He Falls First

*Thank you Hambright PR and Jill Shalvis for a gifted ALC copy of He Falls First.*

Penny is our FMC. She grew up with an absentee mom but was raised by her grandma. After a breakup with an abusive ex, she finds herself back at her grandma’s house in a small town, helping care for her feisty grandma and her younger tween brother.

Ryder is our MMC. He’s the oldest of his siblings and has always taken care of them, protecting them from their stern and sometimes abusive father. Even now, he continues to shield them from life whenever and wherever he can.

Ryder and Penny meet in an interesting way, and their lives continue to twist and tangle together. Penny’s grandma is helping care for Ryder’s dad. Penny works for Ryder’s sister and makes regular deliveries to his office. Ryder runs a contracting and renovation business.

As the title suggests, Ryder feels the spark before Penny does. There are plenty of cute and swoony moments between them, but also some deeper, more emotional ones. I wouldn’t call it a slow burn, but it does take some time before they move beyond flirting and fully give in to their feelings.

The story is filled with great side characters who really add to the charm. Penny’s grandma and brother are absolutely hilarious. Ryder’s brothers, niece, and nephew bring in some well-timed comedic relief. Ryder’s sister plays a more serious role, and I truly hope we get her story next.

I’m absolutely continuing this series. It nails the small-town romance vibe and brings in just the right touch of found family warmth. And yes, the contractor pun was totally intended.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️

Blurb:

No one is going to convince her to fall in love again…

Ryder Colburn has his hands full running the family business and caring for the ailing father who’s a virtual stranger from the cold, heavy-handed man he used to be. He’s got zero free time for hobbies or women. Or so he thinks until one walks into his life… and the path of an oncoming car.

Ryder doesn’t mind playing the hero for the skittish, scarred chef Penny. Maybe it’s the secrets in her eyes or the scar on her chin. Whatever the reason, he’s compelled to get closer.

Penny’s learned her lesson and now she’s paying the price. That’s why she’s sharing a dilapidated house in a tiny California town with her feisty grandmother and tween brother living off the leftovers from her catering job. It’s a far cry from her dream life. But who needs dreams… or love… or sex when there’s amateur plumbing projects to tackle and breakfast casseroles to bake?

One thing’s for sure, she’s never falling in love again. Not even with the sexy, snarky contractor who keeps testing the walls she’s built.

Xoxo, Melissa