VBT# He Falls First - Jill Shalvis

Review: He Falls First - Book #1 Colburn Brothers Series - Jill Shalvis - August 2025

I was thrilled when Hambright PR gifted me this paperback copy of He Falls First, and it absolutely delivered on my expectations for a refreshing take on contemporary romance. What immediately drew me in was Jill Shalvis's decision to flip the typical romance script – finally, we get a story where the guy does the pursuing and puts in all the emotional labor from the start.

Ryder Colburn is everything I want to see more of in romance heroes. Instead of being the usual brooding, emotionally unavailable alpha male who needs to be "fixed" by the heroine, Ryder is the one making genuine effort to win over Penny's heart. He's patient, understanding, and willing to work for her trust – a welcome change from the tired trope of women having to chase after jerks who eventually transform into Prince Charming.

Penny's character resonated deeply with me as someone who's survived an abusive relationship and is rebuilding her life piece by piece. Her journey back home to care for her grandmother and younger brother Wyatt feels authentic and grounded. The way Shalvis handles Penny's trauma is particularly well done – she's not magically "healed" by love, but rather learns to trust again through Ryder's consistent actions and respect for her boundaries.

The family dynamics add wonderful depth to the story. Penny's grandmother, with her questionable DIY skills that lead to hilarious household disasters (from sink mishaps to furnace adventures), provides both comic relief and heart. These domestic scenes create a cozy, lived-in feeling that makes you want to be part of this chaotic but loving family.

What really sets this book apart is how Jill Shalvis explores the theme of healing without rushing the process. Penny's reluctance to dive back into dating feels realistic for someone emerging from trauma, and Ryder's willingness to take things at her pace shows emotional maturity rarely seen in romance heroes. Their relationship builds on friendship and trust rather than just instant attraction, making their eventual romance feel earned rather than convenient.

The supporting characters, particularly Ryder's brothers, add richness to the story world. Charlie especially caught my attention with his fun, cheeky personality – I'm genuinely excited to see what Shalvis has planned for his story. The brotherhood dynamics feel authentic and provide great potential for future books in what I assume will be a series.

While the pacing occasionally slows during some of the family drama scenes, the emotional payoff is worth it. Shalvis has crafted a story that proves not all men are "abusive jerks" while never minimizing the very real impact of Penny's past experiences. The romance feels like a true partnership between equals rather than a rescue fantasy.

If you're craving a sweet romance that subverts expectations and features a hero who actually does the work of wooing his love interest, He Falls First is exactly what you need. Jill Shalvis has created something special here – a story that's both comforting and progressive, proving that the best romances happen when both people choose each other every single day.

Perfect for readers who love: second-chance-at-love stories, family-centered romance, emotionally mature heroes, and books that handle trauma with care and respect.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4oDzFr1