I really enjoyed Fall For Him. I’ve read some great romance books this year and this one is certainly going on my list of favorites. I always love it when a romance can make me laugh, cry, and swoon along with the characters. I want to feel like I went on a full emotional journey by the end! Fall For Him gave me all those feelings.

Dylan and Derek are great characters and their emotional journeys throughout the book were really well done. Some scenes seriously made me want to cheer because I felt so proud of their fictional growth.

I also loved the cast of supporting characters, Gus, and the book’s humor. I really had the best time reading this! It’s delightful and the ending made me shed some happy tears.

Absolutely adorable!!! I loved this one. Andie Burke's Fly With Me just moved up in my TBR. If Dylan and Derek were this lovable, I'm really looking forward to reading about Olive and her girl. Derek has that macho man with a soft interior and Dylan is the nerdy tech guy who's actually quite full of surprises - it's always the quiet ones you have to watch out for! LOL Seriously, loved this one!

I was really excited for this one and this cover is STUNNING! Unfortunately I found myself so confused about what was happening I couldn't finish it. The characters names were so similar I kept getting confused about who was who, and the writing was jumping around everywhere with characters being brought on page with no introduction.

This book was a bit of a mixed bag for me - I struggled with the level of "enemies" they were in the beginning - particularly how mean Derek was to Dylan. Once they started to gain an understanding and got together, I was really enjoying the book! I thought that their communication with each other was really good and mature. Then....the third act breakup happened. All that work on communication and understanding each other in their relationship? All thrown out the window. It was honestly so shocking to me that I had to rewind a bit. It just did not feel like it matched the growth I feel like they experience throughout their relationship.

What I liked:
- Dual narration
- ADHD Rep
- the Communication (most of the time)

In solidarity with fellow readers and in response to the Islamophobic comments that have come to light, I've decided to withhold my review of this book. It's essential to take a stand against hate and discrimination, and this is one way I can contribute to that effort. By refraining from sharing my thoughts, I'm choosing to support those who have been affected and to push for a more inclusive and respectful community.

Fall for Him is an M/M dislike to romance that follows Derek and Dylan as they are forced in close proximity, due to an apartment disaster, and are desperately trying not fall for the person they thought they should hate.

There is a lot to love about this book and quite a bit to dislike, but let's start off with everything that made this book wonderful.

This concept was unique and fun in it, of itself, and I don't think I was ever bored while reading this novel, even through some more frustrating parts, that's for sure.
The banter between our two main love interests was impeccable, and the humor in the novel was balanced very well with the heavy topics that were represented. There were many moments where I audibly laughed out loud at some of the dialogue and characters, and it allowed the book to be a very easy and entertaining read.
I enjoyed how most of the characters were woven into the story, (with exceptions for Michelle and Ken) it felt like a lot of the characters allowed for depth to add to the story between Derek and Dylan and brought important character development between the two without simply feeling like plot devices.
The representation of ADHD and anxiety was handled with a lot of care, and the portrayal felt real and honest, without sugar-coating any of the harder and more frustrating parts of the mental disorder, and I thoroughly enjoyed that as someone with ADHD.
Derek's growth throughout this book was written very well, and his struggle with grief contributed a lot to our understanding of his character and his motivations. Saying that, there were moments where I felt like the author could've of done more with his character.

Now to segue way to parts of the novel that made me have to take a double take.

The structure of this novel is quite confusing and is often really hard to follow. The narrative is third person, with the book alternating between the perspective of Dylan and Derek, but most of the time it is not clear which third-person narrative we are in. Which makes it difficult to read dialogue and follow the story because, I have to be constantly rereading to see which perspective I am in. Partner that with that fact that Dylan and Derek are very easy names to mix up, and it all becomes a jumbled mess. You can get used to it as the book progresses, but it never really changes this confusing pattern.
Continuing on the topic of structure, the book sometimes has flashbacks or memory flashes, and it is often interwoven with the present text in a way that can make it hard to discern the shift in tense, so those parts you often have to reread to understand the shift in focus.
There are some sharp and sudden changes to the rhythm and tone of our main love interests relationship that often feel very repetitive, empty, and graining (especially when it came to the amount miscommunication in this book) They will both be complete assholes to each other (take shot every time asshole is said in this book, you will get alcohol poisoning by the way) and one or both of them will miss the banter, but not make a true effort to resolve the conflict, then all of a sudden they are back into there usual rhythm. It often made me feel like they both didn't truly care about the relationship, and I would have loved to see some more fight even at the beginning, but this kinda gets better after their relationship develops, but we are often still left with so much miscommunication, that you can't help but scream.

Some characters are introduced as simply plot devices, and that took away a lot for me. For example Michelle, she comes gives Derek a mental ass whipping that makes him have finally look within himself, and then nothing truly comes of that now introduced relationship, and that is so sad. And Ken, someone please tell me what was the point of Ken? Besides some hi-jinks and humor. It didn't motivate him to do much introspecting like some other plot lines, so what was that exactly for?
This all interconnects with my issues with the ending, I truly wouldn't of minded a longer epilogue, if it meant seeing our subplot feel more finished, and seeing the true development of Derek and Dylan after their break-up, but we didn't really get that. It was just a happily ever after, and it did feel unfinished. Like, why was Michelle at the wedding? Are we supposed to assume they worked things out? Why couldn't we of seen that conversation, that conversation to me felt important?

I understand that this is an ARC, but they are some structuring issues like I mentioned above that feel too prevalent to be able to edit out, but saying that I enjoyed so much of the tension and banter between these two lovebirds, that I still could not fall in love with this story.

3 stars for this one, but I definitely think that I will still will be taking a look at Andie Burke's present and future novels.

Thank you so much Netgalley and the author Andie Burke for the ARC. This is my voluntary and honest review of this book.

I first would like to say thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. A good romance should draw you in and for me it shouldn’t matter what the sexual orientation of the characters are. This book did this well. I appreciated how well the author handles so well the spectrum of LGBTQIA+ and doesn’t make it out of the norm, but still highlights the struggles unique to it. I LOVED that there is a character on the ACE spectrum because as a demi, we don’t get enough love. Could the next book be a ACE/demi? I hope so.

This book also hit home to me in so many ways beyond the queer romance of Dylan and Derek being on point. As a healthcare worker in a hospital, yes to the stress at work. And yes don’t ever use the word quiet in my presence! I laughed out loud at the statement of pregnant patients and the fight between ER doctors and the OB. But I also felt the very real fear of working in a hospital at times.

The treatment of Dylan’s ADHD, especially the late diagnosis, was fabulous. I know exactly how it feels to get stuck, to use hyper focus as a super power, but also see it ruin things. I know what a medicated vs unmedicated day feels like. I also know all to well how I can lash out when unmedicated and in a hyper focus followed by immediate regret like Dylan shared. Forgetting your basic needs-yes! I didn’t eat lunch until 3pm today (up since 5:30am) and when I went to eat I realized I hadn’t peed since then either!

Dylan’s childhood trauma shaping the core beliefs of himself and impacting his relationship was all to relatable for me, but I also loved how he was working on it. I also loved when his family finally realized their wrongs they were introspective. The parts of me who have experienced trauma at the hands of family dream of that day.

Derek’s grief was written fantastically. His pain was palpable, and the impact it can have on your life was spot on. His revolving door before Dylan and his need to exercise, control, and fix things highlights the realities associated with grief. The self-medicating as it were.

But their relationship was beautiful as it blossomed. Consent without being in your face. Learning and growing. Being able to share with each other to grow, but also accepting the other where they were. The little ways they showed love before they said it. #relationshipgoals

There were so many witty jokes that made me literally laugh out loud. Carol was hysterical, I think I’ve met her in real life!

My only complaint was the similar names for the main characters. I had a little trouble keep Dylan and Derek straight at first, but such a minor detail. But a minor concern overall.

I devoured this book, and found myself wanting to read it whenever a could. I might have missed out on some sleep at night. Highly recommend checking this one out.

A very solid 3.5 that unfortunately falls through for me in places. I'm not sure what it says about me or about romance novels in general that one of my complaints is that we feel a little /too/ "dropped in" to these character's lives. They have issues and trauma and complicated family relationships, but a lot of them don't necessarily tie in to the plot or their relationship with each other. It makes the characters themselves and the setting feel lived-in and realistic, but as a reader, you're often left going "why?" Not to mention Derek's reason for hating Dylan was so overblown and dragged out.

I did love the exploration of grief and the complex family dynamics that both Derek and Dylan deal with, but while those issues are woven into their relationship building, they did seem to take precedence in the story than really getting to explore Derek and Dylan falling for each other.

This was a fun and fast read, it just didn't grab me like it might grab another reader.

This is such a joy of a read! Dylan and Derek are both deeply loving, dedicated, and loyal people, and they show it in vastly different ways. I loved seeing them both overcome some initial first impressions and misconceptions to then fall so helplessly in love with one another. they show their love in such special ways: through patience, kindness, bantering, silliness, spiciness, and so much acceptance and understanding. their story is full of heartache tied to past traumas, hurts, and insecurities, which sits so easily beside their warm, kind, gentle hearts that deserve the deep, endless love they give each other.

I loved this story so much, thank you for the arc :)

3.75 stars

Derek and Dylan are a super cute couple, and it is very easy to root for them in this charming romance.

Sometimes, love just literally lands in your lap, and in this case, it lands in a bed (though not through the usual channels). While these two dislike each other at first, their attraction to each other's hearts, minds, and, yes, bodies, grows throughout the novel.

The characterization and general relationship development between these characters is well devised, and I enjoyed that both have other interests and qualities besides each other. At times, their resolutions seem a bit simple (I would consider actual murder if I came home to a certain missing household member without a clear explanation and permission in advance, for example). Additionally, while some conversations seem particularly mindful and/or realistic (one character and their dad), others are extraneous and clunky (the cop scene. What?).

Overall, I enjoyed this and look forward to reading more from this author.

Thanks to SMP and NetGalley for this advanced copy.

I had high hopes for this book, and while Derek and Dylan were both well-rounded, perfectly flawed characters, I personally think this one just wasn't for me. While the steam was great, I wanted a bit more open communication from the two accidental roommates up front, though I understand why their vices prevented this. I did like the detail fo Dylan and Derek being connected through Jake. Overall it was fine, just not for me, and I can see other readers eating this up.

Thank you Netgalley smp and MacMillan audio for the free ALC and ebook. My opinions are being left voluntarily. I really enjoyed this forced proximity, hate to love mm romance. It was alot steamier then I remember her debut. Great narration. Excited to see what the author releases next.

4.5/5☆

3.5 stars

What I loved:
- the ADHD rep,
- the witty/snarky banter
- the absolutely gorgeous cover

What I didn't love:
- how confusing the POVs were thanks to how similar the characters names were
- how underdeveloped parts of the story felt
- how Derek and Dylan went from snarky banter and being annoyed by each other, to calling each other babe in like 2.5 seconds... would have preferred a bit slower of a burn tbh

While this book is listed as a stand alone, the characters are interconnected with Fly With Me. In my opinion, reading Fly With Me is needed to fully appreciate the characters and the journey with romance after grief that is central to Derek's plot.

I adored the characters but this book fell short of the five star mark as I felt that the background characters and sub plots outshined the main relationship of Derek and Dylan. I was still rooting for them to get together throughout the book but felt the plot focused more on familial relationships then relationship building. As a nurse, Andie brings a unique and true perspective to the nursing profession of Derek which was extremely refreshing to read.

Thank you NetGalley for a free advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

Full disclosure, I haven't read Fly with Me, and didn't realize this was a sequel until I started reading this one. That said, this works just as well as a standalone. I didn't expect to love this as much as I did. Right from the author's note in the beginning about the implications of "falling" when it comes to vulnerability in relationships and love, and all the way through with the unflinching exploration of living with grief and ADHD and the complicated and formative family and trauma dynamics -- this was a romance that did not waste time with tropes and really let you into both characters' heads and struggles. Both characters have their own share of difficult circumstances and instead of those becoming tools for plot tension, they became the reason for their growth in character and chemistry. Between complex grief and living with a partner with ADHD, this book got me right where I live. I'm quickly going to go and read the prequel now.
Thanks for the ebook ARC, Netgalley.

Dylan literally crashes through the floor of his apartment into his neighbor Derek’s apartment and lands on his bed! Way to start off with a bang! Dylan and Derek want to keep the home renovation quiet so Dylan does the work on his own.

This book was so funny and spicy! I loved the ADHD representation and the support that Dylan and Derek gave to one another

MM romance
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
ADHD rep
Grief healing

Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️

This was a sweet enemies to lovers romance with lots of cute moments.

The humour didn’t always hit for me. A lot of the dialogue felt stilted and forced. And I didn’t feel the chemistry between the two leads. They almost changed completely after starting to get physical and it was too abrupt for me as a reader.

The names were way too similar and I had trouble keeping track of whose perspective I was reading. Maybe this is my inattentiveness but it was a bit of a struggle.

All in all I don’t think this one did it for me, but I think it will for others.

Overall Rating: 3.85/5
Warning: these two are really, REALLY MESSY main characters.
Pros:
Normally I wouldn't be into messy main characters (and there are TWO of them!), but for some reason, this time I stuck with it. Partly because the author's writing style is quite engaging—amidst the chaos of their lives, there are these LOL moments, and those cute, funny banters I adore.
The emotional journey between the two MCs wasn't exactly smooth sailing, as it followed the enemies to lovers trope and even included moments of conflict when they were already lovers. I like it that even they finally got together, they still had their fair share of fights but always managed to work things out. Good. Added a touch of realism to the story.

Cons:
The two MC's lives are sooo messy... I was too empathetic that I often felt stressed and anxious when reading this.
Also the twist in the last two chapters felt a bit rushed. It's like, they just magically managed to let go of the past conflicts after being apart for a while??🤨 Even though the scenes in the last two chapters were kinda cute, I feel like the reconciliation wasn't well done, it felt a bit too much like sweeping the problems under the rug. The ending didn't really address how they were going to resolve Dylan's desire to not be protected by others like a broken thing needing fixing, while Derek always wants to help with (control?) others' lives. Could be written better.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 50 percent. This book was exciting for me to receive and I am so thankful for the opportunity. With that said, I couldn’t connect to these characters much and it was taking me a long time to get through. I feel the characters and timeline were not making sense and it didn’t feel like it was very realistic.

This one just wasn’t for me. Even in 3rd person, when switching POV, it’s helpful to know the viewpoint we are getting at the beginning of the chapter. The storytelling just wasn’t hitting the mark.