After We Fall

Shelter & Sky #2

by Deborah Clack

Self-sufficient Penelope Reid has her life completely mapped out—a necessity after surviving foster care. Now she’s on a mission to prove that she’s capable of managing a halfway house at Twelve Bluebells Ranch. The last thing she needs is hindrance from the charming Luke Granger, who asked her to dance three years ago, then disappeared before the music began.

Luke lives a nomadic lifestyle as a security specialist. He’s never found a reason to put down roots until he’s reunited with the bossy brunette and her generous heart. When vandalism strikes the ranch neighboring Twelve Bluebells, securing the area is just another gig for him before he hits the road. But as Luke and Penelope work alongside each other and care for the ranch’s halfway house residents, his restless heart finds reasons to stay, and her careful walls begin to crack.

When crisis threatens everything Penelope has built and tragedy pulls at Luke’s wandering heart, they must decide if it’s worth the risk to lower their guards for a love that could give them the home they’ve always longed for.

Deborah Clack crafts a story with poignant emotions and witty banter in this no-spice romance about taking risks and finding belonging in unexpected places.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

384 pages, Paperback

Expected publication October 6, 2026

About the author

Publishers Weekly Bestselling author Deborah Clack is a native Texan who believes in the power of fiction, the lost art of lip synching, and that chocolate should be eaten without nuts. A high school AP history teacher for 10 years, Deborah earned a Master’s Degree in Education and was awarded Teacher of the Year for Arts in Education. Now she creates stories of her own filled with endearing characters and a hard-fought romance. She would love to connect with you at https://www.deborahclack.com/ where you can download her FREE novella.

Reviews

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

For every hyper-independent, type A, Penelope Reid—there is a secretly caring and protective Luke Granger, which is why this is such a sweet and gentle romance. A romance SO good, in fact, that it made me start her first book simultaneously (It’s been on my TBR, so this just gave me the all the more reason to start it 😂)

Despite some of the scenes feeling a bit rushed, stories like these remind me why I love reading no-spice books. Because they build upon every other aspect of a romance: the emotions, the tension, and the connection between two people long before they even have their first kiss—and that’s exactly what Deborah Clack excelled at.

It’s a perfect mix of heart, love, sadness, and healing.
And on top of that, I also loved the interconnection with Meredith and Harlan’s story, but also the halfway house family feelings and the character growth between Penelope and Luke—separately and together. But by far the one of the best things is the fact that he got her noise canceling headphones 🫠 UGH—we love a man that notices things.

Overall, I just couldn’t get enough.
I was completely invested from the beginning to the final pages. But now I’m literally even more excited for the third book coming in 2027! 🩷🧡🩵

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ rounded to four!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of After We Fall. All opinions are my own.

It’s ironic that I chose to read a book with a main character having a chronic illness when I’m having a Hashimoto’s flareup. Of course, I started feeling Penelope’s symptoms with her *sigh* oh, sympathy pains, you’ve struck again

Anyway, this was a sweet book and I’m so glad we got to add more to the Twelve Bluebells Ranch saga!

Penelope reminds me a lot of myself - doesn’t want to let anyone down, no matter the cost to her own health and well-being. I could empathize with her struggles wanting to do her job well and have everything in line. Unfortunately, that’s not how the world works, and she processes her new normal and learns to rely on her chosen family. I also appreciated her history with the foster care system impacting her role at Twelve Bluebells.

The girls - Bianca, Tanya, and Finley were my favorite characters! Clack did a great job at representing multiple reactions to similar traumas, yet their bond kept them close friends. I would love to get to know them better as they continue on in their program at the ranch. Please please please!!!!

Also the relationships between Penelope, the girls, and Meredith! Ugh amazing girl bonding!

Luke was….an interesting choice. I feel like he insta-loved Penelope, calling her baby before they were ever a couple. I don’t know it rubbed me the wrong way at first. Then his emotions in the third act were completely unexpected. My jaw dropped at his reaction and i genuinely wanted to throw my kindle across the room. I didn’t for fear of 1) breaking a third kindle (don’t ask) and 2) scaring my roommate. Personally I wasn’t a fan of him and the insta-love. I wanted to see their chemistry develop legitimately.

I will continue with this series when Clack releases the next one in April!

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

📝 ARC Review: Overall this was an enjoyable story. The characters had depth and layers to them. I enjoyed the low key romance element and the suspense kept me on my toes for what would happen next.

I wasn’t a fan of the third act break up, and at times the FMC’s personality got on my nerves, but those were just minor things. I do think it would’ve been better with dual POV instead of single. My biggest issue was that numerous times a paragraph would end and the next one would start and I’d feel like I missed a bunch of stuff… like the connection between one paragraph and the next wasn’t there. Idk if it was supposed to be that way, or if that’s something that will be different for the final published version. 🤷🏼‍♀️

This is book 2 in an interconnected standalone series/trilogy. I didn’t read book 1, but it was easy enough to follow along with this one.

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Shelter & Sky, Book 2
POV: First Person; Single
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Release Date: October 6, 2026

Vibes: Quirky characters; dangerous situations; a complicated romance.

Tropes 👇

- Opposites Attract
- Second Chances
- Forced Proximity
- No Spice (just some kisses)
- Tight laced, stubborn FMC w a foster care background
- Security/surveillance working MMC
- Home for girls aging out of foster care
- Chronic Migraines
- Third Act Break Up
- Vandalism mystery to solve
- Found Family

CW’s 👇

- Drug use/possible dealing (side character)
- Domestic Violence
- Physical Assault
- Concussion/bleeding on the brain (FMC)
- Loss of a loved one
- Unexpected pregnancy (side character)
- Trauma from foster care & fake family
- Shots fired

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Catherine Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The romance, story, emotions and tension in this book was so good that I read it straight through and then had to read it again slower so I could savour the story. I found myself so caught up in the story that I also went back to reread book 1 again too.

Penelope is 'Miss Organisation' and all about the details - nothing gets past her and she is on top of everything.  However 'Mr Protector' Luke doesn't follow rules and seems to enjoy doing things differently ... but there is a spark between them they can't ignore and the connection, emotions and romance between them is addictive to read. When Penelope finds herself with a head injury and major concussion her world is knocked off balance and she finds her usual coping mechanisms don't work. As she heals she learns to refocus on what is important and Luke is there supporting her every step of the journey.

I loved this fun story but also appreciated the many layers within it from childhood trauma, family pressures, second chances and the impact of grief. It is a no-spice book and the romance is built through connections rather than touch and feels so much stronger. There were lots of emotions throughout and they kept me fully invested and engaged in this story from the very first to the very last page of the book.

This is book 2 of the Shelter & Sky series and I think is best read after book 1 but can be read as a standalone. I am now impatiently awaiting book 3!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really really wanted to love After We Fall, especially as someone who has enjoyed supporting Deborah Clack and her first book, Even After This. But, unfortunately, this book wasn't a good fit for me.

I struggled with the storyline and had a difficult time connecting with the characters. I tried but I never felt emotionally invested in their journey, and the plot made this a challenge for me from beginning to end.

I was also disappointed by the lack of faith content. I didn't find any mention of God or Scripture throughout the story, and that was something I missed. For me, when I pick up a Christian fiction novel, I want to see faith woven into the characters' lives and their journey.

I struggled with some of the romantic dialogue, particularly the repeated use of “baby” and “kitten,” which pulled me out of the story rather than adding to the romance.

I know every book connects with readers differently, and unfortunately, After We Fall didn't connect with me. I appreciate the opportunity to read it as an ARC and will continue staying invested in Deborah’s writing journey as I did enjoy her first book, Even After This.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this multi-layered story. After We Fall is a sweet and slow romance between a loveable independent type A Penelope Reid and security specialist Luke Granger. It's also so much more than a romance.

While Meredith and Harlan are on their honeymoon, Penelope is tasked with working with the young women at Twelve Bluebells Ranch. These young adults have aged out of the foster system, and need a safe place to live while they work and continue to learn life skills. Luke is tasked with their security. The issues the young women face from a lifetime of foster care are enormous. I loved seeing their progress.

I loved the lessons learned for all of them! And I learned a lot from how the topic of brain injury and migraines were covered. Great banter between Penelope and Luke was so much fun. I so enjoyed their journey as they dealt with their own individual challenges as well as the deepening feelings between them, as they love and protect the young women at the halfway house.

You don't want to miss this series! I highly recommend reading them in order, and I can't wait for book 3 in this series!

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Sneha R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Deborah and Haven for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

It is an emotional and engaging story that kept me interested from beginning to end. The book explores themes of love, loss, healing, and finding strength after difficult times. The characters felt real, and I enjoyed following their journey as they faced challenges and learned important life lessons.

One thing I liked most was the author's writing style. It was easy to read and made it simple to connect with the characters and their feelings. The emotional moments were well written and felt genuine rather than forced.

The story moved at a steady pace, and there were several moments that made me want to keep reading to see what would happen next. While some parts felt a little predictable, the overall journey was meaningful and enjoyable.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy emotional fiction, character-driven stories, and books about personal growth and second chances.

Overall, this was a heartfelt and enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more from Deborah Clack in the future.

[Judy ✨ CM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

What can I say? This book was really good. 🖤

Okay, let’s start with the obvious: I was confused because I didn’t read book one. 😂 I didn’t realize this was a series when I picked it up, so… my bad. Some of my confusion definitely came from missing context, which is entirely on me. I’ll be reading book one soon!

That said, I did struggle a little with Penelope. Her tendency to put everyone else first and completely forget about herself was frustrating at times. But seeing her journey throughout the book was definitely one of my favorite parts.

And Luke… that man. He just got her. Even when she wasn’t making things easy, he knew when to step up, and honestly, actions speak louder than words.

It’s also a non-spicy romance, which I’m definitely not used to. But honestly? It didn’t need it. The writing was easy to follow, the story flowed well, and the romance was genuinely beautiful.

My only real issue was that the plot took up more space than I expected, sometimes leaving me wishing for more focus on the romance and the main characters.

Overall, a really lovely read that I enjoyed much more than I expected. 🖤

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional romance and a protective MMC? Count me in! This story and these characters drew me in right away and kept me intrigued right through to the end. Immediately, Penelope was a character that you couldn't help but root for. Growing up in foster care made her fiercely independent, but it also gave her such a heart for the girls at the halfway house. I enjoyed the connection between her and Luke and how he protected her... far beyond what his job as a security specialist truly required. Their story was tender and emotional with so much growth and healing... and just the perfect dose of suspense to keep things interesting. I don't want to give anything away, but it's definitely one that romance fans are sure to want to check out for themselves.

After We Fall is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is the second book in the Shelter and Sky series. While you will see some familiar characters, I do think this could be enjoyed as a standalone as well.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit slow at the start, but it does pick up. The fmc and mmc are in an opposites attract relationship with the mmc being a bit dense to start with.

I hate how much the fmc suffers but love how she keeps overcoming everything. She's a real type A with compassion. Being a former foster kid herself, she does everything she can to help the former foster ladies to get a leg up in life.

The mmc has his own trauma, and can't seem to stay in one place for long. This seems to be the main issue between them until he pulls his head out of....uhh the sand lol. He does end up saving the day with the help of our fmc bc she's a strong independent woman who don't need no man, but definitely wants this one.

It's a cute romance that could have used more cowboys, but a smexy security guy will do in a pinch.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindly received an ARC copy from NetGalley for an honest review

After We Fall by Deborah Clack
Release Date: October 6, 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

⭐ No Spice Romance
⭐ Second Chance
⭐ Forced Proximity
⭐ Opposites Attract

After We Fall was one of those books I was pleasantly surprised caught my attention. Penelope was an admirable character in her dedication to building up and supporting the lives of women in a halfway house. The chemistry between Penelope and Luke was a slow-burn and I enjoyed the no spice. Luke was always there stepping in to protect and help when needed.

This was my first book by the author and it is a perfect standalone romance if you have not read the first book. I look forward to reading the third book when it comes out and will have to check out Deborah's other novels!

[Berly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Shelter and Sky series. It's a no spice contemporary romance. I'd recommend reading book 1 first for the most enjoyment, although I think you could understand most of the plot if you read it on its own.

I think I enjoyed this story more than book 1 because it didn't have the tragic elements that the first one did. (Those elements were in the past and off page.) If you like a protective hero, I think you'll enjoy Luke's role in Penelope's life, even though she may not feel the same way! There were some aspects of his character that I didn't quite understand.

We also get glimpses of Meredith and Harlan from book 1. I did enjoy seeing them again.

I was given the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book by the publisher, Haven, via Netgalley. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Cecilia Romano · Rating 5 out of 5]

After We Fall was such a sweet read. 🤍

I think what I enjoyed most was how easy this story was to settle into. There’s romance and plenty of chemistry, but underneath that is a story about letting people in, taking a chance, and realizing that you don’t always have to have everything figured out.

I found myself really enjoying the characters and the way their relationship developed. There’s something about watching two people slowly become more comfortable with each other that I always love in a romance.

It was heartfelt without feeling overly heavy, and I appreciated that it gave me those little moments that make you want to keep reading just to see where everything goes.

And if you’re looking for a no-spice romance, this is one I’d recommend adding to your list.

A sweet, easy romance that left me smiling when I finished. 🤍

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read and review this book prior to release thanks to NetGalley.

This was my first experience with this author, and the book did not disappoint! From the first page, you're immersed into the story. I was able to relate to the main character (as a self proclaimed independent overachiever) so I didn't find this book to lack any depth. The story flowed well, with plenty of detail. And Luke - don't we all wish we had a man willing to protect us like he did Penelope?

Perfect book when you're in the mood for an easy, quick romance read with a little bit of suspense tossed in the mix. I'll definitely be checking out other books from Deborah Clack!

[Cheryl Farrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book early after seeing it advertised on netgalley, and as much a I wanted to like it I just could not. The storyline was okay but the characters both lacked depth. When reading love to get immersed into my book and to feel like I’m reading about real people, and that’s just not the case here.

For someone who just wants a simple quick romance read this is probably just fine, but if you are looking for a book that’s gonna make you feel something it’s lacking. I also felt like it was trying to hard to be emotionally deep. The writing itself is good and the author has a lot of promise so I’ll keep an eye out for other stories by her.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved the first book in this series but this one was tough for me. Honestly, I just wanted it to be done. There was no chemistry at all between the two main characters and I genuinely struggled with the narrator. She made all the mail characters sounds like Elvis impersonators. It was an awful listening experience for me. Perhaps it was because of that that I couldn’t wait for the book to be done. Huge disappointment as I was so, so excited to listen to this after loving “Even After This”.

Thank you to RBmedia | Recorded Books and NetGalley for an Advance Listening Copy of this book.

[Molly Burkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank You to NetGalley for the eARC.

I read and loved Even After This (the first book in the series) and loved it so I was excited for this one. It did not disappoint..

Penelope who grew up in foster care is caring for girls at a home for girls who have aged out of the foster care system. When a possible threat happens Luke is called in to help. He becomes a very protective MMC and the romance grows.

It was an engaging story that kept me reading.

[Doris Lankford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book even more than I did the first in the series. The main characters, Penelope and Luke, are both very stubborn and set in their ways but eventually realized they had real feelings for each other. The story was full of drama and love. Also, it showed how people who are related by blood can really be the best family. I look forward to another book set at the Twelve Bluebells Ranch.

[Deila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sweet moments, a protective MMC, and found‑family warmth are all here. It didn’t hook me entirely, and I didn’t realise it was book two, but the romance works fine as a standalone.

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good romance mixed with mystery and this series has been very entertaining. I can wait for the next book.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.