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Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice #8
The Friendly Fall: Special Edition Paperback
Swearing off men was easy—until the small-town fireman became my unexpected hero.
When I arrive in the small town of West Falls to live with my Granny, I’m determined to move past the job loss and breakup that brought me here.
But it only takes a fall through a ramp and a call to the local fire department to realize my streak of bad luck isn’t over.
To my surprise, the firefighter who rescues me turns out to be the same handyman my granny hires to fix the ramp he saved me from.
There’s something different about him—he’s warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind.
As our friendship grows, everyone around us seems to think we’re more than friends.
Despite my vow to stay single and avoid heartbreak, I can’t ignore the mounting pressure from my parents. And when a misunderstanding leads them to believe we’re a couple, I see an opportunity to ease their worries.
Just one weekend of fake dating should do the trick. Then we can pretend it never happened.
But what if our fake romance blurs the lines between friendship and love?
The Friendly Fall is a standalone small town, fake dating, closed-door romcom. It’s got all the cozy fall vibes you love and a cinnamon roll hero that will steal your heart.
~
Enjoy the other full-length books in the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice series, which can be read in any
Hating the Cinnamon Roll CEO by Camilla Evergreen
Falling for Autumn (Again) by Jen Atkinson
Paris, Pumpkins & Puns by Marion De Ré
Fall With Me by Amanda P Jones
Cinnamon & Spice Conundrum by Leah Busboom
Cinnamon Roll Set Up by Genny Carrick
Coffee Break with the Billionaire by Holly Kerr
The Friendly Fall by Kristine W. Joy
When I arrive in the small town of West Falls to live with my Granny, I’m determined to move past the job loss and breakup that brought me here.
But it only takes a fall through a ramp and a call to the local fire department to realize my streak of bad luck isn’t over.
To my surprise, the firefighter who rescues me turns out to be the same handyman my granny hires to fix the ramp he saved me from.
There’s something different about him—he’s warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind.
As our friendship grows, everyone around us seems to think we’re more than friends.
Despite my vow to stay single and avoid heartbreak, I can’t ignore the mounting pressure from my parents. And when a misunderstanding leads them to believe we’re a couple, I see an opportunity to ease their worries.
Just one weekend of fake dating should do the trick. Then we can pretend it never happened.
But what if our fake romance blurs the lines between friendship and love?
The Friendly Fall is a standalone small town, fake dating, closed-door romcom. It’s got all the cozy fall vibes you love and a cinnamon roll hero that will steal your heart.
~
Enjoy the other full-length books in the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice series, which can be read in any
Hating the Cinnamon Roll CEO by Camilla Evergreen
Falling for Autumn (Again) by Jen Atkinson
Paris, Pumpkins & Puns by Marion De Ré
Fall With Me by Amanda P Jones
Cinnamon & Spice Conundrum by Leah Busboom
Cinnamon Roll Set Up by Genny Carrick
Coffee Break with the Billionaire by Holly Kerr
The Friendly Fall by Kristine W. Joy
311 pages, Paperback
Published October 29, 2024
124 people are currently reading
672 people want to read
About the author
Kristine W. Joy
17 books341 followersKristine W. Joy is an Amazon Bestselling Author who loves creating sweet and swoony stories full of sizzling chemistry and laugh-out-loud banter. She prefers her coffee iced and her kisses hot. When she's not dreaming up romance novels or writing from a cozy coffee shop in Northern California, she is spending time with her hubby and two young sons. Becoming a published author was a lifelong dream. Becoming a momma was the inspiration to make it a reality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
November 5, 2024
“He’s either straight from heaven, or the devil in disguise…And my guess is the latter.”
Nick and Eliza have one of the cutest, and most embarrassing, meet cutes but it’s totally fitting for their characters and this small town. Starting over again by moving in with her Granny, Eliza isn’t looking for love, but firefighter and handyman Nick is willing to be her friend…and her fake boyfriend.
Full of sweetness, fun holiday moments throughout the autumn time, Thanksgiving, and into the holiday Christmas season, and swoony flirtations, this story is lovable and all I could hope for this time of the year. This author does such a beautiful job of building a town that I long to move to with characters who are charming. I adored this book!
Content: mild+ kissing/romance; talk of cheating
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
Nick and Eliza have one of the cutest, and most embarrassing, meet cutes but it’s totally fitting for their characters and this small town. Starting over again by moving in with her Granny, Eliza isn’t looking for love, but firefighter and handyman Nick is willing to be her friend…and her fake boyfriend.
Full of sweetness, fun holiday moments throughout the autumn time, Thanksgiving, and into the holiday Christmas season, and swoony flirtations, this story is lovable and all I could hope for this time of the year. This author does such a beautiful job of building a town that I long to move to with characters who are charming. I adored this book!
Content: mild+ kissing/romance; talk of cheating
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
November 8, 2024
This sweet romcom has all the cozy fall feels! It’s the first book that I have read by this author, but definitely not the last.
Although Eliza thinks that Nick is very appealing both in looks and the way he treats people, she has recently experienced heartache and has sworn off of love. So, poor Nick gets friend zoned immediately and the tale of his unrequited love for Eliza begins.
This story was adorably swoony, with it being so obvious that Eliza and Nick belonged together, but Eliza unwilling to recognize that. I just loved their connection and chemistry from the very first meeting. I also loved how willing Nick was to be there for Eliza as a friend, even as his heart was breaking because she had sworn off relationships.
There were so many great moments in this book and I am still thinking of these wonderful characters and enjoying remembering their journey to love.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Although Eliza thinks that Nick is very appealing both in looks and the way he treats people, she has recently experienced heartache and has sworn off of love. So, poor Nick gets friend zoned immediately and the tale of his unrequited love for Eliza begins.
This story was adorably swoony, with it being so obvious that Eliza and Nick belonged together, but Eliza unwilling to recognize that. I just loved their connection and chemistry from the very first meeting. I also loved how willing Nick was to be there for Eliza as a friend, even as his heart was breaking because she had sworn off relationships.
There were so many great moments in this book and I am still thinking of these wonderful characters and enjoying remembering their journey to love.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
October 22, 2024
The Friendly Fall by Kristine W. Joy is the heartwarming final book in the Cinnamon Roll and Pumpkin Spice series. I'm so glad I finally picked this up-l've been looking forward to reading something by this author, and this story didn't disappoint.
Eliza's life is unraveling after being fired from her job and blindsided by her boyfriend of eight years ending their relationship. Needing a fresh start, she moves to West Falls to live with her grandmother. The moment she arrives, disaster strikes when she falls through an old ramp, prompting the local fire department to rescue her. Enter Nick, a volunteer firefighter and the town handyman, who comes to her aid. From the moment they meet, sparks fly. Nick offers to fix the broken ramp, and as he works on it, he and Eliza begin spending more time together. A genuine friendship develops, but it's clear there's undeniable chemistry between them. While Eliza keeps her distance, haunted by her past, everyone around them can see something deeper growing-if only they can overcome their fears.
This book was such a joy to read. Eliza is a hardworking, kind, and beautiful character who's deeply devoted to her family, but also eager to discover herself. Nick is the quintessential cinnamon roll hero-sweet, strong, handsome, and always ready to help out. I especially loved the scenes with Eliza's grandmother, whose wisdom and warmth brought so much heart and humor to the story. She didn’t hold back on what she felt was true, and she let Eliza know, more than once, that Nick was special. Her grandmother is someone you wish you could go to for advice. The interactions between Eliza and Nick were both funny and tender, and watching them grow as individuals as well as a couple was incredibly rewarding. Their vulnerabilities made them relatable, and I found myself rooting for them as they learned to be better both for themselves and for each other.
If you love small-town romance, humor, wonderful family dynamics, cinnamon roll heroes, fake dating, and a low-spice romance that still delivers plenty of feels, then I highly recommend this book. It's packed with cozy fall vibes, mouth-watering food, and the slow-burn tension of two people who clearly belong together but just need a nudge in the right direction.
This book is a perfect fall read, and I couldn't put it down—I finished it in a day! Eliza's journey of self-discovery and healing, coupled with Nick's steady, swoon-worthy presence, makes for a delightful, feel-good story. With a satisfying HEA, The Friendly Fall is the perfect conclusion to this series.
Thank you to the author for this advanced readers copy. I really enjoyed reading this and happy to share my honest opinions about it with others.
Eliza's life is unraveling after being fired from her job and blindsided by her boyfriend of eight years ending their relationship. Needing a fresh start, she moves to West Falls to live with her grandmother. The moment she arrives, disaster strikes when she falls through an old ramp, prompting the local fire department to rescue her. Enter Nick, a volunteer firefighter and the town handyman, who comes to her aid. From the moment they meet, sparks fly. Nick offers to fix the broken ramp, and as he works on it, he and Eliza begin spending more time together. A genuine friendship develops, but it's clear there's undeniable chemistry between them. While Eliza keeps her distance, haunted by her past, everyone around them can see something deeper growing-if only they can overcome their fears.
This book was such a joy to read. Eliza is a hardworking, kind, and beautiful character who's deeply devoted to her family, but also eager to discover herself. Nick is the quintessential cinnamon roll hero-sweet, strong, handsome, and always ready to help out. I especially loved the scenes with Eliza's grandmother, whose wisdom and warmth brought so much heart and humor to the story. She didn’t hold back on what she felt was true, and she let Eliza know, more than once, that Nick was special. Her grandmother is someone you wish you could go to for advice. The interactions between Eliza and Nick were both funny and tender, and watching them grow as individuals as well as a couple was incredibly rewarding. Their vulnerabilities made them relatable, and I found myself rooting for them as they learned to be better both for themselves and for each other.
If you love small-town romance, humor, wonderful family dynamics, cinnamon roll heroes, fake dating, and a low-spice romance that still delivers plenty of feels, then I highly recommend this book. It's packed with cozy fall vibes, mouth-watering food, and the slow-burn tension of two people who clearly belong together but just need a nudge in the right direction.
This book is a perfect fall read, and I couldn't put it down—I finished it in a day! Eliza's journey of self-discovery and healing, coupled with Nick's steady, swoon-worthy presence, makes for a delightful, feel-good story. With a satisfying HEA, The Friendly Fall is the perfect conclusion to this series.
Thank you to the author for this advanced readers copy. I really enjoyed reading this and happy to share my honest opinions about it with others.
October 30, 2024
“To the ones whose lives might not look exactly the way they planned. To the ones who refuse to give up on themselves.”
~Swearing off men was easy-until the small-town fireman became my unexpected hero...
“Love is giving and not asking for anything in return.”
-The Friendly Fall is a standalone small town, fake dating, closed-door romcom. It has all of the warm cozy fall vibes you love, and also features a fake dating scenario filled with delightful humor, wonderful family dynamics, cinnamon roll heroes. Its a story that will feel like a warm blanket wrapped around you with cozy fall vibes, mouth-watering food, and the slow-burn tension of two people who clearly belong together but just need a gentle nudge in the right direction. Watching Eliza’s journey of self-discovery and healing, coupled with Nick’s steady, swoon-worthy presence, makes for a delightful, feel-good story. With a satisfying ending, The Friendly Fall will leave you smiling! I love how this story shows the importance of creating a life of your own and learning to let others be a part of it! This story js worth the read! 🙌🏻📚🍁
“I’m so happy to finally get to tell you that not only are you my best friend, you’re also the missing piece of my heart that I didn’t even know was lost until you showed up in my life.”
#thefriendlyfall
#kristinewjoy
#allaboutthebestreads
“Marriage isn’t just about living together or a piece of paper. It’s about commitment, partnership, and building a life together.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“I want to be the one who makes you happy every day, who loves you unconditionally, and who stands by your side through everything. I love you.”
~Swearing off men was easy-until the small-town fireman became my unexpected hero...
“Love is giving and not asking for anything in return.”
-The Friendly Fall is a standalone small town, fake dating, closed-door romcom. It has all of the warm cozy fall vibes you love, and also features a fake dating scenario filled with delightful humor, wonderful family dynamics, cinnamon roll heroes. Its a story that will feel like a warm blanket wrapped around you with cozy fall vibes, mouth-watering food, and the slow-burn tension of two people who clearly belong together but just need a gentle nudge in the right direction. Watching Eliza’s journey of self-discovery and healing, coupled with Nick’s steady, swoon-worthy presence, makes for a delightful, feel-good story. With a satisfying ending, The Friendly Fall will leave you smiling! I love how this story shows the importance of creating a life of your own and learning to let others be a part of it! This story js worth the read! 🙌🏻📚🍁
“I’m so happy to finally get to tell you that not only are you my best friend, you’re also the missing piece of my heart that I didn’t even know was lost until you showed up in my life.”
#thefriendlyfall
#kristinewjoy
#allaboutthebestreads
“Marriage isn’t just about living together or a piece of paper. It’s about commitment, partnership, and building a life together.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“I want to be the one who makes you happy every day, who loves you unconditionally, and who stands by your side through everything. I love you.”
October 29, 2024
ARC review
This was so cute, I loved it.
These two knuckleheads were hilarious, I just loved them.
Nick was so in love with her and everytime they had a moment, she insisted they were just friends. That poor man, he was afraid to confess his feelings and be rejected, and rightfully so. He was such a good friend to her, he didn't pressure her, he let her be herself and if all she wanted was friendship, that's what he would give her.
Eliza was afraid to open her heart again and just kept putting Nick in the friendzone. When she finally realized her feelings, she went all out and was brave, I loved that.
They were just perfect together and I loved them
This was so cute, I loved it.
These two knuckleheads were hilarious, I just loved them.
Nick was so in love with her and everytime they had a moment, she insisted they were just friends. That poor man, he was afraid to confess his feelings and be rejected, and rightfully so. He was such a good friend to her, he didn't pressure her, he let her be herself and if all she wanted was friendship, that's what he would give her.
Eliza was afraid to open her heart again and just kept putting Nick in the friendzone. When she finally realized her feelings, she went all out and was brave, I loved that.
They were just perfect together and I loved them
October 18, 2024
4.5 Stars!!
So many sparks are flying in this book and it will make you swoon like no other!
Very well written and the pacing was great. I loved getting both Eliza and Nick’s POVs. And I adored the small town setting and Granny is just one of my fav characters ever.
It is part of the Cinnamon Roll & Pumpkin Spice series of books written by other authors, but can be read as a stand-alone.
Such a fun and cozy read! Recommend reading!💙
Thank you @kristinewjoy for this #gifted e-copy!🫶🏼
So many sparks are flying in this book and it will make you swoon like no other!
Very well written and the pacing was great. I loved getting both Eliza and Nick’s POVs. And I adored the small town setting and Granny is just one of my fav characters ever.
It is part of the Cinnamon Roll & Pumpkin Spice series of books written by other authors, but can be read as a stand-alone.
Such a fun and cozy read! Recommend reading!💙
Thank you @kristinewjoy for this #gifted e-copy!🫶🏼
November 25, 2024
I was so excited to see that Kristine W. Joy wrote the final book in the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice Series. I had already read 3 books in the series, and I’ve read a ton of her work before, so I couldn’t wait to dive into this book. And let me tell you, I was NOT disappointed- 5+ stars for me!
This book starts off with Eliza’s life unraveling right before our very eyes… she gets fired from her job and broken up with by her boyfriend of EIGHT years all on the same day. What does one do in a situation like this? Obviously swear off love, travel to the small town of West Falls, and move in with your Granny. Unfortunately, bad luck seems to have followed Eliza and she falls through Granny’s decrepit, old ramp while she’s unpacking and gets stuck. So stuck that the fire department needs to be called…
Nick to the rescue- part handy-man, part volunteer fire fighter, and pretty much all around kindest guy in West Falls. Not only does he rescue Eliza, he also offers to fix Granny’s ramp. While repairing the ramp, Nick and Eliza start to build a friendship that often gets misconstrued as more by others around them. So much so that her parents can’t stop talking about how excited they are to meet her new boyfriend at Thanksgiving.
Here’s the thing… Eliza doesn’t correct them, and then convinces Nick to be her pretend boyfriend during her parent’s visit. What could go wrong, right? It’s not like either one of them have ACTUAL feelings for one another… right? I absolutely adored Nick in this book. Not only does he support and help Eliza grow/find herself, but he does all of it even though he’s pretty much torturing himself the entire time. I highly suggest you read this book and see what transpires between Eliza and Nick for yourself!!
This book starts off with Eliza’s life unraveling right before our very eyes… she gets fired from her job and broken up with by her boyfriend of EIGHT years all on the same day. What does one do in a situation like this? Obviously swear off love, travel to the small town of West Falls, and move in with your Granny. Unfortunately, bad luck seems to have followed Eliza and she falls through Granny’s decrepit, old ramp while she’s unpacking and gets stuck. So stuck that the fire department needs to be called…
Nick to the rescue- part handy-man, part volunteer fire fighter, and pretty much all around kindest guy in West Falls. Not only does he rescue Eliza, he also offers to fix Granny’s ramp. While repairing the ramp, Nick and Eliza start to build a friendship that often gets misconstrued as more by others around them. So much so that her parents can’t stop talking about how excited they are to meet her new boyfriend at Thanksgiving.
Here’s the thing… Eliza doesn’t correct them, and then convinces Nick to be her pretend boyfriend during her parent’s visit. What could go wrong, right? It’s not like either one of them have ACTUAL feelings for one another… right? I absolutely adored Nick in this book. Not only does he support and help Eliza grow/find herself, but he does all of it even though he’s pretty much torturing himself the entire time. I highly suggest you read this book and see what transpires between Eliza and Nick for yourself!!
October 31, 2024
The Friendly Fall is a heartwarming, cozy romance filled with humour, family, and small-town charm. Eliza, a kind-hearted photographer, moves to West Falls to help her beloved Granny after a tough breakup, hoping for a fresh start. She’s quickly caught—literally and figuratively—by Nick, the town’s sweet volunteer firefighter. Their chemistry sparks immediately, leading to a journey filled with humor, warmth, and swoon-worthy moments as their friendship grows into something more.
Nick is the quintessential “cinnamon roll” hero—thoughtful, caring, and supportive. Though cautious after her recent breakup, Eliza is encouraged by Granny (who often steals the show!) to open her heart again. With small-town gatherings like the Pumpkin Festival, the story is set against a perfect fall backdrop. Each interaction between Nick and Eliza is relatable and uplifting, with Nick supporting Eliza’s dream to pursue photography.
Kristine W. Joy’s writing beautifully captures West Falls and her characters’ emotional journeys. The Friendly Fall is a sweet, closed-door romance with plenty of heart and low-spice intimacy. I really enjoyed this book and the vibes for this fall season were immaculate! It’s also Part of the *Cinnamon Roll & Pumpkin Spice* series but enjoyable on its own (I haven’t read the rest and was still able to enjoy this story tons!)
This cozy, feel-good story of love and self-discovery is a must-read for fans of small-town romance and autumn vibes. Highly recommended!
Nick is the quintessential “cinnamon roll” hero—thoughtful, caring, and supportive. Though cautious after her recent breakup, Eliza is encouraged by Granny (who often steals the show!) to open her heart again. With small-town gatherings like the Pumpkin Festival, the story is set against a perfect fall backdrop. Each interaction between Nick and Eliza is relatable and uplifting, with Nick supporting Eliza’s dream to pursue photography.
Kristine W. Joy’s writing beautifully captures West Falls and her characters’ emotional journeys. The Friendly Fall is a sweet, closed-door romance with plenty of heart and low-spice intimacy. I really enjoyed this book and the vibes for this fall season were immaculate! It’s also Part of the *Cinnamon Roll & Pumpkin Spice* series but enjoyable on its own (I haven’t read the rest and was still able to enjoy this story tons!)
This cozy, feel-good story of love and self-discovery is a must-read for fans of small-town romance and autumn vibes. Highly recommended!
October 22, 2024
The Friendly Fall is the eighth and final book in the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice series. This is a multi-author series with each book being able to be enjoyed in any order or as standalones.
Kristine W. Joy has become a favorite of mine--- and stories like this one are exactly why! It was the perfect blend of heart and humor--- plus all those cozy fall small town vibes that I adore! First of all, that meet cute! What can I say--- I love a good awkward/embarrassing meet cute! Falling through a ramp and having to be rescued by the hot firefighter will definitely fit that description. Right away, I adored Nick and Eliza together with their undeniable chemistry. With her recent break up, Eliza is hesitant about romance, so this was definitely a 'he falls first' kind of story--- and I loved how hard and fast he fell. He truly was such a perfectly sweet cinnamon roll MMC! With a little bit of fake dating, family meddling and a first kiss that was absolute perfection, there was so much to love about this one and I couldn't help but enjoy every single minute.
The Friendly Fall is closed-door romance with kisses only.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Kristine W. Joy has become a favorite of mine--- and stories like this one are exactly why! It was the perfect blend of heart and humor--- plus all those cozy fall small town vibes that I adore! First of all, that meet cute! What can I say--- I love a good awkward/embarrassing meet cute! Falling through a ramp and having to be rescued by the hot firefighter will definitely fit that description. Right away, I adored Nick and Eliza together with their undeniable chemistry. With her recent break up, Eliza is hesitant about romance, so this was definitely a 'he falls first' kind of story--- and I loved how hard and fast he fell. He truly was such a perfectly sweet cinnamon roll MMC! With a little bit of fake dating, family meddling and a first kiss that was absolute perfection, there was so much to love about this one and I couldn't help but enjoy every single minute.
The Friendly Fall is closed-door romance with kisses only.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
November 7, 2024
I fell in love with these two from the moment they met. Talk about making an impression Eliza! I love how Eliza’s family was always supportive even if they didn’t like Devon, they never were cynical or forced her into anything. A meddling granny may have helped but no one ever forced her into a situation. Nick is literally the sweetest guy there is. He is absolutely perfect for Eliza and I love the friendship they share. They make being around each other so easy and I’m here for it.
This is a dual pov,clean romance. It is part of a multi author series but can be read as a stand alone novel.
This is a dual pov,clean romance. It is part of a multi author series but can be read as a stand alone novel.
October 20, 2024
This was my first book by Kristine W. Joy, but it will definitely not be my last. Her books have been on my TBR for a while now and I was just looking for the perfect opportunity to try one out. Thanks to Kristine W. Joy for sending me that opportunity by allowing me to be on her ARC team for this book! This book was a super fun and quick read, but the characters were growing and changing by addressing real life issues. The main characters are so relatable, and the chemistry is palpable. Highly recommend reading this when you're looking for your next fun fall read!
October 21, 2024
The final book in the Cinnamon Roll and Pumpkin Spice series is the Friendly Fall featuring Eliza and Nick. It’s a small town, friends to lovers he falls first romance. It was a wholesome easy friend and both their families truly made this book. It was an enjoyable read. I received a complementary copy from the author.
November 18, 2024
The Friendly Fall by Kristine W. Joy is the 8th and final book in the multi author Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice standalone series. This book is told from a dual POV, following Nick & Eliza. Eliza moves in with her granny after being fired and dumped by her boyfriend of 8 years all in the same day. She is also an aspiring photographer and just a little clumsy. Nick is the local volunteer firefighter/handyman. He also owns the local hardware store. He is a total cinnamon roll. Their meet cute was absolutely adorable! Nick is the ultimate nice guy who does anything for everyone, even if it means he's stretched thin. Eliza is ever so cautious after her past and tries to keep her distance. Their chemistry & friendship were perfection.
Kristine has definitely become one of my favorite closed door authors. She writes such beautiful and funny stories, and this one did not disappoint. It was everything I have come to expect from Kristine. I can not wait to read what she has next.
💙 Small Town
💜 Fake Dating
💙 Fireman/Handyman MMC
💜 Secret Pining
💙 He Falls First
💜 Closed Door Rom-Com
I’d rather be bothered by an abundance of love than feel completely unloved.
I brace myself as Eliza shoots me a devilish grin and then rears back, throwing the baseball at the target. She misses, but only by an inch. I’m in shock. “I thought you said you had a horrible arm,” I call out to her, still impressed with how much force she threw the ball with. “I do have a terrible arm, but I never said I have a terrible aim.” She giggles, leaning down and picking up another ball.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
Kristine has definitely become one of my favorite closed door authors. She writes such beautiful and funny stories, and this one did not disappoint. It was everything I have come to expect from Kristine. I can not wait to read what she has next.
💙 Small Town
💜 Fake Dating
💙 Fireman/Handyman MMC
💜 Secret Pining
💙 He Falls First
💜 Closed Door Rom-Com
I’d rather be bothered by an abundance of love than feel completely unloved.
I brace myself as Eliza shoots me a devilish grin and then rears back, throwing the baseball at the target. She misses, but only by an inch. I’m in shock. “I thought you said you had a horrible arm,” I call out to her, still impressed with how much force she threw the ball with. “I do have a terrible arm, but I never said I have a terrible aim.” She giggles, leaning down and picking up another ball.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
August 18, 2025
If you enjoy Hallmark movies you will enjoy this adorable Fall small town romance!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
December 22, 2024
LOVE, LOVE, LOVED IT!
The whole Hallmark, Gilmore Girls, and The Proposal vibes are just to die for. I don't usually go for this genre, but I'm glad I did. The humor was on point, and the characters were well-written. I didn't even mind the formatting and paragraphing issues, and neither am I going to give the book a lower rating because of the small errors in the table of contents. I think these small errors speak to the cuteness of the book and characters.
I'm so glad I chose to read it during the winter season so close to Christmas. There's something captivating about the book. You should definitely give it a try!
The whole Hallmark, Gilmore Girls, and The Proposal vibes are just to die for. I don't usually go for this genre, but I'm glad I did. The humor was on point, and the characters were well-written. I didn't even mind the formatting and paragraphing issues, and neither am I going to give the book a lower rating because of the small errors in the table of contents. I think these small errors speak to the cuteness of the book and characters.
I'm so glad I chose to read it during the winter season so close to Christmas. There's something captivating about the book. You should definitely give it a try!
October 30, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I can wrote a million amazing things about this book. This is my favorite Fall book of the season or maybe EVER! Kristine writes all of her books with the perfect amount of depth, connection, and romance. 🥹🧡
I absolutely adored the relationship between Eliza and Nick. They truly were the perfect pair. This book had a few moments that I didn’t see coming and it really kept hooking me in. It was such a fun love story to journey with the main characters.
This book was the final book of a multi-author Fall series and Kristine did not disappoint. The perfect way to end a series.
I definitely recommend this book. Follow me on Instagram for more reviews on closed door romance books @brisbooksandbackpacks 🧡🧡
Main Tropes:
🍂 dual POV
🍂 family bonds
🍂 strangers -> friends -> to more
🍂 fake dating
🍂 fall season
🍂 kisses only (light passionate thoughts)
I absolutely adored the relationship between Eliza and Nick. They truly were the perfect pair. This book had a few moments that I didn’t see coming and it really kept hooking me in. It was such a fun love story to journey with the main characters.
This book was the final book of a multi-author Fall series and Kristine did not disappoint. The perfect way to end a series.
I definitely recommend this book. Follow me on Instagram for more reviews on closed door romance books @brisbooksandbackpacks 🧡🧡
Main Tropes:
🍂 dual POV
🍂 family bonds
🍂 strangers -> friends -> to more
🍂 fake dating
🍂 fall season
🍂 kisses only (light passionate thoughts)
October 29, 2024
The Friendly Fall is a lighthearted romance set in a small town, featuring a fake dating scenario filled with humor.
Eliza experiences a tough day when she loses her job and her boyfriend. Looking for a change, she visits her 80-year-old Grandma's town to heal and lend a hand. There, she meets Nick, a versatile bachelor who saves her on her first day. He is kind-hearted and helps everyone in town, quickly proving to be a good person. With his sweet and caring nature, it's hard not to like him. As they spend time together, feelings develop, which surprises both Nick and Eliza, leading them to insist they are "just friends." Readers will enjoy the journey of their budding relationship as they realize they make a great pair and root for their happiness, even if it takes a while for their romance to blossom.
Alongside Eliza and Nick, Eliza's funny Grandma Marilyn, Nick's mother, and his close friends, they all bring extra charm to the story.
If you're a fan of romantic comedies with fake dating, nosy family members, a hero who falls first, and some long-awaited kisses you will enjoy The Friendly Fall.
Eliza experiences a tough day when she loses her job and her boyfriend. Looking for a change, she visits her 80-year-old Grandma's town to heal and lend a hand. There, she meets Nick, a versatile bachelor who saves her on her first day. He is kind-hearted and helps everyone in town, quickly proving to be a good person. With his sweet and caring nature, it's hard not to like him. As they spend time together, feelings develop, which surprises both Nick and Eliza, leading them to insist they are "just friends." Readers will enjoy the journey of their budding relationship as they realize they make a great pair and root for their happiness, even if it takes a while for their romance to blossom.
Alongside Eliza and Nick, Eliza's funny Grandma Marilyn, Nick's mother, and his close friends, they all bring extra charm to the story.
If you're a fan of romantic comedies with fake dating, nosy family members, a hero who falls first, and some long-awaited kisses you will enjoy The Friendly Fall.
October 29, 2024
I absolutely adored Nick & Eliza's sweet, caring , funny, loving, happily ever after!!
November 7, 2024
Fun for Fall
A Friendly Fall was a cute conclusion to the series of standalone fall books. Nick was an absolute cinnamon roll! He was so sweet and helpful. I wanted to get him out of the friend zone pronto.
This book reminded me of Mansfield Park in that both Eliza and Nick had an exes who were siblings and absolutely horrible, selfish people. I was very invested in them getting rid of that dead weight once and for all.
A Friendly Fall was a cute conclusion to the series of standalone fall books. Nick was an absolute cinnamon roll! He was so sweet and helpful. I wanted to get him out of the friend zone pronto.
This book reminded me of Mansfield Park in that both Eliza and Nick had an exes who were siblings and absolutely horrible, selfish people. I was very invested in them getting rid of that dead weight once and for all.
October 29, 2024
5/5
Genre: Sweet Romcom
🚨TW: loss of love one
🔥 Level: Closed door, hot kisses, no cursing
Read it if you like:
🍁Dual POV
🍁 Strangers to friends to lovers
🍁 Fireman &Handyman MMC
🍁 Marketing/ Photographer FMC
🍁 He falls first
🍁 Pumpkin Festival
🍁 Fake dating
Favourite Moments
🍁 When they first met.
🍁 His mother and her grandmother matchmaking them
🍁 Him bringing her around the town
🍁 Her using him as a model for her portfolios
🍁 Pumpkin festival
🍁 In the apple orchard. (can’t spoil it)
🍁 Thanksgiving with her family
🍁 Girls hang out together.
(lots more)
Swoony Moments
🍁 He falls for her love at first sight
🍁 He encourages and compliments her to do what she loves
🍁 He loves his family
🍁 He loves helping people
🍁 He is good with children.
Synopsis:
Eliza
Recently got laid off by her boss and was dumped by her 8 years of relationship boyfriend.
Nick
A volunteer fireman who is also taking over his father’s hardware store and is also a handyman. He loves helping people.
Because Eliza got laid off by her boss and was dumped by her boyfriend, she came to West Falls to have a fresh start and also came to take care of her grandmother. Swearing off of men is not as easy as it seems, she didn’t know that a fall that she had, could get to meet a handsome fireman who became her unexpected hero. Will she ever let love in again? Read The Friendly Fall to find out!!!
Review:
Loving this two and it was love at first sight for him. And you can see that he tries so hard to win her heart and also encouraged her to pursue her career as a photographer. And love the way they encourage and also give each other compliments and care for each other. Love it. And also love his mother and her grandma trying to match make them together. Love that they enjoy the Pumpkin Festival together and also the Apple orchard together too. Haha… and family charades is funny. Love that she met Vanessa and with Vanessa and her grandmother, they both also help her to realised and ask her to give love a second chance while for Nick is his best friend, Daniel encourages him to tell her how he feels about her. The way she gives him a surprise (which I’m not going to tell you, you have to read it to know) made him touched. Her grandmother is just so sweet and cool. Haha… love that she helped her in anyway she can and also help her to promote her skills as a photographer. This book made me smile, swoon, laugh and also love the friendship around them.
I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own. Thanks @kristinewjoy for the ARC.
This is the last book of the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice series. This series consist of 8 books and it is written by 8 authors.
Can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series. Just got to read two books of this series.
You can purchase this book on Amazon and it’s available on KU.
Genre: Sweet Romcom
🚨TW: loss of love one
🔥 Level: Closed door, hot kisses, no cursing
Read it if you like:
🍁Dual POV
🍁 Strangers to friends to lovers
🍁 Fireman &Handyman MMC
🍁 Marketing/ Photographer FMC
🍁 He falls first
🍁 Pumpkin Festival
🍁 Fake dating
Favourite Moments
🍁 When they first met.
🍁 His mother and her grandmother matchmaking them
🍁 Him bringing her around the town
🍁 Her using him as a model for her portfolios
🍁 Pumpkin festival
🍁 In the apple orchard. (can’t spoil it)
🍁 Thanksgiving with her family
🍁 Girls hang out together.
(lots more)
Swoony Moments
🍁 He falls for her love at first sight
🍁 He encourages and compliments her to do what she loves
🍁 He loves his family
🍁 He loves helping people
🍁 He is good with children.
Synopsis:
Eliza
Recently got laid off by her boss and was dumped by her 8 years of relationship boyfriend.
Nick
A volunteer fireman who is also taking over his father’s hardware store and is also a handyman. He loves helping people.
Because Eliza got laid off by her boss and was dumped by her boyfriend, she came to West Falls to have a fresh start and also came to take care of her grandmother. Swearing off of men is not as easy as it seems, she didn’t know that a fall that she had, could get to meet a handsome fireman who became her unexpected hero. Will she ever let love in again? Read The Friendly Fall to find out!!!
Review:
Loving this two and it was love at first sight for him. And you can see that he tries so hard to win her heart and also encouraged her to pursue her career as a photographer. And love the way they encourage and also give each other compliments and care for each other. Love it. And also love his mother and her grandma trying to match make them together. Love that they enjoy the Pumpkin Festival together and also the Apple orchard together too. Haha… and family charades is funny. Love that she met Vanessa and with Vanessa and her grandmother, they both also help her to realised and ask her to give love a second chance while for Nick is his best friend, Daniel encourages him to tell her how he feels about her. The way she gives him a surprise (which I’m not going to tell you, you have to read it to know) made him touched. Her grandmother is just so sweet and cool. Haha… love that she helped her in anyway she can and also help her to promote her skills as a photographer. This book made me smile, swoon, laugh and also love the friendship around them.
I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own. Thanks @kristinewjoy for the ARC.
This is the last book of the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice series. This series consist of 8 books and it is written by 8 authors.
Can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series. Just got to read two books of this series.
You can purchase this book on Amazon and it’s available on KU.
October 17, 2024
Before I begin, I would like to thank Kristine W. Joy for allowing me to read her upcoming book, The Friendly Fall, which is part of the multi-author series Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice and will be available on Amazon on October 29th, 2024.
After losing her job and her boyfriend dumping her, Eliza moves to West Falls to live with her grandmother. Her optimism for a fresh start wanes when she falls through a ramp and her grandmother calls the fire department for assistance. Nick is the one to the rescue in more ways than one, including fixing that ramp. As they spend more time together, Eliza realizes that he is truly a kind person that wants to make everyone feel welcome, and soon enough a lot of people believe they are more than friends. When her parents also make that assumption, Eliza suggests that she and Nick should fake a date for the Thanksgiving weekend and stay friends so she can avoid another heartbreak. But what if pretending to be in a relationship with the person that is soon very dear to her leads her to what she’s been trying to prevent all along? Will Eliza have the courage to decide once and for all if being friends is what she really wants, or will she lose something special before it barely begins?
This book was fantastic. You have Eliza, a hardworking, kind, and beautiful young woman that is devoted to her family and wants to discover what it means to be herself. You have Nick, a sweet, strong, and handsome young man that is family and community-oriented and is always ready to lend a hand. I loved reading the scenes with Eliza’s grandmother because she was wise and an absolute delight. The interactions between Eliza and Nick were funny and sweet, and I enjoyed seeing both of the main characters grow as the story progressed. I found their vulnerabilities relatable and cheered them on as they tried to be better not only for each other, but themselves as well. Overall, if you like humor, fantastic family dynamics, cinnamon roll heroes, great food, small-town fake-dating sweet romance with low amounts of spice, then I would highly recommend this book. Here’s the link for more information: Amazon.com: The Friendly Fall: A Sweet Small Town RomCom (Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice Book 8) eBook : Joy, Kristine W. : Kindle Store
After losing her job and her boyfriend dumping her, Eliza moves to West Falls to live with her grandmother. Her optimism for a fresh start wanes when she falls through a ramp and her grandmother calls the fire department for assistance. Nick is the one to the rescue in more ways than one, including fixing that ramp. As they spend more time together, Eliza realizes that he is truly a kind person that wants to make everyone feel welcome, and soon enough a lot of people believe they are more than friends. When her parents also make that assumption, Eliza suggests that she and Nick should fake a date for the Thanksgiving weekend and stay friends so she can avoid another heartbreak. But what if pretending to be in a relationship with the person that is soon very dear to her leads her to what she’s been trying to prevent all along? Will Eliza have the courage to decide once and for all if being friends is what she really wants, or will she lose something special before it barely begins?
This book was fantastic. You have Eliza, a hardworking, kind, and beautiful young woman that is devoted to her family and wants to discover what it means to be herself. You have Nick, a sweet, strong, and handsome young man that is family and community-oriented and is always ready to lend a hand. I loved reading the scenes with Eliza’s grandmother because she was wise and an absolute delight. The interactions between Eliza and Nick were funny and sweet, and I enjoyed seeing both of the main characters grow as the story progressed. I found their vulnerabilities relatable and cheered them on as they tried to be better not only for each other, but themselves as well. Overall, if you like humor, fantastic family dynamics, cinnamon roll heroes, great food, small-town fake-dating sweet romance with low amounts of spice, then I would highly recommend this book. Here’s the link for more information: Amazon.com: The Friendly Fall: A Sweet Small Town RomCom (Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice Book 8) eBook : Joy, Kristine W. : Kindle Store
October 29, 2024
I want you to think about what you might be classified as “worst day ever,” for you…got it, now realize that our girl Eliza might have you beat! This book is the last book in the multi-author standalone series, “Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice”.
This book jumps into the deep end with Eliza is hit with not one but two devastating blows in a single day, that lead to her to her granny and the quaint town of West Falls! Let’s add a little insult to injury and have her attempt to load her belongings into Granny’s house only to fall through the ramp! Yay-NOT! It’s as if her dignity couldn’t take a further blow, when a handsome volunteer firefighter comes to hoist her from the hole! And as luck would have it that same guy, she could barely make eye contact with is also going to be the handyman to help fix the ramp! Eliza can’t catch a break or so it seems! Instead of being able to ignore the man, Granny forces her hand carefully nudges Eliza into talking Nick!
Nick, an early 30 something and lifelong resident of West Falls, realizes that there are certain things missing from his life, but has resigned himself that a woman might be more than he can hope for…until he gets a call to help a damsel in distress! While instantly attracted to Eliza, he isn’t about to push his luck despite his mom and Ms. Marilyn’s (Eliza’s granny) wishes! As he begins to repair the ramp, the pair strike up a friendship, one where Nick starts to fall and where Eliza has kept him firmly in the friend zone…at least until an unfortunate misunderstanding turns into a weekend of fake dating! All bets are off now!
Oh my gosh this book hits you in all the feels and I can’t complain one bit! I think it can be said that Granny occasional steals the spotlight, but when you have that much sage wisdom why not! The subtle moments are every bit as important as the bigger ones! This is a book that will stay rent free in my head for a long time to come! Kristine W. Joy has hit my emotional core on the head and I’m not about to back down from it! This is the feeling you want to have when reading a book and makes me giddy to find out what comes next from her! Bravo!
This book jumps into the deep end with Eliza is hit with not one but two devastating blows in a single day, that lead to her to her granny and the quaint town of West Falls! Let’s add a little insult to injury and have her attempt to load her belongings into Granny’s house only to fall through the ramp! Yay-NOT! It’s as if her dignity couldn’t take a further blow, when a handsome volunteer firefighter comes to hoist her from the hole! And as luck would have it that same guy, she could barely make eye contact with is also going to be the handyman to help fix the ramp! Eliza can’t catch a break or so it seems! Instead of being able to ignore the man, Granny forces her hand carefully nudges Eliza into talking Nick!
Nick, an early 30 something and lifelong resident of West Falls, realizes that there are certain things missing from his life, but has resigned himself that a woman might be more than he can hope for…until he gets a call to help a damsel in distress! While instantly attracted to Eliza, he isn’t about to push his luck despite his mom and Ms. Marilyn’s (Eliza’s granny) wishes! As he begins to repair the ramp, the pair strike up a friendship, one where Nick starts to fall and where Eliza has kept him firmly in the friend zone…at least until an unfortunate misunderstanding turns into a weekend of fake dating! All bets are off now!
Oh my gosh this book hits you in all the feels and I can’t complain one bit! I think it can be said that Granny occasional steals the spotlight, but when you have that much sage wisdom why not! The subtle moments are every bit as important as the bigger ones! This is a book that will stay rent free in my head for a long time to come! Kristine W. Joy has hit my emotional core on the head and I’m not about to back down from it! This is the feeling you want to have when reading a book and makes me giddy to find out what comes next from her! Bravo!
October 29, 2024
What can I say about this great book by Kristine W Joy. It was a triumph! I don’t say that light because I was enraptured reading through the night. Couldn’t put it down so there I was wide awake reading atop my eiderdown. So on with the story and how it grabbed from the very first page “Eliza, can we speak for a moment, please?” him. “Of course.” , I was certainly engaged. Is she getting fired ? “You might want to take a seat,” “Thank you, and thank you for the last five years.” She was good though she wouldn’t shed tears. So off she goes to heaven knows. “I know it’s bad timing … But…” “But what?” Now what? Well it seems dear Devon thought he’d stick the boot in as well the jerk! Well he can go to hell for not making it work. Eight wasted years and for what? Not a lot! Time to call her one time go to …granny. She’ll know what to do , she’s canny. So she arrives in the small town of West Falls . Nick the fireman has mum delivering news of her friend. “She’s about your age.” Mom wiggles her eyebrows. “She’s cute, too. I found her on Facebook.” “Creepy.” “Everyone does it.” “Not me.” You see how this grabbed me? Eliza fell and fell good all because of some wood… No not like that it was a wooden ramp but the hot fireman who rescued her ? Let’s say oooh err…She was smitten . Like a kitten stuck up a tree ,there she was mewling save me…That’s how it starts my hearts , I’m sure I’ve given you enough insight to let you know how this book does delight. There’s misunderstands and wedding demands…Already ? Well that’s what you get when you fake a romance. You gotta dance. Brilliant! Absolutely fell in love hard with these characters and the storytelling is awesome. The writing is ever so good, I knew that it would be , because Kristine W Joy is the writer for me. I love everything she writes . She delights and entrances me with every word. Just a few glances and what’s happening around cannot be heard . I’ve homed in and I’m immersed in the world of romance so you want me to listen? You’ve no chance .
October 29, 2024
Eliza loses her job, her boyfriend, and her home in the space of a day. What a way to start! Thankfully, she has somewhere to go, her gran’s place in West Falls, the small town in which her father grew up.
Eliza’s meet-cute (I actually detest that phrase, but everyone uses it) with Nick is anything but cute for her, as he comes to her rescue after she falls through and gets stuck in a deteriorated ramp leading into her grandmother’s home, adding injury to insult.
What follows is such a sweet story that had me swoony over pretty much ALL of the men in West Falls, but primarily Nick. He’s always helping out in the community, even when it causes some burnout for him. He’s tall, built, hot, and has a beard. Have I mentioned I really love a good beard? Because I do. But above all, he’s just a kind and loving person, and he falls immediately for Eliza, who has sworn off love after her horrible boyfriend experience—said boyfriend told her that she was “being dramatic” while he was dumping her after she explained how she’d just lost her job—and is wary about ever loving a man again.
I grew up in a relatively small town (it got a lot bigger after I married and moved away), so I enjoy these small town stories. I’m in love with Nick and Eliza and I loved every interaction between them, even when they’re not communicating properly. It happens a lot in real life, with people not really saying what they mean, trying to protect themselves from heartbreak. This is a very realistic and human response after going through what Eliza did. It’s always hard to take that leap of faith and say what you really mean, to be vulnerable after having basically everything you had worked for taken away from you.
I also liked the portrayal of Nick expressing some of his emotions by crying. Crying is a natural response to pain, and I appreciate that being expressed here.
I can’t believe this is the last book of the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice series. How did these eight weeks fly by so quickly? I’m glad this is the book that rounds off the series, as it really ticked all my boxes for things I love in a romance. This is actually the first novel of Kristine W. Joy that I’ve read, and you can bet your buttons I’m going to be reading more.
Eliza’s meet-cute (I actually detest that phrase, but everyone uses it) with Nick is anything but cute for her, as he comes to her rescue after she falls through and gets stuck in a deteriorated ramp leading into her grandmother’s home, adding injury to insult.
What follows is such a sweet story that had me swoony over pretty much ALL of the men in West Falls, but primarily Nick. He’s always helping out in the community, even when it causes some burnout for him. He’s tall, built, hot, and has a beard. Have I mentioned I really love a good beard? Because I do. But above all, he’s just a kind and loving person, and he falls immediately for Eliza, who has sworn off love after her horrible boyfriend experience—said boyfriend told her that she was “being dramatic” while he was dumping her after she explained how she’d just lost her job—and is wary about ever loving a man again.
I grew up in a relatively small town (it got a lot bigger after I married and moved away), so I enjoy these small town stories. I’m in love with Nick and Eliza and I loved every interaction between them, even when they’re not communicating properly. It happens a lot in real life, with people not really saying what they mean, trying to protect themselves from heartbreak. This is a very realistic and human response after going through what Eliza did. It’s always hard to take that leap of faith and say what you really mean, to be vulnerable after having basically everything you had worked for taken away from you.
I also liked the portrayal of Nick expressing some of his emotions by crying. Crying is a natural response to pain, and I appreciate that being expressed here.
I can’t believe this is the last book of the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice series. How did these eight weeks fly by so quickly? I’m glad this is the book that rounds off the series, as it really ticked all my boxes for things I love in a romance. This is actually the first novel of Kristine W. Joy that I’ve read, and you can bet your buttons I’m going to be reading more.
October 30, 2024
Starting Over . . .
Eliza’s day starts off very badly. Mr. Hudson calls her into his office for a “talk”. Since he isn’t smiling, she is already on alert that this is not going to go well. She has worked for him for 5 years, so she is completely unprepared when he tells her he is letting her go. Ted will take her job since “he is multi-talented”, and leaves the rest of his implied sentence for her to figure out. How is she going to tell her boyfriend Devon? They had been planning a vacation to Mexico which would now be impossible. But when Devon comes home, he is completely unsympathetic, telling her she can’t sit around moping. He sees his career as important… but not hers. And while she is figuring out what to say, he announces that now is as good a time as any to inform her he wants to break up; he has been thinking about it for quite some time and since she lost her job, he just doesn’t have time to deal with it! And he isn’t ready for marriage yet after 8 years together. He just doesn’t want to commit, no big deal! They didn’t need a piece of paper to live together. Then he packs his bags and leaves until she find another place to stay. She calls her grandmother to help her through this devastating nightmare.
The first person she meets at her grandmother’s house is a volunteer firefighter named Nick who has to rescue her from the ramp she fell through. Since he also does handyman work, she will see more of him as he repairs the damage. After her dreadful breakup, she is not interested in men, but Nick enjoys her company. And it’s easy to see he is nothing at all like Devon. Nick is a sweetheart, kind to others and with a big heart. To keep everyone from urging both of them to date, she and Nick start fake dating, not intending it to last long. But just maybe they will both decide to extend their time together a little further… and make this one last forever?
Eliza’s day starts off very badly. Mr. Hudson calls her into his office for a “talk”. Since he isn’t smiling, she is already on alert that this is not going to go well. She has worked for him for 5 years, so she is completely unprepared when he tells her he is letting her go. Ted will take her job since “he is multi-talented”, and leaves the rest of his implied sentence for her to figure out. How is she going to tell her boyfriend Devon? They had been planning a vacation to Mexico which would now be impossible. But when Devon comes home, he is completely unsympathetic, telling her she can’t sit around moping. He sees his career as important… but not hers. And while she is figuring out what to say, he announces that now is as good a time as any to inform her he wants to break up; he has been thinking about it for quite some time and since she lost her job, he just doesn’t have time to deal with it! And he isn’t ready for marriage yet after 8 years together. He just doesn’t want to commit, no big deal! They didn’t need a piece of paper to live together. Then he packs his bags and leaves until she find another place to stay. She calls her grandmother to help her through this devastating nightmare.
The first person she meets at her grandmother’s house is a volunteer firefighter named Nick who has to rescue her from the ramp she fell through. Since he also does handyman work, she will see more of him as he repairs the damage. After her dreadful breakup, she is not interested in men, but Nick enjoys her company. And it’s easy to see he is nothing at all like Devon. Nick is a sweetheart, kind to others and with a big heart. To keep everyone from urging both of them to date, she and Nick start fake dating, not intending it to last long. But just maybe they will both decide to extend their time together a little further… and make this one last forever?
November 1, 2024
ARC Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Eliza lost her job and long-term boyfriend in the span of hours. Hoping to avoid men and take refuge with her Granny, she flees to the small town of West Falls. But as the saying goes we make plans and God laughs at them. Before she can even step foot indoors, she finds her self stuck in the ramp! One call later and Nick, the volunteer firefighter arrives to set her free. Will the rest of Eliza’s plans go up in smoke thanks to ridiculously handsome Nick, or will West Falls turn out to be the safe haven she desperately needs?
I applied to be apart of the ARC teams for the entire Cinnamon Roll and Pumpkin Spice series. To my surprise, I was approved for most of them, and have slowly been making my way through ALL of them. Despite being a multi-author series, each of the eight novels is intended to be a standalone story. Therefore, they can be read and enjoyed in any order.
Kristine W Joy’s The Friendly Fall, took me by surprise. Not only did the story standout amongst the entire series, it marked my first time reading this author. If the rest of her repertoire is anything like this, I have been seriously missing out!
Told from dual POVs (Nick and Eliza) this is a small town, strangers-to-friends-to more romance. It features secret pinning, fake dating, and he falls first. In addition to witnessing a beautiful love story bloom, readers will be thoroughly entertained by the side cast of characters, consisting mostly of the MMC and the FMC’s family. Granny is not only a scene stealer, but she is in the running for my favorite character!
If you are looking for a sweet, romance with all the cozy fall vibes, I highly recommend reading The Friendly Fall. Special thanks to Kristine W Joy for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Eliza lost her job and long-term boyfriend in the span of hours. Hoping to avoid men and take refuge with her Granny, she flees to the small town of West Falls. But as the saying goes we make plans and God laughs at them. Before she can even step foot indoors, she finds her self stuck in the ramp! One call later and Nick, the volunteer firefighter arrives to set her free. Will the rest of Eliza’s plans go up in smoke thanks to ridiculously handsome Nick, or will West Falls turn out to be the safe haven she desperately needs?
I applied to be apart of the ARC teams for the entire Cinnamon Roll and Pumpkin Spice series. To my surprise, I was approved for most of them, and have slowly been making my way through ALL of them. Despite being a multi-author series, each of the eight novels is intended to be a standalone story. Therefore, they can be read and enjoyed in any order.
Kristine W Joy’s The Friendly Fall, took me by surprise. Not only did the story standout amongst the entire series, it marked my first time reading this author. If the rest of her repertoire is anything like this, I have been seriously missing out!
Told from dual POVs (Nick and Eliza) this is a small town, strangers-to-friends-to more romance. It features secret pinning, fake dating, and he falls first. In addition to witnessing a beautiful love story bloom, readers will be thoroughly entertained by the side cast of characters, consisting mostly of the MMC and the FMC’s family. Granny is not only a scene stealer, but she is in the running for my favorite character!
If you are looking for a sweet, romance with all the cozy fall vibes, I highly recommend reading The Friendly Fall. Special thanks to Kristine W Joy for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 26, 2024
📚ARC Review 📚
The Friendly Fall⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After being fired from her job and getting dumped by her boyfriend of eight years all on the same day, Eliza needs a fresh start. She takes up her Granny’s offer to come live with her in the small town of West Falls. However, her bad luck isn’t over yet. The moment she arrives, she falls through her Granny’s ramp and has to be rescued by the local fire department. Enter Nick, a volunteer firefighter that happens to also be the handyman around town, who comes to help. He offers to rebuild the ramp for Eliza’s Granny. During this time, him and Eliza start to get to know each other and build a friendship. The moment Nick met Eliza he knew there was a connection, but how can he show that to her when she isn’t looking for a relationship ever again.
This is the eighth and final book in the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice series but can be read as a standalone. I absolutely loved this one! I loved the small town vibes, the swoon worthy kisses and the funny banter. Eliza’s character is hard working, kind and loves her family. Nick is such a true cinnamon roll and would do anything for anyone. Granny was a hoot and made the story! I loved seeing Nick and Eliza grow their friendship and that turn into a relationship. He shows her not all men are the same and good ones are out there. You can’t help but root for them to get together the whole time.
This book is perfect for those who love the small-town vibe, friends to lovers, funny banter and a closed-door romance (with swoony kisses). If that’s you, then be sure to add this to your TBR list! This book will release on October 29, 2024. Thank you to author Kristine W. Joy for my advanced readers copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.
The Friendly Fall⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After being fired from her job and getting dumped by her boyfriend of eight years all on the same day, Eliza needs a fresh start. She takes up her Granny’s offer to come live with her in the small town of West Falls. However, her bad luck isn’t over yet. The moment she arrives, she falls through her Granny’s ramp and has to be rescued by the local fire department. Enter Nick, a volunteer firefighter that happens to also be the handyman around town, who comes to help. He offers to rebuild the ramp for Eliza’s Granny. During this time, him and Eliza start to get to know each other and build a friendship. The moment Nick met Eliza he knew there was a connection, but how can he show that to her when she isn’t looking for a relationship ever again.
This is the eighth and final book in the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice series but can be read as a standalone. I absolutely loved this one! I loved the small town vibes, the swoon worthy kisses and the funny banter. Eliza’s character is hard working, kind and loves her family. Nick is such a true cinnamon roll and would do anything for anyone. Granny was a hoot and made the story! I loved seeing Nick and Eliza grow their friendship and that turn into a relationship. He shows her not all men are the same and good ones are out there. You can’t help but root for them to get together the whole time.
This book is perfect for those who love the small-town vibe, friends to lovers, funny banter and a closed-door romance (with swoony kisses). If that’s you, then be sure to add this to your TBR list! This book will release on October 29, 2024. Thank you to author Kristine W. Joy for my advanced readers copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.
October 28, 2024
I’ve always loved a good friends to lovers story, and Eliza and Nick do not disappoint.
When Eliza Willis finds herself fired and dumped on the same day, she has nowhere to go except her Granny’s house. Once she gets there, a mishap leads to calling the fire department. Enter Nick Walters - hardware store owner, handyman, and volunteer firefighter. Eliza and Nick quickly form a friendship while enjoying all the Fall festivities around town. But Eliza’s constant reminders of their friendship make Nick feel like he’s been friendzoned. Eliza is so dead set on avoiding love, that she doesn’t even see it happening right before her eyes. They’ve got a lot to overcome if they’re ever going to realize they are perfect for each other.
I enjoyed watching their friendship grow naturally as they spent more time together and encouraged each other in their own passions and dreams. Nick is so kind and generous, offering to fix things around Granny’s house, help Eliza with projects and goals, and overall just being the cinnamon roll he is. Eliza is so relatable. She is accident-prone, sure that “he’ll only ever be a friend”, and hesitant to pursue something new because she isn’t sure she can be successful. I felt all of those things so deeply in my bones as I read. We all need a Nick to encourage us. And a Granny to meddle.
Kristine W. Joy has captured the new friends becoming more trope so well that it made me feel that it could happen to me. The Friendly Fall was the perfect wrap for the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice multi-author series. Although they are all truly standalone reads, it is a great collection to read together. It has been so fun to have book after book of these kind, gentle heroes. I can’t wait to read more from each of these 8 authors!
When Eliza Willis finds herself fired and dumped on the same day, she has nowhere to go except her Granny’s house. Once she gets there, a mishap leads to calling the fire department. Enter Nick Walters - hardware store owner, handyman, and volunteer firefighter. Eliza and Nick quickly form a friendship while enjoying all the Fall festivities around town. But Eliza’s constant reminders of their friendship make Nick feel like he’s been friendzoned. Eliza is so dead set on avoiding love, that she doesn’t even see it happening right before her eyes. They’ve got a lot to overcome if they’re ever going to realize they are perfect for each other.
I enjoyed watching their friendship grow naturally as they spent more time together and encouraged each other in their own passions and dreams. Nick is so kind and generous, offering to fix things around Granny’s house, help Eliza with projects and goals, and overall just being the cinnamon roll he is. Eliza is so relatable. She is accident-prone, sure that “he’ll only ever be a friend”, and hesitant to pursue something new because she isn’t sure she can be successful. I felt all of those things so deeply in my bones as I read. We all need a Nick to encourage us. And a Granny to meddle.
Kristine W. Joy has captured the new friends becoming more trope so well that it made me feel that it could happen to me. The Friendly Fall was the perfect wrap for the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice multi-author series. Although they are all truly standalone reads, it is a great collection to read together. It has been so fun to have book after book of these kind, gentle heroes. I can’t wait to read more from each of these 8 authors!
November 23, 2024
The Friendly Fall is a sweet, small town, fake dating, contemporary romance featuring Eliza Willis and Nick Walters.
When Eliza is let go, and her long-term boyfriend tells her they need time apart, she picks up what's left of her life and moves to West Falls to live with her 80-year old grandmother. She could use a fresh start and a new perspective and her grandmother is getting older and could use a hand. On her first day there she falls through an old ramp and they have to call the fire department to rescue her. That is how Eliza met Nick.
Nick has lived in West Falls his whole life. He took over the family business, Walters Hardware, after his father passed away 15 years prior. He is kind and thoughtful and caring and considerate. While his mother would like to see him settle down with someone, there isn't much choice in their small town and he has no interest in leaving.
While neither Eliza nor Nick are looking for a relationship, the two end up spending time together and become friends. They see the best in each other, and encourage one another. The more time they spend together, the more their feelings grow.
When Eliza's parents come to check on her, Nick reluctantly agrees to pretend to be her boyfriend. He wishes she would be open to pursuing a relationship because she is everything he could ever want. Unfortunately she is adamant they remain friends, and this favour puts stress on their relationship.
Can they work their way back to each other? Do they get their HEA? You'll just have to check it out for yourself to find out.
I definitely enjoyed this sweet story and recommend you pick up a copy.
Note: This book is one of eight that make up the Cinnamon Roll and Pumpkin Spice series.
When Eliza is let go, and her long-term boyfriend tells her they need time apart, she picks up what's left of her life and moves to West Falls to live with her 80-year old grandmother. She could use a fresh start and a new perspective and her grandmother is getting older and could use a hand. On her first day there she falls through an old ramp and they have to call the fire department to rescue her. That is how Eliza met Nick.
Nick has lived in West Falls his whole life. He took over the family business, Walters Hardware, after his father passed away 15 years prior. He is kind and thoughtful and caring and considerate. While his mother would like to see him settle down with someone, there isn't much choice in their small town and he has no interest in leaving.
While neither Eliza nor Nick are looking for a relationship, the two end up spending time together and become friends. They see the best in each other, and encourage one another. The more time they spend together, the more their feelings grow.
When Eliza's parents come to check on her, Nick reluctantly agrees to pretend to be her boyfriend. He wishes she would be open to pursuing a relationship because she is everything he could ever want. Unfortunately she is adamant they remain friends, and this favour puts stress on their relationship.
Can they work their way back to each other? Do they get their HEA? You'll just have to check it out for yourself to find out.
I definitely enjoyed this sweet story and recommend you pick up a copy.
Note: This book is one of eight that make up the Cinnamon Roll and Pumpkin Spice series.
October 24, 2024
Kristine W Joy puts the “com” in rom-com. She had me laughing-out-loud from the very first “fall”! And Granny, oh Granny - she was hilarious. The perfect side character to add an extra layer of humor and heart.
Highlightables:
- Nick and Eliza’s chemistry, which was on point. (Swoon factor overload)
- Their friends, respectively (Amy and Daniel), the town, all its nosy inhabitants. Also the meddling mother, grandmother, and sister. (Does anyone ever really stand a chance against a hilarious meddling grandmother?)
- The fall festival - I’m just gonna give a shout out (without any spoilers) to that thing they did with the pumpkins, and that way that Nick got wet. (Hilarious)
- Thanksgiving. (Nope. Not giving you any more than that. But it’s so good, trust me!)
- The way he believes in her.
- And he never gives up on her.
- And yes! Her big romantic gesture (no spoilers, remember?). It was just so perfect.
This book, brimming with humor and tension, also included a few tears (grief rep), and a whole lot of heart. (And did I mention all the swoon-worthy moments?) Everything I’ve come to know and love about Kristine W Joy, as an author.
I highly recommend The Friendly Fall, the final installment in the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice Series. Don’t miss out on all the humor and romance (and soooooo much more) this fall!
Highlightables:
- Nick and Eliza’s chemistry, which was on point. (Swoon factor overload)
- Their friends, respectively (Amy and Daniel), the town, all its nosy inhabitants. Also the meddling mother, grandmother, and sister. (Does anyone ever really stand a chance against a hilarious meddling grandmother?)
- The fall festival - I’m just gonna give a shout out (without any spoilers) to that thing they did with the pumpkins, and that way that Nick got wet. (Hilarious)
- Thanksgiving. (Nope. Not giving you any more than that. But it’s so good, trust me!)
- The way he believes in her.
- And he never gives up on her.
- And yes! Her big romantic gesture (no spoilers, remember?). It was just so perfect.
This book, brimming with humor and tension, also included a few tears (grief rep), and a whole lot of heart. (And did I mention all the swoon-worthy moments?) Everything I’ve come to know and love about Kristine W Joy, as an author.
I highly recommend The Friendly Fall, the final installment in the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice Series. Don’t miss out on all the humor and romance (and soooooo much more) this fall!
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