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Freefall: A Small Town, Second Chance Romance
Control has always come easy to me.
Feelings don’t.
I learned that the hard way with the only woman who’s ever gotten under my skin. What started with curious questions and stolen moments with someone who saw the beauty in my darkness ended in silence.
I spent years convincing myself I’d moved on. That whatever we had was better left buried in the past.
Then she walks back into my life. Only she’s not alone, and the little girl standing beside her has my eyes. My smile. Her stubborn streak.
All my worst fears staring back at me.
I’ve missed years I’ll never get back, and if the woman who left me thinks she’s walking away again? She’s dead wrong. Because this time, I’m done pretending the past doesn’t own me. Even if it means confronting the only thing I’ve never been able to control.
Freefall is the fourth and final book in the Emberfield Falls Series. While it is part of an interconnected series, it can be read as a complete standalone. Please check content warnings as this book deals with heavy subject matter that may be sensitive to some readers.
Feelings don’t.
I learned that the hard way with the only woman who’s ever gotten under my skin. What started with curious questions and stolen moments with someone who saw the beauty in my darkness ended in silence.
I spent years convincing myself I’d moved on. That whatever we had was better left buried in the past.
Then she walks back into my life. Only she’s not alone, and the little girl standing beside her has my eyes. My smile. Her stubborn streak.
All my worst fears staring back at me.
I’ve missed years I’ll never get back, and if the woman who left me thinks she’s walking away again? She’s dead wrong. Because this time, I’m done pretending the past doesn’t own me. Even if it means confronting the only thing I’ve never been able to control.
Freefall is the fourth and final book in the Emberfield Falls Series. While it is part of an interconnected series, it can be read as a complete standalone. Please check content warnings as this book deals with heavy subject matter that may be sensitive to some readers.
- GenresSecond ChanceRomance
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2026
About the author
Mala Scott
5 books25 followersMala Scott is a contemporary romance author who writes steamy, emotional love stories featuring resilient heroines and the men who fall hard for them. When she’s not writing about the messy, gritty side of love, Mala can be found lost in a book or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. She lives in California with her husband and kids, where she finds inspiration in everyday moments and the beauty of imperfection.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 8, 2026
Thank you to Luna Literary Management and the lovely author for providing this e-arc in exchange of an honest review!
I’m deeply confused about how to review this book, so I’m going to do my best try while being completely honest. A lot of stuff that builds the plot and the story itself, didn’t make much sense. This book would’ve been better if it was shorter and promoted as erotica rather than romance. This is a second chance romance, but what separated the MMC and the FMC is never resolved, even when they get back together. The actions and feelings of the MMC, Nathan, are not coherent with his words and with the usual feelings that should come with what the FMC did. In the same way, the FMC separation from the MMC in the past was totally valid and made me wonder why on Earth would she be back with him!! (I can’t add the rest because it would be a big spoiler). Besides that, the last chapters made me almost go down to 2.5 stars because too much happens with not enough basis but to add drama and for the main couple to get together without the need to actually fix what kept them apart. I’m confused because despite all of that, I had fun reading this book. I was in the middle of a reading slum and this fast paced read helped me get back into reading again. I’m also surprised because I loved Downfall, the book before this one in this series, so I think I had too high expectations for it. The writing and the pacing of this was really good and it’s a good story to have fun and keep you reading if you can ignore the not coherent parts of it.
I’m deeply confused about how to review this book, so I’m going to do my best try while being completely honest. A lot of stuff that builds the plot and the story itself, didn’t make much sense. This book would’ve been better if it was shorter and promoted as erotica rather than romance. This is a second chance romance, but what separated the MMC and the FMC is never resolved, even when they get back together. The actions and feelings of the MMC, Nathan, are not coherent with his words and with the usual feelings that should come with what the FMC did. In the same way, the FMC separation from the MMC in the past was totally valid and made me wonder why on Earth would she be back with him!! (I can’t add the rest because it would be a big spoiler). Besides that, the last chapters made me almost go down to 2.5 stars because too much happens with not enough basis but to add drama and for the main couple to get together without the need to actually fix what kept them apart. I’m confused because despite all of that, I had fun reading this book. I was in the middle of a reading slum and this fast paced read helped me get back into reading again. I’m also surprised because I loved Downfall, the book before this one in this series, so I think I had too high expectations for it. The writing and the pacing of this was really good and it’s a good story to have fun and keep you reading if you can ignore the not coherent parts of it.
October 14, 2026
Finally! After 3 other books in the series (which were all *chef kiss*), we get a look into the REAL Nate!! He's featured in the other books, but boy does he have a story of his own. When his ex, Harper, comes back to town he is wholly unprepared to come face to face with her on accident. He's even more unprepared when he shows up and her house, only to see a little girl who has her mothers hair... but his eyes and facial features. Talk about a bomb drop. He's furious, but he is also hard set on getting to know his daughter and spend time with her. And because of that, his anger fades to his genuine feelings of love he's held on to for years as he spends more and more time with Harper and his little girl. I loved the OCD rep in this one -- it made perfect sense as to why Nate is so rigid and unrelenting about certain things, and why some things set him over the edge. Harpers relationship and history with her brother broke my heart, tbh. My father is an addict, and everything Harper felt and did for her brother were things I also did for him. Her feelings and emotions were, IMO, extremely accurate.
After being apart for so long, and being 7 years older than when they first fell in love, these two had to learn how to navigate who they both were now and what that meant for their future. I'll be honest, Nate being a girl dad was not on my bingo card while reading the other books. But seeing him in this one? 😭🥹 The scene where he's cleaning the sliding door in the kitchen and he sees her little handprints on the glass.... o.m.g. IYKYK. I can't finish this review without also mentioning (no spoilers) the plot twist. Damn, Mala, I was genuinely shocked! I was really worried for a moment how things were going to turn out for one of the characters, and had to stop for a minute to try and prepare myself for what I thought was going to happen. It ended up going a different way, to my relief.
Thank you so much to Mala for allowing me to read and review, as well as having me on her content team. I loved this series and while I'm sad to see it end, I thought it wrapped up so beautifully, and I can't wait to see what Mala has coming up next!
After being apart for so long, and being 7 years older than when they first fell in love, these two had to learn how to navigate who they both were now and what that meant for their future. I'll be honest, Nate being a girl dad was not on my bingo card while reading the other books. But seeing him in this one? 😭🥹 The scene where he's cleaning the sliding door in the kitchen and he sees her little handprints on the glass.... o.m.g. IYKYK. I can't finish this review without also mentioning (no spoilers) the plot twist. Damn, Mala, I was genuinely shocked! I was really worried for a moment how things were going to turn out for one of the characters, and had to stop for a minute to try and prepare myself for what I thought was going to happen. It ended up going a different way, to my relief.
Thank you so much to Mala for allowing me to read and review, as well as having me on her content team. I loved this series and while I'm sad to see it end, I thought it wrapped up so beautifully, and I can't wait to see what Mala has coming up next!
October 10, 2026
Mala, you've outdone yourself with this one!! This book was SOLID GOLD!! And can we PLEASE talk about that plot twist that I. DID. NOT. SEE. COMING?!? My jaw was quite literally on the floor!!
There was so much packed into this story! We're talking love, loss, addiction, second chances, a surprise child, mental health struggles, SPICE, and a little sprinkle of suspense! 👀
Freefall is book 4 in the Emberfields series, and this is Nate + Harper's story.
These two meet in college and form an undeniable connection. Nate lets Harper into parts of his life that no one else has ever been allowed to see. But when Harper unexpectedly leaves school without an explanation, everything changes. What Nate doesn't know is that Harper discovered she was pregnant before leaving...and she never told him.
Fast forward 8 years, and Harper is back in Emberfields. Only now, she has to tell Nate that he has a daughter and explain why she walked away and kept such a life-changing secret from him.
And let me tell you, their road back to each other is anything but easy.
Nate struggles with OCD and controlling behaviors, while Harper carries the weight of constantly trying to save her brother from addiction. These two have so much to unpack, and I was STRESSED wondering if they were ever going to find their way back to each other.
The entire time, I was on the edge of my seat, rooting for them, hurting for them, and wondering if love really could be enough to give them that second chance.
I cannot recommend this one enough!!
Mala, THANK YOU for giving us such beautifully layered, imperfect characters who felt so incredibly real. You managed to pull on every single one of my heartstrings, and I loved every minute of it! 💙🤍💙🤍
There was so much packed into this story! We're talking love, loss, addiction, second chances, a surprise child, mental health struggles, SPICE, and a little sprinkle of suspense! 👀
Freefall is book 4 in the Emberfields series, and this is Nate + Harper's story.
These two meet in college and form an undeniable connection. Nate lets Harper into parts of his life that no one else has ever been allowed to see. But when Harper unexpectedly leaves school without an explanation, everything changes. What Nate doesn't know is that Harper discovered she was pregnant before leaving...and she never told him.
Fast forward 8 years, and Harper is back in Emberfields. Only now, she has to tell Nate that he has a daughter and explain why she walked away and kept such a life-changing secret from him.
And let me tell you, their road back to each other is anything but easy.
Nate struggles with OCD and controlling behaviors, while Harper carries the weight of constantly trying to save her brother from addiction. These two have so much to unpack, and I was STRESSED wondering if they were ever going to find their way back to each other.
The entire time, I was on the edge of my seat, rooting for them, hurting for them, and wondering if love really could be enough to give them that second chance.
I cannot recommend this one enough!!
Mala, THANK YOU for giving us such beautifully layered, imperfect characters who felt so incredibly real. You managed to pull on every single one of my heartstrings, and I loved every minute of it! 💙🤍💙🤍
October 19, 2026
I have to be honest, I have mixed feelings about this one. I liked Nate and Harper’s chemistry, and I especially enjoyed watching Nate get to know Daisy and develop a father-daughter relationship with her. Their second chance had a lot of potential, considering how much history and hurt there was between them.
My biggest issue was that the book tried to do too much without giving its most important conflicts enough room to develop. Nate and Harper have nine years of separation to unpack, including the circumstances of their breakup and the fact that he missed his daughter’s entire childhood. Those are GINORMOUS obstacles to rebuilding a relationship, yet they spend surprisingly little time properly working through them.
Meanwhile, the story keeps introducing new complications. Jace’s struggles, family drama, another pregnancy, and the suspense storyline toward the end all compete for attention. Some of these developments are interesting individually, but together they make the plot feel overcrowded. I particularly struggled with how the final dramatic events seemed to push Nate and Harper toward reconciliation before they’d really addressed the problems that separated them.
I think this could have been a much stronger book with either a tighter, more focused plot or more substantial development of the conflicts it chose to include. As it stands, it somehow felt too long while leaving me wanting more from the parts that mattered most.
There were things I enjoyed, particularly the chemistry and Nate’s relationship with Daisy, but I wasn’t entirely convinced by the emotional resolution.
Thank you to Mala Scott and Luna Literary Management for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
My biggest issue was that the book tried to do too much without giving its most important conflicts enough room to develop. Nate and Harper have nine years of separation to unpack, including the circumstances of their breakup and the fact that he missed his daughter’s entire childhood. Those are GINORMOUS obstacles to rebuilding a relationship, yet they spend surprisingly little time properly working through them.
Meanwhile, the story keeps introducing new complications. Jace’s struggles, family drama, another pregnancy, and the suspense storyline toward the end all compete for attention. Some of these developments are interesting individually, but together they make the plot feel overcrowded. I particularly struggled with how the final dramatic events seemed to push Nate and Harper toward reconciliation before they’d really addressed the problems that separated them.
I think this could have been a much stronger book with either a tighter, more focused plot or more substantial development of the conflicts it chose to include. As it stands, it somehow felt too long while leaving me wanting more from the parts that mattered most.
There were things I enjoyed, particularly the chemistry and Nate’s relationship with Daisy, but I wasn’t entirely convinced by the emotional resolution.
Thank you to Mala Scott and Luna Literary Management for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 4 in the Emberfield Falls series is about Nate Caldwell and Harper Daniels. I couldn’t put it down!! Each book has kept me captivated but this one was so much more! There is second chance romance, single mom, secret child, mental health representation, kink exploration and it all worked so good together. I can’t say enough good things about this book.
When Nate was young he realized he has a bit of a dark side and over the years he has learned to keep it hidden. But when he meets Harper she teaches him there is beauty in the darkness.
From the moment they meet these two are like fire. But just as quickly as it started it ends when she suddenly disappears from his life. Nine years later she returns with the cutest little girl that Nate never existed. He wants to punish her for keeping his daughter from him but his kind of punishment isn’t quite what you think it is.
The spice in this had me reaching for my fan and blushing while sneaking some reading time at work. There were tender moments between Nate and his daughter Daisy and moments when the control freak learned to just let things be. Then you add in a kidnapper and I was left picking my jaw up off the floor. While you don’t have to read the series in order it will give you an idea of just how bad Nate has been affected by Harper all these years.
This series is full of second chances, bad boy/good girl, best friend’s brother, enemies to lovers, childhood friends, groveling and even some feasting on his dinner in an equipment shed 😉. Do yourself a favor and read it!
When Nate was young he realized he has a bit of a dark side and over the years he has learned to keep it hidden. But when he meets Harper she teaches him there is beauty in the darkness.
From the moment they meet these two are like fire. But just as quickly as it started it ends when she suddenly disappears from his life. Nine years later she returns with the cutest little girl that Nate never existed. He wants to punish her for keeping his daughter from him but his kind of punishment isn’t quite what you think it is.
The spice in this had me reaching for my fan and blushing while sneaking some reading time at work. There were tender moments between Nate and his daughter Daisy and moments when the control freak learned to just let things be. Then you add in a kidnapper and I was left picking my jaw up off the floor. While you don’t have to read the series in order it will give you an idea of just how bad Nate has been affected by Harper all these years.
This series is full of second chances, bad boy/good girl, best friend’s brother, enemies to lovers, childhood friends, groveling and even some feasting on his dinner in an equipment shed 😉. Do yourself a favor and read it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was so worth the wait. I have been drawn to Nate since Trustfall and it exceeded expectations. Nate and Harper are my favorite couple in this series. Nate is so complex, at a superficial level you would almost think just a total grump who likes some BDSM in his play but really it is control and the fear of not having it that bleeds into his personality. His OCD forces him to find control. His panic and anxiety are clear on page when he feels like he is losing that control of a situation. When it comes to Harper, the line feels like it slips to obsession and possession at times but you can easily see it comes from his concern and love for her. Harper is Nate's perfect match. Even with how their past played out, they are each other's balance and strength. She needs his control to take the responsibility of making decisions away and he needs her to test him and push back. I loved her bratty moments. The lead up to their intimate scenes was delicious - you could feel the tension and just knew their chemistry was going to be off the charts. These scenes just pulled you in. I can't tell you how much I want to talk about my favorite scenes but I try so hard not to put spoilers in these reviews - just know you will NOT be disappointed. I love all of the other characters in this world. We had some familiar faces and some new ones! Daisy was such a cute child and loved how her relationship evolved with Nate. This book was perfect.
ARC provided through author/Luna Literary Management. Honest review provided for no monetary gain
ARC provided through author/Luna Literary Management. Honest review provided for no monetary gain
October 17, 2026
⭐ 2
Thank you so much to Luna Literary and the author for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really wanted to enjoy this one, but I honestly don’t know how to feel about it. I really thought I was going to enjoy it, but unfortunately it didn’t work for me.
I think the biggest reason why I struggled with this book was because of how repetitive everything felt. For the majority of the book, Nathan and Harper were constantly going back and forth without actually making any progress in their relationship. It was so frustrating that the story wasn’t moving on.
Another thing I struggled with was connecting with the characters. For the beginning, for some reason I just didn’t like Nathan. I never fully warmed up to him, and also I really struggled with Harper because she wasn’t really consistent with her actions, and she also didn’t give a clear explanation on why she left Nathan and she waited until the last minute to explain. And when I learned what happened between them, I was completely on Harper’s side, and I completely understood why she felt Nathan. I spent so much of the book frustrated with her, only to find out that her feelings were completely understandable. They definitely had cute moments and I could see their potential but their wasn’t enough to make fully enjoy the book.
Overall, I wish I would have enjoyed this book, but it just wasn’t for me.
Thank you so much to Luna Literary and the author for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really wanted to enjoy this one, but I honestly don’t know how to feel about it. I really thought I was going to enjoy it, but unfortunately it didn’t work for me.
I think the biggest reason why I struggled with this book was because of how repetitive everything felt. For the majority of the book, Nathan and Harper were constantly going back and forth without actually making any progress in their relationship. It was so frustrating that the story wasn’t moving on.
Another thing I struggled with was connecting with the characters. For the beginning, for some reason I just didn’t like Nathan. I never fully warmed up to him, and also I really struggled with Harper because she wasn’t really consistent with her actions, and she also didn’t give a clear explanation on why she left Nathan and she waited until the last minute to explain. And when I learned what happened between them, I was completely on Harper’s side, and I completely understood why she felt Nathan. I spent so much of the book frustrated with her, only to find out that her feelings were completely understandable. They definitely had cute moments and I could see their potential but their wasn’t enough to make fully enjoy the book.
Overall, I wish I would have enjoyed this book, but it just wasn’t for me.
October 8, 2026
Free fall ARC
OMG this story was everything I’d hoped for and more! Nate & Harper were everything. What a roller coaster and feeling every emotion through the pages. A second chance romance will forever be my favorite trope and Mala did not disappoint.
Nate is very grumpy/broody and Harper is literal sunshine. Their dynamic was EVERYTHING and HOT with the dom/sub. Their past is a huge part of their story and seeing the flashbacks were done so perfectly. There are many layers to their relationship and without giving it away they are the perfect pairing. Throw in a little suspense, hot as hell spice, second chance and it was the perfect book.
Watching them reform their relationship and co-parent was so emotional and the reason behind their daughters name had me in literal tears 😭😭
Now the spice was so HOT and with the dom/sub kink yes please 🥵🔥🫠 Nate is the ultimate dom while Harper is 100% a brat and they both love it.
This is an infinity star read for me and I loved their story so much. Thank you Mala for the ARC and being on your team!
📸Small town
💙Second chance
📸Single mom
💙grumpy x sunshine
📸photographer x ceo
💙Secret baby
📸Mental health rep
💙Kink exploration
OMG this story was everything I’d hoped for and more! Nate & Harper were everything. What a roller coaster and feeling every emotion through the pages. A second chance romance will forever be my favorite trope and Mala did not disappoint.
Nate is very grumpy/broody and Harper is literal sunshine. Their dynamic was EVERYTHING and HOT with the dom/sub. Their past is a huge part of their story and seeing the flashbacks were done so perfectly. There are many layers to their relationship and without giving it away they are the perfect pairing. Throw in a little suspense, hot as hell spice, second chance and it was the perfect book.
Watching them reform their relationship and co-parent was so emotional and the reason behind their daughters name had me in literal tears 😭😭
Now the spice was so HOT and with the dom/sub kink yes please 🥵🔥🫠 Nate is the ultimate dom while Harper is 100% a brat and they both love it.
This is an infinity star read for me and I loved their story so much. Thank you Mala for the ARC and being on your team!
📸Small town
💙Second chance
📸Single mom
💙grumpy x sunshine
📸photographer x ceo
💙Secret baby
📸Mental health rep
💙Kink exploration
October 18, 2026
Check Content Warnings
5/5 Stars 5/5 Spice
Mala Scott and her amazing writing and storytelling is just as remarkable in this book as the other three in this series, which if you haven't read them then whatcha waiting on READ THOSE ALSO. I love when I feel like I'm in the story with the characters & as always Mala did not dissapoint here. I felt like was right By Nate feeling his pain cause when the one he loved Harper walked away he thought he'd never see her again until years later when she arrives back with a little girl. Determined to never let her go again but their road to second chance is anything but easy because of Nates OCD he struggles to find control and Harper at times needs his control and at times those both play well together as Nate likes himself a lil bdsm and Harper likes to be a brat at times so they can play and explore some kinks which helps them both deal with their real world lives. But don't take my word here, Pick up this great story today to find out more about their road to their BDSM Second Chance HEA 😉.
5/5 Stars 5/5 Spice
Mala Scott and her amazing writing and storytelling is just as remarkable in this book as the other three in this series, which if you haven't read them then whatcha waiting on READ THOSE ALSO. I love when I feel like I'm in the story with the characters & as always Mala did not dissapoint here. I felt like was right By Nate feeling his pain cause when the one he loved Harper walked away he thought he'd never see her again until years later when she arrives back with a little girl. Determined to never let her go again but their road to second chance is anything but easy because of Nates OCD he struggles to find control and Harper at times needs his control and at times those both play well together as Nate likes himself a lil bdsm and Harper likes to be a brat at times so they can play and explore some kinks which helps them both deal with their real world lives. But don't take my word here, Pick up this great story today to find out more about their road to their BDSM Second Chance HEA 😉.
October 19, 2026
Ok, this brought the spice and I'm not mad about it! Thank you so much to Mala and the team at Luna and the team for the arc, what a ride!
This is my first book by Mala and I will be going back through the series to read the rest. I will tell you I was so mad. At both of them, however they managed to forgive each other so I suppose I can forgive them too.
Nate is such a complicated character and I really liked seeing this broken down a little bit so we could understand why he was the way he was and also how he was able to make the decisions that he did surrounding Harper.
Harper is also an intriguing character and I was incredibly infuriated with her actions in the beginning, however I quickly forgave her when we had the full picture.
The miscommunication did bother me, however once resolved it was a beautiful story and I loved seeing them evolve together as a couple. This book is a little kinky and it brought the tension and a lot of fun to the dynamic.
If you're looking for something fun to read with a lot of depth and easy to consume this one is for you!
This is my first book by Mala and I will be going back through the series to read the rest. I will tell you I was so mad. At both of them, however they managed to forgive each other so I suppose I can forgive them too.
Nate is such a complicated character and I really liked seeing this broken down a little bit so we could understand why he was the way he was and also how he was able to make the decisions that he did surrounding Harper.
Harper is also an intriguing character and I was incredibly infuriated with her actions in the beginning, however I quickly forgave her when we had the full picture.
The miscommunication did bother me, however once resolved it was a beautiful story and I loved seeing them evolve together as a couple. This book is a little kinky and it brought the tension and a lot of fun to the dynamic.
If you're looking for something fun to read with a lot of depth and easy to consume this one is for you!
Read
September 25, 2026Harper dejó Baybridge hace años y nunca pensó que tendría una razón para volver. Pero cuando las circunstancias la obligan regresa y sabía que era cuestión de tiempo para que se encontrara con Nate, el hombre que alguna vez fue su novio y con quien dejó sin mirar atrás. Nate se lleva una gran sorpresa al verla de nuevo, pero lo que realmente lo deja sin palabras es conocer a la pequeña Daisy. La niña tiene ocho años y unos ojos demasiado parecidos a los suyos. Él no tarda en darse cuenta de la verdad que Harper le ocultó durante todos esos años. Ahora tiene que aceptar que tiene una hija y enfrentarse a la mujer que todavía despierta demasiados sentimientos en él. Harper sabe que tendrá que explicar por qué se fue y por qué nunca le contó sobre Daisy, pero quizá lo más difícil será descubrir si Nate puede volver a confiar en ella.
________-
Si buscan un libro que se centre en el spicy este es su libro.
Gracias por el ARC.
________-
Si buscan un libro que se centre en el spicy este es su libro.
Gracias por el ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advanced Copy Recieved by Author thank you for the opportunity
Freefall is basically what happens when you mix a kidnapping plot with enough spice to set the pages on fire. Nate Caldwell is the king of "broody, controlling, and secretly soft for his kid," while Harper is the ultimate "brat" who knows exactly how to push his buttons and the absolute queen of "I'll raise this kid alone, thanks." It’s a second chance romance that proves nine years is a long time to hold a grudge but apparently not long enough to stop the chemistry. My heart rate was higher than Nate’s blood pressure during a custody hearing, but that epilogue? Totally worth the emotional whiplash. If you find that your idea of a "meet-cute" involves a secret daughter, a kidnapping subplot, and spice that will require a fire extinguisher, Freefall has you covered. Just maybe don't read this one in the breakroom unless you're prepared to explain why you're blushing.
Freefall is basically what happens when you mix a kidnapping plot with enough spice to set the pages on fire. Nate Caldwell is the king of "broody, controlling, and secretly soft for his kid," while Harper is the ultimate "brat" who knows exactly how to push his buttons and the absolute queen of "I'll raise this kid alone, thanks." It’s a second chance romance that proves nine years is a long time to hold a grudge but apparently not long enough to stop the chemistry. My heart rate was higher than Nate’s blood pressure during a custody hearing, but that epilogue? Totally worth the emotional whiplash. If you find that your idea of a "meet-cute" involves a secret daughter, a kidnapping subplot, and spice that will require a fire extinguisher, Freefall has you covered. Just maybe don't read this one in the breakroom unless you're prepared to explain why you're blushing.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 🌟 I went into this book completely blind. I received it as an ARC, and I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed it!
This is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone, which I appreciated. At its heart, this is a second-chance romance between Harper and Nate.
After leaving town nine years ago, Harper returns home to be closer to her family. She left pregnant and looking for a fresh start, and now that she’s back, one of her biggest concerns is running into her ex, Nate.
Nate is an intense, controlling CEO with a dominant side. He met Harper in college, and although their relationship was short-lived, no woman has ever compared to her. Even after all these years, he hasn’t been able to recreate the connection they shared.
When their paths finally cross again, Nate comes face-to-face with a secret Harper has been keeping for nine years… his daughter.
From there, we get to watch these two navigate being back in each other’s lives, dealing with their complicated past, and figuring out whether there’s still a future for them. Can they overcome the years apart and everything that happened between them, or has too much time passed?
One thing I found especially interesting was the number of subplots woven throughout the story. I kept trying to figure out how each one was going to connect back to Nate and Harper’s story, and I enjoyed watching everything unfold.
And then there was the unexpected spice. I definitely wasn’t expecting it to bring the heat quite the way it did, but I was pleasantly surprised!
Overall, this was an enjoyable second-chance romance with drama, secrets, tension, complicated feelings, and some unexpected spice. While it wasn’t a five-star read for me, I definitely enjoyed the journey and was glad I picked it up!
This is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone, which I appreciated. At its heart, this is a second-chance romance between Harper and Nate.
After leaving town nine years ago, Harper returns home to be closer to her family. She left pregnant and looking for a fresh start, and now that she’s back, one of her biggest concerns is running into her ex, Nate.
Nate is an intense, controlling CEO with a dominant side. He met Harper in college, and although their relationship was short-lived, no woman has ever compared to her. Even after all these years, he hasn’t been able to recreate the connection they shared.
When their paths finally cross again, Nate comes face-to-face with a secret Harper has been keeping for nine years… his daughter.
From there, we get to watch these two navigate being back in each other’s lives, dealing with their complicated past, and figuring out whether there’s still a future for them. Can they overcome the years apart and everything that happened between them, or has too much time passed?
One thing I found especially interesting was the number of subplots woven throughout the story. I kept trying to figure out how each one was going to connect back to Nate and Harper’s story, and I enjoyed watching everything unfold.
And then there was the unexpected spice. I definitely wasn’t expecting it to bring the heat quite the way it did, but I was pleasantly surprised!
Overall, this was an enjoyable second-chance romance with drama, secrets, tension, complicated feelings, and some unexpected spice. While it wasn’t a five-star read for me, I definitely enjoyed the journey and was glad I picked it up!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved Nate and Harper's story. Nate is scared to let anyone close for fear of rejection. He's different from other people and doesn't want to scare them. I love that Harper helps him embrace who he is. She is his opposite in so many ways, but there's a reason it works. There are flashbacks in the story that I think help with showing the first time they fell in love and what exactly happened to come between him. Nate can be very intense, but Harper doesn't let that stop her from being herself.
This book can be read as a standalone, which is what I did. It can also be read as part of a series. There are other characters in this book that I would love to get to know, so I will definitely be checking them out
I loved Nate and Harper's story. Nate is scared to let anyone close for fear of rejection. He's different from other people and doesn't want to scare them. I love that Harper helps him embrace who he is. She is his opposite in so many ways, but there's a reason it works. There are flashbacks in the story that I think help with showing the first time they fell in love and what exactly happened to come between him. Nate can be very intense, but Harper doesn't let that stop her from being herself.
This book can be read as a standalone, which is what I did. It can also be read as part of a series. There are other characters in this book that I would love to get to know, so I will definitely be checking them out
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Freefall by Mala Scott was a wonderful addition to the Emberfield Falls series. I really enjoyed the small-town atmosphere and the way the story brought together two people who have a history and a chance to find their way back to each other. The characters felt genuine, and I especially liked watching their relationship develop as they worked through the past and figured out what they wanted for the future. There’s a nice balance of romance, emotion, and small-town charm that kept me turning the pages. Mala Scott did a great job creating a cozy setting with characters you can easily root for. Overall, Freefall is a sweet and enjoyable read that left me looking forward to more from Emberfield Falls!
I received an ARC copy from Luna Literacy. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
I received an ARC copy from Luna Literacy. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
October 8, 2026
I really enjoyed this second chance, single mum/surprise baby story! The MCs were magnetic! A series of errors, not by the MCs meant that they lost touch for 9 years and when FMC Harper returns to her hometown with 8 year old Daisy in tow, MMC Nate is shocked to say the least.
I really loved unraveling this story and learning more about Nate - he is for sure a complex character but this comes from a place of feeling so out of control in his younger life; he does everything he can now to maintain that control. The tension was great as was the spice, the kink exploration and D/S dynamic was so hot and I loved every minute of it! I loved their HEA and it felt very real.
Thank you to Mala for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
I really loved unraveling this story and learning more about Nate - he is for sure a complex character but this comes from a place of feeling so out of control in his younger life; he does everything he can now to maintain that control. The tension was great as was the spice, the kink exploration and D/S dynamic was so hot and I loved every minute of it! I loved their HEA and it felt very real.
Thank you to Mala for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
October 9, 2026
✨BETA Read✨
Our second chance queen Mala saved the best for last!! The way I’ve been dying for Nate’s story since Trustfall and let me tell you… he did not disappoint 🤭 The man is filthy 😮💨 and Harper is the perfect brat for him 👏🏼
Secret baby is one of my all time favorite tropes and gosh sweet Daisy girl just stole my heart 🥹 My favorite scene was her telling the story of her name 😭😭
My emotions were all over the place with these 3 finding their groove and getting to know each other as a family, but they were the sweetest. This whole friend group/ found family is a whole vibe and I want to be apart of it 😇
Also, holy plot twist!! 🤯 that’s all I’m going to say about that…
Thank you so much Mala for letting me beta read these babies!! 🫶🏼
Our second chance queen Mala saved the best for last!! The way I’ve been dying for Nate’s story since Trustfall and let me tell you… he did not disappoint 🤭 The man is filthy 😮💨 and Harper is the perfect brat for him 👏🏼
Secret baby is one of my all time favorite tropes and gosh sweet Daisy girl just stole my heart 🥹 My favorite scene was her telling the story of her name 😭😭
My emotions were all over the place with these 3 finding their groove and getting to know each other as a family, but they were the sweetest. This whole friend group/ found family is a whole vibe and I want to be apart of it 😇
Also, holy plot twist!! 🤯 that’s all I’m going to say about that…
Thank you so much Mala for letting me beta read these babies!! 🫶🏼
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have waited for Nate's story since the very first Emberfield falls books and it has blown away all expectations I had- simply amazing!
Nate is such a complex man and discovering Harper is back sends him into a spin. Harper will do anything to protect her daughter. Their pasts play a big part in this story and people from their past come back in ways I don't want to spoil in a review...
Harper's family is so complicated and she discovers many truths about them as the story goes on..The spice is epic (dom/sub vibes).
Honestly- just go read it! Thank you for the ARC and all thoughts are my own.
Nate is such a complex man and discovering Harper is back sends him into a spin. Harper will do anything to protect her daughter. Their pasts play a big part in this story and people from their past come back in ways I don't want to spoil in a review...
Harper's family is so complicated and she discovers many truths about them as the story goes on..The spice is epic (dom/sub vibes).
Honestly- just go read it! Thank you for the ARC and all thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was definitely worth the wait!!! I devoured this book!!! Nate and Harper were everything!! Harper and Nate have history and it was kind of messy. Nate is a grump and Harper is a ray of sunshine. Harper is now back but she also has her daughter Daisy in tow and Nate doesn’t know how to feel. Harper definitely knows how to push Nate’s buttons but Nate knows how to punish Harper but in the best way 😜. Even after years apart Nate and Harper’s chemistry was still magnetic. I loved watching Nate and Daisy together, it was priceless. My heart hurt for Harper and her brother, I know what it’s like to have a sibling that was an addict. This book is definitely a must read and I highly recommend not just this book but this whole series. Thank You, Mala for letting me be part of the arc team.
Review of advance copy
Can I just say “WHOA!”? I was NOT expecting this novel! As a Second Chance romance, there are flashbacks as well as present day bits and they flow together seamlessly.
The attraction is high from the beginning, and it left me constantly wondering if it ever really went away. The spicy scenes, from then and now, were very spicy.
This is part of an interconnected series, but I read it as a standalone, and there were Some Things! There were things that had my eyes becoming dinner plates, and I wonder how I might have perceived them if I’d read the earlier stories.
This is for you if you enjoy kink exploration, BDSM, single moms, second chances, and a touch of suspense.
I read this ARC thanks to the author and Luna Literary.
The attraction is high from the beginning, and it left me constantly wondering if it ever really went away. The spicy scenes, from then and now, were very spicy.
This is part of an interconnected series, but I read it as a standalone, and there were Some Things! There were things that had my eyes becoming dinner plates, and I wonder how I might have perceived them if I’d read the earlier stories.
This is for you if you enjoy kink exploration, BDSM, single moms, second chances, and a touch of suspense.
I read this ARC thanks to the author and Luna Literary.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A book couple so magnetic and compatible in every way! These two matched each other's freak so well, the chemistry was off the charts. I loved Harper and Nathan's story and how they came back together, I absolutely loved this second chance/ secret baby and how well written it was. It had delicious tension that did a tug-of-war with a little angst which really built up their story to be such an enjoyable read.
Tropes:
💙Small Town
💙Second Chance
💙Single Mom
💙Grumpy/Sunshine
💙Photographer x CEO
💙Secret Baby
💙Mental Health Rep
💙K!nk Exploration
💙 OCD representation
Thank you so much to Mala Scott for this gorgeous arc
Tropes:
💙Small Town
💙Second Chance
💙Single Mom
💙Grumpy/Sunshine
💙Photographer x CEO
💙Secret Baby
💙Mental Health Rep
💙K!nk Exploration
💙 OCD representation
Thank you so much to Mala Scott for this gorgeous arc
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first time reading a title from Mala Scott and I enjoyed her writing style. Now on to the book—second chance romance ✅ spicy ✅ secret child ✅ k!nk exploration ✅ and throw in a bit of suspense and you have Freefall.
I enjoyed the flashbacks that the MMC and the FMC had. It gave backstory and helped answer some of the questions the reader might have.
The attraction between the characters is evident from the beginning—probably never went away from their initial relationship.
It’s evident that Nate is a very complex character and has some things to work thru as does Harper.
The story was well written—pick it up and give it a read.
I enjoyed the flashbacks that the MMC and the FMC had. It gave backstory and helped answer some of the questions the reader might have.
The attraction between the characters is evident from the beginning—probably never went away from their initial relationship.
It’s evident that Nate is a very complex character and has some things to work thru as does Harper.
The story was well written—pick it up and give it a read.
October 11, 2026
Nate and Harper being back in the same area again? Hehe 🤭 I LOVE me a second-chance romance, and these two had me invested from the start!
There’s just something about watching two people who have history find their way back to each other that gets me every time. 🥹 And then we get MOMMY INFINITE TOO?! 😭💗 Don’t mind me over here casually wiping away my tears because apparently I wasn’t emotionally prepared for all of that.
Mala Scott really said we’re going to give you the romance, the feels, and then sneak in the emotional damage. 😂 I loved Nate and Harper and absolutely adored watching their story unfold!
There’s just something about watching two people who have history find their way back to each other that gets me every time. 🥹 And then we get MOMMY INFINITE TOO?! 😭💗 Don’t mind me over here casually wiping away my tears because apparently I wasn’t emotionally prepared for all of that.
Mala Scott really said we’re going to give you the romance, the feels, and then sneak in the emotional damage. 😂 I loved Nate and Harper and absolutely adored watching their story unfold!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book Format: E-book
-Second Chance
-Small Town
-Kink Exploring
-Single Mom
Nate & Harper
What a rollercoaster. Nate and Harper's story goes all over the place. It's wild and messy with twists and turns. It's a great book with some mental health representation, kink exploration, with a touch of thrill and suspense. If you're looking for something that offers a lot within the story and each new thing you learn seems to leave you with more questions, this might just be your next read.
Book Format: E-book
-Second Chance
-Small Town
-Kink Exploring
-Single Mom
Nate & Harper
What a rollercoaster. Nate and Harper's story goes all over the place. It's wild and messy with twists and turns. It's a great book with some mental health representation, kink exploration, with a touch of thrill and suspense. If you're looking for something that offers a lot within the story and each new thing you learn seems to leave you with more questions, this might just be your next read.
October 8, 2026
I loved Nate and Harper’s second chance romance. There are so many layers to both these characters and the history they share. So when Harper shows up after nine years with her daughter who looks like Nate, it sends him into a tailspin.
The dynamic of both characters feeds of each other perfectly. His OCD and need for control doesn’t know what to do when Harper starts acting like a brat, he wants to *cough, cough* punish her. But at the same time, he has to learn to let things go.
Between the bad boy/good girl, childhood friends, kidnapping plot and secrets.
The dynamic of both characters feeds of each other perfectly. His OCD and need for control doesn’t know what to do when Harper starts acting like a brat, he wants to *cough, cough* punish her. But at the same time, he has to learn to let things go.
Between the bad boy/good girl, childhood friends, kidnapping plot and secrets.
October 14, 2026
What to Expect:
💙Small Town
🤍Grumpy x Sunshine
💙Single Mom
🤍Second Chance
💙Photographer x SEO
🤍Secret Baby
💙Mental Health Rep
🤍K!nk Exploration
My Thoughts:
This was a standalone contemporary second chance romance. There were a lot of other tropes within the book, mental health, Spicy Exploration, single mom, small town, suspense and a lot more. I hadn't read the others books in the series when I read this. It was a fun read, but at times the plot had a lot going on. The spice was 🔥🔥.
Thank you to Luna Lit and Mala Scott for this ARC Opportunity.
💙Small Town
🤍Grumpy x Sunshine
💙Single Mom
🤍Second Chance
💙Photographer x SEO
🤍Secret Baby
💙Mental Health Rep
🤍K!nk Exploration
My Thoughts:
This was a standalone contemporary second chance romance. There were a lot of other tropes within the book, mental health, Spicy Exploration, single mom, small town, suspense and a lot more. I hadn't read the others books in the series when I read this. It was a fun read, but at times the plot had a lot going on. The spice was 🔥🔥.
Thank you to Luna Lit and Mala Scott for this ARC Opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
HEA ✅️
Nate and Harper. God, what a ride. A good one but man. I wasn't sure who I was more upset with in the beginning, her or him, but as the book goes and the truth came out, I was mad at the wrong people. Nate and Harper are a twisted and perfect couple. They each give what the other needs amd they each forgive as they learn how to move forward as a family. I loved this book and I really want to take Nate home and love him myself.
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
HEA ✅️
Nate and Harper. God, what a ride. A good one but man. I wasn't sure who I was more upset with in the beginning, her or him, but as the book goes and the truth came out, I was mad at the wrong people. Nate and Harper are a twisted and perfect couple. They each give what the other needs amd they each forgive as they learn how to move forward as a family. I loved this book and I really want to take Nate home and love him myself.
October 8, 2026
I've been reading this series ever since I got the opportunity to ARC read the first book. I've loved them all, but honestly, I was less excited for Nate's story than some of the others. He's the controlling big brother of the FMC from book 1. However, I think it may actually have wound up being my favorite of them all! Mala Scott is a phenomenal writer, she makes you feel all the things her characters are feeling.
Review of advance copy
Amazingly layered.
So many tropes,
and somehow everything intertwined so naturally.
Second chance.
A little girl.
A story that kept giving me something new to hold onto.
Immersive, engaging,
and honestly, just a really fun read.
There was a lot of 🌶.
I was hooked for a while
and I enjoyed being there.
Thank you, Luna Literary Management, for the ARC.
All thoughts are mine.
So many tropes,
and somehow everything intertwined so naturally.
Second chance.
A little girl.
A story that kept giving me something new to hold onto.
Immersive, engaging,
and honestly, just a really fun read.
There was a lot of 🌶.
I was hooked for a while
and I enjoyed being there.
Thank you, Luna Literary Management, for the ARC.
All thoughts are mine.
September 28, 2026
ARC
First of all thank you so much for the opportunity! While I did enjoy aspects of this one, it wasn’t really for me. I just felt like the plot had a little too much happening at points. And I have not read the previous books in the series so maybe that would’ve helped me out. It’s a little darker than I am used to, just make sure you read the trigger warnings before you read!
First of all thank you so much for the opportunity! While I did enjoy aspects of this one, it wasn’t really for me. I just felt like the plot had a little too much happening at points. And I have not read the previous books in the series so maybe that would’ve helped me out. It’s a little darker than I am used to, just make sure you read the trigger warnings before you read!
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