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Sweetwater Peak #2
Free Falling
Not yet published
Expected 22 Sep 26Win a free print copy of this book!
0 days and 04:57:33
10 copies available
U.S. only
Old haunts, new feelings.
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Rebel Blue Ranch series returns to the haunted town of Sweetwater Peak for another love story, this one featuring an antique shop owner and a farmer who fake a relationship to save their legacies…but will they be able to fool the ghosts of their past?
Clarke Cartwright probably needed to get out more. She just had a lot to do. Running Toade’s Antiques was no small feat, especially considering that the roof was in shambles and half her merchandise was unsellable. But dealing with that felt easier than her other two options: third-wheeling with her best friend…again, or chatting it up with the ghost of her childhood crush’s father, who just can’t seem to leave her alone.
Leith Wilkes has spent his life preparing to take over his family's farm. Well, he’s actually spent most of his life flirting, but now he’s ready to buckle down, which has nothing to do with an oddly specific clause that his dad left in his inheritance. Leith is pretty sure he’s the only one who knows about it…until Clarke drunkenly spills that she knows, too, along with a bunch of other Wilkes family secrets.
Leith starts to wonder if there’s more to Clarke than she lets on…and if his dad has something to do with it. And if she is keeping secrets of her own, maybe she won’t mind helping him with his.
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Rebel Blue Ranch series returns to the haunted town of Sweetwater Peak for another love story, this one featuring an antique shop owner and a farmer who fake a relationship to save their legacies…but will they be able to fool the ghosts of their past?
Clarke Cartwright probably needed to get out more. She just had a lot to do. Running Toade’s Antiques was no small feat, especially considering that the roof was in shambles and half her merchandise was unsellable. But dealing with that felt easier than her other two options: third-wheeling with her best friend…again, or chatting it up with the ghost of her childhood crush’s father, who just can’t seem to leave her alone.
Leith Wilkes has spent his life preparing to take over his family's farm. Well, he’s actually spent most of his life flirting, but now he’s ready to buckle down, which has nothing to do with an oddly specific clause that his dad left in his inheritance. Leith is pretty sure he’s the only one who knows about it…until Clarke drunkenly spills that she knows, too, along with a bunch of other Wilkes family secrets.
Leith starts to wonder if there’s more to Clarke than she lets on…and if his dad has something to do with it. And if she is keeping secrets of her own, maybe she won’t mind helping him with his.
336 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 22, 2026
About the author
Lyla Sage
9 books16.4k followersLyla Sage lives in the Wild West with her loyal companion, a sweet, old, blind rescue pitbull. She writes romance that feels like her favorite things: sunshine and big blue skies. She is also the author of Done and Dusted. When she’s not writing, she’s reading.
Instagram: @authorlylasage
TikTok: @authorlylasage
Threads: @authorlylasage
https://linktr.ee/authorlylasage
Instagram: @authorlylasage
TikTok: @authorlylasage
Threads: @authorlylasage
https://linktr.ee/authorlylasage
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
remind-me-once-out
March 19, 2026I knew there had to be more 🤩
May 14, 2026
Lyla look away …
I didn’t like Soul Searching but I had hope that this one might turn out better BUT NO
the characters have no chemistry, no depth, nothing except for the very big feelings that are tied to their specific storyline
The dialogue feels forced and doesn’t flow
There is nothing in this book that a real person would say out loud
Lyla I’m so sorry but babes I think you need to take a breather — every book there seems to be an authors note talking about how writing this was a struggle…well I fear it’s very evident
thank you netgalley 🫣
I didn’t like Soul Searching but I had hope that this one might turn out better BUT NO
the characters have no chemistry, no depth, nothing except for the very big feelings that are tied to their specific storyline
The dialogue feels forced and doesn’t flow
There is nothing in this book that a real person would say out loud
Lyla I’m so sorry but babes I think you need to take a breather — every book there seems to be an authors note talking about how writing this was a struggle…well I fear it’s very evident
thank you netgalley 🫣
May 8, 2026
☆ 4 stars
Free Falling is the second and final instalment in the Sweetwater Peak duet by author Lyla Sage. I was so excited to get my hands on this book as soon as possible after the small insight into Clarke’s character throughout Soul Searching piqued my interest to know more about her journey. This book was exactly the type of story that I needed in the moment and I’m a firm believer that some books are meant to find you at the right time. I invested into the story of our two main characters with ease and found myself unwilling to put the book down until reaching its conclusion within one sitting. Something I always credit Sage for is knowing how to create complex and compelling characters that you want to root for which is something that I believe was executed to perfection throughout Free Falling. I love the sense of community that has been established within Sweetwater Peak amongst both the living and the deceased, and the way that existence of these characters always seems to come full circle. I really enjoyed the paranormal elements in the way that it seamlessly intertwines with present events whilst also acting as a window into the rich history and lore of this spooky small town. The paranormal aspect did feel more understated in comparison to book one, however this makes sense to me due to the opposing experience’s that both sisters have with their gift. The exploration of depression was handled with the upmost care throughout this book and I cannot express just how deeply this resonated with me. I really appreciate the way that it became a focus of Clarke’s journey and my ability to connect to her on a more emotional level. Free Falling was a beautiful conclusion to an emotional and character-driven duet that I know I will be returning to on a reread time and again in the very near future.
Clarke Cartwright was such a wonderfully complex character that I have loved getting more insight into with her own point-of-view. I truly connected to Clarke throughout her exploration as she undertakes a deeper realisation and recognition of herself and the life that she greatly desires. Underneath a tough exterior is a soft and gentle woman who yearns to find a lifelong partner that will not only share the heavy weight of her burdens… but also somebody that sees her more than anybody else has; as a whole person outside of her sister who is allowed to make mistakes of her own and be forgiven for them. A partner that is a safe place to land during times of struggle that she can trust to catch her when she falls. The depiction of Clarke’s depression greatly resonated with me on a vulnerable level in the way that it was represented and explored. This isn’t something that you just wake up someday in recognition of. It’s a plethora of different things that sneaks up on you and consumes your entire being. The inclusion of burnout, fatigue and stress were all huge indicators to me that I recognised and it really means a lot to see a character being explored so vulnerably and yet, still deserving of being loved fully and loudly. The majority of my highlights are of Clarke’s dialogue and I just know that I’ll find myself revisiting them again and again in the way they made me feel seen and understood. Her complex relationship with her mother and the strain that their mutual involvement in the family business acts as a division felt wholly realistic and well executed, albeit slightly resolved a little more swiftly than I had been anticipating. Clarke is a woman that loves wholly without restraint for the small number of people that she allows into every aspect of her life, and it made me thrilled to see her learn how to open herself up to more people who prove that they want care for her. Seeing her combat her fear of the paranormal and the acceptance that they’re just as much a part of her as she is to them felt significant, and in the end I couldn’t be happier for the send-off that we leave Clarke with.
One thing you can rely on throughout this duology is green flag men and Leith Wilkes is another shining example of this. Leith is a kind, funny and hardworking man that values his family and community above all else. There is no level that is too deep to steep to in protection of his family and his legacy, and I had nothing but respect for his ability to adapt and overcome all of the struggles that came his way. His reputation as Sweetwater Peak’s ‘golden boy’ made him the perfect contrast to the woman that he had quietly yearned for from afar since his teenage years. I laughed to myself on several occasions throughout Leith’s dialogue that showed on the inside he’s still that young boy that attempts to rile up his crush just so that she will recognise his existence. The stability and silent strength that he presents himself with is one of the many attributes that makes him to perfect partner for Clarke in his refusal to let her go through her struggles alone... even when his entire perception on reality is challenged. I adored Leith’s gentleness and the way that he made communication a priority whilst also respecting boundaries whenever Clarke struggles to voice her feelings. His patient and calm demeanour was a great attribute to his role throughout the story, and most of all I loved getting to witness Leith’s close relationship with his teenage niece that he is one of the primary caretakers of. His role as an uncle, stand-in father and a friend to Lainey felt beautifully explored with intent and I adore getting to witness a family that loves one another without condition. I’m truly thrilled with the conclusion to Leith’s story and the way that he has managed to achieve that life that he dreamed of after thinking it to be impossible. A life where he gets to live for himself outside of the shadow and expectations of his deceased father… whilst also honouring his family legacy and the needs of his community.
Free Falling was a fast-paced and endearing follow-up to Soul Searching that I greatly enjoyed from beginning-to-end. The implementing of a fake dating dynamic made for a fun and irresistible read that I will eat up every single time. I was thrilled to see even more wonderful Rebel Blue Ranch cameos throughout this one and I selfishly hope that this isn’t the last time we’re get to see these characters that I have loved and connected with over the years. I’m sad to be saying goodbye to the heartwarming residents of Sweetwater Peak, however I look forward to see where author Lyla Sage will take us next in her upcoming endeavours.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.
Free Falling is the second and final instalment in the Sweetwater Peak duet by author Lyla Sage. I was so excited to get my hands on this book as soon as possible after the small insight into Clarke’s character throughout Soul Searching piqued my interest to know more about her journey. This book was exactly the type of story that I needed in the moment and I’m a firm believer that some books are meant to find you at the right time. I invested into the story of our two main characters with ease and found myself unwilling to put the book down until reaching its conclusion within one sitting. Something I always credit Sage for is knowing how to create complex and compelling characters that you want to root for which is something that I believe was executed to perfection throughout Free Falling. I love the sense of community that has been established within Sweetwater Peak amongst both the living and the deceased, and the way that existence of these characters always seems to come full circle. I really enjoyed the paranormal elements in the way that it seamlessly intertwines with present events whilst also acting as a window into the rich history and lore of this spooky small town. The paranormal aspect did feel more understated in comparison to book one, however this makes sense to me due to the opposing experience’s that both sisters have with their gift. The exploration of depression was handled with the upmost care throughout this book and I cannot express just how deeply this resonated with me. I really appreciate the way that it became a focus of Clarke’s journey and my ability to connect to her on a more emotional level. Free Falling was a beautiful conclusion to an emotional and character-driven duet that I know I will be returning to on a reread time and again in the very near future.
Clarke Cartwright was such a wonderfully complex character that I have loved getting more insight into with her own point-of-view. I truly connected to Clarke throughout her exploration as she undertakes a deeper realisation and recognition of herself and the life that she greatly desires. Underneath a tough exterior is a soft and gentle woman who yearns to find a lifelong partner that will not only share the heavy weight of her burdens… but also somebody that sees her more than anybody else has; as a whole person outside of her sister who is allowed to make mistakes of her own and be forgiven for them. A partner that is a safe place to land during times of struggle that she can trust to catch her when she falls. The depiction of Clarke’s depression greatly resonated with me on a vulnerable level in the way that it was represented and explored. This isn’t something that you just wake up someday in recognition of. It’s a plethora of different things that sneaks up on you and consumes your entire being. The inclusion of burnout, fatigue and stress were all huge indicators to me that I recognised and it really means a lot to see a character being explored so vulnerably and yet, still deserving of being loved fully and loudly. The majority of my highlights are of Clarke’s dialogue and I just know that I’ll find myself revisiting them again and again in the way they made me feel seen and understood. Her complex relationship with her mother and the strain that their mutual involvement in the family business acts as a division felt wholly realistic and well executed, albeit slightly resolved a little more swiftly than I had been anticipating. Clarke is a woman that loves wholly without restraint for the small number of people that she allows into every aspect of her life, and it made me thrilled to see her learn how to open herself up to more people who prove that they want care for her. Seeing her combat her fear of the paranormal and the acceptance that they’re just as much a part of her as she is to them felt significant, and in the end I couldn’t be happier for the send-off that we leave Clarke with.
One thing you can rely on throughout this duology is green flag men and Leith Wilkes is another shining example of this. Leith is a kind, funny and hardworking man that values his family and community above all else. There is no level that is too deep to steep to in protection of his family and his legacy, and I had nothing but respect for his ability to adapt and overcome all of the struggles that came his way. His reputation as Sweetwater Peak’s ‘golden boy’ made him the perfect contrast to the woman that he had quietly yearned for from afar since his teenage years. I laughed to myself on several occasions throughout Leith’s dialogue that showed on the inside he’s still that young boy that attempts to rile up his crush just so that she will recognise his existence. The stability and silent strength that he presents himself with is one of the many attributes that makes him to perfect partner for Clarke in his refusal to let her go through her struggles alone... even when his entire perception on reality is challenged. I adored Leith’s gentleness and the way that he made communication a priority whilst also respecting boundaries whenever Clarke struggles to voice her feelings. His patient and calm demeanour was a great attribute to his role throughout the story, and most of all I loved getting to witness Leith’s close relationship with his teenage niece that he is one of the primary caretakers of. His role as an uncle, stand-in father and a friend to Lainey felt beautifully explored with intent and I adore getting to witness a family that loves one another without condition. I’m truly thrilled with the conclusion to Leith’s story and the way that he has managed to achieve that life that he dreamed of after thinking it to be impossible. A life where he gets to live for himself outside of the shadow and expectations of his deceased father… whilst also honouring his family legacy and the needs of his community.
Free Falling was a fast-paced and endearing follow-up to Soul Searching that I greatly enjoyed from beginning-to-end. The implementing of a fake dating dynamic made for a fun and irresistible read that I will eat up every single time. I was thrilled to see even more wonderful Rebel Blue Ranch cameos throughout this one and I selfishly hope that this isn’t the last time we’re get to see these characters that I have loved and connected with over the years. I’m sad to be saying goodbye to the heartwarming residents of Sweetwater Peak, however I look forward to see where author Lyla Sage will take us next in her upcoming endeavours.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.
June 21, 2026
This was unfortunately not a hit for me. Don’t get me wrong, I love Lyla Sage’s characters, settings, writing, and storylines, but the romance was a tad lackluster in my opinion. You have Clarke who can see ghosts, and Leith who needs to get married to save his family farm. They’re not really *friends* per se, but they’ve known each other for years and years and had crushes on each other in school. So when they start up this fake dating scheme, I thought there would be MORE. Instead, they went from “I’ll help you out” to “we’re totally into each other but neither of us will say it so this fake dating will transition to real dating without communication” and it just felt rushed and odd to me. Maybe it was a lack of secondary characters, because I loved when Leith’s cousin Lainey would show up and when we got Collins back in town, plus the Cam cameo was super fun. Maybe it was the underdeveloped emotional side of things? Everything felt like it almost hit the line of ‘oh, this could go somewhere good’ and then never went anywhere, almost like certain plot points were forgotten about. I wanted to feel more connected to the characters, but that’s hard when almost everything gets cut off before it has time to develop.
I still had fun reading it, I still eat up everything Lyla Sage and will continue to do so, but this just didn’t hit the mark for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!!
I still had fun reading it, I still eat up everything Lyla Sage and will continue to do so, but this just didn’t hit the mark for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!!
May 7, 2026
Ooooh I think this is my fave from Lyla Sage yet!!! There’s something about this small town friends to lovers x fake dating and Clarke/Leith that just worked. Seriously, chefs kiss!
I instantly gravitated to these characters and loved seeing this second chance happen for them. This one vibed with me much more than Collins story (the previous book in this series), and I think that’s because I saw a lot of myself in Clarke that I empathized with. And Leith, he’s definitely golden boy / golden retriever vibes and the way he took care of Clarke and his family.. swoon!!
If you want your sweet small town romance with a dash of ghostie vibes, check this one out 👻
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc of this copy on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I instantly gravitated to these characters and loved seeing this second chance happen for them. This one vibed with me much more than Collins story (the previous book in this series), and I think that’s because I saw a lot of myself in Clarke that I empathized with. And Leith, he’s definitely golden boy / golden retriever vibes and the way he took care of Clarke and his family.. swoon!!
If you want your sweet small town romance with a dash of ghostie vibes, check this one out 👻
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc of this copy on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 20, 2026
QUEEN Lyla, you can do no wrong.
Lyla’s writing has always like a safe place to land, but Sweetwater peak felt like coming home. Clarke resonated with me on a level I could never have expected. This book injects a spooky fun ghosty edge into a story that at its core is about finding yourself when you didn’t realize you were lost. Lyla’s way of writing about depression and burnout truly had me in shambles.
Leith and Clarke were awkward, adorable, and so much fun. Leith was everything I wanted for Clarke and then some - a loyal, down bad man who will do anything for those he loves. The dichotomy of their personalities was perfection.
I love love loved this book and I will continue to read every single thing Lyla writes.
Lyla’s writing has always like a safe place to land, but Sweetwater peak felt like coming home. Clarke resonated with me on a level I could never have expected. This book injects a spooky fun ghosty edge into a story that at its core is about finding yourself when you didn’t realize you were lost. Lyla’s way of writing about depression and burnout truly had me in shambles.
Leith and Clarke were awkward, adorable, and so much fun. Leith was everything I wanted for Clarke and then some - a loyal, down bad man who will do anything for those he loves. The dichotomy of their personalities was perfection.
I love love loved this book and I will continue to read every single thing Lyla writes.
May 12, 2026
I liked this better than the first but I still am confused on a few logistical items nevertheless this was fun
2026-releases
January 22, 2026so seated 👻
Read
May 19, 2026 “You’ve got me all worked up.”
Listen, I will always and forever be a sucker for a fake relationship plot where the feelings become very real, and Free Falling did it so well.
I really enjoyed getting to know Clarke better in this book. We got little bits of her in Soul Searching, but since it was her sister’s story, we didn’t get all that much. I appreciated seeing an opposite approach to their paranormal gifts and how said approach affected Clarke in her everyday life. That said, one thing I’ve liked a lot about the Sweetwater Peak duology is the presence of ghosts and paranormal activities without them completely taking over or hogging the story. They’re just another part of life for the Cartwright girls and readers get to experience them, too.
The haunted town mixed with the complicated family dynamics, the save the farm mission, and the “Uh-oh, I’m falling for my fake boyfriend” arc make for a memorable adventure! Oh! And I can’t forget the joy of the Rebel Blue Ranch cameos! 😍
—
this and that:
♡ abandoned car washes
♡ atmospheric small town
♡ belt loop tugs
♡ childhood crush to lovers
♡ dual pov
♡ fake dating
♡ last will and testament complications
♡ nosy ghosts
♡ open door spice
♡ prom do-overs
triggers:
☞ anxiety
☞ complicated family dynamics
☞ depression
☞ parental abandonment (not MCs)
—
thank you to NetGalley and The Dial Press for the gifted copy!
—
♡ read my reviews for books in the series:
Soul Searching (book one)
Free Falling (book two)
—
♡ find me on Instagram!
Listen, I will always and forever be a sucker for a fake relationship plot where the feelings become very real, and Free Falling did it so well.
I really enjoyed getting to know Clarke better in this book. We got little bits of her in Soul Searching, but since it was her sister’s story, we didn’t get all that much. I appreciated seeing an opposite approach to their paranormal gifts and how said approach affected Clarke in her everyday life. That said, one thing I’ve liked a lot about the Sweetwater Peak duology is the presence of ghosts and paranormal activities without them completely taking over or hogging the story. They’re just another part of life for the Cartwright girls and readers get to experience them, too.
The haunted town mixed with the complicated family dynamics, the save the farm mission, and the “Uh-oh, I’m falling for my fake boyfriend” arc make for a memorable adventure! Oh! And I can’t forget the joy of the Rebel Blue Ranch cameos! 😍
—
this and that:
♡ abandoned car washes
♡ atmospheric small town
♡ belt loop tugs
♡ childhood crush to lovers
♡ dual pov
♡ fake dating
♡ last will and testament complications
♡ nosy ghosts
♡ open door spice
♡ prom do-overs
triggers:
☞ anxiety
☞ complicated family dynamics
☞ depression
☞ parental abandonment (not MCs)
—
thank you to NetGalley and The Dial Press for the gifted copy!
—
♡ read my reviews for books in the series:
Soul Searching (book one)
Free Falling (book two)
—
♡ find me on Instagram!
May 9, 2026
Fully obsessed with anything Lyla writes! This has become my new favorite, and I can't wait for everyone to meet Clarke and Leith. Full RTC once published, but truly honored to have read this early on.
May 3, 2026
Free Falling by Lyla Sage is the second book in the Sweetwater Peak series, and I enjoyed this one so much more than Soul Searching.
We follow Clarke (Collins sister) and Leith, the town’s golden boy who owns the farm. This gives us a classic fake dating trope mixed with childhood feelings they never fully realized, and it’s so sweet watching that connection grow throughout the story.
Clarke has taken over her family’s antique shop and isn’t in the best place with her mom or in life in general, which adds a really nice layer to her character. I especially loved her journey, from navigating those personal struggles to embracing her ability to talk to ghosts, all while growing closer to Leith and facing everything thrown their way.
This book felt like such a quick, fun, and refreshing read. I loved seeing the characters together, and it fixed a lot of the issues I had with Soul Searching. I’d definitely recommend continuing the series.
Now I’m just hoping we get another book in this world—there are so many possibilities, and I’d love to see more of Sweetwater Peak. 🤞
Thanks, Lyla, for giving us more in this world!
We follow Clarke (Collins sister) and Leith, the town’s golden boy who owns the farm. This gives us a classic fake dating trope mixed with childhood feelings they never fully realized, and it’s so sweet watching that connection grow throughout the story.
Clarke has taken over her family’s antique shop and isn’t in the best place with her mom or in life in general, which adds a really nice layer to her character. I especially loved her journey, from navigating those personal struggles to embracing her ability to talk to ghosts, all while growing closer to Leith and facing everything thrown their way.
This book felt like such a quick, fun, and refreshing read. I loved seeing the characters together, and it fixed a lot of the issues I had with Soul Searching. I’d definitely recommend continuing the series.
Now I’m just hoping we get another book in this world—there are so many possibilities, and I’d love to see more of Sweetwater Peak. 🤞
Thanks, Lyla, for giving us more in this world!
June 25, 2026
Thank you again to Edelweiss for spoiling me with these amazing ARCs. I devoured this book; Lyla’s writing is just so easy to get pulled into. This series feels quieter to me than the Rebel Blue series but I really think that fits the vibe of the town and the characters. There is such a fun mishmash of people in Sweetwater Peak.
I felt like this book didn’t hit quite as hard as some of her other ones though. It was one of those books where stuff clearly happened because I read 300 pages but it somehow didn’t feel like there was a lot of plot? I’m not sure how to better describe it. I would have liked to see more of Leith and Clarke when they were kids; I think it would have rounded out their characters a bit more.
But once again, I will talk about this book to anyone who will listen to me 🤪
I felt like this book didn’t hit quite as hard as some of her other ones though. It was one of those books where stuff clearly happened because I read 300 pages but it somehow didn’t feel like there was a lot of plot? I’m not sure how to better describe it. I would have liked to see more of Leith and Clarke when they were kids; I think it would have rounded out their characters a bit more.
But once again, I will talk about this book to anyone who will listen to me 🤪
May 3, 2026
Off to Sweetwater Peak I went for another supernatural adventure, this time with Clarke Cartwright. I really enjoyed seeing this side of the Cartwright sisters as Clarke felt more relatable to me. I saw myself in her character which made this book feel special. It was a quick read and I enjoyed the way the ghosts and paranormal were weaved in. It doesn’t overtake the story which makes it feel “believable” to the extent that communication and adventure with ghosts in a novel can feel.
May 27, 2026
I have been waiting to read this book since I read Soul Searching, book 1 in the Sweetwater Peak duet, and I have to say I think this my favorite out of the 2 books. Clarke was an extremely relatable character and reminded me that I’m not alone. Leith, well, I think he is my 2nd favorite mmc of Lyla’s men next to Gus. I love how obsessed he was about Clarke. He can come and clean my rain gutters anytime. Overall, this is a worthwhile small town western, that I will be pushing down peoples throats.
May 22, 2026
Sisters who see ghosts and find love is a good idea, no doubt! This was a little gift to those of us with a little long-term stress and high-functioning depression. Clarke and Leith are a good pair i’d want to hang out with.
eArc from NetGallet
eArc from NetGallet
June 6, 2026
4.5 stars. Another amazing book from Lyla Sage. Absolutely adored Clarke & Leith.
June 16, 2026
five stars as expected bc it’s Lyla Sage
and my favorite band being included in the music inspiration for this one??? A+ all around
and my favorite band being included in the music inspiration for this one??? A+ all around
May 10, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley for this ARC! I love this series from Lyla even more than the Meadlowlark series, and honestly this book could've been longer. It really is a romance semi-western with a side of paranormal activity. I hope she writes more of these but I think she really found her niche!
May 21, 2026
Free Falling is another cozy, paranormal romance from Lyla Sage that did not disappoint. After reading the first book in this series, I was eager to learn more about Clarke. Getting her perspective of the town and its ghostly inhabitants was a stark contrast to her sister Collins’ story. Unlike her sister, Clarke does not embrace her ability to interact with spirits, something that contributed to her long-standing and undiagnosed depression. Sage represents depression in an authentic and genuine way. Clarke’s experience shows not only the toll it takes on those suffering from depression and depressive thoughts, but also how it affects their loved ones. For me, this made Clarke a sympathetic and relatable character. Readers will love her and her love interest, Leith, who is a textbook green flag. As with all of her books, there is a great balance of sweetness and spice. Plus, Lyla Sage fans will be delighted by the cameos from Emmie and Cam.
Many thanks to the Lyla Sage, Random House, and NetGalley for the ARC of this upcoming release!
Many thanks to the Lyla Sage, Random House, and NetGalley for the ARC of this upcoming release!
June 24, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC!
This might be my new favorite.
These characters are so real. I love their struggles and triumphs, I love their banter.
I think it would be a 5 star if we got a little more of the relationship moments, but that’s just me being greedy and loving Leith and Clarke.
This might be my new favorite.
These characters are so real. I love their struggles and triumphs, I love their banter.
I think it would be a 5 star if we got a little more of the relationship moments, but that’s just me being greedy and loving Leith and Clarke.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This honest review is based off an ARC received on NetGalley, which I am immensely grateful for. To keep it brief incase anybody doesn't want to see details before pub day, this was a very entertaining read and perfect for anybody who enjoys:
-small town that feels both cozy and eerie
-fake dating / inheritance clause
-second chance
-found family
-black cat x golden retriever
-a touch of supernatural (ghosts)
-no third act breakup or miscommunication trope!!
More in depth review of characters and themes:
Fake dating from Lyla Sage is basically just two characters with so much obvious chemistry that it all felt very real right from the start. I loved them together but I also enjoyed the characters separately. Clarke was such an interesting personality in Soul Searching and the way she was written felt so natural that it is clear Lyla has been working on this for ages. She was very well developed, and while she had her own challenges to face, she handled everything in a very authentic way. The same goes for Leith. He very much felt like his own entity and not just a supporting character in her story, partly thanks to the dual POV but also because he had his own challenges to face throughout the story. It is really nice to see love developing when they both have obstacles and growing to do instead of a handsome man just swooping the FMC off her feet and solving problems for her.
I also LOVEEEE the Cam and Emmy cameo in these books. Nobody does small towns quite like Lyla Sage, and her ability to connect two separate towns is so much fun to see. The characters from her Rebel Blue world still feel so alive in these stories and I am living for it.
Another small detail that was very impactful was the situation with Ali. It was handled in such a mature, refreshing way. When given the chance to pin girls against each other for the drama, Lyla instead made it a point that it is okay to grow up and move on from a relationship that no longer serves you, and that you can still wish the best for the other person regardless of the hurt you feel. It was one relatively unimportant scene that I think will make a lasting impression on readers, and I admire that. Similar examples to this can be seen in the delicate way therapy is suggested out of love, or the recognition of signs of high functioning depression in the main character near the end of the story that we readers may have even missed. They aren't turned into obvious themes that take over the story, but highlighted all the same.
If I HAD to be picky, I would say that I wished we got to see more of Leith's life on the farm beyond just his family life. Part of what made the Done and Dusted series so impactful for me was the immense visualization I had for the ranch life and how seamlessly she blended the ranch and the town. I wish we got more of that here, because it added so much to who Leith was and had also been such a major part of the story. While I adore Clarke and her ghosty troubles, and I love spending time at Toades, I just the man who loved working on his farm so much got to spend more time on the farm rather than chasing her like the lovesick puppy that he is.
This one was fun, binge worthy, and the high stakes but low anxiety inducing conflict was exactly what was needed to balance out the fun and flirty vibes throughout. Once again, I am very thankful for the ARC and can't wait for this one to come out!
-small town that feels both cozy and eerie
-fake dating / inheritance clause
-second chance
-found family
-black cat x golden retriever
-a touch of supernatural (ghosts)
-no third act breakup or miscommunication trope!!
More in depth review of characters and themes:
Fake dating from Lyla Sage is basically just two characters with so much obvious chemistry that it all felt very real right from the start. I loved them together but I also enjoyed the characters separately. Clarke was such an interesting personality in Soul Searching and the way she was written felt so natural that it is clear Lyla has been working on this for ages. She was very well developed, and while she had her own challenges to face, she handled everything in a very authentic way. The same goes for Leith. He very much felt like his own entity and not just a supporting character in her story, partly thanks to the dual POV but also because he had his own challenges to face throughout the story. It is really nice to see love developing when they both have obstacles and growing to do instead of a handsome man just swooping the FMC off her feet and solving problems for her.
I also LOVEEEE the Cam and Emmy cameo in these books. Nobody does small towns quite like Lyla Sage, and her ability to connect two separate towns is so much fun to see. The characters from her Rebel Blue world still feel so alive in these stories and I am living for it.
Another small detail that was very impactful was the situation with Ali. It was handled in such a mature, refreshing way. When given the chance to pin girls against each other for the drama, Lyla instead made it a point that it is okay to grow up and move on from a relationship that no longer serves you, and that you can still wish the best for the other person regardless of the hurt you feel. It was one relatively unimportant scene that I think will make a lasting impression on readers, and I admire that. Similar examples to this can be seen in the delicate way therapy is suggested out of love, or the recognition of signs of high functioning depression in the main character near the end of the story that we readers may have even missed. They aren't turned into obvious themes that take over the story, but highlighted all the same.
If I HAD to be picky, I would say that I wished we got to see more of Leith's life on the farm beyond just his family life. Part of what made the Done and Dusted series so impactful for me was the immense visualization I had for the ranch life and how seamlessly she blended the ranch and the town. I wish we got more of that here, because it added so much to who Leith was and had also been such a major part of the story. While I adore Clarke and her ghosty troubles, and I love spending time at Toades, I just the man who loved working on his farm so much got to spend more time on the farm rather than chasing her like the lovesick puppy that he is.
This one was fun, binge worthy, and the high stakes but low anxiety inducing conflict was exactly what was needed to balance out the fun and flirty vibes throughout. Once again, I am very thankful for the ARC and can't wait for this one to come out!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Yay! I'm so happy to re-visit Sweetwater Peak!
Clarke Cartwright is barely keeping Toade’s Antiques open while she tries to ignore the persistent ghost of her childhood crush’s father. When Leith Wilkes—charming farmer and longtime crush—returns home to manage his family’s ranch, an odd clause in his inheritance and Clarke’s accidental spill of Wilkes family secrets force them into a fake relationship to protect both of their legacies. As they stage affection for the town, real feelings grow. Clarke wrestles with burnout, undiagnosed depression, and a paranormal gift she resists; Leith must face the responsibilities of the farm and what he truly wants. Their bond deepens through honest conversations, family tensions, and the gentle supernatural threads woven through Sweetwater Peak. Free Falling is a cozy, second-chance small-town romance with a touch of ghostly mystery, warm cameos from the Rebel Blue world, and a focus on emotional growth and found family.
Romance readers will love this book because it mixes several beloved romance ingredients: fake-dating that turns genuine, childhood-crush tension, and slow-building emotional intimacy. The dual POV gives both leads distinct voices and lets readers watch real communication and growth rather than manufactured misunderstandings. The small-town setting—cozy, slightly spooky Sweetwater Peak—feels lived-in, with recurring characters and cameos that reward series fans. The paranormal element adds gentle mystery without overwhelming the romance, and family stakes (the antique shop, the Wilkes farm) raise the emotional investment. Mental-health representation—Clarke’s high-functioning depression and burnout—is handled with care, adding realism and empathy to her journey. I loved Clarke’s vulnerability and resilience—her push to keep Toade’s alive while managing burnout felt authentic and moving. Leith is a grounded, emotionally available hero whose steady support never feels performative; his feelings show up in small, consistent actions that made their romance believable. The way family dynamics and legacy pressures shape both characters added real stakes beyond a simple meet-cute. Cameos from the wider Rebel Blue world were a fun bonus, and overall the book struck the perfect balance of cozy, spooky👻, and emotionally satisfying—exactly the kind of romance I want to read!
Pub Date Sep 22 2026 | Thanks to Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback | NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
https://romancelibrarian88.blogspot.c...
Clarke Cartwright is barely keeping Toade’s Antiques open while she tries to ignore the persistent ghost of her childhood crush’s father. When Leith Wilkes—charming farmer and longtime crush—returns home to manage his family’s ranch, an odd clause in his inheritance and Clarke’s accidental spill of Wilkes family secrets force them into a fake relationship to protect both of their legacies. As they stage affection for the town, real feelings grow. Clarke wrestles with burnout, undiagnosed depression, and a paranormal gift she resists; Leith must face the responsibilities of the farm and what he truly wants. Their bond deepens through honest conversations, family tensions, and the gentle supernatural threads woven through Sweetwater Peak. Free Falling is a cozy, second-chance small-town romance with a touch of ghostly mystery, warm cameos from the Rebel Blue world, and a focus on emotional growth and found family.
Romance readers will love this book because it mixes several beloved romance ingredients: fake-dating that turns genuine, childhood-crush tension, and slow-building emotional intimacy. The dual POV gives both leads distinct voices and lets readers watch real communication and growth rather than manufactured misunderstandings. The small-town setting—cozy, slightly spooky Sweetwater Peak—feels lived-in, with recurring characters and cameos that reward series fans. The paranormal element adds gentle mystery without overwhelming the romance, and family stakes (the antique shop, the Wilkes farm) raise the emotional investment. Mental-health representation—Clarke’s high-functioning depression and burnout—is handled with care, adding realism and empathy to her journey. I loved Clarke’s vulnerability and resilience—her push to keep Toade’s alive while managing burnout felt authentic and moving. Leith is a grounded, emotionally available hero whose steady support never feels performative; his feelings show up in small, consistent actions that made their romance believable. The way family dynamics and legacy pressures shape both characters added real stakes beyond a simple meet-cute. Cameos from the wider Rebel Blue world were a fun bonus, and overall the book struck the perfect balance of cozy, spooky👻, and emotionally satisfying—exactly the kind of romance I want to read!
Pub Date Sep 22 2026 | Thanks to Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback | NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
https://romancelibrarian88.blogspot.c...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, NetGalley & Random House Publishing, for this eARC in exchange for my honest review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I don't know how Lyla Sage does it, but she has done it again!! And this time, she reached directly into my chest and ripped my heart out. Free Falling is the kind of book that finds you at exactly the right moment, whether you're ready for it or not. I was. And it wrecked me in the best, most necessary way.
Clarke Cartwright is someone I have never related to more in my entire reading life. She is riddled with anxiety, quietly blue, questioning everything, and doing it all largely alone... because solitude, for people like her (like us), is easier than the vulnerability of letting someone in. Lyla Sage captures this with such tenderness and precision that half of this book is highlighted on my kindle. There is so much heart here.
A quote that stopped me cold:
"There was also this small, prickly part of me that wondered if I was too likable to be lovable. If I was so worried about everyone liking me, that I'd spent so much time curating a 'normal,' has-it-all-together personality, that there wasn't anything underneath it—nothing deeper for someone to get to know and fall in love with. I felt like a paper doll—pretty to look at, fun to play with, but if it was never to a Barbie, no one would pick it."
If you have ever curated yourself so carefully for the world that you started to wonder what was left underneath, this book is for you.
And then there's Leith, who slips through Clarke's cracks without forcing a single door open. Watching him show her what she deserves, and watching her slowly, terrifyingly allow it, was absolutely beautiful. This is ultimately a book about what a life built around self-protection can quietly cost you and what it looks like to finally let someone in. It hurt so much to read, and I am so grateful I did.
Lyla Sage, you have written something genuinely special. I'll be thinking about Clarke for a very long time.
I don't know how Lyla Sage does it, but she has done it again!! And this time, she reached directly into my chest and ripped my heart out. Free Falling is the kind of book that finds you at exactly the right moment, whether you're ready for it or not. I was. And it wrecked me in the best, most necessary way.
Clarke Cartwright is someone I have never related to more in my entire reading life. She is riddled with anxiety, quietly blue, questioning everything, and doing it all largely alone... because solitude, for people like her (like us), is easier than the vulnerability of letting someone in. Lyla Sage captures this with such tenderness and precision that half of this book is highlighted on my kindle. There is so much heart here.
A quote that stopped me cold:
"There was also this small, prickly part of me that wondered if I was too likable to be lovable. If I was so worried about everyone liking me, that I'd spent so much time curating a 'normal,' has-it-all-together personality, that there wasn't anything underneath it—nothing deeper for someone to get to know and fall in love with. I felt like a paper doll—pretty to look at, fun to play with, but if it was never to a Barbie, no one would pick it."
If you have ever curated yourself so carefully for the world that you started to wonder what was left underneath, this book is for you.
And then there's Leith, who slips through Clarke's cracks without forcing a single door open. Watching him show her what she deserves, and watching her slowly, terrifyingly allow it, was absolutely beautiful. This is ultimately a book about what a life built around self-protection can quietly cost you and what it looks like to finally let someone in. It hurt so much to read, and I am so grateful I did.
Lyla Sage, you have written something genuinely special. I'll be thinking about Clarke for a very long time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I absolutely loved the first book in the Sweetwater Peak series but this was one was just….fine.
Clarke Cartwright probably needs to get out more. She just has a lot to do. Running Toade’s Antiques is no small feat, especially considering that the roof is in shambles and half her merchandise is unsellable. But dealing with that feels easier than her other option: chatting it up with the ghost of her childhood crush’s father, who just can’t seem to leave her alone.
Leith Wilkes has spent his life preparing to take over his family’s farm. Well, he’s actually spent most of his life flirting, but now he’s ready to buckle down, which has nothing to do with an oddly specific clause that his dad left in his inheritance. Leith is pretty sure he’s the only one who knows about it . . . until Clarke drunkenly spills that she knows, too, along with a bunch of other Wilkes family secrets.
Leith starts to wonder if there’s more to Clarke than she lets on . . . and if his dad has something to do with it. And if she is keeping secrets of her own, maybe she won’t mind helping him with his.
I did like both of the main characters and of course I was excited to go back to this spooky small town but it just lacked something that the first book had. The ghosts were kind of background thoughts and I didn’t really understand Clarke’s connection to them at times. I really really liked the rawness of Clarke and how she went on a personal growth journey and accepted her depression and learned that it’s ok to ask for help. She was one of the most relatable characters I’ve read about in a while. And Leith is sure to be everyone’s new book boyfriend!
Other than these 3 dimensional characters the story itself was fine. I was really bored at times and confused at others I’m glad I read it but honestly you can just stop after book one.
Clarke Cartwright probably needs to get out more. She just has a lot to do. Running Toade’s Antiques is no small feat, especially considering that the roof is in shambles and half her merchandise is unsellable. But dealing with that feels easier than her other option: chatting it up with the ghost of her childhood crush’s father, who just can’t seem to leave her alone.
Leith Wilkes has spent his life preparing to take over his family’s farm. Well, he’s actually spent most of his life flirting, but now he’s ready to buckle down, which has nothing to do with an oddly specific clause that his dad left in his inheritance. Leith is pretty sure he’s the only one who knows about it . . . until Clarke drunkenly spills that she knows, too, along with a bunch of other Wilkes family secrets.
Leith starts to wonder if there’s more to Clarke than she lets on . . . and if his dad has something to do with it. And if she is keeping secrets of her own, maybe she won’t mind helping him with his.
I did like both of the main characters and of course I was excited to go back to this spooky small town but it just lacked something that the first book had. The ghosts were kind of background thoughts and I didn’t really understand Clarke’s connection to them at times. I really really liked the rawness of Clarke and how she went on a personal growth journey and accepted her depression and learned that it’s ok to ask for help. She was one of the most relatable characters I’ve read about in a while. And Leith is sure to be everyone’s new book boyfriend!
Other than these 3 dimensional characters the story itself was fine. I was really bored at times and confused at others I’m glad I read it but honestly you can just stop after book one.
May 10, 2026
Clarke Cartwright probably needs to get out more, but honestly, you can’t blame her. Running Toade’s Antiques is a Herculean task, especially when the roof is literally falling in and half the inventory is total junk. Dealing with the physical mess feels much safer than her "other" problem: being haunted by the ghost of her childhood crush’s father.
Then there’s Leith Wilkes. He’s spent most of his life leaning into his reputation as a flirt, but he’s finally ready to buckle down and save the family farm—partially because of a very specific, very secret clause in his dad’s will. He thinks his secret is safe until a drunken Clarke spills the beans, proving she knows way more about the Wilkes family than she should.
Why You Should Read This
The Romantic Arc: I absolutely loved seeing the love between Leith and Clarke grow! Their chemistry is built on a foundation of shared secrets and unexpected vulnerability. It feels earned and deeply sweet.
Mental Health Representation: One of my favorite aspects of this book is how the author covers mental health. It’s handled with such grace and realism, making the characters feel like actual humans rather than just tropes.
The Supernatural Twist: The ghost of Leith’s father adds a perfect layer of humor and tension without overshadowing the core romance.
Final Verdict: If you're looking for a story that balances heavy emotional themes with a cozy, small-town atmosphere and a dash of the paranormal, this is a must-read! The only reason I’m giving it four stars instead of five is that I wanted even more of the antique shop chaos, but the character development more than makes up for it. Recommended for anyone who loves a slow-burn romance with real heart.
Then there’s Leith Wilkes. He’s spent most of his life leaning into his reputation as a flirt, but he’s finally ready to buckle down and save the family farm—partially because of a very specific, very secret clause in his dad’s will. He thinks his secret is safe until a drunken Clarke spills the beans, proving she knows way more about the Wilkes family than she should.
Why You Should Read This
The Romantic Arc: I absolutely loved seeing the love between Leith and Clarke grow! Their chemistry is built on a foundation of shared secrets and unexpected vulnerability. It feels earned and deeply sweet.
Mental Health Representation: One of my favorite aspects of this book is how the author covers mental health. It’s handled with such grace and realism, making the characters feel like actual humans rather than just tropes.
The Supernatural Twist: The ghost of Leith’s father adds a perfect layer of humor and tension without overshadowing the core romance.
Final Verdict: If you're looking for a story that balances heavy emotional themes with a cozy, small-town atmosphere and a dash of the paranormal, this is a must-read! The only reason I’m giving it four stars instead of five is that I wanted even more of the antique shop chaos, but the character development more than makes up for it. Recommended for anyone who loves a slow-burn romance with real heart.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a breath of fresh air to return to Sweetwater Peak and the world of Lyla Sage's making! Sage continues to excel at creating characters you truly want to root for. Clarke and Leith were adorable. One of the absolute highlights of this read was the cameos; seeing familiar faces from her other series felt like a treat for long-time fans and added a wonderful sense of community to the story. I really appreciated the direction the story took regarding mental health. Seeing Clarke navigate depression and the process of coming to terms with it was incredibly moving. It’s a relatable and important journey that gave the book a grounded, emotional weight. While I loved the foundation of the book, there were two things that kept it from being a perfect five-star read for me:
Dialogue Repetition: Both Clarke and Leith used the pet name "Honey" so frequently that it became a bit distracting. By the halfway point, it felt a little unbelievable for two people to use the same term of endearment quite that often.
A Desire for More Depth: Because the exploration of Clarke’s depression was so well handled, I actually found myself wishing the book had dived even deeper. I would have loved a more in depth look at that recovery process, as the emotional payoff was so strong.
Overall, Free Falling is a lovely, emotional follow up. If you enjoyed Soul Searching, you’ll love the character growth here, just be prepared to read the word "Honey" a lot!
Dialogue Repetition: Both Clarke and Leith used the pet name "Honey" so frequently that it became a bit distracting. By the halfway point, it felt a little unbelievable for two people to use the same term of endearment quite that often.
A Desire for More Depth: Because the exploration of Clarke’s depression was so well handled, I actually found myself wishing the book had dived even deeper. I would have loved a more in depth look at that recovery process, as the emotional payoff was so strong.
Overall, Free Falling is a lovely, emotional follow up. If you enjoyed Soul Searching, you’ll love the character growth here, just be prepared to read the word "Honey" a lot!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
BK-R
🌶️ Spice: 1.5
👁 POV: Dual POV
✨ Vibe: Small Town Romance • Ghostly Mystery • Childhood Crush • Cozy Western Energy
📚 Cover: 4/5
Clarke Cartwright is barely keeping her family antique shop afloat while also trying to ignore the ghost of her childhood crush’s father, who refuses to leave her alone. Meanwhile, Leith Wilkes is preparing to take over his family farm, until a strange inheritance clause and Clarke accidentally revealing family secrets pull the two closer together. As secrets unravel, Clarke and Leith must decide whether they can trust each other enough to face the past.
This one had such a strong premise and honestly started off really promising. Small-town vibes, family secrets, a ghostly element, and childhood crush tension? We were so ready to love it. Unfortunately, it just never fully delivered emotionally for us.
The stakes felt very low throughout most of the story, and we struggled to connect with Clarke and Leith as a couple. Their chemistry didn’t fully land, and a lot of the dialogue felt forced instead of natural and flowing. There were definitely moments we enjoyed, and the concept itself is unique and interesting, but overall the emotional impact just fell flat for us.
✅ Recommend for fans of: cozy small-town romance, family secrets, light paranormal elements, slow emotional stories
❌ Skip if you’re looking for: high emotional stakes, strong romantic chemistry, or fast-paced tension
Spicy Chapters: 18, 24, 31
🌶️ Spice: 1.5
👁 POV: Dual POV
✨ Vibe: Small Town Romance • Ghostly Mystery • Childhood Crush • Cozy Western Energy
📚 Cover: 4/5
Clarke Cartwright is barely keeping her family antique shop afloat while also trying to ignore the ghost of her childhood crush’s father, who refuses to leave her alone. Meanwhile, Leith Wilkes is preparing to take over his family farm, until a strange inheritance clause and Clarke accidentally revealing family secrets pull the two closer together. As secrets unravel, Clarke and Leith must decide whether they can trust each other enough to face the past.
This one had such a strong premise and honestly started off really promising. Small-town vibes, family secrets, a ghostly element, and childhood crush tension? We were so ready to love it. Unfortunately, it just never fully delivered emotionally for us.
The stakes felt very low throughout most of the story, and we struggled to connect with Clarke and Leith as a couple. Their chemistry didn’t fully land, and a lot of the dialogue felt forced instead of natural and flowing. There were definitely moments we enjoyed, and the concept itself is unique and interesting, but overall the emotional impact just fell flat for us.
✅ Recommend for fans of: cozy small-town romance, family secrets, light paranormal elements, slow emotional stories
❌ Skip if you’re looking for: high emotional stakes, strong romantic chemistry, or fast-paced tension
Spicy Chapters: 18, 24, 31
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Well, what a sweet book!
Lyla Sage is magic. Her small town romances are just delightful, and her Rebel Blue Ranch series is gold. Free Falling is the second book set in Sweetwater Peak, a charming, if albeit haunted, small town in Wyoming. There's not a lot happening in town outside of tourist season, so Clarke, who runs her families antique shop, finally has time to figure out long overdue repairs. When it becomes apparent her family doesn't have the money, she enters into a fake dating scheme with her frenemy Leith, who needs help saving his family farm from someone who is trying to steal his inheritance.
Ok so tldr, there's characters are super cute, it has enemies to lovers, fake dating, lots of spice, AND paranormal ghost stuff. This book really has it all. It's full of heart, and also delves into Clarke's mental health as she confronts the depression that's slowly crept into her life and has robbed her of joy and happiness. Leith is an adorable farm boy who has a fatherly/big brother relationship with his niece that I really enjoyed. Like the first book in this series, Soul Searching, there's a crossover with her previous book series that had super excited.
I really loved Free Falling, it hit all the spots! I can't wait to see what Lyla Sage writes next. Thanks so much to Net Galley and Dial Press for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
Lyla Sage is magic. Her small town romances are just delightful, and her Rebel Blue Ranch series is gold. Free Falling is the second book set in Sweetwater Peak, a charming, if albeit haunted, small town in Wyoming. There's not a lot happening in town outside of tourist season, so Clarke, who runs her families antique shop, finally has time to figure out long overdue repairs. When it becomes apparent her family doesn't have the money, she enters into a fake dating scheme with her frenemy Leith, who needs help saving his family farm from someone who is trying to steal his inheritance.
Ok so tldr, there's characters are super cute, it has enemies to lovers, fake dating, lots of spice, AND paranormal ghost stuff. This book really has it all. It's full of heart, and also delves into Clarke's mental health as she confronts the depression that's slowly crept into her life and has robbed her of joy and happiness. Leith is an adorable farm boy who has a fatherly/big brother relationship with his niece that I really enjoyed. Like the first book in this series, Soul Searching, there's a crossover with her previous book series that had super excited.
I really loved Free Falling, it hit all the spots! I can't wait to see what Lyla Sage writes next. Thanks so much to Net Galley and Dial Press for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Clarke was a bit of an enigma in Soul Searching, so it was wonderful getting to know her and Leithe here in Free Falling. Lyla Sage has a real gift for both creating characters who feel wholly fleshed out without over-description, and her worldbuilding is similarly brilliant. You will fall in love with Sweetwater Peak and its inhabitants (living and dead) from the start. THE PROM! squeeee!!!
The love everyone (except two dudes, and screw them) has for this town and community shines through, and if you've ever lived in a small town that had its own quirks and flaws, this will feel like a warm hug.
The mental health rep: Clarke's journey from 'I'm sad and overwhelmed' to realizing she's facing burnout and depression, feels so familiar as well. It's not a punch to the gut, it's a soft hand on your shoulder saying 'it doesn't have to be like this.' The author's note at the beginning had me in tears; it's a journey so many of us have been on, and it was handled beautifully. Thank you, Lyla Sage, for being so open and having such grace and care.
* small town (needs saving)
* fake dating/engaged
* childhood crush -> lovers
* grey cat/golden retriever
* farmer + antiquarian
* she talks to ghosts (but needs to accept her powers)
* mental health rep
* family dynamics, good and bad
* cameos from Rebel Blue
* heart and heat
The love everyone (except two dudes, and screw them) has for this town and community shines through, and if you've ever lived in a small town that had its own quirks and flaws, this will feel like a warm hug.
The mental health rep: Clarke's journey from 'I'm sad and overwhelmed' to realizing she's facing burnout and depression, feels so familiar as well. It's not a punch to the gut, it's a soft hand on your shoulder saying 'it doesn't have to be like this.' The author's note at the beginning had me in tears; it's a journey so many of us have been on, and it was handled beautifully. Thank you, Lyla Sage, for being so open and having such grace and care.
* small town (needs saving)
* fake dating/engaged
* childhood crush -> lovers
* grey cat/golden retriever
* farmer + antiquarian
* she talks to ghosts (but needs to accept her powers)
* mental health rep
* family dynamics, good and bad
* cameos from Rebel Blue
* heart and heat
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the early copy of this book.
After reading Soul Searching, I could not wait to get back to this quirky little town of Sweetwater Peak! This time the story centers around Clarke and Leith.
I really enjoyed Clarke and learning about her as an individual aside from her twin. Clarke definitely has her own "Type A" personality. She's a sweetheart with a lot of love to give. It was interesting to see how she deals with the town's "quirkiness" in a different way than her sister. She really stepped up to the challenge to save this sweet little town.
I really enjoyed the love story and growth between her and Leith. The town loves them and they were well matched. And we LOVE Leith!! He is the perfect rugged MMC. Their love story fell a little flat for me towards the end of the book, however. I do wish there was just a bit more challenge between their relationship.
I also enjoyed the mental health rep aspect of the story, but I do with I was touched on a bit more. I do feel Clarke became agreeable to everything towards the end. Almost like she stopped being the main lead and let the side characters step in to take the lead.
Overall, I absolutely, love this series and everything Sweetwater Peak! (And all the surprise visits from Meadowlark!)
After reading Soul Searching, I could not wait to get back to this quirky little town of Sweetwater Peak! This time the story centers around Clarke and Leith.
I really enjoyed Clarke and learning about her as an individual aside from her twin. Clarke definitely has her own "Type A" personality. She's a sweetheart with a lot of love to give. It was interesting to see how she deals with the town's "quirkiness" in a different way than her sister. She really stepped up to the challenge to save this sweet little town.
I really enjoyed the love story and growth between her and Leith. The town loves them and they were well matched. And we LOVE Leith!! He is the perfect rugged MMC. Their love story fell a little flat for me towards the end of the book, however. I do wish there was just a bit more challenge between their relationship.
I also enjoyed the mental health rep aspect of the story, but I do with I was touched on a bit more. I do feel Clarke became agreeable to everything towards the end. Almost like she stopped being the main lead and let the side characters step in to take the lead.
Overall, I absolutely, love this series and everything Sweetwater Peak! (And all the surprise visits from Meadowlark!)
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