This was such a cute novella! I'm not usually a big fan of novellas because I feel like there is no depth but I didn't find that to be the case with this one!

The Fall Risk is a delightful short story by Abby Jimenez that combines humor, romance, and emotional depth. The narrative follows Charlotte, a woman on high alert after her stalker is released from prison, and Seth, her neighbor—a recently divorced arborist. When a staircase collapse traps them together, their initial wariness gives way to unexpected connection and warmth.

Jimenez's writing is sharp and engaging, capturing the complexities of her characters' emotions within the novella's concise format. The story balances lighthearted moments with more serious themes, offering a satisfying and heartfelt read.

A short, kinda scary romance dealing with a growing CE story. But AJ brings the humour where few would be able to

Charlotte, reeling from the trauma of being stalked, is laying low, minding her own business, and definitely not looking for love. Seth, her newly divorced neighbor with a penchant for trees and a battered heart of his own, is likewise in no condition to fall for anyone. But when a construction mishap leaves the two literally stranded one floor up they’re forced to rely on each other.

What makes this novella stand out is how Jimenez handles serious topics, particularly Charlotte’s experience with a stalker. While the romance is light and funny, the story never minimizes Charlotte’s trauma. Her fears are treated with care, and the emotional beats of her healing process are some of the strongest parts of the narrative.

The Fall Risk is the kind of novella that sneaks up on you with its deep emotion on so few pages. It’s cozy and romantic without being cheesy, and thoughtful without ever dragging. Jimenez strikes just the right balance between laugh-out-loud humor, tender romance, and serious reflection. If you’re looking for a quick read with fully realized characters, heart-melting moments, and a dash of Valentine’s Day misadventure, don’t skip this one.

This is such a cute Valentine's novella. It's no secret I love Abby Jimenez’s books, her writing style and her characters. This would be a great place to start for someone new to her work. It's the perfect little taste of her world that leaves you wanting more. I will say, Abby does a wonderful job packing a lot into such a short story. We learn a lot about both Seth and Charlotte, and as always, I cannot wait for her next release.

This quick little Valentine’s Day novella was so freaking cute. It takes place over one weekend when the stairs get removed from the wrong apartment building, stranding two neighbors. The FMC also has a stalker, so there’s some suspense in the mix.

It’s dual POV and super short. The characters were great and I adored her bff Izzy. Would love to see this get extended.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my digital copy!

This was absolutely marvelous! I had the best time of my life reading it, and maybe it's my current favorite from Abby?? I just love how she writes the best and most interesting characters with incredible romantic chemistry and who also happen to have compelling lives outside of the relationship. I'm always at awe with how much Abby Jimenez is able to make us fall in love with these characters in such short time. Also this story had a peculiar and quite honestly thrilling subplot that was done with such respect and care...I just love this one so very much and would recommend to everyone. Definitely one of my top favorite reads from 2025.

This was the perfect laugh out loud story! I was hooked from the beginning. What a funny way to start a book about losing stairs but it was so perfect! I will definitely be reading more by this author!

This was my first Abby Jimenez, and I picked it up kind of on a whim because the content guidance caught my eye. Even though it's a novella, it still felt like a full, well-rounded story. That doesn't always happen, even in much longer books.

The plot was fun and original, and the characters were super likable—funny, sweet, and easy to root for. I loved how it mixed emotion and humor without overdoing either.

The ending felt a little rushed, so it's not quite a five-star read for me, but I really enjoyed it and definitely want to check out more of her books.

This story is short, sweet, and still mighty enjoyable. I'll read anything by Abby and know I'll enjoy it!

WANT MORE!
I need this woman to stop writing such amazing characters and then only giving us a short story.
I was immediately solid just by the dedication. Seth is now a top tier book boyfriend!
If you want a short story that is going to make you have all the feels this is for you!
Please check trigger warnings!

This story was an absolute delight from start to finish. I loved the way it takes a simple, awkward situation and spins it into something funny, tender, and surprisingly romantic. The writing is sharp and playful with just the right amount of warmth to make you root for these neighbors to turn a terrible Valentine’s Day into something unforgettable. I couldn’t get enough of their chemistry and the way the story balanced lighthearted fun with emotional depth. It’s a perfect short read that left me feeling both uplifted and hopeful.

Abby Jimenez’s latest novella is small but mighty ! It’s such warm and heart felt story, I’m actually amazed that Jimenez could pack that much heart in an 80 page novella ! Not to give away too much because this is a novella,
Charlotte and Seth are next door neighbors who meet when the stairs to their apartments are accidentally removed and they are forced to get to know each other and they find that they have more in common than they originally thought. Overall, The Fall Risk is a sweet read that offers a perfect mix of laughter, and introspection. Jimenez’s talent for storytelling never ceases to amaze me, her ability to draw the reader into her novels is in matched. Fans of heartfelt stories with a touch of humor will undoubtedly love this one!

This was such a quick and fresh palate cleanser that was needed. I love Abby Jimenez and I have loved all her books I’ve read. This short story was no exception. Everything did have to be rushed and quick to have in the short story and I just wish there was a little bit longer of a resolution, but overall it was so sweet to read these two characters and I felt like I learned so much about them in such a short time.

Thank you for the short story read and making me remember that I do love Abby Jimenez and her writing!

The Fall Risk was my first read from Abby Jimenez and it was absolutely perfect!

Novellas/ short stories usually don’t work for me, unless they’re in a series, just because there doesn’t seem to be enough time and space to build a plot and/ or a relationship. That was definitely NOT a problem here!

The Fall Risk starts with new neighbors Charlotte and Seth becoming stuck together since the construction crew removed the wrong stairs on their building. The forced proximity brings romance as the two get to know each other. There’s also the problem of Charlotte’s stalker looming in the distance.

I really loved how Abby created a solid, believable relationship out of something that could have easily been *shudder* insta-love. You could see them falling for each other as they grew closer throughout the book. I also loved that the book was hilarious and filled with banter and silliness (Seth’s ex? The older ladies with the whore cookies? *chef’s kiss*), but it also found a balance while incorporating a very serious element. I felt that the storyline about Charlotte’s stalker was very well done too. Especially given that it never tried to make light of the situation.

I also felt like the characters were so well done. Seth was an absolute cupcake–he was so sweet and definitely leading man material. Their best friends, Izzy and Gabe, were hilarious and I loved their dynamics. I felt Izzy was especially well fleshed out for a side character and I loved how she supported Charlotte! Charlotte was a little less fleshed out maybe, but more so that the stalker situation was a big part of her character, and while you could see glimpses of her personality around that, her character’s personality does grow a bit more as the book goes on. However, it feels believable and didn’t really bother me, because it was understandable given the situation.

Overall, if this is what I can expect from Abby Jimenez, I will definitely be picking up more from her in the future! This short story definitely defied all my short story prejudice lol. It’s a must read if you love romances and need a quick, short read!

This was a quick and fun read! I really liked the premise but I think this would've been a lot better and had much more potential as a full-length novel. As a novella - it was very fast paced, the characters moving on and falling in love so quickly was unrealistic and it didn't emotionally grip me. I think a heavy and serious topic such as stalking and the trauma that comes with it can't be written and resolved in this many pages. Still it was an enjoyable read and I loved Izzy&Gabe and I wish I could read more of them!

I love Abby Jimez! This was a cute and quick read. Great for people who love her work. If you want a quick fix of happy ever after, I would recommend it!

The Fall Risk by Abby Jiminez is a short romance

Waking up and walking outside to find their steps to their apartments demolished was not in Seth or Charlotte’s plan for the day. Especially when that’s the only way down from their homes. But also not in their plans, was meeting each other. Charlotte has no interest in spending time with Seth, as she has been avoiding a stalker, but talking with Seth is fun. This is an extremely quick story but Abby manages to pack a lot of things into it. The only bad thing is how short it is because I would have loved more of these two, and hope that Abby will bring them back in other books. If your looking for an entertaining short romance than definitely fall into this one.

Thank you for letting me have a copy of this book

What can I say? its Abby Jimenez!
I've read a few of her previous books and just love them all and this new one didn't disappoint.
The sweetness, the comedy, the story, just 10/10
P{ease keep them coming.

The Fall Risk was a fun novella. Anything Abby Jimenez writes leaves you wanting more but as a fan I appreciate her writing novellas in addition to her full length novels.