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.

I knew this writer, having already read another of their books (that I liked a lot).
But this one I don't know, it just fell flat to me. The storyline was interesting at first, and then it felt a repetition of the same thing over and over. And I get that this is the first book of a new series but the side characters were a little too present with the result that the story of the two main characters didn't get enough attention.

Jill Shalvis has done it again! Penny is a guarded woman just trying to keep her family afloat all the while being reluctant of dating after a previous relationship turn sour. Ryder is a busy business owner and the rock of his family shouldering the guilt of things he shouldn’t. Ryder was so patient and understand, I absolutely adored him. The banter Penny and Ryder had through book had me smiling and chuckling to myself as I read. I truly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what else this series may have in stored. The side characters stood out just as much as the main characters and leaves you wanted more. I would give this book a solid 4.25 out of 5.

Really enjoyed this book. Ryder and Penny, both are trying to keep their families together and well cared for. Each not looking for a relationship until they meet. Lots of laughter, love, sorrow and steam. The interaction between the brothers is a hoot.

I am in love! I am in love with Penny and Ryder and all of their family members. I am in love with their vulnerabilities and their story. I am in love with the pacing and the setting. I am just in love with it all.

~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~

I received an ARC for He Falls First from NetGalley. This was my first book by this author. I enjoyed the dynamics and humor between the siblings. All of the major and supporting characters felt like people I could know in real life. I assume this will become a series about the siblings and I look forward to it. Cute love story with a good bit of spice. 3.5 to 4 stars. Thank you again for the ARC!

Penny set her dreams aside to move back home to help her grandmother, Nell, take care of Penny’s half-brother, Wyatt. She works as a chef for a catering company, through which she meets Ryder Colburn. There’s an attraction, but neither one is ready for a relationship. Both Penny and Ryder carry emotional baggage from their past that they still deal with regularly; Penny with the memories and physical scars of a past relationship and Ryder by taking care of the father that abused him and his siblings when he’s left unable to care for himself.

I loved the snarky bantering between Penny and Ryder, the humor, the family dynamics, and more. I laughed and shed a few tears and totally loved this story!

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

I really loved the first in the Colburn Brothers series from Jill Shalvis, He Falls First. It is the story of Penny Rose, a cook who recently moved back home with her grandmother, Nell, to help raise her twelve year old brother, Wyatt, when their mother moves away. She has also left an abusive boyfriend behind, so the last thing she is looking for is love.
Ryder Colburn is the oldest of a family of four siblings that grew up with a military father who was very cold, and often used corporal punishment on his children. Ryder had recently lost his best friend/brother-in-law and was not looking for love either.
Penny & Ryder's paths cross because she delivers catering orders to Ryder's company, and Penny's grandmother is a caregiver for Ryder's dad, but when Penny almost gets hit by a truck at Ryder's workplace, and he saves her, sparks fly.
In the small California town of Star Falls, there is a legend that if you see three falling stars at once, you will meet your soulmate. When Ryder and his two brothers see the falling stars, his brothers won't let him forget the legend.
Will Penny & Ryder ever learn to trust each other enough to see where their attraction leads? In her usual funny, warm way, Jill Shalvis brings their story to life. Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOK Casablanca, for an advance ebook to review.

If you like your romance novels with a dose of humor delivered via hilarious animal antics, choose this read.

If you like your romance novels featuring sexy male fused with a protective streak for family and his love interest, choose this read.

If you like your romance novels showcasing a female main character who does not let her past define but, instead, takes it and becomes 'more than', choose this read.

The pacing of this book was spot on as was the backstories of the characters. Was expecting Penny's past to make an appearance so bit surprised about the direction taken to let that storyline dissipate especially given this author's trajectories in similar past reads.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca | Sourcebooks Casablanca , via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#HeFallsFirst #NetGalley

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Very fun romance about second chances and found family. Loved the side characters. I think it is going to be a series, which would be awesome.

a first for me to read this author and I love that there is a huge backlist.

It was a small town romance that was cozy and sweet but with sex and grit. Doesn't make sense to you?! lol well that is what it felt like to me.
There was a few things that I didn't love (grandma after the abuse happened?!- no grandma) and flippant in some ways about mental health...but it was still a good read.

He Falls First by Jill Shalvis. This is the first book in her Colburn Brother’s series. Penny is a chef that returns home to her grandmother’s house to help raise her brother Wyatt after her mother leaves. Penny has been abused by her last boyfriend and now doesn’t trust her own judgement. Ryder the oldest of the Colburn brother’s was always protecting his siblings from their father’s abuse. Now going through his own tragedy, he is running the family business and helping with their stroke riddled father. I loved this story. Had me at the first paragraph. Great characters that have you invested. With heartache, healing, flirty banter, family and a Starfall myth this is a must read book for summer! Enjoy! Thank you to #NetGalley, #Sourcebooks Casablanca and #Jill Shalvis for this Arc. Releases Aug 5, 2025. This is my honest review. #HeFallsFirst

ARC review

"He Falls First" by Jill Shalvis is the first book in the "Colburn Brothers" series.

I received an advance review copy from Sourcebooks Casablanca (via Netgalley).
Opinions from this review are completely my own.

Ryder is the oldest brother that took over a lot of responsibilities after his dad got sick.
He is running the family business and also takes acre of his father.
Penny moved with her grandmother to help her fix up her house and also to take care of her brother.

This is small town romance, but it is not an easy, feel good book.

As indicated by the title, Ryder falls for Penny first, but she has trauma from an abusive relationship and needs time before she can be in a new one.
She is a strong and hard working woman that managed to become independent and does her best to help her family.

I liked the way their relationship developed and the I think they are good one for the other.

There is also a cute parrot that will make you laugh a lot.

Looking forward to the next books in the series.

This is a small-town, slow burn romance. Ryder and Penny both are bothered by their pasts and have sworn off the opposite sex. But there is an attraction between them. Ryder starts to waiver but Penny has too much pain in her past. Can they move forward? A very good read.