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Holiday Rules #4

The No Falling Rule

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I wasn’t supposed to fall—into the pool or for him.

When my sister drags me to a tropical resort for Christmas. I expect sand, sun, and maybe a few awkward family photos. What I don’t expect is to take an unplanned dive—right along with Diego Grosso, a drop-dead gorgeous man who won’t stop apologizing… or flirting.

One dinner turns into late night talks, stolen kisses, and one rule we both swear to no falling.

He's a thirty-two-year-old millionaire trying to earn his place in the family empire.

I’m a small-town farrier with tangled feelings and muddy boots.

We come from different worlds—falling for Diego would break our pact and shake my life in ways I’m not sure I can handle.

But sometimes the right person makes it all worth it.

The No Falling Rule is a strangers-to-lovers, millionaire, reformed playboy, farrier FMC, holiday novella. It’s part of the Holiday Rules Series but can be read as a standalone. HEA guaranteed.

Tropes:

Millionaire MMC
Farrier FMC
Reformed Playboy
Multicultural Romance
Strangers to Lovers
He Falls First and Hard

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

7 people are currently reading
23 people want to read

About the author

Liss Montoya

14 books141 followers
Liss Montoya is an author of Contemporary Romance with Latinx characters sprinkled throughout her heartfelt and spicy stories.

Liss was born and raised in Colombia, South America and moved to the United States in her early twenties to pursue a PhD degree. She later became a biology teacher. But after meeting her husband and having their first child, she decided to stay home with her kids and her rescue dog, Luna.

When she’s not writing, you can find her playing personal assistant to her kids and her dog, catching up on tv shows with her husband, or reading saucy books.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Kascha.
108 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2025
Light, fun, and immersive - an irresistible one-sitting romance escape.

Mia, a small-town girl from Azalea Creek, is instantly relatable. Fans of the author’s connected series will appreciate the subtle tie-ins. Raised by her older sister, Mia carries both deep gratitude and a quiet longing; she’s ready to step out on her own, stretch her world a little wider, and figure out who she is outside the familiar. Her nervousness - especially when it comes to her growing feelings for Diego - feels honest and grounded, making her easy to root for.

Diego comes from a wealthy and accomplished family where expectations run high. As the baby of the clan, he constantly feels the need to prove himself in their business world, even though his heart is tugging him toward a different path - one driven more by passion than pressure. His internal conflict adds depth, and his charm makes him instantly lovable.

Their meet-cute is exactly what you want from a vacation-day mishap: funny, chaotic, and just serendipitous enough to hook you from the start. The novella leans into insta-love - but it works perfectly here. The pacing is quick without being rushed, their dates are thoughtful and sweet, and Diego’s attentiveness makes their chemistry undeniable. The attraction between them heats up more than once, and the open-door spice is both well-placed and well-executed.

One of the standout elements of this author’s work continues here: the rich infusion of culture. From bilingual exchanges to specific foods and traditions, the story lets you slip seamlessly into the characters’ world. These details don’t just flavor the setting - they deepen the story, offering glimpses into their roots and grounding the romance in a sense of heritage and place.

Short, swoony, and heartfelt, The No Falling Rule is a delightful novella for readers who love instant chemistry, cultural charm, and characters who feel wonderfully real. It’s a perfect pick for anyone looking for a quick, warm, and spicy escape.
Profile Image for Amanda Richard.
123 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2025
The No Falling Rule by Liss Montoya

I was excited for a beachy holiday read and Mia and Diego just made it so much sweeter! I know in romance, insta-love can come across as cheesy or rushed, but Liss has such a good way of writing it that it feels real. I loved how these two main characters met; I thought it was funny, and I enjoyed how they joked about it in the book as well. I would love to read more about Diego and his family; hopefully, he makes an appearance in Azela Creek. Mia was so sweet, and she cared so much for her sister on their vacation. I loved how protective they are of each other. As a couple, Mia and Diego are all in; Diego is nurturing and eager to prove he’s the man for her. Meanwhile, Mia is spunky and unsure of her feelings, feeling conflicted, but once she’s decided, she’s in, and it was amazing.
Profile Image for RomanceLand65.
466 reviews
November 27, 2025
I'm swooning. yes swooning. if you don't fall for Diego then we are not reading the same book. diego is what every girl loves about reading romance. I'm pretty sure he falls first.
the way this book starts is funny. well not to mia but definitely to the reader. you will love the non traditional meet cute. it was destiny.
I'm gonna say I admire the author who writes a novella that gives the reader all the info that's needed to make it come together without feeling forced or leaving out important stuff. she's got serious talent.
Profile Image for Ashley’s Bookshelf.
157 reviews22 followers
December 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I absolutely love a holiday romance and having a beachy holiday romance was a fun change of pace! This was such a cute insta love novella that I finished in one sitting!

☀️Millionaire MMC
🎄Insta Love
☀️Multicultural Romance
🎄Strangers to Lovers
☀️Christmas in the Caribbean
🎄Reformed Playboy

This is a short, swoony, easy read that I highly recommend adding to your TBR. The story follows Mia and Diego during their Christmas vacation. This story can be read as a standalone but is also interconnected in Liss Montoya’s other series!

This is very light, sweet and cozy novella that is super refreshing and will get you in the mood for a Caribbean Christmas vacation!

Thank you Liss for this ARC! I absolutely adored this novella ♥️
Profile Image for Rebecca Hill.
699 reviews10 followers
December 2, 2025
The No Falling Rule is an instalove, Christmas novella featuring Diego Grosso and Mia Martinez.

Diego, 32, is the youngest of three brothers who all work at Grosso Enterprises. There's a large age gap between him and his older brothers and he is often perceived as being a child. When the family all heads to a resort in La Romana, Dominican Republic for his niece's wedding, he accidentally bumps into Mia... and knocks her and her suitcase into the pool!

Mia, 25, is there with her older sister Carly. The two are very hard working and are there for a well deserved holiday. The two have always been very close but their bond has deepened in recent years as they lost their parents and now they're all each other has.

Diego, feeling absolutely awful about the mishap, offer up his luxury accommodation to the sisters, sends over a wardrobe replacement, and even sends Mia to the spa. In addition to feeling terrible, he is also smitten. There is something about Mia that he cannot resist and asks her to dinner. Encouraged by Carly, she accepts his invitation. Recognizing that they're from two different worlds, and live in different places, she is open to a holiday fling. Diego however has a short period to woo her and convince her that he doesn't just want her for the moment, but forever.

This was a fun, easy and lighthearted read. While I struggle with the instalove trope, I found the characters to be adorable and could easily recognize their mutual attraction and shared chemistry. This is a great vacation read.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
170 reviews7 followers
December 2, 2025
Lovely holiday romance novella!

The No Falling Rule is a short and spicy holiday novella which exceeds at putting the reader in the holiday mood.

The story follows Diego, who is at his family’s resort for his niece’s wedding and two sisters, Mia and Carly, who are on a holiday getaway. Mia and Diego literally collide with each other and Diego is instantly obsessed with Mia.

They both decide to have a holiday fling and agree on not falling for each other. We get to know more about their upbringing and fall in love with them as they fall for each other. We also get glimpses of Carly and River’s future story which had me obsessing over the book! I am ready for my man River!

As always, Liss has some latin representation and share more about the culture through her romance plot. I loved the playlist and the use of cute Spanish phrases.

If you are looking for a short romance book that will feel cozy and will set you up for holiday season this is the book for you.

Tropes:
* Insta-love 💕
* Holiday Romance 💘
* Vacation Fling 🧳
* Millionaire MMC 💰
* Multicultural Romance
Profile Image for Sami Allen.
25 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2025
The No Falling Rule – ARC Review
Tropes:
• Millionaire MMC
• Multicultural Romance
• Reformed Playboy
Spice Level: 4/5

First off, thank you to Liss for the opportunity to read this holiday novella. The No Falling Rule is a short, sweet, and cozy seasonal read that delivers just the right amount of charm and spice.

The story follows two sisters, Mia and Carly, who take a much-needed vacation away from their hometown, Azalea Creek. During the trip, Mia—who was hoping for nothing more than a relaxing getaway—accidentally crosses paths with notorious playboy Diego. Watching Diego fall so hard and so fast for Mia, despite their agreed-upon “No Falling Rule,” is both entertaining and heartwarming. It’s refreshing to see Mia slowly realize that she truly has caught the attention of a millionaire, and their chemistry makes the story fun and engaging.

This novella can be enjoyed as a standalone, but it also connects to other stories by Liss, making it a great addition for returning readers and a perfect entry point for new ones.
Profile Image for Emily Knaus.
421 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2025
Loved this short and spicy read! Diego and Mia’s story was so flirty and fun; from their first meeting you know it’s going to be good.

It’s a vacation novella that is the perfect mix of heat, sass, and heart. Diego’s filthy mouth had me laughing, swooning, and occasionally fanning myself, while Mia’s sharp wit and fierce independence made her the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for. Their banter is electric and every exchange feels like a duel where sparks fly and rules crumble.

What I loved most is how the “no falling” rule becomes impossible to keep when chemistry this strong collides with the romantic beach setting. It’s short, addictive, and exactly the kind of novella you devour in one sitting, grinning at the chaos and secretly cheering for the inevitable surrender. The characters are so freaking relatable. Diego is just trying to make is own name for himself and Mia is trying to do things on her own. They are a perfect match for one another!

A huge thank you to Liss Montoya for the early copy!
Profile Image for OooLaLa Reads.
442 reviews32 followers
November 30, 2025
New Holiday Rule: Read This Book!

Ok Besties listen... "The No Falling Rule" by Liss Montoya just splashed into my holiday heart like Mia into that resort pool... and I enjoyed it!

Mia (our muddy-boots country girl with a big heart) and Diego (our sexy, reformed playboy millionaire trying to prove himself)? YES, PLEASE! Their insta-love meets strangers-to-lovers island romance had me kicking my feet up like I’m poolside sipping a margarita. And can we talk about the multicultural vibes? I always swoon harder when the MCs bring that rich cultural depth. 🔥

This Azalea Creek world Montoya built... is just cozy perfection. Add Christmas in paradise, stolen kisses, late-night confessions and one rule we knew they’d break… and yeah an absolute must-read!

My Ratings:  ⭐ 4/5  ▪︎  🥵 2/5

🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Profile Image for Kristina Maysonet.
1,706 reviews34 followers
December 1, 2025
I love this concept for this series of holiday romances by all these different authors. Tired of reading the snowed in holiday romance? How about you take a tropical vacation to celebrate the holiday season! That’s where Liss Montoya takes us, to the Dominican Republic, Where Diego & Mia meet.

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔: Diego Grosso & Mia Martinez
𝑺𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: La Romana, Dominican Republic

Diego & Mia have one of my favorite meet cutes to EVER happen! I mean it is so funny and so perfect to set up this story. When Mia ends up knocked into the pool at Diego’s resort, he does everything he can to make it up to her. I love the instant attraction between them. They are both completely different people from two different worlds but they find that they really balance each other out. If you have never read a book from Liss, you can expect to see how she blends culture into her stories and I always enjoy getting that part of the story.
Profile Image for Toni Benton.
699 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2025
Tropical holiday anyone?
This novella brings us a couple of blue collar Azalea Creek residents mixed with a billionaire mogul & hotel conglomerate heir. Upon arrival at a resort in the Dominican Republic, Mia has the unfortunate luck of being pushed into the pool, luggage & all. But fortunately, this sparked the start to a beautiful adventure with Diego. Diego’s family owns the resort & he makes every effort to make up for Mia’s arrival…as he is the one to accidentally push her in the pool. As he is continually pampering her with luxury & gifts, he finds that she just might be more than just a guest…she might be his forever.
I absolutely adored watching these two take a pretty epic meet cute & form a bond that transcends barriers. They are such total opposites, but somehow perfectly matched with each other. They find a comfort in each other where they can be completely themselves, & that sparks the budding of a beautiful relationship.
Profile Image for Lou Li Reads.
453 reviews10 followers
November 19, 2025
Vacay fling with Christmas thrown in! Mia and her sister decide to spend the holidays in more tropical climates this year, needing a break from Azalea Creek. Within minutes of arriving at their resort, Mia is swept off her feet into the pool by a handsome millionaire. Diego is profusely sorry for accidentally knocking Mia in and the moment their eyes connect, the instant electrifying chemistry takes hold. Diego can’t get her out of his mind and goes into full on charm and swoon mode to court Mia. It’s instant lust, sizzling spice and all round happy holidays vibes. A fun little vacay fling holiday read as part of the Holiday Rules series, a complete standalone.

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
Profile Image for Mrs Wilson.
865 reviews12 followers
November 30, 2025
The main issue with this book is that it is too short! I loved reading about Diego and Mia and would still love more about them. I hope in future Azalea Creek books more about them comes into play. Maybe in her sister's book.

This book started with a great meet-cute and flowed into an apologetic love story. Their chemistry takes it from there, with the support of Mia's sister. Even Diego's parents see the immediate love in his eyes and know he's a goner. I loved the dates that Diego planned. They are so over the top from my regular life, but that's why I read. To escape and read about awesome places and sexy men.

Thank you for the copy, this is my honest opinion. Please be aware of any trigger warnings, as your mental health is most important.
Profile Image for Alma Castro.
81 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2025
✨The No Falling Rule✨

Quote: ”I mean for the kiss to be gentle and quick, but when she tastes like home, I don’t ever want to stop.”
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes: Multicultural, Farrier FMC , Strangers to Lovers, Millionaire MMC , Insta Love , Christmas In The Caribbean.

This is a holiday novella with a bit of spice that follows Diego and Mia. This is my second book that I’ve read from Liss and i am absolutely inlove with her writing style. 😍 Diego is honestly the ideal man ! This man listens to Mia , remembers things Mia has told him and even got the recipe for her mothers Tamales 🥹. I don’t want to say too much but when you read this book you will be falling for Diego in no time ! 👏🏼 There is a hint of spice nothing too crazy but just enough to get you flustered 🥵🤭.
Profile Image for Jessica.
276 reviews
November 19, 2025
Arc Review 
First off I would like to thank Liss for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Mia & Diego 
Y'all this one was so good and fast paced. I absolutely ate her up. Where's my millionaire man who speaks another language at??! I absolutely loved how fast these two knew they were made for each other, how honest and vulnerable they was from the jump. It was so refreshing and beautiful to see. 

5/5 Recommend this book. While this is a Novella and can be read as a standalone it does connect to other stories by other authors. Liss really put some rom com vibes into her & dropped little hints about another couple in here 🫢
Profile Image for Vicki.
59 reviews
November 26, 2025
So. Good! If you like your MMCs sweet with a dirty mouth and an XL size side of confidence, then look no further.

Mia and Diego stole my heart by the end of chapter two. I loved them together, alone, with their families. I was laughing aloud at this one at times, and the humor is so real. I found myself highlighting passages more in this story than the typical novella.

This is the absolute perfect seasonal read. It has tradition, emotions, and valuing oneself. This is perfect to read heading into the cooler months and can be read in one sitting.

Thank you, Liss Montoya, for the ARC opportunity. This honest review has been left voluntarily.
Profile Image for Amelia.
257 reviews
November 30, 2025
If you’re looking for a holiday romance fitting both definitions of holiday, look no further! Set in the Dominican Republic over Christmas, our MCs fall fast and hard, whilst enjoying their trip and also celebrating Christmas with Latin American traditions.

This was instalove at its best - though they knew it was more from day one, they tried to keep things slow and not get in too deep (that’s what their ‘no falling’ rule was in place floor after all), but they just got eachother in a way neither of them had in anyone else.

Definitely one of my favourites in this world so far, and I can’t wait to get back to Azaela Creek next year.

Thank you to the author for the eARC!
Profile Image for Tanya.
54 reviews3 followers
November 24, 2025
Meet Cute!!

Mia is on vacation at a beautiful resort when she meets a handsome stranger, who accidentally pushes her into the pool. He's there for a wedding but is actually the son of the owner of the resort!
Diego feels terrible about the pool debacle and decides to make it up to Mia but soon realizes this is something more.
This story is super fast paced, but gives you all the good stuff! Swoon worthy romance, spice, and happily ever after! If you're looking for a sweet (and spicy) holiday novella, this is for you!
Profile Image for Mikayla.
31 reviews
December 1, 2025
This was the perfect holiday read, especially for if you miss the summer sun like me! I recommend it to anyone that needs to shut their brain off for a little and dive into a story with a swoon-worthy MMC (because EVERY Liss Montoya MMC will make your knees buckle!) and a dash of spice. Diego is such the gentleman, and his instant devotion to Mia was so sweet. I also really liked seeing Carly + Mia's sisterly bond and sprinkles of Carly's potential love interest 👀 Overall, I really enjoyed this novella, and thank you very much to Liss for allowing me to arc-read it!!
Profile Image for Jessica.
140 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2025
Kicking off December with the warm weather, holiday release! The No Falling Rule is an insta-love, he falls first, Christmas novella.

Liss Montoya gives us another adorable pair of MCs to root for and some fun ties back to Azalea Creek.

Grab a copy today for a fun holiday romance. Available on KU! Also, this book is part of the Holiday Rules multi-author series, so make sure to check out the other novellas too. 💚
Profile Image for Darlingvbookish.
142 reviews
December 2, 2025
This was such a cute holiday novella! Gave me all the Hallmark vibes.. We have Diego & Mia. The story takes place in the Dominican Republic during Holiday vacation since Mia & her sister always spend Christmas back home in Azalea Creek, they wanted some sun & warmth. Due to a series of unfortunate events, Mia ends up falling in the pool and Diego is the one to help her. They have an instantaneous connection. I loved their banter, how it honestly felt like they knew each other for a really long time. It honestly left me wanting more! Go enjoy this really cute novella with a HEA ❤️
Profile Image for Ana.
473 reviews4 followers
November 21, 2025
You both meet at the same resort while you are on vacation but he is there for a wedding. But then you realize he is not just any man, he is a millionaire who decided he wants to spend time with you while you are both in the same place. And since you are on vacation you decided why not? Oh what a beautiful story came out of this. Diego and Mia where truly amazing, loved them so much. They had the time of their life, they learn so much from each other and I loved it all♡
1,142 reviews7 followers
November 24, 2025
This was a fun holiday romance with a funny meet cute. Mia just gets to the resort she and her sister are staying at when she “runs into” Diego. Diego only has eyes for Mia and wants to spend time with her. They have so much fun getting to know each other and exploring their attraction to one another. Mia takes off tot be airport early thinking Diego has to leave for business and didn’t have as strong of. Feelings as her. She was quickly proven wrong. Spicy and sweet. Loved it!
Profile Image for Inge Mosch.
446 reviews17 followers
November 20, 2025

This was a great insta love novalla! I always enjoy reading Lisa’s books and this one was no exception! The insta love in this book was swoony! I really loved Diego, he was such an amazing man! I really loved his character! If you’re in for a nice quick holiday romance, I definitely recommend this one!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Profile Image for Kellie.
194 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2025
This was such an easy, cute read! I liked Diego and Mia as characters a lot, and they were great together. Although the story was short, you could feel their connection grow as they got to know each other. It definitely made me more interested in her sister, Carly's story, so I look forward to when that comes out too!
Profile Image for Cierras_reading.corner .
106 reviews
December 1, 2025
Very fun/sweet short read! If you’re a fan of fast pace/insta feelings this book is for you. Diego is everything you want in a MC and their connection is everything. This book has everything from the spicy parts to the swooning parts to even the sweet parts you want out of a book wrapped up into a short novella you can read in one night.
Profile Image for Lissereads.
366 reviews9 followers
December 1, 2025
This was such a cute novella. Insta love between Diego and Mia!!! After a little accident where Mia ends up in a pool, Diego as the gentleman he is, wants to make it up to her. In so many ways…..the chemistry is instant and they can’t keep their hands from each other. It was the best week for them both, where their lives changed forever! This is a perfect palate cleanser!

4.50 ⭐️
2🌶️
Profile Image for Kelly.
419 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2025
What a fun and easy to read instalove novella.

Diego and Mia are having a ball and falling in love fast after an unfortunate meet cute. A whirlwind romance and quick romantic dates will make you smile and fall in love right along with them. 💗
124 reviews
December 1, 2025
3.5⭐️

not the papi😭

Also, what kind of family is that?
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