Falling for Valentine

Redemption Harbor Security

by Katie Reus

He’s not even close to her type…

Valentine always did what was expected of her—and ended up with a broken heart and a stolen identity for her troubles. Now she works as a freelance artist in the heart of New Orleans and lives day by day, not for the future. Lately her days are filled with loud construction thanks to the ridiculously hot contractor who’s working on her building. A man she’s doing her best to ignore, no matter how hard he makes it.

But maybe he’s exactly what she needs…

Arthur, AKA “Bear”, a building contractor in New Orleans has fallen hard for Valentine, a sweet, quirky woman with eclectic jobs—like posing as a nude model for art classes. But she barely seems to know he exists, until he saves her from a would-be mugger. After that, things change overnight, but she’s still keeping him at arm’s length. He’s trying to pretend that he can do casual, but it’s too late—he’s already all in.

SHORT NOVELLA in the same world as Falling for Nola.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Holiday, Friends To Lovers

65 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 11, 2025

About the author

Katie Reus® is the USA Today bestselling author of the Endgame trilogy, the MacArthur Family series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom's stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn't always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling for Valentine by Katie Reus
Redemption Harbor Security series novella. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series.
Valentine is a freelance artist in New Orleans. When she’s mugged at her apartment security gate, Arthur, aka Bear, comes to her rescue.
Bear would love to get to know Valentine better but accepted her decline for a date. He wants to keep her safe after the attempted mugging. A ride home turns to an inferno of passion. Valentine prefers no strings, but Bear isn’t going to settle for anything less than forever.

Bear is all in and that makes you like him and cheer him on.
Short story but full of romance, passion, and happy ever after feelings. A wonderful addition to the series.

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a big burly hero so I was excited to get Bear. I loved him from the very beginning and was disappointed that I didn't get more of his big burly ways. Valentine was unique with an interesting background together making them a couple that I wanted more of. The drama was low, the romance sweet and the steam, sizzling.





This is a fast read making it perfect for a quick break. I am thrilled that this author will be releasing more of these delicious bites between books in the future.

Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama; h not a virgin; H not a player
Triggers no apparent triggers
Steam 5 /5; explicit; condoms used

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valentine and Bear’s chemistry grabs you from the start. The hunky contractor working on her building is making Valentine cranky… and not just because of the construction noise. Bear is enjoying this building project because he gets to see Valentine every day. This low drama, sweet romance is a perfect read for Valentine’s Day!

Falling for Valentine is not a part of the Redemption Harbor Security series but takes place in New Orleans with a few of the RHS characters referenced.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I was in a major book slump and I can always count on Katie and her reads that they will be cute and make me happy. This was no exception. Very cute Valentine's day novella.

[Shelley C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling for Valentine💌

Falling for Valentine is a short story set in the Redemption world with mentions of familiar characters. Bear works with a construction crew and meets Valentine at the apartments owned by Fleur and her sister when he embarks on one of their renovation jobs.

Valentine is an artist and works from home for the most part. When she’s mugged and Bear steps in to help, she starts looking at him in a different light.

I enjoyed this story and hope we see Valentine and Bear again in the future❣️I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short novella and it is Valentine and Bear’s story and it is definitely a must read. Valentine had gone through so much in her life but now she works as a freelance artist and living in New Orleans and now lives her life day by day and for herself and not anyone else and now does exactly what she wants regardless of what others think of her. Bear was doing a refurbishment on a condo and as the timeline became closer the more hours they needed to work which kept them busy and the noise levels increased but then Valentine arrived complaining about the noise only to get the wrong day which made her feel stupid but it had the opposite effect on Bear because he thought she was absolutely beautiful and he knew that he wanted to get to know her but unfortunately Valentine had walls so high around her and had obviously been deeply hurt at some time but Bear was a patient man and was also determined to prove to her that not all men are the same and he was one of the good men and hoped that eventually she would give him a chance. When Valentine is mugged it is Bear who came to her rescue and helped her and that is what changed everything between them. Valentine and Bear have such strong attraction and chemistry that couldn’t be denied or how they felt about each other and even though Valentine tried hard to fight it she found that it was impossible and when they eventually came together it was so explosive and sparks flew all around them. Valentine and Bear’s relationship had many ups and downs and it was definitely not plain sailing because of what she had been through and also the baggage and trust issues that she carried but they were so perfect together and for each other and I absolutely loved the outcome that they had in the end. This book was absolutely addictive and I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting because it completely engaged you in the story. Katie Reus is an amazing author and writer and I look forward to reading many more of her books in the future because they are definitely worth reading.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentine, our determined music aficionado, is in the throes of creativity, trying to perfect a musical score for an upcoming play—only to be thwarted by the cacophony of construction next door. You know how it is; when inspiration strikes, the last thing you need is a jackhammer auditioning for a role in your symphony!

While working from home Valentines concentration is interrupted by sounds from next door. In a moment of sheer frustration (and perhaps a hint of dramatic flair), Valentine storms over to her neighbor's house, ready to unleash her righteous fury on the unsuspecting culprit. But as fate would have it, her target turns out to be none other than Bear—the burly but surprisingly charming neighbor, who is equally puzzled since it is a work day they agreed upon.

What follows is a whirlwind of misunderstandings and witty banter that could give any rom-com a run for its money. The sparks fly as they navigate their way through the chaotic construction noise, a mutual annoyance that unexpectedly brings them closer together.

In the end, amidst the twists and turns of their budding friendship—or should I say romance?—Valentine uncovers not just a solution to her musical woes, but also a heartwarming connection that leaves her adoring every moment of this unconventional situation.

I truly loved this story!

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reader is a huge fan of this author, having read all but her paranormal books. This one was another winner.
We are in New Orleans where Valentine lives after having left behind her heartaches and disappointments.
She thrives as a freelance artist, a nude model, and teacher to kids in the local community/art center.
What she can’t deal with is the noise the renovations in her building are causing while she works at home. The only good thing or should I say, person, that has come out of her disruption is Arthur/Bear Lockhart. Owner of the construction company who is also the lead on the renovations. A man that truly is a “bear”, with his tattoos and gorgeous eyes.
Meanwhile, there is something Valentine doesn’t realize , Bear is totally enchanted by her.
As these two develop a friendship, Valentine realizes how wonderful he is.
But fear of getting hurt as she did in the past, has her running away.
Will Valentine finally realize that Bear is the one for her? That he is someone who gets her and would never cut her wings?
This was a delightful novella with well developed characters and plot. Something many authors attempt to do in writing a novella, but few accomplish.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW: 3.75stars—FALLING FOR VALENTINE is a short novella found in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult REDEMPTION HARBOR SECURITY romantic suspense series. This is building contractor Arthur aka Bear, and freelance artist Valentine’s story line. FALLING FOR VALENTINE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.


Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Bear and Valentine) FALLING FOR VALENTINE follows the quick building romance and relationship between Bear and Valentine. Bear is a building contractor working on the complex where Valentine lives and works but Bear’s attraction to Valentine doesn’t feel reciprocal. An attack on our story line heroine pushes Bear to act, and in the fall-out, we find our couple growing closer together, when Bear helps Valentine with the local arts’ community.


The relationship between Valentine and Bear is one of immediate attraction but Valentine has been hurting the past, and Bear struggles to prove he is not the man who betrayed her trust. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.


FALLING FOR VALENTINE is a fast paced, quick read: a story of friendships and love. The premise is engaging and intriguing; the romance is seductive; the character are charismatic and determined.


Copy supplied for review

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst this isn't strictly part of the RHS series, it does feature characters from that series as secondary characters/acquaintances of our MC's.

This perfect little gem of a book is perfect for V day. Whether you're happily coupled up or still searching for your person, Bear and Valentine will make your heart happy.

Valentine has had a bit of vagabond existence, she has so many jobs and side-hustles, still trying to find where she belongs. I love that she was confident enough to approach builders and ask them to keep the noise down at particular times. I'm even more heart happy that these burly men actually responded to her request kindly and appropriately!

Bear is the kinda man who is good with his hands. He's kind, respectful but when he's with someone he's in 100%. He's the boss - he doesn't need to be on site but his crew keep ribbing him over his not so subtly crush on a nearby tenant. He and Valentine may have a mutual admiration society going on but that doesn't stop her giving the crew whatfor when they disturb her work. Oh the mortification when she realises she's the one in the wrong.

Bear comes to the rescue of our gal and they finally chip away at the walls they've erected around themselves. Bear shows himself to be the kindest, most caring guy you could hope for but he still talks a dirty game! I adore characters who have baggage and issues but realise they are there and try to work to shed them and Valentine was one of those characters.

I cannot wait to read more of these little in-between novellas!

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fun and romantic read from one of my favorite authors! A shorter story, but with such wonderful characters who left me wanting to know more about Bear and Valentine! Valentine works as a freelance artist and is trying to meet a deadline on a music score. Hard to concentrate with the construction taking place next door, she makes a stand on when construction is to happen only to find out that she has the wrong day and apologizes. A lack of sleep had her lashing out at Arthur aka Bear who is in charge of the construction. Owner of the company, he has been working on this job just to get the occasional glimpse of Valentine. He knows that he is not someone she would be interested in, but she brings some light into his world. When she is accosted by a mugger, he steps in to save her as she tends to his wound. When a friend shows an interest in Bear, she tells her that he is involved with someone. Now why did she do that? As they grow closer, she realizes that he wants more than a casual affair, but will her past keep her from taking a chance on a life with Bear? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[NICUnurse Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling for Valentine is a fun novella set in Katie Reus’s NOLA-based Redemption Harbor Security series and is a stand-alone title. It’s a quick, fun read. I’ve been a Katie Reus fan for years, and as a long-time fan, I can honestly say I’ve yet to find a book of hers I didn’t like or love. That's saying a lot since I’ve read most of her backlist. She’s a go-to of mine when I’m ready to devour a terrific romantic suspense. And devour this one, I did. It hooked me from page one, leaving me loathing when I had to put it down at any given point until I finished it. It’s a nice palate cleanser if you need something that’s not part of a series but still really entertaining. The characters are believable, engaging, a bit quirky, and easily likable. This fun little read is one more reason why Katie Reus is an author I return to time and again.

NICUnurse’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone loves a good holiday novella, especially holidays that revolves around love! Katie Reus never lets us down when she takes the time to remind us that love can come in the most unexpected of places and we should always appreciate when it comes to us. This novella in the world of the Redemption Harbor Security series, set in New Orleans, is sweet, fun and filled with just that right amount of heat for a NOLA Valentine’s Day. Sweet Arthur, aka Bear, has been slowly falling for the crazy woman in the apartment building he is working on renovating, and she has been determined to ignore him. The more time he spends near her the more he wants her, but she just wont even give him a chance, until he saves her from a guy trying to steal her purse one night. Valentine doesn’t trust the attraction she feels to the sexy construction worker who draws her eye at every moment, but when he protects her in a weak moment there is no denying that the chemistry between them is explosive, and he is sweet as honey. Together they have to decide if they are willing to test their connection and get over their misgivings in order to build a relationship, or if they will be walking away from their new feelings. I loved the way these two danced around one another for so long, but in the end were so perfectly matched. Bear and Valentine were both sexy, smart, kind, and when they accepted that they were meant to be, despite their obvious difference the story just flowed into something that would obviously be a lifelong relationship, one that we all should aspire to. Katie is so wonderful at building loving bonds even with a short number of words and we all were Falling for Valentine right along with Bear in this sweet holiday novella. I cannot wait for what comes next both in this series and in the future from this author.

[Lea Bookjoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

🇫🇷French & English reviews🇬🇧

Genre & Tropes : contempo romance x friends to lovers x novella

Une petite romance de la Saint-Valentin pour les fans de Katie Reus

J'aurais voulu que le livre soit dix fois plus long mais j'ai adoré lire l'histoire de Valentine et Bear, leur relation mignonne et sexy avec une pointe de drama !

Bref, une lecture légère et sexy que j'ai dévoré !


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A little Valentine's Day romance for Katie Reus fans

I wish the book was ten times longer but I loved reading Valentine and Bear's story, their cute and sexy relationship with a touch of drama !

In short, a light and sexy read that I devoured !

[Pamela Lilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading novellas. It feels fulfilling finishing a book in an hour or two, especially if it’s as entertaining as Valentine’s story. A strapping building contractor (who actually own the company), and is a genuinely nice guy falls for the sweet grumpy girl who keeps complaining to him about the noise. It’s fun, it’s sexy and it’s super sweet. I loved it. I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.

[Michele A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valentine and Bear are each interested in the other, but too scared to find out of it is mutual. He knows she is skittish and just wants an opening. She keeps wondering if he wants to go on a date, but doesn't want to make the first move. When they each get out of their own way, things start to go in a good direction. Since it is such a short book, I will not give any details on what happens. I will say that it was a quick, easy read and I liked both characters.

[Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute Valentines short story by Katie Reus. This is a quickie but if you only have a half hour to read, this is a fun story to read and it takes place in the Redemption series. Valentine is an artist and Bear is the contractor for renovating their apartment building. And that is enough to know they will get their HEA.

[Rosalynn Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

When opposites attract the sparks are electric. Valentine is scared to let anyone in and Bear just wants her. Watching these two come together is so much fun. You root for Valentine to let her insecurities go and embrace what Bear is offering. This is a short and sweet story that makes you smile.

[Tracey Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for Valentine's Day. Valentine and Bear are attracted to each other but are not acting on it. Things change when Bear comes to her rescue and also lends support to the after-school program where she volunteers. Even so, Bear is all in but still needs to convince Valentine to give him a real chance.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valentine and Bear are a cute couple. He a big, burly construction worker. She's a freelance artist who sometimes poses for the life drawing class at the local college. She's not sure she's ready for Bear, but he's sure he's just what she needs.

A feel good, sweet, short story full of wit, humor and, of course, romance.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling for Valentine is a novella within the Redemption Harbor series by Katie Reus. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone mystery or as part of the series.

This was such a fun read! I loved the characters and thought this was a great story!


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mg Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling for Valentine is a sweet quick read the storyline is charming and easy to follow Bear and Valentine are well rounded and likeable.

I received a advance reader's copy via Katie FallingReus and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Valentine.....forever

I love Bear, he can see Valentine is skittish but he takes his time to woo her and show her she is safe. He's a giant of a man but has the softest, biggest heart when it comes to Valentine. I enjoyed this really sweet romance.

[Valorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! My only wish was that it was a novel instead of a novella. Valentines story seems very interesting especially the parts about her upbringing…even Bears character seems like his upbringing was very different … I loved it all the same. My only con, too short.

[Christy Warthen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming!

A super sweet, fun and endearing love story.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good, quick read that you can enjoy in one sitting. Fun characters and a cute story.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet fun read. Falling for Valentine is that perfect warm fuzzy read that leaves a smile on your face and your heart feeling full.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute

A short cute HEA with Valentine and Bear. There isn’t any real drama or angst to the story. Well developed easy romance.

[Glenda Bettin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

[Denise H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cute, short novella that'd make a great full length book.