Fallin' for the Rush

by Kimberly R. Vargas

Her marriage was a secret. Now it’s primetime TV.

Simone Allen lives for speed, danger, and knowing exactly when to leave.

As a stunt double, she built a career on taking risks without sticking around for the consequences. So when she drunkenly eloped with her longtime situationship, Kyle, she figured marriage could work the same way. Temporary. Manageable. Fun while it lasted.

Only problem? Kyle’s changed. He used to live for the rush too. Recently, he’s traded illegal racing for farm life, responsibility, and treating deductibles like foreplay.

Now Simone is balancing high-risk stunt work, a marriage she refuses to slow down for, and a primetime hosting gig on a global reality TV competition that rewards chaos and authenticity. On set, she’s paired with a magnetic A-list action star who does his own stunts and knows exactly how close they once came to crossing a line.

Temptation escalates. Cameras close in.

When producers uncover Simone’s secret marriage, they turn it into the twist of the season, dragging her private life into the spotlight and forcing her to perform the one thing she’s avoided most. Staying.

Fallin’ for the Rush is a bold, emotionally messy romance packed with second chances, forced proximity, too-hot-for-reality TV temptation, and what happens when running stops working.

470 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2026

About the author

Kimberly R. Vargas writes cinematic Black romance and women’s fiction about second chances, messy relationships, and women learning that love should not cost them themselves.

As an indie author, narrator, and producer, Kimberly brings her stories to life from page to audio. She writes, records, and produces her own audiobooks, creating an intimate listening experience for readers who love romance with feeling, texture, and voice.

When she’s not drafting her next book or in the editing cave, Kimberly is probably somewhere trying to hit a Mariah Carey octave or dancing in her basement like it’s 1999.

She lives in Michigan with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled dog.

Reviews

[CT]

Having read two of Kimberly R. Vargas’s previous books, I may be a little biased, but Fallin’ for the Rush was another enjoyable read that delivered exactly what I was hoping for.

Simone Allen is a fearless stunt double who thrives on adrenaline and lives life on her own terms. Her independent spirit makes her an engaging protagonist, and I loved watching her navigate the challenges that come with balancing her fast-paced career and personal life. Kyle is the perfect contrast—steady, dependable, and quietly supportive. Their personalities complement each other in a way that creates authentic chemistry and plenty of emotional depth.

The story blends romance, humor, and Hollywood excitement with just the right amount of tension. The behind-the-scenes look at stunt work and reality television adds a fresh twist to the romance without taking away from the relationship at the heart of the story. The pacing kept me invested, and the character growth felt natural throughout.

What stood out most was how Kimberly R. Vargas crafted two characters who are very different yet equally compelling. Their journey is filled with heartfelt moments, witty banter, and enough emotional depth to make you root for them from the very beginning.

If you enjoy contemporary romance with strong character development, engaging chemistry, and a unique entertainment-industry backdrop, Fallin’ for the Rush is definitely worth adding to your TBR.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book!

[Denae]

If you loved reality tv competition shows like The Challenge on MTV plus romance then you’ll absolutely love this thrilling, action and drama packed romance! This has tension, drama, mess, and vulnerability. I enjoyed the behind the scenes look and examination at the reality tv world! Kimberley is a new to me author and I thoroughly enjoyed this! The FMC, Simone, drove me up a wall and got on my last nerve until about the last 20% of the book lol! She made questionable and often disappointing decisions that made me want more for Kyle. I think Simone was a prime example of getting married without really knowing what you’re signing up for. Marriage means you no longer can make those unilateral decisions. Every decision you make has the ability to directly or indirectly affect your spouse. Simone made decisions without considering her husband, Kyle. He gave her a lot of grace which I don’t feel she often deserved. But, on the flip side, this book shows us the love, grace, and understanding that is also needed in marriage. The growing pains. Marriage will test you and show you who YOU are(the good, bad, ugly), what happens when the “thrill” is gone, The ability to go through adversity together and come out on the other side, stronger and more connected.

I absolutely loved Kyle. I loved that he owned a farm and preferred a quiet life. He was gentle, compassionate, sexy, and understanding. But, I loved when he started bossing up on Simone! I was like “Ok Kyle, you better get your wife!”

The will they, won’t they between her and Tobias kept me intrigued(but disappointed that Simone allowed it to even be a question), The tension and banter was great and added for a great storyline.
I would consider this low spice, which I enjoyed. It wasn’t too much. Just the right amount!

This is book 2 in an interconnected standalone series. I now would like to go back and read book one, which I just found out is her sister, Sam’s story.

Read this if you enjoy:
Reality tv
High stakes competitions
Action, drama, mess
Scandal
Strong willed FMC
Thrill seeking
Secret marriage
Marriage in trouble
Love triangle?

[Nìk]

Simone is blunt, sarcastic, thrill-seeking, and just a little bit unhinged. Her life moves like a mini tornado and while her crude jokes never landed w/ others, I still had fun watching her throw herself headfirst into one chaotic situation after another.

NOW, Simone married quickly because she wanted the thrill of it all, only to discover that her husband is craving the exact opposite: a simple, quiet life. Meanwhile, she gets whisked off to a reality show with a cohost who can’t keep his eyes or hands off her.

I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like Falling for a Rush. The whole reality TV competition setup felt like The Real World Challenge meets Survivor Island, complete with confessionals, stunt POVs, and episode clips that gave us little glimpses into what was happening behind the scenes. 10/10!!!

The TV confessionals and episode scripts were a unique way to manage multiple voices. It’s a breath of fresh air. I didn’t even realize it was a traditional single POV.

For readers of book 1: Simone and her twin Sam may be very different, but their dating lives are suspiciously similar. Juggling men must be genetic at this point.

[Monique B.]

I knew this book was going to be something when Simone couldn't stay put being a stunt double because she was "bored". 🙃

This book was a wild ride that I couldn't look away from. What I liked the most was that this focuses on a FEMALE who has commitment issues. Usually we get the men who don't want to settle down & seek the next thrill. But this was about Simone chasing that high & thrill of freedom she feels her marriage lacks. I was immediately intrigued!

I didn't know how the "situationship" between Tobias & Simone was going to go. I was rolling my eyes at Simone because of her choices -& the million times she had a chance to make things right & do right by her husband, Kyle!! 😒🙃 I felt for Kyle 😅.

The last 25% was action filled & messy - I flew so fast through those pages! 🤭. Now I need to backtrack to "Fallin for the Fame" to get the full scoop on Simone's sister, Sam!

Thank you Kimberly R Vargas for sending a free ARC of your book, all thoughts are my own! 🩷

[Jenien Johnson]

After reading Fallin For The Fame , I knew I was going to love this book before I even started it ! It did not disappoint in the slightest ! Simone ran my nerves up a wall damn near til the end , but when it was all said and done I fell in love with her . She couldn’t figure out how to love and Kyle was beyond patient . The character growth I seen in Simone was impeccable, lol . I could not stand her for majority of the book , lol . And Kimberly Vargas always has a trick up the sleeve you don’t even see coming ! This was such a good read !

[Shamoya Reads]

**ARC REVIEW”
4.5 stars

Thank you so much to author Kimberly Vargas for the advanced reader copy :)

From the moment book 2 was announced I knew Simone was going to take me through it, and that she did. If you thought book 1 (Sam’s story) stressed you out, you’re in for a ride.

‘Fallin for the Rush’ follows the FMC Simone Allen, when she is not working as a stunt double, she is a motorcycle girl who lives for the rush. She is fierce, sarcastic, independent and lives by her own rules. Simone doesn’t like to stay in one place for too long, so when the opportunity comes up to hosts a reality tv show, that involves stunts and danger, she signs that paperwork and hop on the next flight. The only issue is, Simone has a husband at home, one that she married on one drunken night. While filming show, Simone makes a lot of questionable decisions that tethers the lines of being inappropriate. For Simone she sees nothing wrong, while she holds the secret of who she left back home.

Now that I am familiar with the author I went into this, expecting chaos and a messy love story. Simone is head strong, nobody can tell her nothing. If you’ve ever had someone in your life who continuously makes risky decisions in the name of doing what is best for themselves, that is Simone. She is going to be frustrating but also relatable. She is chasing the rush. She doesn’t know if she wants to be tied to one person forever, she runs when things get too serious. For her, her relationship with Kyle used to be easy and carefree, but after the drunken marriage, reality hits that this is actually a real commitment that requires her slowing down and she is not quite ready for that. And yes; these are things she “should’ve” figured out prior to agreeing to marry her long time situation-ship. But when temptation comes in the form of a handsome and irresistible co host, Simone is not sure what she wants anymore.

If you love a reality tv show especially one that people are paired and have to work together you will love this book. This book reads like a tv show and that kept me invested. It is one of those books that once you pick it up you have a hard time putting it down especially before finishing a chapter. This story takes you through the making of the show “ THE EDGE”, episode by episode, elimination by elimination, and I was definitely on edge. I love that it takes you through some of the realities of a reality show especially the parts we dislike such as; how they will do anything for ratings and doesn’t always take participants wellbeing into account. When Simone’s hidden secret is revealed, the plot thickens; there is an added suspense that had me on the edge of seat.

This story was well written, and different from anything I’ve read and I loved that, my only wish was that Simone had to gravel a little bit more after everything she put Kyle through lol.

[Tiffany]

Okay but Kimberly R. Vargas really said let’s take marriage, throw in a stuntwoman, a former bike racer, a reality TV adventure show, some questionable decisions, unresolved trauma, and a whole lot of chaos and see what happens. 😂📚🔥

And honestly? It was everything!

Simone was one of those FMCs who had me talking to my Kindle like she could actually hear me. 😂 She was funny, confident, sarcastic, stubborn, and BABY… Usain Bolt has NOTHING on Simone! 🏃🏽‍♀️💨 Every time things got too real, that woman was GONE. 😂

But underneath all that chaos was a woman who was terrified that loving someone meant losing her freedom. Watching her work through that while confronting her past made her character so much more layered.

Then we have Kyle. 🥹 That man was patient, loving, and steady without becoming a doormat. He kept choosing Simone, but he also knew when to stand his ground. I loved that their relationship felt like an actual marriage, messy moments and all, instead of everything magically being perfect once they said I do.

The reality show element was SO good. The challenges, danger, twists, drama, and behind the scenes moments had me feeling like I was watching right along with everybody else. I never quite knew what was coming next and that kept me turning the pages. 👀🔥

And Tobias? Sir. We need to discuss you because the temptation was definitely TEMPTING. 😂

What I loved most is that this wasn't just a love story. It was about healing, vulnerability, family wounds, learning how to communicate, and realizing that loving someone doesn't mean giving up the parts of yourself that make you who you are.

Did Simone work my last nerve? ABSOLUTELY. 😂 Did I understand her? Also yes. Did I want a little more groveling before that HEA because apparently I am not as forgiving as Kyle? ABSOLUTELY YES. 😂

Still, this was such a fun, emotional, action packed read with a storyline that felt different from your typical romance. If you like messy characters, marriage after the honeymoon phase, suspense, reality TV drama, and a heroine who will have you yelling at the pages, add this one to your list! 📚🔥

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars

Thank you Kimberly R. Vargas for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. These are my honest thoughts and opinions. 💕📚

[Miesha Smiley]

Falling for the Rush was one of those books that I simply could not read, review, and move on from. I was sent this book by the author and I’m sooo glad she did !

This story felt incredibly cinematic. The reality competition setting, the different locations, the confessionals, the relationship drama, the tension, and the absolute MESS of it all made me feel like I was watching a show play out in my head instead of just reading a book.

But underneath all of that entertainment was a relationship that was much more complicated than deciding who was right or wrong. Simone and Kyle frustrated me, made me root for them, made me question them, and occasionally had me judging them before realizing I needed to mind my own business. 😂 Their marriage was messy, layered, imperfect, and human. And then you throw Tobias into the equation? Whew.

Simone was easily my favorite character. I loved watching her wrestle with who she was, what she wanted, and what commitment meant for someone who was so accustomed to freedom, adrenaline, and keeping one foot near the exit. There were moments when I wanted to shake her and moments when I completely understood her.

And I think the biggest testament to how much I enjoyed this book is what happened after I finished it.

I talked about Falling for the Rush for over a WEEK. 😂 One review wasn’t enough. I created fake viewer comments, confessionals, call ins, reactions, and eventually turned my reviews into an entire fictional aftershow called After The Edge. I had callers defending characters, viewers choosing sides, and somehow even got the author involved in my shenanigans.

I have never created an entire book-talk series around one book before.

That is what a good book does for me. It makes me want to create.

There were scenes I could see vividly, characters I couldn’t stop talking about, and enough drama to keep me entertained long after I closed the book. Falling for the Rush didn’t just give me a good reading experience; it gave me something to PLAY with.

If a book has me creating an entire fake television aftershow because I wasn’t ready to leave its world yet, I think that pretty much says it all. 😂❤️

[Chalon J]

An advance copy of this book was provided to me for free by the author.

Messy, action-packed, and reflective, Fallin’ for the Rush kept me hooked from beginning to end. Simone, a stunt performer and adrenaline junkie, feels most alive when she feels the exhilaration of a new challenge. Her pursuit for the next thrill is at odds with her decision to impulsively marry her previous situationship, Kyle, as she treats their relationship as a pit stop instead of a destination. When she receives the opportunity of a lifetime to host a reality competition show, Simone is thrust into the spotlight and temptation.

Vargas knows how to layer in messy growth with unexpected twists, and Simone’s story is my favorite! Simone’s carefree attitude and quest for spontaneity is a symptom of her need to control the depth of her relationships, and I loved how Vargas peels back why in the midst of the action of the storyline. Her connection with Kyle and being forced to make the choice to be vulnerable enough to take their relationship seriously or continue chasing the high of something new was so well done! Even when Simone makes the wrong choice, you are rooting for her to figure out what she wants and be open to receive it.

In the midst of Simone grappling with her choices, is the action of stunt focused reality competition show that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved how Vargas wove in Simone’s perception of the show with the curated version that was aired for audiences and how easily editing can make anyone look like a villain. There’s also an underlying message about how free Black women can be to share their emotions, push back when they're uncomfortable, and still be truly seen as strong, capable, and flawed people that resonated with me.

✨ If you are looking for a messy romance with plenty of twists, Fallin’ for the Rush should be on your reading list

Star rating: 4.5 (rounded up due to limitations on this platform)

[JustB]

Falling for the Rush 📚🔥

Kimberly R. Vargas really said, “Let me give y’all a marriage, a little chaos, temptation, and two people who need to figure their mess out” and I was SAT. 😂

Simone is the type of woman who will jump out of a moving car before she admits she has feelings. Girl… PLEASE. 😩 The way she kept trying to outrun what was happening in her heart had me talking to my Kindle like I was personally involved.

And Kyle? I loved watching his character evolve. He wasn’t the same man Simone remembered, and that made their relationship so much more interesting. Watching these two navigate a marriage neither of them really planned for while being thrown into the spotlight was EVERYTHING.

Then you add the reality competition, the cameras, the A-list temptation, and the fact that their PRIVATE marriage becomes everybody’s business?! Baby, the mess was MESSING. 😂🔥

What I really enjoyed was the emotional side of this story. Beneath all the fun and drama, there was a real conversation about vulnerability, commitment, and what happens when you can’t keep running from the things you actually want.

And that connection to Falling for the Fame? I LOVE when an author brings characters back and makes the world feel bigger without taking away from the current story.

Overall, this was such a fun, chaotic, emotional read. Simone stressed me out, Kyle had me rooting for him, and the whole situation had me needing to know what was going to happen next. 😂

Definitely one to add to your TBR if you love messy romance, second chances, forced proximity, and a little “why are y’all doing this?!” energy. 🔥📖

And a HUGE thank you to Kimberly R. Vargas for the ARC and for trusting me with an early copy of Falling for the Rush. It was a pleasure getting to experience Simone and Kyle’s story before release! 🫶🏾📚

Kimberly, you got me invested AGAIN! 👏🏾

[Jessica]

Action-packed drama and suspense with strong emotional tension and a bad girl FMC--this is much more than a romance. It's about the hard part after the honeymoon phase is over and the novelty of marriage wears off. It's about choosing your spouse time after time even when things get challenging. This story follows the marriage of two impulsive thrill-seekers once the rush is over.
Simone is a stunt woman and Kyle was a bike racer. They started in an unconventional way, married on a drunken whim, and Kyle decided to redirect his path to the farm life. Simone can't keep still and is constantly looking for an exit if things and/or people get too close. Kyle is her tether, she always comes back to him, but never stays. When Simone takes on her dream job as host for an adventure reality TV show, her relationship, her morals and her life are put to the test.
Overall, this was a great read; it's a page-turner. The action scenes and scripting from the reality show added a fun element to the story that pulled me into the show like I was watching from home. I was annoyed with Simone, of course, for her poor decision-making over and over again. Kyle has the patience and heart of a saint. This story does dig into the past traumas or triggers for Simone and Kyle such as parental loss and strained family dynamics. Simone has a small redemption arc, I only say small because I'm not as saintly as Kyle and I needed to see more groveling and punishment for her wrongs before we move to the HEA. I would recommend this for a reader looking for a unique storyline and doesn't mind a problematic FMC. 4.5 stars

Thank you Kimberly R Vargas for the opportunity to review this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

[Crystal]

ARC Review
📚 Book Title: Fallin’ for the Rush
✍🏽Author: Kimberly R. Vargas
📕 Format: 📱
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶 Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

🕑Quick Take:
Simone Allen is a stunt double, motorcycle enthusiast, and daredevil. Tobias Wolfe, nearly 20 years her senior, is an action star and producer. They worked together last summer, survived a set accident, and narrowly avoided a passionate moment. They are co-hosts on The Edge, a global couples’ competition show, stirring rumors about their on-air chemistry. Her husband, Kyle Holloway, a former endurance racer whom she married secretly six months ago in Vegas, watches from their farm in the Bay Area.

✨ Tropes:
- Secret Marriage
- Reality TV Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Temptation/Love Triangle

⚠️ Heads Up:
- Mature Themes (18+)
- Death of a Parent
- Strained Parental Relationship
- Microaggressions
- Risky Stunts/Near-Death Experiences

💭Final Thoughts:
Fallin’ for the Rush was an exciting read, full of action, banter, and spice! I intended to read a few chapters but stayed up late and woke early to find out the ending. I love how complex Simone was. I appreciated how Simone’s attachment issues influenced her personality quirks such as sarcasm and dry humor, her risk-taking behaviors, and her choices like keeping her marriage a secret. The glimpse into reality TV production was a favorite. The vivid writing made everything feel cinematic, especially the scene-by-scene sub-chapters with detailed script-like descriptions, including B-roll, sound effects, voice-overs, and confessionals. The twist was a surprising turn. Overall, it was a phenomenal read!

Thanks Kimberly R. Vargas for the ARC!

[Vonetta Evans]

ARC Review

Simone was a very frustrating character throughout this whole book. She is always looking for the next thrill and is scared of just staying in one place and just being; however, that doesn't always work when she is married to someone who owns a farm and is not about the thrill anymore. After taking a job hosting a reality type dare devil show without discussing with her husband mind you, knowing it will take her away from him for a long period of time, she made some very questionable decisions.

There was a male co-host thrown into the mix and I felt like she always put herself in very precarious situations that could have been avoided. I also honestly didn't understand why she wanted to keep her marriage a big secret. Once her marriage his found out, twists were thrown in the mix and we get a front row seat to see if her and Kyle will be able to survive it all. Kyle was a very patient man to put up with all of Simone's shenanigans but it seemed like time and time again she was doing something that she needed to "apologize" for and it was like when are you going to learn. Why do you keep doing these things and then be like oh but it didn't go that far so it's not that bad. You shouldn't have been there in the first place.

As we got towards the end of the book, I felt that she was being selfish and I really didn't see how her relationship with Kyle could survive. There were other situations that were included in the book that had me shaking my head and rolling my eyes. At the end of the day it seemed like Simone learned a lesson but I just felt like it took too much for her to learn it and her and Kyle reconciled too easy for me.

[Kaitlyn C Oliver]

12 locations around the world. A secret marriage. And no self control (if you ask me). This is my third book by Kimberly Vargas, so I should have known what I was getting myself into. However, I was not prepared for the rollercoaster of emotions I felt from the beginning to literally the last page!!!

Simone is a stunt double who received the offer of a lifetime. A job as a host on “The Edge” - a reality TV show for stunts. From the moment she said yes, things went quickly downhill. Her obsession with Tobias, her co-host, (who is NOT her husband) was so unhealthy. I shouldn’t be too surprised by Simone’s behavior because she is Sam’s sister, and Sam was WRONG for how she did Teddy (Please read book 1 in the Fallin series if you haven’t already.)

I couldn’t figure out who I hated more. Who’s the real villain? Initially I thought it was Jaqueline (executive producer of The Edge who looooved to stir up ish). Then I thought it was Tobias. Sir do you love the mess that much? Are you that unhinged??? I eventually settled on Simone!!! Kyle, her HUSBAND, did not deserve what she put him through. I have second hand embarrassment for Kyle. And he was such a golden retriever. Hate that for him. I try to avoid mess whenever possible. But it’s something about the Allen sisters that keep me invested.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved every second of this book! Thank you to Kimberly Vargas and team for the ARC. If you love romance, action, and mess pleeeaaaase read this NEXT. You will not be disappointed. 5/5

SN: My mouth was on the floor with how Simone did Tobias in the hotel. I didn’t know if to scream, cheer, or be proud lmao. 🤭

[Delsha]

Okay, this was FUN. 😂

One of the first things that caught my attention about Fallin’ for the Rush was Simone being a stunt double. She’s used to doing all the crazy stuff behind the scenes, so seeing her get the opportunity to step in front of the camera and host The Edge was such a good setup.

But what really got me was the reality TV aspect. I’ve read books involving reality shows before, but I don’t think I’ve read one based around endurance, stunts, traveling, challenges, and contestants actually competing like this. It gave me MTV’s The Challenge vibes, and I LOVE The Challenge, so I was here for it. 😂 I could actually picture the episodes playing out while I was reading.

Then you add Simone’s personal life into the mix and whew… girl. GIRL. 😭😂 There were definitely moments where I was looking at Simone sideways because Kyle was going THROUGH IT. The relationship drama gets messy, uncomfortable, and complicated, especially once feelings and temptation start mixing with everything happening on the show.

I also liked seeing Simone become invested in the contestants. It made The Edge feel like more than just a backdrop for the romance and drama. The actual show became part of what kept me interested.

Overall, Fallin’ for the Rush gave me something different. Reality TV competition + stunts + endurance + travel + relationship drama + romance? Yeah, I had a good time with this one.

⭐️ 4.5/5

And if you’re a reality competition show girlie—especially if you like The Challenge—I definitely think this one is worth picking up.

Happy Release Day to Fallin’ for the Rush! 🥳📚

[Carolyn Norman]

I’m rating this book 4.5 ⭐️ Because this book is about growth. How our experiences lead us from one place to another - Growth.

Specifically it’s Simone’s journey and growth as a person, as a wife, as a sister and daughter. She takes that journey with Kyle, her husband, as the reality TV show plays in the background.

I have a lot of thoughts about this book so I’m sharing them as bulletin points I wrote down as I was reading.

1. Simone annoyed me in the first book and she continued to annoy me in this one because of her bad choices. She knew better and refused to do better for 3/4rds of the book.

2. I hate reality TV and don’t watch it. It bothers me that the producers have so much power over people and use their dreams to manipulate them. Also that people trade in their self worth for a check and some infamy so quickly disturbs me.

3. This book and the behind the scenes manipulations made me hate reality TV even more. Because it exposed the ruthlessness of the producers, how an edit changes the truth into a warped reality and how a contract leaves contestants vulnerable.

4. The twist was diabolical.

5. Kyle was too good a man for Simone.

I really enjoyed this book. At times I had to put it down and walk away because I could have literally wrung Simone’s neck. Other times the stunts and camaraderie between the contestants drew me in.

It was a fast paced, well written book with amazing characters and villains (Tobias & Jacqueline). I purchased the book during the presale but it is available on Kindle Unlimited.

Kimberly has become one of my new favorite indie romance novelists to read!

[readandtellwithshantel]

Fallin’ for the Rush
Kimberly R. Vargas

Simone‘s motives may be perplexing and frustrating at times. She’s running from the stability that so many crave. It’s easy to believe the narrative that she feeds you from the start. Moving to the beat of her own drum has gotten her this far, yet the core of the narrative remains true.

Can she lean on the possibility of love, when constant momentum has been her refuge?

In her brief introduction in Vargas’ last novel, she is portrayed as an individual that exudes confidence. With a more intimate view of her life that security begins to appear fabricated.

Kyle is unyielding to a fault in his love for her. His loyalty in the face of betrayal is more than most would consider. The turmoil is raw and credible. His passion is not boisterous, but reliable. That reliability is exactly what Simone is not accustomed to. An unconditional love that holds space for who she is.

With respect to the plot and subplots of the novel, Vargas does a wonderful job with establishing the setting. I admire how she uses the setting to anchor the situations within the novel.

The vibes are nostalgic. It’s reminiscent of early 2000 physical reality shows. The twist is that the focal point is on stunt work. It’s an approach that I haven’t encountered. The scenes are angsty and jaw dropping.

This entire experience questions, the very foundation Simone has established. Dismissive humor, and general avoidance won’t safe her from the war within. The only notion that can safe her is the truth.

#readandtellwithshantel #KimberlyRVargas #FallinfortheRush

[_dulcekk]

What Price Are You Willing to Pay?

Simone and her husband have been married for three years, but whew… this marriage was TESTED. Simone is a stunt double, and she takes on another three month gig without consulting her husband. Ma’am… I’m sorry, but you were DEAD wrong for that one.

Simone was RUNNING herself into one compromising situation after another! I will say that Simone’s choices frustrated me throughout the book. There were so many moments where I felt like she wasn’t considering how her decisions affected her husband or their marriage. It was hard for me to understand some of her choices because, time and time again, she seemed to put herself in situations that could have easily been avoided.
But the line that sent me OVER THE EDGE was: “What matters is that I walked away.”

Ma’am… respectfully… NO!! What would have mattered was not putting yourself in those situations in the first place! Like, girl, PLEASE!

That said, I think what made Simone’s story so frustrating for me was that I could see the potential for growth and reflection PRIOR to the end of the book, and I wanted her to make different choices. I wish we had gotten to see her marriage with her husband in a different light after she came to her senses, but instead… it was all tomfoolery.

Overall, this was one of those reads where I had plenty of feelings. I was frustrated, stressed, entertained, and occasionally yelling at the book.

Final thought: Sometimes the real question isn't what are you willing to risk? It's what price are you willing to pay for the choices you make?

[Priscilla Obie]

**Falling for the Rush** by Kimberly R. Vargas was **TOO GOOD!** 👏🏽🔥

This book was so entertaining from beginning to end. Now listen... Simone (the FMC) got on my **last damn nerve**. 😂 Sis let her fear of being loved the right way get in the way, and I wanted to shake her more than once.

But Kyle... whew. **That's a good man, Savannah!** 🥹 That man loved his wife beyond her fears. He stayed when she always wanted to run, but he also wasn't afraid to put his foot down and let her know, *"I love you, but I can only tolerate so much."* I respected that so much because love doesn't mean accepting everything without boundaries.

I also loved how Kimberly tied in her previous book, *Falling for the Fame*. Getting to see Sam as Simone's sister and catching up with characters from that story made the whole world feel connected. And the competition scenes? I loved that we didn't just hear about them from someone else's perspective—we actually got to experience them right alongside the characters.

This book had everything: romance, growth, frustration, laughter, and heart. I already know this would make an **AMAZING audiobook**, and I seriously hope Kimberly turns it into one. I need this one in my ears ASAP because I think it would be even better.

Definitely add **Falling for the Rush** to your TBR! 📚✨

#BookReview #FallingForTheRush #KimberlyRVargas #BlackRomanceBooks #RomanceReads #Bookstagram #AudiobookPlease #WhateverYouDoJustKeepReading

[Aasiyah Anderson]

I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC of Fallin For The Rush, and whew… this one had DRAMA, secrets, attraction, and nowhere to run. 👀

The entire book takes place on the set of a popular reality stunt show called The Edge, where we meet Simone, a professional stunt performer who is rough around the edges, uses humor as a way to avoid dealing with her feelings, and has a habit of running whenever life starts to feel a little too suffocating.

While planning her next escape, Simone gets a call from her agent with an unexpected opportunity: The Edge wants her to be a host. Simone agrees and signs the contract without fully reading the fine print. 😩

So imagine her surprise when she arrives on set for her first day and discovers she won’t be hosting alone.

Her co-host? Tobias.

Her attractive former coworker who she definitely has mutual chemistry with. 👀

Working alongside Tobias is already dangerous enough, but things get even messier when you find out Simone is secretly married to Kyle. And when an intimate video of Simone and Tobias is leaked and her secret marriage is exposed, everything on the set of The Edge starts to unravel.

Now Simone is forced to confront the things she’s spent so much time running from.

But the real question is… will she finally face them head-on, or will she run again?

[KNicole]

Whew! I just love a story with characters that will rattle your nerves Lol! Between Sam (Fallin for the Fame) and Simone, I don’t know who had me more stressed out!😆 Simone honey...Imma hold your hand while I say this lol. She was running from accountability so much throughout the story, I just know her feet were hurting lol. And just when I thought she couldn’t make another questionable decision, here she goes proving me wrong.

Buuuuuut I appreciated her character because she was clearly flawed, frustrating, but also human. She had SO much baggage, and watching everything eventually catch up with her was definitely a time and a half. I just wanted to shake her throughout the story! 😂 Kyle definitely had me in my feelings because he was a VERY patient man lol.

And on a side note, I really enjoyed the reality show aspect of the story. It gave the story a different experience for me, and honestly, it was pretty fun!

All in all, Kimberly did an AMAZING job once again. She’s gonna give you romance. She’s gonna give you drama. She’s definitely gonna give you characters that make very colorful decisions😂 Was it frustrating to read at times? Absolutely. But honestly, that’s sort of the point of the story. If you enjoy mess, complicated characters, drama, and romance, then this will be right up your alley. It was a good time for sure.

[Cozyreadsbycrys]

***ARC Review***

really enjoyed this one! The way Kimberly wrote the scenes in this book really made you feel like you were watching a show and I loved the reality show aspect. Between the challenges, tension, twists, and drama, I never quite knew what was coming next.

Now Simone 😂 is one of those FMCs that STRESSED ME OUT! She was no nonsense, funny, very sarcastic, confident, hard headed, and sis was definitely a TRACK STAR when things got real, she was gonna run at the first sign of it. There were so many moments when I fussed and cussed at Simone but I also understood that a lot of her decisions stemmed from believing love would cost her the one thing she valued most…her freedom.

On to Kyle? 🥹❤️ I loved how he consistently chose Simone while still making it clear that Simone was NOT about to run over him! 😂 He was patient and loving, but he also had his own wounds to work through, which made their journey feel more balanced.

What I loved most was that this wasn’t just a romance. It was about growth, healing, vulnerability, and learning that loving someone doesn’t mean losing yourself. Sometimes the greatest RUSH is finding someone you can chase life’s thrills WITH. ❤️

Simone worked my LAST nerve, but with Kyle and the temptation of Tobias, I had to keep reading to see just how she would pull herself out of this chaos

[Te_the_Reader]

I received an advance copy and am providing an honest review.

Simone constantly chases a high in her career as a stuntwoman, but is it ever enough? Meanwhile, her husband Kyle is left waiting at home. Driven by emotion and her resistance to feeling it, Simone fights against anything that would force her to stay grounded. While her poor decisions are frustrating at times, Simone remains deeply relatable at her core—a strong, fearless Black woman carrying a chip on her shoulder. That is exactly how the industry views her when she agrees to host a reality show. Simone enters the project with a specific goal, but doesn't consider what it will do to her marriage... something that she's keeping secret.

This book delivers everything you'd expect from reality TV: action, humor, witty banter, sexual tension, marital angst, and major plot twists. I felt for and understood both Simone and Kyle, however, Simone's behavior made me root for Kyle. Reading Fallin' For The Rush taught me that I actually love a "MMC falls first" romance with a genuinely good guy. Highly recommended if you enjoy complex characters, a cinnamon roll MMC, a stay-or-go marriage dynamic, and enough drama to make you yell at the page.

[GetLitWithRae]

4.5⭐️

Simone Allen is used to being behind the scenes as a stunt double, but an opportunity of a lifetime puts her directly in front of the cameras as the host of the popular stunt competition reality show, The Edge. Suddenly, she’s traveling to beautiful locations, bonding with the contestants, and navigating everything that comes with being the one in the spotlight. I loved the competitive reality TV backdrop! It added suspense, drama, and an adrenaline rush that kept the story moving.

But Simone…GIRL. 😩😂 Is there something about these Allen sisters?! Because just like Samara frustrated me in Fallin for the Fame, Simone had my blood pressure RAISED! I spent entirely too much time thinking, “She’s not going to…is she? 👀” Meanwhile, was Kyle a saint?! Because the patience this man had with Simone…WHEW! I absolutely loved the way he loved her.

Messiness + romance + reality TV drama + adrenaline + suspense + gorgeous destinations = one WILD ride, and I was all in! Kimberly R. Vargas kept me invested even when I wanted to reach into the book and shake Simone myself. 😂 And seriously…WHAT is it with the Allen sisters and danger?! Can y’all just stay somewhere SAFE?! 🫣😂

Thank you to Kimberly R. Vargas for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

[Shawberry Likes To Read]

Oooh Simone worked my nerves for the majority of this book.


Simone is all high stakes, stunts, and adrenaline. However, the moment her life becomes reality TV for the world, she finally has to face her truth. Drama, romance, messiness and danger all broadcasting both on and off screen.  Simone is finally at the Edge, and hard decisions must be made. It's no longer about the rush or thrill.  Every decision she makes impacts her future, something she's never really stopped to plan as she lives day by day in the moment. The spotlight is on and the pressure is setting in. She's spent her life locating every exit and uses it when things get hard. Unfortunately,  Kyle isn't willing to allow this to continue. He might not appear to be the man she drunkenly married but he's still there just with a few painful memories of his own. As Simone continues to debate giving into Tobias, she finally comes to her senses (took WAAAAYYYYYYYYY too long if you ask me) and deems it not worth the risk.  When the heat is on, she finally has the courage to walk away from risking her life and Kyle's all for the camera. We finally wildness the moment she learns the difference between freedom and running.

[Kristal]

Many thanks to Kimberly and her team for the opportunity to receive an ARC!

I've read all of Kimberly's books now and this one by far is my favorite! The writing is sooo good and Simone has you on the edge (no pun intended 😂) of your seat with what she's going to do and what she's getting herself into! Even though Simone frustrates us with all her messy decisions sometimes, no one can say she's not admirable in saying what she needs to say or doing whatever the hell she wants, whether people like it or not. There's so much good in Simone and you can see the potential in every page as you follow her journey and character growth.

It's definitely a nice change to read a second-chance romance where they never left each other but have to do the work to stay and fall in love together again. Two imperfect people choosing each other over and over again feels more grounded and realistic to how it is sometimes in relationships. Add some crazy stunt work, the dark side of Hollywood, and a messy cast of characters; what an adventure! I definitely recommend this book to anyone first reading any of Kimberly's books!! 💕💕💕

[Just D]

Simone, Girl...
Kimberly R. Vargas is a new-to-me author, and Fallin' for the Rush was a fun introduction to her writing.

This genuinely felt like I was watching a messy reality TV show play out in real time. The cameras, the competition, the temptation, the secrets, the relationship drama. The angst was there. The tension was there. And the STRESS was definitely there.

Simone pissed me off. A LOT. But she was supposed to. Her need to keep moving, avoid dealing with her feelings, and make some very questionable decisions was part of who she was. I may have fussed at her repeatedly, but she kept me invested.

I also liked how the romance, stunt work, and reality TV setting worked together instead of feeling like separate pieces of the story. There was always something happening, and I wanted to see exactly how all that mess was going to play out once the cameras got involved.

This was an enjoyable 3.5-star read and another reminder that I apparently need to stop playing around and read more romantic suspense.

I'm glad I got the opportunity to ARC read Fallin' for the Rush. Thank you for the ARC!

I was given a copy of this book by the author, thank you. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.​

[Shunita O]

Arc Review Reading Fallin for the rush I kept wondering one thing. What is wrong with these sisters and the men they choose? I mean first Sam and now Simone. Kyle is a good man, Savannah. Ok, I got that out the way. Here we have Simon a certified thrill junky. She is a stunt double and the thrill of that fuels her. This sista is risking her life while the actresses she double for sits pretty. She loves what she does until one day on the set she decides nope I over this. She quits and returns home to Kyle. Kyle a former thrill junky has settled down. And now has a farm with goats, chickens and other farm animals. There is a disconnect between them. I feel Simone looks a Kyle was safe, boring like. The thrill that attracted him to her. Has settled down and is content as a farmer. I think that is why she allows Tobias to cross that line from time to time. He is just like her, he has the thrill she seeks. But he is not him. This was a good read and I really enjoyed it. Even though Simone was pissing me off. 🤣

[Ashlee Tharman]

**ARC READ**

Simone has lived the fast life ever since her father passed away. When Kyle enters, she worries she will be suddenly asked to stop living life the only way she knows how. So when an opportunity presents itself to co-host the edge alongside former coworker Tobias, she immediately hops the plane to continue chasing the rush. Theres just one problem - life always finds a way to catch up.

Simone. Oh my beautiful, wonderful, unapologetically yourself Simone. Vargas has a brilliant talent of writing women that you know. You see yourself in them. You feel everything they feel, you love everything they love, and you cheer and cry right alongside them. Simone is no exception. Vargas also has this amazing ability of giving you a solid twist in the middle of a book once you think you have figured out the plot, and again when you think you know how the ending will go. Forever in awe of the brilliance of this author. I fell in love with Kyle and Simone both in this story, and im already ready for Vargas' next book.

[Edwina]

Simone and Kyle pulled me right in; their relationship is messy, complicated, funny and full of “girl, what are you doing?!” energy that kept me completely hooked.
Simone is used to chasing the next thrill and running when things get too real, while Kyle is trying to show her that maybe slowing down and actually dealing with her feelings isn’t the worst idea. And watching these two navigate this whole secret marriage situation? Chile… that's all I can say.
I really enjoyed them together because they felt so real. They could be frustrating one minute (mainly Simone) and have me grinning the next. The chemistry was undeniable and between the attraction, the temptation, the cameras and all the drama surrounding them, there was never a dull moment. I kept catching myself thinking, “Oh, we’re really doing this?”
What I loved most was that underneath all the chaos, this wasn’t just a quick thrill, it was a whole ride and I didn't want to get off.