In a world where the rules are iron-clad, the only thing more dangerous than the mountain is falling for the man who abandoned it.
CONNOR I was once at the top of the snowboarding world until one traumatic night took everything from me. Five years later, I’m offered a return to the circuit as the head coach for the only boarder talented enough to rival my own legacy—the reckless, cocky, and undeniably brilliant Vox Montgomery. For me, this isn't just a job; it’s my shot at redemption. But Vox is a magnetic force I can’t resist, and if I can’t keep my hands to myself, I’ll lose this chance before it even starts.
VOX I’ve spent five years harboring a grudge against my idol. When Connor vanished without a trace, he left a void that fueled my reputation for being as dangerous on the slopes as I am off them. When Connor arrives in Ricochet Ridge as my new head coach, I’m determined to get more than just his professional respect—I want him. The tension between us is a powder keg, forbidden by the iron-clad rules of my sponsor. Grey Patterson forbids staff and athletes from dating, meaning one wrong move could end my career and Connor’s second chance.
THE RACE When Vox finds Connor broken in the snow and finally learns the devastating truth behind his disappearance, the lines between coach and athlete get obliterated. In the high-stakes world of professional snowboarding, Connor and Vox are about to learn that the most dangerous pursuit isn't a first place finish on the mountain—it's the heart of the one person you’re forbidden to touch.
Coach x Athlete Forbidden Romance Healing from Trauma Snark and Banter High Heat & HEA
Fall Line is an interconnected standalone with a guaranteed HEA. You can start here or read it out of order without spoilers for the rest of the Ricochet Ridge series.
Jillian lives in North Carolina with her incredibly supportive husband and three awesome stepkids. After over ten years in the healthcare industry, it was time to pursue a new passion. An avid reader her whole life, she sat down one night and let the words begin to flow. Four hours and ten thousand words later, a love of writing was discovered. She writes spicy, bingeable reads that encourage self-discovery and come with all the angst and excitement of a new relationship. When she isn’t reading or writing, you can either find her in her vegetable garden, at CrossFit™, or on a plane headed toward her next adventure.
Read book one and immediately knew I would need these two in my life.
What do you get when you put two hot as fuck guys together, a demanding sport and a “non fraternization” rule in a close proximity environment? A slow burn with the spiciest tension that explodes into the best feelings fueled lust ever.
I knew I was going to like this, because who wouldn’t enjoy hot guys in snowboards? But especially these two. Vox had me intrigued from the beginning, his cocky persona and his laid back attitude didn’t fully add up and his past was just so sad. I needed him to find his happy, his good thing outside of the sport, but truly it had to be WITHIN the sport. The way his famous crush was just destined for him. My manifestation king.
Now Connor truly brought my heart a little pain. His trauma and the time away from his love of the sport were heartbreaking and I couldn’t be happier when he came back home. He healed and became the man he was meant to be. His longing and fight for Vox were the hottest ever, but giving in? Turning his self hate into a real good thing? Being the man he needed to be for Vox AND himself? I was in love and in awe of him.
I truly cannot get enough of Jillian’s writing. I have already signed up for the rest of the series and will be going back to read her backlog.
Truly grateful to, TAA and Jillian, for this e-arc!
Quotes:
This one's for Connor because he will be mine, just like this first-place finish.
"What's the matter, hotshot? Coach got your tongue?"
There’s nothing like having a man as beautiful, powerful, and talented as Vox place his trust in me.
It’s probably safe to say we can add cock warming to the list of shit I enjoy with Connor.
“Having my cum poured inside your ass wasn’t good enough? You want it filling you from both ends, don’t you?”
Vox tips in first, and as soon as he's over the ledge, working his way down I know without a doubt, I’d follow him anywhere.
"You challenge my concentration, yet demand my focus. You are hands-down the most dangerous run I've ever taken, and you're also the most direct path to my happiness. You, Vox Montgomery, are my fall line."
Fall Line completely stole my heart - hands down my fave of Jillian's books so far! I AM OBSESSED WITH VOX + CONNOR <3 It was the perfect balance of emotion, tension, spice, and heartfelt connection - all wrapped up in a story that was deeply personal and absolutely impossible to put down. We got to follow the journeys of MCs Vox and Connor. They're both navigating their own struggles and emotional baggage from the past. Their individual growth throughout the story was so endearing and really drew me in. Vox is a pro snowboarder in the prime of his career, getting ready to win the Winter Classic Games. He has this big outgoing personality, and seemingly perfect life on the outside, but carries so much under the surface. Connor used to be at the top of the sport, and his sudden departure from the circuit 5 yrs ago is full of mystery. He hasn't been back on a board since, and is hired as Vox's coach for the upcoming games. The athlete x coach partnership starts out rocky, and we get some really good banter as the tension builds between them. But then watching them slowly open up about their pasts felt so raw and authentic. I loved seeing their vulnerability as they supported each other through it all. The heat builds deliciously, and adds just the right level of intensity and purpose to their story. Guys the male moaning! Both MCs finishing in their pants! The edging! ON THE SKI LIFT!!! Let's just say I was not prepared for the heat to have me blushing so many times. Vox + Connor are the epitome of what I yearn for in a romance. The high stakes tension could snap at any moment. Their chemistry OMG! Slow burn with the yummiest payoffs that had me blushing (several times!). Emotion that hit so deeply, and I was rooting for their HEA so hard. Jillian truly delivered something special with this one - an easy 5 stars and my new fave from her. I can't wait for the next book in the Ricochet Ridge series!
The tension between Connor and Vox is strong from the start, and these two had me on edge the entire time. Their push and pull kept me completely invested in what would happen next. Honestly, their interactions made me downright giddy! I found myself smiling through so many of their moments together.
I’ll admit, snowboarding is completely foreign to me, but I loved the way the sport was woven into the story. The way Connor and Vox talk about their craft and what it means to them makes it easy to appreciate how much it shapes their lives and ultimately brings them together.
Both characters have so many layers, and one of my favorite parts of the book was slowly peeling those back as they let each other see sides of themselves they usually keep hidden. They allow each other a level of vulnerability that neither of them typically show, and I loved how they embraced each other fully, even the frustrating parts. It made their connection feel genuine and really sweet.
And wow… this book is spicy. I definitely had to take a few breaks to process before diving back in!
There’s no denying that Connor and Vox fit together perfectly. They bring out the best in each other and help each other grow, but their careers add a huge layer of tension since pursuing a relationship could put everything they’ve worked for at risk.
Overall, Jillian D. Wray wrote a compelling, chemistry-filled story that kept me engaged and wanting more the entire time! I am definitely a fan and can’t wait for Avalanche!
Professional snowboarding was never as sexy and as dangerous. Connor used to be the very best at snowboarding. Everyone knew his name and his reputation. After a traumatic incident, he simply disappeared. Now, with an offer to come back and coach the best snowboarder in the circuit, he finds his way back. Vox is the ridiculously talented, handsome snowboarder, who is also outgoing and unapologetic about his life and his choices. Underneath the façade, all he wants is to be loved, cared for and make people proud. When he meets his new coach – his long-time hero and crush – sparks fly immediately. The chemistry, the connection, the understanding in all levels between them is enough to make them relent and hide the forbidden relationship. Fall Line is the kind of romance that keeps on getting better with each chapter, with so many good twists and turns, giving us banter, angst, spice, but also the most heart-warming moments full of longing, yearning, emotion and support. Jillian D. Wray is an amazing writer that never fails to bring tension, personal growth, slow burn and forever kind of love into her stories. Fall Line is another must read in a series that just keeps getting better. Thank you for the ARC.
I’m having so much fun with this series. Meltdown was sweet and I loved seeing Liam and Damon’s dynamic change and this was sweet as well but Vox and Connor were a different kind of sweet and I enjoyed it!
Both Vox and Conner had insecurities due to past circumstances in life and having them work together to deal with these as their relationship developed was great to see. Vox taking mental notes on what may trigger Conner and learning how to work within those triggers to get him to allow himself to feel comfortable and safe was just as sweet as Conner learning Vox and his fears and making sure to show up for him every time and keeping the communication between them clear. I think this helped Vox understand Conner’s choices without feeling like Connor was letting him down which was important to Vox.
The snowboarding was fun the banter was great! This was fun and I’m glad I picked it up! I’m excited about the next book in the series!
Another amazing book by Jillian Wray! I loved so much about this book. The forbidden relationship, the way it developed. Both the MCs are so much fun! I love snark and banter and Jillian absolutely delivers! I can honestly say that this series is off to an amazing start and I can’t wait to see what she does with the rest of the series! The first 2 were absolutely fantastic and make me feral for the rest!
-mm romance -pro snowboarder x coach -forbidden love -secret betrayals -forced proximity -found family
man this one has such a deeper plot line on both characters sides that made it so easy to get sucked in & wonder how they were going to get thru it all & jillian wrote it so will!! also i loveeee when an athlete gets a coach....who happens to have been their inspiration/hero & crush all in one that got them started in the sport...😏😏😏😏 its the best!
After loving Meltdown, I was so excited for Fall Line, and it absolutely delivered! This sweet snowboarding story featuring Vox and Connor stole my heart. I adore how they communicate. There’s no guessing or playing games; they just say exactly how they feel, which is refreshingly rare in romance. Their connection feels real and completely satisfying. I can’t wait to dive into the next book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had the pleasure of reading an arc of this delicious, steamy, incredible book. I finished it in a day, forsaking all my chores and duties with 0 regrets. Vox & Connor are such amazing characters and I had so much fun watching their relationship grow. Can't wait for the next books in this series.
Holy heat and tension between these two! Hot dang, there are on fire together and the amount of protectiveness he wants for him is so real! The competition and learning from each other. Especially when he was teaching him to anticipate his moves, wow! Everything about this was so good!
this book was amazing and the more i went on the more i loved it. the twists to plot thicken u wont regret this book or thise series , i wont say to much as i dont want to spoil it for anyone this is a must read u will fall inlove with these characters cant wait for book 3