omg if I could give this book more stars, I would!!!! I LOVED THIS!! I WANT MORE! Not a lot of books can have me laughing out tears, but this one was full of a lot of good banter that just had me giggling up a storm. I love the characters, and I wish I could be a part of family. I cant wait to read the next book. WOW!! 🥰🥰🥰

As someone new to Jill Shalvis, I didn’t know what to expect—but He Falls First surprised me in the best way. Ryder Colburn, a rugged contractor and family caretaker, saves Penny Rose, a scarred and guarded caterer trying to rebuild her life. From that rescue grows a slow, emotionally honest romance built on trust, safety, and quiet connection.
Penny is wary and wounded; Ryder is steady and kind in a way that never demands, only supports. Their bond unfolds gradually, grounded in emotional repair rather than drama. Set in the small town of Star Falls, the story is heartfelt, intimate, and refreshingly low on cliché. A warm, slow-burn romance about healing and being seen.

He Falls First is the first book in the Colburn Brothers series. Ryder and Penny are drawn to each other after Ryder rescues her from almost being run over by a car. She works for a catering company and was trying to cross the street to deliver meals to his business. Ryder is the CEO of his family’s restoration business and renovates old buildings plus he also takes care of his disabled father. Ryder was physically abused as a boy by his father who he ironically now is caring for. His father had a seizure and after his surgery, he is unable to speak and is no longer mean. Penny recently returned home to Star Falls to live with her grandmother, Nell, and her half brother after she escaped an abusive relationship. Nell watches Ryder's dad during the day and she suggests Ryder ask Penny out. Ryder is all up for that - he likes her snarky attitude. Penny has sworn off men but she sees how kind Ryder is in his own gruff way and as they grow closer, they find comfort in each other.

There is a local legend in Star Falls that if you see three shooting stars in a row, you will meet your soul mate. When Ryder and his brothers are visiting Ryder’s best friend's grave, Ryder sees three shooting stars and his fate is sealed! There is also a mystery involving embezzelment in their company and I wanted to know who was behind it but sadly, it wasn’t resolved in this book. I am guessing the mystery will be carried over into the next brother’s book. It looks like Caleb’s story, Free Falling, will be next. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. My full review will be at All About Romance closer to the release date.

Jill Shalvis has penned an original page turner.!
I love The Colburn Brothers.!
Looking forward to reading so much more from Jill Shalvis.

I want to thank NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Jill Shalvis is the first author that got me into reading. The first book I ever picked up was from her. I’ll never forget it to be honest. “He Falls First” is heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time. Families who went through heartache and loss to get to where they are today. The 2 mains were instantly drawn to each-other which when that happens I usually hate it.. but these 2 were different.. they were like a warm hug reading about them. They were adorable. I loved their truths and I loved their honesty to one another. Jill will probably never disappoint me with a novel she writes and I was blown away when I was accepted to read this one.

Once burned, twice shy seems to fit Penny Rose’s life these days. Escaping a very bad relationship, her job and her ex’s apartment, she is starting over so she can pay the bills. Of course her path crosses with Ryder Colburn who has issues in his past as well that complicate his life. But as fate would have it, they navigate the fragile spark of hope for something better that keeps popping up to draw them together, not the least of which is very hot desire between them, and find that they are better together. I thank NetGalley for the chance to read an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review! Fun read and I recommend it!

Jill Shalvis can be depended upon for a heartstrings tugging romance that will linger in your bloodstream. He Falls First, her newest release and first in a new series, is no exception. Penny and Ryder will grip your heart with their story, and then melt it entirely.

Penny is back home to care for her family, her aging grandmother and young brother, after a hell of a false start. She's home to heal and to nurture, that's it. That's enough. She's not ready to even think about men anymore. But Ryder Colburn is everywhere. In her house (dropping off her grandmother's caregiving charge), in her workplace (she works for his sister's catering company and regularly feeds his contracting crew), and ever-increasingly in her head. Penny is skittish from her past experience, but Ryder is a patient, kind man. He has a gaggle of younger siblings he's always been responsible for, his own business, and he knows all about hard pasts. He has one himself. But he's a lot farther on the road of acceptance and growth, and accepts Penny for who she is an exactly where she's at.

*swoon*

Okay, can we talk about how hot it is to have such a patient man? He knows his own mind, and knows when to step in and when to step away. He's not pushy at all, ever, but he also positions himself to be able to keep an eye on this woman he has this energetic connection with. He's exactly what Penny needs, and they absolutely both deserve the comfort and love the other has to offer.

What can I say except this book is an easy win. If you're looking for your next emotional romance read, choose this one, and then dive into the extensive backlist of equally touching and swoon-y Jill Shalvis novels. Her characters are wounded and passionate and will bring you to your knees every time.

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Ryder and Penny

I absolutely loved this book. It felt like her old style of work with series like Lucky Harbor and Animal Magnetism. I cannot wait for the rest of the books in this series.

Penny moves in with her grandmother and her half brother (Wyatt) after their mom once again leaves them. Penny is trying to get her life back together. She is leaving love behind and focusing on the demands of her job at a local catering company. With a rough upbringing, Ryder has always made sure that his siblings were always safe. He protected them from as much as he could but always made sure they lived life to the fullest. He runs a restoration company with his brothers working for him.

Penny is not wanting love. The woman in her life always had the wrong guys come into them. She decides to put off dating and men to the side. Ryder lost his best friend/business partner to an accident. He consumes himself in work and with his siblings. He is emotionally not there anymore and lost himself. Both these two have been through a lot emotionally. The chemistry is undeniable between these too. Ryder is a saint with his patience for Penny. It is always at her pace. She is trying so hard not to act on these feelings for Ryder. But in the end can she realize that Ryder is everything she deserves and more?

Gosh I loved this book. I loved the Colburn siblings banter and the interactions they had throughout the book.

I enjoyed the characters in this novel, especially Ryder, the male protagonist. He’s just the perfect gentleman, just a good guy all the way around. His family has had their problems, but Ryder has done his best to make the best of his life and tried to do what is best for his siblings and even his once abusive father. When Penny arrives home to help her grandmother take care of her twelve-year-old half brother, she is coming from an abusive relationship and has vowed to never become emotionally involved in a relationship again. But once she and Ryder connect, there is no question but that there is more than just friendship involved, and the two find their way to healing one another. Overall, a great romance that is sweet with a bit of spice, just like I like them.

This one gave the warm and fuzzy vibes, Jill Shalvis never misses when it comes to heartfelt stories with loveable characters and just the right touch of sass and steam. It's a heartwarming small romance that blends charm, humor and motion. With just the right amount of steam and plenty feel good moments, this book is like a warm hug. It's a sweet reminder that love often shows up when you least expect it.

Another heartwarming and spicy romance from Jill Shalvis! This is the first book in a new series and I cannot wait to read the next one. However, this book can be read as a stand-alone.

The small town in the Tahoe area is the perfect setting and is home to an amazing cast of relatable characters. I particularly love the sense of community, family, and friendship that lives in this book. The cherry on the top for me is the area’s legend, which isn’t overplayed, but involves falling stars. This book is going to thrill contemporary romance readers.

I received an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

Jill shelves is the queen of evocative emotional prose and this novel is no different. I was so sad it ended because it is a gorgeous truimp of a novel with intricate characters and a deeply moving plot.

I was lucky to receive an advanced copy from NetGalley of this great new story . I don’t need to summarize the story, you can see that in the book description. But I can tell you that you won’t want to miss this one. Jill hit it out of the park. This has all the feels. Ryder is the brother we all want to have our backs. Penny is a hard working sweetheart with some trust issues. However, these two together are a blast. Lots of funny banter through their journey to their HEA. You just got to love their crazy families and their struggles but they are always there for each other. Preorder now because these Colburn brothers are so lovable and will bring you lots of laughs. ❤️❤️❤️

Jill Shalvis never disappoints and kicks off a brand new series I’m already obsessed with and can’t wait for more!

It had been a hot minute since I read a book by Jill Shalvis but diving into He Falls First felt like coming home to her work. She never disappoints when it comes to crafting romance novels that suck you in with the best characters that you want to follow deep into a series you hope never ends.

He Falls First is the first book in her new Colburn Brothers series which not only gives a wonderful happily-ever-after of its own but which makes you totally hungry for all of the Colburn siblings’ stories. I’m convinced nobody sets up a series as well as Jill.

But this one focuses on the older brother, Ryder, who is always the one who looks out for his younger siblings given how they grew up with an abusive father (hints off page). Despite his past, he is a man who is extremely patient, kind and emotionally aware which makes him the perfect match for Penny because she just left an abusive relationship.

Ryder made me swoon time and time again with his emotional intelligence and how he let Penny set the pace for their relationship. It was really hard for her to not only trust a man but to trust herself and it was wonderful to see her finally meet a worthy man given all that she was juggling in her life.

If you’re looking for a swoon worthy romance with a great family of characters then definitely pick up He Falls First. I cannot wait to read Caleb’s story next in Free Falling!

*I received an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

It's been a hot minute since I read a Jill Shalvis book, and this instantly took me back to my college days when I DEVOURED them on the regular.

Ryder is the oldest of the Colburn brothers, and not only is he in charge of the family's contractor business, but he's also currently in charge of taking care of his formerly abusive father, who has been basically brought to an innocent, childlike state due to two strokes. Penny is in town after escaping an abusive relationship and is looking after her 12 YO brother and feisty grandma, who is also Ryder's father's caretaker during the day. Penny works as a caterer for Ryder's sister. They have a sparking attraction to each other.

The romance in here was sweet with a decent amount of spice. I found Ryder's relationship with his father to be one of the most interesting pieces, and I'm interested to see how the other brothers deal with this drastic change in their relationship.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my thoughts!

I love reading books by Jill Shalvis I never know what to expect because they are that good. This one was steamy, romantic, funny, and heartwarming. I loved the family dynamic of it and how it brought two people together. I'm glad it ended the way it did. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review..

I love a story with a good legend - the kind that you know will lead to a deep love.

Penny and Ryder don’t really want that kind of love. He grew up with a domineering father, and Penny has been bitten and spit-out from her last relationship. Together though, they find something magical. Something (dare I say it?)- legendary.

This is the first book in a series and I, for one, look forward to the next book.

He Falls First is the first book in a new series by Jill Shalvis and she doesn’t disappoint. There is Penny, a very independent woman trying to keep her head above water as she cares for her grandmother and tween brother. Ryder is head of his family’s business. Both Penny and Ryder have secrets from their pasts and no intention of getting bogged down by a relationship. However, the chemistry unexpectedly explodes between the two of them. I enjoyed the banter and camaraderie between Ryder and his siblings. Throughout the book, there is a need for forgiveness and second chances that bring a sense of heartwarming, new opportunities. I look forward to reading more in this series.

Penny and Ryder both have a lot going on n their lives so love the last thing they are looking for.

They are thrown together through work and home life and their attraction seems be mutual and instantaneous, but they are both wary.

Ryder has a lot of responsibility with his company and his family so isn’t looking for something serious, but can’t seem to stay away from Penny.

Penny just got out of a situation which left her doubting her instincts so doesn’t trust herself to start a new relationship.

Ryder does pursue her, but also understands that she is relationship shy and decides friends/friends with benefits will do for now.

I loved how patient he was with her and how she made him smile.

They both understood each other’s lives quite well and were very good at being there for each other.

I loved both of their family dynamics, they definitely added to the story and I am looking forward to reading more about this family.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the title.

Jill Shalvis has a way with creating the most wonderful characters that I find myself wanting to be friends or family with in every single book. The Colburn family was no different.
The laughs, banter and wittiness was par to none. I found myself relating hard to the family.
Penny and Ryder. Friends to lovers, opposites attract, small town, he falls first, redemption romance that gives all the feels.
I found myself wanting more from the Colburn family when this book ended so I am glad to see there will be atleast another installment and I cannot wait.

This is one for the shelves for sure. You wont regret it.