Free Falling: A Sweetwater Peak Novel

Sweetwater Peak #2

by Lyla Sage

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   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.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Small Town Romance, Adult, Fantasy, Contemporary

Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 22, 2026

About the author

Lyla 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

Reviews

[Noi (in & out)]

I knew there had to be more 🤩

[Christine Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Erin (erinsreadingroom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ 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.

[lana]

so seated 👻

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Marissa Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Emily Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Mrs Lopez Overbooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Briana Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[ama · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Courtenay]

Lyla Sage is a newer author for me, and I’m so grateful I had the chance to read an advance copy of Free Falling. She’s already earned a spot on my favorites list, her writing is absolutely beautiful and pulls me in from the very first page. Every. Single. Time. It took me under 48 hours to devour this book if that tells you anything. 😅

In all honesty, I loved this book. One of the most refreshing things was the absence of the typical late stage miscommunication or dramatic breakup that often appears around the 70% mark and can stall the story’s momentum. Instead, the relationship developed in a way that felt natural, steady, and emotionally authentic, which made the progression all the more satisfying.

I also deeply appreciated the thoughtful attention given to mental health in this book. Clarke’s experience with depression was portrayed with care and watching her navigate that journey with the support of those who love her genuinely had me in my feels.

Overall, Free Falling was an emotional, engaging read that I would gladly recommend.

Tropes:
Fake Dating
Mental health rep
Small town romance
Ghosts 👻
Grumpy x sunshine


5/5 would definitely recommend
3/5 🌶️

[gung-ho_reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyla Sage always coming through with fresh new romance stories in Free Falling follomg the Sweetwater Peak saga. I loved Leith and Clarke's story. Their romance felt really grounded with all the problems and depsite the ghost thoroughline aspect storyline it was a sweet full circle moment. I found Clarkes depression crashout plot to feel realistic because it felt like it was looming but also becayse she got distracted in the fake dating of it all with Leith. I would've liked to see more of the fake engagement arc before everything wrapped up. I sped through this story which is why it probably felt like it was faster that it was. It was great to see Cam again along with Emmy and the Boone connection through the two places of Sweetwater and Meadowlark, the link is interesting. I cant wait to see who the next couple in the series is because we've not been given any hints as to the male character but possible one of the women introduced is going to be the next mc and hopefully the romance will be with one of the big corporations that are working against the small town life.

[Melissa DeLong-Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am comfortable admitting that I am a Rebel Blue Ranch lovergirl – that series is right up there with Elsie Silver's Chesnut Springs series. There's just something about an interconnected set of characters that I can't get enough of. We certainly knew that the second piece of this duology would be Clarke's POV and I personally enjoyed this story significantly more than the first. Maybe it's because so much of the groundwork was laid in the first book, or maybe I just identified more with Clarke than I did with Collins, but either way, I blazed through this in a matter of hours. There are very few tropes that I enjoy seeing, but fake dating is definitely one of them and in this case 🥹🥹🥹 just absolutely precious progression of the relationship between Clarke and Leith. And btw, NEVER MAD about a crossover moment! Having Cam and Emmy appear made my heart feel so happy.

Easy 4-4.5 star read, Lyla Sage is just so good.

*Thank you to Random House – Dial Press Trade Paperback and NetGalley for the ARC!*

[Alora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lyla, I'm so sorry, but Leith?! Leith is one of the most unattractive names I've ever read.

That being said, he is truly a sweetheart in Sweetwater, and I understand why he's the town's golden boy. He's worked hard for his farm, and he'll do anything he needs to to protect it. Honestly, I wish we had gotten a little more cowboy from him. Clarke is a very relatable character. She has a lot on her plate, and doesn't let people in easily. She wants to help everyone, but often does it at the expense of herself. I resonated with her, and honestly wish we had gotten to see more of those darker feelings she was battling with. Her and Collins ' relationship is so unique, and I'm glad that they have each other. This lacked the same ghost element that the first book had, and it focused mostly on the relationship between Clarke and Leith. I wish we had been given more chemistry and tension, and I wish Clarke could have had several conversations with Leith's dad.

Thank you to Netgalley for this arc in return for my honest opinion.

[Mackenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Random House Publishing and Lyla Sage for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel. This is the second book, Free Falling, part of the Sweetwater Peak duology.


The Story

It was so exciting to enter this town again! One of the highlights of this sequel was definitely the "found family" aspect. I loved connecting with the older characters, such as Boone Ryder, who continues to be the perfect surrogate grandfather figure.

This installment follows Clark and her childhood crush, Leith. Leith is desperate to save the farm that has been in his family for generations, but there is a major caveat: which leads us into a high-stakes fake dating trope that keeps the pages turning.


My Take

While I loved being back in this world, I felt like the novel was very rushed. I really wish it had delved deeper into the love story, as Clark and Leith had so much potential that could have been explored more slowly.

Overall, a sweet return to Sweetwater Peak, even if I wanted just a little more time with the main couple!


Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/5)

[Amanda Carrico · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am definitely a Lyla Sage fan. I love the way she writes about small towns and makes you fall in love with them and the people who live there. I loved the dynamic with Lainey and loved the prom. I also love that we get to see the awkwardness of each of them spending time with the other’s parents & family for the first time. I feel like a lot of books skip that part, where in order to be in this person’s life you’re a part of their family’s life too. I think Lyla Sage is good about including those little realistic details. I also really liked Ali and the way that she preemptively came up to Clarke to ally with her before the town tried to pit them against each other- I love the example that sets for readers out there. Fake dating is not my jam, but I really enjoyed these characters and this story. Thank you so much to The Dial Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this story.

[Fernanda Garcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just finished Free Falling by Lyla Sage, and I have mixed feelings.

The premise immediately caught my attention, and the first part of the book was genuinely engaging. It kept me hooked and eager to see how everything would unfold. However, by the time I reached the third part, the plot started to lose momentum and felt like it fell apart a bit.

The romance is good, but not particularly memorable. Both main characters have a lot of potential, yet their development feels incomplete, I didn’t fully see the growth I was expecting.

I also wish the author had explored the FMC’s connection to the ghosts more deeply, as it’s such an intriguing element that didn’t get enough attention. On top of that, the MMC’s relationship with his father could have used a stronger resolution, which would have added more emotional depth to the story.

Overall, it’s a book with a strong premise and a compelling start, but it loses impact toward the end due to underdeveloped elements.

[Kira Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyla Sage is an automatic buy for me. I know whatever book she throws at us will be a winner, and this was no exception.

This book follows Clarke Cartwright and her long-time, childhood crush, Leith Wilkes, as they enter into a fake dating relationship to save their family businesses. Clarke is faced with the burden of trying to find the money and services to fix her families antique shop after a bad storm, while Leith is forced to figure out how to save his family farm from being turned over to the next successor due to a clause in his fathers will, that he was unware of and requires more out of him than he thought.

Lyla was able to touch on high functioning depression through Clarke, and did it in a way that I feel resonates with so many that are going through the same thing.

This was one of my top reads for the year and already look forward to rereading it.

[BHK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought Free Falling would be a cute small town romance, but it ended up being so much more fun and immersive than I expected! Sweetwater Peak has this cozy and slightly eerie vibe that makes it feel really unique, and I loved getting pulled into all the chaos right alongside Clarke. She’s just trying to hold everything together while life keeps throwing curveballs. Leith adds that perfect slow burn energy, and their fake dating situation had me completely hooked. The chemistry builds in such an easy and natural way, and the banter made it really fun to read! It’s one of those books you can easily binge in a couple sittings, and I honestly didn’t want to leave this world when it ended. If you love cozy romance with a twist, this one is definitely worth picking up!

[Madeline Church · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars! A small town romance to pick up! I have been enjoying the Sweetwater Peak series so far. I will say that I enjoyed Soul Searching a bit more than Free Falling. I wanted to see more of the paranormal aspect, but it was lacking slightly. It is a good read for an autumnal romance but not in the typical fashion. I also was not completely obsessed with the relationship. I did like both main characters, but there was something in the chemistry that did not fully click for me. Almost too on the surface overall? I will continue to read more from this series if we see more!

Thank you NetGalley, Dial Press, & Lyla Sage for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Free Falling is released on September 22, 2026!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarke is very organized, liked by everyone, and....is overwhelmed. When her childhood crush Leith needs her help, though, she's ready. But is she ready to have a fake relationship as part of the deal? I truly love visiting Sweetwater Peak, the most haunted town in at least Wyoming. Clarke is dealing with high functioning depression and the depiction is really moving (I really appreciated the author's note before the story that explained this). This story has chemistry, heart, and really explored family relationships. Such a good read and I hope there will be more in this series!

I received an advance reader copy of this title from the publisher.

[Bethany C · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ | I always feel at home in Lyla’s stories and her writing and this was no exception. I absolutely loved Clarke and Leith 🥲 I loved the history they had of knowing each other their whole life but it not being a second chance romance. I loved the fake dating and how Leith was just obsessed with her!!!! I also love the world Lyla created with Sweetwater Peak! It’s so unique and well fleshed out and you get even more of that in this book! The mental health rep was so well done as well!! Lyla is one of my favorite authors and I’m always so happy when I get another book from her!!

Thank you Netgalley and dial press for the arc!!!

[Meredith Royer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to get an ARC of Free Falling by Lyla Sage—she’s an auto-read for me at this point—and this one absolutely delivered.

Fake dating, small-town chaos, a little bit of haunting energy, and two characters with way more going on beneath the surface? I was hooked immediately. Clarke and Leith have that perfect mix of tension, humor, and emotional depth that just works.

It’s cozy but messy in the best way, with just enough mystery layered in to keep things interesting. If you love small-town romance with heart (and a little bite), this is a must-read.

Now I need to go back and read book 1!

[Ashleu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think Free Falling is better than Soul Searching but I also think...that isn't saying much. The first book in the duology was a struggle and this wasn't much better. As an old school Sage fan this pains me to say, but it's like I know she can do better. I love the focus on mental health, love the hints at previous books from Sage, found the love story to be quite believable, loved the fake dating aspect, the lack of a third act break up. Everything for a Lyla Sage book should work, but...something was missing--I, unfortunately, don't know what exactly that thing is. Unfortunately for me, this duology was a disappointment, no matter how much that saddens me to say.

[m e l · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and the publisher for this eARC!

Returning to Sweetwater Peak was so much fun.
Lyla Sage has such a gift for creating warm, emotionally grounded stories with deeply compelling family dynamics at their center.
I also loved seeing the subtle crossovers from the Rebel Blue Ranch series! The heart behind her writing is unmatched. The care she puts into her characters and relationships comes through naturally on the page. She always knows how to leave an emotional impact.
I can’t wait for more to come! 🤍🌄

[HannahsHardcovers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED Soul Searching, and I didn't think I could love a book more, but Free Falling feels like my soul book. Weirdly enough I started reading this feeling JUST like Clarke, and I feel like a grieved and healed throughout with her.

This books was happy, heartbreaking, filled with so much love and deapth, and i cannot express nearly enough how much I loved this book. I wanted to cry through so many parts of it. It was so beautifully written 😭😭

5/5 (♾️)

[Sarah Gregg · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love lyla sage!!!!!!

the continuation of meadowlark + sweetwater peak crossovers are so perfect and the resolutions of this duology were satisfying. i’m always a sucker for friends to lovers and this added an extra layer of excitement with fake dating.

i wish this book were a tad longer. the ending felt a little rushed, but i loved the characters and their stories.

i will always love ms lyla sage’s writing and i cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.

[Krystyna Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
Book 2 in the Sweetwater Peak series delivers all the cozy, emotional vibes! What starts as an arrangement to save a family farm turns into a beautiful love story. It gave me total Hallmark + Ghost Whisperer energy, but with deeper themes like grief and depression woven in. Free Falling stood out to me as I felt a good connection with the characters with incredible development and a story that really pulls you in. Releases September 22, 2026 🥰

[Destanie Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love being back in Sweetwater Peak! As someone who’s a huge fan of friends to lovers AND fake dating, this book was a warm hug with a dash of ghost interference. As someone who also has depression I definitely felt connected to Clarke, feeling like you need to take care of everything/everyone and not yourself. I’m so glad Clarke has a golden retriever like Leith to keep her grounded. I loved this one 💜

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.