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If You're Ready
Six months ago, Fallon McCann had it a house filled with memories, a fulfilling career, a loving fiancé, and a half-planned wedding. Now, her fiancé’s dead, her once-colorful walls have been painted over in shades of gray, and she’s packing up her life in search of a new beginning.
When the man responsible for her fiancé’s death shows up on her doorstep, she surprises even herself. She hugs him, invites him in, and then proceeds to change his life.
Jeb Baker has seen better days. Once a social, dependable paramedic with bright plans for his future, he now counts down the hours until he can retreat back into himself and shut the world away. The people closest to him have insisted the accident was not his fault, but Jeb remains haunted by the memories.
At the end of his tether and knowing he can’t turn back time, he looks to the one person in town who might understand what he’s going through. When Fallon welcomes him with open arms, he sets off on a journey to rediscover life’s simple joys.
Laughter abounds, stories spill, pinkies link, and somewhere along the way, Fallon and Jeb’s newfound friendship becomes more.
But Jeb can’t take a man’s life and then also take his fiancée… right?
When the man responsible for her fiancé’s death shows up on her doorstep, she surprises even herself. She hugs him, invites him in, and then proceeds to change his life.
Jeb Baker has seen better days. Once a social, dependable paramedic with bright plans for his future, he now counts down the hours until he can retreat back into himself and shut the world away. The people closest to him have insisted the accident was not his fault, but Jeb remains haunted by the memories.
At the end of his tether and knowing he can’t turn back time, he looks to the one person in town who might understand what he’s going through. When Fallon welcomes him with open arms, he sets off on a journey to rediscover life’s simple joys.
Laughter abounds, stories spill, pinkies link, and somewhere along the way, Fallon and Jeb’s newfound friendship becomes more.
But Jeb can’t take a man’s life and then also take his fiancée… right?
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2025
215 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
March 30, 2025
I was sent this as an ARC for an honest review.
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My gosh. I don't even know where to start with this review. This was my first experience receiving an ARC and if Estie see's this review, THANK YOU. I don't think I could have had a better experience doing something like this for the first time. I laughed and cried through the first 9 chapters. There was little spice but when there was...where can I find me a Jeb?
After an adverse reaction to a medicine causes Jeb to be involved in an accident that costs a man his life, he becomes a shell of the person he was before. Grief and guilt slowly eat him from the inside out where he can't see a way out of his depression. At a breaking point on Easter morning while at church with his family, he drives to Fallon's house (the fiancé of the man he killed in his accident) to apologize to her for the hell he's caused in her life. Jeb hates himself so much in the beginning, he believes everyone else hates him too. What he doesn't expect is for Fallon to forgive him on the spot and start a friendship that sends them both on a healing journey. Jeb slowly starts to become the man he was before his accident with the help and support of Fallon. Jeb was the sweetest and kindest soul. He was so respectful of Fallon and Rhett's families and not wanting to overstep or hurt anyone more than they already were. There were GREEN FLAGS as far as the eye could see where Jeb Baker was concerned. New book boyfriend unlocked!
After losing her fiancé in an accident 6 months ago, Fallon is attempting to pick up the pieces of her life and create her new normal. I admired how strong she was because knowing you have to move on with your life while still allowing grief. She never blamed Jeb for the accident and even after he threw up in her bushes after apologizing for killing her fiancé, she still forgave him and wanted a friendship with him. Fallon was self aware enough to know that Jeb needed her just as much as she needed him. She never tried to replace Rhett and she never tried to make Jeb feel like she wished he was Rhett. Fallon was strong enough to know that both men were difference but she loved them both. I loved how she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Jeb as his wife after Rhett passed, but wanted to remain Rhett's fiancé.
I loved Corbin's comedic relief in the beginning when it was sorely needed by both Fallon and Jeb, and then again at the end while at their wedding!
The only complaint (if you can even really call it that) is that I felt there were times where the time lapse wasn't done smoothly. There were times that it appeared things were moving fast when really Fallon and Jeb had been friends for months before they got together.
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My gosh. I don't even know where to start with this review. This was my first experience receiving an ARC and if Estie see's this review, THANK YOU. I don't think I could have had a better experience doing something like this for the first time. I laughed and cried through the first 9 chapters. There was little spice but when there was...where can I find me a Jeb?
After an adverse reaction to a medicine causes Jeb to be involved in an accident that costs a man his life, he becomes a shell of the person he was before. Grief and guilt slowly eat him from the inside out where he can't see a way out of his depression. At a breaking point on Easter morning while at church with his family, he drives to Fallon's house (the fiancé of the man he killed in his accident) to apologize to her for the hell he's caused in her life. Jeb hates himself so much in the beginning, he believes everyone else hates him too. What he doesn't expect is for Fallon to forgive him on the spot and start a friendship that sends them both on a healing journey. Jeb slowly starts to become the man he was before his accident with the help and support of Fallon. Jeb was the sweetest and kindest soul. He was so respectful of Fallon and Rhett's families and not wanting to overstep or hurt anyone more than they already were. There were GREEN FLAGS as far as the eye could see where Jeb Baker was concerned. New book boyfriend unlocked!
After losing her fiancé in an accident 6 months ago, Fallon is attempting to pick up the pieces of her life and create her new normal. I admired how strong she was because knowing you have to move on with your life while still allowing grief. She never blamed Jeb for the accident and even after he threw up in her bushes after apologizing for killing her fiancé, she still forgave him and wanted a friendship with him. Fallon was self aware enough to know that Jeb needed her just as much as she needed him. She never tried to replace Rhett and she never tried to make Jeb feel like she wished he was Rhett. Fallon was strong enough to know that both men were difference but she loved them both. I loved how she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Jeb as his wife after Rhett passed, but wanted to remain Rhett's fiancé.
I loved Corbin's comedic relief in the beginning when it was sorely needed by both Fallon and Jeb, and then again at the end while at their wedding!
The only complaint (if you can even really call it that) is that I felt there were times where the time lapse wasn't done smoothly. There were times that it appeared things were moving fast when really Fallon and Jeb had been friends for months before they got together.
March 28, 2025
This is a little outside my normal comfort zone read, but giving it a whirl!
Release Date: 4/10
———————
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 [Rounded to 5]
🌶️🌶️/5
This book was exactly what I love about a romance book. There was no miscommunication trope, no red flags, just pure friendship and love. Thats not to say that everything was unicorns and rainbows though, cause this book was tragic and full of grief too. It was a good mix in my opinion.
We meet Jeb first. He used to be so full of life, a paramedic, someone who was always helping others...But the book opens with him as a shell of a 30yr old man living in his parents basement overcome with grief and remorse for having a seizure behind the wheel of his car and killing Rhett. He is barely surviving and punishing himself for the accident.
Fallon is the Fiance of Rhett, who was killed in the accident. She was months away from her wedding when her entire life was crushed under an never ending onslaught of grief and what ifs. This woman is strong and its enlightening to be privy to her thoughts as she navigates this life shattering change.
The amount of grace and understanding that Jeb and Fallon have for each other is not only heartwarming but gives you some faith back in humanity. I love the support they lend to each other and the friendship that they create in the face of tragedy.
The emotion that Jeb has and the way that he "talks" to Rhett is heartbreaking but also pure. It really stuck with me when reading and made me a part of his healing journey.
I loved this book, and cannot recommend it enough!
Release Date: 4/10
———————
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 [Rounded to 5]
🌶️🌶️/5
This book was exactly what I love about a romance book. There was no miscommunication trope, no red flags, just pure friendship and love. Thats not to say that everything was unicorns and rainbows though, cause this book was tragic and full of grief too. It was a good mix in my opinion.
We meet Jeb first. He used to be so full of life, a paramedic, someone who was always helping others...But the book opens with him as a shell of a 30yr old man living in his parents basement overcome with grief and remorse for having a seizure behind the wheel of his car and killing Rhett. He is barely surviving and punishing himself for the accident.
Fallon is the Fiance of Rhett, who was killed in the accident. She was months away from her wedding when her entire life was crushed under an never ending onslaught of grief and what ifs. This woman is strong and its enlightening to be privy to her thoughts as she navigates this life shattering change.
The amount of grace and understanding that Jeb and Fallon have for each other is not only heartwarming but gives you some faith back in humanity. I love the support they lend to each other and the friendship that they create in the face of tragedy.
The emotion that Jeb has and the way that he "talks" to Rhett is heartbreaking but also pure. It really stuck with me when reading and made me a part of his healing journey.
I loved this book, and cannot recommend it enough!
April 6, 2025
ARC review [releases on April 10th] a solid romance, but maybe a little unbelievable that is all happened so quickly after loss? A little slow for me at times & could have used a bit more character development, but I loved the cute ending.
March 31, 2025
This book healed me in so many ways. Fallon is my soul FMC and I am absolutely blown away that I was reading something I went through.
This book was everything to me & i can’t give an honest review without pouring my heart out & ugly crying.
And also spoiling the book.
Just read it.
Widows I definitely recommend. Especially those who have found love since. I am a former widow.
This book was everything to me & i can’t give an honest review without pouring my heart out & ugly crying.
And also spoiling the book.
Just read it.
Widows I definitely recommend. Especially those who have found love since. I am a former widow.
April 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
If You’re Ready, a debut book by Estie Enders, brings us Fallon McCann and Jeb Baker - one whose fiancé was killed in a car accident, and the latter who blames himself for killing the man. Jeb has been beating himself up for months since the accident happened and changed everything. He doesn’t know if he’ll be able to return to being a paramedic or even look at himself in the mirror ever again. Meanwhile Fallon is packing up her life and moving out of the home that her now-dead fiancé renovated for them, deciding she needs a fresh start.
When Jeb shows up on Fallon’s doorstep to apologize for killing her fiancé, Fallon hugs him and invites him inside. From there, a friendship begins that no one else in their lives seems to understand at first.. and then it becomes more.
Read if you love: small town romance (VA-based! 😊), no third act breakup, slow burn, forbidden love - now available on Kindle Unlimited!
I loved Fallon’s positive attitude despite all she’d been through, loved her willingness to forgive instead of holding grudges, and I love the healing we saw in both Jeb and Fallon over the course of this book. Although there were some moments that I think could have had better transitions and/or foreshadowing, all in all this was a beautiful debut novel by this author. The spice and connection between these two was great, and I love how the two main characters were able to use their mutual grief to connect, help each other heal, and ultimately build a beautiful connection between each other 🥹
Thank you to @authorestieenders and @greyspromo for the opportunity to read this book!
If You’re Ready, a debut book by Estie Enders, brings us Fallon McCann and Jeb Baker - one whose fiancé was killed in a car accident, and the latter who blames himself for killing the man. Jeb has been beating himself up for months since the accident happened and changed everything. He doesn’t know if he’ll be able to return to being a paramedic or even look at himself in the mirror ever again. Meanwhile Fallon is packing up her life and moving out of the home that her now-dead fiancé renovated for them, deciding she needs a fresh start.
When Jeb shows up on Fallon’s doorstep to apologize for killing her fiancé, Fallon hugs him and invites him inside. From there, a friendship begins that no one else in their lives seems to understand at first.. and then it becomes more.
Read if you love: small town romance (VA-based! 😊), no third act breakup, slow burn, forbidden love - now available on Kindle Unlimited!
I loved Fallon’s positive attitude despite all she’d been through, loved her willingness to forgive instead of holding grudges, and I love the healing we saw in both Jeb and Fallon over the course of this book. Although there were some moments that I think could have had better transitions and/or foreshadowing, all in all this was a beautiful debut novel by this author. The spice and connection between these two was great, and I love how the two main characters were able to use their mutual grief to connect, help each other heal, and ultimately build a beautiful connection between each other 🥹
Thank you to @authorestieenders and @greyspromo for the opportunity to read this book!
March 28, 2025
A beautifully heartbreaking story and one I’ll treasure forever ❤️
Everything about it was perfect and I admit I cried a few times.
It’s been six months since the accident and Jeb is a shell of the man he used to be. He wishes he had died and not Fallon’s fiancé.
Jeb hasn’t been living but merely surviving, when they finally meet it’s clear that Fallon doesn’t blame him for the accident at all. The first time they meet is so emotional and my god Jeb is so brave for going to Fallon’s house. As sad as the circumstances are it’s actually the cutest most unexpected meet cute, despite how nervous and unsure of himself Jeb is.
Jeb is quite honestly the sweetest man ever and didn’t deserve to be the one to cause this accident. Fallon is actually the strongest woman ever and to be so kind and compassionate towards Jeb, she’s amazing.
Through this one little meet Fallon and Jeb save each other. They strike up the most unlikely but beautiful friendship filled with so many emotions. Love eventually being one of those emotions. But how can you fall in love with the man who killed your fiancé, this book makes it quite clear exactly how you can 😍. As a reader you’re obviously worried for Jeb and what others will think about him and Fallon being together but everybody loves him even Rhett’s parents (Fallon’s dead fiancé). Thank god, because he deserves nothing but love and happiness.
This book is a journey of heartbreak, grief, forgiveness and love. It was absolutely breathtaking and Fallon and Jeb have my whole heart ❤️
Everything about it was perfect and I admit I cried a few times.
It’s been six months since the accident and Jeb is a shell of the man he used to be. He wishes he had died and not Fallon’s fiancé.
Jeb hasn’t been living but merely surviving, when they finally meet it’s clear that Fallon doesn’t blame him for the accident at all. The first time they meet is so emotional and my god Jeb is so brave for going to Fallon’s house. As sad as the circumstances are it’s actually the cutest most unexpected meet cute, despite how nervous and unsure of himself Jeb is.
Jeb is quite honestly the sweetest man ever and didn’t deserve to be the one to cause this accident. Fallon is actually the strongest woman ever and to be so kind and compassionate towards Jeb, she’s amazing.
Through this one little meet Fallon and Jeb save each other. They strike up the most unlikely but beautiful friendship filled with so many emotions. Love eventually being one of those emotions. But how can you fall in love with the man who killed your fiancé, this book makes it quite clear exactly how you can 😍. As a reader you’re obviously worried for Jeb and what others will think about him and Fallon being together but everybody loves him even Rhett’s parents (Fallon’s dead fiancé). Thank god, because he deserves nothing but love and happiness.
This book is a journey of heartbreak, grief, forgiveness and love. It was absolutely breathtaking and Fallon and Jeb have my whole heart ❤️
April 10, 2025
3.25 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5.
I received this book as an ARC and I want to give my honest review. This book felt rushed/unfinished. There were a couple of errors I picked up on but that didn’t necessarily affect my rating.
The dialogue i felt needed more work. There were times when the female protagonist would say something and it would jump to the male protagonist replying. I wanted a description of their reaction prior to saying a response. How they felt, you know?
I really enjoyed their love story but thinking back I didn’t really see a conflict to resolution. The only problem they had was admitting their feelings to each other and the worry of what people would say but both came pretty easily.
This book dealt with loss and grief and finding solace within each other. It all came so easy I feel and thats why in my opinion it was rushed. I wasn’t at the edge of my seat and I wasn’t too big of a fan of Jeb throughout the first half of the book. Not because of him as a character but of how he spoke.
Thank you to the author for this ARC and for allowing me to do an honest review.🤍
I received this book as an ARC and I want to give my honest review. This book felt rushed/unfinished. There were a couple of errors I picked up on but that didn’t necessarily affect my rating.
The dialogue i felt needed more work. There were times when the female protagonist would say something and it would jump to the male protagonist replying. I wanted a description of their reaction prior to saying a response. How they felt, you know?
I really enjoyed their love story but thinking back I didn’t really see a conflict to resolution. The only problem they had was admitting their feelings to each other and the worry of what people would say but both came pretty easily.
This book dealt with loss and grief and finding solace within each other. It all came so easy I feel and thats why in my opinion it was rushed. I wasn’t at the edge of my seat and I wasn’t too big of a fan of Jeb throughout the first half of the book. Not because of him as a character but of how he spoke.
Thank you to the author for this ARC and for allowing me to do an honest review.🤍
April 8, 2025
this was a lot sadder then i expected and i read it after i read one of my favorite books so it just didn't really hit for me, but it was a solid romance and i'd read another book by this author!
thank you grey promotions for sending me an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
thank you grey promotions for sending me an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 10, 2025
Everything I want I'm a romance! No miscommunication, no read flags, just pure care and love!
April 4, 2025
If You're Ready by Estie Enders
⭐ 4
🌶️ 1
🥵 Spicy chapters: 36, 41
📚 Tropes/Themes: Starting over, grief/comfort, trauma/healing, small town, slow burn, forbidden(ish) relationship, texting, friends to lovers
👀 Dual POV 1st person
🛍️ Available: April 10th
💔 Triggers: death, car accident
💬 Ermahgawd what a sweet book 🥹 I didn't expect it to be so emotional. It really sucked me in and I was so invested in Fallon and Jeb's relationship- it made me so happy when they finally got together
I loved reading about how they met and watching them become friends, and the way Enders wrote how they grappled with their trauma and grief was just beautiful.
Jeb is the sweetest, nicest guy. I kept trying to think of a trope for his personality because cinnamon roll MMC didn't seem like enough. And we love a man waving all the green flags 🥰 The way he talked to Rhett 😭😭😭
While I really enjoyed this story, there were a couple of plot points that felt unfinished. It's low angst which I appreciated, but it seemed like there was something being set up with Fallon's mom and Shay (separately) that never went anywhere. Like I wasn't really a fan of either character.
I also think both the MCs need more character development, but besides that this was a well written and engaging book
⭐ 4
🌶️ 1
🥵 Spicy chapters: 36, 41
📚 Tropes/Themes: Starting over, grief/comfort, trauma/healing, small town, slow burn, forbidden(ish) relationship, texting, friends to lovers
👀 Dual POV 1st person
🛍️ Available: April 10th
💔 Triggers: death, car accident
💬 Ermahgawd what a sweet book 🥹 I didn't expect it to be so emotional. It really sucked me in and I was so invested in Fallon and Jeb's relationship- it made me so happy when they finally got together
I loved reading about how they met and watching them become friends, and the way Enders wrote how they grappled with their trauma and grief was just beautiful.
Jeb is the sweetest, nicest guy. I kept trying to think of a trope for his personality because cinnamon roll MMC didn't seem like enough. And we love a man waving all the green flags 🥰 The way he talked to Rhett 😭😭😭
While I really enjoyed this story, there were a couple of plot points that felt unfinished. It's low angst which I appreciated, but it seemed like there was something being set up with Fallon's mom and Shay (separately) that never went anywhere. Like I wasn't really a fan of either character.
I also think both the MCs need more character development, but besides that this was a well written and engaging book
March 29, 2025
There couldn’t be a bigger green flag than the one I fly for Jeb Baker!
Broken and barely living 6 months after the accident that changed Jen’s life and the life of Fallon in an instant. That instant that took away the fiancé she was planning to marry and begin a life with. Jeb finds himself living in his parent’s basement, unable to work the job he loved, and now on the doorstep of Fallon McCann on Easter morning. It’s time he finally gives her the apology she deserves. In his head it should have been him. Instead of anger, Fallon pulls him into a hug that turns his world upside down. She sees him and his brokenness. Slowly she leans on Jeb as she begins again, but it’s really Jeb who is finding his foot my again because of the new purpose he feels being part of her life.
This book is a beautiful story of grief, healing and finding love again. The guilt of moving on when you still feel connected with a past love or past trauma. The way their friendship blossomed to feelings of more was beautiful to watch. Estie writing of their banter and sometimes awkward texts and slips of thoughts were the perfect comedic relief in what could have been a really heavy story.
Thanks you Grey’s Promotions and Estie Enders for allowing me to read a complimentary advanced copy of If You’re Ready in exchange for an honest review. All thought and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Broken and barely living 6 months after the accident that changed Jen’s life and the life of Fallon in an instant. That instant that took away the fiancé she was planning to marry and begin a life with. Jeb finds himself living in his parent’s basement, unable to work the job he loved, and now on the doorstep of Fallon McCann on Easter morning. It’s time he finally gives her the apology she deserves. In his head it should have been him. Instead of anger, Fallon pulls him into a hug that turns his world upside down. She sees him and his brokenness. Slowly she leans on Jeb as she begins again, but it’s really Jeb who is finding his foot my again because of the new purpose he feels being part of her life.
“…Finding strength can be so exhausting.”
“Your strength makes me want to do better.”
This book is a beautiful story of grief, healing and finding love again. The guilt of moving on when you still feel connected with a past love or past trauma. The way their friendship blossomed to feelings of more was beautiful to watch. Estie writing of their banter and sometimes awkward texts and slips of thoughts were the perfect comedic relief in what could have been a really heavy story.
Thanks you Grey’s Promotions and Estie Enders for allowing me to read a complimentary advanced copy of If You’re Ready in exchange for an honest review. All thought and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 10, 2025
ARC review:
i’m absolutely in love with this story!! it is so beautiful and perfect. the way that both Jeb and Fallon’s grief is explained and talked about really helps to feel all the emotions in the book and connect with them. they have so many sweet moments all throughout the book that just make you so giddy and happy for them as if you personally know them. there is an almost instant attraction between the two but i love that they don’t instantly get together and the story takes off from there. this slow burn was definitely done perfectly.
Jeb is a mess of grief and self loathing at the beginning of the book but once he meets Fallon you can see how much he changes and betters himself and feel his happiness grow as the chapters go on. Fallon is also grieving a lot over the loss of her fiancé Rhett. throughout the story her emotions and thoughts are so well expressed that if you haven’t experienced that type of loss you can still connect with it through her. i love how we can see both Fallon and Jeb overcoming their grief as individuals but also together.
i’m so happy that i was given the opportunity to ARC read this book. from the moment i read the synapse and saw the cover i know i would love it and i do. i completely fell in love with Fallon and Jeb’s story along with their characters.
tropes:
•dual POV
•small town romance
•forbidden love
•slow burn
i’m absolutely in love with this story!! it is so beautiful and perfect. the way that both Jeb and Fallon’s grief is explained and talked about really helps to feel all the emotions in the book and connect with them. they have so many sweet moments all throughout the book that just make you so giddy and happy for them as if you personally know them. there is an almost instant attraction between the two but i love that they don’t instantly get together and the story takes off from there. this slow burn was definitely done perfectly.
Jeb is a mess of grief and self loathing at the beginning of the book but once he meets Fallon you can see how much he changes and betters himself and feel his happiness grow as the chapters go on. Fallon is also grieving a lot over the loss of her fiancé Rhett. throughout the story her emotions and thoughts are so well expressed that if you haven’t experienced that type of loss you can still connect with it through her. i love how we can see both Fallon and Jeb overcoming their grief as individuals but also together.
i’m so happy that i was given the opportunity to ARC read this book. from the moment i read the synapse and saw the cover i know i would love it and i do. i completely fell in love with Fallon and Jeb’s story along with their characters.
tropes:
•dual POV
•small town romance
•forbidden love
•slow burn
April 19, 2025
3 ⭐️
I received this book as an ARC—thank you so much to author Estie Enders and Gray Promotions for sending it my way!
I really enjoyed Fallon and Jeb’s story. It had a good slow burn, and once they finally came together, I felt genuinely happy for them. They had both been through really difficult times in their lives, and it was beautiful to see them find healing and love with each other. That part of the story truly felt heartfelt and authentic.
I haven’t read a book quite like this before. It takes place in a small town, and I loved how the people around Fallon and Jeb—especially Rhett’s family—opened their hearts and accepted Jeb. I also appreciated that the side characters were able to share their feelings near the end—it added depth to the story.
While I expected to feel more emotionally connected given the heavy themes, that didn’t quite happen for me. The book flowed nicely and had a sweet storyline, but there was just something missing.
This is Estie Enders’ debut novel, and I truly appreciate the unique story she created. It had moments of hope, healing, and second chances, which I always love in a romance.
I received this book as an ARC—thank you so much to author Estie Enders and Gray Promotions for sending it my way!
I really enjoyed Fallon and Jeb’s story. It had a good slow burn, and once they finally came together, I felt genuinely happy for them. They had both been through really difficult times in their lives, and it was beautiful to see them find healing and love with each other. That part of the story truly felt heartfelt and authentic.
I haven’t read a book quite like this before. It takes place in a small town, and I loved how the people around Fallon and Jeb—especially Rhett’s family—opened their hearts and accepted Jeb. I also appreciated that the side characters were able to share their feelings near the end—it added depth to the story.
While I expected to feel more emotionally connected given the heavy themes, that didn’t quite happen for me. The book flowed nicely and had a sweet storyline, but there was just something missing.
This is Estie Enders’ debut novel, and I truly appreciate the unique story she created. It had moments of hope, healing, and second chances, which I always love in a romance.
August 16, 2025
*paperback
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨(3.75/5)
Thanks so much to this lovely author for sending me a copy of her #debutnovel in exchange for an honest review.
This novel was so unique with a premise I’ve never read before…
guy kills girl’s fiancé,
then that guy falls in love with the girl who lost her fiancé
…but can the love last with these complicated circumstances!?!
This was an ultimate tale of forgiveness. I liked how different it was from other romance novels that I’ve read and it had a nice helping of spice too.
The only thing I wish was different was the pacing, it was really slow at times which I struggle (in general) with but for the content of this book I think the slower pace was probably appropriate.
I didn’t realize how connected I was to these characters until toward the end when Jeb talks to Rhett. I almost cried and I’m not a crier.
Overall, this was a nice read with themes of grief, acceptance, forgiveness and a HEA. Just check the trigger warnings because I mean the MC loses her fiancé tragically.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨(3.75/5)
Thanks so much to this lovely author for sending me a copy of her #debutnovel in exchange for an honest review.
This novel was so unique with a premise I’ve never read before…
guy kills girl’s fiancé,
then that guy falls in love with the girl who lost her fiancé
…but can the love last with these complicated circumstances!?!
This was an ultimate tale of forgiveness. I liked how different it was from other romance novels that I’ve read and it had a nice helping of spice too.
The only thing I wish was different was the pacing, it was really slow at times which I struggle (in general) with but for the content of this book I think the slower pace was probably appropriate.
I didn’t realize how connected I was to these characters until toward the end when Jeb talks to Rhett. I almost cried and I’m not a crier.
Overall, this was a nice read with themes of grief, acceptance, forgiveness and a HEA. Just check the trigger warnings because I mean the MC loses her fiancé tragically.
April 10, 2025
4.5/5 rounding up because it deserves more than 4 stars here.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, and while I’ll admit I was a little skeptical after reading the blurb, it absolutely did not disappoint.
When a book has me in tears within the first eight chapters, you know I’m hooked—and this one had me fully invested from the start.
I don’t even have the words to describe the beautiful soul that is Jeb. Having supported a close friend through the loss of her husband, I could only ever dream of a man like him. The respect and tenderness he shows Rhett throughout the story is truly on another level.
The growth of both Jeb and Fallon was one of my favourite parts of the book. Their journey was the perfect blend of heartbreak and healing, masterfully balanced to leave a lasting impact.
Hats off to you Estie Enders, I look forward to any future stories you have coming :)
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, and while I’ll admit I was a little skeptical after reading the blurb, it absolutely did not disappoint.
When a book has me in tears within the first eight chapters, you know I’m hooked—and this one had me fully invested from the start.
I don’t even have the words to describe the beautiful soul that is Jeb. Having supported a close friend through the loss of her husband, I could only ever dream of a man like him. The respect and tenderness he shows Rhett throughout the story is truly on another level.
The growth of both Jeb and Fallon was one of my favourite parts of the book. Their journey was the perfect blend of heartbreak and healing, masterfully balanced to leave a lasting impact.
Hats off to you Estie Enders, I look forward to any future stories you have coming :)
March 31, 2025
3.75 rounded up! A slow burn, low-angst romance that also touches on grief.
Jeb Baker is stuck, frozen in time after an accident that took a man's life. A man who leaves behind a fiance. Fallon is tired of being treated as fragile, though she grieves Rhett and the future that's no longer possible. When Jeb shows up at her door months after the accident to apologize, Fallon realizes this may offer them both some closure. Slowly, but surely, a friendship develops between the two, healing both of them in ways only the other can. Can they cross the line into something more?
This is a very sweet read with a surprising dash of heat! Both main characters showed a great deal of vulnerability throughout the book while mentally healing from the accident. I love that their relationship never brushed over Rhett like he never existed, they openly talked about him and never shied away from it. The pacing of the slow burn was perfect; I didn't feel like it needed to move along at any point (although Shay did, I guess). I also really liked the small town backdrop of the story because it made me want to visit the fictional town, which is always a plus.
Sometimes the writing felt a bit cringe, like during some of the texting (and there was quite a bit of texting). I found myself almost wanting to skip past their text threads because the way the texts were written felt silly? But that's just me! I also knew there was no third-act breakup but I also didn't realize just how low angst it was going to be.
Thank you to Grey's Promotion for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jeb Baker is stuck, frozen in time after an accident that took a man's life. A man who leaves behind a fiance. Fallon is tired of being treated as fragile, though she grieves Rhett and the future that's no longer possible. When Jeb shows up at her door months after the accident to apologize, Fallon realizes this may offer them both some closure. Slowly, but surely, a friendship develops between the two, healing both of them in ways only the other can. Can they cross the line into something more?
This is a very sweet read with a surprising dash of heat! Both main characters showed a great deal of vulnerability throughout the book while mentally healing from the accident. I love that their relationship never brushed over Rhett like he never existed, they openly talked about him and never shied away from it. The pacing of the slow burn was perfect; I didn't feel like it needed to move along at any point (although Shay did, I guess). I also really liked the small town backdrop of the story because it made me want to visit the fictional town, which is always a plus.
Sometimes the writing felt a bit cringe, like during some of the texting (and there was quite a bit of texting). I found myself almost wanting to skip past their text threads because the way the texts were written felt silly? But that's just me! I also knew there was no third-act breakup but I also didn't realize just how low angst it was going to be.
Thank you to Grey's Promotion for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2025
I’m always nervous to read an authors first few pieces as they find themselves in the writing world. Let me tell you, the emotions I read going through this book were wild. I think I cried the first 20% of the book non stop and at the same time was kicking my feet giggling like a school girl with all the snarky little comments. ☺️☺️
I mean come on the poor guy pukes in her flowers because he’s so nervous.
This book had a lot of content surrounding death via car accident, so with that being said, stay far away if that is a trigger.
This book is 100% a slow burn but once the spice comes into play…dear lord… 🥵🥵🥵🌶️🌶️🌶️
I mean come on the poor guy pukes in her flowers because he’s so nervous.
This book had a lot of content surrounding death via car accident, so with that being said, stay far away if that is a trigger.
This book is 100% a slow burn but once the spice comes into play…dear lord… 🥵🥵🥵🌶️🌶️🌶️
April 4, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
ARC Review
-
Jeb Baker everyone 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This book from the start was definitely a bit different then my typical story! It’s a great exploration of how people process grief differently, and guilt can be an ultimate downfall if you let it consume you. The reason for my slightly lower rating is I felt there was more potential for each of the characters to have more depth. The overall premise of the story was there and the characters filled that role but I would have loved to experience more emotion given the topic it was written about.
I do like the characters, there were some great quotes about forgiveness and showing compassion/empathy!
If you are looking for a quick read that is a little different I definitely would recommend giving this a shot.
@novelequestrian 🐴🐴
ARC Review
-
Jeb Baker everyone 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This book from the start was definitely a bit different then my typical story! It’s a great exploration of how people process grief differently, and guilt can be an ultimate downfall if you let it consume you. The reason for my slightly lower rating is I felt there was more potential for each of the characters to have more depth. The overall premise of the story was there and the characters filled that role but I would have loved to experience more emotion given the topic it was written about.
I do like the characters, there were some great quotes about forgiveness and showing compassion/empathy!
If you are looking for a quick read that is a little different I definitely would recommend giving this a shot.
@novelequestrian 🐴🐴
March 28, 2025
Solid 4.5 stars.
This book hits hard, in the best way possible. It's tragic yet beautiful. The beginning is rough to read (the story plot) and does have triggering material. But the way the story unfolds, you just route for the characters. Throughout this book, you will have hard hitting moments, funny interactions, and ultimately lighthearted moments. I finished the book feeling at peace with the Jeb and Fallon. They both deserve the best.
I highly recommend this novel, If You're Ready ;)
This book hits hard, in the best way possible. It's tragic yet beautiful. The beginning is rough to read (the story plot) and does have triggering material. But the way the story unfolds, you just route for the characters. Throughout this book, you will have hard hitting moments, funny interactions, and ultimately lighthearted moments. I finished the book feeling at peace with the Jeb and Fallon. They both deserve the best.
I highly recommend this novel, If You're Ready ;)
April 13, 2025
4.5 stars EASILY. This is a debut novel by Estie Enders and in all honesty, I didn’t know what to expect in terms of quality. But wow, she blew me out of the water. Fallon was engaged to a man who ended up in an accident caused by a medical emergency Jeb experienced. Through fate or whatever you want to call it, jeb and Fallon connect up and start this friendship to work through their coping together, despite why they are both coping. This book made me feel all the good feelings & was so real and raw. I need MORE.
March 29, 2025
I’d heard of the term a 5⭐️ feeling. Never had I felt it.
Until this book.
I couldn’t put it down. If I’d have started it earlier in the day, I’d have read it in one sitting!
Slow burn ✔️
Forbidden romance ✔️
Small town romance ✔️
No third act breakup ✔️
I cannot wait until release to get my hands on a physical copy!
A huge thank you to Estie Enders and Grey’s Promotions for an advanced copy of this e-arc.
Until this book.
I couldn’t put it down. If I’d have started it earlier in the day, I’d have read it in one sitting!
Slow burn ✔️
Forbidden romance ✔️
Small town romance ✔️
No third act breakup ✔️
I cannot wait until release to get my hands on a physical copy!
A huge thank you to Estie Enders and Grey’s Promotions for an advanced copy of this e-arc.
April 6, 2025
Fallon and Jeb bond over their mutual connection to grief. They are the unlikeliest couple to ever pair up, but over time they are that they work. This is a great slow burn story about forgiveness, redemption and love.
April 1, 2025
Thank you for the ARC! 4.5 ⭐️ for me! I loved this and it was different from anything I’ve read before!
April 5, 2025
This book was so cute! All the green flags for Jeb, he was so sweet. I loved both of these MCs and enjoyed the journey they went on together.
June 14, 2025
oh my for a debut this story was beautiful 😍 watching the characters deal with grief and how they grew from it was great! the writing was easy to follow, emotional but great insight on a difficult topic. I'll totally read something else from thus author!
July 17, 2025
Another happy ending
I couldn't stop reading. It was sappy but as a widow I loved the story and the characters. Maybe someday for me
I couldn't stop reading. It was sappy but as a widow I loved the story and the characters. Maybe someday for me
July 29, 2025
Heavy subject matter and so well done.
April 6, 2025
*Thank you to Grey’s Promotions and Estie Enders for the eARC in exchange for an honest review*
4.75
From the first page, I was intrigued, but after 10%, I was hooked. This is such an interesting concept for a book and the way that grief was portrayed in it was so real. I felt everything I could possibly feel while reading this book. Jeb and Fallon are just amazing together. They fit together and they work towards happiness. There’s no miscommunication, no third act breakup, no surprise tropes. Just a sweet, easy read. If you’re looking for a book with a little spice, but not too much, this is the book for you. Not only does spice not happen until the last quarter of the book, but it’s also not vividly described (mostly).
4.75
From the first page, I was intrigued, but after 10%, I was hooked. This is such an interesting concept for a book and the way that grief was portrayed in it was so real. I felt everything I could possibly feel while reading this book. Jeb and Fallon are just amazing together. They fit together and they work towards happiness. There’s no miscommunication, no third act breakup, no surprise tropes. Just a sweet, easy read. If you’re looking for a book with a little spice, but not too much, this is the book for you. Not only does spice not happen until the last quarter of the book, but it’s also not vividly described (mostly).
April 14, 2025
If you love a book about overcoming grief, a slow 🔥, friends turned lovers, some texting and the sweetest ending❤️
This is it.
This is it.
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