Jill Shalvis shines when she does a family series. The way she writes sibling relationships is so endearing and fun, and I’m immediately drawn in to all of them, which makes me excited for their books.

Ryder and Penny were simply sweet. They each had past trauma and heartbreak that they were working through and it was nice to read a romance with two adults, who acted like adults and didn’t have some stupid third act break up, which is one of my big pet peeves.

I thoroughly enjoyed the start of this new series. It’s a great small town romance that I fell into with ease. I instantly cared about all of the characters, main and supporting, and I’m excited to have a new series to look forward to.

This is one of those books that makes you have all the feelings. This is Ryder and Penny’s story. They are both grieving a loss. The losses are quite different, but still a loss. Penny was in a very abusive relationship. She lives with her grandmother and helps to raise younger brother Wyatt.
Ryder Colburn is the oldest of the Colburn siblings, and he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. When his brother in law dies in a tragic accident, he blamed himself. When his very abusive father has suffered two strokes, he takes him into his home to care for him.
And he also helps his sister with his niece and nephew as much as he can. He had to take over the running of the business instead of working in the business. Everyone in life deserves happiness each and every person in this beautiful but at the same time ugly world and this is how they intertwine there lives together.

He Falls First by Jill Shalvis is the first novel in a soon to be published series about the Colburn brothers. Ryder Colburn, and his brothers, Tucker , and Caleb, live in Star Falls, Sonoma County, California. The three brothers witnessed the rare phenomenon of 3 shooting stars falling together in the sky. The legend says that if you see these 3 shooting stars your soul mate will enter your life.
Ryder Colburn and Penny Rose share many similarities. Ryder is the CEO of a successful Restoration company. He recently lost his best friend and business partner, and brother in law. He cares for his father, who before he had a series of strokes, was physically and mentally abusive. He works with and watches over his brothers and baby sister, and her two children. He is too busy to look for love or a relationship. Thanks to the Legend of Star Falls, love seems to find him.
Penny Rose has returned to Star Falls to help her younger brother, 12 year old Wyatt and her grandmother, Grandma Nell. She was in an abusive relationship before returning home, and has emotional and physical scars as well. She is trying to reclaim herself , and open a restaurant. She is also not looking for a relationship herself, much less a happily ever after.
He Falls First takes the reader on Ryder and Penny’s journey to overcome the past, regain trust, rediscovering their inner strength, through trust and love. There are many interesting characters along the way way, including Pika boo parrot, who is obsessed with poop.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I traveled along with Penny and Ryder , as they found their happily ever after. I loved that their families played such an important part in their relationship.
I would like to thank Sourcebooks Casablanca and Net Galley for sending me an advanced copy of this book. The opinion of this book is mine alone.

I’ve always liked books where he loves her before she loves him.

There were several characters in this book that I fell in love with, and I’m so looking forward to reading about the other brothers. Ryder is the oldest, and he’s busy running the family business, taking care of his father, his sister and her kids. And he’s still grieving the loss of his brother-in-law, personally taking on the responsibility for his death.

Penny came home to take care of her little brother and her grandmother, but also to take care of herself. She’s recovering from a relationship gone bad, a relationship that got violent. She’s decided that she’s not ready to get involved with anyone again.

But then comes Ryder. We watch them dance around each other and their feelings, both of them hesitant but needing what they found in the other.

Great romantic scenes, great comedic scenes, this book has it all. It’s just a lighthearted romance, and I highly recommend it.

Thanks to Sourcebooks/Casablanca for the galley. All opinions on my own.

Pure flow

There is no better word to describe this book than flow. it all flows so naturally, so wonderful, so flawless.

There is not much drama here, just families with big issues that still manage to be smaller than the love they share. And two people who come nicely together, despite their setbacks, helped by three little stars.

I am grateful to have received this in order to share my view on it, it hooked me from the very first page and I couldn't put it down. It's a charming, sweet story, perfect for a good time.

Rating: 3.75/5 rounded up to 4.

Tropes: sweet romance, beta-hero, trauma-childhood, family-values, siblings, part-of-a-series, sassy-grandma, working-class-hero, working-class-heroine.

This is a sweet romance. I wish there were any other way to describe it, but sweet really does describe it well. The hero, Ryder, is the oldest sibling, takes cares of his family and all the kids were abused by their dad. Now their dad has had 2 strokes and is the sweetest ever, but the siblings are still reeling from the past abuse of their dad. Together, they own and run Colburn Construction.

Penny's mom is unstable and has left her grandma and younger (half?) brother alone. She gives up her job to help them out. She dreams of opening up her cafe, but is so bogged down from day to day, that she can't think straight. She works for the catering company that supplies lunches and snacks to the Colburn Construction.

I will concede that there is no doubt that the hero likes the heroine. All the people around him ALSO know that he likes her. He waits for her delivery and has (supposedly) bumped into walls because he was watching her. My issue is that I wish there were a little more anticipation between the two. The conflicts that each of them took a back seat, where as a reader you sort of discard their issues (they are not highlighted much at all, in my opinion). Because they kiss so naturally and are already so in tune with each other, it seems hard to understand why they aren't together already.

The about-face that Hank (the dad) had... I'm not sure if that was necessary? The relationship between the heroine's mom and herself could also have been explored much more to give more depth.

This was a funny, heartwarming read with a perfectly paced slow-burn romance. The banter between the characters was sharp and entertaining, and there were some truly great emotional moments woven throughout. I also loved the addition of Pika-Boo the parrot, who stole the show.

Overall, this is a delightful story with humor, heart, and a romance worth rooting for. Highly recommended if you enjoy slow-burn chemistry with plenty of laughs along the way.

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.

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.

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.