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The Fall Guy
Ever since the new interstate rerouted traffic away from Copperleaf Falls, the town has been slowly fading. For Tessa Brooks, saving the annual fall festival isn’t just another event—it’s her last chance to remind people that her hometown is still worth the detour.
Landon Wilder knows what it’s like to lose everything you’ve worked for.
As captain of the Stranton University Titans, he’s admired on the ice and respected off it—until one split second changes everything. When a violent altercation leaves another student seriously injured, Landon makes a decision no one can understand.
He accepts the blame.
With the university under intense public scrutiny, the Titans are sent to nearby Copperleaf Falls to complete community service in a last-ditch effort to repair the team’s image. While Landon’s future hangs in the balance, he’s tasked with helping organize the very festival Copperleaf Falls is depending on to survive. Working alongside the fiercely independent festival coordinator and the voice behind the town’s local newspaper column should have been simple.
Instead, Tessa begins seeing the man behind the headlines, and neither of them expects one autumn to change everything.
As autumn settles over Copperleaf Falls and the festival draws closer, some places are worth fighting for, some people are worth believing in… and sometimes the fall is worth the risk.
Set against crisp autumn mornings, cozy cafés, small-town traditions, and the excitement of hockey season, The Fall Guy is a heartwarming slow-burn romance about second chances, healing old wounds, and discovering that sometimes the easiest person to blame is the one willing to fall.
Landon Wilder knows what it’s like to lose everything you’ve worked for.
As captain of the Stranton University Titans, he’s admired on the ice and respected off it—until one split second changes everything. When a violent altercation leaves another student seriously injured, Landon makes a decision no one can understand.
He accepts the blame.
With the university under intense public scrutiny, the Titans are sent to nearby Copperleaf Falls to complete community service in a last-ditch effort to repair the team’s image. While Landon’s future hangs in the balance, he’s tasked with helping organize the very festival Copperleaf Falls is depending on to survive. Working alongside the fiercely independent festival coordinator and the voice behind the town’s local newspaper column should have been simple.
Instead, Tessa begins seeing the man behind the headlines, and neither of them expects one autumn to change everything.
As autumn settles over Copperleaf Falls and the festival draws closer, some places are worth fighting for, some people are worth believing in… and sometimes the fall is worth the risk.
Set against crisp autumn mornings, cozy cafés, small-town traditions, and the excitement of hockey season, The Fall Guy is a heartwarming slow-burn romance about second chances, healing old wounds, and discovering that sometimes the easiest person to blame is the one willing to fall.
435 pages, Hardcover
Published September 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 2, 2026
Just what I needed to start fall! Loved this book so much! I cant wait to read more of their story 🥰
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Fall Guy is a cozy fall love story, well written and beautifully executed. It has characters who you actually feel like you know. The attention to detail was outstanding and the story was so wholesome; it had my attention from start to finish. I was on the edge of my seat at times & it had me laughing and crying. I would absolutely recommend The Fall Guy to anyone who appreciates romance and cozying up with a coffee & a good book.
September 29, 2026
Wow. Just wow. I was not expecting this from an indie author and a cozy romance at that. The world and characters had such DEPTH. The authors ability to describe the settings and scenes is immaculate. I normally write things down as I read to keep track but I honestly felt like I was living this story. I felt what the characters were feeling. You can tell this story came from the heart & experiences lived.
Copperleaf Falls had a distinct history and culture and that really came through as they geared up for the festival but what really made it so real were the PEOPLE. The character work in here was INSANE. I fell in love with and felt that I knew each person. That I'd met them at some point (which is actually true with Mrs Schilling, iykyk!).
The romance was sweet and believable. Two people with trauma finding their way through it to meet their goals. Again, nothing felt fake. Everything seemed true to who they were. I really like Tess & Landon as characters. There was no earth shattering "connection" or shared traumatic event. Just two people brought together by circumstance and past trauma who found love. And for those wondering, this is closed door so no explicit scenes. Which ALSO felt true to the characters.
Speaking of genuine, I ADORE Landon as an MMC. No problematic behavior, no morally grey. Just a boy-from-next-door guy who is kind with enough love and strength to give those he cares about. He was ALL about consent and we love a confident man who can hear "no" and "I need space" and actually LISTEN.
Now to address the elephant in the room, THAT CHAPTER. This book is not just for vibes and feels. There is legitimate trauma and grief described here. It TORE me to PIECES. I had to put the book down and just cry. You will know it is coming and you still won't be ready for it. This chapter alone solidified a 5* rating for me. But please don't let that scare you away. Without this chapter, the heart of this book would be gone. It's worth pushing through and hurting a bit.
Of course, I need a section just for Hank the Handsome. Every good FMC needs an animal side kick and Hank did NOT disappoint. I don't even like pugs and I wanted to snuggle him and love him. He added the perfect amount of silliness to the story.
The only wish I had at the end of the book was if the Titans had featured a little bit more in the ending. It IS Landon and Tess' book; however, them helping was what would bring attention to the town and I would have liked to see that be a little more present in the resolution.
From a technical stand point, the writing is good by not perfect. The book flows well for the most part which, combined with a story I didn't want to put down, made the small grammatical errors, few places that needed a hard break and some repetitive wording more of something noticed than anything that effected my enjoyment. And it was better than I had expected from a self published indie author. I've definitely read trad published books with more issues and not half as good of a story. To be completely honest, it almost added to the charm of the book as it matched the imperfect characters just being their authentic selves.
And that's the take away for me. The book is genuine and authentic. The town feels lived in AND loved. Once I stepped foot into Copperleaf Falls, I didn't want to leave. I felt genuine sadness to say goodbye to these characters. BUT...from the other romance that was teased (which I LOVE when authors do that), I don't think I've said good bye to Copperleaf for good.
Copperleaf Falls had a distinct history and culture and that really came through as they geared up for the festival but what really made it so real were the PEOPLE. The character work in here was INSANE. I fell in love with and felt that I knew each person. That I'd met them at some point (which is actually true with Mrs Schilling, iykyk!).
The romance was sweet and believable. Two people with trauma finding their way through it to meet their goals. Again, nothing felt fake. Everything seemed true to who they were. I really like Tess & Landon as characters. There was no earth shattering "connection" or shared traumatic event. Just two people brought together by circumstance and past trauma who found love. And for those wondering, this is closed door so no explicit scenes. Which ALSO felt true to the characters.
Speaking of genuine, I ADORE Landon as an MMC. No problematic behavior, no morally grey. Just a boy-from-next-door guy who is kind with enough love and strength to give those he cares about. He was ALL about consent and we love a confident man who can hear "no" and "I need space" and actually LISTEN.
Now to address the elephant in the room, THAT CHAPTER. This book is not just for vibes and feels. There is legitimate trauma and grief described here. It TORE me to PIECES. I had to put the book down and just cry. You will know it is coming and you still won't be ready for it. This chapter alone solidified a 5* rating for me. But please don't let that scare you away. Without this chapter, the heart of this book would be gone. It's worth pushing through and hurting a bit.
Of course, I need a section just for Hank the Handsome. Every good FMC needs an animal side kick and Hank did NOT disappoint. I don't even like pugs and I wanted to snuggle him and love him. He added the perfect amount of silliness to the story.
The only wish I had at the end of the book was if the Titans had featured a little bit more in the ending. It IS Landon and Tess' book; however, them helping was what would bring attention to the town and I would have liked to see that be a little more present in the resolution.
From a technical stand point, the writing is good by not perfect. The book flows well for the most part which, combined with a story I didn't want to put down, made the small grammatical errors, few places that needed a hard break and some repetitive wording more of something noticed than anything that effected my enjoyment. And it was better than I had expected from a self published indie author. I've definitely read trad published books with more issues and not half as good of a story. To be completely honest, it almost added to the charm of the book as it matched the imperfect characters just being their authentic selves.
And that's the take away for me. The book is genuine and authentic. The town feels lived in AND loved. Once I stepped foot into Copperleaf Falls, I didn't want to leave. I felt genuine sadness to say goodbye to these characters. BUT...from the other romance that was teased (which I LOVE when authors do that), I don't think I've said good bye to Copperleaf for good.
September 27, 2026
Wow!
I mean great book, good storyline, sweet stories and laughter, tears during heartfelt moments, Natasha not only gave us a story of Tessa and Landon, but she literally brought us into their lives, planted us right into Copperleaf!
The writing style, especially for a first time author blew my mind, the details are all there, not to much not scattered around but perfectly placed together to play out a full movie in my mind, literally seeing the scenes of details play out.
I may have cried a few more tears than necessary in this book, but man it really pulled you in, and resonated so much, and so well!
The little things that she added into the story from her own home town an upbringing, were a nice bonus for us local readers also ;)
Overall I have been all consumed and obsessed from the moment I opened the cover and landed in Copperleaf.
Also side note, TAKE NOTES!!! The community surrounding Tessa Brooks and Landon Wilded, the friends they hold dear, that’s what real community should be! That’s what life should be, those are the connections and relationships that we should strive to treasure in our own day to day lives!
Well done!
I mean great book, good storyline, sweet stories and laughter, tears during heartfelt moments, Natasha not only gave us a story of Tessa and Landon, but she literally brought us into their lives, planted us right into Copperleaf!
The writing style, especially for a first time author blew my mind, the details are all there, not to much not scattered around but perfectly placed together to play out a full movie in my mind, literally seeing the scenes of details play out.
I may have cried a few more tears than necessary in this book, but man it really pulled you in, and resonated so much, and so well!
The little things that she added into the story from her own home town an upbringing, were a nice bonus for us local readers also ;)
Overall I have been all consumed and obsessed from the moment I opened the cover and landed in Copperleaf.
Also side note, TAKE NOTES!!! The community surrounding Tessa Brooks and Landon Wilded, the friends they hold dear, that’s what real community should be! That’s what life should be, those are the connections and relationships that we should strive to treasure in our own day to day lives!
Well done!
October 2, 2026
Such a cute story! I read it nearly in one sitting!
Copperleaf Falls sounds like the most perfect little town. The kind of place that you’d want to visit to disconnect when the world seems to serious! What I wouldn’t give to tour the town with good company and a coffee in hand!
Characters were very easy to connect with and relate to, which made it easy to immerse yourself in Copperleaf with them!
When I first finished the book I thought that the last ~five chapters seemed a little rushed, though I’m certain it is just be because I am a slut for an epilogue… upon reevaluation, It’s likely actually a sign of fantastic character development because I was left wanting more of Tessa and Landon! GIVE ME MORE!
Copperleaf Falls sounds like the most perfect little town. The kind of place that you’d want to visit to disconnect when the world seems to serious! What I wouldn’t give to tour the town with good company and a coffee in hand!
Characters were very easy to connect with and relate to, which made it easy to immerse yourself in Copperleaf with them!
When I first finished the book I thought that the last ~five chapters seemed a little rushed, though I’m certain it is just be because I am a slut for an epilogue… upon reevaluation, It’s likely actually a sign of fantastic character development because I was left wanting more of Tessa and Landon! GIVE ME MORE!
October 8, 2026
I absolutely loved this book, it took a few chapters to get me hooked but once I was I could not put it down. I laughed, I cried, and completely fell in love with Cooperleaf Falls and the characters of the novel. I could see this sweet town the whole time I was reading and wished I could move there or maybe even live in a little mobile home. This book just felt like home and was truly such a great read. I have three kids (two that are babies) so finding time to read can be hard but I was so hooked I was reading at bus stops, nap times, and even stayed up way to late because I couldn’t put it down. Please give us more Tessa and Landon!!!!
October 6, 2026
It's hard to believe this is the authors debut novel. As I read through the book, I literally laughed out loud, cried, then went back to laughing again. The talent the author possesses has me waiting impatiently for her next book release. This is the perfect cozy fall romance. I'd give it more stars if I could.
September 23, 2026
I really enjoyed this book.
I felt like there was enough detail that you felt like you were there with Landon and Tessa in copperleaf! You could feel the emotions between the characters.
Can’t wait to see what the other books the author comes out with.
I felt like there was enough detail that you felt like you were there with Landon and Tessa in copperleaf! You could feel the emotions between the characters.
Can’t wait to see what the other books the author comes out with.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews