Learning to Fall by Mina V. Esguerra: Blog Tour + ARC Review

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Title: Learning to Fall
Author: Mina V. Esguerra
Publication Details: October 6th 2015 by Flirt Publishing
Genre: New Adult, Romance

“Go out with a stereotypical romance novel hero WHO ISN’T YOUR TYPE.”

Avid reader and art student Steph is participating in a monthly blog challenge to Live Like Fiction, and this was the task for October. When Grayson, former co-captain of her university rugby team, walks into her class, she knows it’s meant to be – she has to go out with this guy. Even if she’s never been attracted to big, hunky, athletic types. With Grayson’s “player” reputation off the field, Steph thinks he’ll be good for one date that’ll be worth blogging about, and that’s it.

But you know how it goes: Soon, it becomes more than just one date – and Steph and Grayson are caught up in “living like fiction.” How long can they keep playing their roles before reality steps in?



I don’t usually read New Adults, but I requested an ARC because of the premise. Learning to Fall follows Steph, a book blogger who took on a challenge to “live like fiction”, do things she wouldn’t normally do, and be someone else for a time. I thought it was interesting and somehow refreshing so I took the chance.

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I liked how the plot does not only revolve around Steph's love life but also around life entering adulthood. I was able to relate to the overwhelming responsibilities after college. Haha! I liked how the author was able to put into the story the struggle of decision-making, of tying everything up for a future one is hoping for and how things will eventually work out in the end.

And of course I was also able to relate to the book blogging bit. While I will never let my blog get in the way of other things, I sure can relate to Steph because book blogging really requires time and effort. I'm not complaining folks (Haha!), it's just the truth. And it's up to the book blogger to prioritize things and organize his/her time. Unlike Steph though, my book blog sometimes take the fall not my "other lives". I'm trying my best, though, to schedule posts ahead of time. Haha!

I was quite uncomfortable with the adult contents, but otherwise, I did enjoy my reading experience. Steph and Grayson are fun to read and get to know. They are easily relatable and inspiring. They reminded me to take chances and to see other things. I also liked how the secondary characters affect the main ones and played a role in their character development.

Told in a first person perspective (Steph's POV), the story is easy to follow and understand. Learning to Fall is a short, easy and inspiring read. It's not just a love story but also a story about trying new things and exploring one’s self and one’s capabilities.



Mina V. Esguerra writes contemporary romance and young adult novellas. She has a bachelor's degree in Communication and a master's degree in Development Communication, put to good use in her work as trainer and content management consultant. Mina lives in Metro Manila, Philippines, with her husband and daughter.

She finds inspiration in the lives and experiences of other people, so the answer to "Is this story based on you?" is always, always "No."