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Downfall: A Small Town, Second Chance Romance
He lost the right for my name to sound like anything other than an apology years ago.
I was fifteen when I fell in love with my best friend.
He was beautiful, broken, and a liar.
For years, I loved him in silence. Suffered through every platonic forehead kiss. Endured every night spent huddled together watching old movies in my bed.
Until the night I let him see all the vulnerable parts of me. The night I let him love me back. And after? He didn’t just break my heart. He broke me.
So I did the only thing I could think of. I ran.
And when I finally came back years later? We avoided each other like our lives depended on it. A careful, choreographed dance. A delicate rhythm of never being in the same place at the same time.
Then just when I think I have a fighting chance of getting over him, we’re both forced to show up for a friend’s wedding. It was only supposed to be a small ceremony, a few drinks after. So imagine my shock when I wake up the next morning with a ring on my finger and the man who destroyed my heart sitting in my living room.
Downfall is the third book in the Emberfield Falls Series. While it is part of an interconnected series, it can be read as a complete standalone. Please check content warnings as this book deals with heavy subject matter that may be sensitive to some readers.
I was fifteen when I fell in love with my best friend.
He was beautiful, broken, and a liar.
For years, I loved him in silence. Suffered through every platonic forehead kiss. Endured every night spent huddled together watching old movies in my bed.
Until the night I let him see all the vulnerable parts of me. The night I let him love me back. And after? He didn’t just break my heart. He broke me.
So I did the only thing I could think of. I ran.
And when I finally came back years later? We avoided each other like our lives depended on it. A careful, choreographed dance. A delicate rhythm of never being in the same place at the same time.
Then just when I think I have a fighting chance of getting over him, we’re both forced to show up for a friend’s wedding. It was only supposed to be a small ceremony, a few drinks after. So imagine my shock when I wake up the next morning with a ring on my finger and the man who destroyed my heart sitting in my living room.
Downfall is the third book in the Emberfield Falls Series. While it is part of an interconnected series, it can be read as a complete standalone. Please check content warnings as this book deals with heavy subject matter that may be sensitive to some readers.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
About the author
Mala Scott
5 books14 followersMala Scott is a contemporary romance author who writes steamy, emotional love stories featuring resilient heroines and the men who fall hard for them. When she’s not writing about the messy, gritty side of love, Mala can be found lost in a book or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. She lives in California with her husband and kids, where she finds inspiration in everyday moments and the beauty of imperfection.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 15, 2026
I cannot get over this book. I finished it about a week ago and have no clue how to write a review worthy of this book. I seriously was in a spiral over the book, it was so emotionally there, I can’t even explain it. The book was confusing at parts, made me want to scream, had me almost crying (and I have never cried over a book), but most importantly loving every moment of it.
Skylar is ugh, I have a love hate relationship with her. I will admit she was trying so hard to protect herself that it may have hurt her. She hadn’t spoken to Declan for 6 years and then she was defying him when he asked her to marry him. With a new online marriage license system online she thought she would be able to make him back down, well she was legally married. And an annulment wasn’t an option.
Declan was just trying to get rid of the pain of hurting Skylar. He was getting in fights so he would feel physical pain, not the emotional pain. When Skylar was drunk and agreed to marry him, he saw this as his second chance to prove himself to her. He would sign the divorce papers if she really wanted that.
I will say chapter 1 was confusing for me. Skylar was talking to Ashton, her and Declan’s best friend, and I thought he was the love interest. After looking at the blurb I realized oh, Declan is the love interest. Honestly after that it all made sense. I read this book in 1 day on a road trip and told my mother at one point “I want to get in this book and slap the girl.” I am not at all a slow burning girl, but this book had me hooked without even realizing it. Towards the end I had shed tears I was freaking out, I had to check the chapters and calmed down, but for a minute I was losing my mind. The way she drew back from the 1 moment made me so mad because it was so small but honestly it made sense. That could have been my thinking because I just wanted her to stop fighting, part of my reasoning to wanting to slap her.
This book is not for everyone, I will admit the slow burn mad me mad but had me hooked just as bad as any other book. This book is slow burn with 2 people who have a past. This book does have spice in the second half, so I would definitely skip if that’s not something you like.
I want to thank Luna Literary and Mala Scott for letting me ARC (advanced readers copy) this book, I loved it! I don’t typically write reviews and I’m not even sure this did the book justice but I had to say something about it. This book is a 435 page book on Apple Books with an 18 page extra epilogue. This is a slow burn but so adorable and worth the read!
Skylar is ugh, I have a love hate relationship with her. I will admit she was trying so hard to protect herself that it may have hurt her. She hadn’t spoken to Declan for 6 years and then she was defying him when he asked her to marry him. With a new online marriage license system online she thought she would be able to make him back down, well she was legally married. And an annulment wasn’t an option.
Declan was just trying to get rid of the pain of hurting Skylar. He was getting in fights so he would feel physical pain, not the emotional pain. When Skylar was drunk and agreed to marry him, he saw this as his second chance to prove himself to her. He would sign the divorce papers if she really wanted that.
I will say chapter 1 was confusing for me. Skylar was talking to Ashton, her and Declan’s best friend, and I thought he was the love interest. After looking at the blurb I realized oh, Declan is the love interest. Honestly after that it all made sense. I read this book in 1 day on a road trip and told my mother at one point “I want to get in this book and slap the girl.” I am not at all a slow burning girl, but this book had me hooked without even realizing it. Towards the end I had shed tears I was freaking out, I had to check the chapters and calmed down, but for a minute I was losing my mind. The way she drew back from the 1 moment made me so mad because it was so small but honestly it made sense. That could have been my thinking because I just wanted her to stop fighting, part of my reasoning to wanting to slap her.
This book is not for everyone, I will admit the slow burn mad me mad but had me hooked just as bad as any other book. This book is slow burn with 2 people who have a past. This book does have spice in the second half, so I would definitely skip if that’s not something you like.
I want to thank Luna Literary and Mala Scott for letting me ARC (advanced readers copy) this book, I loved it! I don’t typically write reviews and I’m not even sure this did the book justice but I had to say something about it. This book is a 435 page book on Apple Books with an 18 page extra epilogue. This is a slow burn but so adorable and worth the read!
May 14, 2026
Thanks to the lovely author and Luna Literary Management for providing this e-ARC!
Skylar's best friend is getting married and she's to be in the wedding party, which means his other best friend, the guy who broke Skylar's heart at 17, will also be at the wedding. Seeing each other again and drinking at the wedding spiral things out of control to the point that the next morning, Skylar wakes up with a ring on her finger, the confirmation of their online wedding in her phone and regret. She wants an annulment, but when her late father's lawyer calls to tell her the conditions of the trust fund he left for her, she'll need to keep the ruse of their marriage at all costs. Could she keep things casual and friendly with the man that makes the memory of the most painful moment of her life come back to her over and over again?
When I requested this ARC, I knew the story could be out of my comfort zone. I haven't read a book with a bad boy/dangerous MMC in years because I couldn't stand them, but this book? It changed my mind completely and showed me how wrong I was to be prejudiced. It confirmed something I already suspected: a talented author can convince me to read any trope and love it. The story felt very emotional, especially because it contained pain (physical and emotional), trauma and lots of regret. Still, it had hilarious parts, sweet moments (not only between the MMCs but also in the secondary characters, their couples and friendships) and mind-blowing hot scenes.
I admired the fiery personality of the FMC, she wouldn't take any ill-treatment or disrespect, but she wasn't rude about it, she was just witty and determined. I also admired the MMC's determination to change bad habits born from trauma. His groveling for Skylar was fantastic, but nothing compares to how much he tried to change for her, to be able to cause her happiness instead of pain. Some of his traits, like his possessiveness and jealousy, were a bit too much for me, but it made sense with his history and personality.
Last but not least, the writing style was so good, it had the perfect pace to keep me reading until 3am, not wanting to stop.
Skylar's best friend is getting married and she's to be in the wedding party, which means his other best friend, the guy who broke Skylar's heart at 17, will also be at the wedding. Seeing each other again and drinking at the wedding spiral things out of control to the point that the next morning, Skylar wakes up with a ring on her finger, the confirmation of their online wedding in her phone and regret. She wants an annulment, but when her late father's lawyer calls to tell her the conditions of the trust fund he left for her, she'll need to keep the ruse of their marriage at all costs. Could she keep things casual and friendly with the man that makes the memory of the most painful moment of her life come back to her over and over again?
When I requested this ARC, I knew the story could be out of my comfort zone. I haven't read a book with a bad boy/dangerous MMC in years because I couldn't stand them, but this book? It changed my mind completely and showed me how wrong I was to be prejudiced. It confirmed something I already suspected: a talented author can convince me to read any trope and love it. The story felt very emotional, especially because it contained pain (physical and emotional), trauma and lots of regret. Still, it had hilarious parts, sweet moments (not only between the MMCs but also in the secondary characters, their couples and friendships) and mind-blowing hot scenes.
I admired the fiery personality of the FMC, she wouldn't take any ill-treatment or disrespect, but she wasn't rude about it, she was just witty and determined. I also admired the MMC's determination to change bad habits born from trauma. His groveling for Skylar was fantastic, but nothing compares to how much he tried to change for her, to be able to cause her happiness instead of pain. Some of his traits, like his possessiveness and jealousy, were a bit too much for me, but it made sense with his history and personality.
Last but not least, the writing style was so good, it had the perfect pace to keep me reading until 3am, not wanting to stop.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Downfall by Mala Scott completely wrecked me in the best possible way. This is one of those stories that grabs your heart early and refuses to let go, pulling you through every raw, emotional moment right alongside the characters.
Skylar and Declan’s story is intense from the very beginning. That young, first love energy mixed with heartbreak and longing feels so real it almost hurts. You can feel how deeply Skylar loved him and how devastating it was when everything fell apart. The history between them is heavy and complicated, and it lingers in every interaction when they find themselves back in each other’s orbit.
Declan is the kind of character who frustrates you, breaks your heart, and somehow still pulls you in. He is flawed, guarded, and carrying so much beneath the surface. Watching him navigate his feelings for Skylar while dealing with the consequences of the past made his character feel layered and real. And Skylar… she is strong in a quiet, emotional way. You can feel her pain, her hesitation, and her fight to protect herself even when her heart is still tied to him.
The accidental marriage trope adds such a powerful twist. Waking up tied to the one person who shattered you creates this tension that never lets up. Every scene between them is filled with unresolved emotion, longing, and that constant push and pull of wanting each other but not knowing how to move forward.
Mala Scott’s writing is incredibly immersive. It is emotional, raw, and unapologetically real. She does not shy away from the heavier themes, and that depth makes the story hit even harder. The way she builds the connection between past and present is seamless, and it keeps you fully invested in their journey.
This book is messy, emotional, and full of second chances that feel earned. If you love angsty romance, childhood best friends to lovers, and stories where love is complicated but undeniable, Downfall will absolutely consume you.
Skylar and Declan’s story is intense from the very beginning. That young, first love energy mixed with heartbreak and longing feels so real it almost hurts. You can feel how deeply Skylar loved him and how devastating it was when everything fell apart. The history between them is heavy and complicated, and it lingers in every interaction when they find themselves back in each other’s orbit.
Declan is the kind of character who frustrates you, breaks your heart, and somehow still pulls you in. He is flawed, guarded, and carrying so much beneath the surface. Watching him navigate his feelings for Skylar while dealing with the consequences of the past made his character feel layered and real. And Skylar… she is strong in a quiet, emotional way. You can feel her pain, her hesitation, and her fight to protect herself even when her heart is still tied to him.
The accidental marriage trope adds such a powerful twist. Waking up tied to the one person who shattered you creates this tension that never lets up. Every scene between them is filled with unresolved emotion, longing, and that constant push and pull of wanting each other but not knowing how to move forward.
Mala Scott’s writing is incredibly immersive. It is emotional, raw, and unapologetically real. She does not shy away from the heavier themes, and that depth makes the story hit even harder. The way she builds the connection between past and present is seamless, and it keeps you fully invested in their journey.
This book is messy, emotional, and full of second chances that feel earned. If you love angsty romance, childhood best friends to lovers, and stories where love is complicated but undeniable, Downfall will absolutely consume you.
May 12, 2026
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of the book and spoilers below.
Thank god that's over. Downfall is book 3 in a series, but I highly suggest reading the other books first to have a better grasp in the characters. Most of the time I was confused on how they all knew each other.
Skylar and Declan don't really stand out especially as the main characters. Plus there was a minor love triangle where their other best friend, Ashton used to have feelings for Skylar until they kissed are realized were better off as friends. That kiss happened back in high school, but the author still thought it important to bring up even though everyone is ~25.
Another issue I had was the flow of the book. I thought it was a bit choppy and that Skylar and Declan got back together a bit fast. I wanted him to grovel more. 3/4 of the book is Skylar and Declan's second chance romance and the last quarter is finding out that Declan's dad has been up to some sketchy stuff.
Spoiler alert! At the end of chapter 29 (with only 34 chapters in the book), Skylar gets into a car crash. I thought this was a little to predictable, especially because the Skylar starts digging into Declan's dad after one of her friends told her to be careful of her new father-in-law. This random suspense element threw me off and caused a disconnect within the book. I would have preferred the author focus more on Skylar and Declan's relationship.
This might just be me reading too much into it, but one part specifically, rubbed me the wrong way. It's the scene when Skylar was telling Declan that she kissed him while he was sleeping (making him her first kiss not Ashton). This made me question the lack of consent, especially because the author was playing it off as romantic.
Overall, for me, this book wasn't anything wow and I could have skipped it.
Thank god that's over. Downfall is book 3 in a series, but I highly suggest reading the other books first to have a better grasp in the characters. Most of the time I was confused on how they all knew each other.
Skylar and Declan don't really stand out especially as the main characters. Plus there was a minor love triangle where their other best friend, Ashton used to have feelings for Skylar until they kissed are realized were better off as friends. That kiss happened back in high school, but the author still thought it important to bring up even though everyone is ~25.
Another issue I had was the flow of the book. I thought it was a bit choppy and that Skylar and Declan got back together a bit fast. I wanted him to grovel more. 3/4 of the book is Skylar and Declan's second chance romance and the last quarter is finding out that Declan's dad has been up to some sketchy stuff.
Spoiler alert! At the end of chapter 29 (with only 34 chapters in the book), Skylar gets into a car crash. I thought this was a little to predictable, especially because the Skylar starts digging into Declan's dad after one of her friends told her to be careful of her new father-in-law. This random suspense element threw me off and caused a disconnect within the book. I would have preferred the author focus more on Skylar and Declan's relationship.
This might just be me reading too much into it, but one part specifically, rubbed me the wrong way. It's the scene when Skylar was telling Declan that she kissed him while he was sleeping (making him her first kiss not Ashton). This made me question the lack of consent, especially because the author was playing it off as romantic.
Overall, for me, this book wasn't anything wow and I could have skipped it.
May 13, 2026
Wow. I've been looking forward to this one on my ARC list for a while and it didn't disappoint! It's intense, angsty, frustrating, heartwrenching *and* heartwarming.
Skylar and Declan were once in love, for many years, but never tell each other until one night, they cross all the lines.... only for him to completely fucking wreck her the next day. She runs to California and he goes down a path of self-destruction, thinking he deserves to suffer and be in pain for what he did to the only woman he's ever loved. 6 years later, they have to face each other for the first time at their best friends wedding. It's tense and awkward... but when Declan decides to show up at the after party because he can't stay away from Skylar, things get interesting after they both get drunk... and wake up married.
Oh man, this book really got me. Declan portrays himself as a total a-hole in order to try to deny his own vulnerabilities. He's just a broken boy who got abused and manipulated by his father, but it left him completely empty and alone. Skylar has had to pick up every single shattered piece and put herself back together, having never told anyone about what happened. She hates him for what he did. But as they say, there's a fine line between love and hate.
I'm a sucker for a second chance, and this was no different. Declan was so desperately in love with Skylar, and she so desperately pretended to hate him, they clash and push each other's buttons until they slowly begin to crack and break apart in each other's arms again. Watching Skylar forgive him, and forgive himself in return just tugged at the heart strings so much. And the epilogue? 🥹😭 I just adored this one.
Thank you so much to Luna Literary Management and the author for allowing me to read and review, all opinions are my own.
Skylar and Declan were once in love, for many years, but never tell each other until one night, they cross all the lines.... only for him to completely fucking wreck her the next day. She runs to California and he goes down a path of self-destruction, thinking he deserves to suffer and be in pain for what he did to the only woman he's ever loved. 6 years later, they have to face each other for the first time at their best friends wedding. It's tense and awkward... but when Declan decides to show up at the after party because he can't stay away from Skylar, things get interesting after they both get drunk... and wake up married.
Oh man, this book really got me. Declan portrays himself as a total a-hole in order to try to deny his own vulnerabilities. He's just a broken boy who got abused and manipulated by his father, but it left him completely empty and alone. Skylar has had to pick up every single shattered piece and put herself back together, having never told anyone about what happened. She hates him for what he did. But as they say, there's a fine line between love and hate.
I'm a sucker for a second chance, and this was no different. Declan was so desperately in love with Skylar, and she so desperately pretended to hate him, they clash and push each other's buttons until they slowly begin to crack and break apart in each other's arms again. Watching Skylar forgive him, and forgive himself in return just tugged at the heart strings so much. And the epilogue? 🥹😭 I just adored this one.
Thank you so much to Luna Literary Management and the author for allowing me to read and review, all opinions are my own.
May 3, 2026
One thing I can confidently say is that Scott does not shy away from the depth of emotional prose. Each moment is felt to its utmost impact, but delivered with such heavy and empathic tenderness. I don't think I'll ever be over how well that was done in DOWNFALL (or really the entire Emberfield series).
Skylar and Declan have that young love, first love, lost love trope wrapped around their past. It's truly gutting to feel the impact of what sharing a space with someone that crushed your heart in their fist years prior feels like now, smiling as if the past isn't barreling straight for them. They're both guarded, both flawed, but my god do they keep you locked into their story because you want to see them talk it out, you want to see them come out on the other side.
A second chance romance is always a good time, but the layers of this one? Of these characters? No, this was a FANTASTIC time. Add in the arranged marriage to spice it up, and you have me completely melting for them.
Scott will always entice me with a contemporary romance, and I'll always say thank you when I get that gut punch because I ADORE a story that actually makes me invest myself with the characters and their outcome - especially when I can feel the impact of their hard fought happily ever after long after their story wraps up. That's a special type of writing brilliance in the contemporary world, and something that all authors should strive for.
As always - well done, Scott. You've brought me back to my love of Emberfield Falls, and I can't wait to see what you give us next!
Skylar and Declan have that young love, first love, lost love trope wrapped around their past. It's truly gutting to feel the impact of what sharing a space with someone that crushed your heart in their fist years prior feels like now, smiling as if the past isn't barreling straight for them. They're both guarded, both flawed, but my god do they keep you locked into their story because you want to see them talk it out, you want to see them come out on the other side.
A second chance romance is always a good time, but the layers of this one? Of these characters? No, this was a FANTASTIC time. Add in the arranged marriage to spice it up, and you have me completely melting for them.
Scott will always entice me with a contemporary romance, and I'll always say thank you when I get that gut punch because I ADORE a story that actually makes me invest myself with the characters and their outcome - especially when I can feel the impact of their hard fought happily ever after long after their story wraps up. That's a special type of writing brilliance in the contemporary world, and something that all authors should strive for.
As always - well done, Scott. You've brought me back to my love of Emberfield Falls, and I can't wait to see what you give us next!
May 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🖤Accidental Marriage
🖤Marriage of Convenience
🖤Small Town
🖤Childhood Friends to Lovers
🖤Second Chance
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Bad Boy x Good Girl
🖤Groveling
Downfall is the third book in the Emberfield Falls series and can be read as a standalone.
Skylar and Declan have been in love with each other secretly for many years. They have never told each other until one night they make the decision and cross that line. He promises that he would never hurt her but that promise gets broken and Skylar leaves for California and does not look back. 6 years later she has to return to town for a wedding and return to the memories of him. Skylar is still holding on to the emotional scars that were caused between the two of them and Declan is pretending he’s not just as haunted by their past as she is. At the wedding reception Skylar runs into Declan and the next morning wakes up married to him.
This book is so heartbreakingly perfect. I have not read a book by Mala Scott before, nor is this my go to trope, but Mala has a way with words that pulled me in and did not let me go. This story is so full of emotional tensions and that is the driving factor that makes this book feel so raw and real. There is vulnerability and both learning how to heal emotionally from their past experiences. Downfall is about two people ultimately surviving heartbreak and finding their way back to each other. When they finally get back to each other its hits stronger than ever.
I would like to thank Luna Literary and Mala Scott for the opprotunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🖤Accidental Marriage
🖤Marriage of Convenience
🖤Small Town
🖤Childhood Friends to Lovers
🖤Second Chance
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Bad Boy x Good Girl
🖤Groveling
Downfall is the third book in the Emberfield Falls series and can be read as a standalone.
Skylar and Declan have been in love with each other secretly for many years. They have never told each other until one night they make the decision and cross that line. He promises that he would never hurt her but that promise gets broken and Skylar leaves for California and does not look back. 6 years later she has to return to town for a wedding and return to the memories of him. Skylar is still holding on to the emotional scars that were caused between the two of them and Declan is pretending he’s not just as haunted by their past as she is. At the wedding reception Skylar runs into Declan and the next morning wakes up married to him.
This book is so heartbreakingly perfect. I have not read a book by Mala Scott before, nor is this my go to trope, but Mala has a way with words that pulled me in and did not let me go. This story is so full of emotional tensions and that is the driving factor that makes this book feel so raw and real. There is vulnerability and both learning how to heal emotionally from their past experiences. Downfall is about two people ultimately surviving heartbreak and finding their way back to each other. When they finally get back to each other its hits stronger than ever.
I would like to thank Luna Literary and Mala Scott for the opprotunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Review of advance copy
Skylar and Declan.
These two have my heart. Their second chance is a story of an intense love that hurts until the end of the story. One gave their heart, full of trust. The other walked away with no explanation, breaking young promises. The accidental marriage created the perfect situation for them to face each other again. And I loved the way it happened.
I loved Skylar so much. She is strong and independent. She is hurting and using her strength to avoid being hurt again. Despite her pain, she cares so deeply for her family and friends. She steps up without any hesitation whenever they need help.
Declan, with his lip piercing 🫠 and tattoos, definitely lives his bad boy rep on the surface. There is just so much more under that surface that you swoon, and maybe tear up, as each truth is revealed. My heart hurt for him throughout the story and I just love him.
This story is full of hurt but there is so much more. It was suspenseful. It was quippy. There was a slow burn edge to the 🌶. But once on page its 🔥🔥🔥. The ending was perfect. No notes.
💚💚💚💚
I loved being back in Emberfield Falls. Emory, Allie, and Skylar are a group of girls I need in my corner. Luke and Ash still make me 🫠 and now I want to go back and reread the first 2 books ... My guy Nate popped in the page as well 😉.
ARC recieved through @lunaliterary.management for honest review with no monetary gain.
These two have my heart. Their second chance is a story of an intense love that hurts until the end of the story. One gave their heart, full of trust. The other walked away with no explanation, breaking young promises. The accidental marriage created the perfect situation for them to face each other again. And I loved the way it happened.
I loved Skylar so much. She is strong and independent. She is hurting and using her strength to avoid being hurt again. Despite her pain, she cares so deeply for her family and friends. She steps up without any hesitation whenever they need help.
Declan, with his lip piercing 🫠 and tattoos, definitely lives his bad boy rep on the surface. There is just so much more under that surface that you swoon, and maybe tear up, as each truth is revealed. My heart hurt for him throughout the story and I just love him.
This story is full of hurt but there is so much more. It was suspenseful. It was quippy. There was a slow burn edge to the 🌶. But once on page its 🔥🔥🔥. The ending was perfect. No notes.
💚💚💚💚
I loved being back in Emberfield Falls. Emory, Allie, and Skylar are a group of girls I need in my corner. Luke and Ash still make me 🫠 and now I want to go back and reread the first 2 books ... My guy Nate popped in the page as well 😉.
ARC recieved through @lunaliterary.management for honest review with no monetary gain.
April 26, 2026
ARC Review 📚🥰
This is the first book I’ve read by Mala Scott & I was completely enthralled in Skylar & Declan’s story…laughing, crying & feeling all the emotions along with them!! 🥰🥹
Skylar is my favourite type of FMC…a strong, reliable, kind woman all wrapped up in vulnerability. I also love that those close to her firmly acknowledge all these wonderful traits about her & those that underestimate her are proven wrong in the best possible ways!! 🙌🏼
At first I thought Declan was just going to be the typical bad boy character that would redeem himself through the book…oh no!! Declan is smarter than a lot of people give him credit for & whilst he’s wrestling with his own emotions & choices of the past, we come to see that he is incredibly loyal & fierce to those he loves most 🫶🏼
I would describe this books as: intense, heart breaking, passionate, complicated, thrilling, mysterious, messy, raw & emotional…if you enjoy a book that makes you feel all the feels then you should absolutely give this a go when it’s release on May 1st!!
I’ll also be catching up on the rest of the series in preparation for the release of book four Freefall later this year 😉😍
🍿 Childhood Friends to Lovers
🍿 Forced Proximity
🍿 Accidental Marriage
🍿 Second Chance Romance
🍿 Good Girl x Bad Boy
🍿 He Calls Her Firefly
🍿 Small Town Romance
🍿 Dual POV
This is the first book I’ve read by Mala Scott & I was completely enthralled in Skylar & Declan’s story…laughing, crying & feeling all the emotions along with them!! 🥰🥹
Skylar is my favourite type of FMC…a strong, reliable, kind woman all wrapped up in vulnerability. I also love that those close to her firmly acknowledge all these wonderful traits about her & those that underestimate her are proven wrong in the best possible ways!! 🙌🏼
At first I thought Declan was just going to be the typical bad boy character that would redeem himself through the book…oh no!! Declan is smarter than a lot of people give him credit for & whilst he’s wrestling with his own emotions & choices of the past, we come to see that he is incredibly loyal & fierce to those he loves most 🫶🏼
I would describe this books as: intense, heart breaking, passionate, complicated, thrilling, mysterious, messy, raw & emotional…if you enjoy a book that makes you feel all the feels then you should absolutely give this a go when it’s release on May 1st!!
I’ll also be catching up on the rest of the series in preparation for the release of book four Freefall later this year 😉😍
🍿 Childhood Friends to Lovers
🍿 Forced Proximity
🍿 Accidental Marriage
🍿 Second Chance Romance
🍿 Good Girl x Bad Boy
🍿 He Calls Her Firefly
🍿 Small Town Romance
🍿 Dual POV
May 13, 2026
This book was SOOOO GOOOD!!! I'm giving this a 4.75 rating! I just didn't want to put it down.
Skylar fell in love with her best friend, Declan when she was 15. He was beautiful but broken. He was the guy all the girls wanted but she was the one he snuck through the window for.
When they finally give into the late night snuggles while watching movies Skylar thinks she finally captured his heart. Declan promised he wouldn't hurt her but he broke his promise and ultimately broke her.
It's been six years since they have seen each other. Avoiding each other every time they are in the same place. But now, their best friend is getting married and they are witnesses. When Skylar goes to leave the reception she runs right in to Declan. No avoiding him now...
The next morning Skylar wakes up with a ring on her finger after "accidentally" getting married to Declan on a dare. When she tries to get it annulled she finds it's not so easy to do. Her dad left her a trust fund that she can only get when she turns twenty-five. But in order to receive access to it on her birthday she has to be employed full time and be married.
Declan thought he was doing the right thing when he let Skylar go. He was protecting her from all the things he thought would destroy her if he loved her. Will Declan do what it takes to keep her this time or will he be her downfall?
Skylar fell in love with her best friend, Declan when she was 15. He was beautiful but broken. He was the guy all the girls wanted but she was the one he snuck through the window for.
When they finally give into the late night snuggles while watching movies Skylar thinks she finally captured his heart. Declan promised he wouldn't hurt her but he broke his promise and ultimately broke her.
It's been six years since they have seen each other. Avoiding each other every time they are in the same place. But now, their best friend is getting married and they are witnesses. When Skylar goes to leave the reception she runs right in to Declan. No avoiding him now...
The next morning Skylar wakes up with a ring on her finger after "accidentally" getting married to Declan on a dare. When she tries to get it annulled she finds it's not so easy to do. Her dad left her a trust fund that she can only get when she turns twenty-five. But in order to receive access to it on her birthday she has to be employed full time and be married.
Declan thought he was doing the right thing when he let Skylar go. He was protecting her from all the things he thought would destroy her if he loved her. Will Declan do what it takes to keep her this time or will he be her downfall?
May 15, 2026
Thank you to Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read Downfall by Mala Scott.
This book gave me exactly the kind of emotional second chance romance I love reading.
Skylar and Declan’s story is messy, emotional, and filled with years of unresolved hurt and tension. Six years have passed since they last spoke, and seeing them forced back into each other’s orbit during their friends’ wedding created so much emotional buildup throughout the story.
What really worked for me was the history between them. You could feel the pain, love, heartbreak, and unfinished emotions in almost every interaction they had. Declan hurt Skylar deeply in the past, and that emotional weight never disappears while reading.
And honestly? I love a dangerous/bad boy MMC in my romance books, so Declan absolutely worked for me. He carries that broken, complicated energy while still making you want to understand him underneath it all.
The drunk marriage aspect added another layer of chaos and tension to an already emotional relationship dynamic, and I honestly could not stop reading because I needed to know how everything would unfold between them.
This was such a strong small-town second chance romance filled with heartbreak, tension, and emotional history.
⭐️ 5/5
🔥 4/5
💧 4/5
🌶️ 4/5
This book gave me exactly the kind of emotional second chance romance I love reading.
Skylar and Declan’s story is messy, emotional, and filled with years of unresolved hurt and tension. Six years have passed since they last spoke, and seeing them forced back into each other’s orbit during their friends’ wedding created so much emotional buildup throughout the story.
What really worked for me was the history between them. You could feel the pain, love, heartbreak, and unfinished emotions in almost every interaction they had. Declan hurt Skylar deeply in the past, and that emotional weight never disappears while reading.
And honestly? I love a dangerous/bad boy MMC in my romance books, so Declan absolutely worked for me. He carries that broken, complicated energy while still making you want to understand him underneath it all.
The drunk marriage aspect added another layer of chaos and tension to an already emotional relationship dynamic, and I honestly could not stop reading because I needed to know how everything would unfold between them.
This was such a strong small-town second chance romance filled with heartbreak, tension, and emotional history.
⭐️ 5/5
🔥 4/5
💧 4/5
🌶️ 4/5
May 12, 2026
He was my first love. My biggest mistake. And now he's my husband!!
This was my first book to read by Mala, and it definitely won't be my last. This book was incredible.
Mala delivered the emotion with childhood friends, Skylar and Declan. She loved him secretly for years and he always showered her with unlimited forehead kisses until one night Skylar lets him completely into her world...only he ends up breaking her heart. They find themselves together for one night for their friends wedding. It's been 6 years since he broke her heart and they've been successful with avoiding each other, but when they wake up the next morning married now they have to try and undo what they drunkly did. Watching these unwind all the emotions and hurt was so emotional and had me rooting they would figure it out.
I loved theses characters. They aren't perfect, messy, and frustrating but that's what makes them relatable. You're their for their highs, their heartbreak and all the moments in between.
Mala, thank you for giving us Skylar and Declan's story. I adored them so much 🥰
This was my first book to read by Mala, and it definitely won't be my last. This book was incredible.
Mala delivered the emotion with childhood friends, Skylar and Declan. She loved him secretly for years and he always showered her with unlimited forehead kisses until one night Skylar lets him completely into her world...only he ends up breaking her heart. They find themselves together for one night for their friends wedding. It's been 6 years since he broke her heart and they've been successful with avoiding each other, but when they wake up the next morning married now they have to try and undo what they drunkly did. Watching these unwind all the emotions and hurt was so emotional and had me rooting they would figure it out.
I loved theses characters. They aren't perfect, messy, and frustrating but that's what makes them relatable. You're their for their highs, their heartbreak and all the moments in between.
Mala, thank you for giving us Skylar and Declan's story. I adored them so much 🥰
May 16, 2026
This is the first book by this author I have read, and I really enjoyed it. I had a little bit of a hard time getting into it at first, but about a quarter of the way in is when I really started to connect to the story and get into it.
This story was emotional, heartbreaking, and complicated. Declan has so many layers to him. Has done things to hurt Skylat in the name of protecting her and is extremely protective. Towards the end of the book, he finally has his breaking point. It is emotional and heartbreaking.
Skylar is guarded because she has been broken. Not just by Declan but by her father, too. She doesn't trust men. She is hesitant around Declan, and for good reason. She is stronger than Declan or herself gives her credit for, and when she finally decides to trust Declan fully again, it is almost too late.
This story was well written and will keep your attention. I really want to read the first two books now, and then the next book in the series.
This story was emotional, heartbreaking, and complicated. Declan has so many layers to him. Has done things to hurt Skylat in the name of protecting her and is extremely protective. Towards the end of the book, he finally has his breaking point. It is emotional and heartbreaking.
Skylar is guarded because she has been broken. Not just by Declan but by her father, too. She doesn't trust men. She is hesitant around Declan, and for good reason. She is stronger than Declan or herself gives her credit for, and when she finally decides to trust Declan fully again, it is almost too late.
This story was well written and will keep your attention. I really want to read the first two books now, and then the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m already obsessed with Mala Scott’s writing, and Downfall just reinforced that. Skylar and Declan’s story completely pulled me in I laughed, cried, and felt everything right alongside them.
Skylar is exactly the kind of FMC I love: strong, kind, reliable, but still carrying real vulnerability. I also really appreciated how the people around her recognise her worth, while those who underestimate her are proven wrong in the best way.
Declan surprised me in the best way too. I initially expected the typical bad boy redemption arc, but he’s so much more layered than that. He’s intelligent, loyal, and fiercely protective, even while dealing with his own internal battles and past choices.
This book is intense, emotional, messy, and completely gripping. If you like stories that make you feel everything, this is one to pick up on release.
Skylar is exactly the kind of FMC I love: strong, kind, reliable, but still carrying real vulnerability. I also really appreciated how the people around her recognise her worth, while those who underestimate her are proven wrong in the best way.
Declan surprised me in the best way too. I initially expected the typical bad boy redemption arc, but he’s so much more layered than that. He’s intelligent, loyal, and fiercely protective, even while dealing with his own internal battles and past choices.
This book is intense, emotional, messy, and completely gripping. If you like stories that make you feel everything, this is one to pick up on release.
April 30, 2026
Thanks to Luna Literary and Mala Scott for this ARC.
For a little context, this is the first book I’ve read in this series. So I hope my review at this time can be helpful, however.. Just know I have gone to KU and immediately downloaded the first 2 books. Once I have been caught up I will be updating my review.
I love the whole childhood friends to lovers and the small town trope but neither of these were very obvious to me while reading. I honestly forgot until now that those were listed tropes, if you have read this series from the beginning then it might be more obvious? While I did really enjoy the book and these characters and what i assume are the previous couples? They really made me interested in reading the other books in the series. It’s a little bit mysterious, definitely has that stereotypical wealthy small town man who has everyone in his pocket vibe…
For a little context, this is the first book I’ve read in this series. So I hope my review at this time can be helpful, however.. Just know I have gone to KU and immediately downloaded the first 2 books. Once I have been caught up I will be updating my review.
I love the whole childhood friends to lovers and the small town trope but neither of these were very obvious to me while reading. I honestly forgot until now that those were listed tropes, if you have read this series from the beginning then it might be more obvious? While I did really enjoy the book and these characters and what i assume are the previous couples? They really made me interested in reading the other books in the series. It’s a little bit mysterious, definitely has that stereotypical wealthy small town man who has everyone in his pocket vibe…
May 15, 2026
Emotional roller-coaster worth the ride. Mala Scott is so easy and fun to read, but she's also very cautious with heavier themes. I love how she can pull all of these feelings out of me and then leave me with a happy heart in the end. The accidental marriage trope was executed so well that I was eagerly flying through this book.
Skylar and Declan had me feeling all kinds of ways from beginning to end. They felt so real to me. To say that their relationship was complicated is an understatement, but the heartache was worth every moment of angsty heart in my throat feeling.
Tropes:
Small-town
Childhood friends to lovers
Accidental marriage
Second chance
Forced proximity
Bad boy + Good girl
Dual POV
Check TW
Thank you, Luna Literary and Mala Scott, for the opportunity to read this book.
Skylar and Declan had me feeling all kinds of ways from beginning to end. They felt so real to me. To say that their relationship was complicated is an understatement, but the heartache was worth every moment of angsty heart in my throat feeling.
Tropes:
Small-town
Childhood friends to lovers
Accidental marriage
Second chance
Forced proximity
Bad boy + Good girl
Dual POV
Check TW
Thank you, Luna Literary and Mala Scott, for the opportunity to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC, and I'm leaving an honest review voluntarily.
This was a good story. I wanted to "love" the two MCs but I didn't. I didn't feel as deeply connected to them as I would have preferred.
HOWEVER, Chapters 29 and 30 are when this book really got me. I was crying. It felt like Declan finally "broke" and you felt it. And that was when I felt more connected to the two MCs. I truly didn't know how this story was going to end or who was behind the evil happening.
This book was well written with a good story...just took a bit for me to be fully invested. Also, loved the supportive friend group surrounding the MCs. I want friends that banter like Skylar had! Haha!
This was a good story. I wanted to "love" the two MCs but I didn't. I didn't feel as deeply connected to them as I would have preferred.
HOWEVER, Chapters 29 and 30 are when this book really got me. I was crying. It felt like Declan finally "broke" and you felt it. And that was when I felt more connected to the two MCs. I truly didn't know how this story was going to end or who was behind the evil happening.
This book was well written with a good story...just took a bit for me to be fully invested. Also, loved the supportive friend group surrounding the MCs. I want friends that banter like Skylar had! Haha!
May 14, 2026
I received an advance copy from Luna Literary Management and the author. Downfall by Mala Scott was an enjoyable and engaging read. This second chance storyline delivers all the unresolved tension you would expect, and the addition of an accidental marriage makes the situation even messier in the best way possible.
Set in a small town, the novel captures that close knit atmosphere where escaping your past, or each other, is nearly impossible. The connection between the characters is compelling and kept me invested from the beginning to the very end.
Downfall offers a thoughtful blend of heart, tension, and the complicated emotions that come with finding your way back to someone when so much between you remains unfinished.
Set in a small town, the novel captures that close knit atmosphere where escaping your past, or each other, is nearly impossible. The connection between the characters is compelling and kept me invested from the beginning to the very end.
Downfall offers a thoughtful blend of heart, tension, and the complicated emotions that come with finding your way back to someone when so much between you remains unfinished.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am crowning Mala Scott as the queen of small town, second chance romance- thai is an absolutely fantastic read!
Declan and Skylar are both rough around the edges types and boy do they have the emotional rollercoaster rocking. We've met them both in past books and it was so great to get to know them properly.
Their past and their families are about to create chaos- and given that they're both about as stubborn as can be this makes for all sorts of heart wrenching moments. I don't want to include spoilers so all I can say is youre in for some surprises in this one!
Thank you for the ARC and all thoughts are my own.
Declan and Skylar are both rough around the edges types and boy do they have the emotional rollercoaster rocking. We've met them both in past books and it was so great to get to know them properly.
Their past and their families are about to create chaos- and given that they're both about as stubborn as can be this makes for all sorts of heart wrenching moments. I don't want to include spoilers so all I can say is youre in for some surprises in this one!
Thank you for the ARC and all thoughts are my own.
May 16, 2026
A slowww burn second chance romance with a bit of "enemies to lovers?"
Young love that turned (extremely) sour overnight, ends up with FMC moving to California to get away from him. Until six years later they're forced to attend their friend's wedding and end up accidentally married themselves? Honestly, if it weren't for their "marriage" I didn't see either of them confronting each other and setting the story straight. I also wouldn't have minded more groveling. Despite Declan's circumstances, I don't think he had to absolutely obliterate Skylar's feelings like that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Young love that turned (extremely) sour overnight, ends up with FMC moving to California to get away from him. Until six years later they're forced to attend their friend's wedding and end up accidentally married themselves? Honestly, if it weren't for their "marriage" I didn't see either of them confronting each other and setting the story straight. I also wouldn't have minded more groveling. Despite Declan's circumstances, I don't think he had to absolutely obliterate Skylar's feelings like that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 17, 2026
Declan and Skylar’s story!!! Wow. I LIVED in this book I was so immersed I don’t think I came up until I finished. The miscommunication by the characters was so frustrating yet also heartbreaking. I could understand why Declan did the thing to protect Skylar in the beginning yet in the end was just as hurtful. I love a good marriage of convenience trope and it was the perfect way to remedy their broken friendship/relationship. In the end I’m glad that Declan could see he was not destined to be his dad. The twists and turns in the story definitely take you by surprise!!
Thank you Luna Pr and Mala Scott for the Arc copy!
Thank you Luna Pr and Mala Scott for the Arc copy!
Did Not Finish
April 27, 2026dnf @ 44%
I physically could not bring myself to care about these two. Declan is insufferable. Not one redeemable quality thus far. He’s rude to everyone. I’m sure he has some reason why, I just do not care to know.
The girl with black fishnets and converse at her own wedding. While her friends wearing euphoria inspired makeup really did a number on me. I cant even begin to imagine that or accept that as a reality. I didn’t read the first two books but if that is this friend group, I’ll pass.
Thank you for a chance to be an arc reader.
I physically could not bring myself to care about these two. Declan is insufferable. Not one redeemable quality thus far. He’s rude to everyone. I’m sure he has some reason why, I just do not care to know.
The girl with black fishnets and converse at her own wedding. While her friends wearing euphoria inspired makeup really did a number on me. I cant even begin to imagine that or accept that as a reality. I didn’t read the first two books but if that is this friend group, I’ll pass.
Thank you for a chance to be an arc reader.
May 2, 2026
Skylar and Declan’s story is heartbreaking, messy and the emotions are raw, passionate and complicated.
Declan was such a pleasant surprise. He was a complicated, multilayered MMC. He had his own internal battles and had choices from his past he needed to deal with but he was still protective. When he finally break, it is emotional.
Skylar is a FMC that I adored. She is strong and the way she cares for her family and friends is everything. Her pain from the past has her hesitating when it comes to Declan because the way he hurt her before.
Declan was such a pleasant surprise. He was a complicated, multilayered MMC. He had his own internal battles and had choices from his past he needed to deal with but he was still protective. When he finally break, it is emotional.
Skylar is a FMC that I adored. She is strong and the way she cares for her family and friends is everything. Her pain from the past has her hesitating when it comes to Declan because the way he hurt her before.
May 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This was a solid read for me. I really enjoyed the beginning—it pulled me in quickly, and I love when a story does that. There were a few slower moments throughout, but overall I stayed engaged.
I really felt for Declan and everything he went through. Skylar took a bit of time to grow on me, but I appreciated her development and how she came into her own by the end.
Overall, this was an enjoyable story with some deeper moments and plenty of spice. While it didn’t fully hit everything I was hoping for, I’m still really glad I read it. Thank you, Mala Scott for this arc!
This was a solid read for me. I really enjoyed the beginning—it pulled me in quickly, and I love when a story does that. There were a few slower moments throughout, but overall I stayed engaged.
I really felt for Declan and everything he went through. Skylar took a bit of time to grow on me, but I appreciated her development and how she came into her own by the end.
Overall, this was an enjoyable story with some deeper moments and plenty of spice. While it didn’t fully hit everything I was hoping for, I’m still really glad I read it. Thank you, Mala Scott for this arc!
May 8, 2026
Skylar and Declan had a pretty patch past and it broke them apart for years. But their mutual friend's wedding had them go into each other's orbit again. Next thing they know the next morning after a bit too much drinking, they accidentally got married. But Declan is still in love with her and always has been. But it was also a marriage of convenience for her. But this is a second chance for them and you want to see something great come out of this. You want them to figure it out and move forward from their past. I am so excited to read more of Mala's work!
May 1, 2026
This one hurt in the best way. Childhood best friends to accidental marriage with years of tension, heartbreak, and unfinished feelings?? I was hooked. The angst is heavy, the history runs deep, and you feel every moment of love, betrayal, and second chances. The MMC is messy, broken, and frustrating but the chemistry with the FMC is undeniable. Watching them unravel the past while being forced into a marriage they never expected was everything.
Review of advance copy received from Author
100% YESSSS. Mala does it again and I cannot WAIT for this to be in the world!
Review of advance copy
Very good! Love a second chance, but don't love the protective lie trope. First one of the series I read and definitely will being going back to read the rest.
Review of advance copy
This book hurt but in a best way!! You can feel the raw emotions, the messyness and the heartbreak!! Declan is a complicated and multilayered MMC, he also has his battles from past. Skylar I just loved her, she is strong and so caring for her family and friends. This book will make you cry, laugh and it will pull you right in. I must say Mala you did it once again!! If you looking for an emotional, messy and make you feel everything then this book is for you!! Thank You Mala and Luna Literary for letting me be put of the ARC team.
May 15, 2026
I received an ARC.
I found the book to be enjoyable to a point then I was just enjoying the idea of being done with it. I went into the book with hope based on the tropes. I thought the beginning was very quick moving then the ending was drawn out more.
The ending was very surprising I’ll say that. I thought their relationship wasn’t one that I would have expected them to have a history. Seemed very hot and cold to me which fit the character but I didn’t like it.
Not upset that I read it but could still live without reading it.
I found the book to be enjoyable to a point then I was just enjoying the idea of being done with it. I went into the book with hope based on the tropes. I thought the beginning was very quick moving then the ending was drawn out more.
The ending was very surprising I’ll say that. I thought their relationship wasn’t one that I would have expected them to have a history. Seemed very hot and cold to me which fit the character but I didn’t like it.
Not upset that I read it but could still live without reading it.
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