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When the Leaves Fall
Drew’s world is forever changed when her mom collapses upon returning from their annual mother/daughter trip. Instead of flying back home to Colorado, she is staying in Wisconsin with her dad while her mom recovers.
Luca chose to become a Critical Care Unit nurse because he knows how it feels for the world to fade away around you, and the only thing you can see clearly is the pain and stress of caring for a loved one.
When the pair meets, they bond over their shared experiences, sweet gestures, and an undeniable attraction. But Drew lives states away, and Luca is on her mom’s care team. There is a boundary there that they know they shouldn’t cross. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist.
Content This book contains flashbacks of the FMC's mother having multiple cardiac arrests, as well as the aftermath of the MMC's father having a stroke, and the MMC becoming a caregiver at only twelve years old. It takes place mostly in a hospital setting where the FMC's mom is recovering. This book deals with serious topics, but is also a sweet romance. No one dies in this book.
Luca chose to become a Critical Care Unit nurse because he knows how it feels for the world to fade away around you, and the only thing you can see clearly is the pain and stress of caring for a loved one.
When the pair meets, they bond over their shared experiences, sweet gestures, and an undeniable attraction. But Drew lives states away, and Luca is on her mom’s care team. There is a boundary there that they know they shouldn’t cross. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist.
Content This book contains flashbacks of the FMC's mother having multiple cardiac arrests, as well as the aftermath of the MMC's father having a stroke, and the MMC becoming a caregiver at only twelve years old. It takes place mostly in a hospital setting where the FMC's mom is recovering. This book deals with serious topics, but is also a sweet romance. No one dies in this book.
280 pages, Paperback
Published September 4, 2025
4 people are currently reading
1634 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 27, 2025
I loved this story. The emotional journey for the MCs was real and very heartbreaking. I thought this story was excellently written and the story grabbed my attention and held on. I look forward to more from this author
September 1, 2025
A great novella about finding love during heartache. Drew's mom had a heart attack out of nowhere. The doctors are trying to figure out what happened. Luca is an intensive care nurse that grows closer with the family. Luca and Drew have immediate sparks and attraction. Their chemistry and banter was so much fun.
What will happen when Drew's mom gets better and she goes back to Colorado?
What will happen when Drew's mom gets better and she goes back to Colorado?
August 14, 2025
Got an early copy and read through it pretty fast. When the Leaves Fall is a nice easy read just like this authors other books {which you should check out ;)}. Reading about the MMCs and FMCs past really brings their perspectives together. If you’re looking for a fast and cute love story this is the book for you!
August 13, 2025
I received a copy of this for my honest review
The FMC was supposed to go home after her mother daughter trip. But now she doesn't know when she will be able to leave. Her mom is in the hospital, with no real answers. Our MMC is a nurse in the Critical Care Unit our FMCs mom is in. That's how they meet, he is assigned to her mom. He is the first person who has taken care of her in a long time. But can this go beyond a friendship? What do the rules say?
The FMC was supposed to go home after her mother daughter trip. But now she doesn't know when she will be able to leave. Her mom is in the hospital, with no real answers. Our MMC is a nurse in the Critical Care Unit our FMCs mom is in. That's how they meet, he is assigned to her mom. He is the first person who has taken care of her in a long time. But can this go beyond a friendship? What do the rules say?
August 15, 2025
Love this book. Very heartwarming and sweet. It’s a quick read and keeps you interested.
August 23, 2025
What a touching and hopeful book! Beautifully written and like a warm blanket on a cool night, this book is equal parts comforting and tingly. The fact that the story is based on true events in the the author’s life makes it even more poignant, especially for those of us who have lived through a parent’s medical emergency.
Drew and her mother have just returned from their yearly mother-daughter trip when her mom collapses suddenly in the kitchen. Whisked to the hospital, Drew and her father are blindsided as her mom experiences multiple cardiac events and is still unresponsive days later.
Luca is the CCU night nurse who is taking care of Drew’s mom. A childhood of caretaking for his father made Luca acutely aware of the importance of support for caregivers and his gentleness and compassion is a balm for Drew’s heart. Their friendship grows in the quiet of night in the CCU, and their attraction grows as well. But once Drew’s mom is well enough she will move out of the CCU and eventually will leave the hospital, and Drew will return to her home out-of-state. What will that mean for this budding relationship?
Honestly, this story is just so lovely. The bond between Luca and Drew grows and deepens so organically that I nearly cheered out loud when they kissed for the first time. This book is a love story to Autumn, to small towns, to nurses, and to love. Luca makes caregiving sexy and Drew’s struggles as an only child navigating a parent’s medical emergency were heartbreakingly accurate. Sometimes, book boyfriends don’t wear cowboy hats, sometimes they wear scrubs and an understanding smile. What a delightful read.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
Drew and her mother have just returned from their yearly mother-daughter trip when her mom collapses suddenly in the kitchen. Whisked to the hospital, Drew and her father are blindsided as her mom experiences multiple cardiac events and is still unresponsive days later.
Luca is the CCU night nurse who is taking care of Drew’s mom. A childhood of caretaking for his father made Luca acutely aware of the importance of support for caregivers and his gentleness and compassion is a balm for Drew’s heart. Their friendship grows in the quiet of night in the CCU, and their attraction grows as well. But once Drew’s mom is well enough she will move out of the CCU and eventually will leave the hospital, and Drew will return to her home out-of-state. What will that mean for this budding relationship?
Honestly, this story is just so lovely. The bond between Luca and Drew grows and deepens so organically that I nearly cheered out loud when they kissed for the first time. This book is a love story to Autumn, to small towns, to nurses, and to love. Luca makes caregiving sexy and Drew’s struggles as an only child navigating a parent’s medical emergency were heartbreakingly accurate. Sometimes, book boyfriends don’t wear cowboy hats, sometimes they wear scrubs and an understanding smile. What a delightful read.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
August 25, 2025
ARC REVIEW
This is the first book I read by Chelsea Jean, and it won’t be the last by a mile. When I first saw this book and the choose your own ending concept, reminiscent of books I used to read as a kid waaaaay back in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s (because I’m old af), I wondered how she was going to pull that off with a contemporary romance novel. Let’s just say she did it brilliantly.
When The Leaves Fall is the love story of Drew, a girlboss from Colorado (although originally a Wisconsinite), and Luca, a nurse, who fall in love while Drew’s mom is in intensive care for cardiac issues. Luca is no stranger to trauma himself, having taken care of his own father who suffered a stroke when he was only twelve years old. The chemistry between the two is immediate, and they quickly embark on a steamy tryst. But what happens when Drew’s mom is discharged and Drew has to return home? Guess you’ll have to read it to find out.
I really enjoyed this story. It flowed nicely and Luca and Drew were adorable together. The banter was bantering and there was a nice sprinkling of humor to balance out the heavy parts of the story. If you’re looking for a quick fun read with heavy fall vibes, I would recommend you pick this gem up when it releases on September 4th.
This is the first book I read by Chelsea Jean, and it won’t be the last by a mile. When I first saw this book and the choose your own ending concept, reminiscent of books I used to read as a kid waaaaay back in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s (because I’m old af), I wondered how she was going to pull that off with a contemporary romance novel. Let’s just say she did it brilliantly.
When The Leaves Fall is the love story of Drew, a girlboss from Colorado (although originally a Wisconsinite), and Luca, a nurse, who fall in love while Drew’s mom is in intensive care for cardiac issues. Luca is no stranger to trauma himself, having taken care of his own father who suffered a stroke when he was only twelve years old. The chemistry between the two is immediate, and they quickly embark on a steamy tryst. But what happens when Drew’s mom is discharged and Drew has to return home? Guess you’ll have to read it to find out.
I really enjoyed this story. It flowed nicely and Luca and Drew were adorable together. The banter was bantering and there was a nice sprinkling of humor to balance out the heavy parts of the story. If you’re looking for a quick fun read with heavy fall vibes, I would recommend you pick this gem up when it releases on September 4th.
August 16, 2025
When the Leaves Fall was such a heartwarming, love-filled read. If you’re in the mood for a quick story that still packs an emotional punch, this one is perfect.
Told in dual POV, each chapter begins with little flashback moments that help you really understand the characters on a deeper level. Drew’s life takes an unexpected turn after returning from a trip with her mom, who was supposed to be heading back to Colorado, only for her mom to collapse at home and end up in the ICU. Suddenly, Drew’s world feels like it’s crumbling.
Enter Lucas, the compassionate overnight ICU nurse assigned to her mom’s room. He becomes the light Drew desperately needs, and the instant connection between them is undeniable. With his own family history shaping his career path, Lucas dedicates himself to easing the burden for families facing medical hardships.
Drew and Lucas are destined, their bond is too strong for even distance to break. And one of my favorite parts? You get to choose your own ending! (Of course, I had to read them both.)
A heartfelt, quick read that will stay with you.
Thank you to the author for the free copy, I’m so glad I picked this one up.
Told in dual POV, each chapter begins with little flashback moments that help you really understand the characters on a deeper level. Drew’s life takes an unexpected turn after returning from a trip with her mom, who was supposed to be heading back to Colorado, only for her mom to collapse at home and end up in the ICU. Suddenly, Drew’s world feels like it’s crumbling.
Enter Lucas, the compassionate overnight ICU nurse assigned to her mom’s room. He becomes the light Drew desperately needs, and the instant connection between them is undeniable. With his own family history shaping his career path, Lucas dedicates himself to easing the burden for families facing medical hardships.
Drew and Lucas are destined, their bond is too strong for even distance to break. And one of my favorite parts? You get to choose your own ending! (Of course, I had to read them both.)
A heartfelt, quick read that will stay with you.
Thank you to the author for the free copy, I’m so glad I picked this one up.
September 5, 2025
Thanks to Chelsea Jean and her team for sending this ARC in exchange for my honest review
⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
What I always say about a shy looking man being not that shy 🫣
While I enjoyed this read I found that the writing formatwas not necessary my cup of tea, I don't think we needed that delicate flash back on every chapter specially not on the spicy chapters.
On the bright side I loved the idea of the choose your own ending and I read both and both are perfectly in tune with the story including their corresponding epilogues
~Blurb~
When Drew's mom collapses during their annual trip, Drew's world is turned upside down. Instead of returning to Colorado, she's forced to stay in Wisconsin with her dad while her mom recovers. Where she meets Luca, a CCU nurse who understands the pain of caring for a sick loved one. As they bond over their shared experiences, sweet gestures, and undeniable attraction, they struggle with the professional and geographical boundaries between them and they find it increasingly difficult to resist their feelings for each other.
Tropes:
Insta-Love
Nurse MMC
Cosy
Friends with benefits
Choose your own ending
When The Leaves Fall is out now!!
⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
What I always say about a shy looking man being not that shy 🫣
While I enjoyed this read I found that the writing formatwas not necessary my cup of tea, I don't think we needed that delicate flash back on every chapter specially not on the spicy chapters.
On the bright side I loved the idea of the choose your own ending and I read both and both are perfectly in tune with the story including their corresponding epilogues
~Blurb~
When Drew's mom collapses during their annual trip, Drew's world is turned upside down. Instead of returning to Colorado, she's forced to stay in Wisconsin with her dad while her mom recovers. Where she meets Luca, a CCU nurse who understands the pain of caring for a sick loved one. As they bond over their shared experiences, sweet gestures, and undeniable attraction, they struggle with the professional and geographical boundaries between them and they find it increasingly difficult to resist their feelings for each other.
Tropes:
Insta-Love
Nurse MMC
Cosy
Friends with benefits
Choose your own ending
When The Leaves Fall is out now!!
September 6, 2025
This was a sweet read about finding love during one of the worst times in your life. It had so much heart, sweet characters and big emotions.
Drew is a daughter supporting her mom through a traumatic medical event.
Luca is a CCU nurse who is assigned to care for Drew's mom.
They meet the first night he is caring for her mom. He gets her coffee and a bagel the next morning. They share a connection. And get to know each other while he cares for her mom and she tries to support her parents. Then they go on a date. And things get complicated because feelings get involved. In a big way.
I really enjoyed the way we got to know both these characters. Both have had to support their parents through a medical trauma and both have to deal with the impact of that. Their stories are emotional, intense and interesting.
This is a beautifully written story with a choose your own adventure style ending (which was a new experience for me).
I received this as an ARC and am so grateful for the opportunity. This had no impact on my review which is based entirely on the story itself.
Drew is a daughter supporting her mom through a traumatic medical event.
Luca is a CCU nurse who is assigned to care for Drew's mom.
They meet the first night he is caring for her mom. He gets her coffee and a bagel the next morning. They share a connection. And get to know each other while he cares for her mom and she tries to support her parents. Then they go on a date. And things get complicated because feelings get involved. In a big way.
I really enjoyed the way we got to know both these characters. Both have had to support their parents through a medical trauma and both have to deal with the impact of that. Their stories are emotional, intense and interesting.
This is a beautifully written story with a choose your own adventure style ending (which was a new experience for me).
I received this as an ARC and am so grateful for the opportunity. This had no impact on my review which is based entirely on the story itself.
August 18, 2025
I was given the opportunity to read this in its final edits, and then again once it had been finalized and my oh my!!
The dual POV love story of Drew and Luca captured my heart, and it will capture yours too! Drew's mom is in the CCU and Luca is her nurse, Chelsea has written this with medical terms that are as accurate as possible making my medical heart so happy because books like that are so hard to find!
The emotional flashbacks got me so hard! They really tie the story together, making it feel whole and full of detail. They begin each chapter off with an insight into what has really happened on both Drew, and Luca's side of the story.
The "you choose" ending was GREAT!! Both ending made the book feel complete!
If you are looking for a not too spicy (but still has the good good), fall instalove romance then this book is definitely for you!
🍁you choose ending
🌄dual pov
❗️open-door spice
❤️insta love
🩺 accurate medical terms
The dual POV love story of Drew and Luca captured my heart, and it will capture yours too! Drew's mom is in the CCU and Luca is her nurse, Chelsea has written this with medical terms that are as accurate as possible making my medical heart so happy because books like that are so hard to find!
The emotional flashbacks got me so hard! They really tie the story together, making it feel whole and full of detail. They begin each chapter off with an insight into what has really happened on both Drew, and Luca's side of the story.
The "you choose" ending was GREAT!! Both ending made the book feel complete!
If you are looking for a not too spicy (but still has the good good), fall instalove romance then this book is definitely for you!
🍁you choose ending
🌄dual pov
❗️open-door spice
❤️insta love
🩺 accurate medical terms
August 27, 2025
***ARC Review***
Everything about this book felt like a perfectly timed read. It was warm & cozy with a little sweet & spicy. Really put me in the mood for fall weather and pumpkin spice lattes. This was a quick read. Short chapters really kept the book paced well. I found myself finishing this in one day.
The connection between the MMC and FMC was palpable on page, which can sometimes feel hard with the insta-love storyline. But Luca was just a dream of an MMC. And Drew was so relatable as well. Each chapter began with a little flash back that gave us more insight into character development.
Also there is a pick your ending epilogue. Loved that! Of course I read them both anyways, but definitely an engaging option for readers who don’t want typical “predictable” epilogue content.
Last but not least, we get the be all end all of micro tropes… Not only is there a “fuck it” moment, we get this moment in an elevator no less! Buckle up!
Everything about this book felt like a perfectly timed read. It was warm & cozy with a little sweet & spicy. Really put me in the mood for fall weather and pumpkin spice lattes. This was a quick read. Short chapters really kept the book paced well. I found myself finishing this in one day.
The connection between the MMC and FMC was palpable on page, which can sometimes feel hard with the insta-love storyline. But Luca was just a dream of an MMC. And Drew was so relatable as well. Each chapter began with a little flash back that gave us more insight into character development.
Also there is a pick your ending epilogue. Loved that! Of course I read them both anyways, but definitely an engaging option for readers who don’t want typical “predictable” epilogue content.
Last but not least, we get the be all end all of micro tropes… Not only is there a “fuck it” moment, we get this moment in an elevator no less! Buckle up!
August 15, 2025
I fully enjoyed When the Leaves Fall!
The chapters rotate between the FMC and MMC. Drew, the FMC, was fully intending on returning to Colorado after her mother/daughter trip when her mom ends up in the Critical Care Unit. The MMC, Luca, is one of Drew's mom's nurses. They have an instant connection!
Luca's has dealt with parental health issues as a kid.
At the beginning of each chapter there is a look back of that particular character and their parents: Drew with what happened to her mother that ended with her in the CCU and Luca with his fathers health.
Having a mom with heart issues and a father with dementia, I really was drawn into this book and these characters!
When the Leaves Fall also has a choose your own ending! Of course I read both but I just love this concept!!
Definitely a little spice but not overly spicy.
I loved it and highly recommend!
The chapters rotate between the FMC and MMC. Drew, the FMC, was fully intending on returning to Colorado after her mother/daughter trip when her mom ends up in the Critical Care Unit. The MMC, Luca, is one of Drew's mom's nurses. They have an instant connection!
Luca's has dealt with parental health issues as a kid.
At the beginning of each chapter there is a look back of that particular character and their parents: Drew with what happened to her mother that ended with her in the CCU and Luca with his fathers health.
Having a mom with heart issues and a father with dementia, I really was drawn into this book and these characters!
When the Leaves Fall also has a choose your own ending! Of course I read both but I just love this concept!!
Definitely a little spice but not overly spicy.
I loved it and highly recommend!
October 10, 2025
☁️Drew’s world tilts when her mom collapses after their annual trip, leaving her stuck in Wisconsin with her mom in the hospital and a lot of emotions she doesn’t know how to face.
🩺 Luca, a Critical Care nurse, understands that pain all too well. When he’s assigned to Drew’s mom’s care team, comfort and connection slip in where neither expected.
🥯 Between hospital halls, coffee & bagels & spicy elevator scenes, Drew and Luca discover love in vulnerability, even when it’s messy, complicated, and risky.
🌲 A tender story about grief and healing, mixed well with pumpkin guts, crunchy leaves and letting yourself fall right when the leaves do.
BONUS: pick your own ending 🤭 Chelsea is so clever and you get to decide your own ending and it was SO much fun! I really can’t tell you more than that, you have to read it for yourself. 🧡
🩺 Luca, a Critical Care nurse, understands that pain all too well. When he’s assigned to Drew’s mom’s care team, comfort and connection slip in where neither expected.
🥯 Between hospital halls, coffee & bagels & spicy elevator scenes, Drew and Luca discover love in vulnerability, even when it’s messy, complicated, and risky.
🌲 A tender story about grief and healing, mixed well with pumpkin guts, crunchy leaves and letting yourself fall right when the leaves do.
BONUS: pick your own ending 🤭 Chelsea is so clever and you get to decide your own ending and it was SO much fun! I really can’t tell you more than that, you have to read it for yourself. 🧡
August 26, 2025
I was lucky enough to read this one early and I'm so grateful for the opportunity! This has perfect cozy vibes while still dealing with heavy themes. I love a caregiver romance and I give this story extra points because it made me cry and laugh.
Perfect for fall and for those that have had a loved one need major medical care. This felt like a warm hug.
Perfect for fall and for those that have had a loved one need major medical care. This felt like a warm hug.
August 31, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! Without giving away much overall it was a sweet and heartwarming read. I love how serious and sad it was at times but how their slow growing love made it warm. This is my first read from this author and I would definitely recommend it. Can’t wait to read more of their work!
September 1, 2025
I wanted to really like this book, especially based on the previous book I’ve read from this author, but the insta-love felt awkward to me.
The characters were written well and I appreciated the choose your own ending so readers (like me) could avoid the accidental pregnancy storyline if that’s not their cup of tea.
Thank you Chelsea for letting me read this ARC!
The characters were written well and I appreciated the choose your own ending so readers (like me) could avoid the accidental pregnancy storyline if that’s not their cup of tea.
Thank you Chelsea for letting me read this ARC!
September 3, 2025
Book 69 of 2025 was “When the leaves fall” by Chelsea Jean. It was my first read by this author and a @goodreads giveaway win. This book wasn’t your typical cozy, semi 🌶️ romance; it deals with trauma and how fast life can change. It also has a choose your own ending option, which I enjoyed. 4 out of 5 ⭐️.
August 20, 2025
First time read from this author
This is a shorter story but beautifly executed.
D&L have a progression relationship that moves so fullfilling.
Situations to bring these two together are not in the best but what becomes of it is amazing.
This is a shorter story but beautifly executed.
D&L have a progression relationship that moves so fullfilling.
Situations to bring these two together are not in the best but what becomes of it is amazing.
September 23, 2025
Love, love, love the work by Chelsea!! She of course did it again with this book!! very good, “quick” read!!… I love that I know Chelsea personally and she adds a little of herself to the characters!… I just don’t have the words other than, it’s a good read!! Go read it!!😜
August 20, 2025
Another amazing book by Chelsea. I loved this one!
September 21, 2025
So cute! I loved this book.
December 29, 2025
Really good story. Liked the format as well and dual point of view. Also doing the choose your ending was very different. Liked this little romance, very cute
September 23, 2025
Sweet, quick read, fall vibes.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews