Put this down for a must read summer book! It is full of twists and turns. It is light and fun. I love the main character sticks to her dreams and does not want to change do fit into anyone else’s plan. There is just the right amount of conflict and drama to keep the book interesting and a major page turner. Are they or are they not? You will just have to read all the way to the end.

I really wanted to like this one more than I did, I loved the last book from this author and had high hopes but it was a miss for me. I had a hard time really connecting to the FMC and understanding her motivations for things and to be honest I really didn't think she had all that much character development. I liked the MMC and again had a hard time seeing why she was fighting so hard against a relationship with him. The book also felt liked it moved a little too fast especially with their relationship. I will still recommend for people to give it a try and will absolutely continue to read more from Kerry Lonsdale this one just wasn't for me. I want to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance of the publication date. I have been incredibly lucky to have gotten early access to many of Kerry Lonsdale's books and have been a long-time fan of her writing, and this novel was no different.

At first, the concept of Meli and Aaron's story felt a little cheesy but at the same time, I couldn't stop reading their story. It was compelling, heartfelt, and a bit different from other forced proximity/arranged marriage tropes I have read. As always, Lonsdale has memorable and endearing side characters, who each could have their own story, if they wanted to. These characters in "Falling for You Again" also added tremendously to the plot and aided in, especially Meli's, character development. While she made great bounds in her character development, I still felt at times her actions were a bit childish considering her age in the book, which is why this book isn't a full five stars.

Overall, I love Lonsdale's character building and they truly are the heart of every one of her stories, and "Falling for You Again" is no different.

Book Review: Falling for You Again by Kerry Lonsdale
Published by Lake Union Publishing
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

First, a heartfelt thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Kerry Lonsdale for the gifted copy of this book. I’m incredibly grateful—not just for the chance to read it early, but for being invited into such a moving, beautifully crafted story. This isn’t just another love story. It’s a portrait of resilience, healing, and the quiet, determined way two people can fight their way back to each other.

Meli Hynes is a talented woodworker who’s dedicated her life to her family’s shop, which was promised to her by her uncle. She doesn’t believe in lasting love—at least not the kind between two people. Her parents were absent, addicted, and broken. Her uncle, who raised her, taught her to pour herself into her craft instead of risking heartache. So when she discovers her uncle plans to sell the shop to a rival company, she’s gutted—and desperate.

Her plan? Marry the competition’s son. But not just any son—Aaron Borland, the man she impulsively married years ago in Vegas after fleeing her wedding, spent a week in Maui with, and then never saw again. A fake marriage will prevent the sale due to a company policy. It’s convenient. Strategic. And totally, absolutely not about love. Or so they tell themselves.

Kerry Lonsdale, a standout NorCal author who consistently writes some of the best emotionally rich stories in contemporary fiction, delivers another layered, unforgettable novel. Meli is unlike most romance protagonists—fierce, jaded, and struggling to trust that she can have both love and ambition. Aaron, on the other hand, is steady, gentle, and kind in a way that doesn’t beg for attention but earns every bit of it. Their chemistry isn’t about heat—it’s about depth. Familiarity. Real connection.

The book explores big emotions without ever veering into melodrama: grief, abandonment, trust, and the deep scars left by dysfunctional families. It’s not just about Meli and Aaron falling in love again—it’s about whether they ever stopped. It’s about how hard it is to unlearn what hurt taught you, and how freeing it is when you finally do.

Lonsdale also knows how to build atmosphere. The woodshop isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a world of its own, full of memories, craft, and identity. It adds soul to the story, just like her writing does. And while the romance pulls at your heart, there’s humor, too, and wonderful side characters like Meli’s best friend Emi, who deserves a book of her own.

This novel does what the best love stories do: it reminds you that love is messy, human, and completely worth the risk. I laughed, I got frustrated, I teared up—and by the end, I felt full. Falling for You Again is a second-chance romance with substance, voice, and a ton of heart.

Kerry Lonsdale has once again written a novel that doesn’t just entertain—it resonates. Highly, highly recommended.

Special thanks to the author and NetGalley for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: July 8, 2025
Everyone deserves a second chance. Sometimes, it just takes a little push.
Bestselling author Kerry Lonsdale has once again delivered a unique, emotional and upbeat romantic tale of second chances with her new novel, “Falling for You Again”.
Meli Hynes is a furniture craftsman, working in her uncle’s shop with dreams to take it over and make it her own one day. With an estranged relationship with both of her parents, and an ex-fiancé she literally ran from on the day of their wedding, Meli knows one thing about love- it isn’t worth it, especially if it gets in the way of her true passion, making furniture. It isn’t until her future with the business is in question that Meli feels everything falling apart and she hopes that by reaching out to former love, Aaron, they can come up with a plan to keep Meli’s passion alive. But Aaron is a complication as he remains just as sweet and loving as ever which makes it very difficult for Meli to remember her promise to herself to not fall in love.
Meli is not your typical romance protagonist. Not only is she a furniture craftsperson, making beautiful pieces out of wood for others, but she comes from a broken home where her drug-addicted parents never put her first, leaving her uncle to raise her. Led to believe that love was too risky, Meli is strong-willed, independent and creative, and she was a character I built a connection with right away. As her (predictable) relationship with Aaron develops, even then, Meli stays true to her beliefs and only commits when she realizes Aaron is the type of person who will not stand in the way of her dreams.
Lonsdale won my heart almost from the very beginning, as I have read all of her novels since “Everything We Keep”, and she’s been on my “must read” author list since. For someone like me, who turns away from romance novels, Lonsdale has successfully managed to make me an avid reader of the genre, as long as she is the one behind them.
With the unique world of furniture design as the backdrop, Lonsdale’s “Again” provides a whole new experience for readers, immersing them in this specific world of crafting and design, and I loved it, especially because Meli was so passionate about it. After chapter after chapter of page-turning drama, the ending delivered everything I was expecting, and brought a smile to my face.
Once again, thanks to Lonsdale’s team for welcoming me onto the review team for this novel (and all the others). I cannot rave about “Again”, or the author herself, enough!

This story completely charmed me with its mix of wit, warmth, and that delicious tension between old flames who know each other too well to fake it easily. The writing style is refreshingly honest and full of heart, blending humor with moments that genuinely tugged at my emotions. The themes of family loyalty, legacy, and rediscovering love felt grounded and beautifully intertwined. I enjoyed it.

From the start, you see the priorities of the main character and her family which happens to wood working. I didn’t personally find any care or interest in that whole genre and vocation which left me not all that interested in the story as a whole . It’s all around the story and often risks plots and the romance because of it which I also couldn’t get around . The pacing was fast with the book being only 234 pages and you are immediately thrust into the story . Aaron was my saving grace and I loved his character more than any other in this novel which again left me frustrated when they were fickle because of the woodworking. Will try another novel by this author if the central theme appealed to me as the writing style was right up my alley!

I’ve absolutely fallen in love with this book, its characters and their journeys. It was the perfect emotional experience and beautifully written.

I loved getting to know Meli and Aaron. Each have their relatable past baggage that have shaped their current situations and life decisions. The chemistry between the two just flows off the page and sucks the reader in.

This story made me laugh, love, empathize, and cry. The personal struggle, the anxiety, the need to please family all sucked me in and I had a difficult time putting this book down. The way Lonsdale makes the reader feel everything the characters feel is brilliant, making the reader feel they are living the storyline.

Get ready to read all the fantastic “Bearisms”!

I can’t wait to own a signed copy of this book when it releases July 8!

Much appreciation to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advance copy to enjoy.

First and foremost, I must thank NetGalley for providing me with this ARC that allowed me to read this novel in advance of its July 8 2025 release. It's always a privilege to discover new stories before their official publication.

Tropes:
Marriage of convenience
Second chance romance
Fake relationship
Forced proximity

Meli Hynes is a woodworker who has always put her workshop, inherited from her uncle, above everything else, including love, so much so that she left her former fiancé at the altar when he couldn't bear to feel second to her passion, and fled to Las Vegas. On the plane she meets Aaron Borland, a man who seems to understand her so well that they write together a list of characteristics the perfect partner should have (despite neither having any intention of getting married). From this mutual understanding and the immediate chemistry that develops between them comes a crazy idea: to get married and stay together for just 24 hours before getting an annulment and parting forever.
Years later, Aaron's name resurfaces when Meli discovers that her uncle wants to sell the business he had promised her to The Savant House, the company run by her ex-husband's family. She finds out that the only way to prevent the sale is to circumvent the no-fraternization policy and get married again. The rules are simple: pretend to be a happy couple, live together, and don't fall in love. However, living together reignites feelings that seemed to have disappeared, putting their established rules to a severe test.

Meli is an independent woman who has always put work first, yet she hides a vulnerability that emerges gradually. Her parents' abandonment, her feeling of being a stranger in her own family, and then the absurd conviction passed down to her by her uncle that dedication to work and love cannot coexist, something that therefore makes her unsuitable for marriage. Her evolution throughout the story is believable and touching, showing how love can coexist with personal ambition.

Aaron isn't the typical dominant alpha male, but rather a mature man who knows when to be strong and when to show vulnerability. His family background adds depth to the character, explaining his motivations without ever justifying problematic behaviors.

The relationship between Meli and Aaron is the true beating heart of the novel. Their chemistry is evident from the first pages and intensifies progressively without ever feeling forced. Lonsdale manages to create palpable tension that coexists perfectly with the characters' emotional development. Their shared past adds layers of complexity to their relationship, making every interaction meaningful. It's impossible not to root for them and not to want them to overcome the barriers they've imposed on themselves.

Kerry Lonsdale's writing style is fluid and engaging, with dialogue that perfectly captures the protagonists' personalities. The author knows how to balance moments of lightness with emotional depth, creating a narrative rhythm that keeps attention high.

I must note that in the ARC version I read, there are still some errors, particularly in some Italian phrases that probably weren't checked by a native speaker. I sincerely hope these details will be noticed and corrected before the final publication, because they don't do justice to the overall quality of the work.

Overall, I really enjoyed Falling for You Again. The sweetness of Meli and Aaron's relationship, combined with their evident and engaging chemistry, creates a story that warms the heart and completely satisfies the expectations of a good contemporary romance. It's the kind of book you read in one sitting, smiling and sighing at just the right moments.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars!!! 💖

Thank you so so much to NetGalley, author Kerry Lonsdale, and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of Falling for You Again!

This emotional and beautifully written book will be released on July 8, 2025 so mark your calendars!

I should have read this sooner and it completely surprised me how much I fell in love with it! The humor had me literally laughing out loud constantly and don’t even get me started on Aaron Borland. He is the perfect book boyfriend! 🥰

Meli is such a relatable character, especially with the way her anxieties and personal struggles are portrayed. And both Meli and Aaron have endured so much trauma (so much!) that I honestly wanted to sob several times while reading. The strength they both show is incredible, and their shared pain and healing brings them closer together in such a real and meaningful way.

The writing is absolutely amazing and descriptive, it pulled on every single heartstring. The author has a way of making you feel everything her characters do, and it made the story that much more powerful and immersive.

The book also touches on some really heavy topics, but the author handles it with care, positivity, and depth… breaking down stigma and judgment in a truly thoughtful way.

This romcom is going to be a hit once it gets onto shelves! The love, heartbreak, emotion, and humor are absolutely top tier. I could NOT put it down, and I would love to read more stories set in this universe.

Don’t miss this one, put it on your TBR immediately! 💖

4.5 stars

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC.

First, I love Kerry Lonsdale! I don't think she gets enough hype.

Meli Hynes grew up in the family business, making furniture. When she discovers her uncle is selling the business out from under her, Meli contacts the one person she agreed never to contact, Aaron - her ex husband.

With a motive of his own, Aaron and Meli agree to a marriage of convenience. But how long can they keep up the charade?

This was really cute, and had a very fresh storyline. I especially loved Meli and Aaron’s dynamic and how they were for one another exactly what they were missing from both relationships with their families.

It was my first by Kerry Lonsdale, but I’m definitely picking up more of her work!

Thank you to NetGalley and @LakeUnionPub for this ARC. Meli has been working in her family's furniture workshop as long as she can remember that is until she finds an offer letter to purchase the family business. She thought she was to inherit it from her uncle but now she is lost. The purchasing company however, is where her ex Aaron works. The same ex she met on a plane and married soon after in a drive-thru chapel in Vegas. She has to pull out all the stops to shut this sale down! Cute story! #FallingForYouAgain #KerryLonsdale #LakeUnionPub #July2025

Absolutely touching and wonderful. The characters of Melli and Aaron will pull at your heart and emotions. I read it in one sitting because the story is so engaging. A book you will want to read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a fun one! Aaron was the ultimate book boyfriend. Meli was misguided based on her upbringing and poor adult influences; she was a hard shell to crack. Her arc was believable and I was rooting for her to see the flaws in her self-talk. The storyline moved along at a good pace and kept me engaged. The author did justice to one of my favorite settings, Boston, also my home.

Another great Kerry Lonsdale read!! 🩷

This was fun! I loved Meli & Aaron and their story. All their stories… starting with their first Vegas wedding through to the end.

I’d be falling too!! What a lovely and fun read about learning to trust in love! I was hooked from the beginning. I also recommend going in blind!

Meli has always been told that you can't have it all. Her Uncle Bear taught her this lesson in their family's wood-working shop. You can have the career you're passionate about if you sacrifice love. But, when her inheritance is threatened, Meli decides to do the unthinkable: marry the competitor's son. But the marriage is for convenience, not for love. Definitely not for love... right?

I loved this.

I'd like for that to be my whole review, because it really sums up everything I need to say, but I'll give you a little bit more...

I fell for Meli & Aaron immediately. I rooted for them. I cheered them on. Occasionally, I wanted to shake Meli out of frustration. She had her reservations & I understood, but, man, I couldn't wait for her to see what I saw from page one.

I loved the friendships (although: do friends really go get coffee together before work? 😂). Loved Meli's drive and determination to be her own person. Loved Aaron's persistence. Loved their flaws and their growth.

I think you get the picture.

Read this. I promise you'll fall in love again and again.

Falling for You Again is an enthralling and romantic novel about a couple, Meli and Aaron, who get not just a first or second chance to be together, but a whole series of chances! They meet when Meli is a runaway bride, escaping to Las Vegas. They are strangers on a plane who spend an unexpected week together, and then meet again a few years later. Their relationship is quite the roller coaster! Each of their upbringings have shaded their views on love and marriage, and those issues weigh them down; but they can’t fight their feelings for each other, even when misunderstandings and their families get in their way. There are some very poignant moments, not just between Aaron and Meli, but also with their families and friends. I loved that they provided for each other the elements that were missing from their relationships with their families, that they had each found someone who could be their family, someone who would always put them first. I received an advance reader copy of this book.

This is definitely a lighter read than some of this author’s other work, but it felt a bit half baked. I liked the story but it felt like more of a coming of age tale/family drama than a romance. I feel we got very little romance and considering how short this is, it definitely could’ve benefited from some to really be invested in the characters. The family element was frustrating at times and felt a bit unresolved.

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