This was such a cute book. I think both main characters were portrayed relatively realistic, and the relationships/friendships between the characters were so healthy in a way. Even though this book only had 82 pages, I really felt sucked into the story and wouldn’t have minded if it were a way longer book, with a more in-depth view of the characters’ background stories.

This was a very nice short read, huge fan of Abby Jimenez and all her work. Really enjoyed this and recommend it.

Another hit from Abby Jimenez. Such a fun quick read with a happy ending!

I recommend taking a look at the trigger warnings prior to starting the book due to some sensitive topics throughout the story line

Leave it to Abby to create such a compelling and heartfelt story in less than 100 pages 💕 Even with such dark and deeply disturbing topics such as stalking, Abby breathes light and love into the story despite all that.

Abby did what Abby does and took something that is so very serious and made a rom-com. To be clear, no disrespect was done to the seriousness of the situation, it was handled respectfully. But also, so adorable. I never thought I'd be swooning over tree puns, but here we are.

Charlotte and Seth were great. Another hit from Abby.

The perfect valentine's short story - sweet, funny, and even has two romances. Abby Jimenez just never misses. How have I read 700+ books with less character development than this 88 page novella?

This was my first Abby Jimenez book and I was hooked! Finished this book is less than an hour. Is it too much to ask for a full length book of this story?

I loved Charlotte and Seth from the first page. The missing stairs is such a quirky and unique meet-cute that I was living for. It gives a whole new meaning to forced proximity. The chemistry between these two was instant and I was eating it up. I love how they were completely open with one another from the start as opposed to keeping secrets for the other to eventually find out.

Seth is the definition of a golden retriever and cinnamon roll. He was instantly there for Charlotte and was willing to do whatever it took to make her comfortable, even if that meant smiling through the pain of his sprained ankle. Plus, his tree love is so nerdy and cute.

Charlotte is such a strong and resilient character. You have to commend her for the steps she has taken to protect herself. I am so glad that she found Seth when she did because she needed that human connection to make her remember that life was worth living and that she should not be putting her whole life on hold.

The added bonus of this story was definitely Izzy and Gabe. Kinda want a whole novella on them because they were cracking me up.

I loved this novella and will now be adding all of Abby Jimenez's books to my tbr!

Thank you to the publisher for an eARC of this novella via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Abby is one of the only authors who can pack an entire story into a short story, giving us fully fleshed out characters and plenty of swoony moments.

This one was such a unique story, and it made me giggle and kick my feet while reading. My only complaint is that I could have used a full length story to know more about these characters and their best friends' relationship too!

Thank you for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez
Contemporary romance, chic lit novella.
When the stairs are accidentally taken down from the second floor apartments, neighbors Charlotte and Seth team up for the weekend with a temporary ladder and bucket for pulling up groceries or delivery. Charlotte didn’t plan to go out so she’s not really inconvenienced but she doesn’t know her neighbor. She’s been hiding from a stalker so is a bit leery. When Seth hears about the stalker, he’s all in on making her feel comfortable and safe. Together, they make the most of the unexpected weekend interruption and find pleasure, comfort and more in spending time together.

Surprisingly emotional for a quick moving novella. Friendship and support combined with a hot and buff tree expert plus a hilarious group of old ladies that vouch for his eight pack abs.
Provocative and endearing.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

Abby Jimenez delivers yet another delightful read with The Fall Risk, a short story that’s equal parts witty, charming, and heartwarming. Charlotte and Seth’s chemistry is instant yet authentic, and their forced proximity situation turns into a hilarious yet unexpectedly sweet exploration of trust and vulnerability. Jimenez’s signature humor shines through, making even the most precarious moments feel lighthearted, while still packing an emotional punch.

A very cute and super original premise. Gave and Charlotte two neighbors who had barely muttered a hello are now in close quarters without stairs!!

This is a hilarious and sweet story! I wish it would’ve been longer because I would’ve loved to get more on all the characters but I’m satisfied with this quickly blossoming love!

Funny, caring, and sweet novella by the queen Abby Jimenez. I loved how the characters helped each other in a short amount of time during an odd situation.

Thank you to netgalley for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a review. Wow, Abby Jimenez does it again, i haven't read any Abby book that hasn't become a favourite and this novella was no different.
The fall risk is about two neighbours who are stuck in their building due to their stairs being removed. Within less than 100 pages Abby managed to create another five star read, it was the perfect quick pallet cleanser and everyone should read it.

The Fall Risk centers around Charlotte, who is grappling with the aftermath of being stalked. As a result, she’s dealing with a lot of anxiety, trust issues, and a fear of being vulnerable. This psychological trauma impacts her ability to navigate relationships and her personal life. Enter Seth, a caring and determined man who, despite his own baggage, becomes her support as she learns to overcome her fears.

Seth is not only supportive, but he’s also determined to help Charlotte regain a sense of safety and confidence in herself, but it’s a journey that requires both of them to face their emotional scars. Throughout the novel, Abby Jimenez carefully and sensitively explores themes of trauma, personal healing, and rebuilding trust.

What stands out about this book is Jimenez’s ability to balance the heavy, emotional subject matter with humor and warmth. The chemistry between Charlotte and Seth grows naturally as they both face their vulnerabilities. It’s a story about healing, not just in terms of romance, but also in how individuals process their past traumas and learn to move forward.

Jimenez’s writing is engaging, as always, with relatable characters and moments of lightheartedness even amid the seriousness of Charlotte's struggles. The pacing is well done, and the emotional depth makes this novel more than just a typical romance—it’s a compelling exploration of personal growth, trust, and love.

The Fall Risk is a heartfelt, emotional read for fans of Abby Jimenez who enjoy stories that explore deep, real-world challenges while still delivering the romantic and uplifting moments she's known for.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced digital copy - all thoughts and opinions are my own!

Charlotte has moved into yet another new apartment, hoping to escape her stalker once and for all.
Her next-door neighbor, Seth, is going through his own struggles—this Valentine’s Day marks his first since an unexpected divorce ended the marriage he thought would last forever.
Neither of them is in the mood to celebrate, but they end up stuck together for the weekend when a construction crew accidentally tears down the wrong staircase, leaving them trapped in their apartments.
However, what starts as an inconvenience might actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise!
This fun 82-page novella is packed with Abby Jimenez’s signature humor and charming banter. Honestly, it was a better Valentine’s Day treat than chocolate!
Sure, some of the dialogue was a little cheesy, and the romance stayed pretty tame, but I still loved meeting these characters (and their friends!). I wouldn’t be surprised if they make a surprise appearance in one of Abby’s future books—she does that a lot!
If you have Amazon Prime, you can read it now as a First Read for February, or grab it when it officially releases on March 1, 2025!
As always, just sharing my honest thoughts!

Shockingly this is the first time I've ever read something by Abby Jimenez! This was a quick read and pretty average so 3 Stars. Thanks Amazon Original Stories for the digital ARC!

THIS WAS SUCH A SWEET SHORT STORY.

I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion of this book.

An unexpected maintenance mishap at their apartment complex causes Seth and Charlotte, two neighbors, to become closely acquainted as they wait for the issue to be corrected. This novella packs so much meaning that it's wild!

Seth is healing from a failed marriage, and Charlotte is running from an abusive ex. The way their story took shape was so beautiful to read, and their friends were the perfect respite between the heavy topic of love lost.

This is my first time reading one of Abby Jimenez's books, but it will not be my last. This was a good time.

Thank you so much, Netgalley, General Fiction (Adult) | Novellas & Short Stories | Romance, and Abby Jimenez, for the ARC of this fun novella.

A lone tree was a fall risk.

After months of hiding from a deranged stalker, Charlotte finds she is stronger when her roots are intertwined with those who care for her.

This was my first time reading anything from Abby Jimenez; I have a couple of her books in my physical TBR but I thought this short story would be the perfect introduction into her writing style and genre. I was so throughly impressed. I loved how easy her writing flowed and how she told the story. I absolutely fell in love with the characters very quickly and loved their wit and banter.

The story felt rushed because it was only meant to be a short story, but it would have done so well as a full length novel. In fact, I am actually craving their story to be more fully fleshed out because it would have been the most perfect slow burn.

I am so excited now to continue on my Abby Jimenez reading journey and will most definitely include more of her books to my ever growing TBR!

Thank you so much Abby Jimenez for the ARC of this book.

The Fall Risk was the perfect pallet cleanser I didn’t know I needed. It’s short, sweet, and to the point while also giving it that heavy serious Abby flair she does so well. Eleven chapters about two neighbors stranded together after their stairs are accidentally removed from their second story apartment was just what the doctor ordered to help me out of reading slump.

Less than 100 pages, but pure perfection! I adore everything that Abby writes ❤️

Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.