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Fallen Heir

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What’s it about?
After a tragic loss, Savannah Sinclair disappears—only to learn that some legacies refuse to stay buried. When a mysterious man enters her life, secrets unravel, danger returns, and love might cost her everything.

THE FALLEN BOOK ONE
FALLEN HEIR

She thought she left the danger behind.
But power, blood, and betrayal don’t let go that easily.

After sudden tragedy, Savannah Sinclair is forced into hiding. She’s lived a life protected by lies, buried under her father’s empire, and haunted by a past she never truly understood. But running was never meant to save her—it was only delaying the inevitable.

When Jaxson Westbrook steps into her life, their connection is immediate, dangerous, and impossible to control. His world is darker than he lets on, tied to the very secrets that put Savannah in danger. And as their paths intertwine, the cost of uncovering the truth grows higher.

Because in a world built on power and blood,
not everyone gets to make it out alive.

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 12, 2025

27 people are currently reading
104 people want to read

About the author

T.C. Culbreth

2 books11 followers
T.C. Culbreth is an indie author whose writing journey began as more than just storytelling — it was survival. Her debut trilogy, The Fallen Trilogy, became an outlet for healing, each page carrying pieces of her own battles, resilience, and hope. Through Savannah and Jaxson’s story, Culbreth explores themes of trauma, redemption, and the strength it takes to rise when the world tries to break you.

What started as a deeply personal process has grown into a body of work that connects with readers who crave raw, emotional romance laced with suspense and grit. With an unflinching style, she doesn’t shy away from pain—but always threads in love, loyalty, and the power of finding family where it matters most.

When she isn’t writing, she’s a proud single mom of four, balancing the chaos of real life while pouring her heart into every story she creates. Her goal is simple: to remind readers that even in the darkest chapters, there is always a way to fight, heal, and rise again.

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5 stars
48 (59%)
4 stars
18 (22%)
3 stars
11 (13%)
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3 (3%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Buffy ❤️‍🔥💀.
85 reviews16 followers
October 21, 2025
*** Check Trigger Warnings ***

First things first… this book was HEAVY…. Emotionally raw and intense. But with that it was beautifully written.

This book didn’t end in a traditional HEA so take that for what you will.
Profile Image for Kami Collins.
19 reviews3 followers
August 13, 2025
This book was real and raw and it made you feel all the things the FMC has been through. The adrenaline rush it gives you was something powerful. The ending though…I’m PISSED!!! My heart fell right into my stomach and as I thought it was just a sick joke that the epilogue would be like haha…sike and lift my heart back up…it didn’t. This is NOT a HEA. If you’re ok with that and dark romance…DARK themes like Part 1 of Hunting Adeline themes is ok with you…I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Brandy B.
34 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2025
Have you ever had a book completely blindside you in the best way possible? That was this book for me.

I went in expecting a good story, but what I got was a full-body experience. It shattered me in the best way, leaving pieces of my heart scattered across the pages. I felt it deep in my bones. I laughed, I ached, I screamed a little. And by the end, I didn’t just finish the book I had survived it.

I may have just found another favorite author. The writing? Sharp. The tension? Palpable. And the emotions? Whew. I felt seen. I felt heard. And now I need a moment (or five) to process everything.
Profile Image for Shawna.
198 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2025
This book is AMAZING! Truly!

Plot > Spice with trigger warnings.

I am VERY impressed that this is the authors 1st book. There is so much potential in her writing, and I can't wait to follow while watching her progress. I truly feel great things are coming!

This is a heart-wrenching tale of abuse and survival. The love story is sweet and protective.

WARNING: The end will ruin you! Make sure you have lots of tissues and a support person to call (or therapist on speed dial)

This is a very well thought out love story that will have you begging for more! Don't procrastinate. BUY IT TODAY!
Profile Image for Amanda Christensen.
30 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2025
This was my second non HEA and it was amazing. Im so sad that the characters didnt get more time together in the end. The emotions in this story are so raw and real and holy smokes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Holli Mattox.
74 reviews6 followers
July 29, 2025
Fallen Heir has left me in utter devastation. This book is intense, it is raw, it is beautiful, and it is devastating. Every now and then I read a book that will stick with me for a long time; this is one of those books. Fallen Heir is a beautifully written depiction of the most vile actions of humanity and the desire for peace and solitude.
Profile Image for Delaine (NovelReadingNanny).
164 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2025
I have big feelings and a lot of questions. The biggest of all being...

WHEN DOES THE NEXT BOOK COME OUT???
130 reviews
October 13, 2025
First off, I'd like to congratulate the author on publishing this book. Your writing has potential!

If you want a short book to add to your book count for the year, and can read anything (including something without a HEA), this may be the book for you.

This story follows Savannah Sinclair, who is running from her abusive husband. She nosedives right into the arms of someone who knows her family very well.

What I liked:
The smut was well written.
Good emotional depth.
I laughed once.

**SPOILERS**

It wasn't even the ending that made me question my sanity; it was the weird conveniences/coincidences. Something is seriously wrong? Oh, the MMC is already involved; he already has some team that can help take care of that. At the last minute, he'll bring in someone who should have been involved from the get-go. One of the side characters seems to magically know what is going on two minutes too late.

I'm going to be honest, the FMC led herself right into the scenarios she ended up in. If you are in hiding, why would you ever agree to let yourself have that much publicity? As a DV survivor, I've lived for over a decade without my ex finding me, and I don't have money to save me. I've been asked to be on camera a few times and have always refused because I don't want him to find me.

The MMC is an idiot. Sorry, not sorry. He let her walk right past him and into several traps, but he totes himself as someone who can protect her. Failed time and time again. Like, I could have protected her better. :shrugs: I know he is only human, but major duh vibes for him.

The timeline that was all over the place, had it been weeks? Days? Months? I have no clue. It was either rushed or we skipped a vital period of time, which could have been crucial to building this relationship that the reader is supposed to care about.

Some of the scenes were unnecessarily stretched out, or thoughts/emotions were repeated. Had a keep repeating it to add to the word count feel.

Whatever happened to paragraphs?

Were the single-line paragraphs meant to add to the page count?

Cause you could have put in about three weeks of relationship building to pad it.

It read so fractured that I kept putting it down because my brain could not do it.

It really hurt the pacing and flow.

I miss paragraphs.


I'm going to use the sandwich method to end on a good note. The author does have a lot of potential. The emotion and depth were all there. There wasn't a moment you didn't know what backed a character's actions when it came to pivotal moments (even if that pivotal moment was oddly placed). I think that with some work, this author could produce something super good! Just needs some good ARC readers and a good developmental editor to catch some of the grammatical issues and plot holes (a couple big ones). Keep typing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Chelsea Hackert.
115 reviews5 followers
September 30, 2025
Vahnna is running from her abusive husband.She ends up in New York
from Alabama. She is trying to start a new life- new name, new self, new city. Then she meets the walking PR nightmare that is Jaxson. Jaxson is the owner of many high class night clubs in the city, as well as other properties. He is in
need someone to help clean up his playboy reputation. Jaxson gets the bright idea? to ask his new PR rep to be his fake girlfriend. Savannah agrees to try it out. not knowing Jaxson's true motive. Jaxson knew her mother and would go to locations she gave him to save locked up women and children. Savanna's first "date" with Jaxson is to a charity Gal a for Domestic Abuse. It is at this Gala that Savanna is noticed by a man that happens to know her husband that she is running from. After she is cornered in the restroom she tells Jaxson she's not feeling well and is taken home by Ben, Jaxson's head of security. That night they also start digging into What scared savanna so much to turn her I face like she had seen fax ghost. Monday morning was waiting Vahnnas office when she arrived to work. He was determined to get answers, and he did, after her husband called her work line- He knew where she was. Was she in danger? Jax was going to help and protect her. After about a month Bruce-current husband-comes looking for his wife-and he's not leaving without her. Bruce's plans though certainly doesn't involve taking her back home, but selling her on the black market. Does Bruce really think he's going to sell her and not die? - CRAZY MAN!!

my final thoughts: Savahnna+ Jaxson. very powerful and relatable story. She's running from a mafia man only to end up with another mafia man. This book does have D.V. and human trafficking in it. I absolutely loved this book. PLEASE CHECK TRIGGERS!
219 reviews
September 30, 2025
This book is a masterclass in raw, visceral storytelling. It doesn't just tell you what the FMC (female main character) is feeling; it makes you live it. The adrenaline rush was powerful, hooking me with a tension that was palpable and writing that was razor-sharp.

I went in expecting a good story, but I was completely blindsided in the best way. This book was a full-body experience that left pieces of my heart scattered across the pages. I felt it deep in my bones—I laughed, I ached, and yes, I may have screamed a little. By the end, I didn't just finish the book; I survived it.

Now, about that ending... I am absolutely PISSED! My heart plummeted right into my stomach, and the gut-punch of the epilogue never let up. Be warned: This is NOT a Happily Ever After (HEA). If you can handle dark romance and an ending that will completely wreck you, dive in.

I may have just found my new favorite author. I felt seen and heard within these pages, and now I desperately need a moment (or five) to process the aftermath.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Heather H.
510 reviews15 followers
July 22, 2025
Wrecked.
Absolutely. Completely. Wholly. Utterly. Wrecked.

This is not pain, trauma, grief, betrayal, lies, survival, and healing tied up with a HEA bow in the end.

This is raw.
This is real.
This is reality for so many.

Savannah Sinclair has survived unimaginable abuse at the hands of her husband. After losing her parents in a fatal crash, the abuse worsens and her only chance of survival is escape. Covered in scars, physical and emotional, she leaves Alabama, changes her accounts, takes back her maiden name, and begins a new job which leads her to Jaxson.

As their working relationship turns personal, Jaxson helps Savannah see the beauty in her scars and shows her how she deserves to be loved. As an ex-military billionaire dedicating his life to rescuing and protecting victims of DV and trafficking, he is able to provide her with safety like she’s never known.

Culbreth has warned you.
Other readers have warned you.
I’m now warning you (because I didn’t listen, not fully).

This will break you.
And leave you there.
And this author does it so beautifully.
Profile Image for DeAnna Beeman.
100 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2025
Let me be clear: I Was warned by the author and others that this book may wreck me. They were not lying i was met with A full emotional ambush.

This book didn’t just tell a story it unraveled one and pulled me deeper and deeper layer by layer

Savannah Sinclair is wounded, yes, but she’s also fierce and intelligent, Shes a hero she is everything i want in a fmc Jaxson? Sir. You are morally questionable, and exactly my type in FICTIONAL men.
The writing is captivating, the pacing relentless, and the emotional stakes sky-high. Every twist hit like a punch, and every quiet moment carried weight. I found myself holding my breath more than once.

This isn’t a fluffy read. It’s raw. Messy. Beautifully complicated. And I loved every second of it absolutely addictive. Five stars,. Would I do it all again? Absolutley bring on book two
Profile Image for Jessica Cam.
504 reviews5 followers
July 10, 2025
I am so happy I saw this indie author on my FYP page. She very kindly warned me that this book went deeper and was pretty raw and she was NOT WRONG. ⚠️ CHECK TW’S ⚠️
This story had a lot of raw, real, relatable trauma. Savannah had endured a lot in her marriage, and just wanted to live her life… she felt weak and not good enough but this Queen could not of been more wrong. Even before Jaxson enters her life, Savannah is living! She is surviving! And goodness she really finds her strength and her power towards the end of this book. This book had me on the edge of my seat the last half….but I must be a glutton for punishment because I can’t wait for more! Im hooked, the writing was good, as was the storyline and the suspense!
17 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2025
In the world built on power and lies not everyone gets to make it out alive

If you want a romantic book with no trigger warning and happy endings with a perfect bow. This isn’t the book for you. This book is about fighting your circumstances, and not accepting the abused life you were given. Savannah is on the run from her abusive husband and Jaxson is the hero she needs but doesn’t trust.

This is the first book in an unfinished series so be prepared for not all your questions to be answered. But if you are okay with that and the trigger warnings give TC Culbreth a chance.
Profile Image for Angela.
268 reviews31 followers
September 17, 2025
Thank you for the ARC!

Total stars 3.5 rounded up

HEA/HFN: NO HEA
POV: 1st dual

What I liked:
-I loved the story! Loved the way it was told and really enjoyed the characters (even the side characters).
-The conflict was interesting and I found myself wanting to pick up the book and keep reading to see what happens.

What I didn’t like:
-The ending. I am not a fan of endings like that. I will say I was surprised but unfortunately not in a good way. If you want the spoiler, message me and I will tell you!

118 reviews7 followers
November 9, 2025
I went into this book blindly and didn’t see that ending coming. I’m shook. I didn’t realize it wouldn’t be a HEA, but that’s on me.
I loved the characters and the plot. The tension build and spice was well done.
I did struggle with some of the writing. There were a couple plot holes and spatial awareness was a bit off. It’s a little unclear about the timing this all went down in. I LOVE em dashes, but not in nearly every paragraph.
For a first novel, I think this author has huge potential. I may need a break before going into book two, but I look forward to finishing the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alyssa Hoff.
70 reviews3 followers
December 24, 2025
Page-Turning & Trauma-Filled w/ Great Spice📄🖤🌶️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book kept me turning the pages—I had to stay up until midnight last night (which I normally do not do) because I had to know how it ended & wow what an ending!🤯
I’ve read many spicy books & trust me when I say this author knows how to write great spice.🌶️
There were several quotes in the book that resonated with me—especially those regarding trauma.📝
Definitely check your trigger warnings prior to reading.⚠️
Profile Image for Bailey Young.
5 reviews
June 24, 2025
My only complaint is I need more! Devoured this book in one night, part suspense, part romance, part omg wait what just happened?! Downloaded this because I wanted to support a debut author, wasn’t sure what to expect but if I don’t know this was her first book I wouldn’t have guessed! Can’t wait for the rest of the trilogy
Profile Image for Rachael.
25 reviews
September 30, 2025
Savanah is on the run from her abusive husband, and she is also trying to unravel the secrets of her family.

If you want a happy ending or a neat, wrapped-up romance, this may not be for you.

I enjoyed the story; the characters were well written.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mags.
19 reviews
December 7, 2025
The way this book had me on the edge of my seat with the cliffhanger is lowkey embarrassing. I loved this book, even if I got mad at the characters; sometimes, that’s how you know it’s a good book. I loved the sibling relationship that developed between Ben and Savannah.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Brittney Stanford.
119 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2025
✨️ who hurt you?
✨️ mental health rep
✨️ MINE
✨️ 🚫 HEA....

First read by TC and I was shooketh. This book made me feel things I haven't felt in a while.

Mind your triggers.

This is the story of Savannah trying to find her redemption. This is not a happy story- though there are happy moments.

If you want to FEEL, and if you want to leave a story being emotionally not okay (iykyk) pick this up. Its not long but it'll make you see some things differently.
2 reviews
June 25, 2025
I was not expecting any of this. I never wanted to stop reading. The only problem- I really wish there was more. This book kind of devastated me in a way I wasn't ready for. I cannot wait for the rest of this trilogy to be released, but I think I need a breather after this one.
9 reviews
June 26, 2025
Wow. Just wow. This book leaves nothing to the imagination. I love it! As a DV survivor the feelings portrayed and the guilt that comes is real. I’m so glad she captured that so amazingly. I CANNOT wait for the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for S.A. Flynn.
Author 1 book8 followers
July 7, 2025
Wow

It's not my typical read, but I can't say I'm disappointed in stepping outside of my box. I had a feeling something like the ending would happen but not the who. The who was unexpected. Can't wait for book 2
Profile Image for Whitney friskey.
72 reviews
August 19, 2025
There were not enough starts for this book 😭😭😭 ummm excuse me while I go stare at the wall I’m throughly wrecked In the best way but like whyyyyyy …. Heartbroken…. Devastated….wreckeddddd… this story was fast paced … heartbreaking ! Wow what a masterpiece!
Profile Image for Wren Nightingale.
Author 1 book
September 17, 2025
This book was astonishing and a great read! I was captivated by each character, along with their personalities. I loved how fluid the plot felt, but I will say I am quite upset with the ending (I won't spoil it)! But, I suppose I'm upset in a good way!
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,381 reviews30 followers
October 2, 2025
This is the first book in the Fallen trilogy. It’s well written and was hard for me to put down. It’s fast paced, emotional, heartbreaking and the suspense kept me turning pages! I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Ashley Cestra.
1,346 reviews31 followers
December 2, 2025
I don’t think I could have read this story any father! It had all my favorite elements -dark, dangerous and with trigger warnings!
I was captivated from the first page and was on my tip toes with anxiety every moment after that. I’m gutted by that ending and I can’t wait for more!!!
Profile Image for Rebecca Croushore-Loveland.
2 reviews
December 6, 2025
Wow

This is the first book I have read by this author and of this kind of genre. It didn't end the way I was hoping or expected it to, but I'm not mad about it. I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would!
7 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2025
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Holyyyy shocking ending!! The emotions & , edge of my seat suspense & spicy romance… everything about this book has me ready for book 2 👀👀👀
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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