Fall Back

by Ember Davis

CARSON
When I left Wintervale, I was running toward my dream. And then I made every hope I had for myself into my reality. Life has a funny way of reminding you what really matters.

When I lived in Denver, I was living my dream. Building a life so far away from my family wasn’t easy, but tattooing kept me going. Nothing is perfect though and an old boss has been stalking me.

When I return to Wintervale, I’m searching for safety, peace, and the opportunity to be with my family again. The last thing on my mind was seeing my brother’s best friend, Jared. Now that I’m back maybe we can explore the connection between us that we’ve always avoided. I’m sure he could keep me safe, but can he give me so much more?

JARED
The people around me are dropping like flies with this whole love thing. I can’t say that I’m not entirely uninterested, but I’m not holding out hope that I’ll find my woman any time soon. Then I’m on the job and come across Carson Burns, and it looks like she’s doing more than visiting.

Carson should be off limits since she’s my best friend’s little sister. She’s not the girl I remember from growing up and there is no way I’m going to stay away from the woman who is meant to be mine. Karma comes for me because I refuse to hide what we are which feels familiar when Noel is less than thrilled. He’ll get over it.

We think her brothers being against us is the biggest problem we have, but then her time away from Wintervale comes knocking. Finding out that she’s running from something only makes me more determined to protect her. I’m trained for this, and I’ll keep her safe. Then we’ll put the past behind us and figure out forever.

*18+. If you like alpha heroes and an insta-love story that is sweet and spicy but isn’t necessarily simple, then this is for you. No cheating with a guaranteed HEA. This is the fifth book set in Wintervale, Montana and, as of right now, it is the last. Carson Burns first shows up in Spring Forward and Jared first appears in New Home for the Holidays. Other books set in Wintervale, Montana: New Home for the Holidays, Winter Memories, Spring Forward, Summer Redemption.*

From cold cozy winters to scorching hot summers, find your next favorite couple in the beautiful small town of Wintervale, Montana.
Follow along with some of your favorite authors as they explore each season, beginning with winter.

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2025

About the author

Ember Davis loves alpha heroes with a range of emotions, but a strong sense of how to take care of their women. She loves her heroines from all walks of life, just like her heroes, and she wants them to be real and relatable. Her heroines tend to be sassy, opinionated and smart.

Ember is a stay at home mom of two who recently refound her love of books and all things romance and is so glad that she did. She’s always been creative, but writing and creating stories that she would love to read satisfies the dreams she had as a little girl. She loves butterflies, the color purple and enjoying time with her family.

Pssst, it’s totally a pen name, but everything above is 100% true.

Find her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ember.A.Davis

Find her on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/ember.a.davis/

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

CARSON

When I left Wintervale, I was running toward my dream. And then I made every hope I had for myself into my reality. Life has a funny way of reminding you what really matters.

When I lived in Denver, I was living my dream. Building a life so far away from my family wasn’t easy, but tattooing kept me going. Nothing is perfect, though, and an old boss has been stalking me.

When I return to Wintervale, I’m searching for safety, peace, and the opportunity to be with my family again. The last thing on my mind was seeing my brother’s best friend, Jared. Now that I’m back, maybe we can explore the connection between us that we’ve always avoided. I’m sure he could keep me safe, but can he give me so much more?

JARED

The people around me are dropping like flies with this whole love thing. I can’t say that I’m not entirely uninterested, but I’m not holding out hope that I’ll find my woman any time soon. Then I’m on the job and come across Carson Burns, and it looks like she’s doing more than visiting.

Carson should be off limits since she’s my best friend’s little sister. She’s not the girl I remember from growing up, and there is no way I’m going to stay away from the woman who is meant to be mine. Karma comes for me because I refuse to hide what we are, which feels familiar when Noel is less than thrilled. He’ll get over it.

We think her brothers being against us is the biggest problem we have, but then her time away from Wintervale comes knocking. Finding out that she’s running from something only makes me more determined to protect her. I’m trained for this, and I’ll keep her safe. Then we’ll put the past behind us and figure out forever.

This contemporary small-town brother's best friend/best friend's sister opposites attract protector insta love romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building in Wintervale, Montana, and characters that are a police officer hero/former military hero, and a tattoo artist heroine/damsel in distress runs home, who are both resilient, captivating, and realistic. Carson and Jared's story is enthralling with a fall back, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, chaos/drama, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, no cheating with a HEA, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with a fallback and an explicit romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful and unforgettable.

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

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for Carson’s book for a while now. I’m so glad it is finally out. It was worth the wait. Carson left Wintervale after high school to make her way in the world and learn how to be a tattoo artist in her chosen art form. After her apprenticeship, she worked in a few places in Denver, Colorado and made friends, but one boss didn’t get the memo that she wasn’t interested in him. Dave has been stalking her. She actually sees him more than when she worked for him, not that she is about to leave her second home, Vibrant Ink. She met Roan in Vegas at the tattoo event, and he offered her a job if she ever came home. With the problem with Dave, she finally moved into the place that Roan helped her find as she didn’t want to go home to the Limitless Ranch, where the rest of her family lived. She felt that she was coming home with her tail between her legs. I don’t think she is. I think she accomplished more than she wanted. She just needed a change of circumstances. After moving in. Only Roan knows that she is home. She didn’t tell her family she was coming home. She tells her bestie, Maggie. After getting locked out of her rental home, she ends up meeting with her brother Noel’s bestie, Jared, who is a cop. When his sister, Morgan ended up with his co-worker, Walker, he gave them a hard time. Well, it is his turn. As he realized when he last saw Carson at Eden & Fletcher’s wedding. There is a reason why he didn’t make his move. But, he does now. He also realizes that Carson’s three brothers- Fletcher, Noel & Huxley are going to give him a very hard time because he feels that Carson is his, when Carson finally tells them she is home. lol.

The book is an emotional roller coaster ride and awesome. I laughed, cried, needed the AC on high, chewed on my nails, ranted, punched my pillow; it was romantic and steamy, fun and funny and scary as well (the whole Dave factor and stalking). I know what this is like. So I really felt it. Once everyone in her family finally knows she is home, everything starts off a bit awkward but it gets fixed. No one knows about Dave. I wish that she had told Roan and Jared right away. Things progress rather quickly between Jared & Carson. When the Dave hits the fan (not literally, although I wished for it, lol) things get kinda bad, but there is a HEA. Thank goodness. It gets scary for a while. Jared’s pet name for Carson is hilarious. I love Wintervale stories. As well as the Denver ones. They are all just so good! I can’t wait to see what comes next.

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

[Rainbowlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured it. Didn't want it to finish, but couldn't put it down because I wanted more. That's the exact train of thought I had when reading Fall Back.

Ember gave us an instalove with drama, and let's just say the angst levels were high too.

Carson's moved back to Wintervale, she's got a job, a house and hopefully a sense of peace. Leaving Denver was a hard choice (Vibrant Ink Series), but thanks to the actions of a former boss completely necessary. The only thing is the move back home brings up her feelings of not belonging so she wants to lay low and avoid her family (mainly her the brothers (Winter Memories, Spring Forward, & Summer Redemption) while getting settled.
The last thing she needs is her brothers best friend Jared and former crush finding out she's here and spilling the beans. Except he knows she's back after coming to arrest anl potential intruder who turns out to be none other than Carson.

Jared and Carson together just makes so much sense. The need to emotionally support and love the other is written beautifully. They are 100% the others perfect half, working together to be as in sync as possible, while remaining individuals.

Definitely give Fall Back a read if you enjoy;
❤️ Instalove
❤️ Interlinking Characters
❤️ Interconnected Standalone
❤️ Steamy Scenes
❤️ Brother's Best Friend
❤️ Tattoo Artist x Cop
❤️ Drama / Angst
❤️ Alpha MMC
❤️ Mutual Support
❤️ Found Family
❤️ Pure Love
❤️ Dual POV
❤️ No Cheating
❤️ No Third Act Breakup
❤️ HEAs

Then give this amazing 5 star read from Ember.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Small-Town Brother’s Best Friend Filled with Heart, Heat, and Homecoming! 🍂❤️

Fall Back by Ember Davis is the perfect cozy, emotional, and protective small-town romance to dive into this season. Carson’s return to Wintervale isn’t just about coming home — it’s about finding safety, family, and a love she never expected to finally have a chance with.

Carson is such a strong and relatable heroine — a woman rebuilding her life after trauma, leaning on her roots and finding peace in the familiar. Jared, her brother’s best friend and a man who’s always had a soft spot for her, steps up in every possible way. He’s protective, patient, and exactly the kind of hero you want in your corner.

The chemistry between Carson and Jared sizzles from the start, but what really makes this book shine is the deep emotional connection between them — the way he helps her heal, the way she brings warmth into his life, and how they face every challenge as a team.

The small-town Montana setting, the family dynamics, and the thread of suspense all add layers to a beautifully written love story that feels both grounded and swoon-worthy.

If you love protective heroes, resilient heroines, and that unmistakable “coming home” warmth wrapped in fall vibes and romance, Fall Back is a must-read. 🍁🔥.

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

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Locking herself out brings her an unexpected complication

Fall Back by Ember Davis is part of the multi-author Seasons in Montana - Fall series. It is also part of the author's Wintervale world/books. The story is about Carson and Jared and it is an emotional roller-coaster ride from start to finish. Carson was born and grew up in Wintervale but left after high school. She wanted to be a tattoo artist and she set out to become a really talented one, doing an apprenticeship and then working at a couple different shops in Denver. But when one boss starts to stalk her and a chance meeting with Roan who offers her a spot in his shop, she decides to move back home. She does it all quietly, not telling anyone in the family or her friends. Jared is a local police officer who grew up in Wintervale. He is also best friends with Noel, who is Carson's older brother. Carson and Jared meet again when she locks herself out of the house she is renting and he is the one who comes. She may not have told her family she is back home but Carson knows he is not about to let her leave again, as they were meant to be together.
I loved this story and am happy to be back in the Wintervale community of family, friends and complications. Fall Back is a wonderful read, with a story-line that is packed with deliciousness and heat.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carson and Jared

FALL BACK is part of the multi-author Seasons in Montana - Fall series. It takes place in Ember's Wintervale world. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, slight age-gap, curvy girl gets her cop romance. Carson is a smart, sassy, and curvy tattoo artist who left Wintervale 10 years ago to pursue and succeed at her dream career. Jared is a hunky ex-military man turned police officer who is 2 years older, he is also her brother Noel’s best friend. She had a crush in him growing up, he has also been pining for her, but didn’t know she planned on returning home. She met Roan from Blue Sky Ink in Wintervale, while still working for Vibrant Ink in Denver. He ends up offering her a job if she ever decides to return home. Well, she has a stalker, an ex-boss, so she decides to come home. Jared catches her trying to get into her rental, and he immediately asks her out. OMG, I loved his nickname, "My little criminal", for her. He is immediately all in, even though he knows her older brothers will not make it easy. When her past catches up, can Jared keep her safe? These two had insane chemistry and we got a great HEA after some angst. I loved how Jared just knew they were meant to be, and how Carson was able to trust him after all she had been through. This one was a bit of an emotional roller-coaster ride, but I loved it so much!!

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Coming Home!**

“Fall Back" is the third book in the "Seasons in Montana - Fall" multi-author series. In this story, Carson, a successful tattoo artist, has moved back home. One morning, after accidentally locking herself out of her rental house, she unexpectedly encounters Jared, her brother’s best friend, whom she had a crush on when she was younger. With Carson back in town, Jared takes the opportunity to ask her out.

Their chemistry is intense and passionate, but Jared senses that Carson is hiding the real reason for her return from both her family and him. As the truth emerges, Jared's protective instincts kick in, and all he wants to do is keep her safe.

I’ve been eagerly waiting for Carson to finally get her happily ever after (HEA) since her brothers, Noel and Huxley, found theirs. I thoroughly enjoyed curling up with her and Jared in this charming, easy-to-read story featuring an age-gap romance, a bit of drama, a protective alpha male, a big family, and the magic of small-town life—what’s not to love?

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

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

She returns home...

...but finds so much more.

Acceptance, protection, lust, love, hope and a future with Jared that is more than she could ever have hoped for. We have met Carson in the earlier books in this series, her brother's books, and in the Denver - Vibrant Ink books, but we didn't really get to know her in any of these. Here we get to see the way she struggles to see her place in the family, we see her fears about moving home and facing judgement and the terrifying impact that Dave has on her when he follows her to Wintervale.
Through it all Jared is her rock, he shows her that he wants her, wants them, wants a future together. But he doesn't push or pressure her, he gives acceptance and support, even when he knows she is still hiding something from him. He is completely and utterly, head over heels in love with Carson, but can read her well enough to know she is skittish and wary, he works on making her feel at home and comfortable in town and on boosting her confidence and I love him for it. He is her perfect match, as she is his.
An awesome addition to the series which I read on Kindle Unlimited.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another perfect story of instalove in our little town of Wintervale. Ember Davis gives us Carson and Jared’s story and I loved the characters and their little drama filled adventure to find each other and finally admit that they have both had feelings for each other. Carson leaves Wintervale to find a new life and has to come home when life doesn’t work out as she had planned but unfortunately for her ex boss is stalking her and follows her home. Although she has connected with Jared, who just happens to be the town’s police officer, her stalker won’t take the hint and breaks into her house and that is when both Jared and Carson realise how strong their feelings are. These two have an undeniable connection and strong chemistry and although their attraction is instant Jared has to win over her very protective brothers. The story was fun and the characters were all very close and I just devoured this book.

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Terrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carson has been living in Denver and becoming a successful tattoo artist but her first job landed her a stalker who was her old boss. She is tired of looking over her shoulder so she moves back home and thinks that her stalker wouldn't follow her back to her home town. Jared was around her all the time when they were growing up because his best friend is her brother but something changes when he sees her at one of brother's wedding but doesn't act on it because she was going to Denver. Once he gets a call of someone breaking into a house and it is her because she locked herself out, he wastes no time asking her out. Then he goes into protective mode when he learns she has stalker. He won't stop at anything to protect her.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carson had left Wintervale to fulfill her dream to become a tattoo artist. It has not always been a smooth ride. One of her former bosses has turned into a stalker, maybe leaving Denver will help her shake him. She accepts a job and rents a house but does not tell her family she has moved back.

Jared does not know what to do, he feels like something is missing, ever since Noel's wedding. When he say Noel's sister, he believes she is the one, but did not do anything as she lived in Denver.

When Jared gets a breaking and entering call, he does not expect to find Carson trying to climb thru a window. He finds out she has just moved back but her family does not know, he asks her on a date. He is ready to make her his, but he will just need to wait until she is ready.

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

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a part of the Seasons in Montana: Fall series and focuses on Jared and Carson. Carson has spent the last few years in Denver building her life and career. Her time in Denver launched her career, but it also brought her a stalker. When a career opportunity to do what she loves in her hometown became available, Carson took it. What she doesn’t expect when she comes back to town is Jared, her brother’s best friend. Jared had always seen Carson as off limits growing up but when he sees the woman she has turned into and the fact that she is now home for good, he doesn’t hesitate to make her his. When Carson’s past in Denver follows her home, Jared is determined to keep his woman safe. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.

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

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ember Davis always tugs at my heart and heats up my kindle! Carson and Jared have a cute meet and they’re hooked from that point on. He’s her brother’s bf, but that’s not going to stop him from making her his woman. She’s back home and trying to forget her stalker problem, but Jared sees her tension. I love love their chemistry: he’s a dirty talker and she’s ready for him every time! I don’t think it would be an Ember book if there wasn’t a huge family reunion and theirs is so heartwarming and funny! The epilogues are especially sweet!!! Epic story with lots of spice, a little danger, and a love bigger than they ever imagined!.

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

[JaneH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carson and Jared are quite simply perfect together. She returns to town, starting a new job. Whilst these two knew each other it wasn’t until she returned to town that they became as one. Jared is so patient, caring and protective it had me swooning. Poor Carson, who has a stalker that she keeps a secret until he turns up at the bar our two lovebirds are at is terrified.
Some drama (not between the main couple), lots of family fun times (Carson has one large family), spice, emotion and two great epilogues.

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

[C Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent final story for the Burns family. Ive been looking forward to Carson's story and I'm so glad that she ended up with Jared (even though he was a jerk to his sister in her book). I love a story in which the characters bring out the best in each other and can trust the other enough to let them just be who they are in the moment. Jared is so patient in proving himself and in loving Carson enough to let her open herself up to him on her timeline. This book has everything: steam, heart, humor, and an amazing HEA.

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

[BossyDani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carson is running, though she runs to her childhood town. She doesn’t tell her family that she is back but when Jared, her brother’s best friend, finds her, he asks her out.

I love nicknames and he calls her “my little criminal” since he thought she was breaking into her rental when they first met.

Carson has a stalker and she’s afraid to open up to anyone, Jared or her family. But when he tracks her down, can Jared protect her?

A fast paced read set in Wintervale. Good to see previous couples make appearances in this book.

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

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carson is back in her hometown after living in Denver for years. She came back to Wintervale for a job opportunity and to get away from a stalker, but she never imagined she would find love at the same time. Jared is Carson's brother's best friend and always thought of Carson as off limits until he sees her again, and sparks are flying between them. The writing is well done, the characters are believable, and perfect for each other. This brother's best friend romance with a stalker twist is a great addition to the multi-author Seasons in Montana-Fall series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carson has come back to Wintervale to get away from an ex boss who has turned into a stalker. She has rented a place instead of going back to the family property, but after she accidentally locks herself out she is caught trying to break back in by local cop Jared, ber brother's best friend. Jared was interested in Carson when he saw her at her brother's wedding and they start seeing each other on the down low. Carson needs to tell her family that she is back and things get more complicated when her stalker catches up with her.

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

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of a multi author series called Seasons in Montana -Fall. We met Carson and Jared in other stories by Ember Davis. Jared is one of Carson's brother's best friend and a policeman for Wintervale. I chuckled at their interaction when Carson is first back in their small town. Loved the banter between Jared, his sister's boyfriend, and Carson's three brothers. Enjoyable read with a strong independent FMC. Another great read by Ember Davis.

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

[amanda smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment Jared sees Carson outside her window he is hooked. Carson always having had a crush on him seems shocked he wants her. Their connection is immediate and completely electric. They are inseparable and it’s clear nothing and no one is going to stand in the way of her happiness. Carson’s stalker, ex boss, can’t even stand in their way and Jared will do whatever it takes to ensure that Carson is safe.

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

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited about Carson’s story and it did not disappoint. Loved Jared and Carson’s meet cute reunion. Jared’s possessiveness, respect and his gentleness for Carson was all that. The family and their antics made the story even deeper. Just the right amount of suspense, steamy sizzle, secrets, revelations, protective alphaness and perfect love for the perfect romance. Ember always gives a wonderful read.

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

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carson left her family's ranch to further her career as a tattoo artist. She returns home with a secret, not letting her family know she is back.
Jared is a police officer in town. He knows Carson due to his friendship with her brother. Seeing her again, after so many years, has him feeling things he never thought he would feel.
As a couple they have trouble with her brothers but also Carson's secret making an appearance.
Lovely story about returning and discovering the beauty of home.

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

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic brother’s best friend romance. It was a really well written story that had a good flow. The storyline started out being very sweet with a touch of spice and then took a bit of a more serious turn and I really liked it. Carson and Jared had great chemistry and I loved his nickname for her.

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

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carson and Jarred are so perfect for each other. I love that these two characters finally get their story and a super sweet HEA too. I’m not ready to say goodbye to the Wintervale world though!! Carson and Jarred are freaking adorable and he’s so sweet with her. Plus him eating a bit of crow for his previous actions is perfect!! Love love love this book!!

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

[Holly]

A New Beginning in an Old Plave

Carson comes back to Wintervale to regroup and for the safety home provides but a first avoids her family but not her brother's best friend Jared who catches her trying to break into her own home when locked out. One look at grown Carson and Jared knows she is meant to be his and goes about proving it to her. But trouble follows Carson from Denver and Jared will need to keep her safe so they can get to their HEA in this wonderful read.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seasons in Montana - Fall story of Carson and Jared. This one will have you shocked in all the best ways, laughing at these two and the brothers of Carson’s and creeped out at the stalker. What a wonderful story.

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

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Carson returns home to a new job and hopefully to escape her stalker. I liked how Jared and Carson meet again and start a relationship that ends in love. I'm glad her stalker is caught red handed and sent to prison.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Burns sister comes home in this very sweet story. The relationship moves quick but is more believable due to their long history. A little family drama that is more funny than anything and a threat from an outside source adds to the story.

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

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Running from danger into the arms of love. Carson is running from her stalker and heads home. Returning home puts her back into Jared’s orbit. He is determined to make her his and protect her from her stalker. The characters are interesting and entertaining. The storyline flows, recommended read.

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

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Jared and Carson
Genre- Small Town Romance
Heat- open door
Safety? Y
Series? Y
Triggers- stalking
Tropes- Everyday Hero, Tattoo You, Instalove, She’s All Grown Up, Brother’s Best Friend
What I liked- I enjoyed the small-town feel of the story. And the man bun.

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