I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
He Falls First by Jill Shalvis Series: Colburn Brothers #1
Published by That's What She Said Publishing, Inc. on August 5, 2025
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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.
Shalvis always delivers on heart, humor and honest emotion! I’m hooked already on the Colburn family, their drama and their love for each other. I can’t wait to see the other two brothers get a story, and hopefully their sis will find love again as well. The main characters of this story were quick to catch my attention, and their supporting casts of humorous family members kept me reading even more. I loved the depth of emotion that each character had going on with family obligations, personal strength and their friendship along the way even while she fought her feelings. Her background could have maybe used a hair more development in places, but overall the story was well laid out with a solid plot to carry it forward organically. I can’t wait for more to come in the series!
My favorite character had to be Grandma Nell. She was spunky, sweet and sincere all rolled into one. She was there to step forward for her grandkids without a doubt, yet she still kept her sense of humor and goodwill throughout to offer her witty opinions on life to anyone she could wrangle into her inner circle. Great foundation of love right there!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a character who has family obligations they never slip on and who knows how to love hard regardless of life’s ups and downs. Family centric, humorous and sweet.
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