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Lords Fall First #1
When Jack Fell
A stolen kiss, a family secret, and a second chance at love in Victorian London.
Jillian was always the wild thing.
The daughter of the notorious Bad Baron Beckforth, a girl with racing thoughts and a heart too big for her father’s cruelty and crumbling estate. Her only sanctuary was her childhood best friend, John Longley, the future Marquess of Camborne.
But when a May Day kiss under the fireworks turns into a nightmare of murder and accusation, Jillian’s world shatters. Her brother is branded a killer, and Jillian is forced to flee into a marriage of convenience in a distant land, led to believe that a man of John’s station would only ever have her as a mistress.
Years later, Jillian returns as a widow, hardened by loss and convinced she is an albatross who brings only sorrow to those she loves. John, now a powerful shipping magnate, has never stopped looking for her. Driven by a promise to clear her brother’s name, he finds that the girl he loved is now a woman shrouded in mystery.
From the treacherous ballrooms of the ton to the bustling docks of Gibraltar and a mysterious volcanic island, they embark on a perilous journey to uncover the truth. But as the shadows of the past threaten to sink them both, Jillian must is she destined to bring only ruin, or is John the stopping place her heart has always craved?
Jillian was always the wild thing.
The daughter of the notorious Bad Baron Beckforth, a girl with racing thoughts and a heart too big for her father’s cruelty and crumbling estate. Her only sanctuary was her childhood best friend, John Longley, the future Marquess of Camborne.
But when a May Day kiss under the fireworks turns into a nightmare of murder and accusation, Jillian’s world shatters. Her brother is branded a killer, and Jillian is forced to flee into a marriage of convenience in a distant land, led to believe that a man of John’s station would only ever have her as a mistress.
Years later, Jillian returns as a widow, hardened by loss and convinced she is an albatross who brings only sorrow to those she loves. John, now a powerful shipping magnate, has never stopped looking for her. Driven by a promise to clear her brother’s name, he finds that the girl he loved is now a woman shrouded in mystery.
From the treacherous ballrooms of the ton to the bustling docks of Gibraltar and a mysterious volcanic island, they embark on a perilous journey to uncover the truth. But as the shadows of the past threaten to sink them both, Jillian must is she destined to bring only ruin, or is John the stopping place her heart has always craved?
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2026
About the author
Anna Valleria
5 books54 followersI live in a beautiful old city in the southeastern U.S. with my husband, newborn son, and rescue pup. I’ve been lucky enough to live in Austin, New Orleans, and a historic city in Spain. I am a huge fan of both history and romance, as well as unusual and socially active women who support other women. I am also a big believer that everyone should be able to see themselves in historical romance, including characters of different size, background, ability, neurodiversity, and illness, and I strive to write a wide array of protagonists who reflect windows and mirrors into readers’ lives.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When Jack Fell by Anna Valleria is a Historical Romance, set in the 1800s. Thanks to Anna & Olivepresspublishing for this ARC.
My rating for this ARC read is, 32.5/.5 rounded to 4 for rating purposes!! & my review will explain why.
It also falls under second chance romance. It does come with some content/trigger warnings: This book contains situations and themes that may be sensitive for some readers, including: Verbal and emotional abuse from a parent (on-page and recounted) Past death of a parent Mentions of a past stillbirth Physical injury, illness, and medical trauma Ableism and the historical misunderstanding of neurodiversity.
I liked how John/Jack to Jill descriped her as his best friend by calling Jill a Bee- "like an easily diverted honeybee." Ive never heard that description before, so it was pretty cool. Anna uses some awesome metaphors for description "her eyes lit up like a candle when she noticed him."
You get brought right into the thick of it, and soon quickly learn they call each other names only one other knows and that its like their own exclusive little private peaceful trust circle club!
You instantly feel bad for Jill and take a dislike to her father (me anyways) before even meeting him, Baron Beckforth, im not saying why because -spoilers- lol.
The overall feel of the book, feels as though there is alot going on, and that some things get overshadowed by others. I felt some areas were particularly slow and long winded in some places, unless it was just that the area didnt connect well with me throughout the story as to me some scenes jumped abit to where it should have been built on and the pacing shifts without warnings.
The main theme to this outside of Jill & John's will they wont they romance, was the core of proving her brothers innocence and trying to find him, I feel the story picked up abit once they began their travels.
I am a fast reader, so i did read this way to fast 👀 I enjoyed the overall adventure within the book & enjoyed the overall outcome, as it was something I was hoping for throughout the whole journey!!! But for me, there was something I cant quite place that was missing from the story, although you cant beat a story with a HEA.
I understand not every book is for everyone, I just feel gutted that for once, an OPP recommendation didnt hit that mark for me ❤️
My rating for this ARC read is, 32.5/.5 rounded to 4 for rating purposes!! & my review will explain why.
It also falls under second chance romance. It does come with some content/trigger warnings: This book contains situations and themes that may be sensitive for some readers, including: Verbal and emotional abuse from a parent (on-page and recounted) Past death of a parent Mentions of a past stillbirth Physical injury, illness, and medical trauma Ableism and the historical misunderstanding of neurodiversity.
I liked how John/Jack to Jill descriped her as his best friend by calling Jill a Bee- "like an easily diverted honeybee." Ive never heard that description before, so it was pretty cool. Anna uses some awesome metaphors for description "her eyes lit up like a candle when she noticed him."
You get brought right into the thick of it, and soon quickly learn they call each other names only one other knows and that its like their own exclusive little private peaceful trust circle club!
You instantly feel bad for Jill and take a dislike to her father (me anyways) before even meeting him, Baron Beckforth, im not saying why because -spoilers- lol.
The overall feel of the book, feels as though there is alot going on, and that some things get overshadowed by others. I felt some areas were particularly slow and long winded in some places, unless it was just that the area didnt connect well with me throughout the story as to me some scenes jumped abit to where it should have been built on and the pacing shifts without warnings.
The main theme to this outside of Jill & John's will they wont they romance, was the core of proving her brothers innocence and trying to find him, I feel the story picked up abit once they began their travels.
I am a fast reader, so i did read this way to fast 👀 I enjoyed the overall adventure within the book & enjoyed the overall outcome, as it was something I was hoping for throughout the whole journey!!! But for me, there was something I cant quite place that was missing from the story, although you cant beat a story with a HEA.
I understand not every book is for everyone, I just feel gutted that for once, an OPP recommendation didnt hit that mark for me ❤️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tropes: friends to lovers; difference of class/ethnic heritage; neurodivergent MFC; MC's team up to solve a mystery
Steam level: 2-3 (slow burn open door)
3.25 stars. This is ultimately a sweet, romantic story between two people who are of different statuses in Victorian society, however, I never felt fully engaged. I think this was generally because MFC Jillian had such a low opinion of herself, and other characters were typically so unkind to her, it made the going a bit of a slog. POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD..................................Jillian does have a secret that she discloses at the end, as mentioned in the blurb, but it doesn't relate to the main mystery.. It's another example of her deep feelings of unworthiness. It doesn't help that there are frequent criticisms of her olive skin (her mother was Greek) and the different way her mind works (from her symptoms, she may have a form of OCD or ADHD, but of course these labels didn't exist at the time). I appreciate HR's that involve neurodivergent characters; however, here it's expressed and discussed in way that is too modern for Victorian England, especially toward the end. As for MMC Jack, he spends most of the book chasing after Jillian--and being a bit boneheaded at times--then finally taking on more of a psychologist/fixer role.
I enjoyed the writing style and the author's positive intentions. When the MC's travel overseas in the last 25%, the tone does start to relax at times and the storyline opens up to fresh characters, just perhaps a bit late for me. This unfortunately wasn't quite the escapism I look for in a romance.
This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy. Thanks to the author and Net Galley.
Steam level: 2-3 (slow burn open door)
3.25 stars. This is ultimately a sweet, romantic story between two people who are of different statuses in Victorian society, however, I never felt fully engaged. I think this was generally because MFC Jillian had such a low opinion of herself, and other characters were typically so unkind to her, it made the going a bit of a slog. POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD..................................Jillian does have a secret that she discloses at the end, as mentioned in the blurb, but it doesn't relate to the main mystery.. It's another example of her deep feelings of unworthiness. It doesn't help that there are frequent criticisms of her olive skin (her mother was Greek) and the different way her mind works (from her symptoms, she may have a form of OCD or ADHD, but of course these labels didn't exist at the time). I appreciate HR's that involve neurodivergent characters; however, here it's expressed and discussed in way that is too modern for Victorian England, especially toward the end. As for MMC Jack, he spends most of the book chasing after Jillian--and being a bit boneheaded at times--then finally taking on more of a psychologist/fixer role.
I enjoyed the writing style and the author's positive intentions. When the MC's travel overseas in the last 25%, the tone does start to relax at times and the storyline opens up to fresh characters, just perhaps a bit late for me. This unfortunately wasn't quite the escapism I look for in a romance.
This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy. Thanks to the author and Net Galley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Jack Fell has the bones of something I'd love: childhood best friends, a second chance on the high seas, a world-weary widow and a hero who wears spectacles. Anna Valeria's prose is confident and the scene-setting is good. The problem is the book doesn't seem to trust any one story enough to stay with it.
There's a lot to like here. Valeria writes with real style, and her secondary characters bring warmth to the narrative. Jillian's love of Greek mythology is woven in with a light touch. The friends-to-lovers setup has genuine pull.
But the book is ambitious to a fault. There are a lot of threads in play, and not enough connective tissue to hold them together. Scenes jump where they should build, and the pacing shifts without warning. The bigger issue is Jillian herself: her resistance to Jack is the emotional engine of the story, but it's never grounded. Her interiority circles around a sadness and a past she wants to forget without giving the reader enough to work with. By the time we get real glimpses of what's driving her, it feels late.
None of this is a dealbreaker. Valeria's voice is distinctive enough that I'll read the next book. This one just needed a tighter rein on its ambitions.
Rounded up to 4. Thanks to NetGalley and Evernight Publishing for the advance copy to review.
There's a lot to like here. Valeria writes with real style, and her secondary characters bring warmth to the narrative. Jillian's love of Greek mythology is woven in with a light touch. The friends-to-lovers setup has genuine pull.
But the book is ambitious to a fault. There are a lot of threads in play, and not enough connective tissue to hold them together. Scenes jump where they should build, and the pacing shifts without warning. The bigger issue is Jillian herself: her resistance to Jack is the emotional engine of the story, but it's never grounded. Her interiority circles around a sadness and a past she wants to forget without giving the reader enough to work with. By the time we get real glimpses of what's driving her, it feels late.
None of this is a dealbreaker. Valeria's voice is distinctive enough that I'll read the next book. This one just needed a tighter rein on its ambitions.
Rounded up to 4. Thanks to NetGalley and Evernight Publishing for the advance copy to review.
May 29, 2026
The novel follows Jillian Beckforth, whose life is torn apart after a murder accusation forces her into exile and a marriage of convenience far from the man she loves, John Longley. Years later, she returns as a widow while John, now a powerful shipping magnate, is still determined to clear her brother’s name and uncover the truth behind the tragedy that separated them. Their journey takes them from London society to Gibraltar and beyond as old secrets resurface.
I enjoyed the emotional history between Jillian and John/Jack and the idea of two people reconnecting after years of separation and heartbreak. They had a compelling history, and there were moments where their chemistry and shared pain really shone through. I did enjoy the adventurous feel of the story and its unique settings, as I felt it added an interesting layer to the storyline. However, the pacing felt uneven at times, and some of the drama and resolutions seemed rushed, which made it difficult to fully connect with the characters. Overall, this was a decent historical romance with strong emotional themes and an interesting plot.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the emotional history between Jillian and John/Jack and the idea of two people reconnecting after years of separation and heartbreak. They had a compelling history, and there were moments where their chemistry and shared pain really shone through. I did enjoy the adventurous feel of the story and its unique settings, as I felt it added an interesting layer to the storyline. However, the pacing felt uneven at times, and some of the drama and resolutions seemed rushed, which made it difficult to fully connect with the characters. Overall, this was a decent historical romance with strong emotional themes and an interesting plot.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a very emotional story.
After fleeing England because of the tragic events that led to her mother's death, Jillian is forced to return to her family home six years later. If she can't prove that her brother is alive, her childhood home will be lost. She embarks on a journey to clear her brother's name with the help of her childhood friend, Lord John. The journey not only reveals what happened to her mother that night but also what is hidden deep in her heart.
The story is told from two POVs. Jillian Eden, a widow who returns to England to find her brother and Lord John Longley, future marquess that has loved Jillian since they were young.
Jillian is a daughter of the 'Bad Baron'. After the tragic death of her mother she is forced to flee her home and marry an older man to escape her father. She is very brave and caring. After constantly hearing insults about her behavior and 'bad blood' throughout her childhood she thinks of herself as someone who destroys everything around her. She doesn't believe in happiness and distances herself from everyone.
John 'Jack' Longley has never stopped loving Jillian. After he lost her, he vowed to never let it happen again. When they meet again he is determined to make her realize that they belong together. He is very clever and patient. He never gave up on her even though she ran away from him many times.
I liked both of the characters; they were well fleshed out and easy to empathize with. Jillian's story brought me to tears. The author depicted her struggles with grief and acceptance masterfully. I loved how understanding and patient Jack was; he never forced her to do anything.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the story even if it broke my heart several times. The ending was worth all the heartbreak. If you like an emotional journey with true love and wonderful characters, you should read it.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
After fleeing England because of the tragic events that led to her mother's death, Jillian is forced to return to her family home six years later. If she can't prove that her brother is alive, her childhood home will be lost. She embarks on a journey to clear her brother's name with the help of her childhood friend, Lord John. The journey not only reveals what happened to her mother that night but also what is hidden deep in her heart.
The story is told from two POVs. Jillian Eden, a widow who returns to England to find her brother and Lord John Longley, future marquess that has loved Jillian since they were young.
Jillian is a daughter of the 'Bad Baron'. After the tragic death of her mother she is forced to flee her home and marry an older man to escape her father. She is very brave and caring. After constantly hearing insults about her behavior and 'bad blood' throughout her childhood she thinks of herself as someone who destroys everything around her. She doesn't believe in happiness and distances herself from everyone.
John 'Jack' Longley has never stopped loving Jillian. After he lost her, he vowed to never let it happen again. When they meet again he is determined to make her realize that they belong together. He is very clever and patient. He never gave up on her even though she ran away from him many times.
I liked both of the characters; they were well fleshed out and easy to empathize with. Jillian's story brought me to tears. The author depicted her struggles with grief and acceptance masterfully. I loved how understanding and patient Jack was; he never forced her to do anything.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the story even if it broke my heart several times. The ending was worth all the heartbreak. If you like an emotional journey with true love and wonderful characters, you should read it.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy
It took me a bit to get into this story. I did end up enjoying it, but it didn't really take off for me until she returned a few years into the story. Up until that point, Jillian and John (Jack) were a story that was more told than shown, so the connection between the characters took a bit for me to feel.
By the end of the story, I was invested in not only them as a couple, but the people they met along the way and the people who became a part of their story. I was happy for the resolution of one of the plot points, and I am definitely interested to read what is clearly going to be the next book (or at least I think it should be the next book) about a couple of characters you meet in this one.
This one was more of a journey than I expected it to be, literally and figuratively, but I ended up really enjoying that part of it as well. And, while not actually anything to do with the story specifically, the cover for this one definitely drew me in.
Disclaimer: I was provided a review copy by the publisher
By the end of the story, I was invested in not only them as a couple, but the people they met along the way and the people who became a part of their story. I was happy for the resolution of one of the plot points, and I am definitely interested to read what is clearly going to be the next book (or at least I think it should be the next book) about a couple of characters you meet in this one.
This one was more of a journey than I expected it to be, literally and figuratively, but I ended up really enjoying that part of it as well. And, while not actually anything to do with the story specifically, the cover for this one definitely drew me in.
Disclaimer: I was provided a review copy by the publisher
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews