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College rivals become workplace frenemies-turned-lovers in this warm, sexy contemporary romance from New York Times bestseller Jill Shalvis. First, they were rivals… Now they're stuck with each other…

Retired hockey player Caleb Colburn needs this construction project to prove himself in the family business, but he also needs to recover from the injury that ended his pro career. Too bad Emma Sumner, architect liaison and Caleb's college nemesis, is back in town and assigned to the project. They're going to have to see each other almost every day. Which means once again she'll make his life a living hell.

As for Emma, her job is on the line with this big project, made all the more challenging by the project manager. Caleb was the one who had snagged the scholarship she'd desperately needed to stay in college. She's been living hand to mouth ever since and has no intention of ever forgiving the man.

But the beautiful historic building they're renovating is exactly the kind of project that they both love best. Their surprising common ground and a burning mutual attraction start bringing them closer and closer to a potentially explosive mistake. And that's even before the secrets come out…

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 3, 2026

65 people are currently reading
1367 people want to read

About the author

Jill Shalvis

388 books13.8k followers
Jill Shalvis is a NYT, USA Today, and Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of small-town romance and romcoms, known for big feels, found family, and plenty of shenanigans.

If you love small-town chaos, meddling friends and neighbors, sizzling chemistry, and heroes who fall hard for the one woman they absolutely did not plan on, you’re in the right place. Jill’s books blend laugh-out-loud moments with emotional gut punches, slow-burn tension, and deeply earned happily ever afters.

She writes the stories she loves to read: small-town romance and romantic comedies packed with heart, heat, second chances, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and the kind of found-family vibes that make you want to move right into the pages. Many of her series are perfect for binge-reading, and a number of her books are available in Kindle Unlimited and at major retailers.

When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting new ways to torture her characters, avoiding laundry, or daydreaming about fictional men and the strong, complicated women who bring them to their knees—and then making them work for it.

You can follow Jill here on Goodreads to keep up with new releases, add her books to your shelves, and discover which small town you want to get lost in next.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
Profile Image for TheConnieFox.
463 reviews
January 19, 2026
This small town romance novel was so sweet and a lot of fun! This is book two of the “Colburn Brothers” series. This novel can be read as a standalone. It came with some of my favorite tropes, enemies to lovers, healing vibes, and forced proximity. It is a medium paced book that is both plot and character driven. The characters in this book were lovable and not diverse. It made me laugh, feel lighthearted, had me feeling emotional and hopeful!

Even though it made me laugh a lot, it came with many heartwarming moments as well. I really loved Emma’s energy, who is the female main character. The banter and wit the main characters had were great! I could definitely feel the chemistry between the two main characters through the book. This novel is a little spicy, so be sure to keep that in mind while reading it. This book left a heartfelt impact on me. Overall, I give this novel a 4 out of 5 stars rating! This gave me the book, “Things We Never Got Over” by author Lucy Score vibes!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Jill Shalvis and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this wonderful romance eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is expected to be released on February 3, 2026!
Profile Image for Louise.
1,128 reviews272 followers
January 22, 2026
(4.25 stars)
I loved He Falls First, the first book in the Colburn Brothers series by Jill Shalvis, so I was excited to get the opportunity to read and listen to an early copy of the second book in the series, Free Falling. Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Hambright PR for the gifted copies!

It was lovely to return to Star Falls, California, and the three Colburn brothers (and don’t forget their sister Keira!) and their renovation and restoration business. Free Falling focuses on Caleb, who is still trying to prove himself in the business. He’s a former college hockey star who got injured and had to stop playing hockey. Their company is currently renovating and restoring an old mansion in Star Falls and the architectural liaison assigned to this project is none other than Emma Sumner, who was Caleb’s rival and semi-enemy in their architectural history college program. (I think that’s what it was called.) Emma resents Caleb having “snatched” the internship she coveted, and she’s been struggling to support herself, especially after a fire destroyed almost all her belongings. We get chapters from each of their POVs, which is something I love in a romance book.

The evolution of the relationship between Caleb and Emma was terrific. It took some time for them to open up to each other about their lingering resentments and misunderstandings from their college days. But once they did, their mutual difficult, but very different, childhoods helped them understand each other deeply.

The side characters were well developed, from Emma’s BFF to an adorable pair of boxers (Calvin and Klein, ha!) and another adorable pair, Keira’s toddlers. Caleb’s father had been a very hard father but after a stroke, he’s been reduced to a docile, non-verbal shell of his former self. It was interesting to see Caleb’s attitude toward him gradually soften. I really felt for Emma and her struggles to find affordable housing and a steady job in her field.

There’s a legend in Star Falls that seeing three falling stars means a soulmate will enter your life - and the three Colburn brothers see three falling stars while they are together. The first book focused on Ryder, and I’m hoping that another book will focus on Tucker. After reading Free Falling, I have a feeling I know who his soulmate is!

The audiobook was beautifully narrated by Lila Winters and Sebastian York.

Note: Be aware that there are a number of spicy scenes.
Profile Image for JensBookishWays.
131 reviews29 followers
January 17, 2026
This series makes my heart so happy!! Free Falling is Book 2 in the Colburn Brothers series, and it is just as good as Book 1, He Falls First.

This is a rivals to lovers story with some found family, forced proximity/one bed, and small town romance tropes.

Thank you to Hambright PR and the author for the ALC of this book to read and review.

I really loved the FMC, Emma! She’s a short, feisty, smart, independent, loner who “keeps swimming” no matter what life throws at her. Caleb, the MMC, always knows the right things to say and supports Emma no matter what. I absolutely love his dogs, Calvin and Klein. I wanted more time with the side characters in this book. We barely got to see Penny (FMC from Book 1) or her family and parrot, and didn’t get much time with Susie who seems like a funny character.

The plot was medium paced and kept my attention the entire time.

The audiobook is dual narration style. I enjoyed the voices and liked the male narrator’s performance better in this book than in Book 1. I hope they also narrate Book 3!!

This book has spice, 🌶️🌶️

The mystery continues for who is causing issues at the Colburn Brothers worksites. I am throwing out a wild guess…what if it’s Hank?

This book series is like a warm, romantic hug! I can’t wait for the next one!


Profile Image for Amy.
2,658 reviews2,029 followers
January 21, 2026

Free Falling is the second book in Jill Shalvis’s Colburn brothers series, and while it can be read alone, you’ll absolutely want to start with book one because these brothers are swoony, imperfect disasters in the very best way. This installment follows Caleb Colburn, a retired hockey player trying to prove himself in the family construction business, and Emma Sumner, the architect liaison he’s forced to work with despite their deeply unpleasant college history. From the moment they’re back in each other’s orbit, the tension is palpable, layered with unresolved hurt, sharp banter, and the kind of chemistry that crackles beneath every interaction.

One thing Jill Shalvis does exceptionally well is writing characters who carry real mess—emotional baggage, complicated pasts, and wounds that haven’t healed neatly—and then letting readers watch that healing unfold in real time. Emma, in particular, tugged hard at my heart. She’s been through it, and I spent a good chunk of this book wanting to give her a hug, tell her to unclench her jaw, and gently encourage her to give Caleb a chance. Their enemies to lovers dynamic is rooted in misunderstanding and pain rather than petty drama, which makes their emotional journey feel grounded and deeply satisfying.

Add in Shalvis’s signature wit, it’s sharp, warm, and laugh out loud funny, and you’ve got a romance that delivers both heart and heat. Emma and Caleb’s banter is top tier, their chemistry undeniable, and their slow earned trust makes the payoff feel earned. Free Falling is comforting, funny, emotionally gratifying romance with depth, and it left me fully invested in this family and counting down the days until the next Colburn brother gets his story.
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,186 reviews73 followers
December 8, 2025
Darn it, I need answers! I have a feeling we’ll al be semi-unsurprised by who is behind some nefarious things, but I still don’t know for sure!

But I do know that Caleb is awesome. He and Emma knew each other once. They had a not so pleasant time together, due in large part to deliberate facades by one who thought they needed to be larger than life and also due to misconceptions. And a lost chance at a life changing scholarship. All is explained, and these two do communicate well now. More because Caleb already knows several answers and simply waits for Emma to trust him, but still. Communication.

Emma is difficult to dislike, too. She’s smart and strong and so utterly alone that she can’t trust when anyone seems to actually care. She knows she’s got a lot to work through and with Caleb by her side, I’m pretty sure she’ll get there completely. In fact, I know she will.

I now need answers. I need to know what’s up with Tucker and Hazel. I need more. That’s all. I just finished this and already want to demand more. That’s a sure sign that this is an excellent series if ever there was one!
Profile Image for Brittany.
1,089 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 21, 2026
This author just knows how to write characters that make you love the story. The Colburn siblings are my favorite. She even makes you love Hank, knowing his horrible past. I mean, don't tell anyone this, but I think Jill Shalvis can work magic.

The FMC, Emma, is a character that has you rooting for her, and your heart hurting. She was so smart and talented but down on her luck. She made me want to hug her and offer her some fresh cookies or something. I loved that she was caring but quick witted and had a smart mouth on her.

Caleb was rather delightful too. Yeah he may have been a hotshot hockey star back in the day, but now he's living his dream minus the pain he stays in. I kind of want to see some character art of his tats and glasses.

The narrators for the characters were 🤌🏽. They kept you interested and engaged the entire time.
Profile Image for Lilit.
168 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2026
loved it so much to the point that I was in vegas and wanted to get away from my friends to continue listening to the story. their story was cute and well written. can’t wait to read rest of the series.

thank you hambright for the ALC!
Profile Image for Yana Lately.
259 reviews8 followers
January 23, 2026
Free Falling is Book 2 of Colburn Brothers series. And I must say, this series hurts sooo good! Jill Shavis has a knack for writing emotionally scarred characters with so much depth that no matter what they went or are currently going through, they just keep pushing toward without expectations.

Emma was so relatable and her character really shined from beginning to end. She met Caleb in college, they were rivals majoring in Architecture. The two later crossed paths again when they get assigned to renovate a historical building together. She hasn’t forgiven him for earning a scholarship that she needed to stay afloat, so when she sees him again for the first time, things get heated quickly.

The hate was one sided of course since these two barely knew each other. Caleb was warned to not get intimately involved with her by his brothers because it could put their jobs on the line.

Even though Emma had her hesitations about Caleb and continued to tell white lies to protect herself, I thought she carried herself really well. The romance was lighthearted and sweet! It was actually really healing. I loved them together.

I came to see Hank really differently in this book. He was a shit father and the main reason his kids resented him but I loved how they still cared for him and held space for him. I felt so much remorse for him even though he was shitty..

Overall, pretty solid read for me! I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Thank you to the author and Ham Bright PR for an ARC and ALC of this title. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Erin Leppo.
92 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2026
My first five star read of the year & I am absolutely delighted that it’s another Jill Shalvis masterpiece! I throughly enjoyed the first of this series He Falls First & was SO excited & honored to be an arc reader for Free Falling! Caleb made me swoon from the very beginning & Emma was a girl after my only child heart from the start, as well. PLUS restoring an old house?! SAY NO MORE.

Here’s what else I loved…

💃the dancing scene at the gala! 😍

⛈️ chapter 16….we LOVE a secluded forced proximity due to a storm scene!

😭 and the way that Caleb stayed with Emma when she was afraid of the storm!

🎶 all the Taylor Swift references!

💞 one thing I will always speak loudly about how much love in Jill’s books….the man are not toxic. Caleb was so kind & the problems in the story never make you feel scared for the relationship. I truly appreciate this writing style. It proves to a fault that you don’t need toxic masculinity to create an AMAZING plot line. Jill’s are superior because of this.

🩷 and to add to that thought…Jill writes the love that emulates off the pages in the most compelling way. I LOVE a love story written by Jill Shalvis! Emma & Caleb’s chemistry was all powerful & made me quite emotional at times during this story.

🏠 I love the found family that Emma has in the Colburns! And with every story, their family expands in different ways….I can’t wait to read the next!

👀 also, WHO is the trouble maker?! I have someone ideas, but I need to know now!

—> I obviously highly recommend you grab this one (and He Falls First) asap!!
Profile Image for Brooke Chambers.
122 reviews
January 18, 2026
Thank you #HambrightPR and #JillShalvis for the ARC.
I knew I would love Caleb’s book, he is so endearing, funny and swoon worthy! The banter between the Colburn brothers is perfect and the family bond they share with everyone is so wholesome to read. Emma is a badass FMC, she has had so much trauma but still knows how to back herself, kicking ass and taking names. A perfect balance for Caleb. The back ground mystery to the first book went deeper this time and I’m intrigued for what will come of this in the third book and what the heck Tucker is up to!! 5 gloriously awesome stars!! ❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Queenie2023 aka Rita.
382 reviews8 followers
January 15, 2026
Really enjoyed this book! I read book 1 and loved it and am so happy the story continues !! Love a good enemies to lovers - forced proximity- strong FMC vibe book !
Profile Image for Jaime Arkin.
1,479 reviews1,365 followers
January 4, 2026
I am love with the Colburns! I started this and could not stop reading until I turned the last page. I thought no one could top Ryder but then I met Caleb.

I was so nervous for Emma with the way she was living but could totally understand how it happens and felt for her situation. Caleb was the perfect mix of sweet and swoony and I adored how he wanted to just take care of Emma. To be honest I’m surprised she lasted as long as she did without anyone finding out!

The only problem now is the wait for book 3 and Tucker and Hazel’s story!

Thank you so much to the publisher for the chance to read this early!
Profile Image for Kristen.
1,188 reviews
November 19, 2025
Free Falling is a fun return to Star Falls and the Colburn family. Caleb is the next brother to see the three falling stars, which legend states that he’ll soon find his true love. Only problem? This supposed true love can’t stand him! Emotion, passion, and a pushy family all do their best to help Caleb and Emma accept what everyone else sees with the chemistry and sparks between this couple. This is a very entertaining read, making it hard to put down.
Profile Image for Elaina  Wells.
85 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy
January 18, 2026
☁️ "I had a crush on you the size of the moon." ☁️

Book: Free Falling by @jillshalvis
Narrated by: Sebastian York and @lilawintersnarrator
Releases: 02/03/26
Stars: ✨✨✨✨.5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

🏘️ Small Town Shenanigans
💕Close Proximity
🏒Former Hockey Star
🧲Opposites Attract
🔥 Slow Burn
🫂Protective Hero
💙Found Family

I just finished the ALC for Free Falling by @jillshalvis and I really enjoyed it!!! This was my first book by this author and I'm fully invested in the Coldburn brothers and their town. Even though this is technically the second book in the series, I didn't feel like I was missing anything by not reading book one, but I will definitely go back and read it before the release of book three.

For me, the star of the show was our MMC, Caleb. He is so adorable and extremely loyal to his family and the people he cares about--even if they've done stuff in the past. I adore that he is an MMC with glasses! I know it's a small thing, but for me it just adds to his appeal. Especially since there aren't many male love interests out there who have that. One second he's funny and then the next I'm blushing at work. Plus, his boxers Calvin and Klein are to die for. I'm a sucker for any book that has animals in them. I wanted to squish them and love on them.

Emma was absolutely fiery. Life has handed her some bad circumstances, but she still pushed through them and turn herself around. The only thing I really struggled with was how she would remind Caleb of his past and would get angry anytime he did something nice because she assumed he pitied her. However, that didn't take away from the enjoyment of the book!

Lila and Sebastian did fantastic jobs as narrators! They really brought life to the book. There were a few times I was thrown off because it's a dual narration, but it was easy for me to jump back into the story.

All in all, I really enjoyed the book and thank you so much to @hambright_pr for the chance to read/listen!
Profile Image for Elizabeth • LizziePageReads.
773 reviews66 followers
January 21, 2026
Thank you to Hambright PR for the gifted copy of Free Falling! This is book two in the Colburn Brothers series by Jill Shalvis. You can read this without reading book one, He Falls First, but the family and community are such a big part of what makes this series special that starting there really helps build the foundation.

Quick premise: Emma and Caleb—former rivals in their college architecture program—are forced to work together on one of the Colburn brothers’ restoration projects. Both have something to prove and very good reasons not to fall for each other… so obviously they fall for each other 😂

Read for:
🦸🏻‍♂️ Protective Hero
🔥 Slow Burn
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Found Family
💕 Close Proximity
🧲 Opposites Attract
🏘️ Small Town Shenanigans 


I LOVED this book. Jill is a veteran romance author and I honestly think this is her best yet. It completely sucked me in — I lost all track of time, space, and reality (the highest compliment I can give a book). I switched between the audiobook and the physical copy so I never had to stop consuming the story.

Emma and Caleb are the best part of this book. They’ve both been through the wringer, just in very different ways. Emma is still very much in it, while Caleb is on the other side of some pretty major trauma. Watching them work through their issues together, and become better humans because of it, was so, so rewarding. Their chemistry is absolutely fire, the banter is perfection, and I was fully and completely caught up in their story.

There are also moments that are very clearly setting up book three, and I am UNWELL thinking about the wait. This series has me in a chokehold and I never want it to end!!
Profile Image for Leslie at SheReadsRomanceBooks.com.
733 reviews140 followers
January 16, 2026
Enemies to lovers is my favorite romance trope, but this book would have made my list of top 11 new romance book releases for February 2026 anyway because I already fell for Caleb in his brother’s story, He Falls First and was excited to dive into his story (but trust me when I say that this can be read as a standalone).

If you love romance books with close families, brothers who tussle to show their love to each other, and small-town legends about meeting your soulmate then this is one you’ll surely enjoy.

This book rests on the tension between Caleb and Emma who were rivals during college, but who find themselves working together on a restoration project that means a lot to both of them. She needs to make a good impression to get a full-time position at her firm, and he needs to prove to his brother that he can be his partner in the family business.

Surprisingly the restoration aspect is mostly in the background to Caleb and Emma’s “will they or won’t they”/”we shouldn’t but we want to” tap dance around each other given their forced proximity to working on the same jobsite.

Their tap dance brings up the miscommunication from their past that made them rivals as well as their respective pasts that influence their trust and concerns for mixing business with pleasure in the present.

At the same time, Jill weaves in the continued mystery surrounding incidences of stealing around Colburn job sites, a brewing storyline between Caleb’s brother Tucker and friend Hazel (which we will get in book 3!) and the closeness of Caleb and his brothers while carrying for their ailing father and all the baggage that this brings which makes this a full story to unpack.

I really loved how emotionally mature Caleb is in the present given everything that he had endured in his past. He didn’t push Emma but stood up for his feelings to his brother and her when it was necessary.

Emma though was a hard nut to crack for me, so I didn't feel as connected to her character, but that’s just a me thing.

Overall, this was another enjoyable read in a must-read series. I seriously cannot wait for Tucker and Hazel’s story coming next in Falling Into You.

*I received an advanced copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Shanicereadss.
177 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2026
Where do I even start other than the fact free falling has left me so so excited for Tucker and Hazel’s book!!

OBVIOUSLY, Emma & Caleb’s love story was adorable but there was so much more depth than I had first anticipated; the mystery aspect, the found family and both our main characters emotional development arc, I genuinely enjoyed every second!! There was even some added magic✨ element which was honestly the perfect touch.

I did hope we’d get some more pull-at-the-heart-strings moments with Caleb and his dad but that being said, I’m so happy with the moments we did get. Don’t even get me started on the dogs!! I’m a sucker for animals with beaming PERSONALITIES.

Did I mention there were Taylor Swift references sprinkled throughout? No, I didn’t. I just wanted you to know😌

I signed up to receive the audiobook review copy of free falling by Hambright PR and I’m so so happy they gave me the opportunity to read this. I couldn’t recommend this heartwarming romance more!! I definitely feel like I should go back and read book 1 ‘he falls first’ in the Colburn brothers series so I know all the context ahead of book 3 ‘falling into you’ (whether I get approved for the arc or not, I will absolutely be reading)

It goes without saying really but the dual narration was immaculate!!
Profile Image for Beverly Burge.
44 reviews
January 17, 2026
This book was so cute!! So much silly wrapped into the sweet. The two dogs Calvin and Klein were definitely my favorite. Their personalities came out so clear. The quick wit between all of the characters was so cute and I was always chuckling about what someone had said. The family dynamics between the brothers and their sister was amazing as well. It really made you feel like you were part of the family as well.
Solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Some of my favorite quotes:

“Which means you like me as much as you like Froot Loops”

“Then she laughed, and damn, it did something deep in my chest—which meant Tucker was right. I was in deep shit. The deepest shit. And suddenly I felt bad for ever mocking Ryder when he’d fallen like a cement block for Penny. I got it now. It was both heavy and amazing. Exhilarating and debilitating.”

“Yeah.” Tucker came up to my side, also watching Ryder go. “And I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“I absolutely do not.”
He clapped a hand on my shoulder. “Gonna be fun then.”

“Tell her…” He searched for words. “Tell her it only takes one. One person in your whole life to make you stay. And she’s that person for you. All those others, none of them made it into your heart. Nothing compares to what you feel for her.”
Profile Image for Chantal.
362 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2026
I adored book one, and book two did not disappoint.

I was so ready for Caleb’s story—His sense of responsibility, loyalty, and quiet protectiveness really shines.

And can we talk about his family? I absolutely love them and all of their chaotic, loving shenanigans. I was still a bit wary of Hank going in, but he’s slowly winning me over. Their childhood was rough, and that shared history adds so much emotional depth.

Emma’s story, though… that one hit hard. Her journey is heartbreaking and, unfortunately, far too relatable. A series of devastating events leaves her with almost nothing—except her pride. Watching her hide her struggles from the few people left in her life was painful, emotional, and beautifully written.

This was a tender, slow-burn small-town romance with just the right amount of spice, heart, and healing. Jill Shalvis truly excels at characters that feel real and love stories that feel earned.
Profile Image for Sadie.
573 reviews12 followers
January 16, 2026
First five star read of the year. I loved this one so much! Caleb and Emma are everything. We know Caleb and the Colburns from He Falls First and he knows Emma from college. When they reconnect on a job site sparks and tension fly. She’s always held a grudge for him getting everything she wanted in college and she’s at a serious low point in her life. He’s trying to prove himself to his brother and has never understood why she hated him. Poor Emma, while she would absolutely hate the empathy I so felt for her and her life circumstances. Caleb is fighting his past reputation on all fronts, family and Emma. And both of them are fighting the sparks that fly when they get together. I loved both Caleb and Emma and their relationship.

I also loved getting to watch Caleb get some peace about everything with his dad. This is a continuation of a larger storyline for the whole colburn family. I can’t even imagine what it must be like to be a primary caregiver for a parent who used to be abusive but thanks to strokes, is a completely different helpless person.

This story has so much heart. I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Aly.
640 reviews22 followers
January 22, 2026
Narrated by :
Lila Winters and Sebastian York

What to expect:

Protective Hero
Slow Burn
Found Family
Close Proximity
Opposites Attract
Enemies to Lovers

I loved the first book in this series so I went
Into it with super high hopes! As much as it was cute I felt like I wasn’t as wrapped up into the characters as I wanted to be. This has every thing I love in a small town romance, including the amazing side characters and laugh out loud moments.

I love how he was a retired hockey player gone construction worker, and he works hard to bring together Emma’s vision to restore a historic home. She definitely isn’t easy convinced or pushed around. When the sparks flew they connected well together.

I liked book one a lot more, but this was over all still a cute quick listen and will be excited to continue on in the series.

Profile Image for Brianna Price.
202 reviews10 followers
January 19, 2026
I absolutely loved and adored this book
This is the second book in the series and follows the second oldest Colburn brother Caleb and collage rival Emma.

Caleb a ex hockey player turned construction owner needs help proving himself to the family that he is more than the fun loving casual running away from his problems.
Now enter’s Emma a smart architect and college rival who happens to be the architect for their current project.

Emma needs this job to support her financially but past misconceptions and judgment of each other in college has resulted in their mistrust for one another.

Luckily they are forced forced to work together they get to know each other again and realize the mistakes they have made in the past and work towards being friends again but they both acknowledge the feelings for each other.

This was definitely an exception read.
Profile Image for DeeAnn.
807 reviews25 followers
January 14, 2026
FREE FALLING by Jill Shalvis
Release Date February 3, 2026

This is the second book in the Colburn Brothers series.

Definitely a 5+

Caleb is the middle brother. The big hockey star! But back home again working at the family business because of a leg injury.
Emma is down on her lock. She comes into town with the clothes on her back. She lost everything in a house fire she’s literally living out of her car. She’s working a temp job. It just so happens to have to work with Caleb. This is not their first go around. They went to college together and have a lot of backstory.

I could not put this one down. This one has wonderful family dynamics. Family dysfunction. Second chances/enemies to lovers.

I don’t know how Jill does it, but she can take a serious story and turn it into a laugh out loud book. I absolutely cannot wait for the next installment. And the sweetheart dogs Calvin and Klein are just amazing!

Thank you, Jill for another amazing read. This was what I literally could not put down. And then I was mad because I read it so fast. 😂
Profile Image for Simoné  Wolmarans.
521 reviews16 followers
January 14, 2026
Such a wholesome, heartwarming romance.

Caleb and Emma’s banter was fantastic, and their chemistry leapt off the page. I loved watching their relationship grow from semi-enemies to lovers. It felt natural, earned, and genuinely satisfying.

Emma’s determination to be an independent queen was a highlight, and I absolutely adored that Caleb had zero intention of letting her shut him out. His quiet insistence on taking care of her, without undermining her strength, was perfectly done.

💫✨THE WHOLE HOSPITAL SCENE 👏🏻 🙌🏻👌🏻

A beautiful, feel-good story and definitely one to add to the TBR.

ALSO! Not-so-side-note, side note - I was lucky enough to listen to this audiobook while following along with the ebook and OMG! Lila Winters & Sebastian York 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 absolutely fantastic! Honestly, Sebastian can probably read me his grocery list and I’d be completely besotted but that’s neither here nor there - highly recommend!
Profile Image for Jill Cutchins.
15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
A man who feels he has everything to prove, a woman who feels she's all on her own and a legend about 3 falling stars and finding your true love, this is the second book in this series and a ride you will surely enjoy. 
Welcome back to Star Falls and the Colburn brothers.  This time we get the middle brother, Caleb's story.  The college hockey start, the "ghoster" and the family "Fixer".  Caleb just wants more responsibility with the family company, he thrives on it.  There is a huge restoration job for Colburn Restorations and who happens to walk back into his life, Emma Sumner, his college rival in the architectural program.  Emma has been holding a grudge against Caleb since college, her arch nemisis, but she needs to secure a permanent postition with the current firm she is temporary with and knows that she will have to work with Caleb.  Emma is fighting her own demons and holding her secrets close.  It was so fun the read the evolution and "fall" of these characters. 
Overbearing family, friends and loveable dogs just add to the charm of this book.  The slow burn and denial from both Caleb and Emma are heartwarming.  The chemistry between the two crackles with every interaction.  The family dynamic and commentary from the siblings is so funny.  There's a mystery that wiggles it's way into the story and makes me so anxious for the next book.  Definitely a 5 star and highly recommend.  If you love small town charm, happy ending with a little angst in between with overbearing siblings and friends, with a bit of mystery and danger thrown in then this book is definitely for you.
Profile Image for Kate.
429 reviews16 followers
January 2, 2026
I adored this second book in the Colburn Brothers Series. In this book we get Caleb’s story. Caleb is the middle brother, and the one who got away. Caleb got to escape their rough home life and went off to college where he became a hockey star and enjoyed the perks that came with his fame. But now that he is home and an injury left that life in the past, he is trying to prove to his family that he isn’t just the party boy screw up he used to be. Just as he is trying to prove himself to his family on his first big job, he’s confronted with someone from his party days, Emma. Emma went to college with Caleb and hates him with a passion because his good looks and hockey fame let him skate by in college, and he got the scholarship she so desperately needed. She is not happy to realize this playboy who stole her chance in college is who she needs to work with to earn a job she desperately needs. What neither of them expects is for sparks to start flying as they try to work together. I loved both of these deeply flawed characters, and enjoyed watching them learn how to trust and open up. The setting of Star Falls is beautiful, and I love the legend. I’m intrigued by the mystery plaguing this book and hope we find out who is behind it in the next book. I can’t wait to read Tucker’s story and come back to visit this story and family again! I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Karen.
608 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 31, 2025
Caleb and Emma have a past that started in college. They were frenemies and Emma always felt that Caleb got the upper hand since he was a hockey star and got the scholarship she needed. Emma has always kinda held a grudge towards Caleb but has also secretly had feelings for him but could never admit them to herself let alone to Caleb.

Caleb had a very troubled upbringing and got the chance to get away when he left for college. He didn't want to leave so he could protect his under siblings but he had to to be able to get where he is today. He was a decent hockey player and tried his chance on getting on the team. He was always paired with Emma on assignments and she did majority of the work, he did what he had to, used his charm and charisma to his benefit, which never worked on her of course. Caleb never thought he would have the chance to work with Emma again but it happened and he was going to take full advantage of it.

The sparks fly instantly and both have a hard time keeping this sparks at bay. Emma is in a bit of a tough spot, Caleb finds out and wants to help but will she let him in enough and let him? Is Emma too headstrong and stubborn? Is she too independent to let someone in all the way? Is Caleb ready to stop ghosting and really settle down? Did he find his true soul mate or was it the Legend of the falling stars at play?

Loved Caleb and Emma's story!! I can't wait for Tucker 's.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,341 reviews
December 30, 2025
“Sometimes falling isn’t about losing control. It’s about trusting there’s someone there to catch you.”

“You don’t think you’re worthy of me staying. But, Emma, I’ve never been with anyone more worthy of love. I fell for you in spite of myself, hopelessly and fully.”

“You…calm me.”

Caleb Colbert the middle brother was a former star hockey player in college, until he had a career ending injury. Growing up was a challenge for Caleb with an abusive father. Now he is working with his brothers at Colburn Construction. He is also the next brother to see the three falling stars, which legend states that he will soon find his true love.
Emma Sumner is starting, trying to get her life back on the right path. She is a temp for an architect and design company and just happens to be the liaison for a rather big project the Colbert Brothers Restoration have been hired to do.
What Emma never expected was to have to work with her college nemesis. She certainly does not trust Caleb.
Enemies to lovers.
This book made me laugh, especially the two boxers that Caleb adopted, family dynamics, trust, baggage and more.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
#ContemporaryRomance #FreeFalling #ColburnBrothers
Profile Image for Monica Park.
9 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 29, 2025
** I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for my honest review. **

I read absolutely everything by Jill Shalvis, so this one was no exception. I'm loving the Colburn Brothers series. I cannot wait for the next installment. Emma was such a stubborn, independent, prideful character. I could relate to her. Caleb definitely met his match. It was a fun, quick read that I read over the course of the day. I thought it was funny that another side character mentioned they had 'animal magnetism' because that was one of the first book series I read by Jill. Kind of like an Easter egg.

One thing I am still so curious about is the weird happenings at the work site. This happened in the first book too, but was even less resolved in this book. I'm wondering if it will be solved in the next book. I'm nosy. I need to know.
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