Downfall

Cornered Collection

by Lynn H. Blackburn

When their lives hang in the balance, they'll have to rethink the meaning of following their dreams.

All Cassie Quinn has ever wanted is to run her own restaurant. She left home to pursue her dream, but circumstances beyond her control destroyed it, and she returned to Gossamer Falls to regroup. When she's given an offer she can't refuse--to fill in as chef at a fine dining restaurant for the social elite--she jumps at the chance to restore her reputation.

But when the kitchen is destroyed, it becomes clear that Cassie is in danger. She's forced to accept the help of her ex-boyfriend, Officer Donovan Bledsoe, to find the culprit and secure her safety. Donovan's primary mission is to keep her safe. His secondary mission is to win her back.

Escape the web of deceptive criminals in this fast-paced romantic suspense novella with themes of cooking and culinary expertise, hometown reunion, and second chance romance.

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Contemporary

Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: Also writes under the pen name Lynn Huggins Blackburn.

Reviews

[Patricia Rupell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not always a fan of novellas, but this one was great. The story was good and I loved being back in Gossamer Falls. Now on to the next in the series.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Downfall is a novella that comes between the second and third books in the Gossamer Falls series. This one is Cassie and Donovan's story. They had been dating in the first book, but suddenly broke up. We finally get to see why in this novella. Their romance was really sweet. As with the other books in the series, there is a pretty good mystery here. I really do recommend this series as a whole.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super quick read, but after reading Never Fall Again and meeting Cassie and Donovan... I NEEDED this story! Can I just say I did not expect so much to happen in one novella, wow, just wow! That said, the romance was totally my favorite.

Donovan and Cassie have a history together. They were perfect together until one day they were not, and she still doesn't know why... But when the kitchen at the Haven is trashed and the threat is tied to Cassie, Donovan comes running to keep her safe. And if he’s lucky maybe he can convince her to give him another chance?!

These two were the sweetest. I loved Cassies character, and when she was done waiting on Donovan to get around to explaining why they broke up...I loved it when she took control, it was my favorite part! lol! And his reaction?! Priceless!

I gave this 4.5 rounded to 5 stars.

I am ready for the next book in the series now! I am loving all the reoccurring characters, super invested in everyone's story!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great romantic suspense - I loved the characters, and the story kept me hooked.

[Hirut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread… five big stars.

[Joy Tiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun novella. I’m enjoying the Quinn family and was happy we got Cassie’s story.

[Izzy Jane :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Crissy Loughridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tend to feel like novellas are like getting half a cookie. You enjoy the cookie immensely, but really wish the other half were around. But with Downfall, I felt like I got the entire cookie and then some! Well, written with plenty of depth and it felt like the story wasn't cut off at all. Loved every minute! Highly recommend!

[Kristi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the description of In the Downfall by Lynn H.. Blackburn: Man-woman relationships — Fiction
Accident investigation — Fiction.
Criminal investigation — Fiction.
Revenge — Fiction.
Women accountants — Fiction
Accountants — Fiction
Women cooks — Fiction.
Cooks — Fiction.
Mountain resorts — Fiction.
Women teachers — Fiction.
Teachers — Fiction.
Suspense fiction, American
Romance fiction, American
Genre
Downloadable books
Romantic suspense fiction
Romance fiction.
Novellas................ DO YOU SEE CHRISTIAN FICTION LISTED ANYWHERE???? ONCE AGAIN I HAVE BEEN TRICKED INTO READING FICTION WITH A RELIGIOUS AGENDA. IF THE AUTHOR IS SO PROUD OF HER CHRISTIANITY, WHY NOT SHOUT IT TO THE WORLD????? WHY HIDE IT??? TO SELL MORE BOOKS??????? READERS DESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE WHAT TYPE OF BOOK THEY WISH TO READ!!!!!!!!!!! Kristi & Abby Tabby

[Luc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie is back in Gossamer Falls as a replacement Chef in a local resort following the actual Chef suffering a medical emergency. For how long ? She doesn't know yet.

It so happens that she left her small village, not that long ago to go explore an opportunity to shine following her graduation from Culinary School.

Donovan is a police officer in the small village and, not so long ago, was in a serious relationship with Cassie Quinn. He broke the relationship for personal reasons and did not foresee being in charge of an investigation involving Chef Cassie.

This is one of the best romantic thrillers that I have had the pleasure to read this year.

The author has written a great story where with the help of God, two young persons will learn that misunderstandings are often the result of heartache. I highly recommend this book and award it 5 Stars.

[Berly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this as part of the Cornered novella series of stories. I'm pretty sure that this is connected to other books by the author. I think this is my first book by her, unless I listened to a different novella in a previous post collaboration. There was a lot more going on than what I knew about. I think if you are familiar with the families in this story, you'd like it a lot.

It was fine. I don't know if I was just distracted or not connected but I did find my mind wandering whole listening. I had to go back a few times and I rarely ever do that.

The audio narrator was fine.

[Milena O · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, i never thought that i would like romantic suspense, but let me tell you I LOVE IT VERY MUCH!!!
As of right now this is my second read of this author and i am loving it each read so much!
Her characters are real, funny, protective and wholesome and the suspense is awersome!!
The romance is everything a christian girl wants and more!!!
If you like:
- faith themes
- suspense
-second chance romance
- a man that grovels
THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!!!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story reveals the behind scenes of being a chef in a private resort. The reader gets a glimpse of what life can be in the world of cooking and what is really important to those in that field. A good book that won't necessarily make you hungry. Just more hungry for Lynn H. Blackburn's talent as a writer.

[Cortney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I get it that it’s a short book but the romance just seemed so weird. Their exes and he is regretful and she resents him for breaking up with her. Yet she doesn’t seem bothered by his advances toward her. Idk just not really into it. The villain is not present until the very end and there were too many side characters to keep up with

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars: I liked it
__________
My rating system:
• 5 stars—I loved it and/or it impacted me greatly
• 4 stars—I really liked it and will likely want to read it again
• 3 stars—I liked it
• 2 stars—It was okay
• 1 star—I didn’t like it

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced, romantic thriller with lots of twists and turns in Perilous Obsession, by Natalie Walters, a favorite author of mine.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not y favourite of hers. It was okay.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

glad I read this

[Tim Eichenbrenner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lynn Blackburn's Downfall is entertaining and suspenseful. It's a fun read with characters you'll enjoy and cheer for--well, most of them, that is!

[Ann-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 to 4.5 stars

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just wish it were longer! 🥰

[Kymberly LaNear · Rating 5 out of 5]

another awesome read by Lynn Blackburn

I have enjoyed reading this novella about Cassie’s and Donovan’s future. I am looking forward to the next Gossamer Falls installment

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read - a few surprises and a little different story line, but the ending was similar…

[Lacey Lutz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie and Donovan’s story. Short, sweet, and worth reading for fans of the Gossamer Falls world.

[readcleancatmomtanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good novella, part of the Gossamer Falls series. Quick read, and well-written. Fills you in on what happened with Cassie and Donovan. Highly recommend this series!

[Sharon Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby. Good Story.

[Gerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review for this book appears under the book titled Cornered by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn and Natalie Walters.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this super fast novella about Cassie and Donovan. We see all our characters from Gossamer Falls series. Second Chance Romances are always my favorite go to genre and this was no exception to being great. Now I can’t wait for Lynn’s next book in the series coming 2026.

[Mary Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect minor character novella. Truly enjoyed this short extension to Blackburn's Gossamer Falls series. Donovan and Cassie's story was marvelous. I only wish it had been longer. Looking forward to the rest of the series.