This is such a heartwarming and funny book. I loved all the characters. They are quirky and fun to read about. I chuckled a lot. Penny and Ryder are a wonderful couple. I found myself rooting for them throughout the book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Cute book! Loved the parrot! hilarious!

Ryde and Penny were a great couple! Grandma was adorable!

Also loved the other Colburn siblings - great opportunity for more stories with them!

Jill has dome in again! I fall in love with every character she writes. Loved peekaboo and the brothers! The book had me crying, laughing and sad it was over!

3.5 stars

'He Falls First' is quintessentially small town, feel-good romance, or should I also say, quintessentially Jill Shalvis.

Ryder Colburn and Penny flirt and banter their way through the whole book--and yes, it's a slow burn with a somewhat low spice level. There's quite a bit of heart in this even if nothing too much happens really, on the outside. Ryder grapples with the weight of family responsibility as the eldest sibling, while Penny works to rebuild her confidence and sense of self after escaping an abusive relationship.

Instead, what we have is a deep dive into the characters' psyches: their hesitations, their motivations and behavioural patterns, though I think this comes at the cost of narrative pace and momentum.
The repetitive push-pull dynamic between Ryder and Penny does feels cyclical rather than progressive however, and the meandering structure had me looking out for more external action instead.

There's solid groundwork put in place for the next few books in the series with potential conflicts not-so-subtly seeded. The secondary characters (Ryder's brothers) are quite prominently positioned for their own stories and it's something that Shalvis's fans can definitely look forward to .

Jill Shalvis writes heroines who are sassy, smart assy and Penny is no different. Life hasn't been kind to her but she keeps her chin up (scar and all).
Ryder hasn't had it easy but he's overcome a lot of childhood adversary to be a successful, kind, tender business owner.
I've been reading Jill Shalvis for years - since her Loveswept days and continue to enjoy her books.
He Falls First is the first in a series. I look forward to the next release and catching up with both Penny and Ryder's families.
Five stars from me.
My thanks to #NetGalley for an opportunity to early read He Falls First in exchange for a fair review.

I really enjoyed the story between Penny and Ryder. Coming home to take care of her gram and younger brother helped her get past a nightmare she was living thru. Ryder was the sweet dream to healing

He Falls First by Jill Shalvis is a drool worthy story that handles some serious personal issues with humor. Penny escaped an abusive relationship, while Ryder blames himself for the death of his sister’s husband. Neither one is looking for a relationship, but fate…or maybe the town’s legend involving seeing three falling stars at once might have a different idea. There are some great supporting characters like Penny’s grandmother and her pet bird with the interesting vocabulary that kept this reader anxious to see what they would do next. Ms. Shalvis writes books that lure her readers to keep going way past their bedtimes. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

Outstanding in both warmth and humor..
Drew me right in and kept me entertained until the end. A plucky heroine who had been done wrong. A strong hero who was a protector and a cast of characters I can't wait to hear more about.
Classic Jill Shalvis with a modern edge. I loved it

Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

2.5 stars.

This book was challenging to rate. The cast of characters, the backstories, the potential for future books were all at a 4-star level. However, there was a lot more graphic sex and f-bombs that this author has had in most of her recent books. Also, when it came to the actual story, there wasn't a lot of "there" there. There was the love story. There was lots of sex. There were cute kids. There was Shavlis' delightfully snarky and entertaining interactions with both Ryder's and Penny's families and their friends and employees. But the actual story just sort of meandered. At certain points I felt like "yes!, now we're getting into the real story here." but it just didn't happen.

So, bottom line, I'm considering this book in the same light as Book 1 ("Sweet Little Lies") of her "Heartbreaker Bay" series. Like "Sweet Little Lies", "He Falls First" is not my favorite story but it appears to nicely set up the whole structure of characters and plot lines for future stories.

I find healing in Jill Shalvis’ books. I have no idea what it is about her stories that just suck me in and heal my soul but each book I have read by her just helps my dark little heart shine.

He Falls First is a little more emotional than I first thought but the way Ryder and Penny just helped one another first as acquaintances then as friends…beautiful. Their bond allowed each other to open, trust and fall, but Penny’s past and uncertain future keep her one foot in and one foot out but Ryder is set on doing everything he can to show her, she’s safe with him.

This story was sweet, steamy and full of some hilarious moments. I didn’t want the story to end and now I’m dying for the next book!

He Falls First is classic Jill Shalvis, with a little more grit and heart than some of her past titles, and I loved every second of it.

This is the start of her new Colburn Brothers series, and let me just say that Ryder Colburn is the kind of book boyfriend we don’t get enough of. Broody but gentle, tough exterior with a gooey, protective center. He’s dealing with the trauma of his past while trying to do the right thing, even if it means caring for the very person who caused him and his siblings so much pain. You just feel for him.

Penny is a strong FMC. She’s back in her hometown trying to pick up the pieces after an abusive relationship, caring for her family, and trying to get her feet back under her. She’s funny, independent, and guarded, and totally not ready to fall for someone like Ryder. And yet, she does. But what’s refreshing here is that he falls first. And he falls hard. Hence the title.

Their chemistry is undeniable but slow burning in a believable way. Ryder is so patient and kind with her, and Penny’s journey toward trust and healing felt really honest. I appreciated how their shared trauma didn’t turn into drama, but instead became a quiet bond between them.

Also, shoutout to the quirky side characters (Pika-boo the budgie might’ve stolen a few scenes), and the Colburn family setup has me so excited for what’s to come in the series. There’s definitely a solid foundation here for future books, and I’m already placing bets on who ends up with who.

A couple of things felt a little rushed toward the end, but overall, this was heartfelt, healing, and exactly what I wanted from a small town romance with depth.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jill Shalvis, and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC of this book.

He Falls First by Jill Shalvis is the first in her new series about the Colburn family.

In the debut book of the series, Ryder Colburn who took the brunt of the abuse dished out to him and his siblings as children, is now faced with helping to care for someone he doesn't want to, but feels an obligation to. Penny Rose is dealing with her own trauma from an abusive relationship and has gone back to her family and to help her brother and Grandma and to get a fresh start of her own.

Ryder is the type to put everyone else first and he is immediately struck by Penny and wants to help her, even when it puts him in a position of having to be around his own abuser more than he wants to. Penny isn't sure of Ryder, but can't seem to help herself as far as falling for him.

It's a nice change of pace watching the male main character fall first (hence the title) and go out of his way to be understanding, woo the FMC, and to just generally be a likeable character.

We have a lot of set up for the series in this book with little snippets of storylines you can see Ms. Shalvis putting out there for us for the future books.

I can't wait to read about this family in future books.

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

Ryder Colburn owns and operates a successful restoration business. He also takes on the care of his stroke-addled father – the very man who had abused him and his siblings as children. The death of his best friend and business partner has left Ryder emotionally stunted. Until he encounters the snarky-mouthed Penny Rose. The woman awakens something inside him, and Ryder finds himself drawn to her. Can Ryder help Penny overcome her issues? Or will his own stand in their way?

Penelope “Penny” Rose moves back home a broken shell of her former self. The fiasco of her last relationship causes her to swear off men and dating. Penny has given up her dream of opening a café to financially support her family. Then Ryder Colburn enters her orbit. Penny does not trust herself or her instincts when it comes to him. Can Penny trust Ryder not to hurt her? Will he help her heal from the trauma of her last relationship? Or will they both self-sabotage the possibility of a relationship?

Ryder is my favorite type of hero: wounded/tortured type. He is a man burdened daily by his own emotional baggage. Ryder puts everyone else’s needs before his own. I admire his decision to take care of his father. Ryder could have washed his hands of the man who had abused him and his siblings. Or hire a full-time caretaker to see to the man’s care and needs. Ryder even feels conflicted when confronted by the father of the present to the man of the past. What I adore the most about Ryder is his patience and care with Penny. He recognized a kindred spirit, one who has experienced something like he and his siblings did.

Penny impressed me. Not too many women have the bravery or temerity to escape an abusive relationship. She did. Penny knows the experience has left some issues she needs to deal with and heal from. I also empathize with her. With the state of the economy today and prices of things, being financially stable is a pipe dream. Many people are stuck at a job that hardly provides for them or their family. What I like the most about Penny is how she and Ryder have so much in common. They both have the inability to ask for help when it’s needed, preferring to take care of things on their own. They both take care of their loved ones and friends.

HE FALLS FIRST is the first installment in Jill Shalvis’ brand-new, contemporary romance series, COLBURN BROTHERS. This book is everything I come to expect from Shalvis: humor, witty characters and touchy/difficult subject matter. If I did not need to sleep or deal with the day-to-day housework, I could have finished this story in a day. I simply did not want to put it down because I became emotionally invested from the first chapter.

Now the wait for Caleb and Tucker’s books (impatiently I might add!). I have a suspicion on who Tucker’s love interest will be… I had hoped Penny’s friend Violet would be a good candidate for Caleb. Also, I am curious if Shalvis has any plans for Kiera. She deserves to find happiness again.

My favorite character in the book is Pika-boo, the green and yellow budgie. He makes me almost wish I had a bird again… almost. I remember the fun a mischievous, talking bird could be. Pika-book brought up sweet memories of my Nanday Conure, Draven and his favorite phrases.

Penny ha vuelto a su pueblo natal, Star Falls, escapando de una relación abusiva y asumiendo el cuidado de su abuela y su hermano menor. Herida, pero decidida a reconstruir su vida, se refugia en la rutina de su trabajo como chef y en el caos controlado de su hogar. Es fuerte, sarcástica, tierna, y claramente está luchando por salir a flote sin perder la sonrisa.

Ryder es un hombre de pocas palabras, dueño de una empresa de restauración y con un pasado familiar marcado por el abuso, ha construido muros a su alrededor para protegerse y mantener el control. Pero detrás de esa fachada imperturbable, hay un hombre protector, paciente y con una profunda necesidad de conectar, aunque no lo admita.


Ambos personajes encuentran en el otro un espacio seguro. Penny, con su corazón herido, enseña a Ryder a abrirse. Ryder, con su firmeza y ternura discreta, le recuerda a Penny que merece ser cuidada, no solo cuidar.


..

Yo no podría hacer lo mismo que Ryder; me pareció injusto que tuviera que cuidar a su padre, quien fue abusivo con él. Sé que el señor ya no es el mismo, pero aun así me resulta terrible tener que ver todos los días el rostro de alguien que te hizo tanto daño, y además tener que tratarlo con amabilidad mientras revives todo lo que te hizo sufrir.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest.

Jill Shalvis is an auto buy author for me. Her latest, He Falls First, was a five star read, as I expected. It’s available this fall!

Jill Shalvis has mastered the art of funny small-town romance, and He Falls First is no exception. Star Falls feels new and familiar at the same time, as does the dynamic between the Colburn siblings. It's cozy and comfortable and funny and sweet. Ryder immediately recognizes the care he needs to take with Penny, and (zany grandma shenanigans notwithstanding) consistently does it. This is definitely a healing sort of book all the way around.

One consistent quibble I have had with Shalvis's books over the years is her treatment of weight- and food-based shame. It's not as prominent in this book as it is in many of her other books, but if you are triggered by things like a character just casually saying that she can't eat until she loses X amount of weight, this might not be the book or the author for you.

⭐ 4,5

Penny and Ryder both have their own struggles regarding grief and past abuse, but they way they support eachother through it all felt real and touching.

The legend of Starfall added a cute and magical touch to the story, that is if you believe in fate and soulmates.

I absolutely loved all the characters, mainly Pika-Boo, and I cant wait to read the rest of the Colburn Brothers series to read more about them.

The last chapters did feel slightly rushed regarding Penny and Ryder's relationship.
Also some issues that were mentioned earlier on remained unresolved, which I hope will be addressed in the rest of the series.

Overall He Falls First was a very enjoyable read and I can't wait to read more about the other brothers.

I'm so glad this was one of those instant approve ARC's because then I was able to dive right in. Okay, review time:
3.5 stars (I'll round up)
Let me start by saying that this rating is strictly because of my personal opinion. I had nothing against the writing. In fact, I thought the writing was really well done and kept me hooked the whole time. My problem was with the nosy grandmother. Now please forgive me because I'm about to disrespect my elders here.....
In any other situation, the grandma secretly setting their granddaughter up would be sweet. However, Penny was JUST abused a WEEK earlier. Yes, she had gotten out of the relationship months ago but, to go through something traumatic like that and then have your grandma try setting you up with a guy behind your back......like she was still bruised up and twitchy around the MMC.
I think she meant well but, it was really hard for me to like her when she should've been placing her in therapy, not with a man.
Oh and, speaking of therapy, I'm not a fan of when characters are showing clear signs of trauma from past abuse and their mentality is "I'm fine on my own". It's okay to need help. In fact, it's sexy when a character asks for it.
Anywho, I know it seems like after all that I may not have liked the story but I enjoyed it. With the meddlesome grandmother aside and lack of mental health help, I'd probably still recommend this!

He Falls First is classic Jill Shalvis: heartwarming, funny, and packed with just the right amount of steam and emotion. I went into this expecting a sweet, small-town romance with lovable characters and came out completely satisfied.

From the first few chapters, I was hooked by the chemistry between the leads. The hero (yes, he definitely falls first!) is charming but layered, and the heroine has just enough grit and vulnerability to make her feel real. Their banter felt natural and often had me smiling, if not outright laughing. Shalvis does such a great job of balancing lightness with deeper emotional arcs, and that shines here too.

The setting, like many of her books, is cozy and vivid—I could picture the town and the supporting characters, It’s the kind of place you want to escape to after a long day.

That said, a few plot points felt a bit predictable, and there were moments where I wanted just a little more depth from the side characters. But honestly, those are small things in an otherwise really enjoyable read.

If you’re already a Jill Shalvis fan, this one won’t disappoint. And if you’re new to her books, He Falls First is a great place to start. It’s swoony, feel-good romance done right.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

A seriously fun spicy romance with a morally gray hero whose love language is stalking. This book takes you on a ride you won’t want to leave with an ending that has me so pumped for the next book!