title: Take the Fall
author: Valentine, Marquita
description: NAMED ONE OF THE MUST-READ ROMANCES OF THE YEAR BY
  USA TODAY •
   Hailed as “a sexy, emotional, heartfelt read” by Monica Murphy,
  Take the Fall
  is the first in a new series from
  New York Times
  bestselling Marquita Valentine. In this emotional short novel, passions run hot as a rugged, brooding Marine rekindles an old flame.
  
   As a teenager, Seth O’Connor went to jail for a crime he had nothing to do with. He took the fall to protect the girl he loved, but the cruel realities of prison hardened him. After doing his time, Seth shuts her out and enlists in the Marines—until his grandmother’s funeral forces him to come home and face Rowan Simmons once again. The woman she’s become puts all his high-school memories to shame, and Seth wants her more than ever. Can he be honest about why he denied her for so long?
  
   After Seth pushed her away, Rowan swore that no man would ever hurt her again. But the boy who broke her heart has become a sexy Marine, capable of fulfilling her every desire—and now that he’s back in town, old feelings are simmering to a boil. Rowan wants to stay strong, even as her body surrenders to his expert touch. She only hopes that by taking him back, she can finally help heal the wounds that drove them apart.
  Praise for
  Take the Fall
  
  
  “
  Take the Fall
   is a sensual, heartwarming lovers-reunited story. I rooted for Seth to win back his girl, and Marquita Valentine delivers a satisfying, emotional HEA for her lead characters.”
  —Lea Franczak,
  USA Today
  “[
  Take the Fall
  ] combines new-adult angst, bad boys with hearts of gold, and red-hot love scenes. . . . This dramatic tale races enjoyably to the finish and sets up the next book in the series.”
  —
  Publishers Weekly
   “
  Take the Fall
  is a sexy, emotional, heartfelt read. I adored this book and can’t wait for the next!”
  —
  New York Times
  bestselling author Monica Murphy
  “A sexy Marine and a second chance at love? Sign me up! Marquita Valentine does it again.”
  —
  New York Times
   bestselling author Sawyer Bennett
  
  “I adore Marquita Valentine’s work! Dynamic characters, a compelling plot, and a scorching romance left me anxious for more. This is new adult romance at its best.”
  —
  New York Times
   bestselling author Virna DePaul
  “An excellent, incredibly moving, highly entertaining read. I absolutely loved [
  Take the Fall
  ] and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a good, angst-ridden love story with both heart and teeth.”
  —Okie Dreams Book Reviews
  
  
   “I am so excited that
  Take the Fall
   is the first book in a new series. Whee! All throughout
  Take the Fall,
  we’re treated with little glances into the chemistry and connection between Piper and Jase. I cannot wait to see Piper come out of her shell as she and Jase fall in love. Swoon!”
  —Crystal Blogs Books
  
   “Grab a glass of wine and coffee to keep you happy and awake as you read this book that you won’t be able to put down until those final words are read.”
  —The Book Fairy Reviews (five stars)
  
  
   “Marquita delivers once again with a hot alpha, a smart-mouthed heroine and a love that stands the test of time.”
  —Margie’s Must Reads
  
  
   “I recommend this book and can’t wait for the next!”
  —Wicked Love of Books
  
  Includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.