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Rose Falls #1

Finally Falling

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I swear, he isn’t my boyfriend. He’s just my best friend.
At least, he used to be….

Devin:
From day one, our friendship never made sense. I was happy in the studio with a canvas and a paintbrush, and Russ was the gorgeous star quarterback that everyone loved… including me. But I could never tell him. He was straight. I should have been happy that I got to see a side of him that nobody else did: Russ was sensitive, thoughtful, and affectionate when it was just the two of us. Our friendship didn’t make sense, but it was ours. That’s all that mattered.

But after college, Russ left Rose Falls without even saying goodbye. I was ripped apart, and everyone could see it.

But that was eight years ago. Ancient history. It was all in the past… Until suddenly, it wasn’t.

Russ:
I’m done running.

Eight years ago, I was terrified of losing everything because of feelings toward Devin I couldn’t shake. It shouldn’t have been possible—I was straight! So why couldn’t I keep my eyes off my best friend’s lips, his smooth skin, his body after a shower? I thought that leaving would make the confusion go away. But it never did.

Now that I’m back home, I feel like myself for the first time in my life. I need to make things right with Devin.

But I hadn’t anticipated falling into bed with him. And even after one scorching night, can Devin ever forgive me for leaving without a trace? Or have I missed my chance?


Finally Falling is a 68,000-word gay romance about two best friends falling in love. It features a kitten named Pepper, plenty of crunchy fall leaves, and hot 'n' steamy scenes next to a waterfall. It’s the first book set in the small, quirky town of Rose Falls, but can absolutely be read as a standalone novel.

277 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2017

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About the author

Raleigh Ruebins

53 books468 followers

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5 stars
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371 (25%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,037 reviews25.3k followers
October 7, 2024
Finally Falling is book one in the Rose Falls series by Raleigh Ruebins. This is my first book by this author. I was looking for something autumn themed and this sounded perfect. I ended up really enjoying this. It’s a best friends to lovers, small town romance with two sweet men who had a little trouble figuring out what they really wanted.

We first meet Russ Dalton and Devin Crawford in their last year of college. They are twenty two years old. These two grew up together in Rose Falls, New York, and have been inseparable throughout their childhoods. But they actually are very different. Russ is the straight football player, while Devin is the gay artist. But they just worked. Although in college, they drifted a bit apart. But, even though they had plans for their future, Russ left town after graduation with no goodbye, leaving Devin broken hearted. Because yes, he felt a lot more than just friendship towards Russ, he always had, but he kept it hidden well.



Skip forward eight years. Both men are now thirty years old. Devin is now an art teacher in the local high school. He never left Rose Falls. And out of the blue, Russ comes back and ends up renting the house across the street from Devin. Russ is determined to make things right with Devin. He wants his best friend back. But Russ also has secrets. He’s kept a part of himself locked away all his life. It’s time for him to open up and live the life he wants to live.



These two were both such amazing guys. But they were also masters at not sharing the important stuff with each other! It was frustrating but I loved them both so much that I didn’t let it get to me. I was looking for a fall themed story and this was filled with all the autumn leaves and chilly nights that I wanted. I can’t get enough of those! I really liked this author’s style of writing and am definitely reading the next book, My Winter Family, which focuses on Devin’s brother, Emmett. I can’t wait to read it.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~.
3,583 reviews1,123 followers
May 2, 2023
Finally Falling is a slow burn, no angst, best-friends-to-lovers story, but if you're allergic to miscommunication, watch out!

The entire relationship hinges on Devin and Russ refusing to share their feelings for the other: Devin because he doesn't think his feelings are reciprocated and Russ because he thinks he's not good enough for Devin.

Lord, save me from stubborn boys!

The steam is on the low end, but the HEA is all rainbow. One adorable kitten included.

I liked all the secondary characters; thankfully, there was no smack-you-in-the-face setup for book 2, but I'm excited about the potential pairings.
Profile Image for Len Evans Jr.
1,503 reviews223 followers
February 9, 2018
OK gonna start this review by just using my status updates I posted while reading this book as I think that will best convey my feelings on it as I went along.
I usually like "Friends to Lovers" stories... but even though I love Devin and Russ it is just taking way too long for these knuckleheads to tell each other what they are feeling. I mean they are beyond clueless... I am all for anticipation and all but I am 50% done and no romance yet. Tempts me to just skim a few chapters till the romance starts. But I'll be good and wait for it! Russ is acting like he is 18 not in his thirties... or actually more like a child who rather than dealing with the situation hides under the bed. I am not buying that he would have reacted this way, even with his insecurities...
I just don't get the fact that this is supposed to be romance, cuz instead of Devin and Russ dating... Russ runs away. These are adults and supposedly friends, yet they apparently can't even communicate with one another. Too much unnecessary angst and stupidity... Might just DNF this one, the author has 15% to get their characters' head out of their asses or I'm done! 75% - Devin and Russ are still miserable and NOT together... Yah know if the couple in the book are only actually together and happy for like less than 25% of a book that is NOT romantic... it's more like torture!
So now to wrap it up, I absolutely loves the first 25% and the last 25% of this book... the middle 50% while well written was so full of angst and stupidity by the MCs that it was pure, unadulturated torture. If I could have reached into my Kindle slapped those two I would have. I know the author did her best to try and make it believable, but if your in your 30s and still acting like an immature teenager you need serious help or you should not be dating anyone! So what it all boils down to is my giving this book 3 stars, cuz 50% of it was awesome... so I rounded up a 2.5 to 3.
Profile Image for Line.
1,082 reviews171 followers
Read
October 29, 2017
DNF. This was not holding my attention, and it was just TOO easy.
Russ comes back, Devin insta-forgives Russ for being a douche previously, we are all friends again...
Ta daaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh
Profile Image for fleurette.
1,534 reviews161 followers
November 1, 2021
Nice but not great story.

There are basically two themes here - from friends to lovers and something like a second chance. I especially like the second one and it is used not too badly.

The characters are ok. They don't do a lot of stupid things. Although of course a great deal of drama could have been avoided if Devin and Russ had talked to each other seriously. But the reasons why they do not do it are pretty rational and justified, I was not as irritated as usual because of it. Russ especially has to think about many things before he decides to talk to Devin. Which doesn't change the fact that I was still frustrated that they can't talk seriously with each other and explain everything.

As I said, the characters are fine. Not necessarily very memorable but not stupid and properly developed. They make a nice couple. Devin's friends are also a definite plus. I also expected Angelo’s part to be more developed. His disappearance at some point is a bit strange.

I have a serious problem writing a review of this book because it is a very average read. It did not cause me greater emotions, either positive or negative. It's nice enough to probably add another book in this series to my TBR list, especially since it's about Devin's brother Emmett. But the details of this story are already beginning to blur in my memory and in a month I will have a problem to remember that I read such a book at all.
Profile Image for Anne in VA.
1,330 reviews20 followers
May 23, 2020
2 stars may seem harsh, but I'm sticking to it. I really hate the misunderstanding trope, especially when it feels forced. And this book was jam packed with it. By that, I mean when someone says something in a certain way--that isn't how someone would normally phrase it--just for the author to force the other character to misunderstand what is being said. It's annoying and I don't like it.
Profile Image for Amanda Jean .
630 reviews17 followers
January 3, 2019
Still a solid 3 stars for me. A sweet romance with very little angst. Mostly just because the MCs don’t communicate until the end. Still, it was a light, cute read.
Profile Image for Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva.
935 reviews91 followers
December 31, 2023
2.5 stars. This one started off pretty good but unfortunately went downhill the farther I went. It was a good concept but it was a little too long for me. I’m pretty sure at 65% the one MC was on a date with someone else still. There just wasn’t enough focus on them. I’ve loved many other stories by this author so will definitely try some other ones again but probably won’t continue this series.
Profile Image for Paige.
754 reviews13 followers
October 3, 2021
So this was my first book by this author and I was intrigued. I’ll have to say, this author has a great writing style: it was easy to read and at times witty and funny. The plot is what killed it for me. First of all Devin forgives Russ way too quickly. Like, WAY too quickly. It was to the point where Russ didn’t even have to ask for forgiveness and he already got it. I’m sorry but if I had a BFF my whole life and we signed a lease on a place together and they leave after the lease is signed and then never talks to me again for EIGHT YEARS there’s no way in hell I’m running into their arms and telling them I forgave them years ago? Petty? Probably. Do I stand by it? Absolutely.

The majority of this book was spent with the MCs dating OTHER people. I just didn’t understand it. They didn’t get together until like 86%, which is not okay!!! If these two didn’t already have a history then their declarations of love would have seemed so far fetched. We didn’t get to see them together at all. It was really hard for me to like Russ. I get he was going through some stuff but a little communication would have went a long way. Anyway I’m still trying to decide if I want to continue reading the rest of series because as I said the writing itself is great, I just don’t want another book of them going back and forth until they end up together on the second to last chapter.
Profile Image for Bookreader87(Amanda).
1,168 reviews44 followers
November 28, 2017
2.5 stars
My number 1 problem with this book was one of the MC's, Russ. This guy was a big old coward which made him unlikable to me. He not only runs away from his hometown, due to developing feelings for his best friend (Devin), but he stays away for 8 years. 8 years where he has shut out Devin not only that but one drunken night, after he is back, leads them to some oral activity after said activity happens instead of talking about it like an adult he tells Devin he needs space. Space he needs to try and rid himself of his feelings for him so he can be a better friend. It's like he is full of excuses as to why not tell Devin the truth. COWARD!! I just got tired of the back and forth with this guy. He couldn't figure out what he wanted.
The other problem I had was the two MC's hanging out or going out with other guys. My problem with this is when the relationship has not even developed between the MC's throwing other people in the mix is a disservice. There is no solid foundation between Devin and Russ, how am I suppose to root for them to become a couple when you have given me no reason to, so forgive me when I think Angelo was a better person for Devin.
The saving grace for this book was them finally pulling their heads out their asses and Pepper :)
Profile Image for Emma.
906 reviews58 followers
January 12, 2018
ok but not great - 2.5* rounded up because nothing made me crazy.

I wanted to read book 2 but I prefer to not jump into a series. So my reaction to this one might simply be that it is not my type of book. it is a very simple story of Russ returning to his home town 10 years after he left his best friend Devin behind. The men are in love with each other but have not told one another. When Russ left town he was closeted. Thankfully he got that out in the open quite quickly. But then of course there was lots of misunderstanding. Eventually they do talk and then it is pretty much all roses after that.

My only real beef was that it is not clear how long Russ has been out. has he had any prior experiences? And why does Devin feel free to tell everyone about Russ without actually asking him if he is comfortable. And there are parts where it seems like he is bi and others where it seems he is not. Mostly I don't care but I would like the author to be consistent.

All in all a sweet but uninspired read. I will still read book 2 though.
Profile Image for Cindi.
1,710 reviews85 followers
Read
February 24, 2020
Stopped @ 59%.

88 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2017
I totally floved this book. Well, I shouted at it too but I suppose that if the characters could hear what I was saying the book would be over in 3 pages!
I adored Russ and Devin, their friendship, the way they just loved each other so much but were also scared that admitting it would ruin their friendship.
The supporting characters were amazing. I loved Devin's family and Meredith and Shane too.
Altogether a well-written book that will keep you rooting for the happy ever after. You know it's coming but it still makes you so sad every time it doesn't happen straight away.
Let's not mention Pepper...she's the cutest.
155 reviews
March 22, 2018
1.5 stars.

You know that perfect piece of candy that looks so good and delicious but the moment you bite into it you find it’s so sweet that you almost gag? Yeah, that’s how I felt reading this. The meet-cute. The sad misunderstanding. The tearful reunion. Bleh. Sorry, not for me.
Profile Image for Earlyn.
664 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2019
Second chances

Russ and Devin grew up together, until after College the friendship took a back and Russ moved away with a girl.
Eight years later and Russ moves back , and living on the same street with Devin.
The friend ship started like nothing happened. Both guys trying to keep the friendship going, without the other knowing about their feelings.
Little did Devin know that Russ was not the straight boy he once knew.
Then on drunken night leads to an explosive make out session.
Of course there is the morning after, that goes with heartache and disappointment.
I loved how this part was handled. They had to learn to listen to their hearts and learn to trust.
No cheating and a happy ever after
Profile Image for Simera.
1,792 reviews7 followers
October 25, 2017
Finally Falling is a second chance romance. Russ has run from his feeling for his best friend pretty much all of his life. At 30 he finds himself back in his home town and seeing Devin has him scared of what he thinks he can't have.
Devin can't believe that Russ is back in town and he is fighting his own feelings toward Russ.
There were times I wanted to smack both characters all they needed to do what talk to each other because of fear they almost lost out on love. This is really a sweet story of best friends turning into lovers.
I received a copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,008 reviews26 followers
January 22, 2018
Very light and fluffy with a large serving of miscommunication and a small serving of sexy times. Friends to Lovers done very well with a great HEA.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,337 reviews
August 29, 2020
Ferris wheel rides, a lost kitten saved from the rain, and maple syrup addiction; yep this is a sweet story.
Profile Image for Bretton Coppedge.
343 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2017
Its not a good book if you don’t want to grab the characters, smush them together and say “Now kiss”. This adorable second chance romance was the right amount of angst and sweet. From the beginning, you can tell that Russ and Devin have always wanted to be together and they have just let life get in the way. When Russ returns to Rose Falls, he hopes to rekindle his friendship with Devin but still holds his heart back. Devin wants his friend back but he is also willing for more.

The will they or won’t they aspect was portrayed perfectly, I had to keep guessing how they were eventually going to get together and it was very rewarding when they did. I really liked that even though there was angst, there wasn’t drama. None of the characters tried to be with someone else just to cause jealously, which is refreshing. I also really appreciated Devin’s brother’s advice: Are you having relationship problems? Did you talk about them? No? Well then go do it…now. That kind of advice is so timeless and true that it should feature more prominently in romance novels. Its so much better than the tired go make them jealous trope. In fact, Devin’s brother’s advice was so good, I hope he gets his own book.

This is a great cozy up and read book. The fall atmosphere is portrayed really well and will get you in the mood to drink hot chocolate or some pumpkin spice concoction while you read. I hope the author continues the seasonal aspect of the series and I hope more will come soon.
Profile Image for liz.
761 reviews41 followers
Read
December 14, 2017
Two characters (one an MC) attracted to more than one gender but "exploring" their sexuality or never going to settle down. And when the MC "comes out", it's only to say he's also attracted to men. And he's a "baby gay" except...no. Why is it so hard to ID them as bi or pan or not gay? C'mon.

The story is both predictable and annoying. The entire conflict is crap communication between two grown ass men. One of my biggest pet peeves - misunderstandings and endless walking away instead of talking.

Then there's the clunky dialogue...find a contraction, yo. Plus some generally poor editing. It's my first book by the author, and maybe it's their first book? These things could be cleaned up in future books, because this definitely FEELS like a first book.
Profile Image for JD Crittendon.
1,170 reviews11 followers
April 25, 2018
Premise Rehash!

I liked the romantic styling of Devin & Russ. However, I also thought the premise is a popular re-hash. I didn’t buy the fact 30 y/o’s were afraid to reveal their feelings after 8 years. It’s a sweet okay read.
Profile Image for Aubrey.
122 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2017
Meh

There was no conflict, just the MCs getting in their own way. Both had such unfounded confidence issues and half the struggle was them being honest with each other. It stretched out the book in a rather annoying way. Because of the whole, "I assume he will hate me for loving him" mind set the book dragged, and I struggle to remember anything particularly nitable about the book.
Profile Image for Eboni.
197 reviews4 followers
December 21, 2017
Communication is key

This is the perfect example of communication being everything. This whole book revolves around 2 people who are "best friends" for practically their whole lives until one just up and leaves without looking back. While I like the characters separately I don't like their interactions. It didn't feel genuine.
Profile Image for Carol Dawn.
Author 42 books349 followers
April 23, 2018
Meh

It was okay. It was a decent book to pass the time. I can't say there was much I didn't like, it just seemed boring and drag at times.
Profile Image for Helen Juliet.
Author 51 books202 followers
November 18, 2017
A gorgeous book with lovely characters and engaging plot. Well written and captivating. The guys threatened to break my heart at times, but it was all okay in the end! Just the right amount of angst. I look forward to more books in this series.
Profile Image for Michelle.
835 reviews4 followers
January 16, 2018
Was kind of a slow starter but in the end had just the right amount of drama and angst to satisfy my fangirl heart. Wish there had been more potent sex scenes as they were pretty tame. Found Emmett to be a charming side character and am eager to read his story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews

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