Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
He Falls First by Jill Shalvis Series: Colburn Brothers #1
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca on August 5, 2025
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Life Fiction
Pages: 352
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible
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
I loved He Falls First! Jill Shalvis always brings the heart and there’s heat here too. Ryder and Penny are two people who have had missing or incompetent parents. On the other hand, they never let anyone down and work hard to take care of their family members.
Ryder is a contractor, works with his two younger brothers. He’s very successful. He’s taking care of his father, Hank, who was abusive to them when they were children. Now Hank has had a stroke and nursing homes won’t take him. Ryder has never really trusted relationships.
Penny is a cook, working for Ryder’s sister Kiera, doing catered meals for various people, including Ryder’s construction business. She lives with her Grandmother and her 12 year old brother, Wyatt. Penny had an abusive ex. Grandma is also Hank’s daycare. They get along fine. I love LOVE love the green and yellow parakeet, Pika-boo who says the darndest things. He is hilarious. ” I’m a good boy. I’m the goodest of all good boys.” ” I don’t have an attitude!” I won’t spoil the rest of the fun.
They manage to spend time together with Penny delivering to his business and Ryder taking on the renovation of Penny’s kitchen with Grandma and Penny, and eventually Wyatt helping. Ryder has wanted to get his work back to hands on instead of just the paperwork part of the business for awhile. Penny is skittish but Ryder succeeds by being kind, supportive and letting Penny set the pace. I love how honest they are and with open communication.
I love the two families just hanging on and mostly by Ryder and Penny working all the time. But the families are all for the relationship. He Falls First is sweet and funny and so comforting.
About Jill Shalvis
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 25-COYER
You are and I loved all the same things about this book and twin posted today! Wonderful review, Anne💜
Thanks Jonetta. I’ve been gone all day but finally home to get to the computer. I did really LOVE this one.
This sounds so good!
Thanks. It’s SO good. I’m not in the mood for romance but this one was awesome.
Another Jill Shalvis gem. 🙂
YES! She’s always amazing for me.
I love Jill Shalvis. Someday I’ll have to read this one.
Yes. This would be a favorite of hers for me.
I’m reading an older book by Jill Shalvis now and am really enjoying it. It’s reminding me how much I enjoy her books and that I have so much catching up to do. This one looks fantastic!
It is fantastic! Small town, great families.
I am excited about the next brother’s book. I too, loved the families.
yes, I already put it in the calendar!
“sweet and funny and so comforting” I love that!!
She’s a favorite.
I need to make time to pick up Shalvis again. She brings great stories on a consistent basis.
She’s a must read for me and I really loved this one.