
by Lara Martin
RomanceAdded on January 13, 2026
Perfect for fans of Devney Perry and Catherine Cowles, The Weight of Falling is an emotional small-town romance where a grumpy loner and the town’s sunshine artist enter a fake-dating pact that turns all too real when danger hits close to home.Kenzie Ellis, the shy greeting card illustrator with a smile for everyone, has always been known as the town’s sweetheart. She’s the last person anyone expects to kiss a stranger in a darkened storeroom, break into locked buildings, or end up in the middle of bar fights she definitely didn’t start.The protective town knows exactly who to blame—Joel Adams, the handsome, enigmatic photographer who keeps to himself and hides a past he refuses to talk about.Everyone says Joel is trouble. But Kenzie sees past his aloof exterior to the lonely man behind the camera lens.Joel has spent years keeping people safe by pushing them away. But when Kenzie barrels into his life full of sunny, chaotic energy, he discovers that keeping his distance only makes the pull between them harder to ignore.Their chemistry is undeniable. But so is the danger. Because the truth about Joel’s past isn’t just dark; it’s deadly.And when his secrets come back to haunt the town and place Kenzie in danger, neither of them will escape unscathed.
4.5⭐Genre ~ contemporary fictionSetting ~ Brown Oaks (not sure where that is)Publication date ~ October 23, 2025Est Page Count ~ 304 (52 chapters +e)POV ~ single 1stFeaturing ~ small town, secrets, grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, fake relationship, slow burn, no steamage, found familyContent warning from the author:This book includes mature themes, including violence and kidnapping.Kenzie & Joel have an unexpected smooch in a closet at their friend's wedding. An obvious mistake that never sh
The Weight of Falling was a grumpy sunshine, fake dating romance that was heartwarming and delightful! With romantic suspense sprinkled throughout the story and small town charm, this book was so easy to get lost in. The memory of our kiss hangs between us. I’ve never been kissed like that before. I’m afraid the wonder of it is written all over my face. The way this story started was so entertaining! While at a wedding, Kenzie and Joel found themselves together in a closet…and kissing. Kenz