Fall Back Into Me

by Lauren Connolly

When a stuntwoman and bodyguard collide, will they heal two broken hearts or leave behind more scars?

Harper Walsh’s first reaction to seeing a familiar face from her past is to make the man eat dirt. Fred Sullivan was her best friend until he abandoned Harper in her darkest hour. The guy deserves to get body slammed. But after the slightly violent reunion, Harper can’t seem to escape the charming man who could always make her laugh. A meddling sister lands Harper and Fred in a mountain cabin together, and a twist of fate (or poor planning) has the two working for the same A-list actress. Every day spent with Fred reminds her of the boy she used to love and has her prickly defenses softening.

Soon, the burn of her anger transforms into a heat of a different kind…

Fred Sullivan doesn’t mind getting tossed to the ground if it means Harper’s hands are on him. He still doesn’t know if cutting off contact with his closest friend a decade ago was the right choice, but he’s had to live with the pain of her absence for years. He’s not eager to let her go again. She was his first crush. First love. First heartbreak.

But he never told her the depth of his feelings. Is this his chance to fix an awful mistake? Can he get the words out before the furious redhead breaks his jaw?

This is a steamy bodyguard/stuntwoman romance for readers who enjoy lots of banter, unrequited love, and emotionally charged wrestling matches. Fans of Christina Lauren, Kristen Callihan, and Elle Kennedy will want to curl up with this childhood friends to 'I hate you' to lovers romance.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2023

About the author

Lauren Connolly is an award-winning author of contemporary and magical romance stories. She’s lived among mountains, next to lakes, and in imaginary worlds. Lauren can never seem to stay in one place for too long, but trust that wherever she’s residing there is a dog who thinks he’s a troll, twin cats hiding in the couch, and bookshelves bursting with stories written by the authors she loves.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun read! I initially had a hard time getting into the book because Fred isn't really the kind of guy you'd expect to see as a hero character - at least until you get to know him better. I'm really glad I kept on reading because he and Harper are amazing characters as you get to know them and their history. The plot would zig whenever I thought it would zag and I loved not knowing where it was going to go. The banter between the two characters made this actually one of the most hilarious romance books I've read and it's not even advertised as being funny. The last paragraph sent me! I can't wait to see what's next with these characters and this series. I received an advanced copy for my honest review.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harper and Fred, the lead characters, grew up together, happy as friends and maybe edging to something more until their fathers died in a car crash and Harper’s mother moved her to another country in their late teens. They were still talking with each other until one day Fred cut off contact.

At the story commencement, a decade later, Harper is a professional stuntwoman and Fred is currently training for yet another new job, having never settled into a career. When Fred’s sister invites Harper along on a family holiday, they reconnect and have a quick fling before Harper goes back to help a friend in need.

A year later, Fred is a qualified bodyguard assigned to protect the actress for whom Harper is stunt double. Now they’re seeing each other every day and that attraction hasn’t gone away… now Fred just needs to convince Harper she really does want to keep him…

This story is dual POV, well written, and an emotional but funny, awkward moments romance. I enjoyed Harper’s physical strength and appreciated her determination to not get hurt again. I empathised with Fred’s myriad issues and appreciated the work he’d done to overcome his challenges. I enjoyed the fact that he never pretended he didn’t love Harper as well as the fact that he was always working towards a relationship with her. I’ll admit this story was not quite my speed; it’s a GOOD story. It just didn’t quite click for me initially but I’m glad I persevered because I really enjoyed the ending. I also really liked the secondary character cast and I’m hoping for future stories for several of them. I also enjoyed Fred’s sense of humour and his sentimentality.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

hilarious, heartfelt and sexy

This book blew me away I love the way Fred loves Harper and the long journey they had together in their love.

Speaking of journeys... you have the hero's journey and then the *romance* hero's journey. Connoly takes us along with Fred as he experiences the latter because at the beginning (lets face it) he is just not hero material. The thing that's special about Fred is that he KNOWS what his flaws are and when he's presented with the chance to reconnect with the women he fell in love with as a kid, he refuses to miss the opportunity. Of course, fate has other plans and even as Harper is leaving him (again) he does what he can to help her from afar.

Now for the (second?) time jump...

Harper and Fred are reunited for the third time... and you know what they say about third time's the charm....

Harper is a badass, motorcycle riding stunt woman who is tired of being hurt and let down by her former best friend but is finding him as irresistible as ever. Despite initially trying to keep things only physical, Harper and Fred slowly but surely grow their relationship into something deeper. I also love that there is no third act breakup, because this couple goes through enough!

Tropes, Tags, CW, TW (may not be complete)
Second chance romance, bi heroine, childhood friends to lovers, light fdom, banter, heroes journey, he'd do anything for her, golden retriever hero, bodyguard trope, stuntwoman, Hollywood setting. Death of parent(s) (past), Grief, undiagnosed ADHD, perilous situations

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fred and Harper have known each other a lifetime, circumstances came between then and 10 years makes a difference in their lives.
He's not the teen that caused trouble or couldn't settle, but how can she take him seriously as a bodyguard for the woman she works with? Harper is a stuntwoman for an actress that now longer feels safe after a traumatic experience. Fred in unthreatening and perfect for her.
The story took me a while to settle into as the plot seemed a little scattered. Though as I read on, I grew to like the characters through their ups and downs.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I genuinely don’t know how this has a 3.9 rating. It’s barely 3 stars. The characters were honestly meh. I found the book to be 100 pages too long (it’s 291 pages and did not need to be). I was mostly bored the entire time but only kept reading/skimming because I knew something was going to happen to one of the characters being a stunt person. Overall I won’t be reading the rest of the series

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute will read any others in this series
Spice- .5
Plot-3.5
Overall 4

[thisisabooktracker · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a goofy book (derogatory).

Fred and Harper were best friends growing up until Harper moved away at 17. Ten years later they are reunited when Fred's sister plans a "family vacation" that includes both Fred and Harper. Feelings are revisited, yadda yadda yadda. I literally got bored instead of finishing that sentence.

Fred is a lovable fuck up that is still pining after Harper and Harper is still mad at him but decides to give into their attraction and hook up. They fall into sex so quickly that it's kind of jarring with Fred not seeming to care that the relationship is going nowhere. Then their vacation hook up abruptly ends when Harper has to go and then they don't talk for a year. It would be so, so cool if they could just suck it up and communicate but of course not.

When Fred comes back into her life a little more grown up, Harper can't seem to let go of the goofy version of him she knew when they were kids. They knew each other for 12 years and have been out of each others' lives for 11 at this point. Maybe she should try to wrap her head around the fact that she doesn't know him anymore. But instead! she makes a scene and adamantly proclaims he's not qualified for the bodyguard position he's been hired to do. Once again, YOU DON'T KNOW HIM. I really cannot get over how much she doubts him and it made it hard to watch him be in love with her while she makes so many assumptions.

This book was so unserious. I don't even know how to adequately explain it. I hated Harper, I hated them together and I hated their dynamic. I could only manage some interest because I wanted Fred to get redemption.

It had the bones of something interesting and I say that because I have read these core plot beats before. I imagine what would set this book apart is the writing style and the characters themselves. Unfortunately this was a big miss for me and I enjoy Lauren Connolly's Folk Haven series. Perhaps the quirkiness works for me there because I already have to suspend my disbelief with the fantasy/paranormal elements.

It's on Kindle Unlimited if you want to taste test. It's not for me (obviously) but there are also 5 star reviews so it's for someone.

[BB · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

So. It's second chance and it sadly does fall into nearly every pitfall that trope has

Part 1 has a bunch of flashbacks. I get it, they're there to build angst. But they don't provide more depth to the characters or the plot. So for me, it's a waste of page. I want development for the present 27 year olds, and continually dragging us back to 15-17 them... felt like it took away rather than added.

The whole miscommunication/not talking about what they were still hanging on to from teen them... Harper asked him once directly in front of his sister(Gee why wouldn't he want to answer a deeply personal question in front of other people) and then avoids it/while holding it against him (after claiming she was over it)

Instead they hook up, she leaves and we jump another year.

Clinging to teenage them issues, while adult them clunk around each other, is not that fun to read. Especially when they keep mentioning banter like it happens but rarely on page. And Fred's continual self loathing

Having her mom show up and be the tipping point was extremely predictable, and felt like an easy out/create a forgivable grieving villain and deflecting blame off of Fred for ghosting Harper as kids.

Versus you know... character growth for Harper and Fred. Proving 28 year old them can communicate, work through issues together, NOT pretending things are fine and purposefully not talk about anything serious.

For me it misses the mark, and really highlights why some people hate this trope.

[Claire Turvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one got bumped to the top of my TBR, and I don’t have any regrets!

I had absolute confidence that this book was going to be wonderful when I picked it up, and that opinion didn’t change anywhere along the way - in fact, I was hooked before the end of the prologue. The characters are wonderfully complex and believable, and they had a very pleasing growth arc over the course of the story. Be prepared to have your heartstrings plucked more than a few times - oh and steam, be prepared for the sizzling, face-flushing, steam! A couple of surprises and twists added extra depth to the plot, making this book a very satisfying read on every level. The next in the series is set up, and I am looking forward to reading it.

Full disclosure: I was given an ARC of the book, however this review is my own honest opinion.

[Bojana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book found me just when I needed it...
I haven't read any reviews beforehand so all I knew was that I was about to read a second-chance romance about a stunt-woman and a bodyguard. Well this book is SO MUCH MORE.
First of all I love both Fred and Harper. Fred made so many mistakes but I still understood him and his actions. Especially getting caught up in a bad decision and being trapped by guilt and self loathing is something I can totally relate to and therefore feel for him. Harper on the other hand is such an interesting, loving, loyal and extremely strong person. I had no other choice but to fall in love with them.
And then there was a major detail which caught me completely off guard... I lost my dad 4 months ago and here I was looking for some light romantic distraction just to be confronted with not only one but two families losing their dads. I cried, a lot, while reading but there were also many extremely soothing paragraphs. I felt like someone out there understands my pain and rage and all my other confusing feelings. It helped to see some of the tormenting thoughts going on inside my head put into words in such a heartwarming packaging.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Lauren Connolly writes the cutest, most huggable cinnamon roll heroes. This time Fred, the sweet, goofy, sunshiny, but also directionless hero, is paired with Harper, an outwardly strong and tough, but inwardly mushy Hollywood stuntwoman. These two were inseparable as kids and teens until an unthinkable tragedy tore both their families apart and sent 17 YO Harper to Ireland with her mom, while Fred, who was already very much in love with her, stayed behind in the states. He later ghosted her with no explanation and she's spent the last 10 years hating him. When she finally meets up with Fred again due to some behind the scenes manipulation by his sister, she can't forgive him, but she also can't stay away from him. However, he has some serious growing up to do before they can truly work through their past and find their way back to each other. I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story.
Another really great story from Lauren.
I love that she writes very different genres and each book I have read and thoroughly enjoyed.
This one had me chuckling at times due to Harper and Fred’s witty and outrageous banter. Then not five minutes later I was crying and had tears streaming down my face.
Great storyline and loveable but damaged main characters that have both been through tragedy, with more still to come.
This book has it all - love, great friends and family, steamy sex, misunderstandings, forgiveness, action and danger.
Well worth a read.
Hopefully Roman, Shelly and Paige all get their stories as well.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 ⭐️
This is an incredibly sweet, cosy, low angst romance. I'll be honest, I did struggle a bit during the first 40%, it's so low angst that I didn't feel like there's anything really propelling the story, and I'm never the hugest fan of flashbacks. It's still sweet and enjoyable, I just needed to be in the right frame of mind for it. The last 60% though was perfect for me, it picked up pace, I was hugely invested in the characters and truly fell in love with them, their relationship is so sweet, wholesome, and adorable. 😍

Second chance romance
Friends to lovers
He's a bodyguard for her friend
She's a stuntwoman
He's a total cinnamon roll and a little goofy


🔞 18+ read due to explicit content. Content warning can be found at the beginning of the book.

[Pageturner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even though it was kind of a second chance or maybe a missed chance. Best friends Fred and Harper both lost their fathers Harper is forced to move to Ireland and Fred just cuts contact. 10 years later they are both tricked into a holiday together. I couldn’t get over Fred cutting contact with no explanation until almost the end of this book when it comes out Harpers mother told him too, so I struggled to understand their relationship as he left her at the most vulnerable moment it’s not something that you can get over however you were meant to believe she had. Even if the reader had been in on this revelation and Harper found out later it would of greatly improved this for me. He definitely falls first and no 3rd act break.

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed all the books I've read from this author, and this was no exception. This story was a lot of fun!
Fred is silly, though there's definitely more to him than he lets people see. Harper would love to resist him and his ways (and his collection of loud shirts) but it's just not that easy. The whole 'casual' thing never works, these two were meant to be together!
This book had chapters with flashbacks (I always love those) providing the history between these two childhood besties before they lost contact. They'd been through a lot together, and the loss of contact affected them both.
I enjoyed this! And I would love to read Shelley and Roman story.

[Aisling · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I absolutely love Lauren Connolly and her books, especially the folk haven series. This book just wasn’t my style. I loved Fred but I found Harper hard to like for the first while of the book. I did enjoy the backstory through the chapters in the past but I think I would have preferred if it was more of the jump forward to them both being in LA and him being a bodyguard. I loved the second part of the book! Shelley is a great friend to both of them and I need a book of her and Roman.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper and Fred's story is very unique to me. This is a wonderful story of two young friends finding each other years later, of course thanks to a meddling sister. Harper is such a strong character, and Fred seems to be perfect for her. Getting over the past, and moving forward really make for a great story! I Loved It!!! No Spoilers!
I received an ARC from the Author and I am Leaving this Totally Honest Review Because I think that this is a Great Story!!!

[Keanti Tolliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! This was such a sweet and funny story even with the bit of tragedy from their past. The multi view story telling along with the flashbacks of their childhood really make it easy to follow and give you a well rounded view of what has happened and what they are feeling now. I liked that Harper and Fred were both dealing with internal struggles that made them more relatable to the average person.
Thank you to the author for the Advanced Copy.

[Sadie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was surprisingly adorable. I was definitely thrown for a loop at the random Roman chapter, but I was excited to see the beginnings of his and Shelly's relationship.

I was definitely annoyed with some of the back and forth between Fred and Harper, but that is what made the book so much better. It was a pretty accurate depictions of a life-long friendship that goes through ups and downs.

Overall, loved them together even if the name Fred is hard to take seriously

[Tifany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can say without a doubt that this book is a highlight of my January reads.

Fred and Harper were teenage best friends. When Harper has to move away, Fred goes silent on her. Fast forward a decade and Harper is a stuntwoman in Hollywood, while Fred is aimlessly living his life. When thrust into one another’s lives, Harper has some choice words for her former best friend.

From witty banter to a total cinnamon roll to flawed characters, this book drew me in from the very start. I liked the multi-POV and multi-time period, which helped to get a sense of the backstory of the two MCs.

I’m already eagerly awaiting the second book in this series!

Special thanks to the author for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper and Fred knew each other when they were younger but then he left her and she got angry. She’s a stuntwoman and he’s a bodyguard and they work for the same actress. They get pulled together but will she talk to him as he wants a second chance? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A witty, charming read with adorable, funny and sweet characters. Fred and Harper had such a captivating relationship. Incredibly touching. I adored this story. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic HEA story well worth the time to read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Harper and Fred are childhood friends who lose touch after a mutual trauma. This story picks up after a decade apart and follows them as they navigate the attraction and the hurt from the past.

[Kt Hay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feels a very different story to other books by Lauren, still great but much slower start.
MC took a bit longer to warm up to, Fred was not instant love but he grew on me!

Looking forward to the next book now I've settled in to the characters, worth a read!

[Acacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad I got the chance to ARC read this book. Absolutely loved it, as expected, loved all of Lauren’s books. Fred and Harper’s journey was just amazing. The ups and downs just had me keep reading. Couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to see what Lauren writes next.

[Ann Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story definitely has some highs and lows. I liked both characters but he was especially sweet. Interesting and well-written, I enjoyed reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Lexi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read with endearing MCs! Enjoyable banter with fun jokes. I loved all the descriptions of the Hawaiian shirts. Not as spicy or as steamy as I would normally choose, but overall fun.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

really good banter

[Viviana]

I received a free copy via Kristie Leigh's newsletter.

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked Harper and Fred. I like that their romance wasn't easy, and they had a lot of problems, but they finally got over all that and had their happy ending. I am a person with ADD, so I could relate to Fred a little. I'm not hyperactive, but it's hard to concentrate on one thing and I know what it's like to be seen as a failure because of something you can't control. So yeah, this hit the feels for me. And I love the energy that Lauren Connolly puts into her characters, the chemistry between the MCs and everyone around them. Can't wait to read about Roman and Shelley.