Falling for Keeps: A Sweet Small Town Romcom

Falling for Autumn

by Kasey Stockton

Emma Harper wants a love story. Carson Price wants nothing to do with one.

As the children’s librarian in Autumn Ridge, Emma spends her days surrounded by happy endings. But between restoring her old farmhouse, keeping her family together, and searching for a decent man in a very small town, her own romance feels permanently shelved.

Then one impulsive night at a bar, she kisses Carson Price—the popular guy she crushed on in high school.

For Emma, it’s a reckless little dream come true.

For Carson, it’s a fun night with a beautiful woman he never expects to see again.

Until the next morning… when he moves in across the street.

Newly divorced, cynical, and focused on raising his daughter while rebuilding the dental practice he just bought, Carson has no interest in love. Marriage? Never again. Romance? Absolutely not.

Friendship with his warm, bookish, unexpectedly tempting neighbor? That might be safe enough.

Except Emma has never been good at doing anything halfway. And the more he lets her into his life, the harder it is for either of them to pretend friendship is all this is.

She’s ready to fall. He’s determined not to. But in a small town, staying just friends might be the hardest thing of all.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Autumn, Audiobook, Clean Romance, Rom Com, Contemporary Romance

312 pages, Paperback

First published September 2, 2026

Reviews

[CatsBnB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, one kiss is all it takes to turn a long-held dream into something your heart never quite knew it needed.💕

A childhood crush, a sparks-fly kiss, and the unexpected discovery that the man you've dreamed about is now living right across the street. For Emma, the warmhearted, bookish children's librarian who has always been more accustomed to giving than receiving, Carson Price is the dream she never quite dared to believe could come true. But Carson, a newly divorced single dad, has built his world around protecting his daughter and keeping his heart safely guarded. What begins with a kiss soon becomes a friendship filled with undeniable chemistry, delicious tension, and a whole lot of yearning.✨

And of, how I adored this story!🥰

Emma and Carson completely captured my heart. Their characters felt genuine and wonderfully real, each carrying their own struggles, fears, and tender places they had learned to protect. I loved Emma's selfless heart and the way she always showed up for the people she loved. Even more, I loved watching her discover that she was worthy of having someone show up for her, too. And Carson? Watching him face his fears and slowly open his heart to the possibility of love again was everything. His unwavering devotion to Penny, his sweet nine-year-old daughter, made me fall for him even harder. Penny completely stole the show for me with her sweet personality and all the little moments that made her so endearing. And seeing the love Emma had for Penny made my heart melt.💗

This cozy fall small-town romance had me completely invested in their journey. I found myself feeling every emotion right alongside them and hoping with all my heart that they would find their way to each other. And the pantry moment? The Kiss the Pig event? The Mayor Monroe bet? I loved every bit of it! 😂Those lighthearted, unexpected moments woven throughout the story made this such a delightfully heartwarming read.🍁💕

With dual POV and a closed door, clean romance, this is the kind of love story that wraps itself around your heart and leaves you smiling long after the final page.🥹💕

I am utterly obsessed with the Autumn Ridge series! ❤️This can absolutely be read as a standalone. But it has me even more eager to return to Autumn Ridge and see what comes next. Kasey Stockton is an auto-buy author for me, and I know every book will bring heart, warmt, and a romance I can't resist.📖✨

A beautiful reminder that sometimes the love we spend so freely giving to others is the very love we need to allow ourselves to receive.💓

I wholeheartedly recommend this one and it deserves all the stars!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[BookLoverAmanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling for Keeps by Kasey Stockton
4 Stars
https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...

Thank you to Kasey Stockton for a gifted e-book of this book to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

This one was SO CUTE! I loved the intro of this book the most. It was the best "re-meet-cute" if you will....Emma kisses the guy that is unknowingly living across the street -- OOOOOPPPSSS! Her and Carson had a lot of good chemistry. He's a single Dad, divorced after his wife left, not wanting to be their little girl's mother.....and he is so reluctant to a new relationship, for good reason. Emma is the town's children's librarian and is so passionate about her work. She is the one who cares for the people around her and never puts herself before others. Carson and Emma think they can be "just friends" but it ain't workin' out too well😂❤️

I loved seeing how devoted Carson was to his little girl Penny and how naturally Emma fit into their sweet family. I LOVEEE a single Dad story and Kasey gave us a good one here! A sweet little girl in a book brings so much depth to the story for me and Penny was the best.

If you like:
- Single Dad Trope
- Opposites Attract
- Bookish FMC
- FALL Vibes
- Sweet Little Girl
- Small Towns
- Friendships
- Teenage Crush
- Found Family
- Clean Romance

Then this is going to be for you. Recommend!

Romance is clean with kisses only and no language.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Today, I might possibly be kissing a pig, and it’s the most action I’ll have for the rest of the year.”

Carson Price, you may remember him as Maven’s brother from Resisting The Fall, is a cinnamon bun sweetheart!

Not only is Carson a wary single-dad of a precocious 9 year old daughter and a new dental practice, he also has abandonment and trust issues and no time for new relationships.

Emma, Autumn Ridge’s librarian, has her hands full with her farmhouse renos, her career and keeping unity in her family. She has little time to think of starting a new romance.

But, a kiss changes everything.

I loved how Penny, Carson’s daughter, changed the dynamics and propelled their relationship forward. What a great character. I also liked the ‘what if’ that both characters had to face and patiently waited for their courage to catch up with their emotions.

Emma gave Carson space to choose and continued building a relationship with Penny. I loved this trust building journey and was invested in a compelling read. I like how characters from previous books show up and give us insight into their journey out of the spotlight.

The Sour Dan scene almost had me spewing my pumpkin spice latte!

Great series!

[Madisyn Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was sooo cutie!!
listened to the whole thing in just over 24 hours!
the single girl dad trope was soo fun and carson was such a sweeeetie !!
i related to emma a lot and i loved how full of warmth she was. she loves books and kids and is a huge romantic and i love her!
such a fun read ッ no bad vibes whatsoever.
🔥NO SPICE🔥
🤐NO STRONG LANGUAGE🤐

[Janssen]

Very cute

[Valerie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I DNFd at like 5% because the MMC irritated me. The audacity of this man to think that Emma stalked him after one kiss when she’s his mother’s friend and neighbor. I really didn’t like how he was talking to her and I, very quickly, decided that I did not care for this character or any redemption he would’ve had from finishing this book. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Am I being petty? Perhaps, but my TBR is much too long to be wasting it on a book I’ll probably not love.

[Kait · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can we discuss how I frequently give 5 stars to romcoms that feature single parents, please help me understand why my heart turns to mush when the other person goes “I love you *and* your kid, your ex is the worst, and I will never leave/abandon both of you like they did.” Anyway, loved this fall love story. Also: props to everyone behaving like adults and talking through feelings– the tension came from normal circumstances (like, can I ever trust another person after what happened to me and how will these next steps affect my kid) and not contrived “omg, I have feelings, I better just squish ‘em down by kissing the girl.”

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out promising. I liked the initial premise, and I really liked Emma, the FMC, maybe because she was a redheaded librarian and she felt relatable. Carson was fine, but he seemed like he wasn’t over his ex yet and needed some therapy. I usually find kids in books annoying, but I liked Penny; she was a good addition to the story. So, the characters were decent, and I loved the setting of Autumn Ridge in this fall romance series. However, literally nothing happened the entire book. I kept expecting buildup, and when the book ended, I found myself thinking, “That’s it?” Just lots of references to tiling bathrooms and upholstering furniture together, and Carson kissing a pig for a fundraiser. I needed more! I didn’t hate it, and I can’t say I was bored exactly, but I kept expecting everything to build up to something, and it never really did.

This book wasn’t totally unenjoyable; it just was very meh. Maybe all of the books in the series are going to be like this, but I’ll probably keep reading them. :P

I did think the reference to Sunny Palmer in the “Falling for Summer” series was a fun little add-on.


Content Warning: No swearing, clean romance.

[Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The mild crush I carried in high school is long dead. The only reason I’m feeling the least bit of butterflies is those old feelings knocking on the door and asking to be let back in.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own, and a review was not required.

LOOOOOOOOOVED THIS BOOK!!!😍🍂

There are books that put a spring in your step, and then there are books that put a spring in your step AND make you want to light every pumpkin spice candle you own😂 THIS ONE DID BOTH.

Falling for Keeps is actual fall romance perfection! Emma is a children’s librarian who is busy restoring her farmhouse, helping keep her family together, and wondering if she’ll ever find the right man in her small town. Then she impulsively kisses her old high-school crush, Carson…only to discover the next morning that the newly divorced single dad has moved in ACROSS THE STREET😏😍

And that’s where the fun really begins.

I absolutely ADORED the cozy small-town atmosphere, the fall vibes, the friendship, the banter, and watching Emma and Carson try VERY hard to convince themselves that “just friends” is a perfectly reasonable plan.

Spoiler: it is NOT…and we’re all HERE FOR IT!

Carson has sworn off love, Emma is definitely not interested in doing anything halfway, and watching those two navigate all the feelings was SO MUCH FUN. Add in Carson’s daughter, the family dynamics, and all the little moments that make Autumn Ridge feel like a place I’d happily move to, and I was ALL IN.

This book gave me everything I want from a sweet fall rom-com, and I am already impatient for MORE Autumn Ridge!

If you need a cozy small-town romance, single dad, second-chance/old crush vibes, friendship-to-more, banter, and ALL the fall feels…GRAB THIS ONE ASAP!

Available NOW, and linked in stories!

Happy Reading📚

Content/Trigger: Divorce, single parenting, death of a loved one (off page), romance—kisses only.

#FallingForKeeps #KaseyStockton #romcom #CleanRomance #romcombooks

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute rom com set in Vermont in the fall. I was here for all the small town fall vibes and the librarian and single dad main characters. Just a sweet read after reading Bel Canto. A good “palate cleanser”.

[Megan Scholle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

[Madison Allshouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute read! My favorite part of this book was watching Emma fall in love with Carson’s daughter, Penny - it was just the sweetest! I also liked the emphasis placed on Carson finding ways to make Emma, as the eldest daughter trying to put everyone first, feel seen and cherished❤️‍🩹

This one wasn’t my favorite compared to the rest of the series, I think I had a harder time connecting to Carson, but I do enjoy the single parent trope!

Excited for book 5!

[Heather.loves.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling for Keeps by: Kasey Stockton

TL;DR: 5 stars. No notes.

📖 Carson is focused on his daughter. Unfortunately the hot librarian from the bar is his new neighbor.

I loved ♥️
🎧 DREAM narrators!!!! Loved them both

Act 1 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Kasey Stockton threw me the best curveball scene one.
➡️Swipe for other act one faves

Carson and Emma are both genuinely kind people and I rooted for them.

This book pairs perfectly with Jess Heileman's book since it has shared characters. I loved being back in Autumn Ridge.

Toe-curling kisses and swoon for days!!

Loved it, no notes

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

WORTH THE READ.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK

I am not reading this entire series this go around because [time], but I’ve always enjoy Kasey’s books and wanted to give hers a go. And now it’s my current second favorite of the four I’ve read! I was locked in from the beginning and liked the re-meet-cute opening.

The only thing that bugged me was the not quite a love triangle nonsense. It didn’t feel necessary too me and Seth kept just popping up at the wrong times.

I did feel the intense chemistry between Emma and Carson. They had some genuine fireworks and I loved all the ways this small town brought them together. Seeing Carson get a wee bit jealous here and there was stellar and I loved the way he took care of his daughter and Emma. There’s a lot of really sweet blended family moments that I adored too.

Bursting with fall vibes and small town shenanigans I would definitely recommend this book if you’re wondering which ones are worth it.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Content warnings: loss of a parent (recounted), divorce (recounted), absent parent

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Emma, Carson, and Penny more in Resisting the Fall, Maven's (Carson's sister's) book. Their romance seemed more interesting and natural in that story. So, I was disappointed and not as invested in this story. Overall, I like it.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book! Emma and Carson are such great characters. I also love Penny. And all of Autumn Ridge. It's the best!

I love how Emma and Carson meet...well meet again. It was kind of funny how Emma knew exactly who he was, but he had no idea who she was. But pretty soon he figures out that she lives across the street from his mom, where he is living as he gets his new dental practice set up in Autumn Ridge. He's so great with his daughter, Penny, especially as she's navigating her new world of just having him for a parent.

Emma is the town librarian, and she's so good with kids. That makes her a natural for when Penny needs things like braids in her hair for school, or help making friends. Emma is the kind of person who would do anything for the people she loves. And she does.

I loved that this book made me laugh, it made me wish for fall, pumpkins, and homemade cookies. It's the best!

Make sure you take a bookish trip to Autumn Ridge soon!

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

FALLING FOR KEEPS
(Falling For Autumn Book 4)
by: Kasey Stockton
@authorkaseystockton

••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

~He was supposed to be one kiss...not the neighbor across the street...

-My friends, FALLING FOR KEEPS, is an adorable story! It is so delightfully and cleverly filled with such pure goodness, that I was ever so intrigued, engaged, and smiling the entire time reading! The pages flew by fast and each moment within reading was well-spent. I thoroughly loved how this story had such delightful sparks of chemistry flying off the pages, the wonderful balance between heartwarming, fun, and tender/vulnerable moments along the way! The book references, the fall vibes, the first meet-cute, the dear family relationships, and the friends who are in for the long haul were extra sweet bonuses! But, what I loved most about this cute story was watching dear characters choose bravery, healing, trust, and unselfishness, and setting up healthy boundaries ! I loved watching them stand for, support, and encourage others in the struggle to be happy, and to give new possibilities, and connection a chance! I loved seeing how genuine care, compassion, hope, and loved were weaved within the pages and how they make such a wonderful difference for the better in one’s self, in each other, and with others all around! FALLING FOR KEEPS, is absolutely a story worth reading!📚🩷‼️🍁

•Content: divorce (off page; mentioned on page), strained ex relationship /custody, death of loved one (off page; mentioned on page, some feelings of grief, brokenness, loss, putting others before one’s self, no language, small-town gossip, no violence, lack of honesty-excuses for dropping ball with attending meetings/planning from side characters, kisses only!(some makeouts)

#fallingforkeeps
#fallingforautumnseries
#authorkaseystockton
#allaboutthebestreads

[Julie Burdick · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️’s.. I really disliked this book and it was 100% because of the MMC. He was terrible in every way, and all I wanted the entire book was for the FMC to kick him to the curb because he was a douchebag wrapped in a red flag. 🚩 The ONLY good thing about him was his sweet daughter and that is it.

God, where do I even start because the list is so long…

1. The way he treated the FMC like she was stalking him when she already told him she lived across the street. He was so mean about it too.

2. He was so conceited the entire book and just assumed she was practically in love with him, because apparently he’s hot stuff and all, and it was him who was making the decision not to date her.

3. But then he would flirt and lead her on and then reject her.. such mind games.

4. Also, the way he trauma dumped his ex wife on her.. not cool.

5. He was just overall grumpy, and mean, and conceited the entire book.

6. He was so petty, and whiny with his ex wife. I understand he was bitter because she left him and their daughter, but the whole phone thing was more about him power tripping than what was best for his girl.

I just really hated him and it ruined the book for me.

[Bri Petrarca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this book started absolutely SUCKED ME IN from the very beginning. I adore Emma and Carson… and Penny! Their story is so sweet. Although they had a steamy start, their relationship was more of a slow burn the rest of the book. They built something real and truly learned to care for each other. We got a good sense of who they are as people and who they are as a couple. Love their new little family!

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling for Keeps is an adorable read involving a meet-cute and is a clean read with no language; a single, divorced dad; a librarian; fall vibes; and small-town life. The plot was engaging, the characters were likable, the chemistry between Emma and Carson was great, and I enjoyed the bond between Emma and Carson's daughter Penny. Wonderful read.

[Tricia Anson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was single dad, reluctant-to-fall sweetness! I love that Emma was a librarian and the literal kindest human. And Carson’s processing of single parenthood, learning to trust again, and navigating what his life is post-divorce when he never wanted his marriage to end in the first place was so real and so good. Emma and Penny’s relationship was just the most heart-warming thing, you can’t help but root for these three to be a family.

TW: One year post divorce, Manipulative parent (who gave up custody), Past loss of parent

[Holly (IG Hollys_Book_Musings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up
This was such a cute edition to the series! I enjoy Kasey’s books, and this one was no exception.
Definitely recommend!

Highly recommend audio!

Content:
Kissing only
Divorce (past), toxic past spouse, single parent

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of me wants to just read this again. Hands down, this has been my favorite one so far. I loved Emma. I loved the switching perspectives. The writing is so good - not too cheesy. Loved it. No notes.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute and fluffy fall romance. It was cheesy, but I liked it.

[Leslie Ann · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️

Not a lot happened in this book when the biggest source of drama is the ex-wife buying their daughter a cell phone and then not answering phone calls.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm loving this cute series! This one had a single dad who is also a dentist + a librarian female main character. That's a recipe for success & I was totally a fan! I love that these books are clean as can be but I would say this one has been the most heated...but please know that still means just kissed! They just had a few good makeout sessions for sure!

[Katri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. The author seemed so focused on getting all the Autumn Ridge characters and events included that she forgot to tell the story of Carson and Emma. Or maybe there really wasn't much to tell...

[Coventry Reads · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

So I adored this book. I was so happy to be able to get an ALC of this book. It was just so endearing and funny.

Who doesn’t love a single dad trope and mix in a blast from the past feel/high school crush. I love that it starts with a kiss to a “stranger.” This book was so entertaining.

There were so many times I laughed while listening to it. Carson and his assumptions.

Emma’s the librarian who wants to fall in love. Carson is the dentist returning home with a 9 year old daughter and a divorce, so anti-love. Carson is the sweetest with Penny and I love how much of a role she also plays in the story. Her Would You Rather lines were perfect.

I would definitely recommend this book.

- Disclaimer, I read this as a gifted advanced listener copy, but my thoughts are my own.

[Cristina · Rating 1 out of 5]

“Where’s the inhaler? Because he’s messing with my breathing in a good way.”

Umm, cringe 🥴🤢

[Kim Golding · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It’s my Cinderella hour. I’m in a tight green dress bestowed on me by my fairy bride-mother, flirting with a man who oozes main character energy. His strong jaw and particular attention are part of this bubble, and I don’t want it to pop.”

Falling for Keeps is the super cute story of Emma, a librarian, and Carson, a dentist/single dad who has moved back to Autumn Ridge to open his own dental practice and be closer to family. After Carson mistakes Emma for someone else at the bar and their chemistry is off the charts, he can’t stop thinking about her, but he has his daughter to think about. When he finds out Emma is his neighbor, guarding his heart gets even harder!

I loved Emma and Carson so much! I loved that at the beginning he called her Glasses, and I loved that she knew who he was, even though he didn’t recognize her—and that first kiss was 🔥! He was the cutest dad to Penny, aka Nickel, and I loved how quickly she took to Emma. It made my heart happy that Emma finally had someone to take care of her, since she was so used to taking care of everyone else! They had incredible chemistry, and I was rooting for them from beginning to end!

Favorite quotes:

“The book should be enough to distract me, but it isn’t. Not when I can still feel the heat of Carson’s gaze on my skin. Not when every time I glance up, I find him watching me.”

“She’s into me. I’m not being cocky about it; I can just tell. No one looks at your lips that often unless they want to kiss them.”

“I wish you could see you the way I see you. Because you are worth staying for.”

“You’re the first person to make me feel so cherished in a really long time.”