Falling In

by Maddy Harris

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 18, 2026

Reviews

[Linda Dominick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the sweet spicy fall romance I was in the mood for. Set in small town in Arizona, there’s a fall festival, cider donuts, thunderstorms, and power outages where only their chemistry lights their way.
Shannon and Blake have been friends since high school, but she’s been acting different since their hookup and he doesn’t know why. It takes a while for Shannon to admit what happened, but in between reconnecting and trying to be friends their undeniable chemistry comes to the forefront.
Shannon and Blake have a lot in common besides growing up together and going to the same high school. Both their parents are practically non-existent in their lives. They spend most of their time traveling, and rarely communicate with Blake and Shannon. It’s something that is missing in their lives and that makes them sad and angry. But they do have a great group of friends that are their found family and are there for them whenever they need them.
Some of my favorite parts:
the nicknames – Little Fox and Grumpy Bear or whatever kind of mood Blake is in.
when he teaches her how to make pasta by standing behind her and helping her knead the pasta.
Blake trying to learn how to make coffee drinks and not succeeding.
When she tries to bake a cake and then tries again
Blake and Shannon hashing out the one thing that is standing in their way of becoming more than friends.
If you are looking for a fall romance with all the small town vibes, spice, and fun friends this is it.

[Nikki Ibarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shannon and Blake were incredibly entertaining. 🍂🦊🧸

I thoroughly enjoyed the blend of cozy small town romance and spice in Falling In. Their pre existing history added depth to their banter, tension, and denial of their attraction.

Blake’s culinary expertise was a significant draw for me, especially since his affection for Shannon is evident in the food he prepares and the subtle details he notices about her. I also appreciated watching Shannon grow and find her place while contributing to the bar’s creation and realizing her true value.

The Dream Team friendship, fall festival, apple orchard, restaurant renovations, speakeasy, and the charming Oakridge atmosphere all contributed to the book’s autumnal ambiance.

However, beneath the surface of their sweetness, both characters carry emotional wounds stemming from family issues and feeling overlooked. Their decision to choose each other without compromising their individuality made the romance even more fulfilling.

And let’s not forget Little Fox and Bear. 🥹

[nerd_reader_escape · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC copy of Falling In for my honest opinion about the book. Let me just start off by saying that I loved this book!! Shannon and Blake are currently my favorite couple in this series. It was an emotional slow burn, there was no denying their attraction, and they didn't, but to be able to really connect they needed to grow. This book is written about young adults, so a lot of the things that they were dealing with is completely understandable for their age. My heart would ach for Blake while I was reading this, he is such a care giver, and he was always there for everyone else. Guy needs a hug. I loved their chemistry, and the epilogue made me so happy. I love when characters stay true to themselves.

[Elaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

-ARC Review-
This was a first time author read for me. I’d suggest reading the first book to get some background before reading this one, I didn’t and the beginning felt rushed and out of left field. I eventually got on board and any confusion was settled.
This book is written diary style, with specific dates, that may not be everyone’s cup of tea. And while there is open door spice quite often, the romance felt slow burn. I’d also say that personally, it didn’t feel like a friends-to-lovers read either, the characters had a falling out very early on and somehow didn’t know some pretty basic info I feel friends would know about each other.
I really started enjoying the book around 80% through, when Shannon stopped playing victim.

[KattyR3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded

I recieved an arc from HappilyBookedPR and the Author. My review is my own opinion.

Dual POV, 1st person.
Book 2 in a series but can be read as a standalone.

Shannon and Blake are friends until they hook up one night and Blake ghosts her.
Opening a restaurant and bar with his brother, Blake hires Shannon.
Working together causes tensions to rise and feelings to grow, Shannon has to figure out if she can forgive the way Blake treated her while he needs to learn how to open to her.

Lots of flirting, some spice. A great group of friends.

Gilmore Girls discussed 😊.

I haven't read book 1, but didn't feel like I was missing anything.

Shannon is fun and witty, Blake is kind and the 'protector' of the friend group.

A cute autumn themed read.

[Tayah Widdicombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Reader Copy Gifted From Author

4.5 ⭐️!

Falling In has certainly been a great read! This story had the right balance of romance, emotions, and scenes that hooked me into the story. I really loved how the entire romance unfolded in front of me, including all those small moments and chemistry between Shannon and Blake that really made the romance believable.

There were only a couple of things that kept it from being a full 5 stars for me, but it has been a very enjoyable read and is certainly a must-read for romance lovers!

[Alyssa Mohring · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this book. It is a huge in a mug and the perfect book for fall. The writing and plot were perfect. I love the small-town setting. The characters all fit perfectly. Blake and Shannon are so cute. Their relationship was definitely frustrating but once they got out of their own ways I was happy. This book had all the tropes i love. Can we talk about the spice and how Blake calls Shannon his good girl. I was squealing and kicking my feet. I need to go back and read the first book now.

[Leah Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
3🌶️

Thank you to Maddy & HappilyBookedPR for the ARC

HE’S PIERCED HOLY SHIT
HE MADE HER SOUP WHEN SHE WAS SICK
HE BOUGHT HER A NEW SKETCHBOOK
OH IM SICK

I fully think I’m in love with Blake - like what a cinnamon roll of a man??? Shannon is the epitome of black cat, but it was so nice seeing her lower her walls for him!

I love the dynamic of this group and I loved it just as much as I loved the first one!

What to expect
​🍂dislike to lovers
​💜second chance
​🍂black cat x teddy bear
​💜boss x employee
​🍂fall vibes
💜found family

Coming 18th September

[Felly Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the series and while it can be read as a standalone, I wish I'd read the first as there were quite a few things mentioned that I had no understanding of.

While these two worked together and came together well, there was a lack of growth between them that keeps me from rating this book higher. It felt like they ended up broken together instead of facing the grief and struggles they were both facing with their families.

[Karen Wheat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished another great book today, Falling In. This story had it all: twins, miscommunication, love, and pain, all wrapped up perfectly in a neat little bow. I really liked that the characters didn't just instantly fall in love; they truly had to work to get there. Blake had some making up to do. Plus, it has some nice fall touches, which I always appreciate this time of year! Now if only our weather matched the theme that would be heaven

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I love a good story of misunderstanding, finding their way back to one another. Fighting to make it work, to keep it, to explore. This was such a great love story of being wronged and fighting back to love. I enjoyed the sass and back and forth banter between the main characters as well! Can’t wait for Austin’s story!!!

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake truly messed up at the start, but things start looking up again when he starts working closely with Shannon. I loved how enthusiastic she was in ensuring that everything would turn out well—her ideas were brilliant.

I also loved all the nicknames—so cute! And all the food makes me so hungry…

[Kaitlin-Marie Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have received an ARC of Falling in and honestly, I loved it from start to finish! Truly love the characters that Maddy has given us. And love the little town shes created.

5 star read for sure!

[Alysha Ryder-Madanat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given early to read by the bestest author ever! Alpha Read but then to read after all the edits and the new scenes ahhh! Can't wait to read this again this fall!

Seriously though! You do not have to read Jumping In but you really should. This book follows Blake & Shannon, two more amazing characters from the dream team!

I just adore them, friends to lovers to haters to lovers! They find their way and they are real good together

Plus Blake has a little something shiny hehehe 😂

Add this to your fall list as it comes out in September 2026!!!

First make sure to read Jumping in!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frienemies to lovers, slow burn, banter, all things fall, and Gilmore Girls!!! I could not put this down! Such a cute second chance frienemies to lovers with a little spice.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC, and I'm leaving an honest review voluntarily.

This was a cute, Fall read.  Nothing too deep or dramatic.  I enjoyed it. 

[Nenesbooks13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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