REVIEW: Accepting the Fall by Meg Harding

Accepting the Fall by Meg Harding: When Zander and Cole met on a military base in Germany as teens, Zander knew their relationship couldn’t last so he broke things off when they started to get close, breaking Cole’s heart in the process. Years later, Zander has custody of his 5 year old daughter Savanah and a new career, post military, as a firefighter. As fate would have it, Savanah’s new kindergarten teacher turns out to be Cole. Never expecting to see each other again, both have bittersweet memories of their time together. But Cole learned to protect his heart and Zander knows he has a lot to make up for. Can the second time around be the right time for them to get a happy ending?

I really enjoyed this story! Zander is definitely challenged by his daughter Savanah, who exhibits some bullying behavior as a way of acting out and getting attention. He’s only recently had sole custody of her after her mother abandoned her with him, a young girl he hadn’t known about until becoming her father. They are both adjusting to their new life but he’s determined to show her that he’s not going to leave her. He’s a really caring and patient man who doesn’t want her to grow up they way he did, shuffling from base to base and never making permanent friendships. They’re here to stay – which means her teacher Cole is going to be part of their life. And he can admit to himself that he is interested in rekindling what they had, if Cole will give him the chance.

Cole is shocked to see Zander again, and definitely to discover he’s the father of his new student. Cole’s generous heart has led him to helping out others in any way he can, including fostering animals on his acreage and becoming a teacher. When he and Zander meet again, Cole has a boyfriend but he knows in his heart that he isn’t in love with him, and he doesn’t start anything with Zander until that relationship is over. I thought that part of the story was handled very well.

This is a slow burn romance, with Zander and Cole becoming friends again before anything else happens. Cole is determined not to be pulled into a physical relationship too soon, so when they finally succumb to their attraction it’s a sexy and emotional scene. Zander can finally admit to Cole why he broke up with him in the first place, and both can accept that while they might have stuck it out in the past, there would be no Savanah if things hadn’t worked out the way they had. Savanah is a precocious child, dealing with her insecurities the only way she knows how. It was lovely to see her and Zander learn to really connect as parent and child. This is a heartwarming and very enjoyable romance, with really likable characters and a sweet epilogue.

Book Info:

Publication: June 8, 2017 | Oceanside Press |

Confronting the past is never easy.

Cole Whitaker is happy. He has the job and boyfriend he always wanted. His heart’s in no danger of being broken, and he can’t ask for more from life. As a kindergarten teacher, he sees it all; however, one troublesome student has him reaching out to the parent, wanting to help. There’s something about Savanah that tugs at his heartstrings.

He never expected her father.

Zander Brooks hasn’t had an easy life, and he’s made some mistakes. Freshly retired from the military and working as a firefighter, Zander thought he’d left Cole in the rearview mirror. He’s not expecting him to appear in St. Petersburg, Florida, of all places, teaching his daughter’s kindergarten class. Suddenly, his biggest mistake is being shoved in his face.
This is Zander’s chance to close a door he’d never fully shut, but time with his former flame might change his mind.