Friday, August 29, 2025

eARC Book review: He Falls First by Jill Shalvis Colburn Brothers #1

 






Available now!
eARC Provided by the publisher 

No one is going to convince her to fall in love again...

Ryder Colburn has his hands full running the family business and caring for the ailing father who’s a virtual stranger from the cold, heavy-handed man he used to be. He’s got zero free time for hobbies or women. Or so he thinks until one walks into his life… and the path of an oncoming car.

Ryder doesn’t mind playing the hero for the skittish, scarred chef Penny. Maybe it’s the secrets in her eyes or the scar on her chin. Whatever the reason, he’s compelled to get closer.

Penny’s learned her lesson and now she’s paying the price. That’s why she’s sharing a dilapidated house in a tiny California town with her feisty grandmother and tween brother living off the leftovers from her catering job. It’s a far cry from her dream life. But who needs dreams… or love… or sex when there’s amateur plumbing projects to tackle and breakfast casseroles to bake?

One thing’s for sure, she’s never falling in love again. Not even with the sexy, snarky contractor who keeps testing the walls she’s built.


First in a new series about the Colburn brothers and their sister. Ryder is the oldest brother, so he feels responsible for the rest of his siblings. They had a mean military dad who expected perfection and when he didn't get it the siblings paid. Penny had a not so fun childhood too. After a scary break up with her ex she's living with her grandma and helping raise her younger brother. This was a great book watching the brothers interact and Ryder slowly win Penny's trust and love while also healing himself a bit. Trust isn't a easy thing to believe in once you lose it but Ryder had the patience of a saint and knew Penny was worth it. Loved the wrap up of this book and the two epilogs. Ready for which ever brother is up next.

Find out more about this book and this series here https://www.jillshalvis.com/