He Falls First by Jill Shalvis: My Book Review
Check out my book review of He Falls First by Jill Shalvis to see what I think of this new contemporary romance that kicks off a brand new series!
*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
He Falls First
by Jill Shalvis
Category: Contemporary Romance
Tags: Trauma, Abuse, Found Family
Series: Colburn Brothers
Published August 2025
Amazon | Goodreads
Rating: ★★★★
Book Boyfriend: ★★★★★
He Falls First Summary:
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.
He Falls First: My Review
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.
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