He Falls First was an excellent way to kick of the Colburn Brothers series. Ryder had me melting as he pursued Penny. This story was filled with wonderful moments that had me smiling. From the small town feel to the found family, I thoroughly enjoyed this and can't wait for the next book.
He Falls First (Colburn Brothers #1) by Jill Shalvis
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.
4 out of 5 stars
He Falls First was a charming and sweet read full
of entertaining moments that had me smiling. While it had some more serious
undertones, the overall vibe was filled with goodness. Ryder and Penny were
great, and I loved their crazy families and the different dynamics happening there.
It made for a perfect light and easy read!
Ryder and Penny were wonderful characters. Penny worked
herself to the bone for the ones she loves, and Ryder is a protector at his
core. They both have hard pasts that held them back and I loved them opening up
and sharing as they came together. It wasn’t always easy because they both had
their guards up but I loved watching those walls come down. They were fun and
flirty with the best banter, and I adored the chemistry building between them.
They had some spicy moments that were super passionate as well. Just as the
title says, Ryder falls first, and I loved the care and patience he had with
Penny as they navigated their way to a happy ending. It made me melt.
I thought the more emotional elements from Penny and Ryder’s
past were handled well, and I liked the development of those details. I felt for
Ryder and the conflicted feelings he had about his father and the new dynamic
they now had, it was heartbreaking and sweet all rolled into one. I loved both
of their caring, yet slightly zany families. Ryder's siblings were all
introduced and I am excited for their stories. Penny's grandmother was a
delight and her brother was adorable. I loved the humor their families brought with
their fun teasing and quips, as well as their big hearts and bonds.
This was entertaining with a good mix of heartfelt, spicy,
and emotional scenes. It was a fast-paced, easy read with good details that
kept me engaged. This is the first book in the Colburn Brothers series and it definitely had me hooked. Can’t wait for the rest!
Complimentary copy received.
"Incredibly entertaining and charming read!" - About That Story
Thank you Hambright PR for the advanced copy and paperback of He Falls First.
Connect with Jill Shalvis
He Falls First (#1) - Amazon
Free Falling (#2) - Amazon | Releases February 3, 2026
I don't know if I've read many books where the hero falls first but I found it refreshing. Let me know some of your favorite recs where he falls first!
