A captivating dark, small-town, second-chance romance by Celine L.A. Simpson. Perfect for fans of Emily McIntire, Rina Kent, and Sav R. Miller—this story will grip your heart, twist your soul, and linger long after the final page.
It had taken me two years to get my shit together…sort of.
To rebuild from the rubble of my beliefs—beliefs that had been utterly decimated by the love of my life. My whole world changed with a single phone call from my dad, but it was Fane who shattered it completely with just one word. Darling had been my safe space. My bubble of good in the world. And then Fane showed up out of the blue after two years—with a team of contractors in tow and news that they were there to assess the potential for Darling to be developed, changed irrevocably into the ideal weekend getaway for city dwellers. Over my dead body. To make things worse, I’d been lying to my parents for the last two years, telling them Fane and I hadn’t broken up. That he’d just taken a job working in a mine…in Australia. And, of course, why wouldn’t my long-distance-turned-short-distance boyfriend stay with me while he’s in town? I had one chance to show Fane that Darling was better left untouched. I had a plan, and I was willing to endure the agony of what I once thought my life would be—while he slept in my bed, stole the love of my dog, and tormented me with his mere presence. Getting under my skin seemed like a bonus for him on top of ruining the one thing I had left: Darling. I didn’t hate Fane Mackenzie. I never had. I never could. As much as I wanted to, as much as I tried, it would have made everything so much easier. But no, there was no room in my heart for hatred where he was concerned. I just had to make sure the only casualty of his trip to Darling was me.
This book contain explicit sexual content and is suitable for readers 18+
An entire love story built around Sleep Token’s Fall For Me as their love song? Sign 👏🏼 Me 👏🏼 UP 👏🏼
Couldn’t put this down and whoops, it was 3am when the plot twists hit. I was cheering for these characters - I wanted their happily ever after. Their love made my heart warm and the spice was delicious. The MOUTH on that man… YES.
Overall a delightful read. Dark yet somehow comforting? I’ll unpack that with my therapist later.
Where do I start? The moment I opened this book, I was laughing. The banter between the main male character (MMC) Fane and the main female character (MFC) Cali is unforgettable. Their witty exchanges are like a finely-tuned duet where every barb and rejoinder is perfectly placed. They are constantly at each other’s throats, but the glimmer of happiness in his eyes depicts his deep-seated love for her and shows that he never stopped loving her. This subtle yet powerful depiction of his emotions made me squeal as I read further, craving more and more. I could not put this book down.
The character development is exceptional. Both characters undergo significant growth as they navigate through heartaches and trials. Watching their transformation from guarded individuals to vulnerable, open-hearted partners was incredibly satisfying. Their evolution is beautifully intertwined with the story’s emotional highs and lows, making their journey feel real and deeply moving.
Cali, the owner of Sunshine Café, is a force to be reckoned with. Her severe use of the middle finger and her blunt honesty, like ripping a bandage off, makes her both intimidating and endearing. Her tough exterior hides a heart of gold that she reveals in unexpected, heartwarming moments. Cali’s fierce independence and unyielding spirit are qualities that make her a standout character.
Fane, on the other hand, is now added to my morally grey, “don’t you dare touch her” list of book boyfriends. He embodies a complex mix of hate and love, treating you right while holding you up with one arm. His unwavering dedication to the heroine, despite his own inner turmoil, adds depth to his character. His actions are driven by a love that is both fierce and tender, making him an unforgettable character who stays with you long after you’ve finished the book.
The book's blend of humour, character growth, and raw emotion kept me engaged from start to finish. It’s a rollercoaster of feelings that you won’t want to miss. Celine has crafted a story that is as hilarious as it is heart-wrenching, with characters that leap off the page and into your heart. Each laugh and middle finger raised in their journey is met with anticipation, making this a book that is impossible to put down.
I am recommending this book to anyone who loves a good enemies to lovers
First off, hats off to Celine L.A. Simpson on writing this masterpiece of a freaking book!! I am absolutely in love with Fane and Calista’s love story! Absolutely mind blown and just, I have no words to explain how much I love this freaking book! ❤️
This book is literally a roller coaster full of emotions, from heartbreak to love, with a handful of amazing steamy scenes (iykyk 😉🤭) the way Celine is able to make us feel every emotion that Fane and Calista feel in the moment is an extraordinary gift! I absolutely loved and adored when we had the before and present time chapters! Being able to travel back in time to know what these two lovebirds went through made my heart ache even more!!
This is the journey of both Fane and Calista, two people who were in love and life got in the way of things. Without spoiling too much, it’s a story where two people who love each other so deeply and forever intertwine find their way back to each other, someway, somehow. Their love story made my heart swell in happiness, ache and feel sorrow all at once. Not once did I stop reading and I even wanted to read while my students were completing their independent classwork 😅😂
I rate this book, truly, a 1000000/5 ❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 I was lucky enough to read it as an advanced reader and I can’t wait to buy the physical copy and annotate the shit out of it! I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get lost in a second chance romance between two people who were always meant to be with each other 🫶🏽❤️
This is an amazing enemies-to-lovers dark romance told from two perspectives (Fane and Calista) and spans across two timelines (the past and the present).
The story kicks off with a flashback showing how Cali and Fane first crossed paths, then shifts to the present day. Currently, Cali runs a cozy café in the quaint town of Darling, while Fane is involved in his father's business, which is eyeing Darling for potential investment. He arrives in town with his business crew to "evaluate" the opportunity. What Cali doesn’t realize is that Fane isn’t there to shake things up; he actually wants to help the town. Instead of coming clean, Fane lets Cali think the worst, and they end up pretending to be a couple to cover up a fib she told her parents.
As they uncover more about each other in the present and reflect on their past, their bond deepens. The playful banter between Cali and Fane is sharp and feels genuine. Celine did an excellent job of bringing these characters to life.
Just when things seem to settle down, an unexpected and intense event shakes everything up. This twist kept me on the edge of my seat! I couldn’t put the book down.
Fall Into Me has all the elements you crave in a dark romance: strong character development, clever banter, surprising plot twists, and some steamy moments.
An Unforgettable Enemies-to-Lovers Romance! Celine might just be an auto buy author for me! I enjoyed her romance books and now enjoyed the dark romance too!
From the first page, this book had me laughing. The banter between Fane and Cali is razor-sharp and effortlessly entertaining. They’re constantly at odds, yet beneath it all, Fane’s lingering love for her shines through, making every interaction electric.
The character development is outstanding. Both Cali and Fane evolve from guarded and stubborn to open and vulnerable, their emotional journey packed with heartache, humor, and raw intensity. Cali’s fierce independence and unfiltered honesty make her a powerhouse heroine, while Fane—now firmly on my "don’t you dare touch her" book boyfriend list—balances strength with a deeply devoted heart.
Celine masterfully blends tension, humor, and sizzling chemistry, keeping me hooked until the last page. Her writing is incredibly immersive—I felt every emotion, slipped right into Cali’s shoes, and even fell for Fane’s best friend, Ash!
This story tackles some heavier topics with care, so check trigger warnings before diving in. But if you love sharp banter, slow-burning tension, and small-town romance with spice, this one’s a must-read!
All the feels!! What a masterful balance of heartache, humor, heat and heart pounding adrenaline. Celine has written an enthralling story that kept me devouring pages well into the night. Cali and Fanes relationship was definitely complicated and also so full of love. One of my favorite things about Celine’s writing is the way she is able to articulate the characters feelings and thought process in the most relatable way. I could easily slip into Cali’s shoes and felt an immediate kinship with the characters. I loved the main characters, but also fell completely for Fane’s best friend Ash (read this book and then tell me you didn’t fall for him too) I hope he gets his own story at some point in the future because colour me intrigued!
This book is for adults, so check your trigger warnings before diving in. There were quite a few heavier topics discussed and/ or experienced by the characters, but in true Celine fashion they were handled with the upmost respect.
Another brilliant book to add to the Celine L.A. Simpson trophy shelf.
Things I loved about this book were definitely the banter between our main characters. I giggled and felt myself containing smiles like Cali. I especially loved her friendship with Ash and their funny inside joke.
I loved the tension and the slow falling back in love process. The 🔥on point ☝️ 🥵
A wonderfully put together small town romance that is an easy read and has everything us readers love in a spicy, forced proximity romance.
Plus the story has the most incredible cutest dog named Jerry who let's be fair, is the real star ⭐ 😉
“I should give her the space she needed and sleep on the couch with the dog, and I swear to God I was going to, but then her hand reached out across the mattress like she was looking for me, seeking me out and my heart fucking stuttered.”
Celine! Absolutely devoured this book… in one day.
Fall into me is a dark romance full of banter that keeps you hooked! Their interactions gave me goosebumps at times and the strong heroine just drew me in. I will definitely be reading every single book Celine will be releasing.
I am obsessed! I love Cali, I love Fane, I love their love. I love it all!
What a story! I was captivated right from the beginning but never did I imagine this story would go the way it did. Small town romance, past lovers reunited, fake dating, and then BAM! Spice, lots of spice! A major plot twist at the end and seriously a f*&$ing FIVE STAR READ you have here folks!
Do yourself a favour and DO NOT sleep on Celine's books! She is incredible and these stories will have your entire heart.
Fans of Elsie Silver (for the small town vibes), Lena Hendrix (for the spice), Lucy Score ( for the humor) and Lori Foster (for the drama) and who are looking for a second chance romance should read this book.
Set in Australia,the reader will fall for Fane’s steadfastness and for Calista Rose’s dogged determination. Jerry will steal some of your heart too. Who’s Jerry you ask? Pick it up on the KU (Kindle Unlimited to find out).
What a cute small town romance book HEA Was refreshing to read a story plot that is unlike the rest / others. There was suspense, drama, smut. Chefs kiss
Excited to see what this author writes in the future
This was a good slow-burn romance. There is a LOT of passion between the two main characters. The plot is good and intriguing. The author does a great job of painting the scene. One star off for being too predictable.
Received a free copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaways.
I loved it. I don't want to give spoilers so I'll keep it decently simple. I loves the characters and story line development. It flowed so great and it was so exciting to read. Definitely recommend
A perfect crazy "I hate you but I love you" romance. Got a little long for me in parts, maybe a little too much arguing at times. Otherwise a perfect steamy romance for summer!
Fall Into Me by Celine L.A. Simpson is an absolute gem! From the first page, I was hooked. The characters are so relatable and the chemistry between them is electric. I absolutely loved Fane and Cali as well as the side characters (Ash Im looking at you) and was so invested in all of them. The story is full of heart, with just the right amount of humor and romance. I couldn’t put it down!
If you're looking for a book that will make you smile, laugh, and swoon, this is it. Definitely a 5-star read!
🩷 Book Review 🩷 📚 Fall into Me ✒️ @allieverdoisread 🗓 28th February 2025 💫💫💫💫💫
"Forever synced"
It's official, I'll read anything Celine writes and will love it completely!
I can not express how much I adored this book, and I devoured (😏🥵) in a few short days.
This book had me from the get-go. A second chance small town romance was exactly what I needed to break up my romantasy lifestyle.
We begin with a flashback to how Cali and Fane meet, followed up by straight into the action pack life Cali lives. She runs a cafe, has the biggest dog ever named Jerry, and is a knack for speaking her mind. He ex Fane arrives with contractors to assess the small town of Darlington for new projects and push comes to shove when Cali signs up to be a tour guide. Only issue, she never told anyone that she split with Fane (even her parents) and the fake dating commences.
This book had me giggling and then blushing like a little school girl. The flashback scenes just cemented how much these characters feel for each other and how strong their connection is. My favourite character would have to be Ashton, or is it Allen or Aaron? (You'll understand when you read it), but he was a home run for me. I absolutely would do anything for a book about him *looks at Celine*.
I 100% recommend this book! It's available for preorder now!
I ADORED THIS BOOK. It is full of ALL the best tropes, I’m talking small town romance, second chance romance, enemies to lovers, fake dating, forced proximity 😍 Fane and Cali are my new favourite main characters and reading their story gave me so many of the best feelings.
Celine has written another absolute banger of a book and I cannot wait to eventually buy a trophy physical copy🥰
Unhinged thoughts: -Violet eyes…Rhysand? -4% in and I already snort laughed -OMG YAY LADY LUCK ITS A MULTIVERSE -Fake dating and small town romance😍 -Fane is broody and tattooed and sexy and yum -All the happy feet kicking and giggles -Declan is a right old creeper -The whole grumpy x sunshine thing is working so well -YES MR PROTECT MY GIRL AT ALL COSTS -“Your parts are awake” GIRLLLL HAD ME CACKLING -Sad boy smoulder lol -Good girl 😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.