Free Falling by Jill Shalvis takes readers back to Star Falls, the small town the Colbourn brothers call home. This second installment in the Colbourn Brothers Series, Shalvis, doubles down on the tension by delivering a delicious enemies-to-lovers, workplace-driven romance.
Title: Free Falling (Colburn Brothers, #2)
Author(s): Jill Shalvis
Series: Colburn Brothers #2
Also in this series: He Falls First
Published by That's What She Said Publishing Inc on February 3, 2026
Pages: 386
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Source: Author, Kindle Unlimited
Format: eArc, eBook
Purchase: Amazon|Audible
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College rivals become workplace frenemies-turned-lovers in this warm, sexy contemporary romance from New York Times bestseller Jill Shalvis. First, they were rivals… Now they're stuck with each other…
Retired hockey player Caleb Colburn needs this construction project to prove himself in the family business, but he also needs to recover from the injury that ended his pro career. Too bad Emma Sumner, architect liaison and Caleb's college nemesis, is back in town and assigned to the project. They're going to have to see each other almost every day. Which means once again she'll make his life a living hell.
As for Emma, her job is on the line with this big project, made all the more challenging by the project manager. Caleb was the one who had snagged the scholarship she'd desperately needed to stay in college. She's been living hand to mouth ever since and has no intention of ever forgiving the man.
But the beautiful historic building they're renovating is exactly the kind of project that they both love best. Their surprising common ground and a burning mutual attraction start bringing them closer and closer to a potentially explosive mistake. And that's even before the secrets come out…
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The legend of Star Falls strikes again. Another Colbourn brother goes down hard. This time the spotlight is on Caleb Colbourn. Everyone believed he was too smooth, too charming, and allergic to commitment. But the Star Falls legend never cared about reputations or carefully curated bachelor lives. Its magic hits where it wants, and Caleb never stood a chance.
Caleb Colbourn grew up with an abusive father, and that shaped every choice he made. What everyone saw as wild behavior was indeed a means of survival. Now the script has flipped. After his father’s stroke, Caleb takes his turn caring for the same man who once terrified him, forcing him to reconcile the painful past with a present he never expected.
A retired hockey player, Caleb is recovering from a career-ending injury. He’s learning to move beyond the identity that once defined him. That loss, combined with the pressure to prove he’s not the screwup people remember, drives him toward the family business with renewed focus and determination.
Emma and Caleb went to college together. She knew him as the charming womanizer who dodged responsibility. She believes he also stole the scholarship she’d worked so hard to earn. So working closely with him on an architectural project isn’t exactly ideal. But she needs the job, so she swallows her grudges, sets the past aside, and steels herself for the challenge
Emma has endured her share of pain, which shaped her into a loner. Working with the Colbourns and witnessing their family’s love and support was a total culture shock.
I loved how Caleb and Emma’s relationship unfolded. It took them time to truly open up to each other, but when they did, all resentments and misunderstandings were addressed. Thus helping them to gain a better understanding of one another.
The side characters added depth to the story. Emma’s BFF, Caleb’s adorable dogs (Calvin and Klein), and his niece and nephew brought laughter and fun moments.
Free Falling delivers heart, humor, and a slow-burning romance. With strong family dynamics, emotional depth, and plenty of laughs, this second Colbourn brothers installment delivered a satisfying read.
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About Jill Shalvis
