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Ponderosa Falls Wilderness Resort #0.5
Falling Again
If her first love doesn’t remember her, they might never get their second chance.
Kai Colepepper has spent years trying to forget the boy who broke her heart. But when she returns to his family’s mountain resort and signs up for a long-distance hike, she can’t avoid Aaron forever. Turns out, there’s only one thing worse than being stuck on the trail with an old flame who doesn’t remember you—being stuck with an old flame and their wife.
Aaron Myers wasn’t supposed to help his cousin Naomi lead a four-day trek into the Colorado mountains, but he couldn’t resist when a beautiful tourist signed up. Too bad his mystery woman barely speaks to him. Aaron’s not sure what he did wrong, but he doesn’t have much time left to figure it out. As soon as their hike ends, Kai will be on the first flight home.
Falling Again is a sweet romance with plenty of chemistry but no explicit content. It can be read as a standalone, or as a prequel to the Ponderosa Falls Wilderness Resort series.
Kai Colepepper has spent years trying to forget the boy who broke her heart. But when she returns to his family’s mountain resort and signs up for a long-distance hike, she can’t avoid Aaron forever. Turns out, there’s only one thing worse than being stuck on the trail with an old flame who doesn’t remember you—being stuck with an old flame and their wife.
Aaron Myers wasn’t supposed to help his cousin Naomi lead a four-day trek into the Colorado mountains, but he couldn’t resist when a beautiful tourist signed up. Too bad his mystery woman barely speaks to him. Aaron’s not sure what he did wrong, but he doesn’t have much time left to figure it out. As soon as their hike ends, Kai will be on the first flight home.
Falling Again is a sweet romance with plenty of chemistry but no explicit content. It can be read as a standalone, or as a prequel to the Ponderosa Falls Wilderness Resort series.
143 pages, ebook
First published October 4, 2021
4 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Sydney Muse
7 books43 followersSydney Muse writes sweet stories full of lovable characters and swoon-worthy kisses. She grew up in a big city surrounded by the ocean, but now she lives in a small town surrounded by mountains. When she's not writing, you can find her (accidentally) killing plants in her garden, wrangling her kids, watching cooking shows with her husband, and trying to entertain two rambunctious cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 3, 2021
IT’S BEEN FOURTEEN YEARS—THAT’S A LONG TIME
The story is a sweet second chance romance that is a clean read. The two main characters met as children, but the last time they saw each other was when she was thirteen. Now, fourteen years have passed, Kai’s life has gone through several changes, and she wants a chance to do what never happened, hike to Willa Peak.
The story will have Kailyn ‘Kai’ Colepepper traveling to the Colorado mountains to Ponderosa Falls Wilderness Resort in hopes of seeing Aaron Myers again and to complete one of her goals, hiking to Willa Peak. But, this was a goal that she and Aaron had made a pact to do when she was thirteen. Will he even remember her?
Entering the resort, she will see Aaron behind the desk, but he doesn’t recognize her, and her heart sinks. Kai will arrive and discover that her coat isn’t adequate for the four-day hike to Willa Peak even in July. At least she will get to do this overdue hike on her list. She will go outside to wait for the rest of the group to arrive. What a shock when Aaron comes out and informs Naomi that he will be taking the place of Raven—and then he learns that this is a Women in the Wilderness hike.
The story is full of secrets, mystery, angst, and misinformation. It will have Kai trying to avoid Aaron, so disappointed he has completely forgotten her. Aaron has a rule of never getting involved with guests, but there is something about KC (as she goes by on the hike) that he is drawn to her. What a shock when he discovers she is the girl he has never forgotten about and hadn’t seen for fourteen years. Kai is the only one of the four people on the hike not from the area, so she is at a disadvantage of knowing relationships and people.
Each of the four hikers has their own issues—Kai pining over a young love that doesn’t remember her—Aaron is shocked when he learns that KC is, in fact, the girl he never forgot. Meredith is dealing with public humiliation and breakup, and Naomi is doing her best to prove that she has what it takes to lead these hikes. She is also hurt over the separation of her parents—something that Kai can fully understand.
I love the Myers family, how they have united in maintaining the family traditions of the resort, leading hikes, and teaching people about nature and the wilderness. Amongst siblings and cousins, there is plenty of teasing each other, but they all work together too.
The story offers just the right level of angst, suspense, compassion and gives the reader the coveted happily ever after ending. I look forward to more stories in this series.
The story is a sweet second chance romance that is a clean read. The two main characters met as children, but the last time they saw each other was when she was thirteen. Now, fourteen years have passed, Kai’s life has gone through several changes, and she wants a chance to do what never happened, hike to Willa Peak.
The story will have Kailyn ‘Kai’ Colepepper traveling to the Colorado mountains to Ponderosa Falls Wilderness Resort in hopes of seeing Aaron Myers again and to complete one of her goals, hiking to Willa Peak. But, this was a goal that she and Aaron had made a pact to do when she was thirteen. Will he even remember her?
Entering the resort, she will see Aaron behind the desk, but he doesn’t recognize her, and her heart sinks. Kai will arrive and discover that her coat isn’t adequate for the four-day hike to Willa Peak even in July. At least she will get to do this overdue hike on her list. She will go outside to wait for the rest of the group to arrive. What a shock when Aaron comes out and informs Naomi that he will be taking the place of Raven—and then he learns that this is a Women in the Wilderness hike.
The story is full of secrets, mystery, angst, and misinformation. It will have Kai trying to avoid Aaron, so disappointed he has completely forgotten her. Aaron has a rule of never getting involved with guests, but there is something about KC (as she goes by on the hike) that he is drawn to her. What a shock when he discovers she is the girl he has never forgotten about and hadn’t seen for fourteen years. Kai is the only one of the four people on the hike not from the area, so she is at a disadvantage of knowing relationships and people.
Each of the four hikers has their own issues—Kai pining over a young love that doesn’t remember her—Aaron is shocked when he learns that KC is, in fact, the girl he never forgot. Meredith is dealing with public humiliation and breakup, and Naomi is doing her best to prove that she has what it takes to lead these hikes. She is also hurt over the separation of her parents—something that Kai can fully understand.
I love the Myers family, how they have united in maintaining the family traditions of the resort, leading hikes, and teaching people about nature and the wilderness. Amongst siblings and cousins, there is plenty of teasing each other, but they all work together too.
The story offers just the right level of angst, suspense, compassion and gives the reader the coveted happily ever after ending. I look forward to more stories in this series.
May 23, 2023
I’m a sucker for a novella prequel! And I really enjoyed reading all about Aaron and Kai! And who wouldn’t fall in love with a setting like Ponderosa Falls?! I can’t wait to go back and read more love stories in this series. I just wish the MCs would’ve been able to join more time together without some of the miscommunication though it did make for some hilarious antics!
April 23, 2023
Romance level: kissing 🔥
I loved the first line. What a way to dive into the story!
This book's gold. Aaron's first pov was so cute 😍. The hike was hilarious & fun 🏕️. I loved how Aaron got in it.
I understand how Kai felt, I think it would've hurt a little bit too. I loved the moment he recognized her though, it was so sweet.
The first few days of the hike were a mess😅 I just wanted to have those two stop assuming stuff, it was so chaotic 😂but it was good though. It felt real, we tend to assume & expect the worst... but it was also cute seeing them work through it.
Because life, & especially relationships, won't be perfect. You will say stuff you don't want, or it will be awkward. And that's totally fine, because you work things out! No matter how many tries it takes.
I loved the epilogue 😍 these two were so cute. The final chapters were so cute. I loved seeing their doubts having no place anymore 🏞️😍 I loved their story.
The extra epilogue! Aaron was so nervous but it chaotically worked out fine⛰️. Make sure to read that one too. Book 2 coming next!
⚠️TW: parents getting a divorce.
🏕️
* I was kindly gifted an copy from the author by subscribing to their newsletter. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
I loved the first line. What a way to dive into the story!
This book's gold. Aaron's first pov was so cute 😍. The hike was hilarious & fun 🏕️. I loved how Aaron got in it.
I understand how Kai felt, I think it would've hurt a little bit too. I loved the moment he recognized her though, it was so sweet.
The first few days of the hike were a mess😅 I just wanted to have those two stop assuming stuff, it was so chaotic 😂but it was good though. It felt real, we tend to assume & expect the worst... but it was also cute seeing them work through it.
Because life, & especially relationships, won't be perfect. You will say stuff you don't want, or it will be awkward. And that's totally fine, because you work things out! No matter how many tries it takes.
I loved the epilogue 😍 these two were so cute. The final chapters were so cute. I loved seeing their doubts having no place anymore 🏞️😍 I loved their story.
The extra epilogue! Aaron was so nervous but it chaotically worked out fine⛰️. Make sure to read that one too. Book 2 coming next!
⚠️TW: parents getting a divorce.
🏕️
* I was kindly gifted an copy from the author by subscribing to their newsletter. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
October 26, 2021
Falling Again is a great quick read story that will leave you smiling. With it's hallmark-esque vibes and adventurous tones, you're in for a wonderful couple hours of reading. It is written beautifully that you can feel as if you are on the hike chatting with each character.
I love adventure but as I get older (okay I'm still under 30 but I feel older all of the time haha) the more I enjoy reading and watching adventures rather than doing then myself. So books like this are wonderful because it gives me a chance to explore places I wouldn't otherwise go (fictional or not).
There we're some parts I had difficulty connecting to characters, but for a story this length that is common. However, only thing I wish this book had was more of it. I enjoyed it so much and can't wait to read more from author Sydney Muse (especially future books in this series).
I love adventure but as I get older (okay I'm still under 30 but I feel older all of the time haha) the more I enjoy reading and watching adventures rather than doing then myself. So books like this are wonderful because it gives me a chance to explore places I wouldn't otherwise go (fictional or not).
There we're some parts I had difficulty connecting to characters, but for a story this length that is common. However, only thing I wish this book had was more of it. I enjoyed it so much and can't wait to read more from author Sydney Muse (especially future books in this series).
November 7, 2021
Assumptions Sure Make a Mess of Things . . .
Kailyn Colepepper knew Aaron Myers when they were children. Fourteen years later, she wants to hike to Willa Peak, something that was important to her because she and Aaron had planned to do that and never did. She still remembers the boy who broke her heart back then, but it’s time to stop hiding.
Aaron Myers was helping his cousin Naomi with a four-day hike in the Colorado Mountains. He doesn’t recognize Kailyn, but he can feel her aversion to him. She made an assumption that he was married. Will they use this time to communicate and get the facts straight on the past and the present? Or will she prefer to just walk out of his life again never knowing the truth?
Kailyn Colepepper knew Aaron Myers when they were children. Fourteen years later, she wants to hike to Willa Peak, something that was important to her because she and Aaron had planned to do that and never did. She still remembers the boy who broke her heart back then, but it’s time to stop hiding.
Aaron Myers was helping his cousin Naomi with a four-day hike in the Colorado Mountains. He doesn’t recognize Kailyn, but he can feel her aversion to him. She made an assumption that he was married. Will they use this time to communicate and get the facts straight on the past and the present? Or will she prefer to just walk out of his life again never knowing the truth?
April 28, 2025
a quick read filled with no communication between the leads and everyone fully aware of their dilemma about each other. Aaron had fallen in love at first sight with a hiker he hung up at the store: only a few miles later he realized she was none other than his old childhood crush! Meanwhile, his cousin Naomi warns him that there's no flirting inside her hiking group.
Kai, feeling embarrassed that Aaron didn't recognize her at first, notices how close he and the hike leader Naomi are: she believes they're married and continues the hike by ignoring him.
definitely recommend reading if you like an awkward heroine who just thinks it's too late to correct herself and a hero who wants to fight for the woman he's fallen for.
Kai, feeling embarrassed that Aaron didn't recognize her at first, notices how close he and the hike leader Naomi are: she believes they're married and continues the hike by ignoring him.
definitely recommend reading if you like an awkward heroine who just thinks it's too late to correct herself and a hero who wants to fight for the woman he's fallen for.
October 18, 2021
This is the prequel for The Ponderosa Falls Wilderness Resort Series and it is Kai and Aaron's story and what a great start to a new author and series. I really loved this book and it was so well written that it had you turning the pages to see what would happen next between Kai and Aaron and if they would get there second chance of being together and having a happy ending. The characters and storyline pulled you in and kept my attention throughout the book and I can't wait to see what Sydney Muse writes next and I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2021
The first book in the Ponderosa Falls Wilderness Resort series by a new Author this looks like it is her debut book. I found the story to be well written with a very good storyline. Kai Colepepper goes back to Aaron Myers family’s mountain resort and signs up for a long-distance hike. They where close years ago until he did something that broke her heart. She is finding it hard, as he does not remember her, and he is married or is he? I enjoyed seeing their story come together. The story was well worth reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2023
This is the first book (prequel) of the Ponderosa Falls Wilderness Resort series and it is also the first book I have read by Sydney Muse. It won't be my last.
Kai & Aaron haven't seen each other in 14 years when they were both 13 and Aaron doesn't recognize her. She mistakenly believes that he doesn't remember her and is embarrassed to say anything. She continues to make assumptions about him and so tries to dissuade him from having any interest in her. How does he convince her, he isn't what she believes? Well, you'll just have to read for yourself!
All the characters were wonderful and the story kept me turning the pages.
This is a clean romance with no swearing or sex scenes.
Kai & Aaron haven't seen each other in 14 years when they were both 13 and Aaron doesn't recognize her. She mistakenly believes that he doesn't remember her and is embarrassed to say anything. She continues to make assumptions about him and so tries to dissuade him from having any interest in her. How does he convince her, he isn't what she believes? Well, you'll just have to read for yourself!
All the characters were wonderful and the story kept me turning the pages.
This is a clean romance with no swearing or sex scenes.
December 31, 2024
A Sweet Second Chance Romance To Warm Your Heart
Head over to Ponderosa Falls for this Sweet Second Chance Romance featuring wonderful characters!
This story has a classic miscommunication (or rather, lack of) trope that frustrates you to no end because you really want these two to end up together!
But no worries, the pining adds so much to the story, coupled with these character's past connections and their adorable shyness, with a little banter thrown in.
This story is the perfect light read with fun adventures and a great HEA!
Note, this story does not contain spice, but it does contain great chemistry!
Head over to Ponderosa Falls for this Sweet Second Chance Romance featuring wonderful characters!
This story has a classic miscommunication (or rather, lack of) trope that frustrates you to no end because you really want these two to end up together!
But no worries, the pining adds so much to the story, coupled with these character's past connections and their adorable shyness, with a little banter thrown in.
This story is the perfect light read with fun adventures and a great HEA!
Note, this story does not contain spice, but it does contain great chemistry!
January 7, 2025
The Trials of True Love and Destiny -
This is a sweet, small town, second chance romance, set in a beautiful and serene location, with lots of interesting moments and only a little bit of drama. There were a few issues of mischief and failure to communicate, that let to misunderstandings between the characters, but they finally got their act together and found their way to the happiness they both deserved. If you are looking for a clean, feel-good romance story to read, then grab a copy of this book and have fun reading it.
I received a copy of this book free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a sweet, small town, second chance romance, set in a beautiful and serene location, with lots of interesting moments and only a little bit of drama. There were a few issues of mischief and failure to communicate, that let to misunderstandings between the characters, but they finally got their act together and found their way to the happiness they both deserved. If you are looking for a clean, feel-good romance story to read, then grab a copy of this book and have fun reading it.
I received a copy of this book free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2021
Assumptions and misunderstandings abound in this second chance romance, as Kai returns to Penderose Falls Wilderness Resort to join a hike. She immediately recognizes Aaron, her first crush, and whilst she looks familiar, Aaron cannot think where he knows her from. The romance in this novel builds slowly as the main characters are confused by one another's actions, and I also felt that the intensity of the childhood friendship was a bit improbable. Nevertheless, the novel ends on a sweet note.
January 31, 2023
This short, clean, second chance romance was so *sigh* good with hiking, angst, misunderstandings and God’s beautiful creation to keep the reader’s attention!
The reader could really feel the ‘gunk’ of Kai not being recognised at the beginning of the story and her misplaced conceptions breaking her heart. And Aaron…what a keeper!
Thoroughly recommend this book and look forward to reading Naomi’s story!
The reader could really feel the ‘gunk’ of Kai not being recognised at the beginning of the story and her misplaced conceptions breaking her heart. And Aaron…what a keeper!
Thoroughly recommend this book and look forward to reading Naomi’s story!
February 15, 2023
This sweet clean romance takes place in the mountains of Colorado. Kai travels from her home in Washington DC to the resort where her family went each summer of her youth to try to find her first crush, Aaron. Aaron is working the desk for his brother when Kai arrives for her 4 day hike. Aaron doesn't recognize her but feels an immediate tug towards her.
April 4, 2025
Extremely cute novella, but I hate the misunderstanding tropes and I am wondering why no one considered social media/using technology to stay in touch. Either way, this is a very quick read in the Ponderonsa Springs world and if you want something super quick, happy, and adorable to get you through, say rough postpartum nights and feeds, this is a good book! :)
June 17, 2025
I wanted to like this as much as the other book I read in this series. I just honestly didn't, though.
Miscommunication went on way too long and too much from every character. It made it frustrating to read. At one point, I was like, for the love of all things, please talk to one another.
I do want to read Dean and Ravens story.
Miscommunication went on way too long and too much from every character. It made it frustrating to read. At one point, I was like, for the love of all things, please talk to one another.
I do want to read Dean and Ravens story.
February 6, 2022
Going hiking in Colorado was the best part of the summer. She was shy and met a guy who was shy too. But they became friends. Then life happened. But she was going to go there one more time before starting a new job
May 6, 2023
Good story, good premise but too much introspection and not enough dialogue as well as too much repetition. It could’ve been a 5 star read but I had to skip over several parts that dragged on too long.
January 7, 2025
Sweet second chance love for 2 twenty-somethings who first met as children and haven't seen each other in a decade. Points off for all the misunderstandings and misinterpretations that could have been a real conversation.
March 12, 2025
FALLING AGAIN is an entertaining sweet romance. Kai and Aaron haven’t seen each other since they were young teenagers falling in love. Now, years later, the tingles come back but the assumptions and shy doubts tangle up the path to their happily ever after.
October 18, 2025
The storyline is okay, but not great… It takes place around a camping trip in Colorado. Hiking through the mountains, there’s a lot of confusion about who’s who…. Finally, two old friends reconcile, and suddenly they’re getting married a year later?
October 13, 2021
Beautifully written and fun to read. I loved this sweet romance with a slow reveal backstory. Now I'm eager to read the next book!
December 29, 2021
This book was written beautiful! However, I did not enjoy it as much as I wanted too. It was still a really good book.
January 22, 2022
A well-written sweet romance with believable characters and a credible story line - but lots of angst.
January 11, 2023
It was harder for me to get behind a first love at 13. I’d call it first crush, but the story was full of cute and awkward moments.
January 14, 2023
I enjoyed this story.
Content: clean
Content: clean
December 24, 2023
No me gustó.
La Naomi de este libro es tan diferente a la de de su libro, me sorprendió.
La Naomi de este libro es tan diferente a la de de su libro, me sorprendió.
January 9, 2025
Super repetitive story line that feels like it takes forever to figure out the miscommunication
July 21, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ really cute little read 🥹 they got their second chance yayyyyyy
October 14, 2025
This was precious, and I loved the Colorado setting and all of the side characters. I’ll definitely be checking out the rest of this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews