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Fallbank #1

Make Me Fall

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FROM EXCITING ROMANCE AUTHOR CASS SCOTKA

Book one in the Fallbank series

Love in a logging town can make anyone fall.

Life in Fallbank, Oregon is simple and quiet, exactly how Bridget Wildes likes it. She has other things to focus on, like hustling to keep her family store from closing. The age-old rumor that her family is descended from witches makes not getting run out of town difficult enough. She has no time for love, friends, or distractions. And the new lumberjack in town is most definitely a distraction.

Jack Thompson has yet to meet a woman who didn' t want his money more than him, so why bother dating? He needs to stay focused on researching whether Timber Logging Company would be a good investment for his family' s business. Who cares if his shy new neighbor is gorgeous and could use a little assistance in how to grow her shop' s profits? After all, his father' s plans include buying out TLC and putting the locals out of work – not boosting Fallbank' s economy.

How can Bridget love someone who' s determined to destroy her small-town way of life? How can Jack dismantle Fallbank when he' s not only falling love with the way people live there, but also Bridget? Well... love in a logging town can make anyone fall.

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2023

2 people are currently reading
39 people want to read

About the author

Cass Scotka

6 books259 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Danique van Dijk.
554 reviews63 followers
July 12, 2023
Thank you BookSirens and Cass Scotka for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest review!

🍂 The story 🍂
Bridget is the owner of a lotions, teas and candles store in Fallbank. The story has been in her family for generations, and has helped many with their ailments. As a result, the town has labelled her a witch. She has closed herself off from the town, focusing on her work. That is, until Jack comes to town. But what is the hot lumberjack hiding under that beard of his?

Firstly, I loved the fact that we got changing POVs. I truly wish we could see into guys' brains like that. The story was a clear case of instant-love, but I liked it nonetheless. I definitely giggled like a school girl, not going to lie. The slowburn was great, and I loved it.
"There’s nothing wrong with savoring the little things in life and not being afraid to take a risk. Love is worth it. If you never venture into dating, you’ll never find anyone to spend your life with. And having a partner by your side makes life worthwhile."

What I however didn't love, was the unexplicitness. Holy shit, we got a great build-up, and then the sex is fade to black???? How, HOW could you do that to me?! Damn it, I read until late at night just for that? Maddening. Secondly, Besides that, the ending was really cute.


🍂 The characters 🍂
🧼Bridget🧼
Bridget is pretty great. She's very optimistic and bubbly, and I loved her knowledge of her products and herbs. Honestly, I just really want to know my herbs too lmao. I need a store like hers in my neighbourhood. It was however kind of weird how they kept calling her a witch. I've truly never heard anyone I know who was good with herbs/ingredients being called a witch. I guess I don't really know people like that, but still. It was a bit unrealistic to be honest. I did feel really bad for her, she was struggling and didn't really accept help. I loved her character's development, slowly standing up for herself.

🪓Jack🪓
Fuck me, Jack was great. He was undercover, and I was kind of scared that he'd cost everyone their jobs. His behaviour was insanely cute, I could actually cry over those dates. I need a man like that.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Other characters🧑‍🤝‍🧑
I truly loved Cornelius. However, for some reason, I couldn't seem to like Sarah. I just hate how she up and left, and let Bridget drown in work. I don't know, but she seems pretty selfish to me. Cornelius was great though, I loved his banter with Jack too. Wish we could've seen more of that!


🍂 The writing 🍂
There were still some mistakes in writing, but nothing to major. Like always, I bookmarked the ones that I found, so Scotka, please contact me if you want to know which ones I found! :)
“Vulnerability isn’t a bad thing. It’s all right to cry and be sad or scared. To show your emotions to other people. That’s not weakness—it’s strength."


🍂 Overall conclusion 🍂
All in all, this was a really easy read. The romance was cute, the atmosphere was perfect, and the characters were likeable. I just missed the explicitness of the sexy times lmao.
Profile Image for Kayley Helman.
304 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2023
This was super cute and full of fall vibes. This was also an easy read with all the elements needed to replicate a Hallmark movie. I really liked both Bridget and Jack and how they even recognized that they were moving fast in the relationship. But insta love can be right sometimes.

The descriptions of the festivals made me can’t wait for fall and were so accurate I felt like I was there. The added element of the cat Candle from the festival just added to the warm hearted storyline.
Profile Image for Lauren | TransportedLFL.
1,751 reviews42 followers
May 5, 2024
Thank you to Cass Scotka and Kate Rock Book Tours for the complimentary paperback of Make Me Fall. These opinions are my own.

I am so happy to have found this new to me author. This series is set in Fallbank, Oregon, a fictional small logging town.

In the first book, Jack shows up undercover as a logger while he investigates purchasing the logging company for his father's massive company. Bridget is the town herbalist, continuing her family legacy of making lotions with healing properties.

Bridget and Jack had such great chemistry. I loved the descriptions of all of Bridget's product lines and her sales at amazing fall festivals. I want to re-read this while drinking apple cider as the leaves turn color. It gave me all the vibes of my favorite season.
Profile Image for Javin Blake.
74 reviews4 followers
August 16, 2023
MAKE ME FALL by Cass Scotka is a moderately spicy, feel-good, fall-vibes romance, and I enjoyed it very much.

The characters made the book for me. Bridget was easy to love. She’s ambitious, hard-working, and always ready to help whenever she could. And Jack wasn’t the typical, haughty rich guy. He seemed genuine, even if he was keeping a very big secret from the woman he loved, but the way he doted on Bridget melted my heart.

It was very easy to imagine the chemistry between these two characters. There’s a palpable physical connection between Bridget and Jack, but it’s not too graphic. You get the build-up and heat without the bedroom play by play, which is my favorite balance for reading romance.

The pace of the plot was great. There was enough action, both between Jack and Bridget (wink wink), and the threat to Fallbank’s economy that kept the pages speeding by for me.

The hint of the supernatural was interesting, though I was a little stumped at the beginning of the book when the residents of Fallbank were so certain Bridget was a witch. She wasn’t remotely witchy other than possessing a vast knowledge of plants and herbal remedies. I wanted to know why her family was targeted so long after their ancestor fled the Salem witch trials, and specifically why Bridget was the witch and not her sister or cousin. That aspect was a little underbaked for me, but by the end of the story, I could overlook it because it tied in nicely (vague to avoid spoilers!).

And let me tell you how I lived for Bridget’s instalove… with Candle the cat. Candle was a delightful addition to the story and even helped move the plot along. 10/10 would give Candle scritches all day.

I was given the opportunity to read an advance review copy of this book, and my review is honest and given freely.
Profile Image for alissa.
138 reviews4 followers
December 10, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

⚠️: injury/medical injury, toxic parent relationship
(this only might be the least triggering book Ive read so yay to that!)

Bridget, a small town resident that owns a family business that has been passed down for generations, finds herself clinging to keeping the business alive and focuses on her family. After all, it’s hard to have a life outside of her family business when everyone in her small town in Fallbank, Oregon, believes that she is a witch. So, she has no time for distractions until a new lumberjack comes into town. 🪵🌲

Jake Thompson, the son to a billionaire, finds it hard to date a woman who doesn’t want him for his money. So why bother dating? Jake visits Fallbank to work as a lumberjack to determine if the Logging company of this small town is worth pursuing an investment in. Just like Bridget he doesn’t want distractions, he wants to just work and return back to his life in Seattle. Until he comes across his beautiful neighbor, the owner of a shop he wants to help maximize.

What happens when Bridget finds out Jake’s secret on purchasing the logging company that could potentially destroy the town’s economy? Is it too late when her heart and his are all in?

Such a cute book! Definitely hallmark based where the mcm finds love and happiness in a small town after having it all as a wealthy man. He fights for the girl when he realizes he wants to be happy with her and money can’t buy happiness. I loved the small town, loved mcm as a lumberjack like yes show me youre a hard working man AND will wholeheartedly admit you love her😍

Small town x forced proximity/neighbors x he calms her down / she surrenders to him

(minimal spice 🌶️)
Profile Image for Nicole Nash (Costanza).
130 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2024
𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝙖 4.5 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬

I absolutely adored this book! I figured this would be a perfect way to start the Fall season and it didn't disappoint!

It gave off a Hallmark vibe with a touch of spice 🍂🌶🌶

What I liked:
• The small town, fall vibe. I loved the descriptions and it made me feel like I was part of the festivities! 🍂
• The character growth between Jack and Bridget. Watching them mature and realize what they want is heartwarming 💕
• The supporting characters: Gran and Cornelius were my favorites! (I would love more of Cornelius and Sarah's story! There's a brief explanation but it peaked my interest)
• Candle 🐈‍⬛how could you not like Candle?
• The chemistry between Jack and Bridget... woo! I'm not usually a fan of insta-love but I liked it for this story.

What I didn't like:
• It does get slow at certain points throughout the story.
• The confrontation between Jack and his dad was lackluster. His father seemed pretty accepting of the fact Jack didn't want to run the business anymore (after the initial encounter with Jack telling him he was done) I wanted more background on Jack's family; I wanted more emotions.
• Spice that fades out! I like a little more detail! (Not extreme details and the characters do it constantly, but a little spice is nice 🌶)

I would absolutely recommend this book, especially if you're in the mood to cozy up with a fall story to help get you in the mood for the season. 🍂
Profile Image for Fedythereader.
1,046 reviews31 followers
January 11, 2024
“Jack was in so much trouble. He was flirting with the girl next door — that he hadn't known lived next door - and his new roommate treated her like a little sister.”

Fall vibes but I read it during winter. Genuinely the best idea I have ever had !! This sweet, cozy, small town romance was so incredibly good and so so heartwarming!!! I needed to read something like this!!! In the small town of Fallbank, Bridget is all focused on keeping her family store up even if it means being called a witch from everyone considering the amazing and so helpful homemade products she sells. Here comes Jack, a big city businessman, sent to be a lumberjack in this small town in order to figure out if there’s any company worth buying. The last thing they are both expecting is to fall in love with one another. The romance blossoming between the characters is absolutely wonderful and so good to read!! And then we have the side characters (whom I’m looking forward to read more about in their own books possibly) that made the whole thing even more enjoyable!!! I’m such a fan !!! I’m so glad I read it!!!
Profile Image for Crystal.
442 reviews
August 8, 2023
Calling all fans of Practical Magic and Hallmark movies. Make Me Fall was a fun combination of both. We've got the fun, witchy vibes that reminded me so much of Practical Magic. Bridget's small business selling lotions, candles, and other goodies. The seasonal ambiance with fairs, logging, and Halloween. Add the sweetness you can always find in a Hallmark movie. As a fan of both, I thought Make Me Fall was a fantastic combination. This was my first time reading a book from this author. I loved her world building. Her characters were loveable, especially Gran. As a person who does craft fairs, Cass's attention to being a small business vendor was spot on. I giggled during those scenes because I could put myself in Bridget's shoes. Not that I ever sold out. If only I could be that lucky.

I loved Make Me Fall. It was a fun romance to read when the weather starts to cool down and we're surrounded by the fall.

I received an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Erika wickwire.
705 reviews52 followers
April 22, 2024
This was cute and sweet, exactly what you’d expect from the cover. It was definitely like a hallmark movie type plot, with the big city business man coming to a small town and finding romance and a new life. Jack comes to fallbank with the intention of his family buying the local logging business but doesn’t inform anyone of who he is. Bridget is a local business owner and neighbor of jacks roommate/co worker. The attraction is instant between these two but Bridget is married to her job and jack is keeping secrets. The truth eventually comes to light and everything blows up in their lives. Bridget has to realize that her store isn’t her life and allow others to help her. She also has to confront the townspeople for calling her a witch, just because works with plants to create skincare items. Jack has to realize what’s really important in his life and work hard to get it back. This is a slow burn but also a closed door romance.
Profile Image for Carrie.
279 reviews
June 8, 2023
Reviewing an ARC copy I got from Netgalley.
3 stars

Positives:
Very hallmark movie love story
Has a cozy vibe
The supporting characters are great! It has the potential to be a great series.
A quick and easy read. Perfect for a fall day.

Negatives:
The writing and flow of the story was a bit off. It felt like we were jumping from one major moment right to another.
I didn’t really connect with the 2 MCs. Their attitudes and behavior didn’t really make sense to me.
The attitude of everyone calling her a witch was so over the top it wasn’t believable in the slightest. I understand why this was in the story. But didn’t feel like it benefited from it.

I wanted to love this book. And I think it could turn into a great cozy romance series. But overall the first book felt a bit rushed in moments for me, and I didn’t connect enough with the main characters.
Profile Image for Aimee F..
654 reviews11 followers
June 20, 2023
This book could quickly transition to a Fall Hallmark Movie. I could easily visualize this small town of Fallbanks with handsome loggers and sister-run apothecary that gave witchy vibes.

Sadly, I didn't connect with the two main characters as much as I'd have liked to. I almost was more curious about two of the side characters and their past/young love. I also found some of the dialogue a bit forced or not convincing.

I wanted there to be more to the witch storyline that wasn't just straight up misinformation/bullying. I wanted the yearn for the two main characters to be a bit stronger.

But overall it was cutesy and cozy and made me want to set out some pumpkins and put on a sweater.

Overall 2.7 out of 5
Spice 1 out of 5

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of this eBook. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for G.L. Jackson.
Author 2 books46 followers
June 8, 2023
I was lucky enough to read an early version of Make Me Fall, and author Cass Scotka did not disappoint. She's got a deft way of crafting relationships in all of her books. This one, in particular, is atmospheric and to my delight, the setting plays as big a role as any other character. Scotka writes a beautifully believable budding relationship between Jack and Bridget who should by all circumstances be the biggest of foes. If you're a fan of two characters who seem mismatched yet are ultimately completely right for one another, you'll love this book.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews366 followers
July 9, 2023
Bridget and Jack . . .

Bridget Wildes enjoys her quiet little town in Fallbank, Oregon, as she tries to keep their family store going. A lumberjack, Jack Thompson, shows up and Bridget takes notice. Is the rumor true that he may be buying Timber Logging Company as an investment which may disrupt the town’s economy? She is attracted to him but she isn’t looking for love and he doesn’t trust women who are after his money. He does notice Bridget could use some financial help with her store’s profitability. But does it matter if his father intends to buy the logging company and put everyone out of work? Or will he find instead that he is falling in love with the little town, just the way it is? Can he and Bridget find a way to save it?
Profile Image for Barbara Atkinson.
996 reviews7 followers
July 10, 2023
This is such a great story. I was pulling for Jack the entire time. Jack is a billionaire sent to pose as a lumberjack to acquire a logging company for his family business. Bridget is a local business owner who makes soaps, lotions, candles and teas and the townspeople call her a witch. Jack falls hard for Bridgett but if his family buys the lumber company she is afraid that they will outsource the jobs and the town will die. This is such a great love story about how one man is willing to give up everything for the woman he loves. However after lying to her can she ever forgive him. Expect hot chemistry, some steam and rugged lumberjacks.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Simone.
201 reviews7 followers
July 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline about the witches really resonated with me and gave the story an interesting sideline. The main characters of Bridget and Jack were well written and made me want to be their friend and part of their community. The only part that let the book down a bit was the ending that I felt was a bit rushed. I did like the epilogue part, but wished it was a bit longer and mentioned something about what happened with the towns folk and the witches, given that Bridget had had a big change of mind/realisation about that. Given that this is the first book in a series, I am really looking forward to reading some more about these characters and this town. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
5,665 reviews63 followers
July 10, 2023
Jack shows up in Fallbank as a lumberjack, but secretly is evaluating the mill regarding his family purchasing it, which would destroy the local jobs and stores. Bridget runs an apothecary shop and is worried the store will not be able to stay open much longer. These two meet and sparks fly but so much is against them. Loved their chemistry and personalities. The storyline has drama, twists, surprises, revelations, romance, deception, hidden agendas, different possibilities, and maybe a future. You can get easily hooked into the story with fun characters and entertaining situations.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for M Hurford .
1,245 reviews9 followers
August 23, 2023
A Lovely Small Town Romance.

Loved the main characters, Bridget and Jack, as well as the supporting characters including the cat, Candle. All were fully developed and multi-dimensional. The storyline moved along nicely and held my interest from chapter to chapter with a satisfying ending. I had not read anything written by this author before but I so enjoyed this book that I’m adding her to my list and look forward to reading more. I highly recommend this book for your reading pleasure and satisfaction. PEACE.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
567 reviews4 followers
September 27, 2023
This book caught my eye on the BookSirens website. I like the premise, and the cover. The writing felt very much like an early book or a debut, and it never quite pulled me in enough to "fall" into the book. I left myself a note, while the book and it's one I agree with at the end "book takes far far too long for Jack to come clean about being loaded." I also found Bridget very immature about the whole "witch" thing.

Thank you to Cass Scotka and BookSirens for the free electronic advanced reader copy. Review is my own.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Johnston Cotton.
2,266 reviews38 followers
July 12, 2023
I was hooked from the start! The cover is so cute and eye catching. I loved the storyline and lovable characters. The story was entertaining and full of cozy fall vibes, sweet romance and an a bit of magic. I really enjoyed this book and recommend this wonderful new series. Looking forward to the next book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,936 reviews6 followers
July 21, 2023
A big thank you to NetGalley and Totally Entwined Group/Totally Bound Publishing for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is the first book in a new series. This is a cute read. I liked most of the characters. Jack and Bridget were cute together. Bridget grows a lot and becomes a stronger person, which was nice to see. 3.5 stars
4 reviews
July 24, 2023
I loved this book and read it in a day. It was a well written story and the characters were very relatable.

It was a sweet romance story with several offshoot stories going on that added additional interest.

Hopefully there will be a sequel soon.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Annarella.
14.2k reviews167 followers
July 27, 2023
I cannot resist a book with a cat on the cover and I loved the quirky cat I saw. it's small-town, enemy-to-lover story with a Hallmark vibe, a quaint village and a cast of quirky characters.
The first in a series, I cannot wait to read the next one.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
726 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2023
The story is cute and all but nothing much happen. It’s slow and maybe too much on the wholesome side. It miss some steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1 review
July 9, 2023
This was a fun read with believable characters. Working on a logging crew with no training or experience was a stretch. I would read other books from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,269 reviews87 followers
July 9, 2023
This is a great small town romance.. I liked it.. It is steamy/sweet with emotional ups and downs.. A sweet and sexy new lumberjack in town..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jess Hardy.
Author 20 books320 followers
October 5, 2023
I am such a sucker for small town romances, especially when they remind me of Practical Magic! Jack and Bridget were a perfect mismatched pair with major Hanks/Ryan You've Got Mail vibes and it was impossible not to root for them. This book was such a delight and I can't wait to return to Fallbank!
Profile Image for anna cozart.
77 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2023
This was a fine book. I liked the idea of the plot (very Hallmark), but in my opinion, just not the best writing.
Profile Image for Tara.
197 reviews3 followers
November 15, 2023
If you’re looking for a cozy romance to curl up with once the weather turns cold, this is it!
Profile Image for A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews.
653 reviews79 followers
July 25, 2023
Make Me Fall is the first book in the FallBank series by Cass Scotka. The story revolves around Bridget Wildes, a woman living a simple and quiet life in Fallbank, Oregon. She focuses on running her family store and dealing with the rumors that her family is descended from witches. When a new lumberjack named Jack Thompson arrives in town, Bridget finds herself drawn to him, despite his plans to buy out the local logging company and potentially harm the town’s economy. As their paths intertwine, Bridget and Jack must navigate their growing feelings for each other while facing the challenges of love and the logging industry.

Cass Scotka delivers a captivating and enchanting novel where a tale of romance, small-town life, and conflicts between love and personal ambition are skillfully weaved. The chemistry between Bridget and Jack is palpable, and the obstacles they face add depth and tension to their interactions. The setting of Fallbank, with its logging town backdrop, provides a unique and intriguing atmosphere. Scotka’s writing is engaging, immersing readers in the story and leaving them anticipating the next installment in the series.

Overall, Make Me Fall is a delightful blend of romance and drama, offering an entertaining read for fans of small-town romance with a touch of magic. With well-developed characters, an engaging plot, and a charming setting, this book sets the stage for an exciting series filled with love, conflict, and the power of community.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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