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.

Titles in the Colburn Brothers series include: He Falls First ~ Free Falling ~

This is an adult 18+ story that contains language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Title:  He Falls First
Series:  Colburn Brothers #1
Author:  Jill Shalvis
Published:  August 5, 2025
My Rating:  5 stars

He Falls First begins the Colburn Brothers series with Penny and Ryder’s slow-burning romance.  This one is Jill Shalvis at her best.  

Penny has survived emotional and physical abuse at the hands of the man who was supposed to love her.  So much for love.  Something she never, ever intends to invite into her life again.  While she is a professional chef, at the moment she’s catering, and that works just fine for her right now.  Ryder’s company is one of those catering jobs, and a man, if she were ever to be tempted again (she’s not, or so she tells herself), she would definitely be tempted to trust his kindness and acknowledge that spark that flies between them whenever they meet.  But she’s not ready to trust again, and Ryder recognizes that wary look in her eyes, one he’s seen reflected in his own mirror.

I could talk about Penny and Ryder for hours, the nuances of their personalities, the different types of abuse they both survived, the family members who shine and support, even a very vocal parrot.  I could give you details simply from wanting to relive the story… but I won’t spoil it for you, I’ll just re-read their story again, because, yes, it’s that good.

If you need a well-written, emotional, funny, intense, believable romance in your life, then He Falls First by Jill Shalvis is perfect for you.  Their slow-burn romance is full of all the feels you could ever ask for.  I loved watching Penny, and yes, Ryder, too, leave the past behind as each healed and thrived through the love they had.  Oh, it’s not going to be easy, nor quick… but the best things in life often come through patience and understanding.  I’d give this story ten stars if I could!

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust.  It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This title is available at Amazon (affiliate link)