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He has no intention of falling for anyone--he's duty bound.

Sully, Special Agent James Sullivan, to give him his full title, is on his way to Hope Falls. He's going to visit an old friend, but he couldn't tell you why. If pushed, he'd say that he had some time off after his boss and friend died, and he didn't know what else to do with himself. He probably wouldn't tell you that Patrick's death has left him wondering if there shouldn't be more to life than his FBI career.

She has no intention of falling for anyone--she's carefree.

Jess Archer lives in her motorhome and travels the country as a freelance photographer. She can wander as she pleases and she loves that. There may be no one in the world who knows or cares where she is from one day to the next, but that's a good thing, not a sad thing. Or so she tells herself. Still, she's thrilled at the chance to visit someone who does care about her, her old friend Tessa.

When Sully and Jess meet sparks fly, but will the magic of Hope Falls be enough to bring together two people who have no intention of falling in love?

87 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 26, 2016

94 people are currently reading
189 people want to read

About the author

S.J. McCoy

77 books1,056 followers
Hi, I'm SJ. A coffee addict, lover of chocolate and drinker of good red wines. I'm a lost soul and a hopeless romantic. Reading and writing are necessary parts of who I am. Though perhaps not as necessary as coffee! I can drink coffee without writing, but I can't write without coffee.

I grew up loving romance novels, my first boyfriends were book boyfriends, but life intervened, as it tends to do, and I wandered down the paths of non fiction for many years. My life changed completely a couple of years ago and I returned to Romance to find my escape.

I write 'Sweet N Steamy' stories because to me there is enough angst and darkness in real life. My favorite romances are happy escapes with a focus on fun, friendships and happily-ever-afters, just like the ones I write.

These days I live in beautiful Montana, the last best place. If I'm not reading or writing you'll find me just down the road in the park - Yellowstone. I have deer, eagles and the occasional bear for company, and I like it that way :0)

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5 stars
188 (68%)
4 stars
58 (21%)
3 stars
21 (7%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,303 reviews1,780 followers
June 28, 2016
My Rating:

4.5

Favorite Quotes:

She just wasn't cut out for a normal life. The most enduring relationship she'd ever had was with her camera. It did what she wanted it to. It went uncomplainingly whenever she wanted to go, whenever she wanted to go. It didn't mind getting up at the crack of sparrow-fart to catch a sunrise with her.

I did try to have a normal life there for a while. You know, a boyfriend, a roommate. I didn't quite get it right, and when I figured out that the boyfriend was sleeping with the roommate, I gave up and came back to the life I'm good at - wandering.

He sat up slowly and put his feet on the floor; it was symbolic in his mind. He needed to get his feet planted firmly back on the ground.


My Review:

I adored this story and these characters; they were realistic, true to life, and relevant. He was a buttoned-down workaholic Dudley Do-Right, and cynical about love as well as his ability to have a life and a career. She was an independent woman, nomad, wanderer, free-lance photographer that was living and traveling the country in an RV. After the pair experienced three chance meetings in one day while on separate vacations, and with obvious chemistry in the air, their attention and longings for more such encounters had been tapped. Neither fully trusted their luck but after three weeks, both were questioning if they go back to their former lives of isolation. The storyline was interesting, entertaining, and engaging. I will forever be a fan of S.J. McCoy's personal brand of sweet and steamy romances, she has this art form mastered.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
July 4, 2016
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book. It is a short, sweet, love story. Sully and Jess are total opposites, and the two of them together are fantastic. Love all of this authors books, and this one is no exception. I highly recommend this authors work and cannot wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,208 reviews18 followers
April 3, 2020
This is a sweet book in the Hope Falls series. I felt bad for Sully losing his mentor Patrick right after Patrick retired. Unfortunately Patrick had learned to not take his family for granted too late, he wanted Sully to learn it sooner. Sully is one of those guys who loves his job and puts 110 per cent into it with no life outside of work. I was glad to see he still had some good friends in the agency to talk him into taking time off. I loved the ways that he and Jess kept running into each other. Jess is such a free spirit and had some hard knocks. They both end up at Hope Falls where I think destiny played a part getting the two together. I enjoyed the book and encourage you to read it. The author was giving away the book and I was lucky enough to get one. I voluntarily read and wrote a review.
98 reviews
December 20, 2018
Heartwarming

Oh SJ your books have always transported me to a wonderful world. And I love Jess and Sully's world. These two will go from loneliness to a wonderful life TOGETHER. just one thing. When's the next book pleeeease can't wait. Thank you hugs xx
Profile Image for Kate McMurry.
Author 1 book124 followers
April 3, 2020
Lovely, opposites-attract, contemporary-romance novella

After years of faithful service in the FBI, Special Agent James Sullivan (Sully), is feeling confused and rather burned out. He has taken three weeks off from his job in Sacramento, an extremely rare event in his hectic career, because he is mourning the recent death of his most trusted mentor and friend, which occurred within weeks of retiring from the Bureau. His friend's last advice to 30-something Sully is still ringing in his ears: Avoid making my mistake of sacrificing the possibility of a fulfilling personal life due to living entirely for your job.

Gorgeous, robustly fit Sully has never had a serious relationship because, as the saying goes, he is married to his job. As a case in point, his most recent dating attempt dried up and fizzled out from sheer neglect. Therefore, looking for love is the farthest thing from Sully's mind when he decides on a whim to visit his college roommate, who is the police chief of the small town of Hope Falls in the upper Midwest.

Beautiful, 30-something Jess Archer is a nature photographer who is successful enough to fund a carefree, footloose lifestyle. She has never had a long lasting romantic relationship, and her most recent attempt ended in disaster when, while temporarily living in Tucson, she discovered her recently acquired boyfriend in bed with her roommate. She immediately purchased a motorhome and hit the road. While wandering around the country, on a sudden whim, she decides to visit a fellow photographer whom she met professionally years ago and became friends with. Her friend is currently married to the local police chief in the small town of Hope Falls in a beautiful, scenic, mountainous area in the upper Midwest. Jess she figures she can both catch up with her friend and take some lovely nature photographs while in town.

When Sully and Jess meet in Hope Falls, their connection is immediate and soul deep, above and beyond the intense physical attraction that the two of them experience. For each of them there is a sense of safety and coming home that feels both utterly unfamiliar and intensely right. But how can two people so completely different in their approach to life, with the only real thing they have in common a fear of commitment, be anything more to each other besides a temporary fling?

This is a lovely, heartwarming novella. I really liked and admired both Sully and Jess. Though this novella is short, the arc of the romance between these two extremely sympathetic romantic protagonists is believable and well-motivated, with a very satisfying HEA. It is the highest ideal of a romance story to convince readers that its two lovers are soulmates, a goal that far too few romances manage to achieve. This story accomplishes that feat extremely well. I was personally completely convinced that these two attractive lovers are made for each other.

This is not a G-rated story, but the sex scenes are never crude. They are both passionate and very tender.

This story is part of a larger, extensive series set in the town of Hope Falls. I have not read any of those other stories, but this novella stands on its own very well. There is no cliffhanger.

I rate this book as follows:

Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Romance plot: 5 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
451 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2020
Sully and Jess

This is a short story packed full of loss hope and love. From city life, traveling in a motor home to living like an Eagle.
Sully has just lost his best friend, just three week's after his retirement, and it's given Sully something to think about. So he's off to visit another old friend. On the journey he calls into a rest stop, and is waiting inline to use the facilities when a very pretty woman comes to join the cue, but seeing her doing her little dance Sully waves her in ahead of himself. She is so happy when she comes out that she gives him a quick kiss on the lips!
This is a story of two people changing their lives for the better.
I love "Jess" she comes over as a ditzy blond, but when she lets you into her past you can't help but love her.
I hope you will read this book and enjoy it as much as I have.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Evans.
279 reviews3 followers
December 31, 2017
Really enjoyed!

I read the Remington series and loved all of them! Your work is awesome and I enjoying Jess and Sully's story!
Profile Image for Alecia.
36 reviews
April 15, 2018
Love this book so typical of SJ McCoy's books leaving you wanting more of the story.
Profile Image for Kimhe Rockchicks.
1,454 reviews61 followers
January 1, 2019
A Hope Falls Kindle World story.
Short, sweet with two adorable characters Jess & Sully who are just perfect for each other. Any story set in the fictional town of Hope Falls is worth anyone's time.
Profile Image for Brandi Sartin lawrence.
659 reviews6 followers
January 2, 2019
Jess and Sully are perfect for one another you never think a fling could turn in to more. Is love at first sight real?
Profile Image for JenV.
484 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2020
Not great, not awful, mostly cheesy. I do enjoy this author, but she writes American characters with British vernacular which continues to grate on my nerves. I keep reading her books anyway.
17 reviews
Read
April 8, 2021
Great set up.

Great set up for Manny and Sully's characters. It's nice having back ground on them and Jess to see where they all started out.
Profile Image for Gene Brown.
35 reviews
Read
April 19, 2021
This is one of the best novella's that I have read and it was good to see so me of the other characters from other books there also.
Profile Image for S Camp.
16 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2016
What happens when life puts you at a cross road? Unsure of what your future will hold, how do you survive? This happens to Sully and Jess, two totally different people living two totally different lives until a chance meeting at a gas station bathroom. Sully has just lost his best friend and mentor, life holds no meaning for him anymore. He knows there has to be more to it, but how does he find it. Jess is a free spirit, never able to put down roots, a nomad trying to find where she can fit in. Both Sully and Jess complete strangers just floating on the ocean of life, nothing in common except they have friends living in Hope Falls and the overwhelming feeling to get away from lives normal current. While stopped at a gas station they collide and soon discover there is a lot more to life and a future to look forward to.

This was introduction to the Hope Fall series. The stories are short and make for an excellent summer weekend getaway. I have always loved SJ McCoy's writing style, she is an artist with words. Her character development is spot on, you can not help but fall in love with Sully and Jess. Sully, the FBI agent and Jess, the free spirit photographer, two ships passing in the sea of life. Time can never dictate what the heart really wants, no matter how hard you fight it.
Profile Image for Coral Mitchell.
3,188 reviews
July 13, 2016
Sully, Special Agent James Sullivan, is on his way to Hope Falls. He's going to visit an old friend, and take some time off after his boss and friend died. He probably wouldn't tell you Patrick's death left him wondering if there shouldn't be more to life than his FBI career. Jess Archer lives in her motorhome and travels the country as a freelance photographer. There may be no one in the world who knows or cares where she is from one day to the next, but that's a good thing. Or so she tells herself. Still, she's thrilled at the chance to visit someone who does care about her, her old friend Tessa.

Sully and Jess are very different people, but both searching for the same thing- home. Their attraction is immediate and Sully believes he missed his chance to get to know her at their initial meeting. He feels lost since Patrick died. He told him for years the career is not everything and can be detrimental to his happiness. Sully is at a crossroads and must decide what he will do. Jess cannot find a place or a person that make her feel wholly welcome, but Hope Falls feels different. Especially with Sully in town. A great read.
Profile Image for Joanna Brocklehurst smith.
475 reviews6 followers
June 30, 2016
Wow, once again SJ McCoy has produced a really amazing book. Sully and Jess leap out of the page at you and once they grab hold, they ain’t letting go.
Jess is a free spirit. Driving her motorhome where ever the wind takes her, she doesn’t want to settle down, well she tried it and didn’t succeed. So her life as a photographer, always on the road suits her.
Sully, the workaholic FBI agent is opposite to Jess in every way, but as the saying goes ‘opposites attract’. This could not be more true in their case. Neither thinks this will lead anywhere in the beginning but both realise that they have found the missing piece of their lives.
The road is not smooth, Jess likes her freedom and Sully is used to his rather regimented life style, but following the death of his close friend and mentor, he wonders if life is passing him by.
Can they meet an agreement where they both get the life they want together whilst keeping their independence?
Profile Image for Dana.
392 reviews31 followers
July 30, 2016


I am so in love with this story and these characters!!!

As a fan of SJ's work I was excited to read a new story with brand new characters in a brand new place! This is my first taste of Hope Falls but I look forward to going back to the beginning of the series to meet all the characters of this great little town.

At first glace, Jess and Sully couldn't be more different! Jess and her free spirited ways vs. Sully and his lifestyle married to his job. Despite their obvious differences, these two have chemistry that is off the charts!!!

Novellas can be a challenge, trying to fit in a complete love story in a small amount of time but SJ pulls it off in beautiful fashion without the pace feeling rushed at all!.
Profile Image for Pamela Morgan.
24 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2016
I have read all of SJ's books and loved them all and this novella is no different.

It was strange meeting new characters but the where amazing Jess is such a free spirit and Sully like to plan and map his life out.
These two couldn't be more different if they tried.
Sully is married to is job as a FBI agent and doesn't think he can have a life and a career. Jess love nothing more than to travel and keep her passion for photography alive.
They have a chance meeting at a gas station and feel a connection then again at hope falls where they are both going to meet friends. It a love story that has its struggles but they are made for each other's.
183 reviews
June 28, 2016
I love the Hope Falls series and I also love SJ McCoy and her Summer Lake Series. Imagine my delight when I was gifted this book to review. It was a very quick easy read. Because it is a novella it was love at first sight and the characters developed quickly yet so naturally. It was very well written and as I can see Hope Falls in my mind's eye,Jess and Sully fit right in! I am so happy they give to live out their happily ever after in one of my favourite fictional towns. Hope Falls fans will not be disappointed and SJ McCoy fans will know that she has written another beautiful story.
25 reviews4 followers
June 23, 2016
I sat down after work to read this novella thinking I'll read a few chapters and have an early night. This wasn't to be! From the first chapter, meeting Jess and Sully in a dual point format, I was hooked. The story progresses quickly but doesn't feel rushed. I also really connected with both characters and in the three hours it's taken to read this, I have been grinning at and with them, sad, excited, hopeful... it goes on. I'm really looking forward to exploring side characters Tess and Eric too if their story is written. Thank you for a yet another wonderfully written, engaging story.
Profile Image for Kristi Cramer.
Author 18 books56 followers
June 29, 2016
This short novella from SJ McCoy set in the Hope Falls Kindle World is wonderful. In typical SJ fashion, her characters are honest and open, and there is little in the way of angst. Just a story of two people who find each other in a small town, away from this crazy world we live in, and they make it work.

SJ McCoy crafts stories I love to read as an escape from the world. They're light, fluffy, and steamy. Like dessert in the desert of modern times.
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
4,391 reviews41 followers
June 28, 2016
Hope Falls: If I Fall by S.J. McCoy....What an awesome story in the Hope Falls Kindle World. Such a sweet touching read, full of love and great characters. I really enjoyed watching a relationship build between Sully and Jess. This is a must read book for any S.J. McCoy or Hope Falls fans. I was given a complimentary book for an honest review.
20 reviews
June 29, 2016
This book is a wonderful collection of characters who you feel like you're friends with. SJ has the gift of taking you to these wonderful places and makes you fall in love with the characters. This story doesn't disappoint! Fall in love with Hope Falls...I did!
Profile Image for Regan.
795 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2021
I love this book!

This is a very sweet story about opposite attracting. Sully is straight laced and Jess is a free spirit. It's fun, heart warming and has all the Hope Falls feels you have come to expect.
10 reviews
January 15, 2019
amazing

I love these books and SJ is an amazing writer. I have read ALL OF HER BOOKS AND SHE QUICKLY BECAME MY FAVORITE AUTHOR.. I COULDN'T PUT DOWN HER BOOKS ANY OF THEM. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!
513 reviews4 followers
January 25, 2019
A beautiful story.

I loved the visit to Hope Falls. This was a short but very well written story with characters that you really connect with and root for. I would recommend any book by SJ McCoy because they are filled with family, friends and romance.
4 reviews
February 1, 2019
Lovely short story

Great diversion from the other books. Just wondering if there are More Hope Falls like Simmer Lake, Hamilton’s etc.. I was half expecting the cast from The Remmingtons to drop in and invite them to Yellow Stone... cross cover could easily work!
755 reviews
May 28, 2019
Love it

Want much more have read everything and waiting for the new releases back to montana and more, of the silver series as well as more of the nashville group Can't wait soon please
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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