Forbidden in the Falls

Devon Falls #2

by J.E. Birk

He’s my boss. He never smiles. I have a totally off-limits crush on him. Oh, and I just moved into his house.

All I’ve ever wanted is to escape the tiny town and trailer park that never accepted me. I came to Devon Falls to start over, and things here were starting to look up—until I accidentally ended up living in a drug dealer's barn and became a town pariah all over again. And on top of all that, I’m now homeless for a second time. Is there a hotter mess than me on the planet?

Things get really wonky when my boss rescues me from my car and takes me home with him. I’ve been crushing hard on Dr. Sam Evers since the day we met, and moving in with him isn’t making that crush go away. He may be one of the growliest people in town, but Dr. Evers takes care of me and protects me in a way no one ever has. Still, I know better than to think that will last once he realizes what a disaster I am. Plus, Dr. Evers swore off all relationships after he lost his husband. And then there’s the fact that he’s my boss…

But when I end up managing the Devon Falls Leaf Festival and quickly discover I can't do it all on my own, Dr. Evers steps in to save me yet again. Now I can’t decide what’s harder: earning the acceptance of an entire town, or making sure I don't fall hard for a doctor I can never have.

Forbidden in the Falls is a forbidden boss-employee romance. It comes with a grouchy doctor, his hapless young office manager, leaf festival shenanigans, and all the small-town quirk you’d expect from a Devon Falls book. This is the second book in the Devon Falls series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, LGBT, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Found Family, Forced Proximity

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2024

About the author

J.E. Birk was raised in Vermont and is now adulting in Colorado with intermittent success. She is a long-time lover of stories, and she writes and reads in worlds where imperfect characters find their happily ever after.

Reviews

[Dani (Daniiireads)]

- boss x employee
- age gap
- roommates
- virgin mc
- small town romance

CW: grief, spousal loss, panic attacks

Malachai and Sam's story was super sweet, don't get me wrong, but a lot of it just didn't work for me.

Both of them were in very different places in their lives and everything between them moved a bit too fast to be believable and genuine. Also there was Sam's constant self imposed guilt and self sabotaging over Christian's accident that kept him from being happy until almost the end of the book, and that didn't seem very fair to Malachai.

As for Malachai, I really wish he had more of backbone when it came Avon and the town hounding him. He was clearly being targeted and outside of a set few, no one really seemed to care & sided with Avon for shiggles??? It just really bothered me how quickly the town turned against him.

Overall though, I really did enjoy Forbidden in the Falls!

[ivanareadsalot]

I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

DNF @ 37%

Unfortunately this installment in the Devon Falls series is a miss for me. I did not find this as charming as book 1, Avon's prejudice had me feeling yucky, and I'm just not a fan Malachai's "meek mouse" characterization. Also, Sam is giving me weird vibes and i don't like this feeling at all. Hopefully the next book will be a much better read but this one just wasn't for me at all.

[Cadiva · Rating 3 out of 5]

More small town angsty-ish romance

One thing I'd say from the off is that using two different surnames when referencing the "bad guys" of the previous book doesn't engender confidence in the narrative.

So much of this book is almost perfect the vibes of the small town location are wonderfully portrayed, the found family (and real family) elements bring great experiences, but then they get diluted down by little niggles like the above and the way the kink aspect comes out of nowhere.

Now, I love me some kink, but it must feel organic and genuinely evolved from the relationship. Here it seemed like Malachai called Sam, his boss, "Sir" because he was flustered by him and all of a sudden, once they actually got intimate, it flew into a Master/slave-ish situation without any actual discussion.

That comes much later when Mal decides he wants to try something else and he then explains how it makes him feel like someone's caring enough about him him by taking control for him.

I'd have liked to have had that come much earlier but at least it does happen!

It might seem like I'm being overly critical, but that's because I definitely have invested in this series and these characters. I love the setting, I love the friendship group and and the potential that's there.

Both books so far have ended up landing on 3* because each one has just dropped the ball somewhere even while I've enjoyed reading them.

The romance itself works well though, two people who are dealing with feelings that cause both anxiety and guilt find comfort in each other's company, eventually turning into more.

There's a bit of martyrdom in Sam's guilt trip, a bit of a repetitive woe is me for Mal, but neither strays into overly dramatic territory.

Guest appearances from previous characters in this series, as well as the author's previous books, are a welcome addition.

The next book is offering an intriguing lineup with some potentially interesting elements in the content warnings, so I'm holding out hope!

[Shawna (endemictoearth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a draft posting without me knowing . . . oh goodreads whyyyy

This book has a lot of good and great moments, which carried me through. I teared up near the end, because Malachai really is pretty well put through the wringer.

I have a soft spot for widower stories, and having the added weight of Sam's guilt about how his husband died, thinking he could have prevented the accident, made this especially poignant.

I think my biggest issue was the varying tone and pacing. The countdown to the festival (and wedding for Book 1's couple) was ostensibly a clever way to frame the story. It worked in some aspects, but I think it also made it so that we had to fill more of days with some sort of action, and a lot of it ended up involving townspeople who bear a grudge towards Malachai and cause him (maybe too much) grief. We kind of flit from witty banter to some really serious internal angst from Malachai, which felt like too much of a contrast.

That being said, the character work in the main cast was well done; these are not cardboard cutouts by any means, and being in a series, I got just enough information about the previous couple to follow along without having read book one. (They are getting married in this book and are present in the narrative, but do not overwhelm this couple's story.)

Any book that can wring tears from me is doing something pretty well, so I must salute it for causing me emotions. I do like the author's style and most of the choices worked for me, just possibly needed a bit of smoothing out of the plot's edges. Definitely intrigued by Christian's brother Colin and his best friend, who might be the next book?

Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing a review copy.

[Caz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trite and clichéd with barely two dimensional, stereotypical characters and some really awful dialogue and writing:

"I want to lose my virginity to you!" I blurt the words out, an unexpected revelation from my mouth before my head can catch up to them.

Ugh. I liked the previous book in the series, Fauxmance in the Falls enough to give it 4 stars, but this was dire. Full disclosure, I read about half of it and skimmed the rest.

A reminder of why I don't read a lot of contemporary romance (other than by a handful of trusted authors.)

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so looking forward to this book and it didn't disappoint. I'm in love with Devon Falls and all its people! This was such a beautiful story that I enjoyed so much.
Malachai is such a sweet young guy who has been through a lot already and he's trying to start a new life in Devon Falls until he has enough money to study to become a nurse. He's working at the doctor practice in town and has a huge crush on Sam, a doctor and a willower that is temporarily working to help his friend at the practice. Sam is grieving for reasons different to what people think and he doesn't want to get involved with anyone, until Malachai finds himself in a difficult situation and Sam jumps in to help him get back on track.
I absolutely loved Malachai, he worked so hard to get by but life seems to throw all sorts of bad stuff his way. I felt his pain, his doubts and his struggles. He didn't realise he was stronger than he thought and that he could tackle anything that came across him. It was beautiful how Sam and him became friends before they got into a relationship. Sam's protectiveness towards the young man was swooning and something Malachai had never had in his life.
This book was about finding your path in life and believing in love again. There was pain, but also many lovely moments between the MCs. I enjoyed seeing Malachai's evolution until he became aware of what he was capable of and he stopped feeling less than. Sam was amazing too, realising his true feelings for Malachai and accepting the reality of his past marriage.
I also loved seeing the MCs of the first book again and how Benson kept being the grump he had always been. Also, new characters showed up and I can't wait to read their stories. And, let's not forget Sherbert the goat, which made me laugh a couple of times. This book was a wonderful read that made me smile and left me with a warm heart.

[Kelsey Rhodes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am once again torn about my feelings about this series. This is the second installment in the Devon Falls series, a set of small-town MM romances. This is a perfectly acceptable story. It just lacks depth that pulls you in and forces you to read it in one sitting to find the character's HEA. Malachi was a bit frustrating at times, but I really liked Sam.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited to be back in Devon Falls! Such a fun and quirky town with such great characters. We finally get Sam and Malachai’s story! Malachai has worked so hard to keep himself afloat and accomplish more than he has ever hoped to do. Things haven’t always been easy, but he’s tried his hardest to make up for it. And when he gets into nursing school, he is beyond excited. But to make that dream a reality, he takes on yet another job. One a lot more time consuming and important than anything else he has taken on: managing the Devon Falls Maple Leaf Festival. The money he’ll earn will get him one step closer to his dream. But not everyone in the town trusts him and when Dr. Sam Evers steps up to vouch for Malachai? Well, Malachai’s crush takes on a whole new form. Forget that he has done a lot of Malachai so far but this? He’ll never understand what it means to Malachai. Sam has done his best to keep his feelings for Malachai in check. He is struggling with the sadness and guilt that surrounds him when it comes to his deceased husband. It’s been years, but there are things no one knows about his relationship with Christian. Sam just doesn’t believe he deserves to be happy again. But Malachai brings up feelings he didn’t know were possible. And every day it gets harder and harder to rein them in until the point where both him and Malachai finally show their feelings. The future is still uncertain and they still have a lot of challenges coming their way, but if the two of them can learn to fight for themselves and each other? Well, perhaps they have a chance at their happily ever after. I loved Malachai and Sam! These two had such sweet chemistry and just had their own heartbreaking stories. You can’t help but cheer for them to be together because the two of them deserve their happy ending. I also loved seeing some familiar faces in this story as well! Including Sherbet! IYKYK! And some new faces as well that had me guessing who exactly would be in our next book? And thank you author’s note for confirming! :) You don’t want to miss this great addition to this series! And I cannot wait to return to Devon Falls again!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Janette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Devon Falls is a special place where people flock to leaf peep and fall in love. It’s the kind of small, New England town that seems just the right amount of quaint and quirky, and the Annual Leaf Festival brings out the very best it has to offer.



I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was eager for more. I love a good forbidden, workplace romance when it’s done right, and the promise of what’s between broody doctor Sam and sweet, shy Malachi was almost too much. Throw in their age gap and a whole slew of baggage, and there was no way this story could was be anything but complicated.



I’ll start by saying I loveI Malachai. I loved him in Fauxmance, and it’s entirely possible I love him more now. He’s an underdog - the kind of character you root for because life dealt them a crappy hand and it’s time they catch a break. Not to mention he’s the sweetest, gentlest person, and he deserves better.



Sam’s a strong, steady kind of guy, but he’s going through some things. His story is deeply rooted in grief and loss, so please be mindful if those are difficult topics for you. I like his character evolution, although I don’t always subscribe to his rationale for why he and Malachai can’t be. I appreciate his guilt and the difficulty processing life with his late husband, but his conclusions seem extreme. His friends are rightfully concerned he’s having trouble moving on, and more than once, I couldn’t believe he’s not in therapy.



Their entire story centers around the push-pull between them; the temptation and the “will they-won’t they” create an exciting build and anticipation. It’s an emotional journey that delivers some pretty quick highs and lows, only to turn and twist again at a moment’s notice. My heart ached for each guy and the struggles he faced, but mostly Malachai. Their miscommunication and misunderstanding at times delivered some swift and painful blows, and even when I knew everything would be okay, my heart broke right along with his.



*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooooo good!! I honestly loved this one more than the first book and I really enjoyed the first book. Sam and Malachai are incredible together! The love and appreciations they have for one another. I love how Sam is so willing and open to giving Malachai things and experienced. I also appreciate the anxiety rep and how comforting and compassionate Sam is during Malachai’s panic attacks. This book makes me want to go read this authors entire back log and also makes me glad that I don’t have to wait for book 3 of this series bc I am obsessed!!!

[Molly Otto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes forgiveness is so hard earned that it takes you longest to forgive yourself. Malachi didn't speak up when he should have left people to doubt how beautiful of a soul he is. Sam has issues forgiving himself for his husband passing when he should have been there. So when these two start something, it was meant to be no strings attached, both planned on moving on from Devon Falls. When these two open up more and more, they realize how right they really are.
Again, though, forgiveness is a problem. Sam not realizing makes Malachis insecurities worse, and the town makes an error in not trusting the man they know over something said aloud in a public forum. It takes some serious work to make Malachi see he is not hated. It's a beautiful story. I just wish someone would have been by Malachi back the entire time.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

This is a charming book with small town feels, and small town hijinx — as well as setting up ample opportunities and side characters for future books in the series. Malachi and Sam are both well written and very relatable; one of them is full of youth and hope, the other full of serenity and acceptance. They both balance each other out without taking from the other. Sam doesn’t become a parent for the younger Malachi, merely a support and a friend. Malachi doesn’t replace Christian or have a ‘better’ love affair; he’s just someone Sam accepts into his life, someone who loves him.

Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I liked the way the book was written as a countdown to the festival. I didn't particularly like Sam in any of the book, I could understand his feelings but he hurt more than he supported for a lot of the story and then had to do a big gesture for someone who didn't like the spotlight. Malachai on the other hand was a really lovable character in my favourite way, I will reread this to enjoy him again.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malachi and Sam ❤️

✅ Boss/Employee
✅ Grumpy/sunshine
✅ Age Gap
✅ First Times 💋


I loved this story, it was incredible sweet and had most of my favorite tropes...Bonus!!! I adored the slow burn of this relationship with each man having a bit of baggage to unpack, the pacing worked so well and I was so here for it. Sweet times were sweet, sexy times were sexy and the love Sam and Malachi developed was heartwarming. I would recommend and I can't wait to see whats next in Devon Falls.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

This is not just a story of Malachi and Sam, but of Malachi and his adopted town... this book has a grumpy/sunshine, boss/employee, with some angst and some definite tension! This book had a deliciously slow burn, with a building trust and a community feel that makes you want to buy land in this Vermont town... I couldn't put it down!

I can't wait to see what more comes out of the Devon Falls series!

[Melos · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Forbidden in the Falls we return to the quirky Vermont town of Devon Falls. This is Malachai and Sam's story who we met previously in Fauxmance in the Falls. The book starts 44 days before this year's leaf festival that kicks off with Benson and Jack's wedding.


Malachai Flynn is a sweet hard working 21 year old that doubts his place in town. He has issues with self confidence and guilt about his role in the previous books events. He grew up poor, was bullied quite harshly throughout his school years, and suffers from panic attacks. He really just needs someone to be his person and care about him.


Dr. Sam Evers is around 35 years old. He has come to town to help out at his friend's medical practice until after the festival. He enjoys knitting, though he isn't great at it, and Alyssa Samuels novels. He carries a crushing amount of guilt over his late husband's death.


The relationship between these two starts and grows over the days leading up to the festival. Due to certain circumstances they end up living together and working on the festival; all while counting down the days until they both leave Devon Falls and each other behind. 


J. E. Birk has a talent for writing cozy character driven contemporary romance. Her characters are well rounded and balanced. This is seen in how both Malachai and Sam face their own struggles and grow individually as well as together throughout the book. While it may seem 44 days would make the relationship rushed it didn't feel that way. 


Sherbert, Vermonica, and the infamous town statue add a nice bit of fun to the story without taking away from it. I also enjoyed the mentions of characters from the author's other works. 


There were a couple of things, while reading, I wanted to play out differently. I'm looking at you Sherbert, one little hit to that one character’s nether regions would have been fitting. As well as how the town reacted in the meeting. However after finishing the book and seeing how it all played out I'm happy with the direction the story took. 


If you enjoy cozy stories about men falling in love in a quirky small town with just the right amount of spice then definitely give Forbidden in the Falls a read. 

Favorite quotes:

Malachai: “I need you to be in control of me, to take care of me, because no one else ever fucking has, okay?

Sam: “You cannot project your past pain onto your present with another person!”


Boss/Employee
Sir/Good Boy
Age gap
Small Town
Virgin MC

Grief, death of a spouse, bullying, panic attacks, poverty, homelessness


I received this ARC for free and this is my honest review of the book. 

[Scarlette Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall: J.E. Birk has done it yet again, folks. Another amazing, comforting read that brings you back to the soft, warm Devon Falls.
Detailed: I loved this book! I am obsessed with the characters in it. I love the dynamic between Malachai and Sam, and how their dynamic also reflects on our favorite characters from previous books. Both Malachai and Sam are going through a form of loss, and their story flows so well. We get to see everyone from Devon Falls that we love (and some cameos from other series that I was not expecting!) and you truly feel how much everyone loves our main characters in their own ways. Watching Malachai and Sam find comfort in each other is so beautiful, and this book just leaves you wanting more and more with every page. Also, the surprise development during THAT scene really left me speechless in an amazing way! I love that every book from Birk has a scene that I can only describe as "THAT scene!"
Five out of five stars, can't wait to hear more about Devon Falls in the future!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[F. · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 48%

Mal is just too whiny my god. I cannot.
He has to repeat that he's poor like every two sentences.
Yeah we get it. You don't have any money. Pls stop.

The forbidden part is also ridiculous. And Sam reasons for "not" wanting to be with Mal are just... lame?

[Nicole Journault · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF at 60 just couldn't get into it

[S a n d r a · Rating 3 out of 5]

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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨

The first book was entertaining, tender, and funny. A light read set in a small town in Vermont that left me wanting more and eager to read the next one, especially because I wanted to know what would become of the sweet and shy Malachai and his crush, Dr. Sam Evers.

I didn't remember all the details given to us during the first book regarding Malachai and his circumstances, truth be told, but it's not necessary to remember every little detail (so there’s no problem if, like me, you have fish memory) since as the story progresses, there’s a recap on everything you need to know.

Malachai is a young man of 22 who is trying to make his way in life as best he can. Originally from a small town in Vermont not far from Devon Falls itself, he has always struggled to fit in and is accustomed (too much) to rejection. Despite this, his desire to find his place in the world and to fight for his future drives him to leave his town and try to leave Vermont someday too.

In Devon Falls, he finds a place he likes, it's nice, full of good people, and nothing like his hometown. But the events of the first book put him in a complicated position, and he can't shake off the feeling of not belonging, as there are some in the town who don't seem willing to forget or forgive him.

Sam Evers, Jack's colleague, arrives in Devon Falls to help out at the clinic while his friend's wedding preparations are underway, with the intention of returning to his empty and lonely apartment in New York as soon as the ceremony is over. Although he may seem gruff, somewhat brusque, and difficult to handle at first glance, inside he is a sensitive man full of conflicting emotions. Sam is dealing with the guilt he feels after the death of his husband and everything his death has brought with it. His guilt is further exacerbated upon arriving in Devon Falls and setting his eyes on Malachai, for whom he ends up feeling an attraction like he has never felt before. For anyone. Ever.

The story has a component of drama that accompanies our characters throughout the story, but it does not dominate the story nor feel suffocating. It's more of a subtle companion, always present but leaving space for our MCs to explore their feelings, to make mistakes and learn from them, and to discover what they want from life and what they are willing to do to get it.

Their story, Sam and Malachai's, has actually appealed to me even more than Benson and Jack's did. I found it quite interesting how things develop between them, the back and forth they have with themselves, and the natural way in which they love, care for, and respect each other.

And you have no idea how much I want to read the third book, Fanboy in the Falls. If I was already looking forward to it because I quite like J.E. Birk's style, after meeting Colin (Sam's deceased husband's twin brother), Tom (Sam's brother), and Gabe (a young man who works in Devon Falls), saying that I eagerly await the publication of the next book is an understatement.

A great story is coming, I can feel it!

[Danielle Cordsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden in the Falls (Devon Falls Book 2)

By: J.E. Birk

Could be forever!

Oh these two are so so so easy to like. Dr. Sam Evers is living a self imposed prison sentence after his best friend from childhood turned husband dies in a tragically sad accident. Malachai Flynn is the incredibly shy office manager at Lancer medical practice and full time student that lives paycheck to paycheck just trying to survive and often finding himself short but not for lack of trying. I truly loved these two and read the book in one sitting. The authors writing is flawless and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.

Authors Blurb: He’s my boss. He never smiles. I have a totally off-limits crush on him. Oh, and I just moved into his house. 

All I’ve ever wanted is to escape the tiny town and trailer park that never accepted me. I came to Devon Falls to start over, and things here were starting to look up until I accidentally ended up living in a drug dealer's barn and became a town pariah all over again. And on top of all that, I’m now homeless for a second time. Is there a hotter mess than me on the planet?

Things get really wonky when my boss rescues me from my car and takes me home with him. I’ve been crushing hard on Dr. Sam Evers since the day we met, and moving in with him isn’t making that crush go away. He may be one of the growliest people in town, but Dr. Evers takes care of me and protects me in a way no one ever has. Still, I know better than to think that will last once he realizes what a disaster I am. Plus, Dr. Evers swore off all relationships after he lost his husband. And then there’s the fact that he’s my boss…

But when I end up managing the Devon Falls Leaf Festival and quickly discover I can't do it all on my own, Dr. Evers steps in to save me yet again. Now I can’t decide what’s harder: earning the acceptance of an entire town, or making sure I don't fall hard for a doctor I can never have.

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in single POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

********** Contains Spoilers**********

I’m new to JE Birk’s work and I’m looking forward to reading more. I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good addition to the Devon Falls Series. Man, poor Malachai is so bloody hard on himself but he hasn’t had the best experiences, life has knocked him down so much and people haven’t allowed him to forget mistakes he made along the way. Sam has come to Devon Falls to help his friend Jack and his mother’s family practice while Jack is busy with wedding preparations. He’s adamant that he’s going back to NYC to live (wallow) in the apartment where him and his deceased husband Christian lived and stay single for the rest of his life due with how he supposedly let Christian down.

The Falls definitely grew on both Malachai and Sam, they both let down their walls and allowed the other in. Sam has so much guilt where Christian is concerned because he chose not to go to the pool party that Christian hosted and died at. After his death Sam eventually went to therapy and realised that even though he loved Christian, he wasn’t in love with him like he should’ve been his guilt definitely compounded when he arrived in the Falls and started getting to know Malachai and started to fall for him. He realised that his feelings for Malachai and way stronger than those he had for Christian. Malachai and Sam’s happily ever after is definitely hard fought.

I really didn’t like how the residents of Devon Falls turned on Malachai so fast, considering how they welcomed Benson during the first book and he’d come to town to destroy the Leaf Festival. Yes, Malachai made a mistake when he was completely down on his luck but he’d owned up to them and if Benson can forgive him why shouldn’t everyone else give him the benefit of the doubt or wait until they’d spoken to Henri who’d done this years festival budget before accusing Malachai. Even with the supposed evidence that Avon had against him.

Avon was also a complete and utter d*ck with the way he chose to present his findings about Malachai’s apparent wrong doings, all because he had trauma from bullying from the guys that Malachai did a couple of jobs for. Yes, he was trying to protect the town but the way he went about it was a result of his trauma and he treated Malachai like absolute sh*t ever since Malachai announced his prior involvement with the men that had taken Benson. I’m looking forward to reading Fanboy in the Falls next, as well as more books from JE Birk in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.

******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******

[Steve Pardue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devon Falls, a quaint little town, is a hidden gem in the heart of a picturesque landscape. Its beauty is not just in its surroundings but in the warmth and kindness of its people. This close-knit community is where neighbors become friends and share in each other’s joys and sorrows. It is where stories unfold, revealing the intricate tapestry of small-town politics and personal struggles.

Devon Falls has a diverse cast of characters, each with a unique backstory that adds depth and richness to the town’s narrative. Among them, two newcomers stand out – Malachi and Sam.

Malachi, a complex and intriguing character, arrives in Devon Falls with a heavy heart and a troubled past. He is searching for acceptance and a fresh start but grapples with self-doubt and a lack of faith in his abilities. Despite these challenges, Malachi’s determination shines through as he navigates the ups and downs of his new life in this tight-knit community.

Sam, on the other hand, is a doctor with a compassionate soul. He is driven by a deep desire to help others and is willing to put his heart and desires on the line for loyalty and friendship. As fate would have it, Sam and Malachi’s paths cross, leading to a heartwarming love story.

The blossoming romance between Malachi and Sam is at the heart of this captivating tale. Their journey of self-discovery and finding solace in each other’s arms is a testament to the power of love and resilience. As they navigate the challenges of small-town life, their relationship becomes a source of strength and support, allowing them to confront their past and embrace the future.

The genuine connection between the characters makes this love story truly special. It is not just a tale of romance, but also a story of friendship, acceptance, and the courage to be true to oneself. Malachi and Sam’s relationship transcends societal expectations and norms, reminding us that love knows no boundaries.

As the pages turn and the story unfolds, readers will find themselves immersed in the charm and beauty of Devon Falls. The vivid descriptions of the town and its inhabitants create a sense of place that is both familiar and enchanting. The author’s skillful storytelling brings the characters to life, making them feel like old friends.

Devon Falls is where secrets are revealed, relationships are forged, and lives are forever changed.

Whether you are a fan of small-town dramas or enjoy a heartfelt love story, “Forbidden in the Falls” is a book that will captivate you from beginning to end. It is a tale of hope, resilience, and the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds.

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the first book in this series, but I still found this story to be very enjoyable without reading the first book. I didn't feel like I was missing anything. So having said that; this book, while part of a series, can be read as a standalone.

I quite enjoyed Sam and Malachi's story, it was complex and there were lots of twists and turns that made the story even more intriguing. There was an age gap between the two MC's, but in the story, it was a non-issue. For the most part anyway. Sam's character was a complex one, while he was kind and generous towards Malachi, he was also closed off and blunt at other times. I do understand why, we do get his backstory and why he closes himself off from others, which I think really helped to understand his character. He wasn't trying to be rude, he was just trying to punish himself for something that wasn't his fault.

I adored Malachi's character! Despite the world being against him, he always picked himself up, dusted himself off, and got back out there to try to do his best. I love how headstrong he was, but also how he genuinely cared for others and was passionate about the things he cared about. Despite some people of the town holding one mistake over his head, he did his best to try to ensure the success of the Festival. The relationship between Sam and Malachi was a slow burn, with LOTS of steam. The scene where Sam took Malachi to a restaurant was so sweet, and I wish there were more moments like that. More moments where they were being couple-y and going on dates. That being said, I still really enjoyed this story, and the town the story is set in is really interesting. Especially the infamous poop emoji statue! Oh, and we can't forget about Sherbet, the grumpy goat.

The side characters really made this story come alive, and gave the story a bit of a boost. They helped add more dialogue and they helped not only move the story along, but they also added depth and dimension to the story altogether. I'm looking forward to Gabe, Colin, and Tom's story, I cannot wait to read how those three men came together!

[Jen Harpin · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁 5 Leaves out of 5

Forbidden in the Falls is the second installment in J.E. Birk’s Devon Fall series. Written in dueling first person POV. It follows Malachai and Sam leading up to the annual Devon Falls Leaf Festival. This year’s festival is being kicked off with the wedding of his boss Dr. Jack Lancer to Benson Lewis.

🍁Age Gap
🍁Rich/Poor
🍁Forbidden Romance
🍁Boss/Employee
🍁Small Town
🍁Redemption
🍁Found Family
🍁Virgin MC
🍁Hurt/Comfort

Malachai Flynn is struggling fitting into the small town. Especially after an incident the previous year, leaving some of Devon Falls still not the transplant.

Dr. Sam Evers is helping out his best friend, Jack, by spending time at Lancer Family Medicine while he gets married, no more time than that. And it works out, Sam needed a break from the big city.

Sam and Malachai are inexplicably drawn to each other. Each trying to deny their feelings of lust. Their desire to remain professional is put to the test when Sam finds Malachai sleeping in his car, and invites him to stay with him.

Both men try and navigate their feelings. Malachai with his first relationship and Sam with his first relationships since the death of his husband Christian.

Sam and Malachai have their own burdens they must face, burdens they think that they must face on their own. But as walls come down and crack start to form each allows the other in, accepting help.

Forbidden in the Falls can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading Fauxmance in the Falls (Jack/Benson) first. And if you want to do a deep dive read Booklover (Jamie/Briar, not mentioned in this book), Counterpoint (Aaron/Jeremy) and then the Devon Falls books.

Overall Forbidden in the Falls, was sweet, funny, and had all the feels you could ask for in any book. I cannot wait to see what else will happen in Devon Falls.

Forbidden in the Falls is full of J.E. Birk’s whit and humor, love of Vermont, the state cow Vermonica and rude old goat with a sweet name.

I receive this book as an ARC

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're back in the fictional town of Devon Falls with the second novel in the small town romance series by the same title from J.E. Birk. Forbidden in the Falls is an age-gap, forbidden M/M romance with Malachai Flynn and Dr. Samuel Evers as the main characters. (Side note: The name Malachai made me think of that evil supporting character from the Children of the Corn movie. I'm happy to note, however, that the Malachai who lives in Devon Falls and falls for Sam is not evil. Like, not even a little bit, much to Avon Loseff's disappointment, but you'll have to read the book to figure out why.) You don't necessarily need to read Fauxmance in the Falls before reading this new book, but if you're like me and you prefer reading books in a series in order so you don't miss out on previous happenings, do check the series starter out.

Malachai Flynn knows how fortunate he is that his bosses at Lancer Family Medicine, and being accepted at the nursing school he's always wanted to attend is a dream come true. However, the twenty-one-year-old finds himself without a home because he needs to save his money before school starts. Sleeping in his car was his only alternative, but Dr. Sam Evers wasn't having it once he stumbled upon Malachai's situation. Offering the younger man a room in his rental was the responsible thing to do, but the thoughts and feelings he stirs in Sam make the thirty-five-year-old doctor and widower want things he believes he has no right to. With both of them leaving though, maybe they can both take what they need.

When you see how Malachai and Sam were in the beginning of the story--heck, even back in the first novel!--and you see how they are by the end of their book, you realize how much growth these two have gone through as main characters. Malachai was bullied growing up and Sam had lost his husband who was also one of his closest friends, and there was a fair amount of hesitation on the latter's end and a whole lot of insecurity on the former's end that had them going back and forth as far as their relationship was concerned. Everything does end happily, of course, and having Jack and Benson around was great, plus I'm looking forward to getting to know Sam's brother, Tom, and brother-in-law, Colin, plus Malachai's new friend, Gabe, better in the third Devon Falls book. I'm curious to see if Milo is going to be getting his own book as well. Fingers crossed! Forbidden in the Falls receives four out of five stars.

[Alyssa Reads and Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden in the Falls is an enjoyable queer, age gap romance. Set during the lead up to the annual Devon Falls leaf festival, J.E. Birk takes readers back to this utterly charming Vermont town where everyone gets their HEA.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Dr. Sam Evers is grieving the loss of his husband, and while he’s pushing his closest friends away, he can’t say no when his BFF Jack asks him to temporarily help out with his family’s Vermont medical practice. Office manager Malachai Flynn has a tough time speaking in complete sentences when his crush Sam is around. The confident older man is everything struggling Malachai thinks he’s not, especially after last year when he accidentally put his Devon Falls friends in danger. Now that he’s trying to pay for nursing school, though, Malachai takes on a second job running the annual Devon Falls leaf festival. But once Sam finds him sleeping in his car and insists Malachai stay at his house, can Malachai keep his crush to himself?

I really enjoyed this romance. Malachai is an intensely likable character that readers can’t help rooting for. No one works harder than Malachai, or has a tougher time believing he’s worthy of good things in his life. Sam takes a little longer to warm up to; while he insists he wants to take care of Malachai, it takes a while before he truly manages to puts Malachai’s feelings ahead of his own.

Stars Hollow vibes abound in Devon Falls, and the leaf festival and town meetings are highlights of this story. This romance is a standalone, but as someone who’s a huge fan of the first book in this series, I love having Benson and Jack’s wedding as a secondary plot. I also adore grumpy Benson as one of Malachai’s most supportive friends.

If you are a fan of queer age gap romances, you’ll enjoy Forbidden in the Falls. While the characters need to deal with grief and other obstacles, it’s satisfying to watch Malachai and Sam get their HEA.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Plaguedoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malachai is a 21-year-old community college student who is hoping to be accepted into nursing school. He's somewhat new in town and working as an office manager for a small doctor's office, where he develops a huge crush on Dr. Evers, his boss's friend from New York that is briefly working at the office.

Both men have backgrounds with some pretty major issues. Malachai was raised poor, by a mother who had to work so much that he spent most of his childhood alone. He was made fun of for being poor and was bullied, creating a sweet and caring guy with bad self esteem, suffers from panic attacks, and has a bit of an abandonment issue. After leaving home to start over, he falls into more bad luck that has some people in his new town not trusting him.

Sam (Dr. Evers) is a 35-year-old doctor from New York, born and raised rich, and is mourning his dead husband, though it's been several years since his husband died. He begins feeling very protective of Malachai, which starts a secret relationship between them, with the knowledge that Sam will be returning to New York in only a few weeks, and they will have to part ways.

The story was very sweet (I'd say a true comfort/comfort) though it did have some drama and angst, with a heavy focus on bullying, poor self-esteem, guilt, loss, and poverty. While I did get a bit confused with there being so many side characters (trying to keep names straight), I really did enjoy their personalities and the fact that we really get a nice feel for the town of Devon Falls through them. There are spicy scenes but they aren't all that detailed, and while definitely hot, there's a thick layer of softness because of Malachai being a virgin.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I really adored Malachai in this book. He had such a hard time growing up with a very poor sense of self worth, he was a hot mess emotionally, but very together in the roles he took on. All he wanted was someone to love and care for him, someone to make him feel cherished and safe, so of course he focuses on Dr. Sam, a great guy but one with way more baggage than Malachai had. Sam was the poster child for more therapy to assuage his guilt, and make him realize he was human like the rest of us, coping as best he could, but with realistic expectations for himself. There were so many times I wanted to reach in and shake him til his teeth rattled, he just was his own self-fulfilling prophesy, creating enough angst for 5 people. But he could be so aware of what was going on with Malachai, and empathetic to his needs, but in a yo-yo kind of way. He, too, was a product of his upbringing and our focus as a society with the idealization of a rom-com kind of love. He almost gave Malachai whiplash, he was so hot and cold, nurturing then standoffish, it amazing Malachai didn’t just give up. But it all came right in the end, as romances seem to do, with both characters growing and maturing to find their way to each other.
Loved the little town, the Leaf Festival (because I love fall), Vermonica and Stanley, and the crew at the doctor’s office. Benson was a hoot, Avon a pain, and Gabe a ray of sunshine. I need to get the first book to catch up, then the next two to continue with delightful town and its quirky characters. A very enjoyable read, kept my interest, and gave me laughs, giggles, and a few tears.

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 4 out of 5]

FORBIDDEN IN THE FALLS is the second book in the Devon Falls series. It can be read as a standalone without issue.

Malachai never quite feels like he fits in. He moved to Devon Falls to get out of his small town. He's going to community college and working as an office manager in the local doctors office. He works himself silly trying to get all the things done. He wants nothing more than to go to nursing school. When he finds out he was accepted he knows he has to give up some things to be able to pay that tuition bill. He's slept in his car before so giving up his apartment just seems like the smart thing to do to save money. When Dr Sam Fevers finds Malachai sleeping in his car he instantly tells him he's moving into his spare room. Sam unknowingly is the crush Malachai can't seem to stop. Sam will only be in town for a small amount of time so Malachai knows there will be an end date to his crush. That is until he moves into his house and Sam starts reflecting those same feelings right back at him. Can they make it work? Will Sam end up staying in town for someone like Malachai?

Malachai and Sam were so meant for each other. Sam took care of Malachai in every way he needed and some ways he didn't even know he wanted. Sam has so much guilt for his passed relationship with his dead husband and the way that he died he didn't feel worthy of being loved again. I was truly brought to tears over these two!

I was given a free copy of this book.