Falling for Rachel

The Stanislaskis #3

by Nora Roberts

For passionate lawyer Rachel Stanislaski, work is her life. Assigned to watch over teenage delinquent Nicholas LeBeck, the last thing Rachel needs is Nick’s hot-headed stepbrother storming into her courtroom. Zack Muldoon is protective and stubborn, but whether he likes it or not, he needs Rachel’s help—both to keep Nick out of trouble and to reconnect with his younger brother. Rachel knows the importance of a family bond, but she hasn’t considered what excitement—or complications—a blossoming romance could add to their agreement. But Zack and Rachel’s chemistry is hard to ignore, and the two could be falling for each other faster than they realize.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Chick Lit, Harlequin, Adult

253 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 1993

About the author

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.

Reviews

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure the portrayal of the criminal justice system has aged very well, nor has the high handed hero, but this definitely had that core je ne sais quoi that makes a Nora category still readable

[Marisa Sauco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Preciosa ❤

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Falling for Rachel
3 Stars

In order to help her new client, a 19-year-old caught red-handed with stolen merchandise, public defender Rachel Stanislaski agrees to become his joining guardian with his sexy stepbrother Zack Muldoon. Soon the simmering attraction between Zack and Rachel develops into a raging passion, but can they resolve their personal reservations in order to be together?

Zack and Rachel have great chemistry and their snarky interactions are fun. Unfortunately, the sub-plot involving Nick's crush on Rachel is annoying particularly due to the fact that it could have been easily resolved if Rachel has simply been upfront with him from the get-go rather than procrastinating.

Once again, the close-knit Stanislaski family is wonderful, and adds a delightful element of humor to the slightly darker themes in the book.

Looking forward to Alex's book next.

[*CJ* · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Falling for Rachel" is the story of Rachel and Zach.

Let me begin the review by confessing- I struggled to finish this book. I don't think it was a bad read per say, but nowhere as engaging as its predecessors and had my eyes glazing over like 15 times.

Anyways, the book tells the story of a public defender/lawyer h, who gets the case to save the H's estranged teenage stepbrother who has committed a crime. The brother is resistant and haughty, until the H enters the scene, and the h is able to get him on bail- on a condition that she would supervise him. Soon attraction blooms between the h and H, while the brother ends up heavily crushing on the h too..

Maybe it was the creepiness of having a teenage boy lusting after the h who was obviously with his brother, or the fact that she chose to hide the truth from him despite knowing his intentions. Or maybe, it was the almost violent confrontation between the h and the brother. Something put me off this book. I did like the honest relationship blooming between the h and the H, but definitely did not feel the love.

Safe?
2/5

[Sonyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reseña completa en mi blog: https://elsentirdeunlibro.blogspot.co...

This saga is amazing. I really, really, really recommend this saga and the author. She creates fantastic characters, her stories are wonderful...

[Kath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gusto bastante, mas de lo que esperaba, lo leí muy rápido.

Personajes:
Me encanto Rachel fuerte, decidida, buena en su trabajo.
Zack: me agrado, pero me pareció muy salvaje, demasiado impetuoso para mi gusto.
Nick: un poco perdido y marcado por el rechazo, pero bueno en el fondo.

Trama:
Me gusto la trama, me pareció buena, me hubiera gustado ver mas a Rachel en la corte, claro obviamente en este tipo de libro siempre sientes que falto algo.

[Saly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 3.5
I enjoyed this, the heroine is a public defender assigned a case of a young nineteen year held on burglary charges, she likes him, he's got a good lost vibe and then she meets the hero Zack who shouts on her and then she finds out that he is the step-brother of her client and willing to step up to save his brother even is his brother is too angry to want help.

Rachel somehow manages a supervisory deal for Nick, with her as the guardian which keeps bringing her in contact with Zack and the attraction between them and before they know it they are involved. But there is Nick and his infatuation with Rachel as well.

As usual the family times were good and so was the relationship, we also see Nick figure his life around with many mistakes and mis-steps in the way.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical Nora Roberts.

[MisskTarsis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Muy muy bueno.

Rachel, es uan abogada exitosa que ha decidido poner sus habilidades en manos de la ley. Después de conocer a Nick, su último ladrón para defender, de no más de 19 años, es nombrada como su tutora bajo la libertad condicional. Pero junto a Nick viene su hermano mayor, Zach. Un ex marino con un caracter bastante fuerte que logra colarse en su amor por la justicia.

[Lissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a quick but good read. I thought I had lost this book but found it in the garage. I should've been working on lesson plans, but oops.
When I'm stressed out and just overwhelmed, there is nothing like a Nora Roberts story to help me relax.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the only Stanislaski book I hadn't read yet and I'm so glad I finally got a copy. Rachel is a public defender who got tagged with helping Nick. He had been caught robbing an electronics store, but she could see that he wasn't a hardened criminal. The judge assigned her to coguardian Nick along with his stepbrother Zack. There were sparks between the two from the beginning, but Rachel tried to keep things professional. Zack wasn't having any part of that - he was deeply attracted to her and made sure she knew it. Rachel could see that Zack really wanted to do what was best for Nick, and she could see that Nick's biggest problem was that he felt alone. Being the hardheaded guys that they were neither one was any good at expressing feeling to each other so Rachel had her work cut out for her. She also had to deal with her growing feelings for Zack and the crush that Nick had on her. I loved seeing how much Zack cared about Nick, but how lost he was about showing him. I liked the way that Rachel was able to show both guys how much the other cared. I also loved the way he was there for Rachel when she was attacked and how the tender side of him showed up through the tough guy attitude. I really enjoyed the closeness of the Stanislaski family and how they welcomed Zack and Nick into it. I loved the way that Rachel and her brother Alex had such a rivalry going on but their love for each other was apparent throughout. I really liked the judge and her discussion with Rachel at the bar, and then her ruling in the courtroom at the end. One of these days I will have to reread the other Stanislaski books.

[steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review May 2021: Once again her male lead (Zack) was a bit too alpha male for me (what can I say, clearly Nora Roberts had a type) but I still really enjoyed this book. Rachel could stand her own with her brother and with Zack which says a lot about the strong woman she is and I loved all the moments of her proving her power in the courtroom. And I had forgotten what a CHARMER Nick is and how suave he can be when he sets his mind to someone (i.e. Rachel). I feel bad repeating this because here we are nine years and three reads later and my tastes have clearly not changed because I really did love Nick in here. Like a lot. He made the whole freaking book for me, especially the last fifty pages or so. Sorry not sorry Rachel and Zack!


Review June 2014: NICK. NICK. NICK. Yes, I love Zach and Rachel but all those years ago, when I first got into this series it was Freddie and Nick's story that was my favorite and so seeing Nick and watching him have a crush on his soon to be sister in law was the best. Also the family. I NR's families and this one is great especially because more grandkids keep being added with each book!


Review October 2012: Enjoyable. Really enjoyable and it was nice to see Nick at nineteen and all young and broody. It makes me excited for his book.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling for Rachel is about Rachel Stanislaski, a public defender. Rachel has made her job as public defender her life. She does little, except with her family, when she is not working. It is not that she doesn’t want a life; she just doesn’t have time for one. Now, she is rushing to court to defend a young gang member who is being tried on burglary charges. The problem is that the arresting officer is her own brother who did nothing wrong with his arrest. The judge decides on a different punishment for Nick after his brother steps in to help. She sentences Nick to living with his brother and working for him as he gets his life straightened out. To add to this, she gives Rachel the job of court liaison with Nick and his brother. She has to be involved with Nick enough to make a reliable report with Nick. Now Rachel has to fight becoming too involved with Nick to be forthcoming in her report but more so, she has to fight becoming too involved with Nick’s brother, Zack.

[Mancho283 · Rating 4 out of 5]

เรื่องนี้น่ารักดี ชอบตั้งแต่เริ่มเรื่องที่พระนางเอกเจอกันเลย นางเอกเป็นทนายของรัฐช่วยเหลือลูกความที่ไม่มีเงินจ้างทนาย พูดง่ายๆว่าทำให้ฟรี แล้วบังเอิญว่าน้องชายของพระเอกดันโดนจับนางเอกเลยได้เป็นทนายให้ พอพระเอกรู้เรื่องเลยรีบตามมาหาน้อง เจอนางเอกแอบเข้าใจนางเอกผิดว่าเป็นทนายดาวยั่วจูบกับตำรวจนัดเดทไปวันๆแทนที่จะทำงาน แต่ที่ไหนได้เข้าใจผิด ตำรวจที่นางเอกจูบนั่นก็คือพี่ชาย สุดท้ายนางเอกต้องไปเป็นผู้ปกครองน้องชายพระเอกร่วมกันกับพระเอก เรื่องราวแนวครอบครัวนิดๆ ความรักระหว่างพี่ชายน้องชาย นางเอกพระเอก และครอบครัวนางเอกด้วย พระเอกนี่ปากว่ามือถึงตลอด เดี๋ยวจับเดี๋ยวสัมผัส รุกนางเอกตลอดอ่ะ >_<

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book these two where made for each other can't wait to read more books by Nora Roberts

[anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

this series gets better by the book and i hope it will carry on.

i liked rachel , she was badass. i’m excited for alex’s book and i think we’ll see nick in one of the next books.

[Maria Jose · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Esta saga no decae,y eso me encanta.
Lo he disfrutado mucho.

[Yenile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, now this is a love twisted story in the middle of New York City, oh yes definitely twisted but beautiful, beautifully passionate. It also shows its not easy it's tangled but worth it.

So the public defender Rachel Stanislaski (the youngest of the Stanislaski's) was assigned to Nick LeBeck ( he was 19 years old) who was actually caught by her own brother ( the youngest of the male Stanislaki's) yes he was a cop detective really so though Alex and Rachel worked in he same building they had completely opposite objectives. She'd spoken to her newest client yet, he did admit that he was with his gang yes the Cobras he'd only admitted because of the evidence but he wouldn't say the names no matter what as she walked out she found a FINE looking young man a bit older than her but not much he'd demanded to know about Nick turns out he was his brother, well step brother but their parents had both passed years ago turns out he was a sailor and had been on sea for years but had been back for 2 years that was when Nick's father had died and Nick decided to become this bad boy. Rachel got the court to treat Nick as a minor things went smoothly Zack (his step brother) was assigned as his guardian for 2 months after those to months the judge would see if Nick had made progress but what she hadn't expected was that the judge would assign her as co-guardian UH-OH, her brother went bonkers he wouldn't let her stay 2 months with 2 complete strangers and they were criminals he let her know and she let her know that they weren't criminals she barely knew then and that was a job she was a public server so she had to. Oh Zack (who owned a bar that was right under his apartment) he fell slowly in love with Rachel and though she didn't want to because this was her job she wouldn't get involved with him in a personal way even if she wanted to which she eventually did, she wanted to become Nick's friend to get information out of him and also because she wanted him to have somebody to rely on she knew he needed somebody to come to when he needed, somebody he can tell his brother problems to after a fight or any problems AKA a friend. She had gotten involved personally and physically involved with Zack and she loved it jus as much as he but they had kept it a secret not only because of the case but because she didn't want to hurt Nick who had also fallen in love with her she didn't bother with that she thought maybe he'd forget about it move on once he saw she wasn't interested (incorrect). She took them both to meet her family they liked the family and the family liked them and especially one little girl love Nick. One day Rachel walked into the bar and found a drunk blonde trying to get on her man but said or did nothing one of the waitresses Lola showed Rachel her oldest daughter great Rachel thought she was beautiful Nick would only have to take one look at her and go after her. She went to the kitchen to find Nick he was washing dishes while Rio (the chef) cooked something up for her, she told Nick to go upstairs with her so they can talk but once they were up he landed a kiss on her she told him she couldn't even if she wanted to she was his co-guardian he took the wrong way he thought once the 2 months were completely over they'd be together. She went downstairs, to Zack's office to tell him what had happened only to find the same blonde hooked on to him while he leaned on his desk, she was shocked and angry, he tried to get the blonde off but she wouldn't so Rachel yanked at her hair real good so that she would and pulled her through her hair out of the office until Lola took her out. Zack and Rachel had a small discussion about that's but ended up with a very intimate moment when Nick walked in, oh lord, betrayal was all he could see he said some shit to Rachel and got punched by Zack for it he wouldn't tolerate anyone talking to her like that they fought and then he stormed off, but in that very moment the judge walked in Rachel talked to her then she left things weren't in too bad. She went back to her apartment and after a while Nick dropped by yelled, threatened and hurt her when he realized what he was doing and that it was wrong Rachel made him sit so they would talk, when they went back to the bar, the cobras were steeling the bar and ended up shotting Nick,but he got better soon.A few days later a court Nick was free to be and told the judge the name of the members of the cobras, he'd organized a celebration with Zack at the bar and invited Rachel's family after the party Zack was happily crazy to have Rachel to himself you see weeks before he'd offer her to move in its him he'd changed his mind when he said so she was furious even though she was gonna say now but when he proposed wow of course she said yes.

[Fontaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining. Good, easy plane read.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I read Nick and Freddie's story before everyone else's, it was great seeing how Nick and Zack became part of the family. I love that Rachel was independent and strong, and so was Zack. I like that it was Alex who caught Nick, and how Nick really wasn't a bad kid, just lost and looking to belong. I liked how Rachel and Alex work in similar fields but always have a rivalry going on. I like how Zack and Rachel met, and how they both have fiery tempers and kind of hated each other a little. I liked how Rachel and Zack sort of became Nick's parents to help him out. Zack and Nick's story was tough, how Zack left and Nick was stuck with his stepdad, and Nick just felt alone, and Zack felt like a failure. Nick's crush on Rachel was sweet and how she really was a mother -figure for him, but he didn't see it. I like Zack being a sailor, and how Zack surprised Rachel with flowers and told her right out that he wanted to spend time with her, and then how hard Rachel tries to keep everything professional. I loved their date at the pub and how Rachel invited them to family dinner. When they were mugged, it was scary but romantic, and I just love how Rachel tries so hard to resist Zack and what they have. When Rachel was attacked while working, it was great because she was vulnerable and Zack really came through and I loved how he just held her when she broke down and cried, and how Zack's worry came through as anger. And I loved how they couldn't resist each other and finally slept together, after talking and becoming even closer. I liked how Zack unwillingly started planning trips and vacations with Rachel.I liked how Nick and Zack got closer but it's so hard for them to really talk because they're such guys. As always the family chapters are some of my favorites, and this one was amazing with Katie cuddling up to Nick, and Freddie already crushing on Nick. I loved how after Nick played the piano with Spence, Zack got Nick a piano, and it was so sweet for both sides. I loved the part where Rachel found Zack with a girl, and he was trying to get her off because he really wasn't interested. I liked how similar Judge Beckett and RAchel were carrer wise but the judge chose her career, and RAchel is choosing both love and her career. When the Cobras were in the bar and they were hurting everyone, and when they were about to shoot Zack, Nick took the shot, that was when they really became a family. I loved that Nick's charges were dropped and then Rachel realized she jsut didn't want to move in with Zack, she wanted everything with him. I really liked how without meaning to, the three of them became a family, and how they really helped Nick become a man. I just loved how Zack and Nick are finally part of a family, and Rachel got something other than just a career. Although I like the happy times, I liked those dangerous instances because it just brought them closer. It was great and I liked how stubborn they both were, and they both wanted it to be uncomplicated but they just couldn't control it.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is one of my favorites if not my favorite in the series. first i have a soft spot for any book featuring lady lawyers being that i will hopefully be one in less than 3 years. now i could never be a defense attorney because sometimes you have to take cases where you know the client is guilty and i could never do that but it is a necessary job and this character epitomizes everything i wish the system could be (there are far too many sleazy lawyers as a whole esp in the criminal system). Rachel is everything i love in a heroine shes tough but without being a bitch and shes not afraid (and knows how) to throw a punch when necessary. and zack...yummy! i have a soft spot for irish men especially the broody ones...and bonus points for owning a uniform XP. shallowness aside other than his tendency towards violent impulses (which i always found to be justified and..well kinda sexy) theres nothing to dislike about his character. hes sweet and funny and tough but with just the right amount of sensitive side. nick made an interesting twist to the story and though i used to be content to leave criminals where they lie law school has made me more compassionate and his story is rather heartbreaking so his leaning toward crime wasnt exactly a shock and his character was so likable you couldnt help but forgive his flaws. cant wait to get to his story! the writing as always was superb-plot and romantic development perfectly paced. and the sex scenes finally cross the line from being sweet to being steamy! all around a winner. cant get enough of roberts' writing :D

[Tatiana Lammers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started The Stanislaskis series backwards - with Waiting for Nick/ Considering Kate, and realized there were more books. I absolutely love these books. And Falling for Rachel, the book about Rachel, the youngest of the Stanislaskis’ sibling, is not an exception. Besides, it was great to read the story of Nick from the very beginning (and see the great ending in 'Waiting for Nick'). The book is very easy to read. It keeps you wanting for more. Being a Russian native myself I really like the way the author describes the Stanislaski family, their traditions, the love of the family and the way they care about each and every one of their family member and friends. All the characters are very strong and absolutely lovable.

[Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

2020
Rachel is probably my favorite of the Stanislaski clan. She is a strong, passionate woman who believes in right and wrong. And she wants desperately to make sure that all is right in the world. I particularly like that she understands that not all of her clients are going to be saints and angels, but she still does her best to make sure justice is upheld. And she understands and accepts her flaws as well (such as not always saying the best thing in some situations). I like how she handled both Nick and Zach (especially with getting them to act like brothers with one another. If I was going to complain about anything, I just wish that Nick would have seen her as a sister and not thrown in the romance.

[Peni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is perhaps the, I don't know how many, time I have read this story. May I just say it is terrific. All the stories in this series are but this one has a particular place for me. I love how just when someone is feeling like life just doesn't matter any more, something happens to change everything. There are many elements to this story that keep me coming back. As I don't want to spoil anything ... just read it, you won't regret it.

I highly recommend this story to 14+ due to some mild sexual content.

[Valeria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story between Rachel and Zack, it was really romantic and with a lot of passion. At first it was really with all this things that happen with Nick, how he was always being rejected and how he didn't trust anybody cause everyone turn their backs on him and i kind of felt related with him. It was also kind of sad how Nick was all sad when he found out about Zack and Rachel, how he was all heartbroken because the woman he loved didn't loved him back, and I related to that too. This book is a really good romance book that I totally recommend.

[fleurette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love books from Nora Roberts but I prefer her older books over the category romance. Anyway, this is the last book in this series that I haven't read yet. And I can totally agree that this is probably one of the best ones.

Rachel is a defender of the office assigned to Nick who is accused of stealing. This is how she meets his very attractive brother, Zack. Unusual decision of the judge makes Zack and Rachel spend a lot of time together.

I enjoyed the characters and the story. Especially, when I discovered that Nick is a hero of one of the books I read years ago.

[Kate Millin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel is a lawyer working for 2 years in the Public Defence office. She is good at her job, and works hard, especially for those who her instinct tells her have ended up in court because of bad breaks. When she is assigned Nick's case she also meets his step brother Zack Muldoon who wants to take responsibility for helping Nick to turn her life around. She manages to get Nick released to Zack's guardianship but the unconventional judge assigns her as ℅ guardian.

[Kate McMurry · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, except that the hero smokes

Most romance authors stopped including romance protagonists who smoke back in the late 1980’s, and I'm surprised that, in 1993, NR created a hero who smokes. Yuck!

The main thing I liked in this 30-year-old romance novel is the heroine, Rachel, and the whole Stanislaski family.

[ReadKnitHoard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: Old favorite comfort read. Still works for me. *happy sigh* 5 stars

Narration: Good basic narrative, acceptable to good voices, good accents. Inappropriate intonation of words or parts of sentences, and IMO a your/you're mispronunciation. 3 stars

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the underlying storyline with Nick in this one. I was irritated, though, with how Rachel handled Nick's infatuation. For someone so take-charge in every other area of her life, what she did in that situation was disappointing.