Series: Colburn Brothers, Book 1
E-Book Publisher: That’s What She Said Publishing, Inc.
Print Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 5, 2025
Source: Author
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Audible
Jill Shalvis Reading Order
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.
A caring hero who’s good with his hands, a sassy heroine who has been burned in the past, a cast of quirky characters, and a bird with tons of personality make He Falls First a sweet and charming story. Jill Shalvis kicks off her Colburn Brothers series with Ryder Colburn, the eldest of said brothers, and Penny Rose, a talented chef who is determined not to fall for his charm.
Both Ryder and Penny know what it means to be responsible for their family. Ryder grew up in an abusive household and now cares for his ailing father. He’s also running a business, keeping an eye on his siblings, and mourning the death of his best friend. Ryder has a lot of weight to carry but he’s got strong shoulders and an even bigger heart. Penny is working herself to the bone to keep her family afloat and she has scars of her own that are still fresh. She can be sassy and sweet, but don’t let that fool you – she’s got a strong spine underneath it. She and Ryder fit like lock and key and their romance was easy to fall into. I liked that Ryder was patient and understanding, seeing not just Penny’s skittishness but her strength. They learn to lean on each other, which I really loved.
It wouldn’t be a Jill Shalvis novel if there weren’t a significant cast of big personalities and He Falls First is no exception. Penny and Ryder’s family and friends are there to support, interfere, and generally stick their noses into our protagonists’ story. It’s fun without being overbearing, the bounciness balancing with the seriousness. Familial love is just as important as romantic love in this story which was sweet. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed He Falls First and I’m very much looking forward to Caleb and Tucker Colburn’s books.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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