Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Falling #1

The Falling Duet

Rate this book
Plain. Scattered. Klutzy. Naïve.

These are just a few ways people describe pretty but ordinary Rosie Fisher, and she’s okay with that. With her dull, mundane—sometimes messy—life.
It suits her.

Or so she thought…

Laid-back. Playboy. Charming.

These are just a few ways people describe handsome and charismatic Drew Nallen; he thrives on attention—especially from women—but likes his orderly, controlled life.
It suits him just fine.

Rosie. Drew. One accidental encounter and these two opposites are sharing more than a new friendship. They strike a life-changing deal, and what happens next?

It surprises them both.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2016

17 people are currently reading
92 people want to read

About the author

Shirl Rickman

8 books57 followers
Shirl Rickman is a writer, a dreamer, and an optimist. A small town Texas girl currently residing in the San Francisco Bay Area with her beautifully blended family and their sweet, crazy dogs. When she's not dreaming up new love stories, Shirl can be found reading and drinking way too much coffee. She loves kindness, laughing and meeting her readers.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
43 (40%)
4 stars
30 (28%)
3 stars
23 (21%)
2 stars
4 (3%)
1 star
5 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,920 reviews118 followers
October 8, 2016
4 Stars!

Shirl Rickman is a brand spanking new author to me and that will definitely change after this book. Falling Slowly is the first book in a brand new series that is shaping out to be so good. Full of steam and feels, this book touched all my high points of what I love about this genre. Rickman did an amazing job from the relatable characters to the flowing storyline.

Falling Slowly was a sexy, sweet, intense, passionate, and twisted book that will keep you on the edge of you seat as you race through the chapters. This book sucked me in from the first chapter and I didn't want it to end when the pages stopped turning. Rickman did a a superb job captivating me, helping me get lost between the pages.

It started out as an arrangement. Rules were set and they were to be followed. But like all rules, they are meant to be broken. Meet Rosie and Drew... two people who are going to play with the strings of your heart before stealing it away.

I am on pins and needles waiting for the next installment of this series!

I recommend this book.

Review Post >> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2016...
Profile Image for fantastybooktok87.
201 reviews
October 4, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve never read anything from Shirl before so I wasn’t sure what I expected at all but I absolutely hands down loved this novella.

This is a beautiful story that really gripped at my heart. I really was rooting for these characters through out and knew the arrangement they made right from beginning would never work in the end. This book made me feel a lot of emotions and I even cried like a baby. God I can’t believe the way Shirl has left me wanting more. I need the next instalment in this series like I need my last breath.

Well done Shirl you have me wanting more and I cant stop thinking about these outstanding characters.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Falling-Slow...

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Elizabeth from Kinky Kittens Book Blog

Review by Elizabeth
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,694 reviews98 followers
October 7, 2016
3.5 stars

Cliffhanger

This is the story of Rosie and Drew. These are two people who were within one another's circles without ever realizing it until circumstances and a chance "collision" brought their attention to one another. I really enjoyed the build up of a friendship between Rosie and Drew at the start of this story. I think after the things Rosie has experienced in her life as an adult it makes sense that a man like Drew appeals to her. I think it is obvious there is something going on with Drew that he isn't completely revealing about himself. Throughout the story I waited to find out what Drew was hiding from Rosie, but I never found out because this story ends in a cliffhanger. The different levels of friendship and intimacy between these two characters is well done, and the way it all plays out by the end of the book was somewhat surprising while at the same time made complete sense. The next story, Free Falling, will be the continuation of this story from Drew's point of view rather than Rosie's.

Review by Cara
Profile Image for Shawn.
257 reviews6 followers
September 26, 2016
While she was falling slowly, he was free falling.

Rosie is so endearingly adorable! She is relatable in that clutsy way she has and the fact that she's simply a hot mess.

Drew is breathtakingly handsome! He is so self-assured and comfortable and just effortlessly put together.

The bar and dates!! OMG so ridiculously hilarious descriptions of the potential targets!

So for all the Rosie girls: Be bold, Be strong, Be adventurous!

I connected with Rosie so much! It was this kismet feeling. I can see so many qualities of myself in her and I want her to find her Moments in Time.

Now Drew...I really want to know what's going on in that mind of his.

I need one minute to prepare myself for the fact that I have to wait to find out the rest of the story.

I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Theresa Alberts.
838 reviews6 followers
October 6, 2016
Falling Slowly by Shirl Rickman is a story about finding who you've been all along while discovering that believing you were that person is all you really needed. Rosie Fisher is looking to be the girl that guys notice. She believes that she has been the awkward girl who's forgettable for too long. After she meets handsome and charismatic Drew Naller in the coffee shop, she begins a path of self discovery with his help even if it does break her heart ever so slowly. Drew Naller is a serial dater and refuses to do more. He befriends Rosie and agrees to help her become
more confident. It's only when he begins to break his own rule that everything begins to crumble.

I CANNOT wait for Drew's POV in December!!!

3.5 stars
Profile Image for Ria Alexander.
2,668 reviews51 followers
October 12, 2016
AN ADORABLE STORY WITH AN EQUALLY ADORABLE HEROINE....

This is the first book that I have read by Shirl Rickman, and I must say that it definitely won't be the last. I can honestly say this because, yes I have to read the next installment of this series. This book had me enchanted from the very beginning through to the final word. Ms Rickman's style of writing was easy to read and it was a pleasure to read. What I loved about this story the most, was the fact that it wasn't your typical romance - it was actually the opposite. Two people brought together for two completely different reasons.

Rosie Fisher, a copy editor by day, was left with no real self-esteem when she separated from her previous boyfriend. He made her think that she was not good enough to be with. Yes Rosie is naive, klutzy, hesitant when it comes to men - but that is what endeared me to her. Basically her life is a mess and she is in need of a fix me up!! She needs a guy to recognise her for what she is and not for what they want her to be.

Drew Naller, graphic designer, playboy, a man not looking for any committment, when it comes to relationships. He's confident in himself and that confidence is what he uses to pursuade Rosie into making a deal with him. He's going to be her teacher in relationships, he's willing to help her gain back her lost self-esteem.

This delightful story is hilarious and heartbreaking all at the same time. Both start their friendship/relationship for different reasons, but they both slowly fall for each other. Unfortunately because of the deal that they made at the beginning, things don't always go as planned.

I fell in love with Rosie instantly and Drew did grow on me throughout the story, but there were times when I could have rammed his behaviour right down his throat. As their story got closer to the end I only had one wish....but then BAMM .... Ms Rickman puts in cliffhanger. I SCREAMED, I RANTED, I RAVED, I ALMOST THREW MY KINDLE.....but then I thought....wow we get to have even more of the growing Rosie and the enigmatic Drew....YAY!!!!

I'm looking forward to reading the continuation of their story....especially since this time it will be told from Drew's POV.

FIVE STARS from this new and invested fan.

Review written for Reading Is Our Satisfaction Blog.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
October 8, 2016
Rosie Fisher is perfectly happy to be plain, scattered, klutzy, and naive, until the day that she literally falls into Drew Nallen. Now she wants to make herself become more interesting to the opposite sex, and she's decided that commitment phobe Drew would be the perfect teacher. They strike a deal, until the rules are broken. I really need to pay closer attention to the blurbs, as I fell in love with this story, so when it ended like it did, I only had colorful metaphors coming out of my mouth. Needless to say, Shirl Rickman with all of her talented writing style, has made the list of authors trying to KILL ME! From the very beginning, I was fully captivated, and Rosie grew on me quickly. The problem is, so did Drew, and yet, I wanted to throat punch him more than once. The character development is great, with a entertaining cast of secondaries. I will be waiting for the next installment impatiently, as it can't come quickly enough, so I have to HIGHLY RECOMMEND the start of this addictive series!
Profile Image for Shawn.
257 reviews6 followers
December 28, 2016
Free Falling is the conclusion of Falling Slowly. I strongly recommend reading it first.

We pick up on Rosie and Drew's story right where we left off.

It was all fun and games until someone decided that feelings were involved. He got scared and she got hurt. Now they have to see if there is a way to fix it.

I read as Drew tried to navigate feelings that he locked down 10 years ago. He pulls out the big guns and goes to mom for answers.

Five pivotal moments, five words

Favorite Quotes:

"...take hold of her and savor every moment like it's your last..."

"I like to think of your connection as more a moment in your lifetime together than just a moment in time."

I enjoyed getting a man's POV about the fear and hurt that they deal with, hearing and feeling the inner thoughts of Drew and how he views a relationship. Shirl writes the sweetest love stories. Excited to see who falls next!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Kristann Monaghan.
Author 9 books40 followers
October 10, 2016
I love a full length novel, but sometimes, there is something about a novella that captures you and keeps you reading and wanting more. This is the case with Falling Slowly by Shirl Rickman. I WANT MORE of Rosie and Drew! Now please!

Rosie is a character that I swear Shirl Rickman watched my dating life to come up with...no really. I am that awkward, nice girl who has no idea what she is doing in the dating world, just like Rosie. We are talking hot mess. Rosie is one big hot mess. And then comes Drew.

Drew is a playa. In no other terms but that...a playa. He isn't looking for serious. Then Rosie comes along and what ensues is hysterical, endearing and will make you laugh and cry. This is a sweet novella that made me want so much more from these two characters. Hurry Shirl Rickman....I need more!
Profile Image for Rach.
171 reviews5 followers
January 2, 2017
I love this book. I didn't want to put this book down, nor did I want to finish it, and then I wanted to throat-punch Shirl for the ending. But in a good way. Rosie and Drew complement each other so well, and their conversations are realistic, as realistic as they can be for a couple in their arrangement. The fire and the passion that burns between them is raw and real and it made me want to grab my husband and stoke the embers of our flames from when we were in our mid-twenties. Thank goodness Shirl recently finished and released Free Falling (Falling Novella Series #2), or I would have sent her a few messages asking her why she likes to torment her readers. Fun, easy read and extremely likable characters. I enjoyed the lightness of it, but I was also extremely vested in Drew and Rosie's relationship, which may or may not be healthy.
Profile Image for Parker  Lynn.
1 review
May 19, 2017
This rating was hard for me, cause I'm a bit torn. 3.5 Stars.

Shirl Rickman is a new author to me, and I enjoyed her writing style. This book was a light, fast read that was cute and sweet.

I'm not sure why there is a new trend authors are doing to make multiple novella's about the same story/couples, but I don't like it. It doesn't make sense why they don't just write a full length novel. This is just a personal pet peeve of mine.

All in all, I don't think this book was for me. It didn't capture me enough to want to read the second book. However, Shirl has perked my interested and I and will look into some of her other books!
Profile Image for Heather.
316 reviews9 followers
October 8, 2016
No strings, that what is always wanted with a casual beneficial relationship.
Rosie and Drew become good friends after she fell into his arms from tripping in the rain. She's ready to change part of who she is and asks Drew to help her out. Their new found addition to their relationship is supposed to work and not cause any changes.
I am now (im)patiently waiting for volume two to see what happens when things get complicated.
341 reviews5 followers
October 7, 2016
Rosie and Drew...what a pair...
Rosie is a wonderful fun character, one that most possibly everyone see a little of themselves in. Drew is your typical fun loving guy not looking for commitment. Rosie wants to be more like Drew, so she asks him to teach her how.
A heart warming story... looking forward to the next installment.
Profile Image for Cassie.
182 reviews8 followers
October 5, 2016
4.5 Stars
Reviewed for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty
66 reviews4 followers
October 7, 2016
Fall in love with Drew and Rosie! I did! You can't help it. Shirl Rickman writes lovable characters. Don't miss the novella!
Profile Image for Heather.
316 reviews9 followers
December 25, 2016
The perfect ending (or should I say beginning) to Drew & Rosie's story.
Profile Image for Melinda Knight.
186 reviews
January 15, 2023
OBSESSED

I'm completely obsessed with these characters! I also have fallen love. The real, raw, and passion these two lead characters have is what we all want and hope to have in our lives and want it for others as well. Now I need Abby's story too. But Drew is my new book boyfriend!!
48 reviews10 followers
March 26, 2018
This is the second time I'm reading this novella! I love this - it makes me chuckle when I read it. It puts a smile on my face because it reminds me so much of one of my dearest friends. If you haven't read this or any of her other books - please do! Now... to read part 2 again...
Profile Image for hana.
182 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2024
Free Falling: I got this as a blind date with a book and didn’t realize it was the second in a series so I started out a bit confused but was able to piece together the plot of the last book pretty quickly. This story was super cute and I kind of liked reading just this without any backstory :)
Profile Image for Persefani D.
70 reviews15 followers
January 5, 2026
I absolutely loved part one and part two of this duet! Rosie's clumsiness was so relatable and my heart just ached for Drew in part two when you got to see all the turmoil he was experiencing during his and Rosie's interactions. I'm so reading for Parker's book!!
Profile Image for Ronny.
31 reviews
April 4, 2018
I was so wrapped in this book. I couldn't stop reading. I am most excited to read more from this author. I felt like I was part of these characters lives.
Profile Image for Lorina Lynne.
Author 1 book14 followers
October 12, 2016
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hmmmm... I'm not quite sure what to say. I am reeling over the ending... which isn't an ending at all! Now to wait for the next book in the series. It's called torture.

The book is about Rosie, a nerdy, awkward girl who seeks help from her friend Drew to become more confident and self-assured. They make a deal to leave emotion out of the equation, but when Rosie begins to realize that she can't keep up the arrangement, she breaks it off. Drew realizes that he wants more with Rosie, but he doesn't do more.

This is a sweet, easy to read story that kept me engaged and entertained. So many times I wanted to talk some sense into both of the main characters. This is a book you'll want to keep reading until it's finished and then throw across the room when it's over. I can't wait for the next book in the series! 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews362 followers
November 8, 2016
4.5 Stars
Cassie
I have to say that I have found a new author with this book! Shirl Rickman packed so much emotion and feelings into this book that I could not wait to see what happened between Rosie and Drew.

I absolutely loved Rosie. She may be one of my favorite characters. She is every girl out there and is so relatable. She is slightly awkward, talks without thinking first and is a little klutzy, and I loved it all! She is also all heart and definitely wears it on her sleeve. Because of this she has suffered a heartbreak and has decided to get back out there and find somebody. She also decides she may need help with this because she does not trust her judgement. A chance encounter with Drew and one instant friendship later and she has a wingman. I really loved how Drew made Rosie comfortable in her own skin. He was super sweet and just a little mysterious. Drew is a great guy, but refused to do relationships and would not really explain why this was. I liked Drew, but we really don’t get to know him very well. What we do see is that he really cares about Rosie and may not be on board with her dating others and not him.

Rosie and Drew decided to go into a casual no-strings relationship while Drew coaches Rosie on dates and how not screw it up. As a reader you can see the writing on the wall a mile away. Rosie is not made to be in a causal relationship without getting her heart involved. But she goes into this agreement optimistic that she can do this. The chemistry between Rosie and Drew is instant and hot. They can hardly keep their hands to themselves, which is an issue especially when she is on dates with other men. But with all things this does not last. Rosie heart is way too involved in this “casual” relationship and she cannot do this anymore. This book does not have a happily ever after and ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger.

I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. The author did a great job of making you feel what Rosie was feeling and just pulling you into the book. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. This is a must read book!
Profile Image for Kristy.
781 reviews
March 19, 2017
This was a fun, sweet story. This is the first of a novella serial (I'm not sure how many parts).

Rosie and Drew are very different types of people, but both very likeable. Rosie is a bit of a hot mess in the dating world; she definitely needs to build her confidence. By a chance encounter, Drew enters her life. He's not a commitment sort of guy, but maybe he can help Rosie with that confidence issue...

Of course, their arrangement is simply a no-strings one, along with a friendship as well.

I'm really looking forward to book two!
Profile Image for Crystal.
25 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2016
Meet Rosie, the girl who underestimates herself due to her ex boyfriend, but can't see her potential. Insert Drew, a cute, smart, funny guy who seems out of Rosie's reach. A friendship starts and Rosie turns to Drew for love/sex advice....I am going to stop right there because the rest is just too good.

Shirl has a a way to really make you connect with her characters. You understand them, and they are so real to you. This did end on a cliffhanger, but I can't wait to read the next book. I devoured the first book.
Profile Image for Crystal.
25 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2017
This was the perfect conclusion to Rosie and Drew. The book was from Drew's POV, which was nice because the reader was able to understand why he held back from Rosie. This book was so sweet, and realistically showed how a guy is to woo a girl into love.

I really enjoyed Drew's family especially Parker. They were hilarious during Sunday dinners. I can't wait to see what Shirl does next with these brothers. (hint hint)

57 reviews
October 6, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. It had my emotions all over the place - it was sweet and hot and left me frustrated yet hopeful. I loved Drew and Rosie and seeing their friendship develop. I knew all along with their chemistry there was no way they could be "just friends". I'm dying for book 2 to find out what happens next and how their story will end!
Profile Image for Lynda.
146 reviews3 followers
October 15, 2016
I loved this novella. From page 1 the characters, Rosie and Drew, held my interest because the writing brought them to life. This book was rich with description, filled with the perfect amount of angst, humor, and sexiness. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Lynda.
146 reviews3 followers
January 2, 2017
This was a wonderful addition to the story of Rosie and Drew. I love these two characters and I really enjoyed the story from Drew's point of view. I wish I could keep reading about the both of them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.