The Fall Back Plan by Melanie Jacobson: Book Review

 *Book received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

The bad boy and the golden girl have traded places…

I’m back in Harvest Hollow after ten years to prove a point and to even a few scores. I’ve opened a new bar, and anyone expecting the old sweet and shy Jolie McGraw to be running it is in for a shock.

I’m not the only one who’s changed: when the sheriff comes to tell me I’m the prime suspect in the most ridiculous crime in town history, it’s none other than Lucas Cole, the former star of my teenage stress dreams, wearing the badge.

Seriously? The smack-talking punk I was forced to tutor in math is now one of the town’s most upstanding citizens? This isn’t what I had in mind for turning the tables on my former tormentors.

I blow him off…until I meet the niece he’s raising. I see so much of my younger self in her. But when I agree to help when she needs a woman in her life, Lucas uses it as a chance to build a case that he’s the man I need in mine.

That’s a hard no. No to love. No to Lucas.

But when Harvest Hollow’s nosiest forces combine to push us together, I’m not sure my heart stands a chance.

The Fall Back Plan is a small town, closed door enemies-to-lovers single dad romcom. You'll get swoony kisses and characters to root for but no spice. Perfect for fans of the Emily Henry/Abbie Jimenez vibe who prefer less heat.

Melanie Bennett Jacobson is an avid reader, amateur cook, and champion shopper. She consumes astonishing amounts of chocolate, chick flicks, and romance novels. She grew up in Louisiana and now lives in Southern California with her family, a miniature schnauzer, and a series of doomed houseplants. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and is the four-time Whitney Award-winning author of nineteen romantic comedies and several novellas.

If you like:
-Enemies to Lovers

-Single Dad/Guardian

-Return to Hometown

-Law Enforcement Male Lead
-Small Town Gossip

-Fall Vibes

...you won't want to miss this one!

The Fall Back Plan is the second book in the Sweater Weather RomCom series. This series is written by various closed-door romance authors with the stories all taking place in the same small town of Harvest Hollow. All stories can be read in any order or as standalones. 

Oh my goodness, what a great book this was! When Jolie moved back to her hometown with a bit of a grudge, the last thing she expected was one of the school bad boys and her personal bully Lucas to be the new sheriff. When circumstances force them together, they discover they have both changed from the teenagers they used to be and learned from their difficult childhoods... and of course, sparks fly! And boy... do they fly! I absolutely adored the chemistry between these two. It may have been a slow burn, but the chemistry was definitely there throughout. While there were many great laugh out loud moments, I also really appreciated the depth of the story and how it approached some difficult topics like alcoholism and the lasting effects of bullying. It was a really great blend that had me rooting for these characters even more. Throw in a hint of mystery thanks to some creepy dolls? I'm sold! I really couldn't get enough of it. 

And while I won't give away any spoilers... I'll just say this... trivia night? The absolute best! Trust me, you're going to want to read this one!