Very cute and quick novella. As always, Abby writes top-tier MMCs, and Seth does not disappoint. I also loved Charlotte's development arc.

I could absolutely read a full length novel about Seth and Charlotte!

Thank you to Abby Jimenez, Amazon Original Stories, and to NetGalley for providing an ebook in exchange for an honest review.

The Fall Risk is a short but sweet novella that packs plenty of charm and wit into its brief length. As always, Abby Jimenez's writing sparkles with humour, heartfelt moments, and endearing characters. The premise of two neighbours trapped together on Valentine’s Day makes for a fun and quirky rom-com setup, and both Charlotte and Seth are easy to root for.

While the story delivered enjoyable banter and tender moments, the novella's short length didn't quite allow the depth of the characters or their stories to fully unfold. The emotional layers—particularly Charlotte’s past trauma and Seth’s fresh heartbreak—deserved more exploration, which would have been better suited to a full-length novel. There’s no doubt Jimenez could have taken this premise and turned it into another signature slow-burn romance with all the nuance and emotional depth she’s known for.

That said, The Fall Risk is still an entertaining, light-hearted read that will leave readers smiling. I only wish there had been more time to fully savour the journey. Perfect for a quick pick-me-up with plenty of laughs and a hint of vulnerability.

The Fall Risk was a cute story. I love Abby Jimenez, and I did really enjoy this, but I think the short format made it a little hard to get the point across without being a bit over the top. The stalker plotline was unrealistic to me. It felt like there was just not enough time to give it the right level of seriousness. It felt like there was a lot crammed into this story and it was just too much at some points. That said, I did enjoy the characters and the plot in general. There was a lot there that was enjoyable. I also really loved the side characters. Overall, this was definitely worth reading, but not my favorite of what I have read of Abby Jimenez.

Abby Jimenez does such a great job making a short story feel complete. I love her short stories almost as much as her full-length stories.

Seth's divorce is final, and Charlotte is trapped in her home due to fear of a stalker. When the stairs leading to their apartment are removed in error, they chose to stay together instead of staying in a hotel. As each day passes, they get closer and closer.

The character development in this short story was amazing. The author touches on some pretty serious issues in this story. She does such a great job expressing the issues and how they affect the characters. Of course, she also adds in some humor to keep things light. Not to mention the bonus that we actually get to see two couples emerge in this story and even though they have small parts you still get some pretty great character development.

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon original stories for this title. This is my honest review.

The Fall Risk was a delightful and fast-paced romance that takes place over the span of one weekend. Charlotte and Seth are neighbors and when the stairs to their second-floor apartments disappear, they're suddenly facing a lot of time together. Charlotte is dealing with a scary stalker situation and Seth is just a really good guy who loves to talk about trees. I loved the casual forced proximity, their two best friends, and the "bear in the woods" commentary. If you like Abby Jimenez, this has all of the heart as her full length novels with an extra-snappy pace.

The book was really good it's a nice short story about this couple of the stuck in their apartment cuz the stairs go missing in their apartment building it was just a cute little romcom

The Fall Risk is a short story by Abby Jimenez and it does not disappoint! It was a quick but fun read about two neighbors falling in love after the stairs to their second floor apartments is accidentally removed.

This story is the forced proximity trope and it was well done! It was a cute and fun even though it also dealt with the serious issue of stalking. The way everything came together at the end was prefect. I would love to read another book with these characters!

I'm convinced Abby can write anything. I'm obsessed. The balcony beach? The best friend subplot? The nursing home resident visit & cookies? The ending? So so good.

Also can we please get Gabe & Izzy's story? So much untapped potential there!

Trigger warning: stalking

A very cute Valentine’s Day short story from the iconic Abby Jimenez. For a short story, this had so much depth! It covered a tough topic and Seth and Charlotte’s story felt complete by the end.

Abby Jimenez can do no wrong. A meet cute where the stairs for an apartment building are knocked out and two people are forced to spend a weekend together? Sign me up! I immediately fell in love with Seth and Charlotte and their chemistry was perfect. Everything about the characters and scenario made for a rollicking good time. I highly suggest this book!

Abby Jimenez is a romance queen. This short story is perfection. It had me cackling (Swim Shady) and kicking my feet (the pool!!) 🧡

I’m truly obsessed with all the characters (well I mean besides George of course). The old ladies were the best! Check this one out, you won’t be disappointed!!

🤣 “Sorry, it’s my emotional support bear spray,” I said, putting out my lower lip.

🥹 But why me? I’m not that interesting.” She was, though. She really, really was.

☠️ “Screw bunco, we wanted to come give you our support. We thought you were dead when you didn’t show yesterday. I said, his divorce is final today, Valentine’s Day is on Sunday—he’s offed himself.”

🌳 forced proximity
🌳 coffee dates
🌳 fun side characters
🌳 funny banter

There is only a limited amount of time to make a short story work, and Abby Jimenez was definitely up for the challenge. The Fall Risk was just what I have come to expect from her: interesting characters, the wittiest banter, and an endearing love story.

As a big fan of her writing, I wasn’t surprised that she packed this story with as much goodness as she did. Of course, I think that these characters and their story could have been a wonderful full-length novel (what can I say, I love her writing), but she delivered a short story that did not fall short in any way.

If you’re looking for a story to lose yourself in for a little while, I highly recommend The Fall Risk. It’s swoony, hilarious, romantic, and it will give you a whole new appreciation for trees. Now, excuse me while I go and give my maple tree a big hug.

*5 Stars

Charlotte and Seth are trapped for the weekend in their apartments. Although they'd never met before they make the most of the situation. Even though this is a short story, I was fully invested in the characters and really enjoyed this story. I will read anything Abby Jimenez writes.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for a copy of this book for review.

Sometimes you need something quick and sweet to cleanse your pallet from heavy books, but one thing I will say is Abby is never shy from adding a dose of reality to her books. While I love her wit and humor she’s still honest to what relationships look like to real people.

This was such a beautiful read. Even though it was a novella and everything was fast paced, it didn’t feel rushed. This was well rounded.

The MMC , Seth is such a green flag. He’s so caring and sweet and thoughtful.
I like how Abby Jimenez managed to still let us feel the weight of everything Charlotte went through in so few pages.
I also love how Charlotte was handled the situation on her own and wasn’t written as a damsel in distress.
It covered such a serious topic while still remaining lighthearted. It shows the importance of community and letting yourself lean on others.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and I recommend if you’re looking for something short, sweet and impactful.

Also, check your trigger warnings before you proceed.

Fall Risk is the perfect blend of humor, heart, and slow-burn romance! Charlotte and Seth's journey from wary neighbors to something more is full of witty banter, emotional depth, and sizzling chemistry. The unique premise, complete with emotional-support bear spray and an arborist with trust issues, keeps the story fresh and engaging. With laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt connections, this
book is an absolute delight. A must-read for romance lovers looking for something fun
and heartfelt!

3.8 Stars
One Liner: This was fun!
So what if it is Valentine's Weekend? Charlotte and Seth are not here for romance. However, with a stalker setting his sights on Charlotte, and a disaster putting her and Seth together, they will have to navigate the situation in more ways than one.
The story comes in Charlotte and Seth’s POVs.

My Thoughts:
This is my first work by the author and I can see why she has such a fan base. Despite the limited page count, the author gave us two romance tracks (yeah two) and tackled a social situation – stalking.
The dual POV works well to give us insights and backstories about the main characters. They are both sweet people, and it’s easy to like them. I liked Gabe and Izzy too!
We can see how a stalker’s presence has changed the FMC’s life. While she has great help from friends, there’s no denying that she has to live in constant fear.
The romance is of course fast-tracked but it still feels organic enough. The meet-cute and other interactions are entertaining and fun. I like the orange theory. Might try it in real life even if I don’t like the fruit.
Not really a fan of the old women but they can bake so okay!

To summarize, The Fall Risk is a steady-paced short story/ novelette with interesting characters. Time to check out a full-length novel by the author.
Thank you, NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

It was my first Abby Jimenez book, and I'd be lying if I said i wasn't skeptical, because of all the mixed reviews I've read. But it did NOT disappoint in the slightest. For a novella, it was the perfect mix of plot, characters, romance, setting and cute gestures.

The characters were perfectly hilarious, they were funny, sweet and their banter about trees (yes, really) was so cute!!

The ending was a little rushed but apart from that the only thing that disappointed me was that the novella wasn't longer! I couldn't get enough!!<33

Moved too fast, and I didn’t have any attachment to the characters. This would have been better as a longer story.

a sweet and short tale that revolves around a construction mishap leading connection that would not have been built otherwise. Izzy and Gabe may not be the main couple but I need their story too!!