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Lessons in Falling: A Romantic Comedy
A slow burn, heartwarming and hilarious romantic comedy for lovers of Abby Jimenez and Christina Lauren.
Devon Gallagher is all settled into her comfy life like a wireless bra that you forget to take off before bed. Tenured as a beloved eighth-grade math teacher, her routine is safe and predictable—as she likes it. But when her sister Tara forces an impromptu getaway to Chicago and convinces Devon to take center stage, a karaoke incident from hell spirals into an even more humiliating experience in the post-operative recovery room.
Enter Dr. Jeff Harrison, orthopedic surgeon and unwitting recipient of Devon’s drug-induced stream-of-consciousness rant. Though the conversation expands his vocab for lady bits several times over, he can’t say he minds this particular send off from residency to his coveted spinal fellowship in Philadelphia. However, the sobered patient certainly minds when he shows up at a bar in Philly with her best friends and a pocketful of her most embarrassing secrets. As Devon recovers from the fall, it becomes clear that she’s tumbling right into the man she’s working so hard to avoid. And this time, no surgeon will be able to piece her back together.
Devon Gallagher is all settled into her comfy life like a wireless bra that you forget to take off before bed. Tenured as a beloved eighth-grade math teacher, her routine is safe and predictable—as she likes it. But when her sister Tara forces an impromptu getaway to Chicago and convinces Devon to take center stage, a karaoke incident from hell spirals into an even more humiliating experience in the post-operative recovery room.
Enter Dr. Jeff Harrison, orthopedic surgeon and unwitting recipient of Devon’s drug-induced stream-of-consciousness rant. Though the conversation expands his vocab for lady bits several times over, he can’t say he minds this particular send off from residency to his coveted spinal fellowship in Philadelphia. However, the sobered patient certainly minds when he shows up at a bar in Philly with her best friends and a pocketful of her most embarrassing secrets. As Devon recovers from the fall, it becomes clear that she’s tumbling right into the man she’s working so hard to avoid. And this time, no surgeon will be able to piece her back together.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2025
33 people are currently reading
793 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
August 27, 2025
Lessons in Falling, by Christy Schillig, is a fragile, humorous romantic comedy that knocks the astonishing structure of laughter and longing! Devon Gallagher's life seems so relatable, an organised, predictable lifestyle until her sister creates her into mayhem, that difficulty manifests itself spectacularly in the form of a karaoke catastrophe, which sends Devon to the ER and directly into the path of Dr. Jeff Harrison! The resulting hospital scenario is entertaining and romantic, with a fascinating work of shame and vulnerability, Christy Schillig's style catches Devon's drug-induced disclosures with nuanced humour, making you feel for her while chuckling at her ridiculous honesty! The Philadelphia location feels alive, even proprioceptive, with each street, bar, and coffee shop beautifully bound into the plot!
.
Lessons In Falling keeps you riveted while delicately plucking on the strings of your emotions. The characters personalities are interesting in every way, Devon's devotion as a teacher and the weight of her own loss are told with amazing well-researched style, which leads to a protagonist who is strong and achingly human, Jeff is also nuanced charismatic, kind, and quietly tender underneath his humorous sarcasm. Their relationship has a touch with subtle tension, and they both experience uneasy hilarity and unspoken yearning!
.
Chrity Schillig also has an exceptional lyrical structure to connect deeper subjects with humour while upholding the story's light-hearted details. Devon's grieving difficulties, her students' mental health, and the specifics of familial commitments are all addressed tenderly and truthfully, the author approaches these delicate concerns with care, never avoiding away from their emotional weight but also offering laugh-out-loud humorous moments! This balance gives the novel a deep yet engaging significance. Reading Devon and Jeff deal with their emotions while facing real-life circumstances is an enjoyable journey that is comforting and thought-provoking. Every interact, from awkward admissions to amusing banter, has a proprioceptive element that allows you to feel strongly corresponding to the characters' setting!
.
Lessons in Falling is a riveting, compelling exploration of love, friendship, and personal growth, delivered with elegance and design, Christy Schillig's writing is ingeniously humorous, touchingly tender, and emotionally acute! The slow burn romance, sincere humour, and moments of vulnerability make this a story that is impossible to put down. The Philadelphia setting, special friendships, and intensely realised characters come together to make this book remarkable, every page, from the hilarious first encounter to the inspirational calm and intimate reflections on family and career, is full of nuance and implicit yearning! This is a book that will keep you smiling, sighing, and wondering long after you've finished it, an immensely riveting read that cements Christy Schillig's reputation as a writer of tender pieces and heart, she ravages the soul, devotion, and heartbreak collide in a book that will blow your mind and consume you completely!
.
Lessons In Falling keeps you riveted while delicately plucking on the strings of your emotions. The characters personalities are interesting in every way, Devon's devotion as a teacher and the weight of her own loss are told with amazing well-researched style, which leads to a protagonist who is strong and achingly human, Jeff is also nuanced charismatic, kind, and quietly tender underneath his humorous sarcasm. Their relationship has a touch with subtle tension, and they both experience uneasy hilarity and unspoken yearning!
.
Chrity Schillig also has an exceptional lyrical structure to connect deeper subjects with humour while upholding the story's light-hearted details. Devon's grieving difficulties, her students' mental health, and the specifics of familial commitments are all addressed tenderly and truthfully, the author approaches these delicate concerns with care, never avoiding away from their emotional weight but also offering laugh-out-loud humorous moments! This balance gives the novel a deep yet engaging significance. Reading Devon and Jeff deal with their emotions while facing real-life circumstances is an enjoyable journey that is comforting and thought-provoking. Every interact, from awkward admissions to amusing banter, has a proprioceptive element that allows you to feel strongly corresponding to the characters' setting!
.
Lessons in Falling is a riveting, compelling exploration of love, friendship, and personal growth, delivered with elegance and design, Christy Schillig's writing is ingeniously humorous, touchingly tender, and emotionally acute! The slow burn romance, sincere humour, and moments of vulnerability make this a story that is impossible to put down. The Philadelphia setting, special friendships, and intensely realised characters come together to make this book remarkable, every page, from the hilarious first encounter to the inspirational calm and intimate reflections on family and career, is full of nuance and implicit yearning! This is a book that will keep you smiling, sighing, and wondering long after you've finished it, an immensely riveting read that cements Christy Schillig's reputation as a writer of tender pieces and heart, she ravages the soul, devotion, and heartbreak collide in a book that will blow your mind and consume you completely!
September 9, 2025
This was fantastic. I loved every second of this book. I laughed, I cried, and I was actually sad for it to end because I would miss these characters. Devon, an 8th grade math teacher, ends up in a disastrous meet (maybe) cute with hot orthopedic surgeon Jeff (Dr.hotass). They end up meeting again months later totally unexpectedly and things just don’t stop. I loved seeing their friendship and relationship grow. The mental health rep in here was done so well. I really have no notes, it was just a beautiful story. If you love disastrous meet cites, slow burn, laugh out loud moments, mental health rep, he falls first, yearning and banter then I highly recommend this one! This has 🌶️.5 spice for those who are sensitive.
July 29, 2025
Thank you @christyschillig for the #gifted advanced copy of her sophomore novel, which for very different reasons, I adored as much as her debut!
Devon Gallagher leads a small, steady life. She's a dedicated math teacher, a fiercely loyal daughter, and content - at least, as content as she’ll allow herself to be. But everything tilts when her sister drags her from Philly to Chicago for a girls’ weekend. One ill-advised karaoke performance and a trip to the ER later, Devon finds herself humiliatingly high on painkillers and making a memorable impression on a certain attending orthopedic surgeon. Then, that orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jeff Harrison, ends up with a Philadelphia fellowship that places him as part of her close circle of friends. From a hate born of humiliation and deeply caustic banter, Devon begins to very slowly soften to see Jeff for the caring and compassionate man he is, but let’s be clear - Jeff has been down bad since her wild night in his ER back in Chicago. But, with their lives and futures firmly planted in different cities, both feeling the pressures of caring for family, and both deeply committed to their careers, is there a way to be together?
Christy Schillig proves that she can write across tones and geographies with equal skill. Her Italian-set debut was lush and cinematic; here, she delivers rapid-fire dialogue and Philly grit. But the underpinnings of Christy’s talent are present in both - messy, complex female characters afraid to want what they deserve and the bold, tender men who prove they can want more but love them in all of their chaos disguised as order.
I’m a sucker for meddling friends and ride-or-die sisters who push you toward joy even when you resist it - and Lessons in Falling offers that in abundance. It also delivers rich themes around mental health, the emotional labor of teaching, and the lingering impact of losing a parent. It’s outrageously funny, vulnerable, and quietly hopeful in all the right ways.
Plus, the relentlessly hilarious pop culture references - including over a dozen Vampire Diaries references - are endlessly enjoyable. #TeamDamon
Devon Gallagher leads a small, steady life. She's a dedicated math teacher, a fiercely loyal daughter, and content - at least, as content as she’ll allow herself to be. But everything tilts when her sister drags her from Philly to Chicago for a girls’ weekend. One ill-advised karaoke performance and a trip to the ER later, Devon finds herself humiliatingly high on painkillers and making a memorable impression on a certain attending orthopedic surgeon. Then, that orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jeff Harrison, ends up with a Philadelphia fellowship that places him as part of her close circle of friends. From a hate born of humiliation and deeply caustic banter, Devon begins to very slowly soften to see Jeff for the caring and compassionate man he is, but let’s be clear - Jeff has been down bad since her wild night in his ER back in Chicago. But, with their lives and futures firmly planted in different cities, both feeling the pressures of caring for family, and both deeply committed to their careers, is there a way to be together?
Christy Schillig proves that she can write across tones and geographies with equal skill. Her Italian-set debut was lush and cinematic; here, she delivers rapid-fire dialogue and Philly grit. But the underpinnings of Christy’s talent are present in both - messy, complex female characters afraid to want what they deserve and the bold, tender men who prove they can want more but love them in all of their chaos disguised as order.
I’m a sucker for meddling friends and ride-or-die sisters who push you toward joy even when you resist it - and Lessons in Falling offers that in abundance. It also delivers rich themes around mental health, the emotional labor of teaching, and the lingering impact of losing a parent. It’s outrageously funny, vulnerable, and quietly hopeful in all the right ways.
Plus, the relentlessly hilarious pop culture references - including over a dozen Vampire Diaries references - are endlessly enjoyable. #TeamDamon
July 29, 2025
I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to read an ARC of Lessons In Falling by Christy Schilling because this book gives all of the feelings in the best way! The story has as much humor and witty banter as it does thought-provoking depth.
The book centers on Devon, a charming eighth-grade teacher and Jeff, a kind orthopedic surgeon. The two somewhat meet while Devon is in the hospital after needing emergency surgery following an entertaining fall during karaoke. Devon, who is still under the haze of hospital meds, goes on a hilarious and embarrassing rant and confession to Jeff.
By some kind of wonderful fate, the two are thrown into each other's worlds when Jeff takes a new job and becomes new friends with Devon’s best friends. The two must navigate their embarrassing and hilarious first meeting, new friendship, and inevitable romantic sparks.
This story was wonderful! It was funny, endearing, and at times heartbreaking. The characters had range, and the setting of Philadelphia was its own amazing character itself. The author was incredibly thoughtful with the topics of mental health, eating disorders, and trauma involving family throughout. The balance with humor and seriousness was perfect.
I loved the silly hijinks, the slow burn romance, the heartwarming moments with family and friends, and the inspiration of finding a purpose and helping others. Thank you to Christy Schilling for the wonderful story. I already loved your book. Wish You Weren't Here, and this one was just as charming. I can't wait to read more books in the future!
The book centers on Devon, a charming eighth-grade teacher and Jeff, a kind orthopedic surgeon. The two somewhat meet while Devon is in the hospital after needing emergency surgery following an entertaining fall during karaoke. Devon, who is still under the haze of hospital meds, goes on a hilarious and embarrassing rant and confession to Jeff.
By some kind of wonderful fate, the two are thrown into each other's worlds when Jeff takes a new job and becomes new friends with Devon’s best friends. The two must navigate their embarrassing and hilarious first meeting, new friendship, and inevitable romantic sparks.
This story was wonderful! It was funny, endearing, and at times heartbreaking. The characters had range, and the setting of Philadelphia was its own amazing character itself. The author was incredibly thoughtful with the topics of mental health, eating disorders, and trauma involving family throughout. The balance with humor and seriousness was perfect.
I loved the silly hijinks, the slow burn romance, the heartwarming moments with family and friends, and the inspiration of finding a purpose and helping others. Thank you to Christy Schilling for the wonderful story. I already loved your book. Wish You Weren't Here, and this one was just as charming. I can't wait to read more books in the future!
August 24, 2025
Thank you, Christy Schillig, for the opportunity to read the eArc of Lessons in Falling. This was my first teacher romance that I have read, and I loved seeing that representation. Christy did an amazing job creating relatable characters, a beautiful romance, and hilarious banter/situations, all while dealing with mental health representation. Jeff and Devon are a force to be reckoned with, and each has such an important career. I loved the accurate representation of the current education field and how important it is for teachers to support students and their well-being. The book starts with an unfortunate karaoke disaster with the FMC, Devon, which places her in the hospital for an even more embarrassing meeting with our MMC, Jeff. The novel just takes off from there. Chirsty will have you laughing out loud in one chapter and then tearing up in the next, with everything coming full circle in the end. You'll want to check this one out for the feel-good, relatable, and emotional moments these characters persevere through.
August 25, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! I was immediately hooked from the very first chapter. I promise you will laugh out loud at so many moments throughout the book. The banter is fantastic.
Devon goes on a trip to Chicago with her sister Tara, and they are doing karaoke when Devon falls off the stage and hurts her foot. Of course, someone gets it on video. The video went viral, garnering millions of views. She wakes up in a post-op recovery room, rapping and singing along to music. In comes Dr. Jeff Harrison, an orthopedic surgeon, who checks on how she is feeling.
Fast forward a few months, and Devon, a teacher, is back home in Philadelphia, meeting her friends at a bar when they introduce her to their new resident at the hospital, who is none other than Dr. Jeff Harrison.
The story is told through a dual POV, which made seeing them both fall in love with one another so much better. Both main characters are so lovable. Devon is hilarious, and Jeff is so sweet, thoughtful, and would do anything for Devon.
Lastly, I really appreciated that Devon is such a strong advocate for mental health among her students.
This is a must-read book, especially if you love slow-burn rom-coms! If you love Sarah Adams, Abby Jimenez, or even Meghan Quinn books, then you will fall in love with this book!
Devon goes on a trip to Chicago with her sister Tara, and they are doing karaoke when Devon falls off the stage and hurts her foot. Of course, someone gets it on video. The video went viral, garnering millions of views. She wakes up in a post-op recovery room, rapping and singing along to music. In comes Dr. Jeff Harrison, an orthopedic surgeon, who checks on how she is feeling.
Fast forward a few months, and Devon, a teacher, is back home in Philadelphia, meeting her friends at a bar when they introduce her to their new resident at the hospital, who is none other than Dr. Jeff Harrison.
The story is told through a dual POV, which made seeing them both fall in love with one another so much better. Both main characters are so lovable. Devon is hilarious, and Jeff is so sweet, thoughtful, and would do anything for Devon.
Lastly, I really appreciated that Devon is such a strong advocate for mental health among her students.
This is a must-read book, especially if you love slow-burn rom-coms! If you love Sarah Adams, Abby Jimenez, or even Meghan Quinn books, then you will fall in love with this book!
September 3, 2025
4.75 stars 🌟 feeling warm and fuzzy after reading about this very funny and adorable couple 🥹💝 jeffdevon had such palpable chemistry and i just loved how jeff read through all of devon’s bullshit and saw her for who she was EVERY TIME 📖🩺🧁 they were just the cutestttt and i absolutely adored the mental health advocacy that devon was so passionate about!
reading good romances like these make me so happy and i will absolutely be reading more from the author :)
reading good romances like these make me so happy and i will absolutely be reading more from the author :)
July 24, 2025
I tend to gravitate towards books that will hurt my feelings. Emotional, trauma, sad. If a romantic time is too fluffy, it will not be for me. That being said, this book was phenomenal. It had me cracking up from the very first chapter and so many times throughout. Not kidding, literally laugh out loud funny. We know every romance is going to give us a happily ever after, but the storyline was so adorable and the chemistry between these two was so cute. I also loved the pop culture references! They have such an adorable meet cute even though only one of them remembered it. They were just so playful, and the perfect amount of sarcastic that they spoke my language. My biggest thing though is that it touched on some heavier topics making it not so fluffy. We dealt with grief and eating disorders, and her being an incredible resource to people at their worst points as a teacher. This was so binge worthy, I flew through it in a little over a day. This work will be available at the end of August, I cannot wait for the rest of the world to check it out. Thank for for the opportunity for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2025
My first ARC read 🥰
Set in Philadelphia!
Dual POV
She’s a math teacher, He’s a orthopedic surgeon
Tropes:
Off limits
Meddlesome family and friends
Forced Proximity
Reluctant friends to lovers
Everyone can see it
He Falls First
Mental health rep
Accidental secret spilling
Karaoke gone wrong
A slow burn, heartwarming and hilarious romantic comedy for lovers of Abby Jimenez and Sarah Adams.
Set in Philadelphia!
Dual POV
She’s a math teacher, He’s a orthopedic surgeon
Tropes:
Off limits
Meddlesome family and friends
Forced Proximity
Reluctant friends to lovers
Everyone can see it
He Falls First
Mental health rep
Accidental secret spilling
Karaoke gone wrong
A slow burn, heartwarming and hilarious romantic comedy for lovers of Abby Jimenez and Sarah Adams.
August 24, 2025
As an educator and romance reader, I can’t describe how much I loved this book. While most will grab it and love it (rightfully so!) for the will-they-won’t-they romance of Devon and Jeff, this book resonated with me because of the way it accurately portrays student mental issues in education today from the perspective of an avid student advocate that perfectly depicts how hard the “you- can’t -save -them- all” pill is to swallow for most teachers (and former math teachers turned school counselors —like me!)
Our leading lady, Devon, is a middle school math teacher who went back to school to get her Master’s Degree in Adolescent Psychology so she better help her struggling students. However, while she has definitely made a huge impact in her students’ lives for the better, the school district and admin isn’t a huge fan of her ruffling feathers or having mental health related posters in her classroom.
If you are an educator, this will already be sounding familiar to you!
Devon wrestles with the system while fighting for her students in any way she can. Early in the novel, she meets Jeff, an orthopedic surgeon, and they have a hilarious repartee that keeps the reader turning the page and wanting them to get together.
We also get Jeff’s perspective, which also serves to show the reader from an outsiders’ perspective, Devon’s excellence in and passion for teaching and helping youth. Devon is so flustered and funny to Jeff’s serious and analytical, but from the meet cute that involves orthopedic intervention after an unfortunate karaoke injury Devon suffers, to the last page, I was so invested in their relationship!
I loved Schillig’s writing because this book was both almost never serious, and laugh out loud funny even, but speaks to very deep serious themes like the importance of advocacy on a micro and macro level.
If you are or have ever been an educator, or you love romance, you must read this book!
Thanks to the author for the digital eArc of this book, my views are all my own!
Our leading lady, Devon, is a middle school math teacher who went back to school to get her Master’s Degree in Adolescent Psychology so she better help her struggling students. However, while she has definitely made a huge impact in her students’ lives for the better, the school district and admin isn’t a huge fan of her ruffling feathers or having mental health related posters in her classroom.
If you are an educator, this will already be sounding familiar to you!
Devon wrestles with the system while fighting for her students in any way she can. Early in the novel, she meets Jeff, an orthopedic surgeon, and they have a hilarious repartee that keeps the reader turning the page and wanting them to get together.
We also get Jeff’s perspective, which also serves to show the reader from an outsiders’ perspective, Devon’s excellence in and passion for teaching and helping youth. Devon is so flustered and funny to Jeff’s serious and analytical, but from the meet cute that involves orthopedic intervention after an unfortunate karaoke injury Devon suffers, to the last page, I was so invested in their relationship!
I loved Schillig’s writing because this book was both almost never serious, and laugh out loud funny even, but speaks to very deep serious themes like the importance of advocacy on a micro and macro level.
If you are or have ever been an educator, or you love romance, you must read this book!
Thanks to the author for the digital eArc of this book, my views are all my own!
December 24, 2025
Date : 23rd December 2025
Book : Lessons In Falling
Author : Christy Schillig
Genre : Romance
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Okayyy Christy.. I mean I knew you had a funny bone from our conversations but this book really did show you off. The humor in this rom-com was entertaining! I loveeed the banter✨
This book is about Devon, an 8th grade Math teacher who lets just say that she likes to plays it safe and can be quite predictable. But unlike her, we have her sister Tara, who’s basically the opposite. But anyway, Tara tries hard to convince her to take a spontaneous trip and then during one wildly embarrassing karaoke night later, Devon takes a very bad fall and ends up in the ER.
And this is where Jeff,her ortho doctor comes in. Their initial conversation (or rather Devon’s) gave me second hand embarrassment thanks to be being heavily sedated😂 But as you read along in this book, you’ll learn that sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone and push boundaries with yourself because you can’t always play it safe, especially if you want a life that’s bigger and honest.
I loved the vulnerability in this book and some parts did get me emotional too. I guess I should have read this during fall! 😂
Book : Lessons In Falling
Author : Christy Schillig
Genre : Romance
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Okayyy Christy.. I mean I knew you had a funny bone from our conversations but this book really did show you off. The humor in this rom-com was entertaining! I loveeed the banter✨
This book is about Devon, an 8th grade Math teacher who lets just say that she likes to plays it safe and can be quite predictable. But unlike her, we have her sister Tara, who’s basically the opposite. But anyway, Tara tries hard to convince her to take a spontaneous trip and then during one wildly embarrassing karaoke night later, Devon takes a very bad fall and ends up in the ER.
And this is where Jeff,her ortho doctor comes in. Their initial conversation (or rather Devon’s) gave me second hand embarrassment thanks to be being heavily sedated😂 But as you read along in this book, you’ll learn that sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone and push boundaries with yourself because you can’t always play it safe, especially if you want a life that’s bigger and honest.
I loved the vulnerability in this book and some parts did get me emotional too. I guess I should have read this during fall! 😂
August 29, 2025
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 2/5
Thank you, @christyschillig, for the advanced copy!
Let me just say, THIS BOOK!!! I ate it up! After reading and loving Christy’s debut, Wish You Weren’t Here, I was so so excited to read her next one! I love a slow burn, and Lessons in Falling just did it so well!
The ever-changing dynamic between Devon and Jeff was so much fun to witness. This is the kind of friends-to-lovers romance I can get behind!! From their first meeting to their second-first meeting, I felt the secondhand embarrassment and loved every moment! I absolutely love how hard Devon tried to avoid admitting her feelings for Jeff. The girl literally spent half the book bending over backwards to avoid catching them! Honestly, I loved it. And the way their back-and-forth banter dripped off the page! Perfection!
Not only did I fall in love with Devon and Jeff, but their friend group too. The constant support and unwavering love amongst these friends was so heartwarming to see. Not only that, but also the deep love both Devon and Jeff had for their families. I also can’t forget Devon’s love for her students. This was what hit me the most. The mental health representation was handled so well, and amplified tenfold after reading the acknowledgements.
Thank you again to Christy for sharing an early copy with me. I loved this book and cannot wait to have my shelf trophy arrive in the mail soon! 💖📬
🌶️ 2/5
Thank you, @christyschillig, for the advanced copy!
Let me just say, THIS BOOK!!! I ate it up! After reading and loving Christy’s debut, Wish You Weren’t Here, I was so so excited to read her next one! I love a slow burn, and Lessons in Falling just did it so well!
The ever-changing dynamic between Devon and Jeff was so much fun to witness. This is the kind of friends-to-lovers romance I can get behind!! From their first meeting to their second-first meeting, I felt the secondhand embarrassment and loved every moment! I absolutely love how hard Devon tried to avoid admitting her feelings for Jeff. The girl literally spent half the book bending over backwards to avoid catching them! Honestly, I loved it. And the way their back-and-forth banter dripped off the page! Perfection!
Not only did I fall in love with Devon and Jeff, but their friend group too. The constant support and unwavering love amongst these friends was so heartwarming to see. Not only that, but also the deep love both Devon and Jeff had for their families. I also can’t forget Devon’s love for her students. This was what hit me the most. The mental health representation was handled so well, and amplified tenfold after reading the acknowledgements.
Thank you again to Christy for sharing an early copy with me. I loved this book and cannot wait to have my shelf trophy arrive in the mail soon! 💖📬
August 21, 2025
Rating - 5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - July 26, 2025
Publication Date - August 27, 2025
*I received an E-ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @christyschillig!
Lessons in Falling had me giggling at 3am! I love the writing style because everything is so easy to imagine. Reading this book feels like my best friend is telling me a story about her life... I am petitioning for Christy to become my best friend now! Another thing I love is the mental health rep throughout the book. Through my professional experience being in Social Work and working in schools, along with my personal experiences growing up, I know how crucial it is for educators to learn more about mental health. I love that this book highlights the importance of being proactive and doing the right thing, rather than turning a blind eye to people who are struggling because helping them would be uncomfortable. I wish I had a teacher like Devon growing up! Lessons in Falling had me laughing, crying and rolling my eyes within minutes of each other and I loved it. This is a perfect end of Summer and beginning of Fall book!
If you like rom coms and mental health rep, you have to try Lessons in Falling!
Get excited to read Lessons in Falling, available August 27! 🎉
*Please check trigger warnings*
Date Read - July 26, 2025
Publication Date - August 27, 2025
*I received an E-ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @christyschillig!
Lessons in Falling had me giggling at 3am! I love the writing style because everything is so easy to imagine. Reading this book feels like my best friend is telling me a story about her life... I am petitioning for Christy to become my best friend now! Another thing I love is the mental health rep throughout the book. Through my professional experience being in Social Work and working in schools, along with my personal experiences growing up, I know how crucial it is for educators to learn more about mental health. I love that this book highlights the importance of being proactive and doing the right thing, rather than turning a blind eye to people who are struggling because helping them would be uncomfortable. I wish I had a teacher like Devon growing up! Lessons in Falling had me laughing, crying and rolling my eyes within minutes of each other and I loved it. This is a perfect end of Summer and beginning of Fall book!
If you like rom coms and mental health rep, you have to try Lessons in Falling!
Get excited to read Lessons in Falling, available August 27! 🎉
*Please check trigger warnings*
August 3, 2025
Lessons in Falling by Christy Shillig
-An Out of Office Novel-
5/5⭐️
1.5/3🌶️ (1 scene, other fade to black/low explicit)
3/3🦋
•My Thoughts•
Oh my goodness, I had so much fun with this one. The banter, the depth of emotion and the swoon got me goooood. My inside emotions made it to my outside face and I was grinning or tearing up from start to finish. I loved the found family, the mental health rep and the sister relationship. Our FMC, Devon, is a middle school teacher and her heart for her kids and her care for their whole self was beautiful and reminded me of all the wonderfully hard things about teaching. Devon and, Jeff, the doctor’s meetcute had me laughing with my hand over my mouth - so hilarious, so embarrassing. I loved their dynamic and how much Jeff just *enjoyed* her and who she was at her core. Their (her?) journey of reluctant friends to more was believable and charming. I enjoyed myself immensely. This is my second book Christy Shillig and she’s quickly becoming a must read author for me. If you are a romance reader, read this and I think you’ll enjoy…but ESPECIALLY read it if you’re an educator or work with kids.
Thank you to Christy Shillig for the early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
-An Out of Office Novel-
5/5⭐️
1.5/3🌶️ (1 scene, other fade to black/low explicit)
3/3🦋
•My Thoughts•
Oh my goodness, I had so much fun with this one. The banter, the depth of emotion and the swoon got me goooood. My inside emotions made it to my outside face and I was grinning or tearing up from start to finish. I loved the found family, the mental health rep and the sister relationship. Our FMC, Devon, is a middle school teacher and her heart for her kids and her care for their whole self was beautiful and reminded me of all the wonderfully hard things about teaching. Devon and, Jeff, the doctor’s meetcute had me laughing with my hand over my mouth - so hilarious, so embarrassing. I loved their dynamic and how much Jeff just *enjoyed* her and who she was at her core. Their (her?) journey of reluctant friends to more was believable and charming. I enjoyed myself immensely. This is my second book Christy Shillig and she’s quickly becoming a must read author for me. If you are a romance reader, read this and I think you’ll enjoy…but ESPECIALLY read it if you’re an educator or work with kids.
Thank you to Christy Shillig for the early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 19, 2025
On a trip to Chicago with her sister, drunk Devon has a mishap during karaoke that lands her in the ER. Under anesthesia, she says way too much to her hot doctor. Fast forward, she’s back at home in South Jersey, she meets up with some friends, and they bring along a new companion: none other than hot doctor, Jeff. He’s moved here for a fellowship. She doesn’t like him at first because it’s clear that he’s shared her ER escapade with the friend group (not knowing it was her). As they spend more time together with the friend group, they also start to become friends and more. But she’s got a lot of walls up because of deep grief and family issues. Meanwhile, she’s also a teacher on a crusade to improve the mental health for her students - something Jeff has some history with as well. This is gonna be so difficult when his fellowship ends and he has to move back to Chicago.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶️
I genuinely enjoyed the characters here. Devon, although at times obnoxious with her fight or flight mentality, was a helluva an educator. I think teachers will see themselves in this book. How lucky those students are to have someone like her on their side. The subplots with Syd, Jessica and the eating disorder clinic was my favorite storyline in the book. Devon was also flawed and human, which made her relatable.
It took a minute for me to feel strongly about Jeff and Devon’s relationship but once I got there, I couldn’t put the book down. I was rooting for them and she just kept pushing him away. But he tried so earnestly and honestly that you just couldn’t help but like him. He was mature in his approach (with one exception. Damnit Jeff). I love how he loved all of her quirks and foibles.
I am delighted to support Christy Schillig and her sophomore release. This one was written before her debut, Wish You Weren’t Here. And in many ways, it shows. While overall still a sweet and heartfelt read, there was some connective tissue between the storylines missing for me. I think this is perhaps because there were one too many subplots, between his career and his family’s financial situation, plus her relationship with her sister, her mom’s grief and agoraphobia, her fear based on her own grief, her relationship with Syd and the eating disorder clinic, and her warring with the school admins around the teachers’ role in student mental health… plus the A story of their budding relationship. One of these could have been omitted. And way too many pop culture and place references that I didn’t understand.
🫡 Tropes deployed: timebound relationship, enemies to lovers, hot doc + teacher, eating disorder rep, mental health rep, complex family dynamics, grief rep
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶️
I genuinely enjoyed the characters here. Devon, although at times obnoxious with her fight or flight mentality, was a helluva an educator. I think teachers will see themselves in this book. How lucky those students are to have someone like her on their side. The subplots with Syd, Jessica and the eating disorder clinic was my favorite storyline in the book. Devon was also flawed and human, which made her relatable.
It took a minute for me to feel strongly about Jeff and Devon’s relationship but once I got there, I couldn’t put the book down. I was rooting for them and she just kept pushing him away. But he tried so earnestly and honestly that you just couldn’t help but like him. He was mature in his approach (with one exception. Damnit Jeff). I love how he loved all of her quirks and foibles.
I am delighted to support Christy Schillig and her sophomore release. This one was written before her debut, Wish You Weren’t Here. And in many ways, it shows. While overall still a sweet and heartfelt read, there was some connective tissue between the storylines missing for me. I think this is perhaps because there were one too many subplots, between his career and his family’s financial situation, plus her relationship with her sister, her mom’s grief and agoraphobia, her fear based on her own grief, her relationship with Syd and the eating disorder clinic, and her warring with the school admins around the teachers’ role in student mental health… plus the A story of their budding relationship. One of these could have been omitted. And way too many pop culture and place references that I didn’t understand.
🫡 Tropes deployed: timebound relationship, enemies to lovers, hot doc + teacher, eating disorder rep, mental health rep, complex family dynamics, grief rep
August 25, 2025
Y’all I loved this book! It is my second 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read of this year though I have been SO LUCKY with 4 plus star reads this year except one dnf! I feel like maybe @Christy Schillig Author must have some similarities in brain make up as me because the sarcastic commentary that goes on in the FMC’s head sound so similar to mine 😂 She deftly weaves a story of heartbreak, mental health issues, teaching, being a medical professional, family drama, friend drama, job drama and SO MANY OTHER THINGS into this one story chock full of all types of deeply loving and feeling relationships that we have going through life! There is a ton of character growth from several characters in this fast paced, dual pov, tender story with loads of highs and lows. Trust me when I say you WILL laugh and you WILL cry! This book will stick with me for a LONG time! I have all the feels for it and I learned along the way! What could be better than that? Thank you so much Christy for trusting me with this ARC! It’s been a wonderful ride! IMO this is a top notch best seller just waiting to happen! Congrats! 🥂🎉💕
dnf
August 31, 2025DNF at 18%
This one just wasn’t for me. Maybe it’s that I can’t relate to a teacher? Maybe it’s because I don’t understand how one minute Devon was begging Jeff to tell her funny hospital stories of other people but was pissed off at him when the story was about her??? And then she decided to call him “Doctor Dick” like a teenager… Maybe it’s because these people are getting drunk way too often for my taste? Maybe it’s because I don’t really like that Devon acts like that student of hers is her daughter even though the girl has a mother? Sore subject for me right now I think. 😅
I totally missed the explanation of how Mer and Devon know each other too… it was like one minute Jeff was meeting hospital people and then Devon appears and I’m like “wait, did I skip a chapter???” 😐 Obviously they’re friends but like… I didn’t catch how.
Anyway, I got to a point where I said, “ugh, I don’t even like this” and that’s when I knew I was just done.
I think this will appeal to some people but I just don’t think that’s me. It’s so bland - that’s the exact word. Jeff is bland. Devon is bland. The plot is bland. The romance is just him liking her when she’s drunk and her hating him when she’s not. 😩
So I’m out. Hoping others enjoy this more than me!
This one just wasn’t for me. Maybe it’s that I can’t relate to a teacher? Maybe it’s because I don’t understand how one minute Devon was begging Jeff to tell her funny hospital stories of other people but was pissed off at him when the story was about her??? And then she decided to call him “Doctor Dick” like a teenager… Maybe it’s because these people are getting drunk way too often for my taste? Maybe it’s because I don’t really like that Devon acts like that student of hers is her daughter even though the girl has a mother? Sore subject for me right now I think. 😅
I totally missed the explanation of how Mer and Devon know each other too… it was like one minute Jeff was meeting hospital people and then Devon appears and I’m like “wait, did I skip a chapter???” 😐 Obviously they’re friends but like… I didn’t catch how.
Anyway, I got to a point where I said, “ugh, I don’t even like this” and that’s when I knew I was just done.
I think this will appeal to some people but I just don’t think that’s me. It’s so bland - that’s the exact word. Jeff is bland. Devon is bland. The plot is bland. The romance is just him liking her when she’s drunk and her hating him when she’s not. 😩
So I’m out. Hoping others enjoy this more than me!
July 30, 2025
Christy Schillig’s Lessons in Falling (coming 8.27.25) — go add it to your TBR now!
Wow. I loved spending time with Devon and Jeff. The dual POV gave such rich insight into both characters, making it easy to feel deeply connected to each of them.
There were moments that had me cackling (that face kick! 🤣), moments that made me tear up, and moments that reminded me that love—while scary and hard—is so worth it.
The mental health rep was incredibly well done.Devon’s experience felt especially real. Educators see students struggle every day, often without the proper support to help them. This book shines a light on that reality, and it’s so needed.
If you’re a teacher, know a teacher, or love a teacher—read this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my
Wow. I loved spending time with Devon and Jeff. The dual POV gave such rich insight into both characters, making it easy to feel deeply connected to each of them.
There were moments that had me cackling (that face kick! 🤣), moments that made me tear up, and moments that reminded me that love—while scary and hard—is so worth it.
The mental health rep was incredibly well done.Devon’s experience felt especially real. Educators see students struggle every day, often without the proper support to help them. This book shines a light on that reality, and it’s so needed.
If you’re a teacher, know a teacher, or love a teacher—read this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my
August 12, 2025
This was such a cute meet cute! I was laughing from the start eating my Klondike ( iykyk).
I adore Devon & Jeff! I enjoyed reading their strangers, friends-to- lovers slow burn journey. The chemistry between them was amazing!!! Both characters were very passionate.
This was my first Christy Schilling book and it won’t be my last. I loved the authors ability to storytelling. The perfect balance of humor and heartfelt moments (there’s some heavy topics).
I also enjoyed reading Devon & Jeff’s POV. I was able to connect with both the characters and get to know them better.
Thank you, Christy Schilling for this amazing eARC!
I adore Devon & Jeff! I enjoyed reading their strangers, friends-to- lovers slow burn journey. The chemistry between them was amazing!!! Both characters were very passionate.
This was my first Christy Schilling book and it won’t be my last. I loved the authors ability to storytelling. The perfect balance of humor and heartfelt moments (there’s some heavy topics).
I also enjoyed reading Devon & Jeff’s POV. I was able to connect with both the characters and get to know them better.
Thank you, Christy Schilling for this amazing eARC!
November 21, 2025
The 1st thing I did when I finished this book was pick up my phone and message the author to tell her how much I loved it! I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Christy Schillig and had to tell her before I even wrote a review!
I have to say what I loved the most was that the way it was written was kind of how I think if that makes sense? It was witty and at times hilarious but the relationships and the subject matter were also serious and you felt connected to every character. I would love to see another book with the same characters to see how each of their stories develop…hint hint 😊
Anyway this is a book I will recommend to any romance reader for years to come!
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I have to say what I loved the most was that the way it was written was kind of how I think if that makes sense? It was witty and at times hilarious but the relationships and the subject matter were also serious and you felt connected to every character. I would love to see another book with the same characters to see how each of their stories develop…hint hint 😊
Anyway this is a book I will recommend to any romance reader for years to come!
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
September 20, 2025
Devon is an FMC who is so relatable! She’s a middle school teacher who ends up in the hospital and meets Dr. Jeff. After their hilarious meet cute, I was so engaged! This book was funny, romantic, lighthearted, yet emotional and still tackled a few tough topics with grace. I loved the slow burn that finally paid off at the end. Their banter back and forth was hilarious. I will definitely be reading more from this author!
August 28, 2025
✨ Lessons in Falling by Christy Schillig ✨
This sophomore novel from Christy Schillig brings readers a heartfelt romance rooted in the city of Philadelphia. Devon, a passionate teacher devoted to supporting her students’ mental health, finds herself unexpectedly crossing paths with Jeff, a doctor with a big heart, after a memorable karaoke-night mishap.
The story takes on a wide range of topics, and at times this felt a bit forced and occasionally threw off the flow for me. Still, Christy Schillig shows how passionate she is about growth and healing, and we get to see Devon slowly open herself up to love. I especially appreciated the way both Devon and Jeff’s family relationships were highlighted, adding warmth and grounding to their journey.
With a not-so-typical meet-cute, a strong focus on teaching, and a blend of romance and heartfelt themes, this book will resonate with readers who enjoy character-driven love stories, school-centered narratives, and romances with real-life challenges woven in.
This sophomore novel from Christy Schillig brings readers a heartfelt romance rooted in the city of Philadelphia. Devon, a passionate teacher devoted to supporting her students’ mental health, finds herself unexpectedly crossing paths with Jeff, a doctor with a big heart, after a memorable karaoke-night mishap.
The story takes on a wide range of topics, and at times this felt a bit forced and occasionally threw off the flow for me. Still, Christy Schillig shows how passionate she is about growth and healing, and we get to see Devon slowly open herself up to love. I especially appreciated the way both Devon and Jeff’s family relationships were highlighted, adding warmth and grounding to their journey.
With a not-so-typical meet-cute, a strong focus on teaching, and a blend of romance and heartfelt themes, this book will resonate with readers who enjoy character-driven love stories, school-centered narratives, and romances with real-life challenges woven in.
October 6, 2025
A lot of things to like about this one - well written and good characters. You can tell she’s writing about ppl she knows - lol.
But it kind of fizzled at the end for me. Also, when a book tries to do romance AND talk about mental health, it very rarely works. This got a little too preachy. Still, this is an author I’ll be paying attn to. Funny, spicy, smart.
But it kind of fizzled at the end for me. Also, when a book tries to do romance AND talk about mental health, it very rarely works. This got a little too preachy. Still, this is an author I’ll be paying attn to. Funny, spicy, smart.
August 20, 2025
Thank you so much for the ARC copy! I adored this book, the witty banter, the laugh out loud funny lines, and the surprisingly emotional journey it took me on. One more week until it’s yours!
September 13, 2025
I so enjoyed the characters and the “meet cute” that had me laughing out loud! I like the development of their story and the important role Devon played in her Students’ lives. It covers some serious issues and also entertains us with wit and wisdom.
November 10, 2025
♾️⭐️
I absolutely ADORED this book. I cannot remember the last time I laughed out loud while reading. The banter, the friendships, the mental health representation and the PHILLY LOVE! I didn’t want this book to end. This was perfect 💕
I absolutely ADORED this book. I cannot remember the last time I laughed out loud while reading. The banter, the friendships, the mental health representation and the PHILLY LOVE! I didn’t want this book to end. This was perfect 💕
November 28, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ Lots of good humor! Good tension build up. Overall, just a fun story.
December 29, 2025
I loved these main characters!
December 24, 2025
3.5 stars
This was missing some things.
Full review to come!
This was missing some things.
Full review to come!
November 13, 2025
Love how this book felt so real!
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