He Falls First

Colburn Brothers, Book 1

De: Jill Shalvis

Narrado por: Lila Winters, Sebastian York

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.

©2025 Jill Shalvis (P)2025 That's What She Said Publishing, Inc

Family, laughs and a beautiful love story

I love when HE falls first! Ryder and Penny are both trying to get over past heartaches. Slowly but surely they realize that they want and need each other. Both families are hilarious, and add so much to the story. Pickaboo is the best! Hope we see more of him.

Great Start To The Series

I received the ARC for Book 2 in this series and wanted to start at the beginning of the series.

"He Falls First" was the type of love story that just screams that classic Jill Shalvis charm. If you’re in the mood for small-town vibes, lovable side characters, and a hero who is completely gone for the heroine, you’ll enjoy this one.

The “he falls first” energy was definitely there, and I loved watching Ryder quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) show up for Penny. He was steady, patient, and so clearly all in. There’s something so satisfying about a man who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid of his feelings.

One of my favorite parts of this story was the character development. Penny carried real emotional baggage from an ex who hurt her deeply, and watching her grow from that pain was powerful. She had to learn how to trust again, how to open herself up, and how to believe she deserved something healthy and real. Her growth felt earned. Ryder’s arc added even more depth. Despite having a very rough childhood with his father, he steps up to take care of him after his father suffers a stroke and subsequentially has a whole personality change. That internal conflict of balancing resentment with responsibility gave his character so much emotional weight.

I also thought this was a great introduction to the larger cast of characters. You can already tell their stories are going to interconnect, and I’m excited to see how future books weave everything together. Jill Shalvis does such a good job of planting those little threads that make you invested in what’s coming next.

That said, while the romance was soft and heartwarming, it didn’t fully sweep me off my feet. I am a slow burn and earned love kinda gal and this was borderline "insta-love/lust." I enjoyed the journey, but I didn’t feel completely consumed by it.

Overall, this was a cozy, feel-good romance with strong growth, emotional healing, and cute characters. Excited to continue the series!

Favorite Narrators

Thank you Jill Shalvis for using my favorite narrators Lila Winters and Sebastian York. The usage of the slogans "taking my Constitution" and the condom slogan "Don't be a fool wrap your tool" that I have never heard of were funny. quirky and catchy. It wasn't until the second to last chapter that I figured out why this audible is titled "He Falls First," nice. Additionally, pairing two characteristic individuals who are both for the first time together afraid of getting hurt, letting someone in, and for the first time learning what love, commitment, sacrifice and reciprocation is all about. Authoress Jill Shalvis thank you for these humorous, catchy and very characteristical audible. I can't wait until the next Coburn Brothers audibles.😁😆😊
P.S: Kiara's twins Abby and Alex are cute, vocal and funny. I hope that there is more of them and Penelope's brother Wyatt, also with a brotherly sense of humor.

Can’t wait for the rest of the series!

Well done by all, writing and performance. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

A great story with endearing characters.

This book was a fun and engaging. The characters were honest and real. The romance was sweet and powerful. I think the narrators did a great job and hit the character tone just right. Looking forward to another by this author.