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Whisper Lake #7
Next Time I Fall
What happens when Mr. Wrong turns into Mr. Right?
After three years of being a single mom, café owner Chloe Morgan is finally ready to take another chance on love. She's found the perfect man in Joel Bradshaw. He checks all her boxes when it comes to stability, commitment, and accountability.
And then Joel's best friend, Decker Hayes, comes to town…
Decker is exactly the kind of man Chloe doesn't want. A self-avowed wanderer, Decker might be attractive, sexy, and great with her kid, but he doesn't make plans. He doesn't think long-term. He's not someone a woman should count on.
Decker would agree. Coming from a broken home, Decker is not a family man. He isn't even sure what family really is. Chloe is also dating his friend, which makes her off-limits.
But as Chloe and Decker are thrown together during a house remodel and the unraveling of an old family mystery, they find themselves falling for the absolutely wrong person.
Neither one wants to risk another broken heart, but when love shows up, anything can happen…
After three years of being a single mom, café owner Chloe Morgan is finally ready to take another chance on love. She's found the perfect man in Joel Bradshaw. He checks all her boxes when it comes to stability, commitment, and accountability.
And then Joel's best friend, Decker Hayes, comes to town…
Decker is exactly the kind of man Chloe doesn't want. A self-avowed wanderer, Decker might be attractive, sexy, and great with her kid, but he doesn't make plans. He doesn't think long-term. He's not someone a woman should count on.
Decker would agree. Coming from a broken home, Decker is not a family man. He isn't even sure what family really is. Chloe is also dating his friend, which makes her off-limits.
But as Chloe and Decker are thrown together during a house remodel and the unraveling of an old family mystery, they find themselves falling for the absolutely wrong person.
Neither one wants to risk another broken heart, but when love shows up, anything can happen…
- GenresRomanceContemporary
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2023
287 people are currently reading
1130 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Freethy
144 books2,683 followersBarbara's love of writing developed out of a love of reading. Growing up in an all-boy neighborhood, she spent quite a bit of time reading through her mother's large library, many of which were romantic novels. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she went into Public Relations, but soon discovered that writing was her true passion.
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
February 7, 2023
When you least expect it, destiny can show you love where you least expect it.
Chloe broke up with her son Leo's father because he didn't pay attention to them, but soon after starting a relationship with Joel who seemed like the man who could be devoted to a relationship with her, one of his best friends appears in Whisper Lake and carve out a special place in the town and in Chloe and Leo's lives.
Decker arrives to help with the renovation of Chloe's parents' house in a moment between works and with some free time, but finds friendship, a mystery from his past that made him understand why he liked the city when he passed through there as a child, and love, the pure love of a child and the love he didn't even imagine being able to live and a place where he wants to stay.
Another perfect book by Barbara Freethy.
Chloe broke up with her son Leo's father because he didn't pay attention to them, but soon after starting a relationship with Joel who seemed like the man who could be devoted to a relationship with her, one of his best friends appears in Whisper Lake and carve out a special place in the town and in Chloe and Leo's lives.
Decker arrives to help with the renovation of Chloe's parents' house in a moment between works and with some free time, but finds friendship, a mystery from his past that made him understand why he liked the city when he passed through there as a child, and love, the pure love of a child and the love he didn't even imagine being able to live and a place where he wants to stay.
Another perfect book by Barbara Freethy.
January 23, 2023
Next Time I Fall, is an emotional,
engaging & intriguing romance.
It keeps you wanting to know what
happens next.
Decker, is in town to help out
Chloe, with a home to remodel.
What they found is a mystery
to figure out.
I loved Chloe & Decker's story.
Great characters. Especially Leo.
I truly enjoyed reading it.
A Must Read!!
engaging & intriguing romance.
It keeps you wanting to know what
happens next.
Decker, is in town to help out
Chloe, with a home to remodel.
What they found is a mystery
to figure out.
I loved Chloe & Decker's story.
Great characters. Especially Leo.
I truly enjoyed reading it.
A Must Read!!
January 28, 2023
Barbara Freethy has done it again! I absolutely loved Next Time I Fall, it is an incredible love at first sight love story. It is the seventh book in the Whisper Lake series. Each book in the series gets better and better, but I think that Next Time I Fall is my favorite story in the series so far. Barbara Freethy has once again shown that she is an amazing storyteller. It was impossible to put it down. I loved every moment on every page. I really enjoy how the book is told from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. Next Time I Fall is a love at first sight love story and is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. I love the lighter moments where I find myself smiling and laughing out loud. My favorite moments are the ones that pull at my heartstrings that cause me to sigh, as I read the heartbreaking moments. Next Time I Fall is filled with such moments, and with so much emotion. It is filled with all those things that we have come to love and expect in a Barbara Freethy love story, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. I love how Barbara Freethy always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong, sassy woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy man. Next Time I Fall is the story of Decker Hayes, construction contractor and Chloe Morgan, single mother to a four-year-old son, Leo, and manages the Blue Sky Cafe for her former in-laws. Decker is the friend of Joel Bradshaw, Chloe’s current boyfriend. At Joel’s request, Decker comes to Whisper Lake, a place he remembers visiting as a child, to renovate Chloe’s parents’ rental property so they can put it on the market since their last tenant Eleanor Johnson, recently died. Decker is currently between jobs and is willing to help Chloe with the renovations. Upon her death Chloe discovered that Eleanor was a hoarder and as they go through Eleanor’s belongings, vague secrets regarding Decker’s past are revealed. As Chloe and Decker work on cleaning out Eleanor’s belongings things change between them. Conversation between Chloe and Decker flows so easily, I love that both Chloe and Decker share secrets with one another that they have not shared with anyone before, especially his feelings about relationship with his father and their nomadic lives. Chloe is confused about her relationship with Joel and her feelings for Decker. Chloe wants someone who will put her and Leo first, and she is not sure if that is Joel since he is constantly changing plans because of work. She also knows that Decker does not want to stay in one place for long. An unexpected plot twist changes their relationship, because of a simple question by Leo. I love that both Chloe and Decker were both so vulnerable and that they both change because they are willing to take the risk to have a relationship, something neither one of them wanted to do in the past. I love all the changes that Decker willing make in his life, because he wants a future with Chloe. I loved the multiple plot twists in the story, and how they are all so wonderfully resolved in this incredible love story. I loved that Next Time I Fall is a more than just a romance, there are dilemmas that both Chloe and Decker are facing that need to be resolved. I love that there were multiple storylines: Decker’s fear of staying in one place, Chloe’s relationship with Joel, the mystery behind Eleanor Johnson, but most importantly Chloe and Decker’s love story. I love how all the storylines get so beautifully resolved. Love Chloe’s heart-to-heart with one of her best friends, Hannah. I love all the descriptions of the Whisper Lake setting that Barbara Freethy detailed, it makes me want to visit. Next Time I Fall is filled with the poignant and bittersweet moments in the story as well as the plot twists, that I have come to love and expect in Barbara Freethy's stories. I love the cast of characters in Next Time I Fall , and I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? One of my favorite part of the book is Decker’s interactions and relationship with Leo. Reading Next Time I Fall felt like a family reunion, because the reader was able to catch up with the other characters in the series. I love Chloe’s interactions Hannah, Gianna, and Keira, they felt like real friends, but my favorite part was Decker’s exchanges with Hannah. My favorite part was the epilogue and how it went above the happily ever after. My favorite line comes after Chloe talks to Marian and realizes that Mr. Wrong has definitely turned into Mr. Right. I thoroughly enjoyed Next Time I Fall, who does not love a love at first sight love story. Highly recommend this incredible love story and am so looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
January 26, 2023
I have really enjoyed this series and while you can read each story as a standalone, it is worth the time to get to know the characters of Whisper Lake.
Chloe is a divorced mom who is trying to build a business and raise her young son, Leo. It has been a few years since the divorce, and she wants to be clear she and Leo are a package deal should she decide to consider dating. She has met a nice man, Joel, who seems to check all of the boxes. He has recommended a friend of his, Decker, to assist with the clean-up of her parent's rental property to sell. The tenant had recently passed away and when she visits the property, she learns that the tenant, Eleanor, was a hoarder. Decker meets her at the house to assess the property so he can prepare a bid. Chloe and Decker cannot ignore the attraction that they are feeling but will not act on it because of Joel. Chloe and Decker work together with the clean-up and Decker is starting to have some memories as a young boy that puts him in Whisper Lake. Chloe helps him with his memories by taking him to certain locations on the lake that trigger more memories. He is starting to realize that there is a connection with Eleanor but can't seem to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Chloe's time with Decker is causing her to question her relationship with Joel.
Decker cannot seem to suppress his own feelings for Chloe nor can he ignore the discovery of the information he and Chloe have learned about Eleanor. Decker needs to make a big decision that will protect him and Chloe and Leo.
It was so great to read about Chloe as she is a good friend in the series. Her friends want her and Leo to be happy and they are standing on the sidelines cheering her on.
Chloe is a divorced mom who is trying to build a business and raise her young son, Leo. It has been a few years since the divorce, and she wants to be clear she and Leo are a package deal should she decide to consider dating. She has met a nice man, Joel, who seems to check all of the boxes. He has recommended a friend of his, Decker, to assist with the clean-up of her parent's rental property to sell. The tenant had recently passed away and when she visits the property, she learns that the tenant, Eleanor, was a hoarder. Decker meets her at the house to assess the property so he can prepare a bid. Chloe and Decker cannot ignore the attraction that they are feeling but will not act on it because of Joel. Chloe and Decker work together with the clean-up and Decker is starting to have some memories as a young boy that puts him in Whisper Lake. Chloe helps him with his memories by taking him to certain locations on the lake that trigger more memories. He is starting to realize that there is a connection with Eleanor but can't seem to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Chloe's time with Decker is causing her to question her relationship with Joel.
Decker cannot seem to suppress his own feelings for Chloe nor can he ignore the discovery of the information he and Chloe have learned about Eleanor. Decker needs to make a big decision that will protect him and Chloe and Leo.
It was so great to read about Chloe as she is a good friend in the series. Her friends want her and Leo to be happy and they are standing on the sidelines cheering her on.
February 1, 2023
Next Time I Fall is #7 in the Whisper Lake series but can be read as a standalone. I would definitely take the time to go back and read all the Whisper Lake stories! As a single mom to her 4-yr old son, Leo, Chloe is cautious as to who she gets involved with. After her divorce from Leo's father, Chloe is determined to give Leo consistency because his father is a full-time military officer who always put his military family before his own. When Chloe met Joel, she thought he checked off all her boxes. Joel has recently moved to Whisper Lake to try to have a more peaceful life. He's been running his father's construction company in New York and thinks Whisper Lake is the perfect place to settle down. But can he handle the slower lifestyle?
Chloe has to renovate her parents' rental property after a long-term renter passed away. Joel has the perfect person to help her with the project. Joel's friend, Decker, has worked in construction for a long time and has a few weeks open before his next project. When he arrives, the chemistry between Chloe and Decker is something that surprises them both. Of course, Chloe is in a relationship and would never cheat on Joel. But as time goes by, Chloe begins to wonder if Joel really is the man she's been waiting for.
As Decker works on the renovations, he finds out he's connected to the town in a way he never would've expected. He's spent his whole life traveling the world but is it time to put down some roots?
This story has it all. Wonderful characters, sweet romance, a picturesque town, and a little bit of mystery! Barbara Freethy is such a great storyteller.
Chloe has to renovate her parents' rental property after a long-term renter passed away. Joel has the perfect person to help her with the project. Joel's friend, Decker, has worked in construction for a long time and has a few weeks open before his next project. When he arrives, the chemistry between Chloe and Decker is something that surprises them both. Of course, Chloe is in a relationship and would never cheat on Joel. But as time goes by, Chloe begins to wonder if Joel really is the man she's been waiting for.
As Decker works on the renovations, he finds out he's connected to the town in a way he never would've expected. He's spent his whole life traveling the world but is it time to put down some roots?
This story has it all. Wonderful characters, sweet romance, a picturesque town, and a little bit of mystery! Barbara Freethy is such a great storyteller.
January 28, 2023
It was amazing that Chloe was such a loving, giving person, but understandable she shied away from men who did not want to settle down. I don’t know where Chloe found the energy to help so many people. The love between her and her four year old son Leo melted my heart. Leo was such a cool little boy that I couldn’t imagine that Joel who Chloe was dating did not want to be around him all the time. Joel was a nice guy even though he seemed to live for his work and helped Chloe get a contractor in to help fix up her parents house to sale as her parents didn’t live in town any more. Every one of Chloe’s friends loved Decker, the contractor who was Joel’s good friend that came to town to help Chloe. You can’t help but love Decker. I felt so bad for Chloe as she was attracted to Decker, but he made it clear when he was finished with her house he was moving on. I loved how much Decker played with Leo and how close they got. I can’t imagine how Decker felt when he started remembering being in the town with his father when he was six. It got even crazier when someone Chloe knew had something to do with Decker. I enjoyed the book and encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote review.
January 31, 2023
Wonderful addition to the Whisper Lake series.
Barbara Freethy has done it again! She writes characters that the reader can relate to, storylines with just the right amount of romance and manages to include a little mystery. Readers have come to expect excellence from Ms. Freethy. Next Time I Fall does not disappoint.
Chloe is a single mother raising her four year old son alone after her divorce from a career military officer who was so focused on his career that he had no time for his son or his wife. Decker is a building contractor visiting a friend in Whisper Lake when he learns that Chloe needs help to renovate her grandmother’s rental house. He applies for the job and is hired. Neither is looking for a relationship, but spending time together working on the house could change that.
While cleaning out the contents of the house, Decker and Chloe begin to uncover the secrets of the elderly lady who lived there for 20 years before her death. That is all I am going to say because I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone. You need to read the book.
I really enjoyed Next Time I Fall and recommend it to anyone who likes women’s fiction, romance and mystery. Barbara Freethy has become one of my favorite authors.
Barbara Freethy has done it again! She writes characters that the reader can relate to, storylines with just the right amount of romance and manages to include a little mystery. Readers have come to expect excellence from Ms. Freethy. Next Time I Fall does not disappoint.
Chloe is a single mother raising her four year old son alone after her divorce from a career military officer who was so focused on his career that he had no time for his son or his wife. Decker is a building contractor visiting a friend in Whisper Lake when he learns that Chloe needs help to renovate her grandmother’s rental house. He applies for the job and is hired. Neither is looking for a relationship, but spending time together working on the house could change that.
While cleaning out the contents of the house, Decker and Chloe begin to uncover the secrets of the elderly lady who lived there for 20 years before her death. That is all I am going to say because I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone. You need to read the book.
I really enjoyed Next Time I Fall and recommend it to anyone who likes women’s fiction, romance and mystery. Barbara Freethy has become one of my favorite authors.
February 2, 2023
Chloe Morgan has been a strong supporting character throughout Barbara Freethy’s Whisper Lake series, and I am thrilled to see her get her own story.
(And if you haven’t read any Whisper Lake titles, this is a great one to jump in with… and you’ll get Chloe’s backstory explained without reading older titles first.)
Barbara always writes complex characters. Sometimes they get in their own way, but they always end up on the right path to HEA.
In “Next Time I Fall,” Chloe is in her own way with her list of what she truly needs in her next serious man — basically the opposite of her ex-husband. She thinks she’s found her new Mr. Right in Joel Bradshaw, who has his own list.
Enter Decker Hayes, Joel’s best friend who sets off sparks in Chloe, but is everything she doesn’t want. Decker gets in his own way through his issues during childhood with a single father who moved every time life got serious.
Watching these two get past themselves and fall in love was such a job. I also appreciated how beautifully Barbara resolved this love triangle without cliches or forcing one character to be a villain.
If you love small-town romance in a contemporary setting, you will enjoy “Next Time I Fall.”
(And if you haven’t read any Whisper Lake titles, this is a great one to jump in with… and you’ll get Chloe’s backstory explained without reading older titles first.)
Barbara always writes complex characters. Sometimes they get in their own way, but they always end up on the right path to HEA.
In “Next Time I Fall,” Chloe is in her own way with her list of what she truly needs in her next serious man — basically the opposite of her ex-husband. She thinks she’s found her new Mr. Right in Joel Bradshaw, who has his own list.
Enter Decker Hayes, Joel’s best friend who sets off sparks in Chloe, but is everything she doesn’t want. Decker gets in his own way through his issues during childhood with a single father who moved every time life got serious.
Watching these two get past themselves and fall in love was such a job. I also appreciated how beautifully Barbara resolved this love triangle without cliches or forcing one character to be a villain.
If you love small-town romance in a contemporary setting, you will enjoy “Next Time I Fall.”
January 31, 2023
Another great story about the people of Whisper Lake. We finally get to read Chloe's story. Chloe meets the sexy Decker when she takes on the project to clear a rental home owned by her parents after the death of the long term renter. It turns out to be a huge endeavor since the renter was a hoarder. Chloe is instantly attracted to Decker but she is dating his friend Joel so neither wants to hurt Joel. The attraction simmers as they work together to clear the house and to complete the repairs needed before the house can be sold. They become friends but Chloe has concerns about how close her son Leo is getting to Decker. She is concerned when the house is completed and Decker leaves the area how is her son going to handle it especially since his own father is seldom with Leo. As the house is being cleared a mystery of how Decker is connected to the house and Whisper Lake surprises Decker and Chloe. They dig in to solve the mystery.
You will want to cheer on Chloe and Decker as you read their story! This is a very entertaining book and I highly recommend it and the other Whisper Lake books.
You will want to cheer on Chloe and Decker as you read their story! This is a very entertaining book and I highly recommend it and the other Whisper Lake books.
November 25, 2024
Next Time I Fall was the 7th book in the Whisper Lake series by Barbara Freethy. Each of the books in the series focuses on one of the women who are all good friends and have come to call Whisper Lake their home. Chloe has been a resident of Whisper Lake all her life. She started working at a restaurant owned by her boyfriend Kevin's parents. Chloe and Kevin married after college and Kevin was in the army. At the beginning of their marriage they lived on various bases, but when Kevin deployed in a special unit, Chloe came home to Whisper Lake as she found out she was pregnant. After not making a go of his marriage, Kevin went back to the Army and Chloe was left in Whisper Lake to raise Leo on her own. The in-laws moved and left the running of their cafe to Chloe. At the start of the novel, Chloe has to clear out her grandmother's house which was rented for 19 years until Eleanor died. When Chloe was left to clear out the apartment, she found out that Eleanor was a horder and it would be a big job to clean it up and get it ready to sell. Enter the friend of Chloe's almost boyfriend. It was a typical Barbara Freethy story--filled with love, desire and a happy ending.
January 24, 2023
I have been impatiently waiting for Chloe to get her own story and get to know her on a deeper level. She has been through so much the past few years, and I was just waiting for her to find her HEA. Enter Decker, the care-free, sexy, wanderer who doesn’t like to put down roots. As Decker helps Chloe with renovating her parents' rental house, they find that he has a past connection to the previous tenant. This leads to them working closely together to unravel the mystery. The connection between them is instant but confusing, as Chloe is dating Decker’s best friend. Will they fight the attraction or realize that they are perfect for each other?
Chloe’s 4-year-old son, Leo is adorable and is missing that all important male figure in his life. He latches onto Decker immediately. Decker is amazing with Leo, and it just warmed my heart.
Barbara has created a heart-warming, sweet romance, with characters that draw you in. It can be read as a standalone, but I always suggest reading the entire series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Chloe’s 4-year-old son, Leo is adorable and is missing that all important male figure in his life. He latches onto Decker immediately. Decker is amazing with Leo, and it just warmed my heart.
Barbara has created a heart-warming, sweet romance, with characters that draw you in. It can be read as a standalone, but I always suggest reading the entire series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
January 28, 2023
I have been waiting for Chloe to get her own story, and it doesn’t disappoint. Despite everything that she’s been through, Chloe is willing to take a chance at love again. Decker plans on fixing up the house Chloe’s parents own as a favor to a friend of his and then going on his way again. But, for the first time, Chloe and her son Leo are showing him what love could be like and that he doesn’t constantly have to be on the move. Thrown in is a mystery that ties Decker and his father to Eleanor, the woman who had been renting the house before her passing.
This is a sweet, engaging story that shows that while life may not always be easy, good things can come from it. It’s a journey of self-discovery and finding love and a family when you least expect it. While this is the seventh book in the Whisper Lake series, it can be read as a standalone, although I recommend reading the whole series if you haven’t already.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC provided by the author**
This is a sweet, engaging story that shows that while life may not always be easy, good things can come from it. It’s a journey of self-discovery and finding love and a family when you least expect it. While this is the seventh book in the Whisper Lake series, it can be read as a standalone, although I recommend reading the whole series if you haven’t already.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC provided by the author**
January 31, 2023
A*R*C for honest review with no compensation
Next Time I Fall is book 7 in the Whisper Lake series by Barbara Freethy and as she writes each book they get better and better!
Chloe a divorced mom to an adorable 4 year old son named Leo, thinks she has met the man who checks off all her boxes…Joel…but maybe not as he reminds her to much like her ex. At the same time getting a contractor signed up to renovate her grandmother’s home after her renter of 19 yrs has passed and getting the house ready for sale. Except it seems there is a mystery surrounding the renter and her belongings…
Decker has come to visit his friend, Joel, has taken on the job of renovating Chloe’s grandmother’s home and comes to find the former renter may have ties to his past…but will he stick around to solve the mystery, show Chloe how good Mr. Right would be for her but knowing he can’t be that man…
Well written, easy flowing storyline, secrets, twists, turns, never looking back, attraction, finding that sometimes Mr. Wrong really is Mr. Right!
Next Time I Fall is book 7 in the Whisper Lake series by Barbara Freethy and as she writes each book they get better and better!
Chloe a divorced mom to an adorable 4 year old son named Leo, thinks she has met the man who checks off all her boxes…Joel…but maybe not as he reminds her to much like her ex. At the same time getting a contractor signed up to renovate her grandmother’s home after her renter of 19 yrs has passed and getting the house ready for sale. Except it seems there is a mystery surrounding the renter and her belongings…
Decker has come to visit his friend, Joel, has taken on the job of renovating Chloe’s grandmother’s home and comes to find the former renter may have ties to his past…but will he stick around to solve the mystery, show Chloe how good Mr. Right would be for her but knowing he can’t be that man…
Well written, easy flowing storyline, secrets, twists, turns, never looking back, attraction, finding that sometimes Mr. Wrong really is Mr. Right!
February 1, 2023
What a fabulous fairy tale ending for Chloe. Always the friend who helped everyone. The woman who tried to stand by her ex-husband for longer than any of her friends thought was right. The woman who loves her son and wants the best for him...but for herself...she is just settling...until Decker.
Decker, a rolling stone who comes into Whisper Lake to visit a buddy, planning to stay for a while then move on. He'd been to Whisper Lake as a very young child and had wonderful memories of his visit...until he began to have flashbacks of his time there that weren't so wonderful. What happened that his dad left without ever looking back?
A wonderful story. I enjoyed the mystery, the love, the small town feel. People caring about each other no matter what. The resolution of the mystery was remarkable.
This is absolutely a standalone book. The characters from previous books are in this book too, but not so involved that you need any background on them but what is in the story.
Decker, a rolling stone who comes into Whisper Lake to visit a buddy, planning to stay for a while then move on. He'd been to Whisper Lake as a very young child and had wonderful memories of his visit...until he began to have flashbacks of his time there that weren't so wonderful. What happened that his dad left without ever looking back?
A wonderful story. I enjoyed the mystery, the love, the small town feel. People caring about each other no matter what. The resolution of the mystery was remarkable.
This is absolutely a standalone book. The characters from previous books are in this book too, but not so involved that you need any background on them but what is in the story.
February 1, 2023
Finally we get Chloe's story! Chloe is on her own raising her son since her ex is in the military and chose it over them. She has been casually dating Joel, but finds herself more attracted to his friend Decker that comes to Whisper Lake to help her renovate a rental house to sell. Decker begins having flashbacks to being at Whisper Lake as a boy and Chloe helps him solve the mystery surrounding his childhood visit.
This is a great story and a great romance and Chloe's son, Leo, is super cute. I'm not a big fan of her technically dating someone else while falling for Decker - it's a personal dislike of mine. I kind of wished her ex, Kevin, played a role in the story. He's been featured in previous books, but here is more of an afterthought and it's sadly obvious how little a role he plays in his son's life.
Great addition to the Whisper Lake series and I'm curious to know if there will be more.
Thanks to the author for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a great story and a great romance and Chloe's son, Leo, is super cute. I'm not a big fan of her technically dating someone else while falling for Decker - it's a personal dislike of mine. I kind of wished her ex, Kevin, played a role in the story. He's been featured in previous books, but here is more of an afterthought and it's sadly obvious how little a role he plays in his son's life.
Great addition to the Whisper Lake series and I'm curious to know if there will be more.
Thanks to the author for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 31, 2023
Chloe is always quick to come to the aid of others even though her plate is full with work and being a single mom. She wants to have a relationship again but is careful because of her little guy plus not wanting to get hurt again. She's pretty positive she knows what she's looking for in the "perfect" guy and the man she's currently dating seems to check all the boxes. That is until his friend, comes to town and is a contractor that has availability to do some work on a rental house she's agreed to take on for her family. Decker is a great guy, easy to be with but isn't one to stay in one place for any length of time. As they start to clear out the house needing work, Decker has memories that seemed to be tied to his childhood and a previous visit to the area. Chloe and Decker work together to solve the mystery of his past, which just may allow him to move forward and settle down. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.
February 3, 2023
Next Time I Fall is the seventh book in Barbara Freethy’s Whisper Lake Series . You can read this book as a stand a lone story. I have read all of the Whisper Lake books and I really enjoy seeing how all the different characters from the other stories are doing.
The story of Chloe Morgan and her son Leo keep me interested and wanting to keep on reading. Leo was such a cool kid . Chloe is dating Joel, who wants to move his business to Whisper Lake. Joel is like Chloe’s ex-husband who puts his career first in his life. Decker is Joel’s friend who comes to Whisper Lake to help remodel Chloe’s family home. He is not a stay in one place kind of guy but the attraction between Chloe and Decker comes to life through Barbara’s words. I really enjoyed this story very much. I was happy to see Chloe find her happily ever after true love. You can’t go wrong with a Whisper Lake book - great place with stories to read and bring a smile to your face.
The story of Chloe Morgan and her son Leo keep me interested and wanting to keep on reading. Leo was such a cool kid . Chloe is dating Joel, who wants to move his business to Whisper Lake. Joel is like Chloe’s ex-husband who puts his career first in his life. Decker is Joel’s friend who comes to Whisper Lake to help remodel Chloe’s family home. He is not a stay in one place kind of guy but the attraction between Chloe and Decker comes to life through Barbara’s words. I really enjoyed this story very much. I was happy to see Chloe find her happily ever after true love. You can’t go wrong with a Whisper Lake book - great place with stories to read and bring a smile to your face.
February 11, 2023
This review is of Next Time I Fall, book 7 in the Whisper Lake series by Barbara Freethy.
I received an ARC copy and this review is my honest opinion.
I normally don’t read too many romances. I’m more into mysteries and action, adventure books. I am very glad, however, that I read this book! It had everything. There’s the mystery of Decker’s past, the romances Chloe had, a sick person, breakups, wonderful characters, and the amazing background of Whisper Lake. Notice I’m not telling you who is involved in any of these things. That would take all the fun out of reading the book!
And that’s not all. Barbara delves into the meaning of friendship, finding out what is really important in life, and knowing how to follow your heart. But it’s the love that makes this book so good. And yes, I did cry at the end of the book!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. And if you haven’t read any other books by this author, you need to do that too!
I received an ARC copy and this review is my honest opinion.
I normally don’t read too many romances. I’m more into mysteries and action, adventure books. I am very glad, however, that I read this book! It had everything. There’s the mystery of Decker’s past, the romances Chloe had, a sick person, breakups, wonderful characters, and the amazing background of Whisper Lake. Notice I’m not telling you who is involved in any of these things. That would take all the fun out of reading the book!
And that’s not all. Barbara delves into the meaning of friendship, finding out what is really important in life, and knowing how to follow your heart. But it’s the love that makes this book so good. And yes, I did cry at the end of the book!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. And if you haven’t read any other books by this author, you need to do that too!
March 8, 2023
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. This is my honest review. Be prepared to have tissues you're going to need them at the end of the story. Chloe has been a single mom for a few years now. Her ex-husband was a soldier and would always be a soldier. Chloe finds herself trying to get her parents house ready after their tenant passes on, what she discovers when she opens the door is a nightmare. She is going to need help and getting the house cleaned out and ready to be sold for her parents. Her beginning relationship with Joel has its moments and it seems like his work is more important to him just like her ex's. But Joel says he has a friend who has a few months as a contractor to help her get the house fixed up. Decker couldn't come at a better time when she falls through the floor because of rotting wood. That's just the beginning of a whirlwind relationship even though neither one can say that. Joel is having a tough time with his father and the business and goes back to New York to try to straighten it out. This leaves Chloe alone to try to handle everything along with her son, Leo. This is only the beginning!
January 25, 2023
The newest entry in the Whisper Lake series is a gem. I think dedicated readers have been waiting for Chloe to get her own story….and what a great one. Dating Josh, a guy she “thinks” checks all the right boxes only to feel more of a spark with his best friend Decker instead, Chloe has to come to terms with what (and who) she really wants. Decker came to town to see his old friend Josh & do some construction work on a rental house for Josh’s girlfriend. He didn’t count on catching feelings for her & her adorable son….or ending up in the middle of a mystery involving the home’s dead tenant and his own family. I thoroughly enjoyed this book & I think you will to. Whisper Lake is the kind of town you’d love to live in & Barbara Freethy’s characters are people you’d want to call friends.
January 28, 2023
Chloe and Deckers story was a beautiful one, Whisper lake is a great series, I was hoping Chloe would get her own story and it didn’t disappoint.
Decker has come to help restore Chloe’s in laws house, growing up he has travelled the world with his father, never stayed in one place very long, Chloe is a whisper lake girl she is divorced with an adorable 4 year old son Leo, so where love is concerned she has to be careful as Leo is her top priority he comes first.
Decker starts getting flash backs of when he visited whisper lake as a child, and the answers seem to be in the old house, so they have a mystery to solve.
Decker falls in love with Chloe and Leo but will he stay or go? as always Barbara keeps you in suspense to the very end with something amazing happening for a happy ending.
Loved this book it was soo different, can’t wait for the next one
Decker has come to help restore Chloe’s in laws house, growing up he has travelled the world with his father, never stayed in one place very long, Chloe is a whisper lake girl she is divorced with an adorable 4 year old son Leo, so where love is concerned she has to be careful as Leo is her top priority he comes first.
Decker starts getting flash backs of when he visited whisper lake as a child, and the answers seem to be in the old house, so they have a mystery to solve.
Decker falls in love with Chloe and Leo but will he stay or go? as always Barbara keeps you in suspense to the very end with something amazing happening for a happy ending.
Loved this book it was soo different, can’t wait for the next one
January 24, 2023
I have been waiting to hear Chloe’s story for a long time, so I was very excited to read this Whisper Lake story! Chloe is a single mom who has had her share of struggles since the beginning of this series. I have been rooting for her and hoping that she would find a man who would finally put her first. In this book Chloe dates a man named Joel who seems right for her on paper. When his friend Decker comes to town, he is the opposite of everything Chloe wants and needs in her life, yet she can’t help but be drawn to him. As Chloe gets closer to Decker they both discover he has a connection to Whisper Lake. I loved the mystery and the romantic suspense in this story. Another great read by Barbara Freethy. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.
January 29, 2023
She’s a stay-put kind of girl who seems to attract rolling stones. Her ex wanted the military life, and her current relationship is with a city boy. Then she meets Dexter. He is SO not what she's looking for. He doesn’t stay anywhere for very long. But their attraction is instant and the chemistry is combustible. Too bad she’s already in a relationship - she won’t cheat! And he won’t, either!
Decker’s connection with Whisper Lake and the secrets hidden in the house Chloe is having renovated will keep you turning the pages. The heat might even make you turn those pages faster - so much chemistry, and he’s a good guy, a good man. I really enjoyed the morals these two showed, the caring, the love. And then there’s Leo.
Such a good book. Enjoy!
Decker’s connection with Whisper Lake and the secrets hidden in the house Chloe is having renovated will keep you turning the pages. The heat might even make you turn those pages faster - so much chemistry, and he’s a good guy, a good man. I really enjoyed the morals these two showed, the caring, the love. And then there’s Leo.
Such a good book. Enjoy!
January 29, 2023
I'm pleased to report that Barbara Freethy NEVER disappoints! Her books check all my boxes...a great story...check... a sweet romance...check.... lovable, relatable characters...check...a touch of mystery....check...and so on. I fell in love with this book! Set in one of my favorite fictional towns Next Time I Fall continues the magic of Whisper Lake and it's citizens, for surely it was magic that brought Decker and Chloe together...magic and an adorable little boy.
I don't read alot of contemporary romance but Barbara is one who's new releases I never miss. Read this book! And if you haven't already started reading this series do so...you won't be sorry.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of next Time I Fall in exchange for an honest review.
I don't read alot of contemporary romance but Barbara is one who's new releases I never miss. Read this book! And if you haven't already started reading this series do so...you won't be sorry.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of next Time I Fall in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2023
I love taking trips back to Whisper Lake! I have been waiting fore Chloe’s story and it was worth the wait.
A wonderful story about finding love after a long road of heartbreak and growing up. There’s a bit of a mystery in the rental home Chloe is renovating for her family to sell - and her contractor, Decker discovers he is connected. While the two follow the clues left behind by the previous tenant, Chloe and Decker discover that love can come in ways that they never thought could happen.
I won’t spoil the story, but I will say you won’t want to miss this trip to Whisper Lake! You’ll love the sweet storytelling with a plot that twists unexpectedly.
A wonderful story about finding love after a long road of heartbreak and growing up. There’s a bit of a mystery in the rental home Chloe is renovating for her family to sell - and her contractor, Decker discovers he is connected. While the two follow the clues left behind by the previous tenant, Chloe and Decker discover that love can come in ways that they never thought could happen.
I won’t spoil the story, but I will say you won’t want to miss this trip to Whisper Lake! You’ll love the sweet storytelling with a plot that twists unexpectedly.
January 27, 2023
Whisper Lake Book 7 gives us the story of Chloe Morgan, a single mom of a small boy Leo, and Decker, the best friend of her boyfriend Joel. Chloe hires Decker to fix up a home owned by her family after the tenant passes away. Loved the chemistry between Chloe and Decker and especially how great Decker was with Leo. Figured Joel out from the beginning, and even though you want to dislike him, it is understandable about workaholics. Glad that Chloe and Decker found each other. Another great read from Barbara. Great to be back in Whisper Lakes! Very enjoyable, with a little mystery and lots of love!! Highly recommend.
January 31, 2023
Next Time I Fall is another great visit to Whisper Lake. Barbara Freethy brings such wonderful characters to life in this series. Chloe’s story was a joy to read. I loved the way Decker so easily fit into the the lives of Chloe and her friends. Discovering the secrets of Decker’s past was quite interesting. It wasn’t at all what I was expecting. The magic of Whisper Lake didn’t fail Decker as he worked through the issues of his past. If you haven’t visited Whisper Lake yet, I highly recommend reading this series. Next Time I Fall had the perfect balance of romance and mystery. I highly recommend this book and hope there are more Whisper Lake books in the future.
January 31, 2023
Wow. This was quite a book. Chloe finally gets her story and it is perfect. But of course it is not without some twists and turns as well as a mystery. Chloe has just started dating Joel. She also has to deal with her parents house that needs to be put on the market after the long time tenant passes away. Joel invites his contractor friend Decker to visit and help Chloe with the remodeling. And the adventure begins…. Barbara Freethy is a master at weaving tales, romance and mystery and Next Time I Fall is filled with all. I read with anticipation for the other shoe to drop from beginning to end as I could not put it down. A well deserved 5 star rating from me.
February 11, 2023
I always love returning to Whisper Lake and this one might be my most favorite (even though I say that about every book).
Love at first sight always gets me. I never believe it is real but then you read stories of others experiences and it makes it seem all so magical. Barbara makes that magic happen! Chloe and Decker and meant for each other and little Leo thrown in there too. A cute little, loving family.
Prepare for your heartstrings to be pulled, to cry, to laugh, and a few plot twists here and there. As always a story by Barbara will keep you entranced from page one to the very last word on the last page. You will never want to put it down, just like any book by Barbara!
Love at first sight always gets me. I never believe it is real but then you read stories of others experiences and it makes it seem all so magical. Barbara makes that magic happen! Chloe and Decker and meant for each other and little Leo thrown in there too. A cute little, loving family.
Prepare for your heartstrings to be pulled, to cry, to laugh, and a few plot twists here and there. As always a story by Barbara will keep you entranced from page one to the very last word on the last page. You will never want to put it down, just like any book by Barbara!
March 12, 2023
There is something about Decker!
Chloe is a single mom who owns a café in the small town of Whisper Lake. She is currently dating Joel. He is a businessman and checks all her boxes.
Decker is a contractor who is between jobs, he is a wanderer. Decker and Joel went to college together. Decker comes into town to visit Joel and ends up helping Chloe with a rental property.
Chloe and Decker have an easy chemistry and Chloe’s son Leo really likes Decker. As usual Whisper Lake always has its own plans!
As always, Ms. Freethy writes an amazing story. I feel like I am there watching all this transpire. The characters are people we have in our daily lives and very relatable.
Chloe is a single mom who owns a café in the small town of Whisper Lake. She is currently dating Joel. He is a businessman and checks all her boxes.
Decker is a contractor who is between jobs, he is a wanderer. Decker and Joel went to college together. Decker comes into town to visit Joel and ends up helping Chloe with a rental property.
Chloe and Decker have an easy chemistry and Chloe’s son Leo really likes Decker. As usual Whisper Lake always has its own plans!
As always, Ms. Freethy writes an amazing story. I feel like I am there watching all this transpire. The characters are people we have in our daily lives and very relatable.
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