Some love stories don’t stay buried, no matter how far you run.
Hazel Pierce has three goals for coming back to Star Falls: 1. Help her estranged dad. 2. Keep things strictly temporary. 3. Absolutely, under no circumstances, fall for Tucker Colburn again.
That plan dies a dramatic, soggy death when a rogue wasp sting sends Hazel swerving off the road and into the river—only to be hauled out, half-drowned and furious, by the Star Falls Fire Department’s finest. Unfortunately, “finest” is ex–best friend, ex–one-night mistake, and the man she’s been avoiding for a decade.
Tucker’s always had a way of getting into her head. And now between a family that thrives on gossip and a town that’s way too small for all this chemistry, Hazel’s running out of ways to avoid the truth. As sparks turn into late-night confessions and slow, toe-curling kisses, Hazel has to decide if she’s done running—from her past, from this town, and from the only man who’s ever made her feel like home. And Tucker has to prove that this time, he’s not just her safe place to crash—he’s her always.
Jill Shalvis is a NYT, USA Today, and Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of small-town romance and romcoms, known for big feels, found family, and plenty of shenanigans.
If you love small-town chaos, meddling friends and neighbors, sizzling chemistry, and heroes who fall hard for the one woman they absolutely did not plan on, you’re in the right place. Jill’s books blend laugh-out-loud moments with emotional gut punches, slow-burn tension, and deeply earned happily ever afters.
She writes the stories she loves to read: small-town romance and romantic comedies packed with heart, heat, second chances, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and the kind of found-family vibes that make you want to move right into the pages. Many of her series are perfect for binge-reading, and a number of her books are available in Kindle Unlimited and at major retailers.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting new ways to torture her characters, avoiding laundry, or daydreaming about fictional men and the strong, complicated women who bring them to their knees—and then making them work for it.
You can follow Jill here on Goodreads to keep up with new releases, add her books to your shelves, and discover which small town you want to get lost in next.
the setup… Twelve years ago, Hazel Pierce left Star Falls, leaving behind her father and Tucker Colburn, her best friend and first true love. But now that her father’s health has declined, she finds herself back and having to face all the things that made her run away in the first place. As the owner of Pierce Custom Woodwork, Hazel is now working for the Colburns on one of their projects and can’t avoid seeing Tucker but does her best as he’s also a firefighter. He’s secretly thrilled to see Hazel but is determined to keep his feelings in check because he couldn’t survive another heartbreak. Yeah, this is destined to fail and the town is just waiting for them to get a clue.
the heart of the story… Normally this level of miscommunication drives me nuts but I soon figured out that Hazel’s life has been one sack full of that, instilling so much fear of abandonment she was emotionally paralyzed by it. Tucker is a different story as he couldn’t mask his feelings for her. And then there’s the whole lot of the Colburn family, including their significant others who provide insane comic relief and so many laugh out loud moments, interfering whenever at all possible.
the narration… Lila Winters and Sebastian York were ideal as Hazel and Tucker. She mastered her angst and he his wry humor. They also elevated the secondary characters in a way that made the story so lively. Great performances!
the bottom line… I’ve loved being in Star Falls and this is a worthy end to this lovely series. It embodied the best in small town romance and community and the familial relationships made it more special. Even sister Kiera was given a new beginning. It has that magical Shalvis signature that makes me want to read whatever she writes. I’m grateful I had both the audio and print copies to have a combined reading experience. 4.5 stars
Thank you to Hambright PR and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read and listen to an advance copy of Falling Into You, book three in the wonderful Colburn Brothers series by Jill Shalvis.
It was so nice to be back in Star Falls and revisit all the familiar characters from the first two books in this series BUT I think this would work just fine as a standalone. The author gives enough backstory so readers new to this series won’t be lost. The first two books concentrated on Ryder and Caleb, and now we get to focus on the third brother, Tucker. He’s a firefighter along with being the estimator for the family’s construction/restoration business. Hazel was his best friend, and more, when they were growing up, but she left town 12 years ago and just returned recently to help take care of her father, who had a heart attack. She’s a skilled carpenter, doing wonderful “finish” work, so the Colburns hired her for a couple of jobs. Problem is - she doesn’t want to even talk to Tucker. In a small town and a family business, that’s not something that’s likely to happen. There’s a wild scene where Hazel gets stung by a wasp (she’s highly allergic) and Tucker rescues her (she was driving her van when it happened) and gets her to the hospital. That starts the thawing out process - but this is definitely a slow burn. It takes some time for them to really talk to each other and understand what happened between them when they were teens. (Miscommunication/non-communication is not my favorite thing, so it did get a bit frustrating at times.) Hazel’s natural instinct is to run, but can she find enough reasons to stay this time? Will her love for Tucker and her realization that she has a lot of “found family” win over her tendency to run away?
The chapters switch between being told from Hazel’s point of view and Tucker’s, something I really love in a book, especially in a romance. The audiobook is narrated by two people, Lila Winters and Sebastian York, but it’s not a “duet” narration; they each do different chapters on their own.
The side characters are well developed, from Colburn sister Keira, to Emma (we met her in book two), Keira’s adorable twin toddlers, and Tucker’s cat, Her Fluffiness. Tucker’s father, Hank, had been a very hard father but after a stroke, he’s been reduced to a docile, non-verbal shell of his former self. Hazel’s father plays a large role in the story as well, with a couple of surprises near the end of the book.
Note: Be aware that there are a number of spicy scenes.
“I’ve got this ridiculous, insatiable need to be near you,” I murmured. “Always have.”
It’s been a minute since I picked up a Jill Shalvis book. But finishing this one reminded me why I love her writing so much. I love how Jill takes extreme care writing harder topics, grief and trauma.
I wasn’t expecting to get so emotional but here we are.
We follow Hazel Pierce and Tucker Colburn. Hazel comes back to town to help care for her estranged father after a major heart attack. She has 3 simple rules, basically get in and get out without seeing Tucker again.
I love the second Chance trope. And after hearing their back story. The grief and trauma Hazel experienced, I was rooting for them so hard.
Tucker is such a good guy, extremely supportive and always has everyone’s back. His protectiveness over Hazel had me swooning. He knew exactly how to make calm her down in those weak moments. Hazel holds such a sweet spot in my heart. She’s so complex and has such a tough outer shell. I feel like her character really added emotion to the entire book.
I did an immersive read with this one. The audio was sooo good. Lila Winters and Sebastian York work so well together.
Thank you to Jill Shalvis and Hambright PR for this ARC and ALC. and PS thanks to the wasp in this story for making these two stubborn people get back together. 😂 🐝 🫶🏻
4.5/5⭐️ Tropes -Childhood Sweethearts -Second Chances -Firefighter MMC -Found family -Small town Romance
This is my favorite book in the Colburn Brother trilogy!! The banter, found family, and small town charm were all fantastic. I laughed and cried and am so sad the trilogy is complete. Maybe Kiera will get a book??? Please!!
Thank you to Hambright PR and Jill Shalvis for the eARC and ALC of this book to read and review.
I enjoyed the narrators for the ALC! They have voiced all three books in this series and their voices and cadence are perfection.
I loved Hazel as a character! She made me laugh with her witty quips. I also loved getting to see the couples from the first two books, as well as Hank, Kiera, and the twins.
The plot was medium paced throughout with some action scenes. I really enjoy Jill’s writing style.
This book had spice, 🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Small Town Romance Second Chance Romance Found Family Miscommunication
I struggled with the miscommunication issues between Tucker and Hazel. They were 18 when she left town (2016ish) and then they both spend a decade not talking (2026). This wasn’t a teen romance in the 90’s, so I am at a loss wondering why two 18 year olds in love didn’t communicate through text or social media on that specific night or in the days after? Why didn’t Tucker ever go find her once he was able? He never chased her. Then when she returns to town, he wants to be in her life now that it’s convenient for him. This all being said, I was let down by the ending. He should have had to finally go out of his way to be with her.
Overall, this book made me laugh and cry. I loved the banter and found family. This trilogy has my heart, but I needed more from this second chance love story and associated miscommunications.
This emotional finale captured everything I adore about comforting romance reads.
Watching the Tucker claim his happily ever after was a genuine emotional high, brilliantly blending small town warmth with the tender ache of a second chance. Tucker and Hazel facing their twelve-year history brought plenty of heart, proving that even when old miscommunications test your patience, true devotion wins out.
The cozy backdrop and beloved recurring characters made saying goodbye to this tight knit family delightfully bittersweet. While lingering trust issues could occasionally frustrate, the heartfelt resolution, genuine laughs, and deep emotional healing made the journey totally rewarding and memorable.
Wrapping up this trilogy felt like parting with dear friends, leaving me thoroughly charmed by the witty banter and community magic.
It was a rewarding, feel-good conclusion that celebrated forgiveness and family in the sweetest possible way.
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ALC Review (Audiobook) 🎧
Experiencing this book through the audiobook format was an absolute masterclass in casting, as Lila Winters and Sebastian York brought an electric chemistry and effortless authenticity to Tucker and Hazel that completely elevated the emotional stakes. Sebastian captured that deeply swoony, protective energy and dry humor with total perfection, while Lila leaned into her character's witty, independent, and slightly chaotic vibe with incredible emotional nuance. Their delivery of the natural banter made every late-night confession and slow burn moment feel so intimate and alive, and their talent for voicing the vibrant secondary cast turned the whole production into a wonderfully immersive, laugh out loud treat from start to finish.
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I was lucky enough to receive both an ARC and an ALC, and being able to immersive read and listen to this story made the whole experience even more special.
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Huge thank you to Jill Shalvis and Hambright PR for the ARC and ALC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
4.5 ⭐️ This was my first Jill Shalvis novel and wow I’m so impressed! ☺️ Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca Paperback and Hambright PR for this ALC. As always all opinions are my own.
𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥: 🏘️ Small town 🔂 Second chance romance 🚒 MMC, Tucker, firefighter 🔨 FMC, Hazel, is a finish carpenter 💁🏽♀️ Character driven plot (mostly) 🐈 A rescue cat that is the wing man 💪🏼 Protective MMC 🧑🧑🧒🧒 His family is protective too ❤️🩹Heavier topics: grief, feelings of unworthiness Check triggers - they are *slight* spoilers so I won’t list them here 🌶️ 3/5 : There’s a lot of yearning, flirty talk, lead up & maybe two very descriptive scenes.
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕝𝕦𝕣𝕓: Hazel Pierce has come back home to Star Falls to help with her dad’s recovery from a heart attack. It’s temporary- get in and out without running into her ex, Tucker Coburn. But of course they are drawn together like a cat to tuna. 😜 Can Hazel resist the magnetic pull she feels toward Tucker, toward his family and this town long enough to be able to leave at the end of this? Does she even want to?
𝕄𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤: I loved that Hazel was multifaceted: tough & scrappy on the outside but loyal & tender-hearted on the inside. I enjoyed her journey of righting the wrongs of her youth- fixing things she damaged when she was young.
I adored Tucker & appreciated that he was not perfect (but pretty close!). He was fiercely protective and couldn’t turn off that fireman rescuer switch. But he also knew when to give space or just listen. When he messed up he owned it.
Hazel & Tucker together were refreshing. No games and no tiptoeing. They spoke clearly and unabashedly about whatever they were thinking. “I’m going to kiss you now.” Just honest and frank with each other. Or Hazel would jokingly compliment him and I thought- oh I would be way too shy to say that! It was fun to read because they never pretended that they didn’t like each other.
My favorite character was Tucker’s rescue cat that would roam the neighborhood at night and then sneak to Hazel’s house with notes on the collar- “Do not feed me. I have a home and I’m just a free loading a$$h*le.” The cat made me giggle so many times! 🤭
The found family element of this story was actually SO BEAUTIFUL. It’s been years since Hazel has been home, yet the Coburn family immediately wrapped their arms around her, took care of her and claimed her as a family member long before she & Tucker could figure out what was going on between them.
This is book 3 of a series but they are interconnected standalones about each of the Coburn siblings. I didn’t read the other books (yet) but never felt lost or confused at all.
🎧 𝔻𝕦𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕪 ℕ𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝔹𝕪: Lila Winters & Sebastian York. Lila has an effortless way of speaking that sounds so natural and authentic. I just loved her intonation! Sebastian’s voice took me a minute to get used to as Tucker because it just didn’t match in my head what he should sound like. But once I accepted it, his voice really grew on me for this character & aligned with his firefighter protectiveness.
We all know how I feel about Jill Shalvis, so I won’t go thru my usual praise up and down on her skills because it’s becoming tiresome and I feel like a broke record. LOL However, with this story, I found it to be really great, but something was missing, and I can’t pin-point exactly what. I KNOW. Complete and utter ridiculousness, but here I am. It’s like that thing that happens when you can picture someone or something clear as day, but the name just hovers on the edge of your brain not showing itself. THAT, that’s what it felt like throughout most of my journey with this story. I’ve thought about. Man, I have thought.about.it! But I still do not have a concrete critique. IT IS MADNESS. Anywho, that’s the 4 instead of 5-star explanation, in case anyone cares LOL.
One thing I loved and appreciated was Kiera getting some sort of happy even if only just a glimpse. I thought Jill would use her character to maybe spin off into a small town series and she still might. Who’s to know *shrug* But in case she didn’t, her some sort of happy in this book satisfied my heart! :)
There’s nothing I didn’t like about this story except there was that thing that I’m not talking about anymore. I think maybe the reason I can’t find the correct words for it is because I’d have to pick at the entire story to even try and get it and honestly, who has that kind of time. No matter what, it’s Jill, so you are going to enjoy it.
🎧🎙️Lila Winters & Sebastian York have been the narrating couple for this series, and I can’t complain about it one bit! I’m still pretty new with Lila and Sebastian still has his quirks (lol), but they have proven to be a really great narrating team with this series. In this particular story I think Lila did an incredible job portraying every single emotion inside Hazel, and there were a lot! Excellent job!
I enjoyed reading this romance book--thanks for the ARC. Hazel and Tucker were teenage sweethearts with complicated lives, and then Hazel left town after HS graduation, pregnant with Tucker's child. Coming back to town like 12 years later to care for her ill father (he was a hot mess), she falls again for Tucker. I didn't feel like there was a whole lot of character growth from Hazel... her first instinct whenever anyone or anything challenged her was to run away, right up to practically the end of the novel. But Tucker had it bad for her... good luck to him.
This book hooked me right from the beginning. I absolutely loved the humor and chemistry between Tucker and Hazel. Honestly, Hazel's relationship with everyone in this book was really fun to read because she has so much personality to her.
I flew through this book so fast and it's gotten me excited for more books from Shalvis. This is the type of writing I love to read from her - something lighthearted, humorous and romantic. I hope that Shalvis will stick to this style of writing and this publisher as it reminds me of the first books I read and loved from her.
Falling Into You is the third and final book in Jill Shalvis' Colbourn Brothers series, and it brings Tucker Colbourn's story to the forefront. Blending second-chance romance with emotional healing and a touch of suspense, it delivers a satisfying conclusion to the series.
Twelve years ago, Tucker's best friend and first love, Hazel Pierce, left Star Falls and shattered his heart. Now a firefighter and an estimator for the family business, Colbourn Restoration, Tucker learns that Hazel has returned to town to care for her ailing father. Recognizing that her expertise would be a valuable asset to the business, he convinces his brothers to hire her. Hazel is grateful for the opportunity but is determined to keep her distance from Tucker. However, working together makes avoiding the past nearly impossible.
Hazel was a difficult character for me to warm up to. Her insecurities, low self-esteem, and deep-rooted trust issues often fueled her hot-and-cold behavior, which became frustrating at times. After losing her mother as a teenager, she convinced herself she wasn't worthy of love, and those emotional scars continued to shape her decisions years later. That said, I appreciated her willingness to confront her past and make amends for the mistakes she had made.
Tucker was undoubtedly the highlight of the story. His patience, unwavering support, and determination to stand by Hazel never wavered. Time and again, he proved he would move heaven and earth to protect the woman he loved, even when she pushed him away. His devotion made it impossible not to root for him.
I also loved the role Tucker's family played in Hazel's journey. They welcomed her with open arms and continually reminded her that she was deserving of love and acceptance, despite how she viewed herself.
The suspense threaded throughout the series comes full circle in this installment. I enjoyed finally discovering who was behind the damaging incidents and learning what motivated their actions. It added another layer to the story and provided a satisfying resolution to the overarching mystery.
Overall, Falling Into You is an emotional second-chance romance about forgiveness, healing, and learning to accept the love you deserve. While Hazel's actions tested my patience more than once, Tucker's steadfast devotion and the satisfying conclusion to both the romance and the suspense made this a rewarding read and a fitting end to the Colbourn Brothers series.
This series stole my heart from the very first book, and now getting to experience the final Colburn brother find love after seeing the infamous falling stars was truly everything I could’ve hoped for! The Colburn siblings haven’t had an easy life. The pain and trauma with Hank is so real, but it hasn’t dimmed the way they’re still truly good people. What makes this a truly unforgettable series is the abundance of emotional depth balanced with the small-town fun. Falling Into You is no exception!
Hazel is back in Star Falls only to help her dad after a health scare and definitely not to fall for her ex-best friend firefighter Tucker Colburn. Cue a rogue wasp, a car in a river, and a very damp rescue by the town's finest firefighter. Kismet (or maybe it was the falling stars!) found a way to bring these two back into each other’s orbits and forced them to confront what happened years ago.
More than just a romance, Falling Into You exemplifies the power of forgiveness, found family, and learning how to stop running when you're already home. If you love a small town where everyone is in your business but ultimately has your back, and a love story that’s truly written in the stars, you need to add this to your TBR immediately!
Still in my immersive reading era, I was lucky enough to experience this one in audio and print. Sebastian York and Lila Winters really made Hazel & Tucker’s banter feel so natural and authentic. Truly a perfect casting decision! Sebastian brings all that swoony, protective fireman energy we love, while Lila nailed Hazel’s independent, witty, and slightly chaotic vibe. Their chemistry is seriously off the charts. Every late-night confession and slow burn moment felt so intimate. I’d highly recommend this one in audio!
This book was such a fun and heartwarming read! I flew through this book because it was romantic, lighthearted, and full of small town charm.
This is the third book in the Colburn Brothers series and follows Hazel and Tucker in a second chance romance that completely stole my heart. As teenagers, they were best friends, but after something happened, Hazel left town and didn't return for a decade. When she finally comes back, it quickly becomes clear that the chemistry between them never disappeared.
Tucker was everything I wanted in a hero. A firefighter who has been in love with Hazel for ten years? Yes, please! He is loyal, patient, caring, and willing to fight for the woman he loves. I absolutely adored him.
Hazel was a much more complex character. She is fiercely independent and struggles with believing she deserves love or happiness, which added an emotional layer to the story. Watching her slowly open her heart and confront her fears made her journey feel authentic and rewarding.
The humor, banter, and chemistry between Hazel and Tucker kept me turning the pages, while the small town setting added the perfect cozy atmosphere. Their history, friendship, and undeniable connection made it easy to root for them from the very beginning.
Thank you Hambright PR for providing me a ARC/ ALC before release day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved this small town second chance romance, especially stories where the relationship grows from childhood. These two are soulmates you can feel it but at 18, twelve years ago, Hazel had to leave town with the person she thought was her future, but he never showed up. Now she’s back in town helping her father’s business, but she can’t keep avoiding Tucker Colburn despite how much time has passed. I was completely hooked from the first few chapters and the fiesty interactions really kicked off this story.
Starting with Hazel, I love the line of work she is in and her return to help her father. I felt like a lot was worked through with her father, and that healing was able to happen. I felt sad about how she views the house, the memories, and everything she endured. But the one person who helps her navigate those feelings is Tucker her safe place. No matter the time or distance apart, it feels like they’re right back where they started, but still vulnerable, holding everything close and worried about making the wrong choice. But her returning home was the healing she needed.
I love Tucker he has only ever wanted one person in this world and once we found out Tucker’s reasons, you understood his side and heartbreak. The conversations and the way they opened up to one another were necessary, and I loved that. It was raw and felt so real. This story also had fantastic, tension filled banter and made me laugh. Between the small town gossip, the reputation people never forget, and the suspense mixed in, there was always something keeping me engaged. There were also tough decisions about whether to stay or go, which added even more depth. Watching two people who are clearly made for each other find their way back to one another will always get me. Second chance romances just make me smile.
I also have to mention that I loved the audiobook. I haven’t listened to Lila before, but she was brilliant. I loved her take on the male parts, and she played Hazel so well. And it feels like it’s been over a year since I last got to listen to Sebastian he was brilliant as always, and I loved him in this. Lila and Sebastian are fantastic, so make sure you pick this one up in audio.
I love discovering new authors, because it opens up a whole world of books I still need to explore. I look forward to adding more of Jill’s books to my TBR and hopefully reading more from her in the future.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+ APK: Audiobook ALC and Kindle ARC Pages: 364 Audiobook Length: 11hrs 29mins Narrators: Lila Winters and Sebastian York - Dual Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Spice: 🌶️.5 POV: First Person Series or Standalone: Book Three In The Colburn Brothers Series Tropes or Themes: Friends to Hate To Love, Second Chance, Neighbours, Firefighter, Childhood Sweethearts, Chemistry, Banter, Made Me Laugh, Its Always Been You, Fire, Injured, Assault; Miscarriage, Panic Attack, Grief, Loss Of Parent, When She Wears His Clothes, Eyes On Me, Sexual Content, Praise, Oral Play, Taken Bare and Kitchen Scene. Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
The final Colburn and the one who got away finally get their happily ever after in Falling Into You. Tucker and Hazel have been circling each other since she returned to Star Falls, the unspoken tension simmering in the background. Can these two ex-best friends get their second chance at happily ever after?
Falling Into You is a bit difficult for me to review. On its surface, it’s a fine read. Tucker is handsome, caring, and honestly perfect. He’s a dreamy, modern-day Prince Charming and it’s easy to see why he’s impossible to resist. Hazel has trouble believing in unconditional love. She’s stubborn (sometimes to a ridiculous degree) and has walls so high Tucker will need climbing gear. If this were my first Jill Shalvis book, I’d probably enjoy it a lot more than I did. The issue I had with this story is it’s very repetitive and echoes of so many of Shalvis’s past books are present in this story. There’s falling into comfortable, enjoyable patterns from an author you enjoy and there’s a feeling of copy/paste. Nothing in this book really stood out to me, save for the rather messy and unnecessary dramatic twists in the third act. In all honesty, Tucker and Hazel’s story may have worked better as a novella; the plot was stretched too thin.
As is expected in Shalvis’s work, boisterous secondary characters with no boundaries are everywhere, pushing Hazel and Tucker to work out their issues. I enjoy the Colburn family, but they pulled focus a lot in this book in ways that highlighted the weakness in the main characters’ character development. All in all, Falling Into You is a light and breezy read, even though it touches on heavier themes. I wish I had connected with the story and the characters more, but ultimately for me this wasn’t one of Shalvis’s more compelling reads.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
As a fan who has followed the Colburn Brothers series from the start, I'll be upfront: books one and two had my heart completely, and this third installment, while still a wonderful read, didn't quite reach those same heights for me. That said, Jill Shalvis delivers her signature warmth, humor, and small-town charm, and Tucker and Hazel's story is absolutely worth your time.
Tucker is genuinely one of the most lovable heroes in this series - a firefighter with a golden heart who has quietly carried a torch for Hazel for over a decade. Hazel is a more complex character: fiercely independent, carrying real wounds from her past, and absolutely convinced she doesn't deserve good things. Their foundation as childhood best friends gives the romance real emotional depth, and the history between them made the second-chance angle feel earned.
Where the book lost a little steam for me was the constant push and pull between Tucker and Hazel. The back and forth - connect, retreat, misunderstand, repeat- started to wear on me after a while. I found myself wanting to shake them both and just let them get there already. The miscommunications felt a touch overextended, and it chipped away at some of the satisfaction I was hoping to feel as their story built toward resolution.
The supporting cast continues to shine, and getting updates on the previous couples was a delight. Shalvis also brings a bit more emotional weight to this installment than the earlier books, which I appreciated even when it made for a slower pace.
Overall, a warm and satisfying close to the Colburn Brothers trilogy, just not the standout of the series for me personally. Fans who have been waiting for Tucker and Hazel's story will not be disappointed. And yes, I am absolutely hoping Kiera gets her own book next.
Highly recommended for fans of second-chance romance, small-town settings, and found family vibes.
Thank you Hambright PR for my #gifted physical and audio copy, and thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca for my #gifted ebook!
This was the third book in the Colburn Brothers series and by far my favorite! Jill Shalvis truly never disappoints at creating worlds you want to cozy up in even as her characters go through the messiness of real life.
Thoughts: - Hazel and Tucker were top tier. Childhood best friends turned something more, turned strangers, turned second chance romance? They were messy, but oh so endearing - They both had a lot of trauma to work through, especially in the family department. I loved the quiet way they both understood each other in a way that could only be rooted growing up as best friends. They were each others safe space once upon a time and watching them still hold that space for each other in adulthood, despite all of the shit between them, was amazing - Hazel’s relationship with her dad was so complicated and while we got hints of it in the past books, I really enjoyed getting their full story. Their shared grief over losing her mother was heartbreaking, but I loved Hazel’s continued efforts to heal - Hazel and Tucker had such insane chemistry. You could feel it crackling in every conversation they had - I loved the sibling dynamic in this one. All four Colburn siblings were so funny in this book and just like in the previous books, their unwavering support for each other was one of my favorite parts. I also love how they didn’t let each other shy away from confronting their problems - they really held each other accountable
As someone who’s usually not a fan of friends-to-lovers unless it’s done really well, I can confidently say this one got it right. Maybe the years apart pushed it closer to a second-chance romance, but I think it’s really just a testament to Shalvis’s writing. If you’re looking for a sweet romance with insane chemistry, I definitely recommend this one!
There was so much drama and angst in this one. You could tell Hazel and Tucker were good for each other, but each of them had family issues. Those issues made it so they didn't talk about important things, which led to bad choices for them all and 10 years apart, each pining for the other.
With Hazel back home, they have the opportunity to right things, but it's hard for them because of those issues and all they kept from each other for years. So much of their relationship was 1 step forward and 10 steps back. It took danger and a threat for them to really realize what they wanted. It was nice to see them end up together at the end, they deserved the happiness, finally after all these years.
What a great story! So glad Tucker got his story and Hazel is the perfect woman for him. There's some twists I didn't see coming, mostly from their past that they have to work through. I had a rough time when Hazel was dealing with her deceased mother's birthday, since my mom's birthday was this week and she's been gone 3 years now. This story flows perfectly with the first 2 books and I'm really hoping that there's a fourth book in the works - Kiera needs to get her HEA!
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
I really loved the first two books in the series and this one was just okay. A second chance romance, which I normally one, this was was just kind of meh. The main characters never really clicked for me and it was just kind of boring. I expected more. It is a fast read though.
Thank you to NetGalley and Jill Shavis for the BEST ARC EVER.
Falling Into You by Jill Shalvis completely stole my heart. Hazel and Tucker’s second chance romance is full of heartbreak, healing, and a beautifully raw kind of love that lingers long after the last page.
It flips emotional expectations in the best way, giving us vulnerability, grief, and growth that feel deeply real. Even the miscommunication and third-act breakup—usually my least favorite tropes—felt natural and necessary here.
This story hurt, healed, and stayed with me… and honestly? I’m already ready to reread it.
"So..you believe in love now?" "Yes." "Because you saw three stars?" "Because I saw you again."
synopsis: after running from town 12 years ago, Hazel is back after her father's health scare, she has two goals, one not fall for tucker colburn again and two can she change the town's perception of her, make peace with her past and brave enough to stay? Or will she run away again at the first chance she has?
my thoughts: this book is messy it’s full of miscommunication, grief, heartbreak, stubbornness, love, and second chances. this book sends you on a roller coaster of emotions, that makes you want to skip to the end of the book, but also not want the book to end.
hazel: is one hot mess, her fear of rejection, her lack of self-worth her belief that nobody will stay, all of these could be hard to fight. hazel has unlimited sass and stubbornness, she’s willingly making up for her past mistakes and trying to be better.
tucker: is patient, protective and rhetorical fixer always wanting to make things better for everyone else. he has been in love with hazel for as long as he can remember.
the siblings: the banter, the meddling when not needed and the love you can feel it coming off the page
her fluffiness: the way the cat stole every scene it was in, the attitude she possessed, and the way they used her to pass notes was the icing on the cake.
If you love second chances, cozy small towns, funny side characters, meddling siblings and stories about finding your way back home this book is you.
thank you to Jill Shalvis and Hambright PR for the ALC and ARC.
Pub date: July 14 2026
⭐️ 4.25
tropes: * childhood sweethearts * second chance * bromance * next door neighbours * secrets
Thanks for the gifted book @hambright_pr, @jillshalvis, and @sourcebookscasa
🧡 Review - FALLING INTO YOU 🧡
Author - Jill Shalvis
Pub Date - 7/14/2026
I have been eating up second chance romances lately and this is definitely one of my favorites. Falling Into You is the third book in the Colburn Brothers series and it follows Tucker Colburn and Hazel, his childhood best friend turned girlfriend, turned the girl who left town and never came back. Until now...
Hazel has returned home to care for her estranged father, and while her intention is to do so without seeing Tucker, it’s pretty hard to avoid him in a town as small as theirs.
I loved Tucker and Hazel’s story because they just have so much history between them. It makes things messy between them and there is obviously a lot of tension and unresolved emotions, but it also makes them both and their renewed connection feel so authentic. My heart broke for them as we learn about some of their history, especially the trauma and grief that Hazel endures, but Tucker is exactly the person Hazel needs in her life. He’s so protective and supportive and just as swoonworthy as his two brothers.
While there are some heavier, emotional topic that are covered as these two reconnect, the story is also infused with that signature humor and heart that I always love in Jill Shalvis’ books so things never get too heavy.
I did an immersive read and absolutely adored the audiobook narration of Sebastian York and Lila Winters. They had me totally swooning at the intense chemistry between Tucker and Hazel. So good!
Perfect for fans of:
Second Chance Romance Small Town Romance Childhood Sweethearts Slow Burn
Hazel and Tucker have known each other since they were kids but lost touch when she left home at 17. She’s back now to be with her estranged father. She’s working hard to make a mark for herself as a woodworker/carpenter, and even harder to ignore Tucker. They have unfinished business that she doesn’t want get in to. Working for his family’s restoration business makes that impossible.
This second chance romance is rife with humor and witty banter - my favorites! Hazel and Tucker have sizzling chemistry that never left, and builds throughout the story. There’s also a somberness to it as Hazel deals with her past as the town’s troublemaker, and what made her act out. In the present she’s seeking redemption. She also struggles to trust, feeling that everyone leaves her so she might as well walk away first. It’s a repetitive thought process for her that irked me a little because dear god, communicate!! Oh yeah, miscommunication is aplenty between them. (Also, please check the CW/TW I listed as you swipe through.)
Winters and York were good narrators and sounded good together, even though I initially thought York sounded older than what I pictured Tucker to be.
I’d have rated this higher if it weren’t for the miscommunication trope which I felt was too much here because please, you’re grown ups so talk already! Otherwise, I love the Colburn family and all the brothers. Like I said, the humor and banter make it fun. Add this to your TBR for when you crave a good and spicy small town romance!
*Thanks @sourcebookscasa for my ARC copy & @hambright_pr for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
This was Tucker and Hazels story and theirs was perfect for them, but also kinda felt like a long time coming. They were kinda young sweethearts. They were together and then broke up for reasons you learn, but they were both young and with their time apart they did a lot of growing up. And a lot changed in their lives. It wasn’t easy for hazel to come back to her small town though. He dad needed her after he had a heart attack and she needed to come help make sure he was making changes to take care of himself. She didn’t plan to stay long, but of course the heart knows what it wants. And fate sealed them when Tucker saw the shooting stars in the sky even though he refused to admit it. The never lie hehe but they stubborn Colburn men take time to learn that.
Hazel has a lot of baggage and she is one closed off, sealed from the world chickadee. The last thing she needs is a man to save her or try to he the white night of her story. But even strong princess need a soft place to lay their heads. And Hazel has to learn that too.
These twos story really feels like a long time coming home. Lots of cope with, accept and bridge gaps of past pain. Not only with themselves, but as individuals, and their families. They both had semi broken homes growing up and found solidarity and safety with each other. They just have to be willing to open up again to each other. No matter how much hazel tries to hold Tucker back from getting to see all her broken pieces.
Jill Shalvis delivers yet another fabulous rom-com that took me through all the emotions I expect from a great second-chance romance. It definitely didn't hurt that I got to swoon over another Colburn brother! This family is always such a treat to revisit. Their banter and the relationships between them never fail to make me smile, and catching up with the couples from the previous books feels like getting a bonus epilogue every time.
I had the chance to experience this story through the audiobook, which features dual narration. While I would have preferred duet narration, I thought both narrators did a great job bringing the characters to life and voicing the opposite character during their chapters. There were a few moments where the narrators' pacing differed enough that I found myself adjusting the playback speed between chapters. Other than that, I thought their voices suited the characters well and really highlighted their personalities.
Hazel gave me the biggest laughs. She was lovable but, at times, incredibly frustrating. Because she keeps such an important truth from Tucker for so many years, the story leans heavily into the frustrating miscommunication trope, and occasionally tested me. In the end, though, it was absolutely worth it for the happy, relieved tears this beautiful couple earned from me.
The audiobook also includes a bonus epilogue, which made the ending even sweeter. I can see why some readers might find it a little cheesy, but honestly... cheese is delicious, so...
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is my first Jill Shalvis book. Based on book 3, I truly look forward to going back and reading books 1 & 2 in the Colburn Brothers series. I loved this second chance, best friends to lovers storyline. Tucker and Hazel are so funny and sweet together.
I had the pleasure of reviewing the Falling into You audiobook. Sebastian York and Lila Winters did a phenomenal job of telling Tucker and Hazel's rollercoaster story. Hazel is quirky, determined, and a little lost, and Lila expertly brings her life to life.
The beginning of this story kicks off with a little drama between Tucker and Hazel after she gets stung by a wasp while driving his work van. This interaction is so comical and really sets the tone for the rest of the book.
There are funny moments, heartbreaking moments, and everything in between. The Colburn family is so tight and loves to push each other outside of their comfort zone. I especially loved how Kiara seems to be the queen of the family, wrangling all her wild brothers. In addition, their father, Hank, is such a unique part of the storyline. He is silly and sweet, but it is a bit sad to hear the history of who he is prior to his stroke.
Such a great family and a great series, highly recommend.