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Falling for Autumn
Resisting the Fall: A Sweet and Cozy Fall Romantic Comedy
Their divorce never finalized. Neither did their feelings.
The discovery that I was still legally married — years after I thought my divorce was final — was supposed to be the worst thing to happen to me this fall.
It wasn’t.
Because apparently the state of Vermont believes in closure. And no regrets. And court-ordered thirty-day reconciliation efforts. So now, in order to fast-track my divorce from Bennett Walker—my high school sweetheart and the man who walked out on our marriage six years ago—I’m being forced back to the small town we grew up in to spend an entire month proving our relationship isn’t worth saving.
A situation Ben annoyingly finds amusing.
Which is why I plan to make this the most memorable, insufferable, torturous thirty days of his life. As a prank-loving aficionado, I have countless ideas about how to drive Ben crazy while keeping myself focused on the finalizing our divorce.
With my life in New York and a career I absolutely love, not even deeply embedded habits and old feelings can threaten my resolve.
I’m resolved.
So resolved.
Absolutely, definitely, one hundred percent resolved. And if I keep saying it, maybe this time around, I’ll be capable of resisting the fall.
*****
Perfect for fans of cozy autumn romance, delightful banter, and heart-melting second chances, Resisting the Fall is a swoony, closed-door romcom about first loves, unfinished endings, and the unexpected journey of getting lost on the way to where you thought you were meant to be.
The discovery that I was still legally married — years after I thought my divorce was final — was supposed to be the worst thing to happen to me this fall.
It wasn’t.
Because apparently the state of Vermont believes in closure. And no regrets. And court-ordered thirty-day reconciliation efforts. So now, in order to fast-track my divorce from Bennett Walker—my high school sweetheart and the man who walked out on our marriage six years ago—I’m being forced back to the small town we grew up in to spend an entire month proving our relationship isn’t worth saving.
A situation Ben annoyingly finds amusing.
Which is why I plan to make this the most memorable, insufferable, torturous thirty days of his life. As a prank-loving aficionado, I have countless ideas about how to drive Ben crazy while keeping myself focused on the finalizing our divorce.
With my life in New York and a career I absolutely love, not even deeply embedded habits and old feelings can threaten my resolve.
I’m resolved.
So resolved.
Absolutely, definitely, one hundred percent resolved. And if I keep saying it, maybe this time around, I’ll be capable of resisting the fall.
*****
Perfect for fans of cozy autumn romance, delightful banter, and heart-melting second chances, Resisting the Fall is a swoony, closed-door romcom about first loves, unfinished endings, and the unexpected journey of getting lost on the way to where you thought you were meant to be.
Audible Audio
First published August 26, 2026
About the author
Jess Heileman
19 books582 followersJess Heileman is quite content being an average human being. Besides her five darling children and swoon-worthy husband, she doesn’t tout much claim to glory—even her middle name is just plain old Ann with no “e.” After a ten-year stint as a portrait photographer where she put her BA in Political Science from Brigham Young University to good use, Jess now spends her time frolicking between this awe-inspiring world and the one in her head where enthralling stories come to life. Besides her love of storytelling and her deep obsession with her perfectly quirky little family, Jess is an avid reader, proud introvert, collector of awkward moments, shameless people watcher, international café loiterer, and perpetual student. For sparse updates on what she's up to, feel free to follow her on IG @authorjessheileman, though know that her presence there is left wanting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 355 reviews
September 9, 2026
Enemies-to-friends-to-lovers-to-married-to-divorced-to-lovers-again?
I loved the duel timeline and pov here, and watching Bennet and Maven fight and joke and tease each other while being forced to spend time together and still be married was all actually hilarious and adorable.
I do wish there were just a couple more of those laugh-out-loud scenes, because when there was one, it was hilarious, but it didn’t feel like there were that many when it came to actually cutesy, romcom moments. Not that there weren’t any! Just that the ones that were there were so cute and funny, I wish there were a thousand.
I did personally think that the conflict felt reallyyy dragged out and then really quickly resolved, but maybe that was just because of me bingeing it and missing some small things, but it just felt like we finally got somewhere at the 80% mark and then wrapped it up in a single page. Not that that is necessarily a terrible thing either though. I’ve never been in a situation like Bennet and Maven obviously and maybe it would all happen that fast, but it just kind of threw me when they resolved six years of hurt in four sentences.
And even though this was in first person, it did feel a little like I was watching Maven and Bennet and not being in the story with them, if that makes sense.
All of those things aren’t necessarily bad things at all, just things I noticed and tainted my rating slightly. Even though the resolution felt rushed to me, the ending was actually adorable, and I just wish there was a little more of everything I think. I loved seeing characters from the first book, and I’ll have to go back and read the second one soon as well cause now I’m interested in Dom and Reese’s story!
The duel timeline I liked a lot too because I loved seeing Maven and Ben fall in love while also having to watch them broken up in the present.
This definitely wasn’t a terrible book and I’d honestly say it’s one of the better ones out of these interconnected series.
(Clean adult romance—innuendos, married couple humor, etc. but no spice).
I loved the duel timeline and pov here, and watching Bennet and Maven fight and joke and tease each other while being forced to spend time together and still be married was all actually hilarious and adorable.
I do wish there were just a couple more of those laugh-out-loud scenes, because when there was one, it was hilarious, but it didn’t feel like there were that many when it came to actually cutesy, romcom moments. Not that there weren’t any! Just that the ones that were there were so cute and funny, I wish there were a thousand.
I did personally think that the conflict felt reallyyy dragged out and then really quickly resolved, but maybe that was just because of me bingeing it and missing some small things, but it just felt like we finally got somewhere at the 80% mark and then wrapped it up in a single page. Not that that is necessarily a terrible thing either though. I’ve never been in a situation like Bennet and Maven obviously and maybe it would all happen that fast, but it just kind of threw me when they resolved six years of hurt in four sentences.
And even though this was in first person, it did feel a little like I was watching Maven and Bennet and not being in the story with them, if that makes sense.
All of those things aren’t necessarily bad things at all, just things I noticed and tainted my rating slightly. Even though the resolution felt rushed to me, the ending was actually adorable, and I just wish there was a little more of everything I think. I loved seeing characters from the first book, and I’ll have to go back and read the second one soon as well cause now I’m interested in Dom and Reese’s story!
The duel timeline I liked a lot too because I loved seeing Maven and Ben fall in love while also having to watch them broken up in the present.
This definitely wasn’t a terrible book and I’d honestly say it’s one of the better ones out of these interconnected series.
(Clean adult romance—innuendos, married couple humor, etc. but no spice).
September 12, 2026
This was my first book by Jess Heileman, and I can officially say I am a HUGE FAN now!❤️ I was hooked from the beginning, completely drawn into Ben and Maven's story, and utterly captivated by everything they had to find their way through.
Resisting the Fall is the third book in the Falling for Autumn series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone. There is something about Autumn Ridge that feels like coming home, the kind of place where old memories linger, and the people you thought you left behind somehow still have a piece of your heart. I am absolutely loving being in this charming little town in Vermont, and I never want to leave.🍁🧡
Six years after their separation, Maven discovers that her divorce from Ben was never finalized and that they are still legally married. So, she returns to Autumn Ridge to have it legally finalized, only to find herself facing a court ordered thirty-day reconciliation effort.
Their story began long before the pages of this book. They went from childhood frienemies to high school sweethearts, and from young long to marriage, believing they had found their forever. But somewhere along the way, life pulled them apart, leaving behind years of memories, unanswered questions, and feelings neither of them had truly managed to leave behind.
Sometimes love doesn't disappear simply because two people walk away from each other. Sometimes it just waits.
And that quiet truth is what made their story ache so beautifully for me. Neither Ben nor Maven ever truly stopped loving the other. Beneath the teasing and pranks, beneath the laughter and stubbornness, there was a quiet yearning, the kind that comes from loving someone deeply even when you're no longer sure you're supposed to.
I couldn't help but cheer for these two. Hoping they would find their way back to each other.❤️
And then there were the shenanigans!😂 Determined to make those thirty days as memorable and as miserable for Ben as possible, Maven came up with one prank after another to get under his skin. From rearranging the house to the water incident, the ridiculous socks, and the questionable cooking, all the teasing and scheming had me laughing out loud. I loved every single moment of it!
Just when I thought I was going to spend the next few pages laughing, the story would quietly reach inside my chest and squeeze my heart. Ther were moments that made me ache, and moments so sweet they made me sigh. And then there were those swoony, heart melting moments that had completely undone.
Jess Heileman did such a beautiful job balancing the lightheartedness with the deeper emotions. The humor never diminished the heartbreak, and the harder moments never overshadowed the joy. Everything felt woven together so naturally.
I especially loved the dual timeline and dual POV. Ben's perspective unfolds in the past while Maven's takes us through the present, and I thought this was such a clever and creative way to tell their story. I loved being inside both of their heads, hearing the thoughts they couldn't always say aloud, and watching the past and present slowly come together.
It felt like watching a photograph slowly develop, piece by piece, until the whole picture finally came into focus. Their history, their hurt, their choices, their sacrifices, and the love that had been there all along slowly revealed themselves. It made me feel like I wasn't simply reading about their history, I was uncovering it alongside them.
And then there is the house! I can't say too much without giving anything away, but the meaning behind it absolutely wrecked me. There was something so deeply poignant about what it represented, love, memories, and his way of holding on to the little piece of something he thought he had left of them. That stayed with me.
It's also a story about the choices we make for the people we love and how their meaning can change with time. Sometimes we don't understand the weight of those choices until much later, when we finally have the chance to look back and see the shape they gave our lives.
And that ending...that epilogue...PERFECTION!😭🧡✨
I was smiling from ear to ear, cackling with laughter, kicking my feet, swooning, and utterly melting into a puddle. And then came the tears, because of course this book had to go and break my heart too. I felt ALL the feels!!!
I wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful, heartfelt story, and it deserves every single one of its five stars!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Resisting the Fall is the third book in the Falling for Autumn series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone. There is something about Autumn Ridge that feels like coming home, the kind of place where old memories linger, and the people you thought you left behind somehow still have a piece of your heart. I am absolutely loving being in this charming little town in Vermont, and I never want to leave.🍁🧡
Six years after their separation, Maven discovers that her divorce from Ben was never finalized and that they are still legally married. So, she returns to Autumn Ridge to have it legally finalized, only to find herself facing a court ordered thirty-day reconciliation effort.
Their story began long before the pages of this book. They went from childhood frienemies to high school sweethearts, and from young long to marriage, believing they had found their forever. But somewhere along the way, life pulled them apart, leaving behind years of memories, unanswered questions, and feelings neither of them had truly managed to leave behind.
Sometimes love doesn't disappear simply because two people walk away from each other. Sometimes it just waits.
And that quiet truth is what made their story ache so beautifully for me. Neither Ben nor Maven ever truly stopped loving the other. Beneath the teasing and pranks, beneath the laughter and stubbornness, there was a quiet yearning, the kind that comes from loving someone deeply even when you're no longer sure you're supposed to.
I couldn't help but cheer for these two. Hoping they would find their way back to each other.❤️
And then there were the shenanigans!😂 Determined to make those thirty days as memorable and as miserable for Ben as possible, Maven came up with one prank after another to get under his skin. From rearranging the house to the water incident, the ridiculous socks, and the questionable cooking, all the teasing and scheming had me laughing out loud. I loved every single moment of it!
Just when I thought I was going to spend the next few pages laughing, the story would quietly reach inside my chest and squeeze my heart. Ther were moments that made me ache, and moments so sweet they made me sigh. And then there were those swoony, heart melting moments that had completely undone.
Jess Heileman did such a beautiful job balancing the lightheartedness with the deeper emotions. The humor never diminished the heartbreak, and the harder moments never overshadowed the joy. Everything felt woven together so naturally.
I especially loved the dual timeline and dual POV. Ben's perspective unfolds in the past while Maven's takes us through the present, and I thought this was such a clever and creative way to tell their story. I loved being inside both of their heads, hearing the thoughts they couldn't always say aloud, and watching the past and present slowly come together.
It felt like watching a photograph slowly develop, piece by piece, until the whole picture finally came into focus. Their history, their hurt, their choices, their sacrifices, and the love that had been there all along slowly revealed themselves. It made me feel like I wasn't simply reading about their history, I was uncovering it alongside them.
And then there is the house! I can't say too much without giving anything away, but the meaning behind it absolutely wrecked me. There was something so deeply poignant about what it represented, love, memories, and his way of holding on to the little piece of something he thought he had left of them. That stayed with me.
It's also a story about the choices we make for the people we love and how their meaning can change with time. Sometimes we don't understand the weight of those choices until much later, when we finally have the chance to look back and see the shape they gave our lives.
And that ending...that epilogue...PERFECTION!😭🧡✨
I was smiling from ear to ear, cackling with laughter, kicking my feet, swooning, and utterly melting into a puddle. And then came the tears, because of course this book had to go and break my heart too. I felt ALL the feels!!!
I wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful, heartfelt story, and it deserves every single one of its five stars!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 13, 2026
This installment in the Falling For Autumn series examines the journey to fulfillment and success, examining how reacing for goals and dreams influence our lives.
Bennett Walker and Maven Price allowed chasing separate dreams and inflexibility to ruin their marriage. Will they learn from their mistake and get an opportunity for a do over?
I loved Maven’s teasing and loved her journey to find out what she really wanted out of life. I cheered her on until she realized that she was allowed to change her dreams and then I binge read to see how that choice would affect her.
I’m not often one to cry while reading a book, but this one got me!
I’ll remember this story because the cell phone access code is an important one in our relationship, too. This second chance romance is one you need on your reading list.
Allow Maven time to work on you - once you understand her mindset, you’ll love her, too.
Bennett Walker and Maven Price allowed chasing separate dreams and inflexibility to ruin their marriage. Will they learn from their mistake and get an opportunity for a do over?
I loved Maven’s teasing and loved her journey to find out what she really wanted out of life. I cheered her on until she realized that she was allowed to change her dreams and then I binge read to see how that choice would affect her.
I’m not often one to cry while reading a book, but this one got me!
I’ll remember this story because the cell phone access code is an important one in our relationship, too. This second chance romance is one you need on your reading list.
Allow Maven time to work on you - once you understand her mindset, you’ll love her, too.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
4.5 ⭐️
This book pulled me in from the jump. This childhood-friends-to-more, second-chance romance was just the sweetest!
You get Bennett’s POV with childhood flashbacks for the majority of the book, until toward the end when you get both POVs. Maven and Ben think they have been divorced for six years. When Maven goes to get her passport and discovers a discrepancy with her name, she realizes their divorce papers say “dismissed.” So, they have to reconnect and finally get the divorce finalized.
The Sweet Home Alabama vibes with a spin were divine. Honestly, this was such a sweet, romantic book. The Walker family is ultimate goals, and let’s be honest… we already knew that from book one!
Read if you like:
🍂 Second Chance
🍂 Sweet Home Alabama vibes
🍂 Childhood enemies to Friends to more
🍂 Dual Timeline
🍂 Small Town
🍂 Banter
This book pulled me in from the jump. This childhood-friends-to-more, second-chance romance was just the sweetest!
You get Bennett’s POV with childhood flashbacks for the majority of the book, until toward the end when you get both POVs. Maven and Ben think they have been divorced for six years. When Maven goes to get her passport and discovers a discrepancy with her name, she realizes their divorce papers say “dismissed.” So, they have to reconnect and finally get the divorce finalized.
The Sweet Home Alabama vibes with a spin were divine. Honestly, this was such a sweet, romantic book. The Walker family is ultimate goals, and let’s be honest… we already knew that from book one!
Read if you like:
🍂 Second Chance
🍂 Sweet Home Alabama vibes
🍂 Childhood enemies to Friends to more
🍂 Dual Timeline
🍂 Small Town
🍂 Banter
September 21, 2026
3.5 stars
September 3, 2026
Resisting the Fall by: Jess Heileman
TL;DR ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ solid 4 star read, would recommend
❓️Second chance romance: love it or leave it? Swipe through for some favorites
📖 Childhood friends who married and divorced quickly reunite after 6 years.
I have lots of thoughts on the author's choices for this one. Here's what stole my heart and what didn't in this autumn tale.
I loved ♥️
The pranks
The community
The flashback scenes from his POV
Their families
Both narrators were fantastic
📝The flashbacks instantly drew me in and I adored them. However, sometimes they took me out of the story.
📝 Page count
I adored more time with the reconciled couple but I think this book could have been 50 pages shorter. (I think most readers will absolutely gush over this and love it.)
If I had a magic wand 🪄
I have actually never said this before but, I wanted more PG13 spice- considering they were already married. This was kept very G rated.
Along those lines, the dialogue felt more like high school sweethearts than a divorced couple.
I was soooooo hooked 75% of the way through. The last 25% felt long. (Again, I think I will be in the minority)
I can't wait to read more from Heileman and make my next visit to Autumn Ridge.
TW: father left (not recounted)
CW: no language, clean read
TL;DR ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ solid 4 star read, would recommend
❓️Second chance romance: love it or leave it? Swipe through for some favorites
📖 Childhood friends who married and divorced quickly reunite after 6 years.
I have lots of thoughts on the author's choices for this one. Here's what stole my heart and what didn't in this autumn tale.
I loved ♥️
The pranks
The community
The flashback scenes from his POV
Their families
Both narrators were fantastic
📝The flashbacks instantly drew me in and I adored them. However, sometimes they took me out of the story.
📝 Page count
I adored more time with the reconciled couple but I think this book could have been 50 pages shorter. (I think most readers will absolutely gush over this and love it.)
If I had a magic wand 🪄
I have actually never said this before but, I wanted more PG13 spice- considering they were already married. This was kept very G rated.
Along those lines, the dialogue felt more like high school sweethearts than a divorced couple.
I was soooooo hooked 75% of the way through. The last 25% felt long. (Again, I think I will be in the minority)
I can't wait to read more from Heileman and make my next visit to Autumn Ridge.
TW: father left (not recounted)
CW: no language, clean read
August 30, 2026
I think I’m in the minority here but I didn’t really care for this one. The divorce trope felt like it was there just for plot reasons — they never once seemed like a divorced couple. I get that was kinda the point, but it was more than obvious they would reconcile. I wish we had seen their breakup earlier on in the book. I also didn’t care for the Bennet POV chapters. Maybe a few from when they were little would’ve sufficed. But the longer they went on the more they just interrupted the flow of the present day chapters and didn’t add anything to the story. They loved each other all their lives, we get it! 🙄
September 2, 2026
I wanted to DNF this so bad...
First, I *love* these interconnected series that have been coming out lately! It's helped me find a bunch of new authors. I was excited to try out Jess Heileman.
Secondly, I really like reading about married couples -> second- chance stories. They usually have more emotional depth. But this was *not* it.
Maven has entered my top ten worst FMCs. She's so unlikeable!
Maven is trying to go overseas but her passport app is denied because of her name, she finds out her divorce was never finalized so her name change was never official. So the story plot is to talk to her ex (Bennett) after 6 years and try to get a quick divorce in their home state of Virginia. Once she files, she finds out this divorce proceedings won't be quick as she wants. She and Ben must go through 30 days of reconciliation attempts and a few therapy sessions, in order for the judge to fast-track their divorce. Maven refuses to do any of the work... *eyeroll*. Once she finds out the judge refuses to fast track their divorce cuz they didnt do any of the requirements, Maven asks Ben to cancel this filing and says they should re-file in NYC so they don't have to interact. But Ben refuses to file in NYC, he's okay with the mandatory reconciliation attempts.
When Maven doesn't get what she wants, she decides to move back to Virginia and make Ben's life a living hell and annoy him to death to sign file divorce papers in NYC.
I think everything is supposed to be understood that she's a prankster and everything she does is cutsie, but to me, its straight up mean and selfish, and maybe even illegal? She basically invites herself to stay with Ben exprecting a nice house, when in fact it's a trailer (she's extremely disappointed). She re-arranges his *entire* house, so nothing can be found. She throws away a bunch of his stuff; takes his credit card and makes a crap ton of purchases; she steals his phone, makes a bunch of appointments and changes his passwords; she eventually steals his bed!! making him sleep on the couch; and then she has the gall to get jealous if he speaks to another female or stays out of the house longer than expected. Then here's Ben, just, so in love with her😍, her sucky behavior is cute.
Ugh, I could never been around Maven if she existed in real life....
I definitely did not like this story, but Ill give Jess Heilemen another chance!
First, I *love* these interconnected series that have been coming out lately! It's helped me find a bunch of new authors. I was excited to try out Jess Heileman.
Secondly, I really like reading about married couples -> second- chance stories. They usually have more emotional depth. But this was *not* it.
Maven has entered my top ten worst FMCs. She's so unlikeable!
Maven is trying to go overseas but her passport app is denied because of her name, she finds out her divorce was never finalized so her name change was never official. So the story plot is to talk to her ex (Bennett) after 6 years and try to get a quick divorce in their home state of Virginia. Once she files, she finds out this divorce proceedings won't be quick as she wants. She and Ben must go through 30 days of reconciliation attempts and a few therapy sessions, in order for the judge to fast-track their divorce. Maven refuses to do any of the work... *eyeroll*. Once she finds out the judge refuses to fast track their divorce cuz they didnt do any of the requirements, Maven asks Ben to cancel this filing and says they should re-file in NYC so they don't have to interact. But Ben refuses to file in NYC, he's okay with the mandatory reconciliation attempts.
When Maven doesn't get what she wants, she decides to move back to Virginia and make Ben's life a living hell and annoy him to death to sign file divorce papers in NYC.
I think everything is supposed to be understood that she's a prankster and everything she does is cutsie, but to me, its straight up mean and selfish, and maybe even illegal? She basically invites herself to stay with Ben exprecting a nice house, when in fact it's a trailer (she's extremely disappointed). She re-arranges his *entire* house, so nothing can be found. She throws away a bunch of his stuff; takes his credit card and makes a crap ton of purchases; she steals his phone, makes a bunch of appointments and changes his passwords; she eventually steals his bed!! making him sleep on the couch; and then she has the gall to get jealous if he speaks to another female or stays out of the house longer than expected. Then here's Ben, just, so in love with her😍, her sucky behavior is cute.
Ugh, I could never been around Maven if she existed in real life....
I definitely did not like this story, but Ill give Jess Heilemen another chance!
August 12, 2026
Y’all this book HOOKED me. Lil bit of Sweet Home Alabama with a dash of How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days and y’all lemme tell you, it is a beautiful mix. I couldn’t put it down. I’m obsessed with the way these two are obsessed with each other but just refuse to show it. 10/10 recommend!!
October 16, 2026
What a fun and sometimes angsty (but not too angsty) Second Chance Romance. And it is sooooo romantical! I was a little bit worried about the divorced but not divorced angle, fearful that it would start out with a more combative feel – like an enemies to more trope with a vicious bite – BUT it totally wasn’t that at all. Yay!
‘Resisting the Fall’ is funny and tender and there are insightful flashbacks into Ben and Maven’s youth that were so entertaining. And all the way through the story I could feel the push/pull of their attraction which made for a delightfully edgy read. We know they are divorced…well almost divorced due to an unfortunate (or fortunate) oversight, but we don’t know for the longest time what exactly broke them apart. It about drove me crazy because I could see how good they were together.
Love the strong sense of community and friendship in this novel (the whole series, actually.) As well as all the fall festivities which enhanced my appreciation of the season. Plus, catching glimpses of the other couples in the series at various stages of their own romances added even more glee to my bibliophile giddy! My first Jess Heileman novel, but it won’t be my last!
‘Resisting the Fall’ is funny and tender and there are insightful flashbacks into Ben and Maven’s youth that were so entertaining. And all the way through the story I could feel the push/pull of their attraction which made for a delightfully edgy read. We know they are divorced…well almost divorced due to an unfortunate (or fortunate) oversight, but we don’t know for the longest time what exactly broke them apart. It about drove me crazy because I could see how good they were together.
Love the strong sense of community and friendship in this novel (the whole series, actually.) As well as all the fall festivities which enhanced my appreciation of the season. Plus, catching glimpses of the other couples in the series at various stages of their own romances added even more glee to my bibliophile giddy! My first Jess Heileman novel, but it won’t be my last!
October 7, 2026
At first, the flashbacks got on my nerves. However, as the story continues, you can see how integral they are to the plot and to understanding what led Ben and Maven to where they are now.
Now, they are realizing that their divorce is no longer final. They have court-mandated reconciliation efforts, which end up derailing Maven's dreams. I appreciated the way Ben was all in.
I really enjoyed this story. It has a unique storyline, with characters you want to root for, plenty of witty banter, and harmless pranks. I loved that this was never an enemies-to-lovers story. It takes a while before we learn why Maven and Ben got divorced (or tried to), but it was worth the wait and helped to build the story.
Now, they are realizing that their divorce is no longer final. They have court-mandated reconciliation efforts, which end up derailing Maven's dreams. I appreciated the way Ben was all in.
I really enjoyed this story. It has a unique storyline, with characters you want to root for, plenty of witty banter, and harmless pranks. I loved that this was never an enemies-to-lovers story. It takes a while before we learn why Maven and Ben got divorced (or tried to), but it was worth the wait and helped to build the story.
October 14, 2026
Maeve and Ben thought their divorce was finalized years ago. However, when Maeve went to get a passport, she found out that her divorce paperwork was never filed with the clerk.
Instead of it being a quick, fix like they hoped, the judge ordered 30 days of reconciliation efforts.
This was a fun, light fall read! It definitely gave some Sweet Home Alabama vibes. Ifyou enjoyed that movie, then you will likely enjoy this book!
Instead of it being a quick, fix like they hoped, the judge ordered 30 days of reconciliation efforts.
This was a fun, light fall read! It definitely gave some Sweet Home Alabama vibes. Ifyou enjoyed that movie, then you will likely enjoy this book!
September 2, 2026
Ahhh, all the love for Resisting the Fall!! Jess Heileman beautifully brings all the swoony second-chance, childhood frenemies-to-more romance, humor, & fun in this achingly lovely third book in the series! I was laughing, smiling, swooning, & had classical music playing in my mind all while reading. I easily devoured it in a day!
Maven & Ben have known each other since childhood, fell in love in high school, & married in their 20s. Life was perfect until it wasn’t, & they divorced. Now, six years later, when Maven attempts to change her name on her passport, she discovers their divorce was never finalized & she & Ben are STILL married. Needing a quick resolution, Maven goes home to Vermont hoping the judge will grant her a speedy divorce, only to find out it’s not that easy. She & Ben will have to go through a good-faith reconciliation process before their divorce will be granted.
I absolutely adored this story! Maven’s a talented concert violinist with a bright career ahead. Though she & Ben wanted a divorce, it honestly wasn’t because they didn’t love each other, & I enjoyed teasing out what went wrong throughout the story. I loved how the present-day story is told from Maven’s POV while the flashbacks are from Bennet’s, starting at age 10. It was so fun seeing Ben’s view of Maven change as he gets older, & Maven’s just a delight. I loved all her creative pranks, both as a kid & the ones she plays on Bennet while they have to spend time together. I loved all the classical music references, as well as Ben’s love for it.
There were so many heartfelt moments where you realize how their love story got derailed, & I was thrilled to see those old feelings resurface, but now with a little more maturity & hindsight. They’re both more cautious this time around, but that underlying sizzling attraction is definitely still there. I also loved both of their families & how supportive they are of them. And Maven’s little niece Penny is adorable with all her innocent questions!
This amazing Falling for Autumn series is already a favorite, & I can’t wait for more! While this is a kissing-only book, there are some implied scenes between a married couple. Highly recommend to closed door romcom fans!
Maven & Ben have known each other since childhood, fell in love in high school, & married in their 20s. Life was perfect until it wasn’t, & they divorced. Now, six years later, when Maven attempts to change her name on her passport, she discovers their divorce was never finalized & she & Ben are STILL married. Needing a quick resolution, Maven goes home to Vermont hoping the judge will grant her a speedy divorce, only to find out it’s not that easy. She & Ben will have to go through a good-faith reconciliation process before their divorce will be granted.
I absolutely adored this story! Maven’s a talented concert violinist with a bright career ahead. Though she & Ben wanted a divorce, it honestly wasn’t because they didn’t love each other, & I enjoyed teasing out what went wrong throughout the story. I loved how the present-day story is told from Maven’s POV while the flashbacks are from Bennet’s, starting at age 10. It was so fun seeing Ben’s view of Maven change as he gets older, & Maven’s just a delight. I loved all her creative pranks, both as a kid & the ones she plays on Bennet while they have to spend time together. I loved all the classical music references, as well as Ben’s love for it.
There were so many heartfelt moments where you realize how their love story got derailed, & I was thrilled to see those old feelings resurface, but now with a little more maturity & hindsight. They’re both more cautious this time around, but that underlying sizzling attraction is definitely still there. I also loved both of their families & how supportive they are of them. And Maven’s little niece Penny is adorable with all her innocent questions!
This amazing Falling for Autumn series is already a favorite, & I can’t wait for more! While this is a kissing-only book, there are some implied scenes between a married couple. Highly recommend to closed door romcom fans!
August 31, 2026
All the feels! This one definitely had me laughing and tearing up. The flashbacks were such a fantastic layer to this story. Overall, it totally gives Sweet Home Alabama vibes, minus totally jilting a fiancé and any problematic content. And I Iove that movie—even with its flaws. So this story definitely hit the mark!
August 30, 2026
Tbh this one kinda made me sad but also like the resolution was wayyyyy too quick.
August 31, 2026
A new all time favorite!
August 31, 2026
"Maven, you are the love of my life. You always have been, and you always will be."
Resisting the Fall by Jess Heileman
Oh my, I love this book so freakin' much! Do you love the movie "Sweet Home Alabama," but want it with fall vibes? Then be sure to check out Jess's newest romcom because it is a good time.
Their failed divorce is coming back to haunt Maven when she goes to get her passport updated. Oops! Things get a bit crazy when they are forced to reconcile per the judge's order. Maven is the queen of pranks! She is hilarious and spunky and such a hoot! I loved her character so much! She is also an accomplished violinist. I loved all of the music aspects of the book.
Ha, the chicken prank. And the socks. And the water fight. Sooo many good scenes.
Bennett, or Ben, is straight-laced, serious, and stubborn. They both are very stubborn. But opposite in almost every other way. I enjoyed getting his POV.
The way Jess did the POVs in this book was so unique and so fun! I think it has to be my new favorite way of doing a dual POV. We need more like it. I have never ever read another book with a similar format for POV.
This book made me sob my eyes out in several places--from sadness during one particular scene and from happiness at several other scenes. Ugh, soooo good!!
If I wasn't already a fan of Jess's books, this book would get me hooked.T
his will definitely be a top read for me this quarter and year, and ever! I need it in audio so that I can reread it over and over again. It was just the book I needed right now!
I highly recommend it!
Favorite Parts:
Flashbacks
Scavenger Hunt
At the courthouse
The cymbals
So many hilarious pranks done and mentioned
Vows
Pumpkin carving
Finn
The House
Sooo many parts that would be spoilers if I mentioned them
The Whole Book!
Content Guide:
Language: None
Sexual Content: Closed-door: Mild innuendos/insinuations/discussions about wedding night/what happens between married couple, passionate kissing (between married couple)
Violence/gore: none
Substance Use: none
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: none
Other: Divorce discussed and talked about frequently (main topic of book)
Book Info:
Series: Falling for Autumn book 3
Genre: Contemporary Romcom
Romance Level: Closed-door (but only kissing)Release Date: Available Now
Publisher: Indie
POV: Dual First Person
Thank you to the Author for the review copy. All thoughts are my own.
Resisting the Fall by Jess Heileman
Oh my, I love this book so freakin' much! Do you love the movie "Sweet Home Alabama," but want it with fall vibes? Then be sure to check out Jess's newest romcom because it is a good time.
Their failed divorce is coming back to haunt Maven when she goes to get her passport updated. Oops! Things get a bit crazy when they are forced to reconcile per the judge's order. Maven is the queen of pranks! She is hilarious and spunky and such a hoot! I loved her character so much! She is also an accomplished violinist. I loved all of the music aspects of the book.
Ha, the chicken prank. And the socks. And the water fight. Sooo many good scenes.
Bennett, or Ben, is straight-laced, serious, and stubborn. They both are very stubborn. But opposite in almost every other way. I enjoyed getting his POV.
The way Jess did the POVs in this book was so unique and so fun! I think it has to be my new favorite way of doing a dual POV. We need more like it. I have never ever read another book with a similar format for POV.
This book made me sob my eyes out in several places--from sadness during one particular scene and from happiness at several other scenes. Ugh, soooo good!!
If I wasn't already a fan of Jess's books, this book would get me hooked.T
his will definitely be a top read for me this quarter and year, and ever! I need it in audio so that I can reread it over and over again. It was just the book I needed right now!
I highly recommend it!
Favorite Parts:
Flashbacks
Scavenger Hunt
At the courthouse
The cymbals
So many hilarious pranks done and mentioned
Vows
Pumpkin carving
Finn
The House
Sooo many parts that would be spoilers if I mentioned them
The Whole Book!
Content Guide:
Language: None
Sexual Content: Closed-door: Mild innuendos/insinuations/discussions about wedding night/what happens between married couple, passionate kissing (between married couple)
Violence/gore: none
Substance Use: none
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: none
Other: Divorce discussed and talked about frequently (main topic of book)
Book Info:
Series: Falling for Autumn book 3
Genre: Contemporary Romcom
Romance Level: Closed-door (but only kissing)Release Date: Available Now
Publisher: Indie
POV: Dual First Person
Thank you to the Author for the review copy. All thoughts are my own.
October 18, 2026
I WISH I could say I liked this book, but sadly, it just wasn’t what I was looking for. (Minor spoilers)
I loved Ben, and I fully understood why he initiated their separation six years ago. It made sense for them to chase their dreams when their futures didn’t seem to align. However much perfectly in love they were, the cracks in the armour were pretty apparent.
Which is why it bothered me so. much. that Maven, in the end, was made to change her lifelong dreams. Yes, she was happy, and yes, it is okay for dreams to change. But plot wise, I felt like the sacrifices made by both of them didn’t equate.
Ben also made MANY sacrifices to be with her, but it was never going to change his future. When it was, he left, which made sense. Maven, all along, loved NYC, and her big realisation was that it just wasn’t her dream anymore. Why? Because her ex-husband, who she’s pretty much in love with after SIX YEARS (and a serious relationship a year ago), lives in Autumn Ridge.
I was looking forward to a good second chance romance, and the plot was so promising too. But when I realised that the couple still has the same exact problem they had last time round, it wasn’t worth it to me anymore.
I loved Ben, and I fully understood why he initiated their separation six years ago. It made sense for them to chase their dreams when their futures didn’t seem to align. However much perfectly in love they were, the cracks in the armour were pretty apparent.
Which is why it bothered me so. much. that Maven, in the end, was made to change her lifelong dreams. Yes, she was happy, and yes, it is okay for dreams to change. But plot wise, I felt like the sacrifices made by both of them didn’t equate.
Ben also made MANY sacrifices to be with her, but it was never going to change his future. When it was, he left, which made sense. Maven, all along, loved NYC, and her big realisation was that it just wasn’t her dream anymore. Why? Because her ex-husband, who she’s pretty much in love with after SIX YEARS (and a serious relationship a year ago), lives in Autumn Ridge.
I was looking forward to a good second chance romance, and the plot was so promising too. But when I realised that the couple still has the same exact problem they had last time round, it wasn’t worth it to me anymore.
September 7, 2026
This was sooo sweet! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it 🧡
This is the first contemporary book I’ve read by Jess Heileman, but I’ve read all of her Regency novels, and she’s one of my favorite authors.
This story really touched my heart—it made me laugh, swoon over super romantic moments, and even brought a few tears to my eyes because the characters’ emotions are so raw, and after everything they went through, the ending feels like seeing Mr. Darcy walking through the fog 🥹
This book had me completely hooked!
I loved that it had a dual timeline; it was wonderful to see the entire journey of Maven and Ben’s relationship, from the day they met as children—when she fell in love with him instantly—to every decision and experience that led them to become the adults they are now. And of course, watching Ben’s feelings for Maven begin to surface was a delight and made me giggle.
The yearning between them feels so strong! And every moment between them is exquisite—their pranks, witty banter, every touch, every glance... 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
The ending and epilogue were THE SWEETEST, and they made me so happy ❤️🩹
I LOVED this book and highly recommend it!
“Maven, you are the love of my life. You always have been, and you always will be.”
You will find:
🍁 Second chance
🎻 Forced proximity
🍁 Dual timeline
🎻 Love at first sight (on her part)
🍁 Childhood friends
🎻 Deep yearning and emotion
🍁 Sacrifices for love
🎻 Small town
🍁 Fall season
🎻 Found family
This is the first contemporary book I’ve read by Jess Heileman, but I’ve read all of her Regency novels, and she’s one of my favorite authors.
This story really touched my heart—it made me laugh, swoon over super romantic moments, and even brought a few tears to my eyes because the characters’ emotions are so raw, and after everything they went through, the ending feels like seeing Mr. Darcy walking through the fog 🥹
This book had me completely hooked!
I loved that it had a dual timeline; it was wonderful to see the entire journey of Maven and Ben’s relationship, from the day they met as children—when she fell in love with him instantly—to every decision and experience that led them to become the adults they are now. And of course, watching Ben’s feelings for Maven begin to surface was a delight and made me giggle.
The yearning between them feels so strong! And every moment between them is exquisite—their pranks, witty banter, every touch, every glance... 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
The ending and epilogue were THE SWEETEST, and they made me so happy ❤️🩹
I LOVED this book and highly recommend it!
“Maven, you are the love of my life. You always have been, and you always will be.”
You will find:
🍁 Second chance
🎻 Forced proximity
🍁 Dual timeline
🎻 Love at first sight (on her part)
🍁 Childhood friends
🎻 Deep yearning and emotion
🍁 Sacrifices for love
🎻 Small town
🍁 Fall season
🎻 Found family
September 8, 2026
🫑: kissing only (brief insinuation of intimacy between married couple)
🤬: none
LOVE!! Just like the last 2 books in this serie, I devoured Resisting The Fall. As soon as Ben was introduced in book 1 I knew I couldn’t wait to get his and Maven’s story. I couldn’t put it down. I love the pranks, the banter, the chemistry. There are so many sweet and tender moments, as well as emotionally hard ones too. Ben and Maven deal with a lot of unresolved feelings and regrets due to how their marriage ended, but now they’re facing the possibility of a second chance at love. This time, they face these things head on together, and know that no matter what happens, they are what’s most important to each other. I’m obsessed with this book and am a new fan of this author!
🤬: none
LOVE!! Just like the last 2 books in this serie, I devoured Resisting The Fall. As soon as Ben was introduced in book 1 I knew I couldn’t wait to get his and Maven’s story. I couldn’t put it down. I love the pranks, the banter, the chemistry. There are so many sweet and tender moments, as well as emotionally hard ones too. Ben and Maven deal with a lot of unresolved feelings and regrets due to how their marriage ended, but now they’re facing the possibility of a second chance at love. This time, they face these things head on together, and know that no matter what happens, they are what’s most important to each other. I’m obsessed with this book and am a new fan of this author!
October 11, 2026
i love autumn ridge!! this is the third book i’ve read from this series and i’m having so much fun with them. they’re cozy and sweet and i love the atmosphere.
this book follows a couple who filed for divorce but it never went through and before the judge will sign off on their divorce, they’re required to undergo reconciliation efforts for a few weeks. i love forced proximity and i love books where a couple has to fight for their marriage instead of giving up on it. that’s exactly what happened here!
i did feel it was a tad bit long and it drug on at points. i also feel like the characters were super immature for their ages. but for the most part, i enjoyed it !
🔥NO SPICE🔥
🤐NO STRONG LANGUAGE🤐
this book follows a couple who filed for divorce but it never went through and before the judge will sign off on their divorce, they’re required to undergo reconciliation efforts for a few weeks. i love forced proximity and i love books where a couple has to fight for their marriage instead of giving up on it. that’s exactly what happened here!
i did feel it was a tad bit long and it drug on at points. i also feel like the characters were super immature for their ages. but for the most part, i enjoyed it !
🔥NO SPICE🔥
🤐NO STRONG LANGUAGE🤐
September 6, 2026
love continuing this series!
(Reviewing on husband’s account)
Aw, these two had a cute little story. I liked Maven as an FMC, but I do wish she had gotten to play with the orchestra in NYC. It felt a little too convenient that she had to give up pretty much everything & return to the person who left her. Did I think he left her for absolutely the wrong reason? Absolutely. I loved that they reconciled, and the epilogues were very sweet. Overall, it was a cute read, and I’m glad I’m following along with the series. 👍🏻😆
(Reviewing on husband’s account)
Aw, these two had a cute little story. I liked Maven as an FMC, but I do wish she had gotten to play with the orchestra in NYC. It felt a little too convenient that she had to give up pretty much everything & return to the person who left her. Did I think he left her for absolutely the wrong reason? Absolutely. I loved that they reconciled, and the epilogues were very sweet. Overall, it was a cute read, and I’m glad I’m following along with the series. 👍🏻😆
October 13, 2026
This is such a sweet story!! I loved the dual perspective in that Mavens is all current, and Bennett’s is all past. Unique way to get the history and both sides of things. This was like reading “Sweet Home Alabama” mixed with “What Happens In Vegas”, and those two movies are top hits for me. Loved it
September 10, 2026
The ending was SO good! I love where they ended up, but it was painful getting there.
October 1, 2026
Review to come 🩷
September 3, 2026
“Maven, I’ve been married to you before. It wasn’t that bad.”
I scoffed, hating that my first instinct had been to laugh.
“That’s because last time I liked you.”
If this isn’t the twist on a second chance romance that I didn’t know I desperately needed in my life, I don’t know what is. An unresolved divorce and complicated, undecided feelings makes for a story with all the feels...and oh, so much more of the humor and romance. Add in some hilarious and daring pranks to round things out, and this book is the ultimate recipe for swoon as sweet as a sticky maple bar.
Maven and Bennett (aka Ben) have known each other since childhood and watching their story unfold, through her current eyes and his flashback memories, was pure heaven. The banter in this book is unmatched and I consumed this one from start to finish in record time. Every little twist and turn cast a spell on my heart and occupied every corner of my mind.
I am crazy passionate about Autumn Ridge and loved every single minute of my time spent within the pages of Maven’s and Ben’s story.
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
I scoffed, hating that my first instinct had been to laugh.
“That’s because last time I liked you.”
If this isn’t the twist on a second chance romance that I didn’t know I desperately needed in my life, I don’t know what is. An unresolved divorce and complicated, undecided feelings makes for a story with all the feels...and oh, so much more of the humor and romance. Add in some hilarious and daring pranks to round things out, and this book is the ultimate recipe for swoon as sweet as a sticky maple bar.
Maven and Bennett (aka Ben) have known each other since childhood and watching their story unfold, through her current eyes and his flashback memories, was pure heaven. The banter in this book is unmatched and I consumed this one from start to finish in record time. Every little twist and turn cast a spell on my heart and occupied every corner of my mind.
I am crazy passionate about Autumn Ridge and loved every single minute of my time spent within the pages of Maven’s and Ben’s story.
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
August 27, 2026
I love a good second-chance romance, and throw in some forced proximity? This girl is sat—especially when it’s written by one of my favorite authors!
Poor Maven. All she was trying to do was renew her passport when she discovered her divorce had never actually been finalized. I cannot imagine what would go through my mind if I found out I was still legally married six years after thinking my divorce was final!
Maven’s solution? A few pranks to make Bennett sign the papers so she could get her passport and be on her way to Europe. I’m not usually a fan of pranks, but Maven’s were funny and harmless—of course, they backfired, bringing on even more forced proximity.
There was so much I loved about this story. I really enjoyed the dual timeline and the flashbacks to Maven and Bennett’s childhood. Seeing their relationship develop through the years, along with the dual POV, gave me such a great understanding of both of them and their history. I especially loved seeing how they met, fell in love, and became a couple—and how Ben supported Maven and her career. And their families! I loved how supportive they were without interfering. They trusted Maven and Ben to make their own decisions instead of trying to tell them what they should do. And those epilogues! I loved getting that extra glimpse into their happily-ever-after.
Resisting the Fall was such a fun, heartfelt second-chance romance with plenty of forced proximity, old feelings, humor, and all the reasons I love Jess Heileman’s books. I received an advanced digital copy from the author. All opinions in this review are mine and freely given.
Poor Maven. All she was trying to do was renew her passport when she discovered her divorce had never actually been finalized. I cannot imagine what would go through my mind if I found out I was still legally married six years after thinking my divorce was final!
Maven’s solution? A few pranks to make Bennett sign the papers so she could get her passport and be on her way to Europe. I’m not usually a fan of pranks, but Maven’s were funny and harmless—of course, they backfired, bringing on even more forced proximity.
There was so much I loved about this story. I really enjoyed the dual timeline and the flashbacks to Maven and Bennett’s childhood. Seeing their relationship develop through the years, along with the dual POV, gave me such a great understanding of both of them and their history. I especially loved seeing how they met, fell in love, and became a couple—and how Ben supported Maven and her career. And their families! I loved how supportive they were without interfering. They trusted Maven and Ben to make their own decisions instead of trying to tell them what they should do. And those epilogues! I loved getting that extra glimpse into their happily-ever-after.
Resisting the Fall was such a fun, heartfelt second-chance romance with plenty of forced proximity, old feelings, humor, and all the reasons I love Jess Heileman’s books. I received an advanced digital copy from the author. All opinions in this review are mine and freely given.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is just so great! I didn't want to stop reading it.
Maven and Ben got divorced and went about their business. Ben in Autumn Ridge, Maven in New York. They didn't think another thing about it. Until Maven needed to renew her passport and discovered that she and Ben had never really gotten divorced.
Unfortunately for the two of them. This means that the new judge on their case can set some stipulations. One of them being they must try to reconcile before they can divorce. And that means spending time together. Lots of time together.
I love Maven. She's a prankster. That was a lot of fun when she was staying in Ben's super small space. I'm not sure he was thrilled with her pranks, but they made me laugh a lot!
I love the way the author had the past scenes of these two's relationship shown through Ben's eyes. His memories show the two of them growing up together, as well as their sweet love story and the end of things. And that was really helpful as the reader.
Watching these two fall for each other again was just so sweet. I loved this second chance romance!
Maven and Ben got divorced and went about their business. Ben in Autumn Ridge, Maven in New York. They didn't think another thing about it. Until Maven needed to renew her passport and discovered that she and Ben had never really gotten divorced.
Unfortunately for the two of them. This means that the new judge on their case can set some stipulations. One of them being they must try to reconcile before they can divorce. And that means spending time together. Lots of time together.
I love Maven. She's a prankster. That was a lot of fun when she was staying in Ben's super small space. I'm not sure he was thrilled with her pranks, but they made me laugh a lot!
I love the way the author had the past scenes of these two's relationship shown through Ben's eyes. His memories show the two of them growing up together, as well as their sweet love story and the end of things. And that was really helpful as the reader.
Watching these two fall for each other again was just so sweet. I loved this second chance romance!
August 26, 2026
Lily’s Content Guide
💋 Romance level: Kisses Only
🗣️ Language: None
📚 Genre: Contemporary Romance
🎀 Lily’s verdict: Absolutely adored 💖
This was SUCH a fun read! The pranks and shenanigans had me laughing so much 😂 I seriously loved the creativity and never knew what these two were going to do next!
I absolutely loved the way the dual timeline was written. Ben’s POV takes place in the past while Maven’s is in the present, and the two timelines slowly come together as the story unfolds😍 It made their history and everything that happened between them so much more interesting to uncover!
And the second chance romance was done SO well🥹 I loved getting to see Ben and Maven as high school sweethearts while also watching them navigate their relationship years later. There’s so much history, hurt, and love between these two, and I was completely invested in seeing them find their way back to each other.
But the vow renewal?! 😭😭 That absolutely got me. It was so incredibly precious and heart melting and such a beautiful payoff after everything they had been through.
This book had me laughing one minute and tearing up the next. Such a sweet, hilarious, and heartfelt second chance romance💗
✨Dual Timelines
🍂Small Town
✨Second Chance Romance
🍂High School Sweethearts
✨Court Order Reconciliation
🍂Pranks & Shenanigans
💋 Romance level: Kisses Only
🗣️ Language: None
📚 Genre: Contemporary Romance
🎀 Lily’s verdict: Absolutely adored 💖
This was SUCH a fun read! The pranks and shenanigans had me laughing so much 😂 I seriously loved the creativity and never knew what these two were going to do next!
I absolutely loved the way the dual timeline was written. Ben’s POV takes place in the past while Maven’s is in the present, and the two timelines slowly come together as the story unfolds😍 It made their history and everything that happened between them so much more interesting to uncover!
And the second chance romance was done SO well🥹 I loved getting to see Ben and Maven as high school sweethearts while also watching them navigate their relationship years later. There’s so much history, hurt, and love between these two, and I was completely invested in seeing them find their way back to each other.
But the vow renewal?! 😭😭 That absolutely got me. It was so incredibly precious and heart melting and such a beautiful payoff after everything they had been through.
This book had me laughing one minute and tearing up the next. Such a sweet, hilarious, and heartfelt second chance romance💗
✨Dual Timelines
🍂Small Town
✨Second Chance Romance
🍂High School Sweethearts
✨Court Order Reconciliation
🍂Pranks & Shenanigans
August 21, 2026
“I stood and faced him, refusing to acknowledge the way my heart was pounding at the mere sight of him. Or the way his familiar scent tempted me to pull in a deep inhale. Or the way his broad shoulders and strong arms made me want to curl into him and have a good cry after the day I’d had. This was not a promising start.”
Resisting the Fall is like reading Sweet Home Alabama meets How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and I’m here for it!
Maven and Bennett (aka Ben) were childhood frenemies, dated as teenagers, and got married when they were adults. Their desire for different things broke them apart, but little did they know, their divorce was never finalized. Now Maven is back in Autumn Ridge to get the divorce taken care of once and for all. But, is that really what either of them wants?
I loved this story so much! Maven and Bennett had such great chemistry, despite their attempts to stay apart. Maven’s pranks cracked me up as she tried to do whatever she could to get Bennett to help speed the divorce along. And Ben was so patient and took it all in stride! These two were definitely meant to be!
Favorite quotes:
“Ben knocked on the door. A small wave of nerves skirted through me. A conditioned response. I was no better than Pavlov’s dog—and Ben had always been my bell.”
“The image my mind involuntarily conjured of Ben as a cowboy had my head spinning. Apparently, the right man in a cowboy hat and boots was all it took to understand why cowboys were a staple in so many women’s fantasies.”
“Ben in a backward hat was even better than the image my mind had conjured of Ben in a cowboy hat, and the smile he sent me made it clear he was well aware of my preference.”
Resisting the Fall is like reading Sweet Home Alabama meets How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and I’m here for it!
Maven and Bennett (aka Ben) were childhood frenemies, dated as teenagers, and got married when they were adults. Their desire for different things broke them apart, but little did they know, their divorce was never finalized. Now Maven is back in Autumn Ridge to get the divorce taken care of once and for all. But, is that really what either of them wants?
I loved this story so much! Maven and Bennett had such great chemistry, despite their attempts to stay apart. Maven’s pranks cracked me up as she tried to do whatever she could to get Bennett to help speed the divorce along. And Ben was so patient and took it all in stride! These two were definitely meant to be!
Favorite quotes:
“Ben knocked on the door. A small wave of nerves skirted through me. A conditioned response. I was no better than Pavlov’s dog—and Ben had always been my bell.”
“The image my mind involuntarily conjured of Ben as a cowboy had my head spinning. Apparently, the right man in a cowboy hat and boots was all it took to understand why cowboys were a staple in so many women’s fantasies.”
“Ben in a backward hat was even better than the image my mind had conjured of Ben in a cowboy hat, and the smile he sent me made it clear he was well aware of my preference.”
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