ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

How We Deal with Gravity was an amazing read for me!

From the very beginning, it made me think and reconsider some of my own attitudes. Avery is the mother of a 5-year-old boy with autism, Max. The author took us through one of Max's meltdowns in a grocery store and we got to see things through Avery's perspective. How people judge parents for not being able to keep their child in control. Admittedly, I've done this in the past when I've heard a child screaming in the store. But, we have to remember that we don't know that person's story and we shouldn't be so quick to assume that if s/he were a better parent, that child would be well-behaved.

Beyond teaching me a little lesson about how we deal with our fellow man, that scene set the stage for the constant struggles that Avery has to deal with as a single mother. Interacting with Max had to be very structured and it was not guaranteed that something wouldn't go wrong and set him off. But Avery was a good parent and she worked hard to give Max the most comfortable life she could. It helped that she had a supportive father (Ray) and best friend (Claire).

Claire was actually pretty amazing! She was basically like another parent for Max. Her schedule revolved around him as much as Avery's did. They just don't make friends like that anymore.

I loved Avery and Mason together! After goofing up in the beginning, Mason really fell into helping out with Max, which isn't the easiest thing to get used to. Max doesn't really do eye-contact and he mostly stays in his own world, not talking to others unless he needs something. It can be a big adjustment and Mason handled it well. At the same time, Avery didn't push Mason or expect too much from him. She wanted the best for Max, but knew it could be a big responsibility that not everyone can handle. She gave Mason room to figure out if he was ready for that type of commitment, which was pretty cool of her.

The incident with Avery's ex-husband, Adam, was heartbreaking. Even more so because it was wholly realistic. It's seeing such a pathetic excuse for a human being that made Mason's character that much more appealing.

I appreciated that the author didn't get into discussing the 'whys' behind Max's autism. There's a lot of controversial information out there and I like that the author just stuck with what we do know, which is that Max has autism and this is how he behaves and this is the best way to interact with him.

I also really liked that there was no unnecessary drama. Everything that happened served a purpose and this story was very well written. Ginger Scott did an amazing job and I would definitely read more of her work!

How We Deal With Gravity made me smile, cry, and hug me Kindle to my chest. This story is beautiful and I cannot recommend it enough. Author Ginger Scott has created wonderfully real and completely realized characters. How We Deal With Gravity is at its core a love story but it’s not the traditional boy meets girl piece. It is a story of the different kinds of love that shape us - the love of a mother for her child, of a man for a woman, of a town for their prodigal son. Now for the story…

Avery Abbott is a master of counting the seconds. Be it the seconds left until her shift ends or the seconds she has left to finish her college homework or the seconds it takes to help her autistic son Max find calm during one of his episodes. Each second that passes gets her to the next obstacle to face… and conquer.

Mason Street is washed up rock star forced to return home with his tail between his legs. The talent that landed him a recording contract in his youth didn’t keep him from being swept up in the rock n’ roll lifestyle and getting dropped by his label. When Mason turns to his childhood mentor Ray for help, the last thing he expects is the undeniable draw to Ray’s daughter Avery.

As Avery and Mason deal with public and private expectations, they’re forced to decide if it’s time to let go of the dreams of the past and embrace an unexpected happiness together.

I love books and I’m always happy to find one that strikes a chord with me. How We Deal With Gravity is one of those rare and special times where I feel like the book found me. I am an Autism mom to a beautiful and smart 4 year old. She is the center of my world and I am happily her biggest champion. But there are tough times. So when Avery expressed her concerns, fears and doubts about everything from how others judge her child to her own parenting ability, I caught myself going “That’s me, OMG that’s me!” I’ve been the mom in the parking lot with the crying child who just had to grin and tune out the people walking past not so quietly saying rude things about my child and my skills as a parent. I’ve dealt with the comments about behaviors being “weird” or “odd” or “different.” How We Deal With Gravity reminded me that I’m not alone and neither is my daughter. For that reason, How We Deal With Gravity will always hold a special place in my heart.

Favorite Lines:
“All I can do is smile, and meekly, at that. “I’m sorry.” That’s what I’m saying with that smile. That I’m sorry my son has autism, and that I don’t know how to hide it from you.”

“I thought about Avery Abbott because she thought about me. And I liked that she thought about me.”

“These people don’t love me because I’m some hotshot musician. They don’t care that I have some stupid ounce of talent that sets me apart from them. They love me because I’m theirs – because this is home, and I’m family.”

“This whole feelings thing, well… it’s foreign territory for me. But I can promise you one thing – this? This is real. It’s the realest fucking thing I’ve ever known. And I’m a persistent, stubborn bastard, so you better get used to me.”

How We Deal With Gravity is a beautiful and moving story. I hope you will take the opportunity to discover it for yourself.

Happy reading.

Review will post on afterdarkbooklovers.com on 7/8.

There are some books that you read, enjoy, and then move on. NEXT!
And then there are books that profoundly affect you and get you thinking beyond the words on the page.
My immediate thoughts on this book were mixed. The synopsis got my attention and I had a feeling from the get go that this book would challenge my emotions. From the prologue, you are immediately thrown into Avery Abbott’s world, raising an autistic child. As the Mom of a strong-willed child, I know all too well the looks one gets with a toddler tantrum, and yet I couldn’t even begin to comprehend what Avery must be experiencing. For Avery, every moment of every day was a challenge. Whether it was dealing with her son, Max’s meltdown, or just anticipating when the next one would be, her life is consumed by her child. Everything she did was for her child and I respected the hell out of her and her situation.

“Avery . . . she lives her life for that boy. He’s her center, her sun and moon all rolled into one.”

Everything changes one day when an old acquaintance comes back to her Dad’s bar, looking for a second chance.

They weren’t the best of friends growing up. With a crush on Mason Street that ended badly, Avery wasn’t about to fall easily for his charms when he reentered her life. She had a bigger focus and couldn’t get mixed up in the sweet talking bad boy musician. But Mason was hell bent on getting her attention. It’s at this point where I was unsure of the direction of the book.

After Dark Confession: The Hollywood teen movies where the nerdy girl or boy has a makeover and suddenly everyone likes them and realizes how great they were, PISS ME OFF! Oh, it’s SO great, they are attractive, NOW they have friends! Does anyone else see the problem with this?!? Grrr. Anyway, I thought that’s where this book was headed. Avery is no longer the “Birdie” that Mason used to tease. She’s now beautiful. She’s no longer weak and easy to push around. She developed a backbone over the years. NOW, Mason can’t stop thinking about her. How convenient! But wait, turns out I couldn’t be more wrong about Mason and his intentions.

Avery and Mason seem like night and day, but they share something that quickly brings them together.

She’s a struggling Mom.
He’s a struggling musician.

As the story builds, you see how they both help each other through this struggle. Mason’s return to Dusty’s was an attempt to get his career back on track. His first attempt at stardom ended badly. So returning to his roots, the bar where Ray gave him his big break, seemed like the best option. Little did he know where he would get his inspiration from and who would drive his passion for music.

“It’s just you’re so goddamned talented, Mason. My dad always believed in you. And so did I.”

While Mason is struggling to get notes right on a song, Avery and Max, in their own ways, shows him that the notes were right there all along. He just needs some passion behind it.

“I wanted to get up here tonight to see if I could remember why I ever made this my dream in the first place. I was so focused on success, I forgot about the ride. And I missed some pretty great things along the way.”

Temporarily living at the Abbott household, Mason’s inspiration grows by those around him. He begins to see Avery in a whole new light. How selfless she is. How her life centers on her son. My first impressions of Mason couldn’t have been more wrong. The ways he helped Avery with Max will truly bring tears to your eyes. They go beyond thoughtful. A haircut. A school visit. Things most people wouldn’t think to do, meant so much and show how perfect a friend Mason could be. As my friend Yaya would say, he could be classified not as a BBF, but as a BH (book husband). The connection he makes with Max will warm your heart, and make you fall in love with him.

“I’ve never met anyone like you, Avery. Not a girl in her twenties, anyways. You just go and go and go. And I was just thinking, you never take time to just stop – and to just be.”

As much as I loved Mason and Avery, they are not alone in their support for Max. Avery’s BFF, Claire, who is a bit of a talker, was actually an amazing friend. I’m not sure how Avery would have gone day to day without her. Not only does she babysit Max nightly, but she was a great soundboard for Avery. Providing emotional support at times, and pushing Avery towards Mason when her insecurities reared up. I’m not sure if there will be a follow up to this book, but just like Avery, I hoped for something special to happen for Claire, namely, Cole. So, if the author wants to do a follow up book . . .

Avery’s father is the backbone to the story. He provides more to Avery and Mason than a house to live in and a place of employment. For Avery, he’s a protector, for both her and Max, guarding their hearts, knowing how fragile they both are and how temporary happiness isn’t good enough for them. For Mason, he’s the father figure he never had. He knows talent and challenges Mason to be better. To try harder and to not give up.

This book had a strong message. Do you take the easy route in life? Or do you take the harder yet more fulfilling route? Can you put someone else’s priorities and needs before your own? Can you find just as much happiness by being less selfish? Finishing this book, the answers were clear.

“We’re dreamers. And that’s . . . that’s a good thing. But sometimes you need to remember about the important things here on the ground. Not just all that tempting stuff that’s up in the clouds.”

This is why I blog. Sure, like every other book blogger, I love to read and get lost in a story. But our true role as a blogger is to draw attention to a book, and spread the word on whether a book is worth your time and money. This book is that book. It is absolutely worth your time and money.

I could not put this down. Fans of Jessica Park will love this story and the author!

Avery has loved Mason ever since her father took him under his wing at the local music bar and housed him when he was in need. Now, 25-year old Mason is a jaded singer-songwriter after a failed tour. Avery moved on after Mason burned her in high school- she got married, had a baby, got left by her douchebag husband, and now is just trying to keep it together for her autistic son. Mason returns to Avery's house. The sparks are there for both of them. Can Mason truly fit into Avery and her son's world of structure and routine? Can Avery let go enough to allow herself to be selfish for just a moment and fall in love again?

God, I could rave about this book. It's a truly touching story about falling in love even when faced with TRUE adversity of not only having a child but having a child with autism. The ability to be your own person and become a better person because of love is evident when neither character forces the other to change drastically. I enjoyed the depth of Scott's writing style and I found it so easy to read but with complexity and uniqueness of its own. Scott's development of characters both main and minor (loved Claire and Ray!) was superb. Again, I haved seen true secondary characters like this except in Jessica Park's writing. I'm a sucker for romance and this was just so sweet and genuine with tons of sexual tension.

The New Adult romance genre seems to have churned out more and more of the same story with slightly different characters focusing on abuse, trauma, or the inexperienced "virginal" girl. There is usually some major unforgiveable momemt where the two characters can never move forward until the great apology. These stories are lacking development in either plot or character development because there is just too much steam. How We Deal with Gravity brought out the best of New Adult - a moving story, great characters, plain and simple romance, and just a bit of steam to tease the reader.

Mason has earned a spot in my "book-boyfriend" category for not only fucking up a few times in the book but admitting to it right away (no one likes the perfect guys nor the douches), letting Avery be her own independent person, not knowing what to do with Max but looking to learn, dancing with his semi-estranged mother just because, and making some crazy grand gestures of love.

NAILED IT!! 5 stars... added to my favorites!

This book was so amazing that I am left, days later, still thinking about it. Avery is a single mom with a high functioning Autistic son. Max's dad walked out on both him and Avery after the diagnosis leaving Avery completely on her own. The story starts out with what a day in the life is like for both Max and Avery. I love that Ginger Scott pointed out how hard parenting is and how quick people are to judge the situation. Avery is barely making it putting everything she has into helping Max have good days. She has embraced her son's disability and continues to see Max for the amazing human being he truly is and the gifts he has to offer the world. I was all snot and tears for most of this book and forever moved by Avery's strength and compassion for others. My heart was broken for Avery and her life. "Today has wiped me, completely... but I survived today, and I earned tonight".

This is a romance novel so it is, yes, about a relationship with an amazing hunk of a man Mason, an up and coming rock star, who Avery has loved secretly since she was a teen. They are both older and wiser now and life has brought them back together for a second chance. Their love story is very well written and entertaining to follow. However, this story was so much more than your typical love story. Amazing job Ginger!

What a phenomenal read. This story was beautifully told about a single mother and her struggles with an autistic son. Max was a very special kid and I loved the relationship between Avery and Mason. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book - it was awesome.

I have a soft spot for small town romance. It comes without the glitz or anything over the top, yet it warms my heart and left me feeling really good by the end of the book. This story did remind me a little of Jessica Topper's Louder Than Love. The whole single mum meet washed up musician.

This story took place at Cave Creek and it revolves about the Abbot family who runs the local bar, Dusty. Ray Abbot is the owner of the bar and Avery Abbot, his daughter is a single mum with an autistic son, Max.

Avery is a heroine who had a huge burden on her with caring for her special boy. She wanted to be strong and sometimes she did, but she also showed her weakness when she crumble and cries. She is a woman desperately in need of a shoulder to lean on.

Mason Street is a washed up musician who failed to make it big in the city and came back to his hometown to 'figure things out'. Due to his reluctance to meet his mum, he decided to bunk in with his old mentor, Ray Abbot. Then he meet the all grown-up, Avery, the girl he used to tease and her son, Max.

Avery used to have a crush on Mason when they are young. But he was too wild and too distracted with his life to notice her. Now that Mason is back in town, all the old feelings are coming back with a vengeance. At the same time, she was pissed about his presence that disrupt her peaceful life. She dare not hope that he had changed in any way, she was pretty sure he is still the egoistic and playboy musician.

"Gravity. That's what I'm feeling right now. I can't hear the crowd. I'm completely locked to Mason, his eyes squared to mine, and he's the only thing I see. "

Mason started out as a douchebag and a loser. He had lost his life direction and hanging out at Dusty seems like not a bad idea for now. I don't get why all of a sudden he is interested in Avery. Maybe is just is and the timing is right this time? Fate, I suppose? After he learned that Avery used to like him, he was determine to win back her affection.

"If I could do it again... I would definitely kiss the girl in the closet."

When Mason starts to transform into this great guy who is on the path to redeem himself, I practically swoon all over. His POV came with a tinge of humor that had me smiling every time. He is always worried that he will messed things up. There were a lot of swoon-worthy moment all over the story. Like how he bonded with Max and his heartfelt confession to Avery. Some might say cliche, but I say romantic. So it depends on each individual.

"I was so focused on success, I forgot about the ride. And I missed some pretty great things along the way."

I miss reading the awkward dance between two people in the beginning of a relationship in romance nowadays. This couple have it in spade and I find kind of sweet.

Mason had a weird relationship with his mom. They aren't exactly chummy, but you just knew they love each other. The scene when he dance with his mum in the kitchen. I went 'Aww......'

I knew Mason can't just hang out and doing gigs at Dusty forever. So when the time comes that Mason had to choose between his career and staying back at Cave Creek, it might just be the biggest decision in his life. Will his relationship with Avery strong enough to withstand what life brings on?

"We're dreamers. And that's... that's a good thing. But sometimes you need to remember about the important things here on the ground. Not just all that tempting stuff that's up in the clouds."