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When Cupid Falls First
My angel ex fell first and now we’re both falling apart. Bring snacks.
I had it all figured out. A quiet life, my bookshop, and three cats who may or may not have magical tendencies. Love? That was a closed chapter. Until Caleb waltzed back in after seven years, turning my world upside down with a wink and a smile.
Caleb isn’t just any ex, he’s a cupid. But now he’s a fallen angel on a mission, to get back the wings he lost for breaking celestial rules the first time around. With me.
I can’t have him, and yet he’s here… posing as my date for my great-grandmother’s 100th birthday party, stirring up everything I swore I’d left behind. But when things go from fake to real between us in an unexpected moment of passion, everything changes.
A second chance with Caleb risks more than just our hearts—it puts our very souls on the line. Heaven already took his wings, now it might take him from me forever.
If you
- Fated Mates
- Fake Dating my Angel Ex
- Second Chance
- Fallen Angels
- He Falls First
- Bookish, Fiercely Independent Heroine
- Magical Cats and a Meddling Great-Grandmother
This is the book for you!
When Cupid Falls First is a standalone open-door, light-hearted romance with an HEA. Magic abounds, with a touch of humor. Welcome to Seattle.
Previously titled When the Angel Falls First.
I had it all figured out. A quiet life, my bookshop, and three cats who may or may not have magical tendencies. Love? That was a closed chapter. Until Caleb waltzed back in after seven years, turning my world upside down with a wink and a smile.
Caleb isn’t just any ex, he’s a cupid. But now he’s a fallen angel on a mission, to get back the wings he lost for breaking celestial rules the first time around. With me.
I can’t have him, and yet he’s here… posing as my date for my great-grandmother’s 100th birthday party, stirring up everything I swore I’d left behind. But when things go from fake to real between us in an unexpected moment of passion, everything changes.
A second chance with Caleb risks more than just our hearts—it puts our very souls on the line. Heaven already took his wings, now it might take him from me forever.
If you
- Fated Mates
- Fake Dating my Angel Ex
- Second Chance
- Fallen Angels
- He Falls First
- Bookish, Fiercely Independent Heroine
- Magical Cats and a Meddling Great-Grandmother
This is the book for you!
When Cupid Falls First is a standalone open-door, light-hearted romance with an HEA. Magic abounds, with a touch of humor. Welcome to Seattle.
Previously titled When the Angel Falls First.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2024
361 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 30, 2025
This was such a cute, paranormal romance centered around a male angel assigned to help people find love (aka a Cupid) and our human FMC. I’ve only read one other Cupid centric paranormal romance, so this was refreshing. I loved how the human FMC owned a bookshop with cats and how she doesn’t take much crap. I also really loved the MMCs POV to see the extent of his pining. We don’t get any spice until the halfway point but our characters reminisced about their previous spicy times early on. The side characters seem like they had a ton of potential, and I look forward to finding more about the cursed wolf shifter mentioned. 🤔. This was a quick, cute read!
Read this book if you like:
💘 second chance romance
💘mutual pining
💘she gets him jealous
💘paranormal romance set in Seattle
💘bookshop with cats
💘a world with angels, shifters, dwarfs, etc.
Thank you so much to Harley Hunt for the gifted ebook copy of this book! I was honored to read and review this after you DMed me about it! 💕
Read this book if you like:
💘 second chance romance
💘mutual pining
💘she gets him jealous
💘paranormal romance set in Seattle
💘bookshop with cats
💘a world with angels, shifters, dwarfs, etc.
Thank you so much to Harley Hunt for the gifted ebook copy of this book! I was honored to read and review this after you DMed me about it! 💕
May 4, 2025
TROPES:
⭐️forbidden romance
⭐️fated mates
⭐️fake dating ex’s
⭐️he falls first
⭐️paranormal romancs
Review: i received an ARC for this and am incredibly grateful for it. I didn’t love it but i also didn’t not like it but i think thats totally on me because i dont really like ex’s to lovers. Definitely give it a read if you like the tropes above as it was a good read.
⭐️forbidden romance
⭐️fated mates
⭐️fake dating ex’s
⭐️he falls first
⭐️paranormal romancs
Review: i received an ARC for this and am incredibly grateful for it. I didn’t love it but i also didn’t not like it but i think thats totally on me because i dont really like ex’s to lovers. Definitely give it a read if you like the tropes above as it was a good read.
December 30, 2024
When the Angel falls first by April L. Moon and Harley Hunt — ★ ★ ★
Tropes 🌷
- paranormal
- forbidden
- fake dating
- second chance
“I wished to my very core that they would see the magic of books, the way stories molded us, how they breathed color into black and white.” — Josie
Josie being with Caleb means his fall from grace. Without him? Unthinkable. Her quiet life with her bookshop and three magical cats was peaceful—until Caleb, her ex and a fallen cupid, reappeared. Stripped of his wings for loving her once, he’s now posing as her fake date for her great-grandmother’s 100th birthday.
Their bond is undeniable, but risking their hearts might cost them everything. Yet some risks are worth taking.
This paranormal second-chance romance was such a fun read! I loved Josie, her cozy bookshop, and her magical cats. The writing was enjoyable, though some parts felt a bit slow at times.
I especially loved the matchmaking angle with Caleb and his assignments—it added such a unique and entertaining twist. Josie’s journey and the emotional challenges she faced were truly heartwarming, especially once everything was resolved.
If you’re into paranormal romance with a cupid MMC and a bookshop-owning FMC, I highly recommend checking this out. Thanks so much to the authors for the e-ARC! The book is already out, if you want to check it out!
Tropes 🌷
- paranormal
- forbidden
- fake dating
- second chance
“I wished to my very core that they would see the magic of books, the way stories molded us, how they breathed color into black and white.” — Josie
Josie being with Caleb means his fall from grace. Without him? Unthinkable. Her quiet life with her bookshop and three magical cats was peaceful—until Caleb, her ex and a fallen cupid, reappeared. Stripped of his wings for loving her once, he’s now posing as her fake date for her great-grandmother’s 100th birthday.
Their bond is undeniable, but risking their hearts might cost them everything. Yet some risks are worth taking.
This paranormal second-chance romance was such a fun read! I loved Josie, her cozy bookshop, and her magical cats. The writing was enjoyable, though some parts felt a bit slow at times.
I especially loved the matchmaking angle with Caleb and his assignments—it added such a unique and entertaining twist. Josie’s journey and the emotional challenges she faced were truly heartwarming, especially once everything was resolved.
If you’re into paranormal romance with a cupid MMC and a bookshop-owning FMC, I highly recommend checking this out. Thanks so much to the authors for the e-ARC! The book is already out, if you want to check it out!
December 25, 2024
This is an emotional read with relatable characters and a perfect mix of angels, romance and drama. The chemistry is spot-on, and the story’s twists keep you hooked. A must-read for fans of heartfelt, character-driven tales!
December 27, 2024
A cute story about love and the pull of the person you’re meant to be with. Caleb is a Cupid who falls in love with a human. He doesn’t think a human could be his Chosen, so he fights his feelings. Josie is a human that falls in love with an angel. He keeps pulling away so she has to guard her heart. The pining and angst were well done. Just an overall feel-good story.
December 9, 2024
Seven years ago, Josie's boyfriend Caleb abruptly left her. Since then, she's done an admirable job picking up the pieces of her heart and opening her dream bookstore. But when Caleb re-enters her life just as abruptly as he left it, Josie can't deny the attraction between them. Caleb isn't just a regular human, though. He's a cupid who has been stripped of his wings until he can finish reuniting the couples on his list. The two strike a bargain: Caleb will pose as Josie's boyfriend to a family gathering and she will help him regain his wings. As the attraction between them grows stronger, they both have to make decisions about what they are willing to give up for love.
This was an interesting premise, but there were a few illogical things that interfered with my enjoyment. First of all, Caleb is simultaneously convinced that Josie is his Chosen and also convinced she is not his Chosen. His reasoning is that she can't be his Chosen because she's human, and there's never been a human Chosen. Also, he believes that she can't be his Chosen because he was still held accountable for his incompetence seven years ago when he had been distracted by meeting Josie. I guess he believes that if you're in love, it's fine if you completely botch your job? If she can't be Chosen, then how can Caleb think he's initiated the Chosen binding between the two of them, potentially preventing her from ever moving on romantically? This (and the fact that the name is freaking "Chosen") would imply that there is some individual choice involved in the whole thing. Caleb's angst about whether or not Josie was his ultimate love was very illogical, somewhat annoying, and detracted from the story. It would have been better if the risk of falling into demon-hood and Caleb's darkening nature had been introduced earlier in the book to give Caleb's fear and angst greater depth.
On the other hand, Josie has almost no character growth. She is independent and decides to give Caleb a sort-of second chance, but she refuses to work at reuniting with her family. There is a sentence later in the book that implies that she may have had her own behavior that resulted in how her family treats her, but nothing more is explored about this. It's almost like since Caleb is so in love with Josie, the book cannot even address any of her flaws. It would have been better if perhaps Josie's relationship with her family had been explored and resolved in a greater way, and it would have had greater tension and created a stronger emotional impact than the resolution of her landlord's cat allergy.
I also struggled with the fact that Josie and Caleb were sexually intimate prior to him losing his wings. While this book is definitely secular, it just seemed strange for an angel to be so sex forward. It would have actually given Caleb's fears about his falling from grace if it had been directly correlated to their sexual conduct prior to his disappearance.
Overall, When the Angel Falls First had an interesting premise of a second chance redemption romance, but the execution fell a little flat.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was an interesting premise, but there were a few illogical things that interfered with my enjoyment. First of all, Caleb is simultaneously convinced that Josie is his Chosen and also convinced she is not his Chosen. His reasoning is that she can't be his Chosen because she's human, and there's never been a human Chosen. Also, he believes that she can't be his Chosen because he was still held accountable for his incompetence seven years ago when he had been distracted by meeting Josie. I guess he believes that if you're in love, it's fine if you completely botch your job? If she can't be Chosen, then how can Caleb think he's initiated the Chosen binding between the two of them, potentially preventing her from ever moving on romantically? This (and the fact that the name is freaking "Chosen") would imply that there is some individual choice involved in the whole thing. Caleb's angst about whether or not Josie was his ultimate love was very illogical, somewhat annoying, and detracted from the story. It would have been better if the risk of falling into demon-hood and Caleb's darkening nature had been introduced earlier in the book to give Caleb's fear and angst greater depth.
On the other hand, Josie has almost no character growth. She is independent and decides to give Caleb a sort-of second chance, but she refuses to work at reuniting with her family. There is a sentence later in the book that implies that she may have had her own behavior that resulted in how her family treats her, but nothing more is explored about this. It's almost like since Caleb is so in love with Josie, the book cannot even address any of her flaws. It would have been better if perhaps Josie's relationship with her family had been explored and resolved in a greater way, and it would have had greater tension and created a stronger emotional impact than the resolution of her landlord's cat allergy.
I also struggled with the fact that Josie and Caleb were sexually intimate prior to him losing his wings. While this book is definitely secular, it just seemed strange for an angel to be so sex forward. It would have actually given Caleb's fears about his falling from grace if it had been directly correlated to their sexual conduct prior to his disappearance.
Overall, When the Angel Falls First had an interesting premise of a second chance redemption romance, but the execution fell a little flat.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 2, 2024
Short review: Worth reading if you enjoyed the Fated Mate series or like supernatural romance. Not a must read, but if you’re looking for romance in the supernatural genre this fits the bill! Can’t give 4 stars because the characters are a little annoying at times.
pros: interesting premise, written well enough, good movement through the plot, decent character development, fine character dialogue
Cons: predictable (but honestly what romance isn’t), character make stupid choices and don’t communicate (typical for a romance), even though it’s a stand alone there are soooo many places for this to turn into a series (which could be a con if you really liked it and want to know more)
Long review:
I had been reading the Fated Mate series by April Moon. This book was mentioned at the end of the last Fated Mate novel and the premise of an angel supernatural romance interested me. As with most romances the characters never communicate or use what we think as readers would be the logical thing to do. I do think this happened a little more often than normal, which is the reason I could only rate it a 3.
As much as I picked this up looking forward to a stand alone novel if a sequel does come out I would be interested in reading it. I only mention this because it feels like this was written with the potential for a sequel.
This did spark my interested in the Cursed Alpha series by Harley Hunt that is in this same universe.
*I received a free copy of this book to review prior to release contingent on leaving a review.
pros: interesting premise, written well enough, good movement through the plot, decent character development, fine character dialogue
Cons: predictable (but honestly what romance isn’t), character make stupid choices and don’t communicate (typical for a romance), even though it’s a stand alone there are soooo many places for this to turn into a series (which could be a con if you really liked it and want to know more)
Long review:
I had been reading the Fated Mate series by April Moon. This book was mentioned at the end of the last Fated Mate novel and the premise of an angel supernatural romance interested me. As with most romances the characters never communicate or use what we think as readers would be the logical thing to do. I do think this happened a little more often than normal, which is the reason I could only rate it a 3.
As much as I picked this up looking forward to a stand alone novel if a sequel does come out I would be interested in reading it. I only mention this because it feels like this was written with the potential for a sequel.
This did spark my interested in the Cursed Alpha series by Harley Hunt that is in this same universe.
*I received a free copy of this book to review prior to release contingent on leaving a review.
February 8, 2026
Cupid falling first? Say less. 😌
This was such a fun, cozy romantic paranormal read with just enough chaos to keep things interesting. The story follows Josie, a fiercely independent bookstore owner who just wants her quiet life (and her cats) to stay drama-free… and then Caleb shows back up. Oh, and surprise - he’s a fallen Cupid who literally lost his wings because he fell in love with her years ago. No pressure or anything.
I really liked Josie as an FMC. She’s grounded, bookish, and not instantly swooning just because a celestial being says she’s his destiny. She has boundaries, a backbone, and a life she worked hard to build, and I loved that she doesn’t just drop everything for Caleb the second he reappears.
And Caleb? Total “he fell first and never recovered” energy. He’s charming, regretful, and very clearly still gone for Josie. Watching him try to fix his mistakes while also pretending to be her fake date for a family event was equal parts sweet and funny. The second chance romance hit really well here.
The paranormal elements are light but fun - Cupid rules, fallen wings, magical vibes and the side characters; especially the cats and Josie’s great grandmother. added a lot of warmth without stealing the spotlight.
Overall, this felt like a perfect February / Valentine’s adjacent read: romantic, a little magical, low angst, and genuinely cute. If you love he falls first, second chances, and paranormal romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
This was such a fun, cozy romantic paranormal read with just enough chaos to keep things interesting. The story follows Josie, a fiercely independent bookstore owner who just wants her quiet life (and her cats) to stay drama-free… and then Caleb shows back up. Oh, and surprise - he’s a fallen Cupid who literally lost his wings because he fell in love with her years ago. No pressure or anything.
I really liked Josie as an FMC. She’s grounded, bookish, and not instantly swooning just because a celestial being says she’s his destiny. She has boundaries, a backbone, and a life she worked hard to build, and I loved that she doesn’t just drop everything for Caleb the second he reappears.
And Caleb? Total “he fell first and never recovered” energy. He’s charming, regretful, and very clearly still gone for Josie. Watching him try to fix his mistakes while also pretending to be her fake date for a family event was equal parts sweet and funny. The second chance romance hit really well here.
The paranormal elements are light but fun - Cupid rules, fallen wings, magical vibes and the side characters; especially the cats and Josie’s great grandmother. added a lot of warmth without stealing the spotlight.
Overall, this felt like a perfect February / Valentine’s adjacent read: romantic, a little magical, low angst, and genuinely cute. If you love he falls first, second chances, and paranormal romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
December 29, 2024
Very sweet paranormal romance with nice spice.
Josie and Caleb were such a cute couple, I really adored them.
Caleb is an angel, a Cupid. He lost his wings because 7 years back he fell in love with Josie (a human) and he neglected his duties thus couples he was ment to bring together, fell apart. Now he is on a mission to correct his mistakes and get his wings back.
Josie, deep down, has been pining for Caleb for the last 7 years, so she has been focusing on her dream of opening a book store since dating doesn’t seem to work out for her. Her relationship with her accountant family is strained as they don’t really understand her dreams. With an upcoming family event, she needs a date as a buffer between her and her family.
Coincidence (or is it celestial intervention?) makes them cross paths and they decide to help one another as friends, even though they know they should stay away from each other to avoid heartbreak.
I really felt every struggle and turmoil as they think their love has no future. They have to face quite a few challenges and internal conflict but in the end (with a bit of angelic help) they remember that love conquers all.
I also quite enjoyed all their matchmaking activities while the divine cats and great grandma’s Geraldine feisty personality were the icing on the romance cake.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Josie and Caleb were such a cute couple, I really adored them.
Caleb is an angel, a Cupid. He lost his wings because 7 years back he fell in love with Josie (a human) and he neglected his duties thus couples he was ment to bring together, fell apart. Now he is on a mission to correct his mistakes and get his wings back.
Josie, deep down, has been pining for Caleb for the last 7 years, so she has been focusing on her dream of opening a book store since dating doesn’t seem to work out for her. Her relationship with her accountant family is strained as they don’t really understand her dreams. With an upcoming family event, she needs a date as a buffer between her and her family.
Coincidence (or is it celestial intervention?) makes them cross paths and they decide to help one another as friends, even though they know they should stay away from each other to avoid heartbreak.
I really felt every struggle and turmoil as they think their love has no future. They have to face quite a few challenges and internal conflict but in the end (with a bit of angelic help) they remember that love conquers all.
I also quite enjoyed all their matchmaking activities while the divine cats and great grandma’s Geraldine feisty personality were the icing on the romance cake.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
December 20, 2024
I was thrilled to receive an ARC of When the Angel Falls First by April Moon and Harley Hunt. As a longtime fan of April Moon's work, I eagerly dove into this book, curious to see how her storytelling might evolve in collaboration with Hunt. This novel certainly has a different feel compared to Moon’s previous works, yet it retains the heart and creativity that make her stories so compelling.
The plot is engaging and unfolds with a unique charm. About halfway through, however, I started to notice similarities to the movie City of Angels. While this isn’t necessarily a drawback, it made the story feel somewhat familiar in a way I hadn’t anticipated. Despite this, the book is bolstered by its vibrant characters, particularly the eccentric grandmother, who quickly became a favorite of mine with her quirky and lively presence.
That said, some plot points felt unresolved by the end, leaving me wanting more closure in certain areas. Still, this didn’t detract too much from the overall enjoyment. When the Angel Falls First is what I’d call a great “palette cleanser” read—a light and entertaining book perfect for enjoying between heavier or more intense stories.
While not without its imperfections, this novel was an enjoyable experience. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, heartwarming escape.
The plot is engaging and unfolds with a unique charm. About halfway through, however, I started to notice similarities to the movie City of Angels. While this isn’t necessarily a drawback, it made the story feel somewhat familiar in a way I hadn’t anticipated. Despite this, the book is bolstered by its vibrant characters, particularly the eccentric grandmother, who quickly became a favorite of mine with her quirky and lively presence.
That said, some plot points felt unresolved by the end, leaving me wanting more closure in certain areas. Still, this didn’t detract too much from the overall enjoyment. When the Angel Falls First is what I’d call a great “palette cleanser” read—a light and entertaining book perfect for enjoying between heavier or more intense stories.
While not without its imperfections, this novel was an enjoyable experience. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, heartwarming escape.
December 20, 2024
"Now I knew who and I knew I loved him. Body and Soul. with all my heart, and forever. Maybe I would never love again. That was fine, because I already had the love of a lifetime, it didn't get any better than this"
Tropes:
Forbidden romance
Fated mates
Fake dating ex’s
He falls first
Review:
I received this book as an ARC and absolutely loved it! I'm glad I got the opportunity to read and review it.
The premise was intriguing, though a few logical inconsistencies disrupted my enjoyment. For example, Caleb is simultaneously convinced that Josie is his Chosen while also believing she can't be—solely because she's human, and there's never been a human Chosen before. This conflict in his reasoning felt a bit contradictory at times.
Despite this, I found the story sweet, short, and charming. Josie is an endearing character—kindhearted yet often finding herself in trouble—which makes Caleb’s protective nature even more heartwarming. Their dynamic is delightful, especially when they team up for matchmaking adventures.
What I loved most was Josie’s caring and giving nature, paired with Caleb’s unwavering support and determination to be there for her. Their chemistry shines throughout the story, making it an enjoyable and feel-good read.
Tropes:
Forbidden romance
Fated mates
Fake dating ex’s
He falls first
Review:
I received this book as an ARC and absolutely loved it! I'm glad I got the opportunity to read and review it.
The premise was intriguing, though a few logical inconsistencies disrupted my enjoyment. For example, Caleb is simultaneously convinced that Josie is his Chosen while also believing she can't be—solely because she's human, and there's never been a human Chosen before. This conflict in his reasoning felt a bit contradictory at times.
Despite this, I found the story sweet, short, and charming. Josie is an endearing character—kindhearted yet often finding herself in trouble—which makes Caleb’s protective nature even more heartwarming. Their dynamic is delightful, especially when they team up for matchmaking adventures.
What I loved most was Josie’s caring and giving nature, paired with Caleb’s unwavering support and determination to be there for her. Their chemistry shines throughout the story, making it an enjoyable and feel-good read.
December 8, 2024
An angel that gets too close to a human and Josie who is left reeling when her boyfriend tells her he's an angel before he drops out of her life.
Now Caleb has fallen back into her life. He's been cursed to complete the matches that he messed up and now he's all mixed up as he tried to keep his feelings separate from his missions. But what's an Angel to do when he thinks he's met his chosen??
There was a great deal to enjoy about this fated mates story. Caleb was a great MMC and he could be a very naughty angel when he wanted to be. At the same time so much strife could have been avoided if people (and Angels) could get their communication straight. Gabriel and Caleb did have a bit of a bromance going which I thoroughly enjoyed - he's not above meddling in others love lives himself!
It was great to have another bookish fmc in Josie, one who has own magical touch/intuition when it comes to pairing a reader with their perfect book. The friction with her family added a bit of outside drama to the story and of course the store cats brought a bit of levity and playfulness to the storyline.
Although this was a standalone it really could easily spin off into a series with all the matches these two could get involved in.
Now Caleb has fallen back into her life. He's been cursed to complete the matches that he messed up and now he's all mixed up as he tried to keep his feelings separate from his missions. But what's an Angel to do when he thinks he's met his chosen??
There was a great deal to enjoy about this fated mates story. Caleb was a great MMC and he could be a very naughty angel when he wanted to be. At the same time so much strife could have been avoided if people (and Angels) could get their communication straight. Gabriel and Caleb did have a bit of a bromance going which I thoroughly enjoyed - he's not above meddling in others love lives himself!
It was great to have another bookish fmc in Josie, one who has own magical touch/intuition when it comes to pairing a reader with their perfect book. The friction with her family added a bit of outside drama to the story and of course the store cats brought a bit of levity and playfulness to the storyline.
Although this was a standalone it really could easily spin off into a series with all the matches these two could get involved in.
January 11, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Harley Hunt’s When the Angel Falls First is a delightful fusion of celestial magic, forbidden love, and second chances that had me utterly hooked from the first page. With its perfect blend of humor, heart, and heat, this standalone romance ticks all the boxes for a lighthearted yet deeply emotional read.
The heroine’s quiet, bookish life—with her magical cats and quirky bookshop—felt like a cozy escape, making Caleb’s reentry into her world all the more electric. Caleb isn’t just a fallen angel; he’s her ex, her first love, and her greatest temptation. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and the added layers of fake dating and celestial consequences only heighten the tension.
I adored the heroine’s fierce independence and witty banter, which paired perfectly with Caleb’s playful yet deeply devoted nature. His “he falls first” energy was swoon-worthy, and their journey to rekindle love against all odds felt both magical and achingly real.
The meddling great-grandmother and magical cats were the perfect comedic touch, balancing the high-stakes romance with moments of laughter. And while the romance had its forbidden edge, Hunt masterfully infused the story with warmth and hope, making the HEA feel earned and deeply satisfying.
If you’re a fan of fated mates, fallen angels, and love stories that make your heart race and smile, When the Angel Falls First is an absolute must-read. I’ll be thinking about this celestial love story—and its irresistible characters—long after turning the final page!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Harley Hunt’s When the Angel Falls First is a delightful fusion of celestial magic, forbidden love, and second chances that had me utterly hooked from the first page. With its perfect blend of humor, heart, and heat, this standalone romance ticks all the boxes for a lighthearted yet deeply emotional read.
The heroine’s quiet, bookish life—with her magical cats and quirky bookshop—felt like a cozy escape, making Caleb’s reentry into her world all the more electric. Caleb isn’t just a fallen angel; he’s her ex, her first love, and her greatest temptation. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and the added layers of fake dating and celestial consequences only heighten the tension.
I adored the heroine’s fierce independence and witty banter, which paired perfectly with Caleb’s playful yet deeply devoted nature. His “he falls first” energy was swoon-worthy, and their journey to rekindle love against all odds felt both magical and achingly real.
The meddling great-grandmother and magical cats were the perfect comedic touch, balancing the high-stakes romance with moments of laughter. And while the romance had its forbidden edge, Hunt masterfully infused the story with warmth and hope, making the HEA feel earned and deeply satisfying.
If you’re a fan of fated mates, fallen angels, and love stories that make your heart race and smile, When the Angel Falls First is an absolute must-read. I’ll be thinking about this celestial love story—and its irresistible characters—long after turning the final page!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 29, 2024
3.75
Lu en VO / Anglais
C'est une romance paranormale charmante.
On suit Caleb, un Cupid déchu, qui doit réparer ses erreurs passées et retrouver ses ailes en réunissant les couples qu’il a laissés tomber. Après 7 ans de séparation, il retrouve Josie, une humaine qu’il a aimée, et leur histoire évolue entre sentiments non résolus, attirance et émotions fortes.
L’univers est agréable, avec une librairie pleine de charme et des personnages secondaires intéressants (comme la grand-mère excentrique de Josie et les chats de la librairie), qui apportent de l'humour et de la légèreté. J’ai bien aimé le fait que Josie arrive si joliment à associer les lecteurs à leurs livres parfaits !
Caleb et Josie ont une alchimie évidente, et leur dynamique est touchante.
L'intrigue est entrainante, et l'histoire de rédemption et de seconde chance fonctionne très bien, même si c'est pas ma trope préférée, j'ai bien aimé.
ça a été une une lecture agréable et je recommande aux amateurs de romances paranormales légères et réconfortantes.
Lu en VO / Anglais
C'est une romance paranormale charmante.
On suit Caleb, un Cupid déchu, qui doit réparer ses erreurs passées et retrouver ses ailes en réunissant les couples qu’il a laissés tomber. Après 7 ans de séparation, il retrouve Josie, une humaine qu’il a aimée, et leur histoire évolue entre sentiments non résolus, attirance et émotions fortes.
L’univers est agréable, avec une librairie pleine de charme et des personnages secondaires intéressants (comme la grand-mère excentrique de Josie et les chats de la librairie), qui apportent de l'humour et de la légèreté. J’ai bien aimé le fait que Josie arrive si joliment à associer les lecteurs à leurs livres parfaits !
Caleb et Josie ont une alchimie évidente, et leur dynamique est touchante.
L'intrigue est entrainante, et l'histoire de rédemption et de seconde chance fonctionne très bien, même si c'est pas ma trope préférée, j'ai bien aimé.
ça a été une une lecture agréable et je recommande aux amateurs de romances paranormales légères et réconfortantes.
November 23, 2024
I’ve sat with this for a little while now and it’s not bad. It’s a good time if a bit predictable. The two main characters still annoy me in that they work so hard against themselves. It was to the extreme. But I am glad I got the opportunity to read this and enjoy the development. The few issues I had were being from the area the book takes place in — to me some of that came across as the fantasy element.
Spoiler — one doesn’t hike to the summit of Mt rainier with just a day pack as described and wearing a tank top. It is the highest mountain in Washington and the summit is literally covered in glacier. It’s not a simple day trip. That removed me from the story so much as did the description of the area.
But I would recommended if you want to good several hours to go ahead and read it — it’s a really good premise and great redeeming qualities in side characters and cats.
I received an advanced reader copy of this title and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Spoiler — one doesn’t hike to the summit of Mt rainier with just a day pack as described and wearing a tank top. It is the highest mountain in Washington and the summit is literally covered in glacier. It’s not a simple day trip. That removed me from the story so much as did the description of the area.
But I would recommended if you want to good several hours to go ahead and read it — it’s a really good premise and great redeeming qualities in side characters and cats.
I received an advanced reader copy of this title and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2024
“I’d always prided myself on never judging a book by its cover— all the more important as yours truly opened her own bookstore. But when it came to men? I was about the worst cover-judge out there.”
This was an absolutely gorgeous story. It was so much fun to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved meeting Josie and Caleb and reading the way they navigate their new/old relationship and everything that comes with it. Working out what they are to each other after he left her 7 years prior. Caleb is a cupid, helping others find their destined love, always on the outside of love himself. Josie is a human bookstore owner with a knack for pairing people with their perfect book. Caleb and Josie come together again, with Josie helping him with his missions.
I think my number 1 favourite character (though she wasn’t in it enough haha) was Josie’s Nana Geraldine. She’s a spunky old lady and I love that her support and love for Josie is so complete and unconditional. She’s really the MVP!
This was a beautiful, light love story and I loved it. I thoroughly enjoyed the character dynamics and it was easy to read and get into.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was an absolutely gorgeous story. It was so much fun to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved meeting Josie and Caleb and reading the way they navigate their new/old relationship and everything that comes with it. Working out what they are to each other after he left her 7 years prior. Caleb is a cupid, helping others find their destined love, always on the outside of love himself. Josie is a human bookstore owner with a knack for pairing people with their perfect book. Caleb and Josie come together again, with Josie helping him with his missions.
I think my number 1 favourite character (though she wasn’t in it enough haha) was Josie’s Nana Geraldine. She’s a spunky old lady and I love that her support and love for Josie is so complete and unconditional. She’s really the MVP!
This was a beautiful, light love story and I loved it. I thoroughly enjoyed the character dynamics and it was easy to read and get into.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 3, 2025
When the Angel Falls First is amazingly written, well balanced and beautifully executed by Harley Hunt. This is the first book that I have had the pleasure to read by this author. Even though this is the first book I have read by her, I feel that she pours her all into the story’s she is creating and writing for her audience’s enjoyment. The characters are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the story. I absolutely enjoyed getting to know the main characters and seeing their amazing story coming to life throughout the book. I didn’t want to set this book down for a single second because I was completely captivated by the plot, characters and the final outcome for the main characters. This is most definitely a book that I would HIGHLY recommend for anyone to checkout and give it a read. I’m definitely going to be checking out more of this author’s work in the future.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2024
An interesting forbidden romance between cupid and a human.
Caleb is cupid. He is a fallen angel who lost his wings after he had an affair with Josie seven years previously. He has been sent to earth to fix the mess he made during the time he was with Josie.
Josie is human. She does not get on with her parents and brother. They did not want her opening her bookstore. She was supposed to enter their business. Josie believes that the only one who understands her is her great grandmother.
Josie is surprised when she runs into Caleb. It has been seven years but the attraction between the two is still strong.
I loved the cats and the story with the landlord was interesting.
Great grandmother was such a wonderful character.
This was a story that kept my interest. I loved it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Caleb is cupid. He is a fallen angel who lost his wings after he had an affair with Josie seven years previously. He has been sent to earth to fix the mess he made during the time he was with Josie.
Josie is human. She does not get on with her parents and brother. They did not want her opening her bookstore. She was supposed to enter their business. Josie believes that the only one who understands her is her great grandmother.
Josie is surprised when she runs into Caleb. It has been seven years but the attraction between the two is still strong.
I loved the cats and the story with the landlord was interesting.
Great grandmother was such a wonderful character.
This was a story that kept my interest. I loved it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 29, 2024
Thank you to Harley Hunt for reaching out to me and giving me the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for my honest opinion ♡
This book was so cute and cosy, but when the spice hit.. woooow!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was a really easy read thanks to the excellent writing talents of the authors and the loveable characters.
I loved all the references and quotes of other books, the fact the FMC owned her own bookstore and the defiling of a stack of dictionaries 🤭
The Angel Falls First is the perfect fantasy book if you are looking for a pallet cleansing stand alone that is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind romance of a human girl and a fallen angel looking to regain his wings 🥰
This book was so cute and cosy, but when the spice hit.. woooow!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was a really easy read thanks to the excellent writing talents of the authors and the loveable characters.
I loved all the references and quotes of other books, the fact the FMC owned her own bookstore and the defiling of a stack of dictionaries 🤭
The Angel Falls First is the perfect fantasy book if you are looking for a pallet cleansing stand alone that is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind romance of a human girl and a fallen angel looking to regain his wings 🥰
November 7, 2025
So cute!😍
This was just a really cute love story! I've been reading April Moons Fated Wolf stopped series and was looking for other books she wrote, as in waiting for the next one, and happened upon this🥰 It was totally different than the other series, but good- very uncomplicated, a quick, romantic read with very little drama, beyond will he stay or go( angel, hello😂). There eye a lot of really good supporting characters- the cats were great, I wished they had been explained more thoroughly though! Nana was the bomb, so freaking funny! I loved that there was a family love story in addition to the romantic one, that was definitely unique! All around cute book! Hopefully April will do some more things like this to fill our wait time between Fated Wolf books!
This was just a really cute love story! I've been reading April Moons Fated Wolf stopped series and was looking for other books she wrote, as in waiting for the next one, and happened upon this🥰 It was totally different than the other series, but good- very uncomplicated, a quick, romantic read with very little drama, beyond will he stay or go( angel, hello😂). There eye a lot of really good supporting characters- the cats were great, I wished they had been explained more thoroughly though! Nana was the bomb, so freaking funny! I loved that there was a family love story in addition to the romantic one, that was definitely unique! All around cute book! Hopefully April will do some more things like this to fill our wait time between Fated Wolf books!
December 24, 2024
When the Angel Falls First is a wonderful second chance romance with bookshop owner Josie
In a quandary over finding someone to accompany her to great-grandmother’s hundredth birthday party.
The only person she thinks of often is Caleb who broke her heart seven years ago by leaving her. Not a chapter of her life she wants to revisit after Caleb suddenly reappears.
Filled with magic, humor, a fallen Angel, fated mates, spice, some twists and turns, and a nicely written narrative with delightful characters the story was a very engaging read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In a quandary over finding someone to accompany her to great-grandmother’s hundredth birthday party.
The only person she thinks of often is Caleb who broke her heart seven years ago by leaving her. Not a chapter of her life she wants to revisit after Caleb suddenly reappears.
Filled with magic, humor, a fallen Angel, fated mates, spice, some twists and turns, and a nicely written narrative with delightful characters the story was a very engaging read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 2, 2025
Looking for drama, humor, and a second-chance romance with a paranormal twist? When the Angel Falls First has it all! Josie needs a fake date for her great-grandma’s 100th birthday, and who better (or worse) to fill the role than Caleb—the angel who ghosted her seven years ago. Caleb’s been on a redemption mission ever since his fall from grace, which he blames on Josie. But winning her over won’t be easy—she’s guarding her heart, and he’s still hopelessly drawn to her. Packed with sizzling chemistry, sharp banter, and plenty of twists, this story blends angst, heart, and humor into a page-turner that’ll keep you hooked from start to finish.
December 17, 2025
Yes it is a cute story. I appreciate the personhood of the main character and it is an easy read. But if the fact that Angels and Cupids, and fated mates weren’t enough of a clue as to its “Fantasy” nature, the description of where she is living seals the deal.
“The inviting warmth of my apartment, a charming two-bedroom on the fifth floor of a classic Seattle brownstone, surrounded me. It wasn’t overly extravagant, but it was cozy and had a glorious view of the city skyline.” It may not have been overly extravagant but it sure as heck was not inexpensive no matter how cozy (ie small) it was. Two bedrooms?! 😄😂🤣😁.
I would be surprised if either author had lived there in recent years.
“The inviting warmth of my apartment, a charming two-bedroom on the fifth floor of a classic Seattle brownstone, surrounded me. It wasn’t overly extravagant, but it was cozy and had a glorious view of the city skyline.” It may not have been overly extravagant but it sure as heck was not inexpensive no matter how cozy (ie small) it was. Two bedrooms?! 😄😂🤣😁.
I would be surprised if either author had lived there in recent years.
November 18, 2024
Terrific story filled with interesting characters, family angst, love, laughter and healing. Caleb is an angel working to redeem his past mistakes. Josie is a bibliophile dedicated to her new bookstore and finding the perfect read for each of her customers. Reconnecting after seven years stirs up all the heartbreak of their pasts and very uncertain futures. I was totally absorbed in this story and hope that the mysterious wolf shifter character is a hint at a new book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 13, 2024
I wanted to love this but it just falls short for me. Both main characters are so focused on 'this can't work' and the spicy scenes feel forced, unnatural, like they were added for the sake of having spice. Not everyone will agree with me. It's a wonderful premise - a cupid angel unexpectedly encounters someone he can't forget, can't ignore the pull. But he's so convinced it's impossible. When they first found each other 7 years before they jumped head first. I sort of wished I had more of that story. All in all it's a nice story, I just didn't love it.
January 12, 2025
I enjoyed this book. It was a fast paced, cute romance read for me. Fated mates and paranormal romance tropes. Josie is a human, and an owner of a bookshop. Her Ex-boyfriend Caleb left her unexpectedly after telling her he's an angel, and can't be with her. And then shows up at her bookshop years later.
They try to navigate their feelings for each other, in what is a somewhat forbidden romance.
I received and advance review copy for free through book sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
They try to navigate their feelings for each other, in what is a somewhat forbidden romance.
I received and advance review copy for free through book sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 27, 2025
I gratefully received a copy of When the Angel Falls First in exchange for an honest review. Here are my thoughts:
The concept of this book was intriguing and unlike other fantasy X reality books I've read, but I personally found the character development and plot progression to not be what I was looking for. The romance/spice was there, but I found it rushed into, and over in a blink, or at odd times.
Overall, I give this a very average rating. The writing was engaging, but there were some elements missing for my personal taste.
The concept of this book was intriguing and unlike other fantasy X reality books I've read, but I personally found the character development and plot progression to not be what I was looking for. The romance/spice was there, but I found it rushed into, and over in a blink, or at odd times.
Overall, I give this a very average rating. The writing was engaging, but there were some elements missing for my personal taste.
May 22, 2025
This is such a cute premise for a book, and I really wanted to like it more than I did. I found the dialogue a little clunky, and the constant book references were overwhelming and unnatural. And this is coming from a literature major!! It just started to feel like the author was challenging themselves to include as many book names and authors as possible, and it didn’t flow with the narrative. The main couple was very cute though, and while this wasn’t really my cup of tea, it was still an
Enjoyable read
Enjoyable read
May 25, 2025
Heavenly Romance
This book had a great storyline and characters. Caleb was an angel, a cupid at that, who falls in love with a human and loses his wings. Seven years later he encounters her again, still in love with her, but needing her help to finish his job of getting couples together.
The inner monologs of the characters were long and drawn out, I found myself skimming for dialog. Details were changed from chapter to chapter. Chapter 5, a 2 bedroom apartment. Chapter 9, a one bedroom apartment.
Cute story, but needing better editing.
This book had a great storyline and characters. Caleb was an angel, a cupid at that, who falls in love with a human and loses his wings. Seven years later he encounters her again, still in love with her, but needing her help to finish his job of getting couples together.
The inner monologs of the characters were long and drawn out, I found myself skimming for dialog. Details were changed from chapter to chapter. Chapter 5, a 2 bedroom apartment. Chapter 9, a one bedroom apartment.
Cute story, but needing better editing.
September 2, 2025
When the Angel Falls First is story of human Josie and cupid Caleb.
The story itself was entertaining and easy to read and there were some steamy scenes that I enjoyed reading. There were some questions that I felt were left out without answers, one of them being Josie's grandma and her connection to angels and other supernatural beings.
I will give this book 4/5 Stars, and I really recommend this story for all of those that like reading easy to read romance stories with paranormal tones in them.
The story itself was entertaining and easy to read and there were some steamy scenes that I enjoyed reading. There were some questions that I felt were left out without answers, one of them being Josie's grandma and her connection to angels and other supernatural beings.
I will give this book 4/5 Stars, and I really recommend this story for all of those that like reading easy to read romance stories with paranormal tones in them.
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