These rivals are stuck with each other…

Retired hockey player Caleb Colburn needs this new construction project to go smoothly to prove he’s earned his place in the family business. There’s only one problem. The architect liaison assigned to the project is Emma Sumner. As in, the woman who made his life a living hell in college. Now, she’s back in town and already breathing down his neck on the job. Worse? She’s only gotten more beautiful.

Emma’s in love with the beautiful historic building they’re renovating. But her feelings toward project manager Caleb definitely lean more toward hate. Not only is the man making her job harder than it needs to be, but he’s also the one who took everything from her when she was at her most desperate. Not that she’d ever admit it out loud, but she’s never recovered.

Neither is willing to forgive and forget. But forced proximity and surprising common ground have these enemies starting to wonder just how fine the line between love and hate is. A burning mutual attraction adds complications for them both. Will anything be left standing when their secrets are finally revealed?

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

This story may contain language, violence, and/or sexual situations intended for an adult 18+ audience.

Title:  Free Falling
Series:  Colburn Brothers #2
Author:  Jill Shalvis
Published:  February 3, 2026
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Free Falling is the second title in the Colburn Brothers series, this time bringing us the tumultuous, love/hate relationship between Emma and Caleb.  Their animosity had its roots in their past, but time has not healed old wounds, especially from Emma’s perspective.  Now they have to work together and try not to admit that the love part of this relationship is winning over the “I hate you” part from the past.  Only with trust and a few risks can this relationship be turned around, but they both have to put their egos aside and lead with their hearts, and that’s not going to be easy for this couple.  Stubborn meet Stubborn-er!

A romance like Free Falling is why Jill Shalvis is an author I will return to time and time again, and over the years, she’s become a go-to author when I want a romance that feels old-fashioned in emotional depth and modern in intensity.  College was a few years ago for Emma and Caleb, yet neither has forgotten nor forgiven what happened between them then.  Talk about being able to hold a long, long grudge!  Now they have to make nice with each other to ensure the success of the project they are both a part of. 

Neither wants to admit that there are romantic feelings floating about between the anger that sizzles just as strongly as the attraction between them.  Their romance is full of misconceptions, revelations, slow-burning emotions, and healing from the past, with a future that promises everything they ever wanted… and more.  I loved watching walls crumble, the truth be realized, and the emotional impact on each other.  Plus, the Colburn brothers always bring a smile to my face with their close bond and their shenanigans.  If this sounds like your kind of romance, then you’re going to love Emma and Caleb’s romantic journey.

*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