I wasn't expecting to cry but here we are, I'm so glad Jill was kind enough to stitch my heart back together by the end though.

This was such a solid start to the series. He Falls First was emotional, sweet, and genuinely heartwarming. I really loved Penny’s strength and resilience, and Ryder was the perfect match for her. I adored how patient and respectful he was with Penny. He gave her the space she needed and was willing to wait for her to open up, which made their relationship feel so real and meaningful.

Their chemistry was really good, and the tension between them kept things interesting without being too much. I also appreciated that the miscommunication didn’t drag on forever. The story flowed well, and I enjoyed watching them slowly heal together.

The side characters were a lot of fun, especially the siblings. They brought just the right amount of humor to balance the more serious moments. I’m really looking forward to continuing the series and seeing the other siblings find their HEAs too.

Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca, for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 ish

I definitely enjoyed the characters and the romance in this book, but it didn’t blow me away by any means. There was a bit too much focus on some of the side plots and too much back and forth/will-they-wont-they in the second quarter of the book (so much so it felt like reading the same chapter multiple times).

I just finished Ryder and Penny’s story, but I’m already impatient for more! These two both had some healing to do. They’ve had huge hurts in their lives. One of them is now faced with the hurt every day, as well as the knowledge that the source of the hurt likely has zero recollection of those times, while the other is trying to figure out how to breathe without worrying about the walls falling down. And yet, they’re perfect. For each other. For their respective families. For this town.

Ryder doesn’t shy away from his feelings for Penny. In fact, he’s so smitten that he’s more than willing to go at her pace, no matter what that pace is. No lie. He’s seen the chaos of her life and hasn’t run. Instead, he’s stepped in to be part of it. And Penny’s done the same with Ryder and his life.

Even when some well-meaning, yet not smart, meddling is aired for all to know, these two find their way. Between finding their way together, healing their hearts and minds, and remembering that family can taunt and love so fiercely at the same time, I am wholeheartedly in for whichever brother falls next. Or sister. I’m here for that, too.

It was a super sweet and emotional love story. And I really enjoyed all of the family members and side characters that gave this story so much more. I look forward to the next book in the series.

He Falls First by Jill Shalvis will immediately pull you into a small town full of charm and chaos!This book follows Ryder, a contractor with way too much on his plate, and Penny, a fiercely independent chef who’s been burned hard by life and love. Neither of them is looking for romance, which, of course, means it hits them like a freight train! Penny’s chemistry and dynamic with Ryder is everything. He’s broody, but still sweet and patient. Their banter is so good and the slow burn is delicious! This book is warm and witty with the perfect amount of angst.