I’m loving all of these Abby Jimenez novellas! There’s so much packed into this little story! Like most of her books, she has done a brilliant job of balancing humor and romance with some more serious subject matter.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories, and Abby Jimenez for the ARC of The Fall Risk in exchange for an honest review.

The Fall Risk was a really short and sweet novella where two neighbours, Charlotte and Seth, are trapped in their apartment complex over Valentine's weekend. It was just a fun read that you can finish in an hour or two. Be aware that there is the subject of stalking and violence as well.

This story explores the journey of finding love in unexpected circumstances. Charlotte and Seth are thrust into an unusual situation that confines them to their apartment building for an entire weekend. Charlotte, haunted by a string of past traumatic events, initially tried to avoid getting to know her neighbour. However, she quickly sees that he is a good guy and opens up to him. While stuck in their building, their shared experiences on the landing outside their apartments are really adorable.

I found the climax scene to be somewhat rushed, as it unfolded quickly without fully capturing the significance of the event when Charlotte confronts her tormentor and takes back control over her life. I wish the scene had been longer with more depth to truly emphasize the impact of this moment on Charlotte’s life.

Charlotte’s transformation is the highlight of the story. She evolves from being fearful and withdrawn into a confident woman thanks to Seth’s steady and calming presence. He becomes the anchor she needs, providing stability and support as she works through her trauma. These two are adorable and deserve all the love.

⭐️ 5/5

Abby does it again with bringing us a romantic comedy while incorporating a heavier theme and a darker backstory. I loved the entire situation and setting that they ended up in. It was heartwarming and fun to watch their friendship and feelings grow.
I really hope we get a book of their friends as the MCs too!

Thank you to the publishers for providing me this advanced reader copy of the book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own

The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez is a quick and fun read and perfect for an afternoon read.

Charlotte and Seth are just trying to get by - she's got a stalker and he's just gotten divorced - and when they both leave their apartments they find that the stairs have been erroneously removed and they are stuck! They're given the option to be rescued, but they choose to stay in their apartments as it's just for the weekend and they each decide to make the most of it.

As the weekend progresses, they share coffee, conversation, and get to know one another and start liking each other when they meet each other between their apartments.

Ms. Jimenez doesn't try to rush the relationship, but creates a cute take on the stuck in a certain situation trope that I thought let their relationship develop naturally.

This story is a fun one that I enjoyed a lot.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in lieu of an honest review All opinions are my own.

What happens when a weird, heavily-armed accountant and a cute arborist with an 8-pack are trapped on the second floor of their apartment complex with no way to get down? A wholesome love story (actually 2!)

This story had all of the best parts of an Abby Jimenez squeezed into a quick read: Strong female characters, men who respect boundaries, tough topics handled with care, and a colorful cast of side characters (including a cameo from last Valentine’s Day!)

Really enjoyed this short story!

The story starts out with stairs being accidentally removed from an apartment building causing the two 2nd floor tenants to be stuck over Valentine’s Day weekend with only access to a ladder to get down. Charlotte and Seth have lived across from each other for a short time, though haven’t had a chance to get to know each other. Seth, recovering from an injury is forced to get around in a walking cast, much to his annoyance. Charlotte, hiding out from a stalker, carries around emotional-support bear spray and is very private and very suspicious. Over the course of the weekend, the neighbors find ways to connect and create trust in their secluded second floor retreat.

Normally I struggle with short stories. I get annoyed at the character development and how quickly everything ends. Somehow this novella provides enough information about the characters and the situation, I never felt like I was missing parts of the story. It is a complete novel in the housing of a short story, from the stairs going missing to the final epilogue.

Abby Jimenez writes characters I would want to be friends with. Charlotte has progressively had to change her entire life due to an obsessive guy who is stalking her. In response, she finds a friend who not only teaches her self defense, but also runs in to check on her (swinging a bat) when concerned for Charlotte’s welfare. Izzy (the friend) reminded me a little of Jane, the leather jacket wearing friend from the old show “Dharma and Greg” where she’s game for anything as long as her friend is safe and happy. I think my favorite scene is when Izzy meets Seth and his friend Gabe once and later reports to Charlotte the results of the background check she ran on them. The delivery is just as amusing and a little off putting as one can imagine.
Seth and Gabe are both complete cinnamon roll guys. They are both (what little we see of Gabe at least) sweet and respectful and trusting. Seth’s story of his past relationship is tragically funny and gives appropriate background to help him have trust issues (though not as severe as Charlotte’s) to aid with his commiseration with Charlotte.

I enjoyed this story. I would have loved it as a full length book, but I accept the story we were provided and appreciate all the details that made it feel complete.

3.5 stars

Thank you to Amazon Publishing and Abby Jimenez for providing me with an e-ARC of this short story in exchange for an honest review. I will again not be thanking Netgalley because I am still sore over their recent change that prevents me from reading these books on my Kobo.

This short story centers around a recently divorced arborian with (eight) abs and a woman living half a life due to her stalker, who so happen to be neighbours and suddenly without stairs to leave their place. The 3-day stair-less situation is what makes these two get closer at a faster pace than one usually does and share vulnerable details that quickly turn their relationship into something more.

While I thought Seth's character was charming and charismatic, I was definitely more drawn to Charlotte and her character arc. I love that she was able to open up to someone who sees her and doesn't make excuses. I love that she worked on herself to become the strongest version of herself. And I love how she finally conquered her "fear" in the end. It was truly an empowering arc to read.

My biggest problem with this book is that it's a short story, so the relationship felt relatively rushed despite the circumstances, and we didn't get enough of Seth's backstory for him to feel more real. But for a short story, it sure packs a punch and is a sweet, heart-warming quick read! Abby Jimenez's writing and humorous prose shine through despite the space constraint and you will for sure have a good time!

“The Fall Risk” by Abby Jimenez is short, sweet, and literally slays (IYKYK). Jimenez’s writing is, as always, flawless, and I highly recommend this novella as a quick Valentine’s romance read. Just be sure to check the trigger warnings.
3,5⭐️

A wonderful little story about two people who get stuck in their apartment building because a contractor accidentally took out the stairs to the second floor. They make the best of it and are supported by friends. He's an arborist who badly sprained her ankle. She's an accountant in hiding from a dangerous stalker. They have fun.

I am always so impressed when authors can pack so much into 80 pages. Jimenez introduces us to two main characters, several side characters, has tension, danger, and a happy ending. How do they do it?

A great way to spend an hour.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I've read enough of Abby's books now to know that she just gets me... or maybe I get her. She's just become one of those authors where I know I'm going to enjoy what I read - and authors like that are *so* special to have.

I knew this was a short story when I picked it up but I didn't actually realise how short, so it was a pleasant surprise that I blitzed through it in just a couple of sittings (and could've really done it in one). The premise was a little cheesy but in the absolute best way. Give me ALL the tropes. I also liked that despite this being a shorter piece, there was no scrimping on the heavier, more thoughtful backstories that I think make Abby's writing so real and emotional.

If I'm judging this like a book, then I'd say the romance side of things happened a little fast (I didn't feel the scorching hot sexual tension that I love so much), and I didn't feel like I *really* got to know Charlotte and Seth on a deep level, but this was 82 pages. 82 flippin' pages. So the fact that she was even able to convey half of the emotions and events that she did here is amazing. Sure, I'd have loved a bit more build-up and character development, but that wouldn't really be possible without it being longer. So I guess what I'm saying is can we get a Charlotte and Seth book pls? Reading this went by quicker than the blink of an eye to a redwood. If you know, you know.

This was a short cute little valentines Novella. I like how complete it felt for a novella. It had all the elements and was just really good. I liked both Seth and Charlotte. I liked how sweet they were. They built trust and did all the little things. It was also nice seeing a little cameo of John and Holly from the Worst Wingman Ever (another Novella by Jimenez). Overall, I really enjoyed this.

Thanks NetGalley, Abby Jimenez, and Amazon Original Stories for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I adored this short story! 5 stars!

My first gripe with shorts is usually that it isn't near enough time to get to know the characters but that didn't feel like an issue here. I felt like I knew enough about both main characters to feel for them and understand their thoughts and actions. The romance was super cute. It felt natural the way these two grew together and leaned on each other due to their close quarters. This story was so cute and fun to read. It made me a bit scared for Charlotte, but then kept me laughing and swooning over how Seth was with Charlotte and their friends' shenanigans.

For anyone out there that doesn't understand why a woman would "choose the bear" THIS is a perfect example of WHY. A man can do SO much more than physically harm a woman; this story shows exactly how f**ked up a life can become due to the psychological aspects of (in this case) stalking: fear, isolation, etc ....a bear would NEVER.

4.5

this was great. trust in abby! perfect at this length, but i would’ve read longer.

#netgalley

Thanks so much to Netgalley for the arc!

This one was DISSAPOINTING!

My first Abby Jimenez and my last? For now? I don't know. I was really excited when I say this book up for request on Netgalley and even more when I got the arc but only a couple pages in I was confused. Why are gun's glorified, why is talking about hurting someone cute and quirky?
Why are granny's calling someone ex wife a whore?????

And the end? Putting in that fake feminism shit to justify beating someone who's already on the ground? That's just not it.

I did not like Charlotte as a character, I did not like Seth as a character. I didn't believe fall for their romance, I literally felt nothing for them.

I am just so so disappointed.

I obviously noticed all the hype for Jimenez's „Just for the summer" but I think I might take a pause on that one and rather read a different book from a different author.

Very short but super sweet romance. Loved the banter between Seth and Charlotte...also between Gabe and Izzy...and the Bonsai Club ladies! I laughed out loud so many times for something that was only 80 or so pages.

"The Fall Risk" by Abby Jimenez is a contemporary romance novella/short story that explores themes of love, personal growth, and navigating challenges. The story follows Charlotte, as she deals with a life made complicated by having a stalker, and her neighbor Seth. The forced proximity story line was super adorable!

Abby Jimenez really excelled at crafting a relatable FMC. I also do accounting for a living and it was refreshing to see a female accountant portrayed as something more than boring and bland. Her writing is both engaging and funny, making the reader feel invested in Charlotte’s story. The pacing is well-balanced and kept me hooked from start to finish! This book was a really fun read and I especially enjoyed the author‘s ability to blend humor with heartfelt moments. This story also prompted me to reflect on my experience as a single woman and some of the difficult relationships I have had.

Overall, "The Fall Risk" is a quick, fun read for anyone who enjoys a mix of romance, humor, and emotional depth. I highly recommend it to fans of contemporary romance! I had not read anything by Abby Jimenez before this, but I plan to check out her other work now!

abby jimenez writes the cutest stories, long or short. the ability to bring depth to characters in short stories is something the author has in spades, and she uses it so well. i loved the characters, their vulnerability, and their struggles. however, it was still a short story, so nothing that special.

5/5 stars
Two good neighbors make the best of a bad Valentine’s Day in a funny and improbably romantic short story by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer.

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and Charlotte and Seth are not looking for romance. Armed with emotional-support bear spray, Charlotte is in self-imposed isolation and on guard from men. Having a stalker can do that to a person’s nerves. Just across the hall and giving off woodsy vibes is Seth, a recently divorced arborist. As in today recently. Heights, he’s fine with. Trust? Not so much. But when disaster traps them one flight up and no way down, an outrageously precarious predicament forces a tree-loving guy and a rattled girl next door to embrace their captivity. Soon their defenses are breaking away. Considering how close they both are to the edge, Charlotte and Seth could be in danger of falling—in love.

I loved every second of this! the characters the story it was truly amazing!

This was fine. For being so short it's honestly crazy. Because it's a short story obviously it has to be fast paced, but this felt way too fast for the wounds they are coming in with. I think there definitely could have been more interactions between the two of them to really sell the romance and maybe less of a focus on the side characters. Although, Gabe and Izzy were my favorite and I would read an entire book about them.
Neither Seth nor Charlotte reacted to the stairs being gone trapping them in their apartment like human beings!!! I think that's really what took me out because it made both of them seem very dumb and I just could not get on board with either of them after that. Also the Nadia Cakes mention in this one is particularly forced. Like if the retirement home is in Palmdale, going to Burbank for 5 minutes is INSANE because with traffic that can be like a 2 hour drive and if they lived in Burbank, there are negative reasons to ever go to Palmdale. This may be an LA resident problem, but it's annoying.