After We Fall: A No-Spice Contemporary Security Specialist Romance of Opposites Attract

Shelter & Sky #2

by Deborah Clack

Sometimes the place you least expect to belong is exactly where you were always meant to land.

Self-sufficient Penelope Reid has her life completely mapped out—a necessity after surviving foster care. Now she's on a mission to prove that she's capable of managing a halfway house at Twelve Bluebells Ranch. The last thing she needs is hindrance from the charming Luke Granger, who asked her to dance three years ago, then disappeared before the music began.

Luke lives a nomadic lifestyle as a security specialist and has never found a reason to put down roots. So when the ranch neighboring Twelve Bluebells is vandalized, securing the area is just another gig for him before he hits the road—until he's reunited with the bossy brunette and her generous heart.

As Luke and Penelope work alongside each other to care for the ranch's halfway house residents, Penelope makes a mistake she might not recover from. Her careful walls begin to crack, and Luke's restless heart finds reasons to stay. But when tragedy strikes, they must decide if it's worth the risk to lower their guards for a love that could give them the home they've always longed for.

A poignant, emotional, no-spice contemporary romance about all the heartbreaking ways we can fall and what it takes to put us back together again. This clean and wholesome opposites-attract love story with a protective MMC will delight fans of Abby Jimenez, Katherine Center, Annabel Monaghan, and Corinne Michaels.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

Audible Audio

Expected publication October 6, 2026

About the author

Publishers Weekly Bestselling author Deborah Clack is a native Texan who believes in the power of fiction, the lost art of lip synching, and that chocolate should be eaten without nuts. A high school AP history teacher for 10 years, Deborah earned a Master’s Degree in Education and was awarded Teacher of the Year for Arts in Education. Now she creates stories of her own filled with endearing characters and a hard-fought romance. She would love to connect with you at https://www.deborahclack.com/ where you can download her FREE novella.

Reviews

[Christina C]

⭐️⭐️⭐️½

This was a sweet, emotional, and heartwarming romance. I really enjoyed Penelope and Luke’s story and the opposites-attract dynamic between them. Both characters have their own struggles and walls, and I liked watching them slowly open up and learn to trust each other.

The halfway house setting added a meaningful element to the story, and I loved the themes of found family, healing, and learning that it’s okay to let people into your life.

While I enjoyed the romance, some parts felt a little slow for me, and I didn’t connect with every aspect of the story. Still, it was a wholesome and feel-good read with plenty of heart. 💕

[Brianna]

For every hyper-independent, type A, Penelope Reid—there is a secretly caring and protective Luke Granger, which is why this is such a sweet and gentle romance. A romance SO good, in fact, that it made me start her first book simultaneously (It’s been on my TBR, so this just gave me the all the more reason to start it 😂)

Despite some of the scenes feeling a bit rushed, stories like these remind me why I love reading no-spice books. Because they build upon every other aspect of a romance: the emotions, the tension, and the connection between two people long before they even have their first kiss—and that’s exactly what Deborah Clack excelled at.

It’s a perfect mix of heart, love, sadness, and healing.
And on top of that, I also loved the interconnection with Meredith and Harlan’s story, but also the halfway house family feelings and the character growth between Penelope and Luke—separately and together. But by far the one of the best things is the fact that he got her noise canceling headphones 🫠 UGH—we love a man that notices things.

Overall, I just couldn’t get enough.
I was completely invested from the beginning to the final pages. But now I’m literally even more excited for the third book coming in 2027! 🩷🧡🩵

[Vickie]

After We Fall is one of the best contemporary romance books that I have ever read, dealing with some difficult topics in a sensitive way that demonstrated the author’s attention to detail and her compassion for those who have suffered from abuse and trauma. Penelope is a feisty and courageous young woman who wants to become the program director for the Twelve Bluebells Ranch, a home for girls who have aged out of foster care but who still need a place to live and supervision. When her boss Harlan and his new wife Meredith leave for their honeymoon, Penelope thinks that she has the perfect opportunity to show what a great candidate she would be for the job. Unfortunately, she has to deal with Luke Granger, the security consultant that Harlan hired since there was some mischief right before the wedding. Luke and Penelope clash heads in the most adorable and humorous ways, making this book funny as well as a serious look at some hard topics. Luke is relaxed but always does what he promises. Penelope is ultra-organized to the point that when she gets injured and cannot fulfill her responsibilities she almost has a meltdown. The story is perfectly paced, with lots of drama happening with the residents of the Bluebells as well as between Luke and Penelope. The characters are relatable and it was easy for me to have empathy for Penelope after she got a TBI since I had a stroke and still suffer from similar symptoms. Luke is the “bad boy” who is really a good guy hero and was my favorite character. I was charmed by his constant use of toothpicks, much to the chagrin of Penelope and by his desire to pitch in and help out at the ranch by not only providing protection but also drum lessons. There are some tense scenes with one of the residents who makes poor choices against the advice of everyone and ends up paying severe consequences for those choices. This novel touched me in all of the right places, warming my heart as it also made me think about choices and how they not only affect me but others as well. With themes of learning to trust and finding love when you aren’t looking for it, this masterfully crafted and totally clean novel is a slam dunk winner for me and deserves much more than the five stars that I can give it.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Charity]

After reading Even After This and absolutely LOVING it, I thought After We Fall would be an easy five stars.

Unfortunately, it didn't end up that way.

I thought the very beginning was good, with the suspense aspect of it, but then it really doesn't get mentioned again until the end, almost as an afterthought.

The story jumped around a lot, not really focusing on any one thing. I felt like I was watching a soap opera, with the different storylines and drama.

I didn't buy the romance, and I felt like Penelope was holding a grudge for something that was a blip on the radar. But then all of a sudden, they're an item.

There was one point in the book that I had to check my Kindle to make sure I was still reading the same story.

This book has great potential. If we could have had just one or two main storylines fleshed out, it would have been fantastic. There could have been amazing depth here.

I REALLY wanted to love this one. But read it for yourself; it may be the perfect one for you.

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

[Catherine Graham]

The romance, story, emotions and tension in this book was so good that I read it straight through and then had to read it again slower so I could savour the story. I found myself so caught up in the story that I also went back to reread book 1 again too.

Penelope is 'Miss Organisation' and all about the details - nothing gets past her and she is on top of everything.  However 'Mr Protector' Luke doesn't follow rules and seems to enjoy doing things differently ... but there is a spark between them they can't ignore and the connection, emotions and romance between them is addictive to read. When Penelope finds herself with a head injury and major concussion her world is knocked off balance and she finds her usual coping mechanisms don't work. As she heals she learns to refocus on what is important and Luke is there supporting her every step of the journey.

I loved this fun story but also appreciated the many layers within it from childhood trauma, family pressures, second chances and the impact of grief. It is a no-spice book and the romance is built through connections rather than touch and feels so much stronger. There were lots of emotions throughout and they kept me fully invested and engaged in this story from the very first to the very last page of the book.

This is book 2 of the Shelter & Sky series and I think is best read after book 1 but can be read as a standalone. I am now impatiently awaiting book 3!

[Cecilia Romano]

After We Fall was such a sweet read. 🤍

I think what I enjoyed most was how easy this story was to settle into. There’s romance and plenty of chemistry, but underneath that is a story about letting people in, taking a chance, and realizing that you don’t always have to have everything figured out.

I found myself really enjoying the characters and the way their relationship developed. There’s something about watching two people slowly become more comfortable with each other that I always love in a romance.

It was heartfelt without feeling overly heavy, and I appreciated that it gave me those little moments that make you want to keep reading just to see where everything goes.

And if you’re looking for a no-spice romance, this is one I’d recommend adding to your list.

A sweet, easy romance that left me smiling when I finished. 🤍

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea]

Loved this multi-layered story. After We Fall is a sweet and slow romance between a loveable independent type A Penelope Reid and security specialist Luke Granger. It's also so much more than a romance.

While Meredith and Harlan are on their honeymoon, Penelope is tasked with working with the young women at Twelve Bluebells Ranch. These young adults have aged out of the foster system, and need a safe place to live while they work and continue to learn life skills. Luke is tasked with their security. The issues the young women face from a lifetime of foster care are enormous. I loved seeing their progress.

I loved the lessons learned for all of them! And I learned a lot from how the topic of brain injury and migraines were covered. Great banter between Penelope and Luke was so much fun. I so enjoyed their journey as they dealt with their own individual challenges as well as the deepening feelings between them, as they love and protect the young women at the halfway house.

You don't want to miss this series! I highly recommend reading them in order, and I can't wait for book 3 in this series!

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Kay Garrett]

AFTER WE FALL by Deborah Clack is the magnificent, heart-tugging story of Penelope Reid and Luke Granger. While they may seem like complete opposites, they may find they have more in common than they dared to dream.

Penelope’s childhood was spent in the foster care system. Her one constant was her friend Jason, who is like a brother. When a Senator and his wife adopted them both, Penelope thought she finally had the family she dreamed of. It wasn’t! She had been able to continue her education receiving several degrees. Refusing to work for her adoptive father has her thrown out penniless. It was a fluke that she met Harlan Holcombe, owner of a West side consulting company. He offered her a job. It gave her the chance to work with women that have aged out of the foster system that need help. She found that west side held her expertise, but the east side holds her heart. As Harlan’s assistant, she must see that his upcoming wedding to Meredith goes smoothly. Vandalism in the little chapel, while puzzling, had to be nipped in order for the perfect, intimate wedding.

Luke works as a security specialist. His job has him moving around never putting down roots, something he’s happy with. While in town, he answered the call from Twelve Bluebells Ranch over some vandalism. Seems he’s met Penelope before, when he’d asked her to dance, but a phone call had him leaving her on the edge of a dance floor. Determined to find out who the vandal is and to keep everyone on the ranch safe turns into his number one job.

One of the girls leaves the ranch and her boyfriend attacks Penelope resulting in some major injuries. Being her second concussion, it means long-term healing. Luke is determined that she’ll abide by the doctor’s orders. Will her failure with Finley and now not even able to do her duties with Harlan put any chance of being the new program director unattainable? When Luke continues to hang around, will he finally have to admit his feelings for Penelope? Are Jason’s feeling for Penelope brotherly or something else? Dare Penelope open her heart to Luke?

AFTER WE FALL is a masterfully crafted story that pulls you in immediately as you fall in love with the characters and the desire to know their outcome. It’s the perfect mix of the Harlan and Meredith’s wedding, helping the girls at the ranch and finding love when one isn’t even looking. Deborah Clack gives us a story of overcoming, compassion, friendship, truly listening and willingness to help, heartbreak, personal growth and sweet growing romance. AFTER WE FALL is absolutely a FIVE-STAR book that highly recommend to everyone!

While the second book in the Shelter and Sky series, AFTER WE FALL can most definitely be read as a standalone book.

I received an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#AfterWeFall #ShelterandSky #DeborahClack

[Julianne Harkleroad]

After We Fall is a poignant, clean, sequel to Even After This, second in the Shelter and Sky series by the fabulous Deborah Clack. It's gritty and emotional, dealing with some intense topics that make the story not only standout, but real. It is definitely not just another rom-com, but it does have its share of romance and humor that bring joy in the midst of the darkness shared. What a fantastic read!

Clack opens with Meredith and Harlan's wedding, run smoothly thanks to their type A ranch assistant, Penelope Reid, who wants to impress her employers and get a potential promotion. She's definitely earned it and is proud of the work she does managing the girls and halfway house at Twelve Bluebells. After a major safety concern, Harlan calls in his buddy, Luke Granger, to guarantee a safe wedding. Penelope doesn't like that she can't control Luke and worries his presence will give Meredith and Harlan the impression that she can't handle the job requirements. They definitely do not get along... at first 😉 And oof! That "food fight"! Surely this is as terrible as this week can get, right?

Wrong. There is a terrible accident and Penelope almost dies. Readers, there's a lot of blood, so gird your loins and prepare for that. Through her recovery, our bootstrap heroine shares her heart and history with us and Luke as she learns to humble herself and bravely ask others for help. I loved the metaphor her physical recovery gave us of her mental recovery in the second half of the book. We see why Penelope needed to buckle up and push through difficult situations that most people would tap out in. Our heart breaks for her history and where she is today: hurting, physically broken, with huge walls keeping everyone else far away lest they hurt her, too. But Luke, ah, sweet Luke, sees past her wall and loves her for it. He's patient and kind. Generous and thoughtful. If only he wrote a teaching manual! And how could he not love Penelope with her huge heart and hardworking dedication?

Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Gore: 2/5 🩸 (one section with lots of blood)
Language: 0/5 👀
Triggers: domestic abuse, various traumas, TBI, held at gunpoint, shooting

Thank you to RB Media and NetGalley for this ARC!

[Rebecca]

"Throw anything you want at me. . . . . . when you're finished, I intend to be the safe person for you to love."

Organized and efficient, administrative assistant Penelope Reid is marching through life exactly as planned, until she bumps into a charming security agent who stepped in and out of her life three years prior like a bad dance partner. (that's right, they never even shared that dance, did they?) At the moment, Penelope is razor focused on proving to her boss that she the is best candidate to manage their emerging halfway house at Twelve Bluebells Ranch and Luke Granger is proving to be a big distraction.

When unforseen circumstances throw Penelope's life out of control, she has no recourse but to depend on others, proving that her self imposed walls are not as stable as she imagined them to be. Seeing her future aspirations all but disappear, at least for the present, Luke's surprisingly stable presence in her life is proving to be a welcome balm, but will it last? The man is not known for sticking, and their fragile bond, while growing stronger, comes with no guarantees.

Very few authors have the ability to dive deep into the unfathomable wells of human emotion, but this author? She absolutely does! Every single conversation (many qualifying as entertaining banter) pulls and tugs at carefully curated layers of self defense in both of her main characters, using their words to both heal (and Penelope would add to annoy) and restore their broken places. "All the pieces. All the numbers. All the love. After we fall."

An extraordinary romance! So many life lessons!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Haven Fiction. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

[Rosalyn]

Sweet story, real people with deep hurts
Penelope is an in control type of person. Or so she thinks. Because she's had to be. And she has so much to prove, not only to herself, but also to those around her.
In this second book of this series (you will want to read the first one first!), she is in charge of handling things at Bluebell Ranch while the Holcombe's go on their honeymoon.
But things just don't go quite according to plan.
Penelope is an over achiever, and she says and does a few things that escalate a bad situation, and honestly made things a lot worse. Although it really wasn't her fault at all.
She finds herself in a bad place, and has so much to deal with.
But there is Luke. A handsome security guard that she was determined to steer clear of. Only, now she is having way too much trouble doing that. And she is enjoying time spent with him.
This book touches on some deep issues, dealing with things like abandonment issues, foster home trauma, and more.
I found it inspirational and sweet, and would recommend this book to someone who likes clean romance reads.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Diana]

⭐⭐½ 2.5/5
Audiobook ARC

This one unfortunately never fully pulled me in.

There was actually quite a bit happening—family drama, career pressure, a romance, a suspicious break-in situation, an injury, and a mystery thread—but despite all of that, I never felt especially invested in the story or characters.

I did like Luke. He was sweet, caring, protective, and probably the character I connected with most. Penelope’s fierce independence also made sense considering her history with her family, but there were times when that independence crossed into frustrating stubbornness for me, especially while she was recovering from her second TBI and refusing help.

At one point, my internal reaction was basically: “Ma’am, I understand WHY you’re like this. But please sit your concussed ass DOWN.” 😂

I also struggled with the narration. The narrator’s voice didn’t really work for me and made it harder to settle into the audiobook.

By the latter part of the book, I realized I was no longer reading closely and had started skipping ahead, so I ultimately skimmed the remainder rather than forcing myself through every chapter.

Final Verdict: Beautiful cover, a sweet MMC, and several plot elements that had potential, but the emotional connection just never happened for me.


Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for providing me with an advance listening copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Ella B]

3.75 (rounded up)
RTC

[Ashley]

I really really wanted to love After We Fall, especially as someone who has enjoyed supporting Deborah Clack and her first book, Even After This. But, unfortunately, this book wasn't a good fit for me.

I struggled with the storyline and had a difficult time connecting with the characters. I tried but I never felt emotionally invested in their journey, and the plot made this a challenge for me from beginning to end.

I was also disappointed by the lack of faith content. I didn't find any mention of God or Scripture throughout the story, and that was something I missed. For me, when I pick up a Christian fiction novel, I want to see faith woven into the characters' lives and their journey.

I struggled with some of the romantic dialogue, particularly the repeated use of “baby” and “kitten,” which pulled me out of the story rather than adding to the romance.

I know every book connects with readers differently, and unfortunately, After We Fall didn't connect with me. I appreciate the opportunity to read it as an ARC and will continue staying invested in Deborah’s writing journey as I did enjoy her first book, Even After This.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Alicia]

OVERALL STAR RATING:  2.5 stars, rounded up to 3
CLEAN RATING:  5/5

Thank you to @deborah_clack, @havenfiction, and @greatreadsbookpromo for the gifted copy of After We Fall.

I’m honestly bummed that this one didn’t work for me because I absolutely loved the first book in the series and rated it five stars. I went into this one expecting to feel the same connection, but unfortunately, I struggled from beginning to end.

My biggest issue was the lack of cohesion. The story continually bounced between different plotlines and points of focus, and I never felt like there was one clear thread tying everything together. At times, the chapters felt so disconnected that I actually wondered if I was reading the right book.

I also struggled with the romance. I never understood the connection between Penelope and Luke or felt that their relationship had been developed enough for me to become emotionally invested. There was plenty of physical attraction, but I never felt like I was given the foundation for the emotional investment.

There were some potentially powerful themes, but I never really connected with those storylines either. This was simply not a book that worked for me, which is especially hard to say after loving the first in the series so much.

*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary

[Di]

🍂 Opposites Attract
🛡️ Protective Security Specialist MMC
🏡 Ranch Setting
🤎 Clean/Closed-Door • No Spice
✨ Healing After Hardship
🏠 Finding Home/Belonging
💔 Third-Act Breakup
⚡ Insta-Love vibes

🎧 Narrator: Jeanine Bartel
⏱️ Runtime: 10 hrs 47 mins
📚 Book 2 in the Shelter and Sky series

I really enjoyed After We Fall overall! Penelope and Luke were easy characters to root for, and I loved the ranch setting, found-family feel, and Luke's protective side. 🖤

My biggest wish was that this had been dual POV instead of single POV. I think getting inside Luke's head would've made me connect with the romance even more. The insta-love moved a little quicker than I personally prefer, and you already know a third-act breakup isn't my favorite. 😅

Outside of those things, though, this was such a sweet, emotional read about finding somewhere and someone that finally feels like home. And for my closed-door romance readers: this one is clean/no-spice. 🤎🍂

Thank you to RBmedia/Recorded Books and NetGalley for providing the ALC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Caroline Thomsen]

Firstly, I'd like to thank Netgalley and RBmedia for my ALC of this book in return for an honest review.

After We Fall by Deborah Clack is a contemporary romance where our main characters fall in love while working at a Halfway House Ranch. The plotline is strong and I loved the backdrop that the Twelve Bluebell Ranch and its setting make.

I liked the glimpses of Penelope's old life and how she became who she is, but sadly both her and Luke felt a bit cliche and flat. I struggled not to roll my eyes of their almost instant romance, their lines and how the plot hardly developed in the beginning.

That being said, the they both grew on me and the story was more enjoyable throughout the book, despite it never growing quite as advanced as I would like, the ending held a nice surprice, just when I thought I knew how it would go.

Overall, if you love a simple romance with characters withouth much depth this is an enjoyable, easy read.

[Danielle]

3.5 ⭐️ rounded to four!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of After We Fall. All opinions are my own.

It’s ironic that I chose to read a book with a main character having a chronic illness when I’m having a Hashimoto’s flareup. Of course, I started feeling Penelope’s symptoms with her *sigh* oh, sympathy pains, you’ve struck again

Anyway, this was a sweet book and I’m so glad we got to add more to the Twelve Bluebells Ranch saga!

Penelope reminds me a lot of myself - doesn’t want to let anyone down, no matter the cost to her own health and well-being. I could empathize with her struggles wanting to do her job well and have everything in line. Unfortunately, that’s not how the world works, and she processes her new normal and learns to rely on her chosen family. I also appreciated her history with the foster care system impacting her role at Twelve Bluebells.

The girls - Bianca, Tanya, and Finley were my favorite characters! Clack did a great job at representing multiple reactions to similar traumas, yet their bond kept them close friends. I would love to get to know them better as they continue on in their program at the ranch. Please please please!!!!

Also the relationships between Penelope, the girls, and Meredith! Ugh amazing girl bonding!

Luke was….an interesting choice. I feel like he insta-loved Penelope, calling her baby before they were ever a couple. I don’t know it rubbed me the wrong way at first. Then his emotions in the third act were completely unexpected. My jaw dropped at his reaction and i genuinely wanted to throw my kindle across the room. I didn’t for fear of 1) breaking a third kindle (don’t ask) and 2) scaring my roommate. Personally I wasn’t a fan of him and the insta-love. I wanted to see their chemistry develop legitimately.

I will continue with this series when Clack releases the next one in April!

[Ciara Hartman]

📝 ARC Review: Overall this was an enjoyable story. The characters had depth and layers to them. I enjoyed the low key romance element and the suspense kept me on my toes for what would happen next.

I wasn’t a fan of the third act break up, and at times the FMC’s personality got on my nerves, but those were just minor things. I do think it would’ve been better with dual POV instead of single. My biggest issue was that numerous times a paragraph would end and the next one would start and I’d feel like I missed a bunch of stuff… like the connection between one paragraph and the next wasn’t there. Idk if it was supposed to be that way, or if that’s something that will be different for the final published version. 🤷🏼‍♀️

This is book 2 in an interconnected standalone series/trilogy. I didn’t read book 1, but it was easy enough to follow along with this one.

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Shelter & Sky, Book 2
POV: First Person; Single
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Release Date: October 6, 2026

Vibes: Quirky characters; dangerous situations; a complicated romance.

Tropes 👇

- Opposites Attract
- Second Chances
- Forced Proximity
- No Spice (just some kisses)
- Tight laced, stubborn FMC w a foster care background
- Security/surveillance working MMC
- Home for girls aging out of foster care
- Chronic Migraines
- Third Act Break Up
- Vandalism mystery to solve
- Found Family

CW’s 👇

- Drug use/possible dealing (side character)
- Domestic Violence
- Physical Assault
- Concussion/bleeding on the brain (FMC)
- Loss of a loved one
- Unexpected pregnancy (side character)
- Trauma from foster care & fake family
- Shots fired

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Michaela (Reading in the Heartland)]

I am struggling to write this review. I really wanted to love this book, but I really struggled with this no spice contemporary romance. A part of this is due to the fact that I listened to the audio of it and it was rough.

I wasn’t able to “settle in” for almost 40%. The MMC’s voice was the worst for me. Though this book takes place in Colorado Springs, from the beginning I felt like we were in Texas in the Old Wild West days with a cowboy swaggering around with a toothpick in his mouth, hitting on barmaids with a sultry and sleazy tone and calling them “kitten.” (He didn’t actually do this, but it’s how his interactions came across to me with the FMC for a good while).

All of that aside, this book was HEAVY. It is the opposite of a rom com. It is series and full of pain - present and past. Though there is also healing being accomplished for many characters, it feels like Murphy’s Law rules in this book as they’ve gone through wave after wave knocking them down, pulling them under, and keeping them in the impact zone.

If you are looking for a heavy and emotional read - a drama that is emotionally taxing with a slow burn feel (not specifically for the romance, but the story in general) with a touch of mystery and suspense, this could be a good choice for you. The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 1.

Content Notes (may include spoilers):
The author has also provided some on her website that I have not looked at.
Foster Care and Group Home History, Migraine, Assault, Blood, Injuries, TBI/Concussion, Death, Drugs, Guns

I received an ARC of this book through a tour company and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Marie Girulat]

A huge thank you to @deborach_clack, @havenfiction, and @recordedbooks for the #gifted book and audiobook.

This is the second book in the Shelter and Sky series, and it’s a heartfelt, emotional romance filled with resilience, healing, and second chances.

I loved watching the relationship between Penelope and Luke develop. Both are trying to escape the trauma of their childhoods, but while Penelope needs structure, Luke isn’t looking to put down roots. Refreshingly down-to-earth, Luke becomes a rock for Penelope during her most challenging moments. His unwavering support gives her the space to trust him, and their blossoming romance is beautiful to witness.

The writing captures the characters’ emotions so beautifully, from their childhood trauma and family pressures to their journeys toward healing. There’s plenty of romance and chemistry, but at its heart, this is a story about letting people in, taking a chance, and realizing you don’t always need to have everything figured out. Penelope’s relationship with the girls at the ranch was especially heartfelt.

I also loved the way Meredith and Harlan’s story from the first book is woven into this one. Plus, I learned a lot about brain injuries and migraines.

The narrator brought the characters vividly to life through expressive emotion and inflection.

If you’re drawn to stories of resilience and love born from shared experiences, this book is an absolute must-read. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster as it takes you through the highs and lows of rediscovering happiness. Don’t miss out, this book releases on October 6, 2026.

[Catherine]

There was a lot going on in this story, which isn't always a bad thing. However, I realized in about the middle of the book that I had completely forgotten about the mystery that was right at the beginning. It hadn't been mentioned for quite awhile, and was lost amidst a lot of other things. I struggled with several of the characters, including the two main characters. Penelope needed some major therapy, as did Luke. There was one part towards the end when Luke became angry that Penelope wasn't answering his calls. This was at a point in the story when all I could think was, "How dare he?" The relationship felt too sudden. Luke is suddenly calling her "Baby" and "Kitten". I hated both nicknames. Just not my cup of tea. I was bothered that even with severe brain trauma, Penelope still couldn't get herself to calm down and take care of herself. The drama with Finley and Marcus was just too much, and pretty pathetic. Again, there was just so much - I think a couple of events could have been taken out and used in a different story. Sometimes the hits do keep coming, but it almost felt unrealistic to me. I think the cover is beautiful, and it did catch my eye. There were definitely parts of the story where I felt more invested. However, reading this book and seeing Harlen and Meredith, the characters from the first book in the series, actually made me less likely to read that one. Meredith seemed like a child in the way everyone acted around her, so I wouldn't want to read about her as the main character. I wanted to like it more, this story just fell flat for me.

[Jo|Ruth Reads]

I am so glad to be back with Meredith and Harlan! I loved what Meredith is doing for the women at Twelve Bells Ranch.This time, we get Luke and Penelope’s story, and their romance was a roller coaster, but totally worth the risk!

Penelope is left to care for the ranch while Meredith and Harlan are away, and Luke is brought in to offer security. But when a decision leads to Penelope needing more than just security, she and Luke get to know each other more and more. The sparks fly, the walls come down, but there is risk. He never stays anywhere for long and never gets attached. She’s only been left in her life and can’t risk another person walking out. Can they take that risk for each other? And what would it require of them?

This was a slower paced, heavier read. It's more of a character driven romance that focused a lot on the day to day moments of life while tackling some really tough subjects. Because of the pacing, I struggled at times to stay engaged in the storyline, while still wanting to hang in there and watch Luke and Penelope's romance unfold. I appreciated the little bits of mystery and suspense added in as well, which added some extra interest to the story. I am looking forward to seeing what Deborah writes next!

-> Content: Closed door, just kisses. Please see the author’s content warnings prior to reading.

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[MJSH]

"Love stands at the top of the ladder, arms held high, conquering every feeling, leaving them destroyed in its wake."

I loved the no-nonsense, take charge Penelope from the moment I met her in Even After This. She's my kind of person - organized, efficient, dependable, talented, and able to fix any situation. But there were so many layers to Penelope and I loved getting to know her layers one by one. Her first person voice was hopeful, funny (even if she didn't see it), generous, and full of compassion. Penelope was a beautifully multi-colored silk core wrapped in steel. Her broken past and her journey through healing - physically and emotionally - were heart-breaking. Luke was her complete opposite in his approach to life. Unconventional, spontaneous, and protective, he was the perfect hero for Penelope. It truly attests to the author's skill when the entire book is written in Penelope's voice and yet I feel like I know Luke as well as Penelope. There was loss and grief, despair and pain, but love and forgiveness triumphed all. Catching up with Harlan and Meredith was the icing on this delicious cake of a book. I thoroughly savored every page and can't wait for the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Haven, the publisher, via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[Joy Burke]

If you are looking for a book that will touch your heart and soul, grab this one. As much as I loved the first book in this series , I do believe this one even tops the first book. I can't wait for the next one! Back to this story, you have Penelope who basically runs everything with a fine tooth comb. She is all about everything being done correctly. When she finds the little church in disarray before the wedding, that's when her life takes a turn. In steps Luke who is there for security reasons and turns Penelope's world upside down. Penelope is in charge of the halfway house while the newly married couple is on their honeymoon. She takes her job seriously and wants what is best for the young ladies who are staying there. But when one of them decides to go back to her boyfriend, things go downhill fast and Penelope gets caught right in the middle. Can she let go of her need to be in control and actually ask someone for help? Will Luke be there for her when she needs him or will he take off again? I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this story. I wish that I could convey how well written this story was, but I don't think there is enough words in my vocabulary to describe it. All opinions are what I thought of this book.

[Sneha R]

Thank you to Deborah and Haven for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

It is an emotional and engaging story that kept me interested from beginning to end. The book explores themes of love, loss, healing, and finding strength after difficult times. The characters felt real, and I enjoyed following their journey as they faced challenges and learned important life lessons.

One thing I liked most was the author's writing style. It was easy to read and made it simple to connect with the characters and their feelings. The emotional moments were well written and felt genuine rather than forced.

The story moved at a steady pace, and there were several moments that made me want to keep reading to see what would happen next. While some parts felt a little predictable, the overall journey was meaningful and enjoyable.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy emotional fiction, character-driven stories, and books about personal growth and second chances.

Overall, this was a heartfelt and enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more from Deborah Clack in the future.

[Judy ✨ CM]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

What can I say? This book was really good. 🖤

Okay, let’s start with the obvious: I was confused because I didn’t read book one. 😂 I didn’t realize this was a series when I picked it up, so… my bad. Some of my confusion definitely came from missing context, which is entirely on me. I’ll be reading book one soon!

That said, I did struggle a little with Penelope. Her tendency to put everyone else first and completely forget about herself was frustrating at times. But seeing her journey throughout the book was definitely one of my favorite parts.

And Luke… that man. He just got her. Even when she wasn’t making things easy, he knew when to step up, and honestly, actions speak louder than words.

It’s also a non-spicy romance, which I’m definitely not used to. But honestly? It didn’t need it. The writing was easy to follow, the story flowed well, and the romance was genuinely beautiful.

My only real issue was that the plot took up more space than I expected, sometimes leaving me wishing for more focus on the romance and the main characters.

Overall, a really lovely read that I enjoyed much more than I expected. 🖤

[Randi Sampson]

An emotional romance and a protective MMC? Count me in! This story and these characters drew me in right away and kept me intrigued right through to the end. Immediately, Penelope was a character that you couldn't help but root for. Growing up in foster care made her fiercely independent, but it also gave her such a heart for the girls at the halfway house. I enjoyed the connection between her and Luke and how he protected her... far beyond what his job as a security specialist truly required. Their story was tender and emotional with so much growth and healing... and just the perfect dose of suspense to keep things interesting. I don't want to give anything away, but it's definitely one that romance fans are sure to want to check out for themselves.

After We Fall is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is the second book in the Shelter and Sky series. While you will see some familiar characters, I do think this could be enjoyed as a standalone as well.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Joy]

2.5* rounded up

Okay, first things first: when I requested this one, I didn't realize it was the second book in an interconnected series, but even though I didn't read the first book, I wasn't really confused about who was who.

That being said, I didn’t feel much chemistry between the two main characters. I felt like there was kinda insta-love, especially when Luke called her “Baby” all of a sudden, and it kinda took me off guard. I personally didn’t feel like there was any sort of romantic lead-up for that to just be blurted out.

The romance was just okay, and the characters, to me, lacked a good amount of depth, even though Penelope, our FMC, does have a heavy story. I just didn’t feel emotionally invested in the storyline that much. There was also a mystery element that was so easily forgettable at some points while reading; I had to remind myself of it.

Lastly, the narrator's voice was just not for me, and her voice acting when it came to any man’s lines just didn’t sound good.

Thank you to RBmedia and NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for my honest review!

[Stephanie]

A bit slow at the start, but it does pick up. The fmc and mmc are in an opposites attract relationship with the mmc being a bit dense to start with.

I hate how much the fmc suffers but love how she keeps overcoming everything. She's a real type A with compassion. Being a former foster kid herself, she does everything she can to help the former foster ladies to get a leg up in life.

The mmc has his own trauma, and can't seem to stay in one place for long. This seems to be the main issue between them until he pulls his head out of....uhh the sand lol. He does end up saving the day with the help of our fmc bc she's a strong independent woman who don't need no man, but definitely wants this one.

It's a cute romance that could have used more cowboys, but a smexy security guy will do in a pinch.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.