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Falling Hard: Free Falling Duet - Book One

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386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2026

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M. George

29 books9 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Kelli.
90 reviews
June 10, 2026
Review of an advance copy

Overall, I enjoyed this book and liked the characters. One thing I struggled with was visualizing them. Sutton received the most physical description of the three main characters, but much of it centered around her being curvy or overweight. As for Jonah and Cal, I honestly couldn’t tell you much beyond the fact that they’re muscular hockey players.

At first, I wasn’t a fan of the dual timelines, but as the story progressed, I appreciated how they added context and depth to the characters and relationships. It ended up being an effective way to build the backstory.

I also would have liked to see more exploration of the why choose relationship dynamic. In particular, I was interested in the connection between Jonah and Cal. There seemed to be a lot of potential there, but it never felt fully developed in this book. That may be something the author is saving for book two, but I was left wanting a little more.

Overall, an enjoyable read with likable characters and a storyline that kept me engaged, even if there were a few areas I wished had been explored more deeply
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for leannaafterdark.
64 reviews2 followers
June 14, 2026
Cal, Jonah & Sutton

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Heat Level: 🔥

Tropes: MMF, second chance, rivals to lovers, fake dating, best friends older brother, girl next door

CW directly from authors website

- Portrayals of and references to disordered eating, treatment and recovery
- Body Shaming (not between MCs)
- Mentions of fat phobia
- Bullying (not between MCs)
- Assault (not between MCs)
- Attempted rape (not between MCs)
- Non-consensual video footage/distribution /cyber-bullying
- Medical Trauma
- Anaphylactic shock
- Mentions of parental death
- Parental neglect
- Emotional/verbal abuse (not between MCs) - Physical Abuse (not between MCs)
- Surprise pregnancy

Not a trigger but this is a duet so be prepared for the cliffy 😒

Can be read as standalone but previous series characters will be in the storyline but no spoilers from their books.

391 pages, 72+ chapters

Multi-POV

I've always been an outcast—overlooked by my childhood crush, and not good enough for my best friend that saves me time and again. I'm still running from the broken past I left behind, but when the one man who's always been there for me asks for help, how can I say no? And now I'm pretending to be his girlfriend, moving back to my hometown, and reopening wounds that never fully healed. Suddenly, I'm stuck in the middle between two teammates that hate each other, with my past and present colliding in an inferno of hate and desire. Will I be the reason these men tear their team apart, or could facing our feelings be the very thing their team needs to help them on the road to victory?

First thoughts:

MMF hockey sign me the eff up. I can’t get my hands on them fast enough….surprise pregnancy mehhh I can go without but we’ll see how it’s going to play out and when she actually gets pregnant in the timeline….

Things I loved:

- Jonah’s protectiveness around Sutton. At 35% and I just swooned like I’ve never swooned before 😮‍💨🤭🥰 he’s a keeper
- So dang emotional, absolutely heart wrenching. But it read pretty fast for as much that was packed in this one.

Quotes:

“That’s just it, baby. I do need you. Do you want me to beg? Because I will totally get on my knees for you.”

“Baby, I want to help you, but I can’t do that unless you talk to me. If you don’t want this, don’t want him, say the word and I will send the fcker away without a second thought, screw the consequences. But if do you want this. . .” I swallow thickly, choking down the bile burning the back of my throat at the words. “If you want him. . . all you have to do is ask and I’ll step back. I know how you felt about him. How you still feel. But I can’t make this choice for you. It has to be yours.” 🫠🫠🥵🥵👏🏼👏🏼

Things I ponder:

- How’d dinner go with Jonah’s parents?
- That damn cliffy 😒 bc we know damn well it could go either way

Would I read again? Maybe
Would I read more from author? Yes
Would I recommend? Absolutely. Check those triggers though 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨 it’s deeeeep

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Nicole Chasing Chapters.
26 reviews6 followers
July 10, 2026
I may not have considered myself a hockey romance reader before, but lately I've been completely hooked. this book proved exactly why.

From the very beginning, I was invested in Sutton, Cal, and Jonah. The emotional depth, heartbreak, friendship, and slow-burning tension had me turning pages nonstop.

Cal has spent years quietly protecting Sutton from the cruel bullying she endured because of her weight. As his little sister's best friend, she became family, but beneath that friendship were feelings neither of them had the courage to admit. Watching them dance around their emotions was equal parts heartwarming and frustrating in the best way.

When the bullying becomes too much, Sutton disappears without a word, leaving Cal with unanswered questions and a broken heart. Years later, she unexpectedly reenters his life—only she's standing beside Jonah, the goalie on Cal's new hockey team. Jonah isn't just a teammate; he's become one of the most important people in Sutton's life, and if Cal wants answers—or even a second chance—he'll have to face the man standing between them.

This story is so much more than hockey. It's about healing from trauma, finding your self-worth, rediscovering love, and learning that the people who truly see you never stop fighting for you.

The emotional journey, the chemistry between the characters, and the found-family feel made this one impossible to put down. If you're looking for a hockey romance packed with emotion, longing, friendship, and unforgettable characters, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
116 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2026
This is the start of a duet that has a lot going on. Sutton and Callum have been in each others lives since childhood. Jonah becomes Sutton's best friend at a delicate time in her life. Then Jonah and Callum end up on the same hockey team, with Sutton caught in the middle.

I connected most with Sutton's eating disorder struggles. After being bullied growing up, it comes to a head and she ends up in treatment for her disorder. The scenes that deal with her disordered thinking/eating and her recovery are extremely real and difficult to read because of it. I haven't read such a moving description of the condition before.

As for the book and writing itself, the author mentions it in the beginning, but the timeline jumps around a lot. I can see how some people would find it difficult to keep track. Thankfully, I found it nice and clearly presented. The timeline jumping allows for a lot of foreshadowing and building of suspense, that I think is helped by the 3 different POVs that are present. I enjoyed the way a lot of scenes are told through multiple perspectives, which made me empathize more thoroughly with each character.

There isn't as much spice as I expected, but what is present is well written and hot. I think the amount of backstory required the spice be minimal in this book, and I expect it to be more prominent in the sequel while the characters figure things out.

I am very much looking forward to finishing this story when the second book comes out.

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Audi Walbridge.
208 reviews4 followers
July 5, 2026
4.5 ⭐️

Please check the trigger warnings.

I really enjoyed this and can't wait for book two.

Sutton really tugs on my heartstrings and the struggles she goes through with body shaming, bullying, and her eating disorder. I wanted to be her friend and protect her from the mean girls in the world.

Her friendship with Lena which led to her life long crush on Lena's older brother Callum. Lena was a good friend for her but when life throws a wrench and forces the two apart, Sutton feels she's left with no one. Callum feels like Sutton ghosts him but he doesn't know what really happened & Sutton let him go.

Jonah is so protective of Sutton. Seriously, I love Jonah. They way he can't help to want to be her friend and then it develops more. They become eachothers soul mates basically. She's his "baby girl" they help calm eachother. He acknowledges how much she still feels for Cal when they end up on the same hockey team.

The scene with the three of them. Oooookayyyy.
When Cal hugs Jonah cause Sutton wasn't there for their pregame ritual. 🥹

I would have given it 5⭐️ if there would have been more of Jonah and Callum's relationship developing because you can see glimpses of it, and maybe we get that more in book two. I wanted a little more of the three of them

I wish before the epilogue we would of gotten how the dinner went, it just felt like an abrupt jump.

But uh that epilogue

I umm need book 2 pleaseeeee
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Inge Mosch.
591 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 12, 2026
M. George is one of my favorite authors. Her writing style is incredible, and I absolutely love the way she uses language. Her stories are always beautifully written, and the build-up in this book is especially well done.

I really loved how the past and present are intertwined throughout the story. As you gradually learn more about what happened in the past, you gain a deeper understanding of who the characters have become, and why they act like they do. It’s so skillfully done that everything remains perfectly clear and never feels confusing.

Every emotion is raw and beautifully portrayed, making it impossible not to feel for all three main characters. Sutton’s, Jonah and Callum’s relationship is written so beautifully, with their feelings developing in such a natural way! It really feels like I know these people in real life!

I absolutely adore Sutton; she’s such a sweet and wonderful person, and I love the boys as well. They are so different from each other, and the rivalry between them is intense. But the way they go absolutely feral for Sutton and ultimately team up for her is just so good! The spice in this book was incredibly hot, and I have a feeling it’s only going to get even hotter in the second book.

I loved everything about this book, and I honestly can’t wait for book two. That cliffhanger left me incredibly curious to see how their story will continue!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
1,541 reviews15 followers
June 15, 2026
Free Falling Duet: Sutton, Jonah and Callum

Oh my, wow!
What a story. Heartbreaking, devastating, a very tangled web, and some very unexpected themes.
I thought it was a love triangle, and I guess it is, but to intertwine gender identity, betrayal, redemption and reconnection into it was powerful.

This is heavy (and I mean heavy) on the triggers, and it’s not a story for the faint of heart. My heart broke so many times for Sutton, and I just wanted to wrap her up on a big hug.

There’s not actually much in the way of spice, but, what was there? Made me blush.

I can guess what’s happening in book 2, and I’m hoping that it’s not such a battle t get that HEA. Based on that cliffhanger, it’s not going to be a simple task, and it’s going to be a bit of a bumpy ride, but I need this to be one where they all get the HEA.
Because, frankly, there is no way to choose between either of them, and while I'm not the biggest fan of MM, I really want to see how the boys dynamic plays out.
Profile Image for Tasha.
587 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2026
Falling Hard by M. George is an emotionally charged and addictive sports romance that blended intense chemistry, emotional vulnerability, and just the right amount of drama that kept me hooked from the first chapter. Set against the backdrop of professional hockey, we are introduced to the MMC's Callum, Jonah, and Sutton, three men that are dealing with the trauma from their pasts. One of the book's greatest strengths I felt is George's easy and engaging writing style. The pacing kept the story moving while allowing enough time for character growth and relationship development. While the emotional moments hit hard, making it easy to become fully invested in the characters' journey. Overall, Falling Hard is a captivating sports romance with memorable characters and a romance worth rooting for.

I received an ARC copy from Happily Booked PR. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!
Profile Image for Kalexreads.
1,456 reviews6 followers
June 14, 2026
Sutton and Callum have so much history together. He is completely blindsided when she show back up in his orbit when she and her “boyfriend,” Jonah end up back in town and with Jonah as a new teammate. Sutton and Jonah’s relationship is complicated enough, but they are each other’s person. Sutton, however, isn’t over Cal, as much as she may want to be. Cal wants answers about why she ghosted him and definitely isn’t over her. Things come to a head one night at a team party, which just leads to more complications. They have lots of things to sort through, and lots of conversations need to happen. Sutton wants Callum and Jonah, and Jonah and Callum want her. There may be something between Jonah and Callum, but it’s too early to tell. It ends with a little bit of a cliffhanger, but I can’t wait to see how everything shakes out at the end. There’s a little bit of spice, but it’s also emotionally heavy. Loved it!!!
Profile Image for Kelly Minnigh.
110 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2026
5 ⭐️ Loving the opportunity to leave my honest opinion of this ARC. Quickly becoming a favorite author for me… M George has an excellent writing style that makes me feel fully engaged with her characters. I feel what they feel. Hurt when they hurt. Cry when they cry. Cheer & Smile when they do. I love the way this story depicts the insecurities of a woman in a realistic manner. Showing the world how hurtful people’s words and actions can really be. I also loved the support that Jonah easily gave, he’s such a caring man and has a beautiful way of embracing Sutton to make her feel comfortable and more confident. I’m so happy that Cal comes around & is also there for Sutton in any way she needs. Neither MMC is afraid to care for & speak their minds. I feel comforted by their entire relationship in the end & can literally feel their love.
The ending??? UGH…Please get me book 2 ASAP. Oh, and Bash’s book!!! Kinda need that right away too please.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sabrina Mordini.
571 reviews15 followers
July 6, 2026
Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️.5

Falling Hard is the first book in the Free Falling duet, and ends on a cliffhanger.

I really enjoyed Sutton, Jonah and Cal's story, especially the back and forth between past and present, seeing how the different relationships evolved in time, and what made the characters who they are in the present. These are complex characters, with more going on than what's on the surface, and seeing their struggles made for an interesting read.

At the same time, the back and forth between past and present puts a damper on the actual story development, giving us just a glimpse of what the dynamic in the trio might be.

Still, the story was interesting so far, and I'm curious to see what the next book will bring. That cliffhanger sure made for an interesting preview!
187 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2026
This amazing book hits some seriously deep and painful topics. It was so well written, and I am so torn in the love that I now have for Sutton, Jonah, and Callum. Both men were there for Sutton at different times that were extremely difficult for her, and both have a very different history with her. Watching it all come together is beautiful.
The flashing back and forth in time definitely gave a LOT of depth in all 3 characters, as well as others like Lena.

This is one that I would recommend to anyone who wants a deep read, but I will recommend reading the trigger warnings on it. This one goes deep.


What to expect:
💙MMF romance
🏒Dual-Timeline
💙Second Chance
🏒Hate-to-Love
💙Fake Dating
🏒 Bi-Awakening
💙Mental Health Rep
🏒 Disordered Eating Recovery
💙Surprise Pregnancy
🏒Hockey Romance
Profile Image for stopitruby.
38 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2026
In exchange for an honest review, given an ARC.
I'm a huge fan of triad poly as one myself I'd consume every form of media on it and that's why I took the opportunity to get this.
Sutton, you're loved, don't be too hard on yourself, life is meant to be lived.
Cal, it's okay, it's not your fault, sure you may think so, based on the circumstances but such is life.
Jonah, you're the best, you helped Sutton so much and now you're gonna help Cal and all together, your new formed family will be amazing (I hope). Genuinely can't wait for book 2. I hope the author can shed more light on how their relationship moved from the awkward stage (no pressure).
The touch of mental health is chef's kiss, I literally find it difficult to read books without nothing on mental health. So good job 👍
Profile Image for Stephanie.
573 reviews15 followers
June 18, 2026
Oh how i desperately need the next book because the cliffhanger was so sudden, I'm excited to see it all unfold.
The relationship between Sutton and Jonah is complex. Technically fake dating, but with history.
But than in come her past, Cal and things get even more complicated.
What i loved was how Jonah was Suttons biggest supporter. Her rock.
And when things with Cal heat up...he doesn't stand in the way...he pushes Sutton towards him....but he's not going anywhere either.

Thing is....Sutton is hiding a secret from her past from Cal, that explains why she "ghosted" him.
Her story was absolutely heartbreaking.

I just simply enjoyed these 3. Drama and all. Like I said I'm looking forward to the next book. 😁😁😁

Thank you M. George and happily booked for the arc. 🫶🏻
63 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I loved reading this book it was amazing, the story was written well and the characters were fantastic. This story was about Sutton, Callum, and Jonah and this emotional roller-coaster story, Jonah and Callum were enemies because they wanted the same thing. Sutton had always wanted Callum until she disappeared. Callum ended up concentrating on his hockey career. Jonah met Sutton at a hospital they both gave each other emotional support they got along really well until Jonah had taken her to a game while she watched and then she saw Callum, that put a strain on her and Jonah's relationship, so he talked to Callum and before he knew it, it became hot and steamy that added romance and so much more.
Profile Image for Ashley Rohr.
296 reviews5 followers
July 4, 2026
Loved book 1 and the three main characters that were introduced.

Sutton, Jonah and Callum all have their scars from their pasts. Sutton and Callum grew up together and have a history. Jonah and Sutton met when Sutton was healing from a hospital visit and Jonah provded the support she needed.

Sutton and Callum are reunited and need a little push from Jonah to truly start to heal.

I loved how this book painted a very clear picture of each character and their past. We see what happened between Sutton and Callum all those years ago.

I cannot wait for book 2 to see how their relationship evolves.

Thank you to M.George and Happily Booked PR for the ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
106 reviews
July 10, 2026
I want me a Jonah. A guy who will stay in the best friend zone while being in love with you, incredibly supportive AND encourages you to see if anything will develop with your high school crush? Yes please. Such a sweetie.
Sutton, bless her, has spent years fighting her attraction to Jonah, as she is terrified that if it goes wrong she’ll lose her best friend.
Cal. The best friend’s older brother. Sutton’s high school crush. Didn’t realise how much he’d miss her til she vanished for years. When he finds her again, he’s determined to make her his girl. It only took him a few years to figure out his feelings.

A cracking first half of this MMF duet. I need the second book yesterday.
Profile Image for SJ.
1,409 reviews16 followers
July 14, 2026
I had a feeling I was going to love this book just from the blurb, but it was so much more that I expected. I am obsessed with these characters. The writing was easy to get pulled into, and characters had me invested from the start. I loved the dual timeline and how much context it added. If you love hockey romance and combined with why-choose romance, this book is unputdownable. I truly cannot wait for the conclusion to this duet. My heart is aching for that HEA.

Tropes:
Hockey
Why-choose
MMF
Second Chance
Hate to love
Dual timeline
Fake dating
Bi-awakening
Mental health rep
Check TW

Thank you. Happily Booked PR and M. George, for the opportunity to read this book.
Profile Image for Angee Owens.
687 reviews61 followers
June 22, 2026
This was an MMF hockey romance between Sutton, Callum, and Jonah. The story gave us plenty of backstory of the characters through flashbacks which was nice. It helped you understand the characters and the relationship between all of them. It was interesting to see the relationships between the pairs and what they had in that relationship which was different than the other relationship. It was the first book in a duet, and I hoped they explored more of Callum and Jonah’s interactions. I’m sure that relationship may be fleshed out in the second part of the duet.
Profile Image for Candace P..
1,325 reviews14 followers
July 3, 2026
I need book 2 ASAP

Oh my gosh these three stole my heart! I loved the tension and angst that M. George built between Sutton, Callum and Jonah.

There were so many great moments in the story and had a hard time putting it down! I loved that we went back and forth between the past and present for those glimpses of how the three met and how their relationships developed.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story in part 1 of this duet. After the ending I definitely will be impatiently waiting for book 2. The author did an amazing job representing Sutton's mental health struggles.
1,036 reviews6 followers
July 3, 2026
Sutton was always in love with Callum. He is her best friend's older brother. He is her knight in shining armor, but not in a romanically way. He saves her from people fat shaming her. She meets Jonah during high school and he is her person. Then the guys meet during hockey season on the same team.


What to expect:
​💙MMF romance
🏒Dual-Timeline
💙Second Chance
​🏒Hate-to-Love
💙Fake Dating
​🏒 Bi-Awakening
💙Mental Health Rep
​🏒 Disordered Eating Recovery
💙Surprise Pregnancy
​🏒Hockey Romaance

Profile Image for Vivien R.
2,773 reviews38 followers
July 8, 2026
This is a great story. There’s a lot of past and present events colliding. Sutton is the female character who has always felt overlooked by the boy she always wanted, Cal. Now Cal is hockey teammates with Sutton’s fake boyfriend, Jonah. I love that Cal is jealous of Jonah having Sutton’s time and attention. So much so that he ends up doing whatever needs to be done to be close to Sutton. There is a bi awakening in this trio, an MMF relationship. I really liked this story lots of drama and steam to go around.
Profile Image for Dee Layton.
874 reviews21 followers
July 12, 2026
I really loved this book. This is book 1 in the Seattle Sabertooth series. Honey I absolutely loved every single character in this book crazy as it sounds. I've never read anything from this author before so it was nice to read a new author. I look forward to seeing how the series continues because I really did enjoy it. I felt the author had a very good plot. They also had a very strong character development.
Overall this is going to be a really good series one that I look forward to reading everyone that comes out.
Profile Image for Sydney Webb.
31 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2026
Thank you for this ARC!
My reviews are always honest.
Dual Timelines always take a while for me to get into, but once I got into this one I was hooked!
I loved Sutton and I loved Cal right off the bat. Jonah kinda came off as a bit creepy to me until they started getting more into the history between him and Sutton. But then I loved him just as much! Honestly ecstatic to see how his dynamic with Cal evolves in book two!!
609 reviews8 followers
July 6, 2026
Sutton has been through a lot growing up. Her childhood crush ( best friends brother) never saw her as anything than a sister. Jonah net this amazing girl and she became his world. They were never separated and when he had a chance to play NHL he said come with him. She did as the fake girlfriend. She supported Jonah and went to games what she didn’t expect was her past to catch up. What happens when Callum shows back up and is Jonah’s teamamte?
Profile Image for Jenn Godbold.
293 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2026
This was my first time reading from this author and what an amazing book. I really enjoyed the relationships between all the characters and the emotional aspects of the book. Please make sure to read your trigger warnings before starting this book as there are talks about mental health, etc. However, I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next book to come out.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Dawn Plumb.
33 reviews
July 13, 2026
I stayed up until 3:15am reading this book after I started it earlier that day. So needless to say I was quickly hooked.
I enjoyed the love triangle and the way Izzy wrote it. I also liked the two timelines. We were learning the history while experiencing the present.
My heart broke for Sutton when she was dealing with the bullying and body shaming which led to her eating disorder.
That cliffhanger at the end has me really trying to imagine how this is story with Sutton, Jonah and Callum.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rebecca Nickles.
54 reviews
Review of advance copy
June 8, 2026
This book has some heavy topics so check trigger warnings... The story follows Sutton, Callum and Jonah and how they navigate life together to move forward from past trauma.... Jonah is the college lifeline/friends with benefits and Callum is Suttons best friend older brother... Suttons story just breaks my heart and how much she had to endure through her childhood... and that cliffhanger...
Profile Image for Annie.
81 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 16, 2026
You are not ready for this book!!! I had the absolute privilege of Alpha reading this book, and I can't even tell you how much it has been killing me to keep it all inside. I need everyone to read this book now so I finally can have another person to talk to about it. Jonah Fu€king Davies, Cal, and Sutton...they own me. I thought Bash was it for me, but then these three came along and...well...scoot on over Bash!

There is so much more to come and I can't wait for it, but this book...my heart. Ugh. It's that second chance/insta-love/invisible string/it's always been you...that gets me every time. Perfection.
Profile Image for Liza.
1,558 reviews19 followers
June 20, 2026
This is the first book of a new duet, expanding off of the Core Four Universe and oh my God!!! I completely devoured it in one night. My only complaint was that I wanted more of Callum and Jonah together because that tiny bit was absolute fire!! The cliffhanger was killer, so I need the next book NOW!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews