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The Weight of Rain #2

The Effects of Falling

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I have loved my best friend for eleven years.


Eleven years of celebrations.

Eleven years of victories and losses.

Eleven years of inside jokes and shared smiles.

Eleven years of helping him raise his daughter as a single father.


He smiles at me and my world brightens.

He ignores me and I forget how to function.

He holds my hand and takes more of my heart.

He leaves and time stops.


We have both lost too much, but am I willing to risk the effects of falling again?

261 pages

First published August 2, 2016

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About the author

Mariah Dietz

32 books1,764 followers
The Fake Zone, A NEW, slow-burn, Fake Dating, Sports Romance filled with banter, spice, and suspense is coming April 20th!

Mariah Dietz is a USA Today Bestselling Author and self-proclaimed nerd. She lives with her husband and sons in North Carolina.

Mariah grew up in a tiny town outside of Portland, Oregon where she spent most of her time immersed in the pages of books that she both read and created.

She has a love for all things that include her family, good coffee, books, traveling, and dark chocolate. She's also been known to laugh at her own jokes.

Learn More:
www.mariahdietz.com
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Profile Image for Christy.
4,077 reviews34.5k followers
August 7, 2016
4 stars!!!!

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The Effects of Falling is a beautifully written friends to lovers story. It’s Dietz’s second book in her Weight of Rain series and can be read as a standalone, but I loved the first book so much, I highly recommend you read that one first.

Summer is now a photographer. She used to be one of the most prominent female BMX bikers until she got hurt, now she coaches and photographs others doing the sport. Kash Kingston in particular. Kash and the other Kingstons' (his daughter, Mercedes, and brother, King) have become family to Summer. She’s been around for eleven years since Mercedes was just a baby and Kash is her best friend. If he was just her best friend things would be easy. But he’s not.
I’ve been in love with Kash since I first met him.

So what happens when you are in unrequited love for eleven years? When his life is your life? When his family is your family and everything has become interconnected. Things aren’t easy for Summer right now. This is not just a love story between her and Kash. This is a story of Summer growing, figuring out her life and finding herself.
I wonder how many things I’ve done simply because of Kash. Have I lost myself? Is that an effect of loving someone?

Kash and Mercedes were two of my favorite characters in The Weight of Rain. I was so excited to get more of their story. I really wish there would have been more time with Kash and Summer together, but I appreciated that Summer had her own story to tell. I loved the moments she had with Mercedes and even Lo. Their friendship is great. Of course, I loved all the Kash time! Love the Kingston brothers. I’m hoping we maybe get a Parker book. I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to this crew.

The Effects of Falling has a bit of angst, some romance, friendship and self-discovery. Mariah Dietz has a gorgeous writing style and this story is beautifully written.

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Profile Image for Jen .
804 reviews597 followers
July 26, 2016
4 Falling Stars

The Effects of Falling is the story of Kash and Summer, the many feelings these two have left unspoken and how those feelings can effect an eleven year friendship. What do you do when you’re in love with your best friend and he may not reciprocate?

“Life is unpredictable. You never know what will happen, so you have to try your damnedest to ensure you take everything you can while it’s still there.”


From the moment BMX badass Summer met Kash, all around star of the sport and supreme hottie to boot, she knew he was meant to hold a special place in her life. The two clicked from the beginning, but Kash was in the throes of his own personal drama and the newly single dad to an infant daughter had no room for romance. Friendship would have to do. Fast forward eleven years and Summer and Kash have become best friends and completely entwined in each other’s life. From business to family time, these two do everything together. The only problem? Summer is finding out that keeping your love for your best friend a secret isn’t as easy as it looks.



This is my first Mariah Dietz novel and I came into this story blind for the most part. The blurb intrigued me with the promise of an angst filled friends to lovers romance and frankly, that’s my jam. I love friends to lovers stories anyway, but throw in the promise of some sweet angst and I’m sold!

From the moment I started reading, I knew this was going to be unlike any romance I’ve ever read. Rather than a story focusing on the drama between Kash and Summer, the drama itself is often put aside in favor of Summer coming to terms with what she will and will not accept from the man she loves. Yes, at times Kash’s struggle with his feelings is made obvious, but a large chunk of this book takes place in Summer’s head. How much of herself has she compromised for the sake of Kash’s friendship? How much time has she wasted focusing on a friendship that my never leave the friend zone? And how much did her crappy upbringing effect how she handles relationships as an adult? Phew!

”Falling in love isn’t about losing who you are, it’s about finding the best version of yourself.”

To be perfectly honest, this type of book doesn’t always work for me. I usually need more dialogue, more actual interaction between characters and most importantly I need the main characters to pull their heads out of their posterior in a timely manner. Yeah, that didn’t happen here.

Why did this one work where others have crashed and burned? To put it simply, the writing. I was hooked from the moment I got a glimpse inside Summer’s head. I wanted to know the history between Kash and Summer and I wanted Summer to finally get what she wanted, namely Kash. As the story progressed and more and more of the story became a kind of self-discovery, that was just fine with me.


So what stopped me from rating it 5 stars? After all that introspection, I would’ve liked more actual interaction between Kash and Summer. Kash and the shadow he casts over Summer’s life is almost all consuming. I would’ve loved more scenes of the two of them together rather than just how Summer felt about their time together. I wanted to experience why Summer loved him so much and that was missing for the most part. I wouldn’t have said no to more sex, either. I’m dirty like that.

The Effects of Falling turned out to be a fairly awesome way to spend a too hot summer Sunday. I came away more than impressed with Mariah Dietz and her writing and am looking forward to more from this author.

ETA: I freakin' LOVE this cover! Perfect!

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Lea ★.
520 reviews149 followers
July 23, 2016
*Arc kindly provided by author in exchange for my honest review*
I am so glad I got the chance to receive an ARC of The Effects of Falling by Mariah Dietz!
And this cover! OMG! Amazing!
Thank you, Mariah! You rock! :)

I absolutely loved this!
I haven't read the first book in the series - The Weight of Rain, but I had no troubles connecting the dots. You can definitely read it as a standalone.
The Weight of Rain brings us the story of Kash and Summer.
They are two BMX enthusiasts and also two best friends. They don't live together, but they spend every moment of the day together, working and raising Kash's only daughter Mercedes. Summer is the one person on who he can always rely on, one who is always there when he needs her.
The thing is... they are friends, but from the very beginning, you get to experience the heartache of loving someone who is just your friend. I kept wanting more!
I couldn't figure out what was going on with both of them. They loved each other, but somehow, they just couldn't pass that point of breaking the ice and saying: "Hello!! I am here! Stop seeing me as a friend!".
They are simply right for each other, but different life circumstances are keeping them apart.
However, what touched me the most was the suffocating feeling of helplessness due to the fact that sometimes, you love people who just won't or can't accept your feelings.
I don't want to reveal too much, but don't worry, you will happy with how this story ends.

Everything about this book felt more than real.
It is heart wrenching, captivating, emotional and unique.
Mariah Dietz has wonderful writing skills and she created these really believable characters that are complex and memorable.
Highly recommended!!!!

Genre: Romance
Cover: 10/10
Writing: 10/10
Heroine: 9/10
Hero: 9/10
Humour: 4/10
Hotness:6/10
Romance: 9/10
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,082 reviews882 followers
August 7, 2017
Where do I even start?

Cover. HOLY SHIT. I love this. It’s original, it’s eye-catching and it is stunning. As much as I love a hot guy with abs to die for, this is the IT COVER.

The Effects of Falling is the second in the Weight of Rain series and although it can be read a stand-alone, I encourage you to read book one first as some secrets to the struggles of the prior couple are touched upon. In book two, we get the friends to lovers’ story of Kash and Summer.

But this is not your typical romance.

Once a BMX star herself, Summer now is the photographer and works alongside King & Kash in their BMX empire. Her relationship with Kash began as a girl crushing on a boy that sparked into friendship and ventured into something deeper as she stood by his side as he raised his daughter after his fiancé died. Their relationship was always a friendship with a hint of something more, but after eleven years of her putting her life on hold, Summer realizes that she deserves so much more than to play the best friend role.

This story, although was a romance, really was a coming of age story for Summer. It was unique in the way it was structured and although you don’t get a lot of romantic moments with Kash and Summer, you don’t miss out on the story at all. You see it all through Summer and her evolution from fawning friend into a strong woman that isn’t willing to settle for anything but absolute love and being placed first.

Dietz creates an epic romance with the softest of voices while the story roars. I typically don’t want to be trapped so much in the head of the heroine, but I think I fell in love with Summer in an instant. I loved the journey she took us on while she took that leap with Kash, but also was willing to walk away as she realized that she was worth it. That settling wasn’t an option.

The only thing that I would have liked to see more of was a bit more interaction with Kash and Summer as they ventured from friends into something more. But, even without that, I still adored this book. The writing was exceptional and I loved watching these two realize that although they may never have crossed a line in eleven years, they were so much more than friends from the very start. The Effects of Falling was an epic love story told in a unique voice that will hook you from the very first page.

ARC

Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,798 reviews319 followers
August 7, 2016
The Effects of Falling (The Weight of Rain #2) by Mariah Dietz
4 stars!!

“My life didn’t fully begin until I met you, and it would end without you.”


The Effects of Falling is the second book in The Weight of Rain series and this time Mariah Dietz gives us Kash’s story. In The Weight of Rain, we had King’s story and Kash and Summer were a huge part of it and now the tides have turned.

“Falling in love isn’t about losing who you are, it’s about finding the best version of yourself. And compromise. And patience. And… “acceptance.””


I was one of the ones that championed for this story, it wasn’t on the authors radar, but after reading The Weight of Rain I was intrigued by Kash and Summer’s dynamic. There was a huge story to tell with regards to these two. The little we knew from The Weight of Rain only whetted the appetite and ramped up the intrigue and while I thought their story had some legs, I didn’t realise Mariah Dietz would make me run a marathon.

Kash and Summer have been best friends for eleven years, they first met on the BMX circuit when both were active competitors. Kash’s wife died in an accident leaving him with a four-month old baby girl and once Summer’s career changed after an epic fall she became a surrogate mum to Mercedes and became Kash’s closest friend, confidante and business guru. These two were extremely tight.

“An accident doesn’t take away the legacy.”


My heart was in my mouth throughout the majority of this book, holy sexual tension, angst and emotional overload. Mariah Dietz always delivers a book that tugs on every heart string and she certainly ramped it up in this book. Not only do we have friends to lovers but we also have a huge dose of unrequited love…or is it?

“…it feels like I left another piece of myself in the office, another piece that Kash refuses to accept.”


For eleven years Summer has been in love with Kash, more than friendship, more than family. From the day they met she has put him on an unreachable pedestal, it was love at first sight and as time has gone on and with the closeness they share, the fear of breaking their bond has led her to kept all those emotions and feelings to herself. Summer has been waiting for Kash to feel the same, recognise it and acknowledge it, but after eleven years her patience is running thin and maybe, just maybe they were only ever destined to be friends…

“...rather than relief and excitement, I am flooded with regret and confusion, and for the first time that I can recall, I feel resentful thinking about Kash, and it feels like a self-inflicted wound.”


OH MY GOD, Mariah Dietz, you put me through the wringer with this one. This was a huge dose of angst fest, but not so much in drama for dramas sake but in the fact that every page was emotionally frustrating. These two were so well suited and yet the only one that couldn’t see it was, Kash. Or did he?

“I didn’t want you to lose anything. I just wanted to give you everything.”


These two were two insanely stubborn, infuriating characters and I seriously wanted to jump into the kindle and bash their heads together. For two people that told each other EVERYTHING, when it came to their feelings and emotions they clammed up tighter than a nun’s chuff! God, I just wanted to lock them in a room and let them fight it out because the tension was giving me palpitations.

“…I am tired of always being the one to extend an olive branch and crack him open.”


But, that is the beauty of this book, Mariah Dietz pulls you in from the first page with an intense character connection that has you feeling everything. I have actually read this book twice and twice Mariah Dietz made my eyes leak, thus this book not losing its emotional impact second time around.

“Thousands of thoughts taking millions of minutes. So many emotions are swirling in my mind, yet I don’t feel the effects of a single one. All I feel is a gap in my chest where my heart used to be.”


This book had me feeling hopeless, overwhelmed by the unintentional pain that these two were putting each other through. I could have throat punched both of them, both making stupid unintentional mistakes that mislead the other, some more obvious in trying to get a rise out the other. But all of it had a reason, had an end goal, to finally bring two soul mates together. I survived…just.

“Fight. Fight me. Fight for me.”


I loved this book, it was a Mariah Dietz classic, unputdownable and emotional as hell. Whereas in the past she has wreaked havoc through grief, this time she pulled it off through desperation and unrequited love, another masterpiece. I cannot wait to see what comes next.

“If you’re asking me to be brave enough to stay, I need you to be strong enough to try.”


www.theromancecover.com
Profile Image for Shannon.
2,506 reviews216 followers
August 1, 2016

I think my heart was in my throat throughout this entire book...the angst, the frustration, the overall feeling of helplessness, of wanting these 2 people to just finally open up to each other, it all caused me such anxiety!

Summer and Kash are friends, and have been friends for a long time. They work together, Summer has helped raise his daughter, they are family. But the entire time Summer has been hiding her true feelings from Kash- she's been in love with him since the moment they met.
You can tell there is a deep love between the 2, not just on Summers end. But for whatever reason neither has acted on it in all these years. And this caused me to want to reach into the book and knock some sense into them! My goodness, these are two incredibly stubborn characters who for all their shared history have a major issue with communication.

At some point you just have to wonder if enough is enough, and is it time to throw in the towel? Summer is faced with some tough decisions, ones that could change the whole dynamic of her realtionship with not only Kash, but his daughter and all their friends.

I really love the family that Ms. Deitz has created in this book. I haven't read The Weight of Rain, where Kash and Summer are first introduced, and while I don't feel that I was necessarily missing out on anything, I think it would be helpful to read it first. And I definitely plan to go back and read it now.
Profile Image for Grace.
2,111 reviews107 followers
August 7, 2016
A complicated friends to lover’s story, that centers are two stubborn individuals who struggle to make the transition a smooth one.

When I got this book, I had no idea it was part of a series, and they way the story was introduced, I was a bit lost for a while. So I personally would recommend book one first, if you are interested in the series.

This book shouldn't be considered a slow burn romance, as it is clear the couple, should be together, early on. However, it takes FOREVER for them to work things out and actually BE TOGETHER, that it felt like a slow burn. There were so many instance where these Summer and Kash could have worked things out. But they are so stubborn in their ways and lack the maturity, despite being over 30, to actually talk things out. As I joked to myself while reading:

Summer and Kash have the maturity of a bad wine, they don't age well.

Ba dum tish.

Initially, Summer and Kash interested me. The synopsis hooked me in, and I loved the idea of an eleven year friendship, evolving to something else. One night changes everything, but not for the better. Summer and Kash handle the next day and days following, horribly.
Ignoring each other.
Turning off one's phone to avoid calls.
Yelling at the other for sending flowers. <= yes, this actually happened.
Saying "we need to talk" and then walking away 5 minutes later.

So to say my frustration with the couple grew with each page, is an understatement. I didn't personally like being in Summer's head all the time, as she is the sole POV. I would have really liked to have some of Kash's POV since I didn't have a clue how he felt until the last 10% of the story.

What I did like with the story, was the BMX backstory. I thought the author had good insight on the sport and I really liked the times Summer spent coaching. Summer was a great role model for the youths and it was nice to see her outside her home and not overthinking things. And overall, the story was well written, so that was part of my rating. If you can handle angst and some frustrating characters, this might be the book for you.

*An ARC was received for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Jenna.
321 reviews37 followers
August 18, 2017
I was so excited to read this book. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and then life got in the way and I hardly had anytime on my hands. I'm so glad that my schedule finally allowed me to finish because I loved it!!!

This is a true friends to lovers story! You get to read about Summer who you met in The Weight of Rain. Her and Kashton Knight have been friends for 11 years. Summer has loved himpretty much since meeting him. They have such a strong friendship, they are so close. Will taking their relationship to the next level make or break them? You will HAVE to read to find out! You will not be disappointed.

Mariah is a go to author for me, an auto buy. I really love her books and the way that she writes. This story is beautiful. It is heartbreaking at times and laugh out loud funny at times as well. Mariah knows how to write a story that is very touch, hits home, and has you wanting more from her. I truly believe this is one of her best books. If you are a fan of friends to lovers, sports, romance, great secondary characters then you will really enjoy this book!

Read it!
Profile Image for J.A. DeRouen.
Author 10 books1,303 followers
August 2, 2016
I enjoyed this book so much! For me, this book was so much more than a romance. I loved watching Kash and Summer's relationship evolve, of course, and I fell in love with Mercedes from the start. But my favorite part of the book was watching Summer's personal journey unfold. Watching her find out who she was and what compromises she made or didn't make in her life really resonated with me. Great writing, great story, and a valuable message all wrapped in one. Loved it!
Profile Image for Bianca.
529 reviews62 followers
August 8, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Once again, I continue to be in awe of this author’s writing. How much heart she puts into her characters and their stories. Just when you think you’re going to get a friends to lovers romance. Or a romance on unrequited love. Mariah GIFTS us with this story. One of love, hope, sacrifices, and finding out who you really are.

Summer meets Kash and they immediately click as they are in the world of BMX and have a lot in common. At the time of them just getting to know each other, Kash is a new dad and is dealing with drama of his love life and raising his daughter as a single dad. He doesn’t have room for love or a relationship in his life right now. With that being said, all they can be are friends. Summer stands by his side as his best friend for 11 years, and is there for everything including watching Kash raise his daughter and even meet other women. But none of these women are her. And it’s up to Kash to realize this.

Summer’s love for Kash goes unnoticed for a very long time…until it doesn’t. Until it can no longer be hidden. Her love for Kash simply bursts at the seams. But in this, Summer realizes just how much of herself she’s lost. And you know what? This realization changes her. And her love for Kash. And for the better. As I said earlier, while the premise of this book is a friends to lovers romance, it goes much deeper. It’s about knowing when to sacrifice and take risks, but also to know when it’s ok to protect your own heart. That despite the circumstances, love always comes back and finds you.

"Every single time, I choose you, and I will always choose you."

The writing is truly all consuming and simply breathtaking. The author crafts this story in a way that will capture your heart, keeps you turning those pages, and emotionally invested in the lives of these characters. The emotions are real. You feel just how much Summer yearns for Kash on a level that you probably didn’t know existed. The way she wants him. How much waiting is truly taking its toll on her. Kash realizes he wants her too. He’s been through heartbreak, but he needs her more than he ever thought possible. His need for her will leave you breathless. But can Summer really allow herself to continue to fall for this man?

The Effects of Falling was a fantastic read. I read it from beginning to end and found it very hard (impossible!) to put down. The storyline flowed effortlessly, while the characters are unforgettable and are forever etched into my literary heart. Love is a risk, but it’s worth that fall. Love never allows you to lose yourself and you end up finding that the ability to love is the most beautiful thing about you after all. I am so happy the author gave us Kash and Summer’s story. I look forward to what’s to come for this author.
Profile Image for Steph's Romance Book Talk.
2,788 reviews1,361 followers
August 17, 2016
Provided an ARC for an honest review.

Due to being part of a book tour this review was delayed; however, it does not diminish the joy and love that I have for this story. This book can be read as a standalone or the second book of The Weight of Rain Duet. I read The Weight of Rain prior to reading this book and I am very happy that I did. In The Weight of Rain you are introduced into this books main character, Summer. I really enjoyed the character in that book and happy that I got an even better look at this character. Once again it was a beautifully written story that is about the romantic entanglements that someone may find themselves in but so much more about self discovery and finding yourself.

Summer is struggling with her past and how to deal with these events of her life. Many of the characters that are in The Weight of Rain make heavy appearances but are explained and introduced to the story seamlessly. Such a BEAUTIFUL and #girlpower book!!!

Met this author at Southern Belle Book Blog and CM Foss present: Sign ‘N Sip Author Event in Huntly, VA April 23, 2016 #SignNSip

This specific video review: https://youtu.be/nRW6yFDbG9M

For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel Stephanie Uncensored
https://www.youtube.com/c/stephanieun...
Profile Image for Richelle Robinson.
1,217 reviews35 followers
August 14, 2016


Summer has had a crush on Kash for 11years. They finally get together and afterwards they spend majority of the book apart. They were both too stubborn to talk about what the next step would be and I felt like the characters were not in their 30s. It felt like two teenagers in a relationship. Plus there was no Kash POV. I would have loved to see what he was thinking and how he was feeling. I've heard good things about the first book which is why I wanted to read this book but sadly it just didn't do it for me at all. I did like the BMX concept of the story as I'm a fan of X Games.

*arc was given for honest review*

For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com
Profile Image for Lorena  Garcia -- Brittany's Book Blog.
1,659 reviews54 followers
September 15, 2016
My attention was instantly hooked with this book when I started reading. I was so excited to read it after reading the blurb, it immediately caught my attention.

How can you love someone for 11 years and not act upon your feelings for that person knowing them inside out, spending each and every single day with that person and their family. How do you spend 11 years not doing anything about it, especially when you constantly flirt with each other. If there is flirting involved, then obviously you know that the other person must be feeling the same effects as you!

Well Summer and Kash have known each other for 11 years. Summer has been there for him and his daughter, she practically has been her mother since she was with both of them since she was a few months old. Kash has dealt with pain for so many years after the death of his fiancee, but he knows he needs to move on, he just hasn't accepted that the person he wants to move on with is Summer.

They are both stubborn people and can't seem to just open up and tell each other how they really feel for one another. Summer has had a tough life, her parents weren't there for her and couldn't care less about what she did. But she had a good head on her shoulders and has done well for herself. She became a professional BMX rider, all thanks to her uncle, but she suffered a major accident that has made her retire at such a young age, so now she focuses on the Knights' brothers and works for them.

But what Summer and Kash need is to bring their feelings out for each other otherwise their relationship, whether platonic or professional or romantically will not work if they aren't true to each other and have that sit-down talk and just let it all out and let each other know how they really feel.

This book was a quick read, it will keep you hooked from page 1 that's for sure! I loved the storyline, I loved the characters even though Summer frustrated me at times, but I can see why she was the way she was. The poor girl was afraid of not having the man of her dreams return the love if she poured her heart and soul to. Was 11 years really just wasted for nothing or was there always something there?

Two stubborn jackasses that really needed a little push and shove in order to realize what they had in front of each other. It took time, but they finally saw it :)

4.0 stars!

**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Lustful Literature.
1,822 reviews331 followers
August 9, 2016

Josie's Review 4.5 STARS

I’m so glad to have gotten Kash, Summer and Mercede’s story. We were introduced to these characters in the first book and something drew into their unique and emotional story. I absolutely love Ms. Dietz writing style and the messages she delivers in her books. We’ve all have been where Summer’s character is. You know that place when we fall in love and we lose ourselves in the process. Well, my emotions were up and down throughout this book but I could not stop reading.

Summer is a hard core BMX rider and she really good at the sport. After meeting Kash and King Summer knew Kash just meant more to her. But Kash had a lot going on in his life. He’s a single father to Mercedes and a BMX star. Summer had to play the role of a friend and hope that one day Kash would see her for more.

Summer was always there for Kash and his daughter never being more than the person he could rely on. I loved the easy repertoire between them, they had so much in common. Their love of the sport and for Mercedes built a connection so strong that I wanted to throat punch Kash for not really seeing what was in front of him. Kash is just so oblivious to Summer’s feelings for him. It really didn’t take a genius to see it.

I really connected with Summer’s character. Her desperation and her feelings of being nothing in Kash’s life got to me. We see Summer start to come into her own. For years she’s done what Kash and the boys wanted never being who she truly was all in the name of love. She had to do a lot of soul searching and at times a lot of crying and empty wine bottles in order to accept that maybe loving a man that can never love her back wasn’t enough anymore. Summer really let’s go and I loved her for that.

We don’t get Kash’s POV but we do get to see and feel some of his reactions due to authors expressive writing. When Summer backs off we see how affected Kash is. He has a fight on his hands and one that is not as easy to win as a BMX race. I loved that Summer makes Kash work for it. I mean come on 10 years of her feelings were ignored, he better have had to work hard to win her back. A clear case of you don’t know what you have until it’s gone and I loved every single minute of it. This is a standalone and although you will cry and feel frustrated, it is so worth the journey.
Profile Image for Reflections of a Book Geek.
722 reviews24 followers
August 13, 2016
The Effects Of Falling

4.5 Stars

This book has left me with so many different emotions floating around at the minute that I'm not sure where to start.

I dived straight into this book after finishing The Weight Of Rain and wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I wasn't a big fan of Summer in the previous story so I expected her to have the same impact on me in this but the fact was that couldn't have been further from the truth.

Summer was a complete b!tch at times in the previous book, she was judgemental and completely closed off. In this book we see a completely different side of her. She is an amazing influence on Mercedes, she loves that little girl so much and it shows. There were so many times I ended up shedding a few tears during this book that it's hard to keep track of. My heart physically hurt for Summer and I felt her pain.

Kash is a single parent to his 11 year old daughter, he lost his Fiancé when Mercedea was only 3months old. He struggles with the thought of getting close to someone and then losing them the way he did Arianna. To be honest I expected to like Kash more than I did. I really liked his character in the previous book but I struggled with him at times in this one. I felt like he was being pretty selfish and he didn't really treat Summer all that well.

This book definitely gave me a case of the feels, I know it's going to be a book that will stay with me.

My only criticism is that there was so much build up to the relationship but we never really got to see them being a couple.

Profile Image for Le Ann Foster.
739 reviews5 followers
August 19, 2016
♡♡ Reviewed for CherryOBlossoms Promotions ♡ ♡

I gave this book 4 stars!

Wow eleven years in the making and finally we get to see Kash and Summers story. I haven't read the first book but was able to pick up with the storyline with ease. The two have been friends and Simmer is starting to want more from Kash. I would have loved to seen more interaction of how they went from friendship to lovers but over all it doesn't take away from the story.

I have read several of Mariah books and this one doesn't disappoint Her writting is flawless and she has written a beautiful love story.
Profile Image for Lorie.
738 reviews115 followers
August 26, 2016
While the story is well written and I love Mariah's style, I'm just not a fan of Summer. I wasn't a fan of hers in The Weight of Rain and this one really didn't change my feelings. But I loved Kash before and still love him now.
Profile Image for Christina ( The MasqueReader ).
536 reviews69 followers
July 5, 2021
Fun & Heartwarming Friends-to-Lovers Romance!
Quite possibly one of the best friends-to-lovers romances I've read. The way their friendship started and the conditions surrounding it just had me falling so deep I basically handed my heart to this crew! The shocking part was that I could fall deeper after reading Lo & King's story in The Weight of the Rain. But it happened, Summer & Kash completely stole my heart! It most definitely helped them that Mercedes was in that mix!

Summer had me enraged at times and I wanted to give Kash some shoves in the right direction. But ultimately this book shows as much of a natural progression from being best friends in the deepest sense possible....to realizing that you are the others EVERYTHING and most importantly realizing that it is exactly what you want!

Mariah Dietz had me in tears in more than one spot of this book. But the moment that I read the quote below, I realized that I have never had a book speak to me more than I did in that exact moment reading those exact words! Our lives sometimes get so busy and hectic that it's way too easy to recognize what we are missing than realize what we are given.
"When something isn’t as spectacular as we hoped or we aren’t feeling as appreciated or loved as we want, it’s easy to see where people are lacking and what they are failing to provide us with. Unfortunately, once those things start becoming obvious, the things they strive to do for us all seem to diminish under a cloud of resentment."
I NEEDED THESE WORDS MARIAH!!!!! AND I needed them TODAY! Almost 5 years after you hit publish on this book, your words made a difference! Never let anyone ever tell you that your words don't mean something or that they help someone along the way!
Profile Image for Amy.
555 reviews31 followers
February 9, 2018
Every single time, I choose you, and I will always choose you.

I absolutely adored this series. After reading The Weight of Rain, I knew I couldn’t wait to dive into Kash and Summer’s story. It definitely didn’t disappoint. It was full of the amazing quotes I loved in the first book and the angst was just ahhh!! I love me some angst and this book was full of it!

This is hands down one of the best series I’ve read! Mariah is fast becoming a favorite author of mine!
Profile Image for Lisa.
471 reviews
August 2, 2016
"Falling in love isn't about losing who you are, it's about finding the best version of yourself."

Just when I think, Mariah cannot possibly top her last book... she does. 'The Effects of Falling' is Summer and Kash's story. We met them in book 1 and, if you're like me, you couldn't wait to see if Kash would get his HEA.

"You need to stop allowing your nightmares to haunt you."

Summer and Kash have known each other for 11 years. She's also been in love with him for 11 years. She helps him raise his daughter and run his business. It's clear that they each have strong feelings for each other, but... can they move out of the friend zone and take things to the next level? What happens if they lay their feelings on the table and it changes everything?

"Every single time, I choose you, and I will always choose you."

Sometimes guys are clueless... they just are. And women are overly sensitive (sorry, but we are). THAT is Summer and Kash. It's clear that they care deeply for each other, but they have issues staying on the same page. Being friends... well, that's easy. It's what happens when that friendship is so much more. Summer starts questioning everything and Kash just can't seem to do the right thing. You know they belong together because they just complete each other.

When you read a novel by Mariah Dietz, it's hard not to get pulled in. Her attention to detail and how she taps into human emotion, it's in a class all its own. Her characters stay with you, long after you've finished reading because they are so life like. She doesn't do anything half-way. It's evident that she puts everything in her on the pages when she's writing. It comes from an honest place and she never cuts any corners. You'll read one of her books and just... never want it to end.
Profile Image for Yanilsa.
469 reviews
August 10, 2016
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

I was nervous reading this one. I read the Weight of Rain and really enjoyed it. I was scared about reading Kash and Summer's story. I think I am definitely on the fence about the story.

Kash and Summer's story is weird. It reads like a nontraditional love story. It has been simmering for 11 years and when it finally bubbles over, there is regret, hurt, confusion, anger, sadness and a sense of loss that is so palpable, it was unreal. This going back and forth was so incredibly frustrating, I wanted to scream. It did feel like it was moving the story along a little too slowly. Readers might find their going back and forth and dragging of their feet scream worthy, but I just felt it. I felt their Summer's hurt and frustration at wanting more and being unhappy with her life. I felt Kash's annoyance with wanting to do more but not feeling like he was doing it right and therefore leading to yet another rut. However, I loved their dedication to each other and their love. It was there, you could feel it, even if you didnt like the pace they were getting trying to arrive at.(yes, ending the sentence with at, I owns it.)

When something isn't as spectacular as we hope or we arent feeling as appreciated or loved as we want, it's easy to see where people are lacking and what they are failing to provide us with. Unfortunately, once those things start becoming obvious, the things they strive to do for us all seem to diminish under a cloud of resentment.
This quote is everything. It encompasses the perfect symmetry of story, and the author's words. The beauty of this book, and the gems found within it was everything to me.

Highly recommend this one. The beauty is hidden, it's not in your face, but the whole thing put together is a lovely melody.

363 reviews3 followers
August 13, 2016
Review of The Effects of Falling (The Weight of Rain #2) by Mariah Dietz

Review done for Hooked on Books & CherryOBlossoms Promotions

4 out of 5 stars

Summer has been in love with her best friend for what seems like forever. She has been his rock ever since his fiancé died helping him raise his daughter.

Summer and Kash are always together, as she is his friend and photographer. Unfortunately, Summer wants to be more than friends but Kash doesn’t seem to feel the same way.

Kash has always been focused on his career and daughter. Being a single dad isn’t easy but he has a great support system. He has always loved Summer but has never wanted to cross the friendship line in fear of ruining everything.

Kash and Summer live for the BMX world. After being injured, Summer now does photography for Kash’s crew. Kash still competes with his brother King. They all live and breath the sport. This is how they all met.

Both are scared and confused as to how to make their relationship work. Communication and trust are hard for them but are needed to make things work.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a little slow at first but around one third of the way through the story definitely took off. I absolutely was thrilled to read about a lead male that wasn’t a whore. Kash didn’t feel the need to sleep around after his fiancé died. That definitely was a big plus for me.

There was a lot of one step forward and two steps back for this couple. I think they are great together and I was happy to have read their story.

I recommend this book to read. It can be read alone but I think I will definitely go back and read book one to get some more history of them.
Profile Image for Kelli Spear.
522 reviews63 followers
August 14, 2016
* I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review *

I admit this is my first book by Mariah Dietz and it was the cover that drew me in. And the summary that hinted of the best friends to lovers trope... it's my favorite!

The beginning was a bit slow for me, but I don't know that I'm fully able to judge considering I am unfamiliar with the author's writing style. I also found Summer hard to relate to at times. Regardless of this, I did find her growth to be a wonderful thing to witness and was well done by Dietz. Kash is... frustrating? I don't know. I liked him a lot, but it's also hard to judge a character and their decisions or choices without being in their heads. Obviously Summer isn't a mind-reader, so we only see what she sees. And yes, I am a believer in reading people and inferring, but sometimes it's still frustrating to be left guessing.

Anyway, I loved their friendship. It felt real and unforced unlike many I've read in similar stories. I wanted them to grow together. Unspoken and unrequited feelings leave the angst door wide open and this book had that in spades. When lives are so intertwined, the jump into something more is undoubtedly scary. But it can't always be avoided.

I really enjoyed The Effects of Falling. I do wish I'd read The Weight of Rain beforehand, just to get a better idea of the characters and their personalities. I don't think it's necessary, but may add a little oomph to this story. I will definitely be reading more Mariah Dietz books in the future.
Profile Image for Jenna.
520 reviews22 followers
August 3, 2016
I love a good friends to lovers book but this one ended up being more than that and I really enjoyed it.
Summer and Kash have been best friends for eleven years and for all of those eleven years Summer has been in love with him. Kash had a 4 month old daughter when he met Summer and together they have raised her. Summer has always been a part of Kash's family.

At first I thought this was going to be your typical friend loves friend the other is oblivious, catches on and they live happily ever after... But that isn't what happens here. This is really to me a story about finding yourself and not losing who YOU are based on the person you love. Summer has to come to terms with a lot of things in this book and there are times when you want to just shake her, but then you later find yourself understanding her reasoning. Kash was a great male lead and just a very typical male. I really enjoyed interactions with him and seeing him with his daughter.

A lot of this book is spent in Summers head, getting to know her. I do wish there had been more interactions shown between her and Kash but I feel like this book starts right when she has had enough and cannot conceal the way she feels any longer.

I have not read the first book in this series, and while this is a standalone, I find myself wanting to read King and Lo's story, too.

***ARC provided by the author in exchange for my HONEST review. Thank you!***
August 8, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

This book follows The Weight of Rain - which was my #1 book for 2015 - but can be read as a standalone. I was so excited this book was coming. I loved reading about Summer and Kash in TWoR. Kash is outgoing and definitely has his hands full with running his business/brand; his daughter - of whom he's a single parent to; and his brother.

Summer has been friends with Kash since she was 11 years old. She's fiercely protective of Kash and his family. There's nothing she wouldn't do for them. Her love is absolute though it's about to be tested.

Gosh, everything I want to tell you about this story I can't. I can't possibly because it will give the entire book away. I'll say this - Mariah Dietz has done another fantastic job at completely blowing me away with her characters. Her writing style is fluid. You can see the story playing out in your mind like a movie reel. I swear I can reach out and touch them like their tangible.

This book - I was so enthralled with the story that when the end of the book came - just before the epilogue - I found myself with leaky eyes. What the heck!? I don't cry at stories. I can count less than a handful I remember crying over while reading. The Effects of Falling is just beautiful. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I.
Profile Image for Selena Lanovara-scott.
597 reviews3 followers
July 29, 2016
This is more a YA no panty dropping sex scenes. Really PG read cute but differently more teen read. Summer for 32 yr old seems like a confused child at times. When she finally hooks up with Kash. She kinda freaks out she pushed him away but complains more than help him solve their relationship. Summer has been in love with Kash for 11 yrs. They have been best friends since meeting at her uncles shop. Her Uncle also teaches BMX riders. Summer was on top of her game till she had a bad accident. After she decided to help Kash and his bro King in their careers and also a photographer for them. Kash was once engaged to someone who died in a car accident. They had a daughter together Mercedes. Summer has known Mercedes since she was 4 months old. Summer is at a crossroads in her life where she's done pining for Kash and wants more than he offering. I thought her going out with Tommy and doing what she should have with Kash seemed childish. I don't get the whole deal with her parents or sleeping with an older guys I miss the connection. I know her mom wanted her to be more like her but you miss how she is like she is. The constant jealously she has over Lo and King is maddening at time. It's a cute book for younger reads I think.
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,212 reviews85 followers
November 17, 2016
I am a huge fan of this author and she knows how to tell a story! I loved this book so much. This had all the feels for me. Wanting something so bad but not sure you can have it.

Summer has been in love with Kash for eleven years who also happens to be her best friend. He is there for and vice versa. Summer has been the mother to Kash’s daughter and loved her. What do you do when you want more and you’re not sure your best friend feels the same.

She is caught in a tough place having strong feelings for Kash and noting knowing if they are reciprocated. That makes being around him and his family on a daily basis hard.

Kash is easy to love and the best dad a girl could ask for. He loves his family and would do anything for them. You can feel how much he cares for Summer through out the book even if he’s afraid to act on it.

I really enjoyed this book and at times was so frustrated with the main characters. I highly recommend this book.

http://www.thereviewloft.com/2016/08/...
Profile Image for Nicole  Sands.
322 reviews8 followers
August 2, 2016
This was a beautiful and angsty story of friends to lovers. Kash and Summer have been best friends since childhood, both sharing a love of BMX. Kash is now a Pro-BMX and a single father, and Summer is a retired Pro-BMX, and is currently working for him. Summer has been in love with Kash now for 11yrs, and is struggling to keep those feelings at bay. I love that the author gives you enough background into the characters that you can understand why they are conflicted in their feelings and choices that they make. The story never feels rushed, and the chemistry between Kash and Summer are undeniable. So when feelings are laid bare, and the friendship evolves into more, that’s when the drama and angst really kick up a notch. I was rooting for them the entire book, even though there were moments I wanted to smack some sense into both Kash and Summer.

I really enjoyed this book, and I definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for Tera.
352 reviews10 followers
August 4, 2016
This book could easily be read as a standalone. I would recommend reading The Weight of Rain first as it tells Lo and King's story, but it would not be required to follow this book. I was excited to read Summer's story because she was so direct and hard-headed in The Weight of Rain. Unfortunately, I was a little let down. For a woman in her 30s she was so extremely whiny and the inner dialogue seemed so redundant. I just wanted her and Kash to FINALLY duke it out and I had to wait until almost the very end of the book. I found myself starting to skim because I was so over the crying. I was glad that Kash and Summer got their HEA, but I just feel it should have been one of those books with alternating POV because having only Summer's did not really work for me, and I couldn't find myself falling in love with Kash as a result.
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