short of its own drama and complication. But no matter how much the past hurts, the story didn't went into angst overload. Henry's charming persona is hard to resist, even for Evan, who had been guarding his heart for a decade.
Overall, The Spiral Down is one fun, loving and sexy package that shouldn't be miss by Aly's fan and m/m readers alike.
May 16, 2016
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone Book 2 of The Fall Up series
POV: First Person Male – Dual
Rating:
Henry Alexander was a highly successfull musician. With all the money in the world , he could have anything he wanted, but the one thing he wanted the most can't even be bought.
Evan Roth flew high above the clouds. As a pilot, neither the sky nor the land could scare him until he met someone that broke down his defenses. And it wasn't easy to soar when both of them had broken wings.
This is only my second M/M book so I didn't have much to compare. But as the author's debut of the genre, I was definitely pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this one.
Henry was the kind of character that commanded your attention even when he wasn't the star. I've loved him since book 1 and I'm glad he got his spotlight. I adored him even when he was an inconsiderate diva which in itself was a form of entertainment.
Evan was more of the serious type but that didn't mean he was less interesting. I love seeing him struggled with his wants and glad he didn't let himself be trampled on.
The story had an easy pace with light and fun feel. Though I have to say when it came to Henry's issue, I did want to bitchslap him haha!
It was nice to have Levee and Sam back and Henry's "biff" with him provided pockets of hilarity. I also loved Carter his body guard. I feel there's so much more to him and the way it was set up, looked like there's potential for him to get his own book.
The Spiral Down is a light and entertaining story of two individuals who had to learn to face their biggest fears and fly to their potential.
Standalone books in the series:
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone Book 2 of The Fall Up series
POV: First Person Male – Dual
Rating:
Henry Alexander was a highly successfull musician. With all the money in the world , he could have anything he wanted, but the one thing he wanted the most can't even be bought.
Evan Roth flew high above the clouds. As a pilot, neither the sky nor the land could scare him until he met someone that broke down his defenses. And it wasn't easy to soar when both of them had broken wings.
This is only my second M/M book so I didn't have much to compare. But as the author's debut of the genre, I was definitely pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this one.
Dear God. I didn’t have to fuck him to get the high. Evan Roth had just become my favorite drug of all and I hadn’t even tasted him yet.
Henry was the kind of character that commanded your attention even when he wasn't the star. I've loved him since book 1 and I'm glad he got his spotlight. I adored him even when he was an inconsiderate diva which in itself was a form of entertainment.
Evan was more of the serious type but that didn't mean he was less interesting. I love seeing him struggled with his wants and glad he didn't let himself be trampled on.
Millions of people were captivated by just the image of it on television and magazines, but up close, with only mere inches separating us, it was damn near spellbinding.
The story had an easy pace with light and fun feel. Though I have to say when it came to Henry's issue, I did want to bitchslap him haha!
“I’m doubling my efforts at sending you naked men from now on. Warning: They might even include a few selfies.”
It was nice to have Levee and Sam back and Henry's "biff" with him provided pockets of hilarity. I also loved Carter his body guard. I feel there's so much more to him and the way it was set up, looked like there's potential for him to get his own book.
The Spiral Down is a light and entertaining story of two individuals who had to learn to face their biggest fears and fly to their potential.
Standalone books in the series:
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
May 9, 2016
I loved it L.O.V.E.D. IT! I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved this book! Not just 5 stars, The Spiral Down is one of my favorite's I have read this year!
Eighth, this is the eighth book I've read from Aly Martinez. *deep breath* It tops my favorite's, like top two! I know those of you who know me are laughing your butts off right now because I am eating my words...again. "I don't read m/m". Well, let me tell you what, this has been a year of firsts for me. First, it was PNR, now M/M WHAT?!? yep, and I LOVED IT. Now, I'm not saying I'm going to jump on the m/m train, but what I am saying is, Aly Martinez crafted a book so brilliant, so moving and so funny, that I didn't care if it was m/f, m/m or dog/dog (okay, I lie I don't want to read about dogs, but you get the picture).
Ultimately, that is what the 'The Spiral Down' is about. It is about loving someone so much that you accept them for who they are. Not seeing them as the label you or anyone else placed on them. It is about loving you enough to free yourself to be loved, even though it's frightening.
❝ The one thing I really wanted could never be bought. I wasn't even sure it could be earned. It was something so rare that I feared it didn't actually exist. Love. Unconditional. Unwavering. Eternal. LOVE.❞
Henry was my favorite character in 'The Fall Up', and ultimately the reason I wanted to read this book. Add Aly Martinez as the author, and I closed my eyes, made a wish and jumped ... into a pool of goodness. Because not only did we get more of the fabulous Henry, but we got another equally fabulous character in Evan, whom I loved.
Evan is a pilot. He is hired to be Henry's pilot when Henry's falls ill. Ever the drama king, Henry is a little freaked out that a guy so young is going to be his pilot (in case you don't know, Henry is terrified to fly). But eventually, Evan's intuitive ways win him over and he is hired full-time.
❝Evan hadn't just told me I was "fine" or "okay" like Carter and Susan did. He'd explained why I was okay. And, while I'd still been terrified the entire time, I hadn't felt out of control. And, recently, that was all I'd felt.❞
You guys, sparks fly between these two, but more than that, their chemistry flies off the pages. FLIES. These two are electric, they are captivating and addictive.
❝Evan Roth had just become my favorite drug of all and I hadn't even tasted him yet.❞
Martinez's ability to delve into her characters is breathtaking. Henry and Evan are multi-dimensional. They are broken, yet strong. Funny, yet deeply sad. Giving, yet needing to be loved. I was wholly and completely captivated by them, their story, and the phenomenal writing.
Brilliantly written, 'The Spiral Down' will have you flying high with laughter and quickly falling in love with these men.
ARC GRACIOUSLY GIVEN BY AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR REVIEW. excuse me while I faint. dead.
February 24, 2018
“I fucking hated labels. Always had.
But maybe that was because no one had ever given me the right one.
At least, not until that moment.
Gay. Straight. Bi. None of them fit me the way mine did rolling off Henry's tongue.
Suddenly, it was the only label I'd ever wanted.”
Well, I actually enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Found it on KU.
MC 1
Henry is a famous, successful Musician. He's openly Gay but not interested in other Gay men. He is only interested in chasing after straight men. Henry is afraid of being hurt and believes that when a straight man falls for him he would be the only exception. Oh and he is also terribly afraid of flying. I liked Henry, he was funny , bubbly and broken just wanted to hold him tight.
MC2
Evan is a pilot, he is bisexual but doesn’t like labels, he meets Henry when he talks him down, when he is having a panic attack. Henry hires him to be his private pilot and from there on the chase begins. I liked him too, he was patient, funny and tolerate of Henry’s neurotic tendencies.
These two fit perfectly together. I felt their chemistry from the beginning.
The writing was good and the humor in this book had me laughing so hard. I loved the pop-culture references…..
And Henry on a plane…… OMG!
My stomach clenched when the plane jerked as we backed away from the gate.
“Tell Levee I love her, okay?” I said to Carter without dragging my eyes off the terminal disappearing in the distance.
“Here we go,” he mumbled, closing his magazine and turning his attention my way.
“Can you do me a huge favor? If I don’t survive, make sure it’s open casket and I’m wearing—”
“Blue. It makes your eyes pop,” he finished for me.
“Right, but—”
“But your eyes will be closed, so you should wear green instead. It looks better with your complexion.”
“Yes, but—”
“But your complexion will be ashy since you’re dead and all. So let’s just go with a sleek, black suit. It’s timeless.” He arched an incredulous eyebrow.
“So maybe we’ve had this conversation before,” I told Carter.
He rolled his eyes. “Every time we fly.”
For a debut MM book for this author, I have to say, damn! The Sex scenes were Hot! Like panty-scorching, ovaries busting hot!
The supporting characters were well written and I enjoyed their interaction.
My only problem was the conflict, I wanted to punch Henry thank God it was resolved fast.
The Epilogue:
But maybe that was because no one had ever given me the right one.
At least, not until that moment.
Gay. Straight. Bi. None of them fit me the way mine did rolling off Henry's tongue.
Suddenly, it was the only label I'd ever wanted.”
Well, I actually enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Found it on KU.
MC 1
Henry is a famous, successful Musician. He's openly Gay but not interested in other Gay men. He is only interested in chasing after straight men. Henry is afraid of being hurt and believes that when a straight man falls for him he would be the only exception. Oh and he is also terribly afraid of flying. I liked Henry, he was funny , bubbly and broken just wanted to hold him tight.
MC2
Evan is a pilot, he is bisexual but doesn’t like labels, he meets Henry when he talks him down, when he is having a panic attack. Henry hires him to be his private pilot and from there on the chase begins. I liked him too, he was patient, funny and tolerate of Henry’s neurotic tendencies.
These two fit perfectly together. I felt their chemistry from the beginning.
The writing was good and the humor in this book had me laughing so hard. I loved the pop-culture references…..
And Henry on a plane…… OMG!
My stomach clenched when the plane jerked as we backed away from the gate.
“Tell Levee I love her, okay?” I said to Carter without dragging my eyes off the terminal disappearing in the distance.
“Here we go,” he mumbled, closing his magazine and turning his attention my way.
“Can you do me a huge favor? If I don’t survive, make sure it’s open casket and I’m wearing—”
“Blue. It makes your eyes pop,” he finished for me.
“Right, but—”
“But your eyes will be closed, so you should wear green instead. It looks better with your complexion.”
“Yes, but—”
“But your complexion will be ashy since you’re dead and all. So let’s just go with a sleek, black suit. It’s timeless.” He arched an incredulous eyebrow.
“So maybe we’ve had this conversation before,” I told Carter.
He rolled his eyes. “Every time we fly.”
For a debut MM book for this author, I have to say, damn! The Sex scenes were Hot! Like panty-scorching, ovaries busting hot!
The supporting characters were well written and I enjoyed their interaction.
My only problem was the conflict, I wanted to punch Henry thank God it was resolved fast.
The Epilogue:
May 17, 2016
NOW LIVEEEEE...
US ~ http://amzn.to/1qn8KkH
UK ~ http://amzn.to/1Xu3YiT
5+++ No labels needed Stars
Omg where do I start? First off I'll say that Aly Martinez has become a go to author over this past year and the end of last.. She just captivates me with her characters, her writing skills and this story did just that. But HOLY MOSSES I could not put it down.. Both these boys had hearts that filled the bloody sky... This story right here, had me from page 1...
So what's it about?
Henry Alexander is a world known Rock Star, he's famous as it comes... He knows himself on the stage, he comes to life on that stage. And he has a name, a label because he's worked hard to be there... He's also Gay but he wants more than sex, he wants primal intensity, he wants UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. The kind of love that you read in novels.. So what does he do, he hunts for straight men, who are animals underneath and give into their fantasies. Yet they also run away straight after.. OMG he sets himself up for a fail straight away... Henry is also Petrified of flying...
Enter Evan
Evan is a Pilot, oh yes a very sexy pilot. He's also the Best, taught by the best and good what he does. He is free in the Sky. He breathes easy in the sky, up their he's in his element. He is also there to fly Henry and although their first interaction doesn't start off as a fabulous lift off.. It gets their.. Their chemistry is off the charts.. So Henry wants Evan and Evan begins to want Henry.. But here's the thing...
Ready for it?? Yep you got it, Evan is Bi-Sexual and also had his heart broken previously, so he doesn't do straight Gay men!! He only goes with men if a woman is involved In this scenario...
So here, we have a Gay man who doesn't date men who do men... And then a man who doesn't date Men who don't allow women into their bedroom.. Uh-oh..
Two broken soles... Made whole.. That's all I'm going to say about this story.. Just know it really is a beautiful LOVE STORY..
I need you to enjoy it as much as I did..
But here is my thoughts
Love is Love right?? No need for labels.. No need for sexuality.. Do you know why I loved this book so much? It's because Both Henry and Evan fell for each other, whether they are Gay, Bi, or Straight.. They fell for each other because they found the right person to match their heart..
This quote made the book for me;
Henry
Oh man, he's a lost puppy. He's a star but at the end of the day he just wants to be loved and cared for by the people who mean the most to him. That includes Levee from The Fall Up, she is his family but he's still lonely.. Thing is he makes some mistakes along the way.. He just needs direction, and a bear to love him back.. Cause he has that small diva side, in a comical loving and not over the top way.. Just in a way that makes you want the best for him... I'm a mum, I think anyone with any maternal instinct will feel exactly the same...
Evan MY MAN
Swooooooon come to momma... LOL OMG what a hero. He was the true hero in this book for me. He loved, he gave, he fought. And he is SEX on legs... He held everything together for me, he has my heart in a BIG WAY..
So together, this couple are LOVE and separately, they're unique men that are stars in their own right. But what they want is unconditional, raw, consume them WHOLE LOVE.
Did they get it? Read it and find out...
Enter book hangover..
Enjoy Xoxo
This is part of The Fall Up Series, but can be read as a STANDALONE.. Your good to go, also if your nervous about trying MM then this is definitely a good one to try... It'll ease you into it gently..
ARC generously gifted in exchange for an honest review..
For more reviews and blog posts
US ~ http://amzn.to/1qn8KkH
UK ~ http://amzn.to/1Xu3YiT
5+++ No labels needed Stars
Omg where do I start? First off I'll say that Aly Martinez has become a go to author over this past year and the end of last.. She just captivates me with her characters, her writing skills and this story did just that. But HOLY MOSSES I could not put it down.. Both these boys had hearts that filled the bloody sky... This story right here, had me from page 1...
So what's it about?
Henry Alexander is a world known Rock Star, he's famous as it comes... He knows himself on the stage, he comes to life on that stage. And he has a name, a label because he's worked hard to be there... He's also Gay but he wants more than sex, he wants primal intensity, he wants UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. The kind of love that you read in novels.. So what does he do, he hunts for straight men, who are animals underneath and give into their fantasies. Yet they also run away straight after.. OMG he sets himself up for a fail straight away... Henry is also Petrified of flying...
Enter Evan
Evan is a Pilot, oh yes a very sexy pilot. He's also the Best, taught by the best and good what he does. He is free in the Sky. He breathes easy in the sky, up their he's in his element. He is also there to fly Henry and although their first interaction doesn't start off as a fabulous lift off.. It gets their.. Their chemistry is off the charts.. So Henry wants Evan and Evan begins to want Henry.. But here's the thing...
Ready for it?? Yep you got it, Evan is Bi-Sexual and also had his heart broken previously, so he doesn't do straight Gay men!! He only goes with men if a woman is involved In this scenario...
So here, we have a Gay man who doesn't date men who do men... And then a man who doesn't date Men who don't allow women into their bedroom.. Uh-oh..
Two broken soles... Made whole.. That's all I'm going to say about this story.. Just know it really is a beautiful LOVE STORY..
I need you to enjoy it as much as I did..
But here is my thoughts
Love is Love right?? No need for labels.. No need for sexuality.. Do you know why I loved this book so much? It's because Both Henry and Evan fell for each other, whether they are Gay, Bi, or Straight.. They fell for each other because they found the right person to match their heart..
This quote made the book for me;
"I like men. I like women. But, at the end of the day, I am not defined by my sexuality. I just want to find someone who makes me happy.
Henry
Oh man, he's a lost puppy. He's a star but at the end of the day he just wants to be loved and cared for by the people who mean the most to him. That includes Levee from The Fall Up, she is his family but he's still lonely.. Thing is he makes some mistakes along the way.. He just needs direction, and a bear to love him back.. Cause he has that small diva side, in a comical loving and not over the top way.. Just in a way that makes you want the best for him... I'm a mum, I think anyone with any maternal instinct will feel exactly the same...
Evan MY MAN
Swooooooon come to momma... LOL OMG what a hero. He was the true hero in this book for me. He loved, he gave, he fought. And he is SEX on legs... He held everything together for me, he has my heart in a BIG WAY..
So together, this couple are LOVE and separately, they're unique men that are stars in their own right. But what they want is unconditional, raw, consume them WHOLE LOVE.
Did they get it? Read it and find out...
Enter book hangover..
Enjoy Xoxo
This is part of The Fall Up Series, but can be read as a STANDALONE.. Your good to go, also if your nervous about trying MM then this is definitely a good one to try... It'll ease you into it gently..
ARC generously gifted in exchange for an honest review..
For more reviews and blog posts
May 14, 2016
5 Mine STARS
I'm seriously in love with two men...what can I say? I'm still a newbie to MM reads but all I know is this was fucktastic!!! I seriously loved every delicious word.
This is the second book I've read by Aly Martinez. Like the first book in this series and my first read, The Fall Up, I loved it! And like I said last time, I MUST read more from this author. I've got several of her books on my Kindle and I'm moving them up.
Henry Alexander was the oh so unforgettable BFF in The Fall Up and this is his story. He's a superstar singer and an openly gay man whose biggest thrill is conquering straight men. Or at least bringing them to his side, if only for one romp in the hay. Evan Roth's the pilot brought into save the day, both figuratively and literally, when Henry's pilot is unable to fly and he must get to his next tour stop, like yesterday!
Evan doesn't like labels. He sees a person for who they are not their gender. I simply adore him. Actually, liked I've said before, I love both these guys. Seriously, you won't be able to resist. Naturally, Evan and Henry are draw to each other like magnets. At first, for Henry it's the usual thrill. He thinks Evan's as straight as an arrow and he'd love nothing more than to get him into bed. For Evan, he can't deny the attraction but he's sworn off men, one-on-one. He's once bitten, once shy. His heart is broken and sealed up tight. But he doesn't know Henry Alexander...
I loved Henry and his lines!! OMG, I was in tears of laughter. I'd love nothing more than to grab a bottle of wine and gab with this man. He'd have me peeing my pants. Seriously!
This was such an amazingly wonderful read. The feels, the character development, the writing....I could go on. It made me laugh, cry and swoon. Couldn't get enough of these two. Their intensity both in the bedroom and out was palpable and enviable. I can't recommend this book and this series enough. It's a MUST READ !!
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
I'm seriously in love with two men...what can I say? I'm still a newbie to MM reads but all I know is this was fucktastic!!! I seriously loved every delicious word.
This is the second book I've read by Aly Martinez. Like the first book in this series and my first read, The Fall Up, I loved it! And like I said last time, I MUST read more from this author. I've got several of her books on my Kindle and I'm moving them up.
Henry Alexander was the oh so unforgettable BFF in The Fall Up and this is his story. He's a superstar singer and an openly gay man whose biggest thrill is conquering straight men. Or at least bringing them to his side, if only for one romp in the hay. Evan Roth's the pilot brought into save the day, both figuratively and literally, when Henry's pilot is unable to fly and he must get to his next tour stop, like yesterday!
Evan doesn't like labels. He sees a person for who they are not their gender. I simply adore him. Actually, liked I've said before, I love both these guys. Seriously, you won't be able to resist. Naturally, Evan and Henry are draw to each other like magnets. At first, for Henry it's the usual thrill. He thinks Evan's as straight as an arrow and he'd love nothing more than to get him into bed. For Evan, he can't deny the attraction but he's sworn off men, one-on-one. He's once bitten, once shy. His heart is broken and sealed up tight. But he doesn't know Henry Alexander...
I loved Henry and his lines!! OMG, I was in tears of laughter. I'd love nothing more than to grab a bottle of wine and gab with this man. He'd have me peeing my pants. Seriously!
This was such an amazingly wonderful read. The feels, the character development, the writing....I could go on. It made me laugh, cry and swoon. Couldn't get enough of these two. Their intensity both in the bedroom and out was palpable and enviable. I can't recommend this book and this series enough. It's a MUST READ !!
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
January 9, 2023
|| 3.0 stars ||
Hmm. This was decent, but not great. It was honestly kind of funny, and I did love some of the pining we got here. However, something was just missing for it to truly be a hit for me.
The story is about a famous rockstar, Henry, who has a crippling fear of flying and a pilot, Evan: obviously they do not seem like a match made in heaven, but their encounters and chemistry soon proof that assumption to be wrong.
Henry, for some insecurity reasons, only ever dates straight men, and after meeting Evan, he assumes the man to be only into women, and he soon sets his sights on him in high pursuit. Evan, however, has sworn off men completely after being burned by one 10 years ago, so it takes a little while for him to give in to Henry’s advances. Nonetheless, Evan never really stood a chance as he was immediately charmed by the slightly neurotic but extremely humorous rock-god.
All in all, I enjoyed the banter these two had and I liked Henry’s vibe. What I didn’t like was the whole “I’m only into straight guys” thing as it was honestly ridiculous. When the whole conflict happened surrounding this “straight” problem, I was genuinely frustrated and could not help but roll my eyes repeatedly. It didn’t make any sense and it made Henry seem a lot less likable. I understand he was insecure, but still.
Anyway, aside from this particular issue I had, I did like these two together and overall, this was a pretty fun read.
Hmm. This was decent, but not great. It was honestly kind of funny, and I did love some of the pining we got here. However, something was just missing for it to truly be a hit for me.
The story is about a famous rockstar, Henry, who has a crippling fear of flying and a pilot, Evan: obviously they do not seem like a match made in heaven, but their encounters and chemistry soon proof that assumption to be wrong.
Henry, for some insecurity reasons, only ever dates straight men, and after meeting Evan, he assumes the man to be only into women, and he soon sets his sights on him in high pursuit. Evan, however, has sworn off men completely after being burned by one 10 years ago, so it takes a little while for him to give in to Henry’s advances. Nonetheless, Evan never really stood a chance as he was immediately charmed by the slightly neurotic but extremely humorous rock-god.
“Goddammit, Henry, you have to give me a fucking chance. I can make you feel loved. I can do it—I swear on my life I can. You are my exception. Never in my life have I been so sure about something.” I paused then corrected myself. “Someone.” Dropping my forehead to his, I whispered, “I’ll be the best damn King Kong you’ve ever seen.” A strangled laugh escaped his throat even as the tear rolled down his cheek. Using my thumb to swipe it away, I pleaded, “Just let me try.”
All in all, I enjoyed the banter these two had and I liked Henry’s vibe. What I didn’t like was the whole “I’m only into straight guys” thing as it was honestly ridiculous. When the whole conflict happened surrounding this “straight” problem, I was genuinely frustrated and could not help but roll my eyes repeatedly. It didn’t make any sense and it made Henry seem a lot less likable. I understand he was insecure, but still.
Anyway, aside from this particular issue I had, I did like these two together and overall, this was a pretty fun read.
June 6, 2016
We all have our kinks. You know, those little things that get our engines revving even at just the thought of them. Your mind just went naughty, didn't it? Well Henry Alexanders kink is the straight man. He's in no way hiding in the closest, but for those that are, or are even just a little curious and take a peak into that forbidden door, he loves to pull them out of that space and fuck them like a wild man before they go crawling back into their safe life. It's an adventure to him. And also a way to protect himself since a straight man isn't going to love him and leave him, they just, predictably, leave.
Henry finds his next target when he meets Captain Evan Roth, his new pilot. After he's broken up with in one of the worst ways Evan became damaged. Each relationship he's started since that has inevitably failed because of his own insecurities, but he doesn't know what to do to change them. When he meets Henry he feels a connection to him right away, even though their first encounter was when Henry was freaking out over having to fly. They're both damaged, they're both hiding things, they're both afraid of what they feel.
This book had me dangerously close to licking my Kindle, trying to get a taste of the deliciousness that was Henry and Evan. Seriously, they were one hell of a couple and my Kindle was practically starting to smoke whenever the scene turned to the two of them together.
This is Aly Martinez's first m/m read, but you would never be able to tell from reading it. She did the scenes between Henry and Evan perfectly, and like a seasoned pro. She didn't fail to get the deep emotions coming from both characters and made me fall in love with them. They both had past hurts that were keeping them from a deeper connection, but when we finally got to see them let go and just be together, it was something amazing.
This was one of those stories that are just fun to read. Not overly emotional, and not bogged down with a lot of angsty drama, just a fun book to read and lose yourself in for a few hours. It comes highly recommended by me, just like The Fall Up, which if you haven't read that you need to do so ASAP.
Henry finds his next target when he meets Captain Evan Roth, his new pilot. After he's broken up with in one of the worst ways Evan became damaged. Each relationship he's started since that has inevitably failed because of his own insecurities, but he doesn't know what to do to change them. When he meets Henry he feels a connection to him right away, even though their first encounter was when Henry was freaking out over having to fly. They're both damaged, they're both hiding things, they're both afraid of what they feel.
This book had me dangerously close to licking my Kindle, trying to get a taste of the deliciousness that was Henry and Evan. Seriously, they were one hell of a couple and my Kindle was practically starting to smoke whenever the scene turned to the two of them together.
This is Aly Martinez's first m/m read, but you would never be able to tell from reading it. She did the scenes between Henry and Evan perfectly, and like a seasoned pro. She didn't fail to get the deep emotions coming from both characters and made me fall in love with them. They both had past hurts that were keeping them from a deeper connection, but when we finally got to see them let go and just be together, it was something amazing.
This was one of those stories that are just fun to read. Not overly emotional, and not bogged down with a lot of angsty drama, just a fun book to read and lose yourself in for a few hours. It comes highly recommended by me, just like The Fall Up, which if you haven't read that you need to do so ASAP.
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1626057011i/10717098._UX200_CR0,33,200,200_.jpg)
October 25, 2023
The Spiral Down is book two in The Fall Up duet by Aly Martinez. I adored the first book, The Fall Up, which was Sam and Levee’s book and I fell in love with Levee’s best friend Henry. Now it’s his turn for his own story.
Henry Alexander is thirty one years old. Henry and Levee met when they were both barely adults and struggling musicians. They started writing together and both of them hit it big. Now they are both mega stars. They also own their own record label together. Henry grew up in the system. Now, even with his worldwide stardom, Levee is his only real friend. He wants the happiness Levee has found with her husband Sam. But in Henry’s own history, no one ever sticks around. He knows ahead of time to prepare himself because it is only a matter of time
Evan Roth is also thirty one years old. Evan’s life is in the sky. He is a pilot and the only time he feels truly at peace is when he’s in the clouds. Which brings us to Evan and Henry’s first meeting. Henry is terrified of flying and Evan is an experienced, confident pilot. Henry needs a last minute replacement and Evan is assigned. The rest is history.
Both of these men has pasts. Both have fears. Both have found ways to protect their hearts. Both are determined not to risk getting hurt again. But neither had ever counted on the other. Neither has the strength to fight the attraction.
What did I love about this book? Pretty much everything. Just like in the first book, I love the relationship between Henry and his best friend Levee and her husband Sam. They are so much fun. This book was full of smiling moments, sexy moments and swoony moments. I adored these two. I was drawn right in to their story and didn’t want to put it down. This was such a fantastic duet. I loved both couples. I’m so glad I decided to take a chance on them.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Henry Alexander is thirty one years old. Henry and Levee met when they were both barely adults and struggling musicians. They started writing together and both of them hit it big. Now they are both mega stars. They also own their own record label together. Henry grew up in the system. Now, even with his worldwide stardom, Levee is his only real friend. He wants the happiness Levee has found with her husband Sam. But in Henry’s own history, no one ever sticks around. He knows ahead of time to prepare himself because it is only a matter of time
Evan Roth is also thirty one years old. Evan’s life is in the sky. He is a pilot and the only time he feels truly at peace is when he’s in the clouds. Which brings us to Evan and Henry’s first meeting. Henry is terrified of flying and Evan is an experienced, confident pilot. Henry needs a last minute replacement and Evan is assigned. The rest is history.
Both of these men has pasts. Both have fears. Both have found ways to protect their hearts. Both are determined not to risk getting hurt again. But neither had ever counted on the other. Neither has the strength to fight the attraction.
What did I love about this book? Pretty much everything. Just like in the first book, I love the relationship between Henry and his best friend Levee and her husband Sam. They are so much fun. This book was full of smiling moments, sexy moments and swoony moments. I adored these two. I was drawn right in to their story and didn’t want to put it down. This was such a fantastic duet. I loved both couples. I’m so glad I decided to take a chance on them.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
April 22, 2018
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
Ah Aly Martinez. Let's do a shorty review because this author is awesome and she deserves the praise.
I read The Fall Up Years ago and honestly wanted to read The Spiral Down soon after...but we all know how it goes - life happens and you lose sight of things that aren't bullying themselves into your life. And so...I forgot how beautiful Ms. Martinez' stories are.
I loved Henry in The Fall Up. He's such a smart, witty character, full of humor and snark and you wouldn't guess how torn up he is inside, how broken and small he feels. He's a superstar after all and the media wants us to think that they are unbreakable.
I’d been irrelevant, inconsequential, and extraneous my entire life. But, when it came to men, I refused to accept that role. I needed to be the only exception—the one person capable of bending the laws of nature. It was the only way my heart absorbed love.
Henry has a type - he goes after straight men, gets off on the thrill of being the exception in these men's lives and then watches them walking away again. Evan Roth actually fits the bill pretty well. His new pilot presents a temptation Henry can barely resist. Evan also shows a dab hand at dealing with Henry's neurosis.
The attraction between the superstar and the pilot grows exponentially but Evan, too, has reasons why not to give in. Too much hurts the betrayal of a past lover, even after so many years...but he wants that fire back, the love he felt that ignited every cell of his body. It takes a quirky, funny singer to break all his self-imposed rules.
Evan was amazing! In the beginning I didn't know what to think of him but the farther I got into the story the more I loved him. He was incredibly loyal, and not too proud to take the first step when things got hard between Henry and Evan. He was so warm, kind, sweet. Just lovely. And when they fall in love? Perfection.
His laugh. His randomness. The way he can captivate me from across a room. The rush I felt when we were together. It was the closest thing to flying I’ve ever experienced with my feet on the ground.
Aly Martinez cranks up the steam quite a bit, the chemistry between Evan and Henry practically made my Kindle sizzle. Not really. But you get the idea. Seriously hot. And the dialogues? Henry's smartass mouth? I looooved the banter.
It was wonderful to see Sam and Levee from The Fall Up again. I love Henry and Levee's friendship so much. The Spiral Down has everything that I love in books - likable characters, a well paced story, no exaggerated drama, despite Henry being a bit of a drama queen and a sweet HEA.
"You are my exception. Never in my entire life have I been so sure about something." I paused then corrected myself. "Someone." Dropping my forehead to his, I whispered, "I'll be the best damn King Kong you've ever seen."
The audiobook was narrated by one of my favorites, Teddy Hamilton and Aiden Snow, who I fell in love with while listening to The Spiral Down. His deep voice was verra easy on my ears. Both Teddy and Aiden delivered a stellar performance as Henry and Evan, respectively.
May 23, 2023
4**** stars
audio 5 stars
Light. Good plot. Entertaining and not overly smutty but tensioned.
Henry is a famous musician and an out and proud gay man. He has hot men lined up for him everywhere. But his real high he gets from seducing straight men.
Evan has been heavily burnt in the past. No woman he’d been with after, even in longer relationships, could spark the feeling of love again.
When he gets hired by Henry (who is terrified of flying) as his personal pilot there is that spark. And OMG THAT PLOT TWIST!! 😱 Didn’t see that one coming at all. My jaw dropped, literally!! *lmfao
But besides all that spiraling there is sadly not that much flying (on a plane) involved here. But, I have to admit, that little talk they had about WHY Henry is so terrified of flying left me again a little openmouthed in the wake of the revelations. So good, almost funny, I loved it.
Ofc there is a point when their issues come clashing together (about which both are NOT open about to each other) and almost end them.
The feelings Henry’s struggled with felt totally irrational to me but it also drove home that no two people feel the same. I guess it absolutely was irrational but it was his truth, that this nagging voice inside his head told him so.
As expected, in the end all is well. There was a bit missing for me without having actual complaints but overall I liked this one a lot. And hell it was such a treat listening to Aiden Snow fly again! 🫠 Teddy Hamilton did a fine job narrating too ofc.
**************
The Fall Up Series
Book 1 - The Fall Up (MF)
Book 2 - The Spiral Down - 4.0 stars
*Although the mcs from the first book are tightly connected to this book I had no problems at all reading this as a standalone.
audio 5 stars
Light. Good plot. Entertaining and not overly smutty but tensioned.
Henry is a famous musician and an out and proud gay man. He has hot men lined up for him everywhere. But his real high he gets from seducing straight men.
I’d been irrelevant, inconsequential, and extraneous my entire life. But, when it came to men, I refused to accept that role. I needed to be the only exception—the one person capable of bending the laws of nature. It was the only way my heart absorbed love.
Evan has been heavily burnt in the past. No woman he’d been with after, even in longer relationships, could spark the feeling of love again.
When he gets hired by Henry (who is terrified of flying) as his personal pilot there is that spark. And OMG THAT PLOT TWIST!! 😱 Didn’t see that one coming at all. My jaw dropped, literally!! *lmfao
But besides all that spiraling there is sadly not that much flying (on a plane) involved here. But, I have to admit, that little talk they had about WHY Henry is so terrified of flying left me again a little openmouthed in the wake of the revelations. So good, almost funny, I loved it.
Ofc there is a point when their issues come clashing together (about which both are NOT open about to each other) and almost end them.
The feelings Henry’s struggled with felt totally irrational to me but it also drove home that no two people feel the same. I guess it absolutely was irrational but it was his truth, that this nagging voice inside his head told him so.
But, if he likes all men, how will I know that he truly loves me?
As expected, in the end all is well. There was a bit missing for me without having actual complaints but overall I liked this one a lot. And hell it was such a treat listening to Aiden Snow fly again! 🫠 Teddy Hamilton did a fine job narrating too ofc.
**************
The Fall Up Series
Book 1 - The Fall Up (MF)
Book 2 - The Spiral Down - 4.0 stars
*Although the mcs from the first book are tightly connected to this book I had no problems at all reading this as a standalone.
August 29, 2023
DNF @67%
“And that was exactly why my heart shattered into a million shards before I’d even pulled out. And it wasn’t because I was afraid he would leave or freak out. It was because I knew I could never stay. There was no fucking way possible that had been Evan’s first time.”
WTF 🤬 Both Henry and Evan have pissed me off at times, but this right here is ridiculous. I don’t care what happens next. I’m out!
“And that was exactly why my heart shattered into a million shards before I’d even pulled out. And it wasn’t because I was afraid he would leave or freak out. It was because I knew I could never stay. There was no fucking way possible that had been Evan’s first time.”
WTF 🤬 Both Henry and Evan have pissed me off at times, but this right here is ridiculous. I don’t care what happens next. I’m out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 764 reviews