Just Don’t Fall by Emma St. Clair : Book review

I was in the mood for a closed-door romance, so I searched closed-door romance recs on Goodreads, and Just Don’t Fall by Emma St. Clair popped up. A sports romance with fake dating? Yes, please! It was a cute and quick read, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I were younger.

Summary of Just Don’t Fall by Emma St. Clair

Before Logan Barnes was hockey’s hottest bad boy, he was my brother’s best friend … and my first crush. Oh, yeah—and the guy who ghosted me and broke my teenage heart.

Now Logan is back in Harvest Hollow, but not willingly. Recovering from an injury (and some bad press), he’s stuck playing for our minor league team.

Which means I’ll be working with him almost daily.

As the hockey team’s social media manager, it’s my job to wrangle all the guys into filming TikTok trending videos. But Logan doesn’t want to be wrangled.

Turns out … neither does my heart.

Because my old crush never died.

And when Logan becomes my accidental fake boyfriend, those old feelings flare hot enough to melt the ice.

But this is all totally one-sided. Totally fake. Isn’t it?

No matter what signals he seems to be giving me or how real things start to feel, I know Logan’s not home for good.

I survived Logan leaving me once. But this time, I’m not so sure my heart will recover…

Review of Just Don’t Fall by Emma St. Clair

I think my lack of enjoyment with this book is more of a me problem, or maybe an age problem. If you’re a teen or in your early twenties, I think you’d enjoy this book much more than I did. There are definitely reasons why it didn’t fully work for me, but I can absolutely see why others love it. So, let’s dive into my review in more detail!

Plot Analysis of Just Don’t Fall by Emma St. Clair

Logan Barnes has always been the reckless hockey star with a reputation to match, while Parker has spent years trying to forget the childhood crush he left behind when he skipped town without a word. Now, they’re both back in Harvest Hollow, working side by side for the local hockey team.

When Parker’s dad tries to set her up with a business associate’s son, she impulsively claims she’s already dating someone, Logan. What starts as a simple charade to get her father off her back and smooth out Logan’s bad-boy image quickly turns complicated. The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to tell what’s real and what’s just for show.

Characters of Just Don’t Fall by Emma St. Clair

Parker Douglas : I struggled to connect with Parker as a character. Quirky personalities and a lack of confidence aren’t my favorite traits in a female lead, and unfortunately, Parker embodied both. Her self-deprecating nature and insecurity became frustrating, especially considering her age, it felt excessive and out of place at times, making it hard for me to fully invest in her journey.

Logan Barnes : Logan’s character didn’t leave a strong impression on me, I felt somewhat indifferent toward him. He fits the classic “bad boy with a golden heart” trope, which felt familiar and predictable. However, I did appreciate his character development. The author handled his growth well, making it one of the stronger aspects of the book.

Parker & Logan : The chemistry between Parker and Logan was undeniable and one of the book’s highlights. Their connection was strong, and I was definitely here for it. While their dynamic felt a bit cringy at times, overall, it worked well and was filled with tension. There were plenty of sweet moments between them that added to the charm of their relationship.

Pacing & writing style

The writing in Just Don’t Fall by Emma St. Clair is easy to read and makes for a quick, engaging experience. The buildup of Parker and Logan’s relationship was well-paced, but at times, Parker’s POV felt repetitive and frustrating, especially with her self-deprecating thoughts. Their dynamic had its sweet moments but also veered into cringey territory at times. Additionally, the frequent TikTok mentions felt a bit excessive, and the overuse of Taylor Swift references pulled me out of the story rather than enhancing it.

The pacing in Just Don’t Fall was one of the standout elements of the book. The author really took their time with the slow burn, carefully crafting the tension and the subtle moments that led to the romance. There was an electric charge between Parker and Logan, and the story gradually built up to their first kiss, which didn’t come until about 80% into the book. This slow-burn buildup made the moment all the more satisfying when it finally arrived, it was a reward for the tension and anticipation that had been carefully developed. The pacing kept me engaged, ensuring that every sweet moment and every flirtatious exchange between the characters felt meaningful. Overall, the slow burn was executed perfectly, making the romance feel earned and well-timed.

Tropes and Trigger warnings of Just Don’t Fall by Emma St. Clair

Tropes of Just Don’t Fall by Emma St. Clair

• Small town romance
• Sport romance
• Fake dating
• Brother’s Ex-best friend

Trigger warnings of Just Don’t Fall by Emma St. Clair

• Toxic parental relationship

Final Thought

Just Don’t Fall by Emma St. Clair was a quick, cute read, and while I can see why others would really enjoy it, I think my enjoyment was a bit influenced by my age and personal preferences. The book delivers a charming sports romance with the added bonus of fake dating, which definitely offers some fun tension and sweet moments. The chemistry between Parker and Logan was undeniable, and the slow burn kept me hooked even if there were moments of frustration with Parker’s self-deprecating nature.

If you’re a teen or in your early twenties and like closed-door romance, this book might resonate with you more, as it’s filled with the kind of youthful charm and quirky humor that younger readers tend to appreciate. For me, though, it felt a little too predictable at times, and I struggled with Parker’s lack of confidence and the overuse of pop culture references.

That said, the pacing of the romance was well-executed, with a perfect slow-burn that paid off in a satisfying kiss towards the end. Overall, I can definitely see why many would fall for this sweet, easy read, even if it didn’t completely hit the mark for me.

About the author

Practical Information for Readers

Just Don’t Fall by Emma St. Clair Book Formats

Just Don’t Fall is available in various formats to suit every reader’s preference:

• Paperback: Ideal for readers who enjoy the tactile experience of holding a physical book.
• eBook: Convenient for on-the-go reading, available on all major e-reader platforms. This book is available on Kindle Unlimited.
• Audiobook: Narrated with emotional depth, available on platforms like Audible.
• PDF Just Don’t Fall by Emma St. Clair : While some may search for a PDF version, it’s recommended to opt for legal eBook options to support the author.

Where to find 90 days to love by Cassie Verano PDF

1. Amazon Kindle: Offers a user-friendly interface with customizable reading settings. This book is available on Kindle Unlimited.
2. Barnes & Noble Nook: Another popular platform with a wide selection of e-books.
3. Apple Books: Provides seamless integration with Apple devices and a smooth reading experience.

Just Don’t Fall by Emma St. Clair Age Rating

I would recommend Just Don’t Fall by Emma St. Clair for younger teen readers, especially those around 13 or 14 years old. It’s a sweet and wholesome romance that younger audiences will likely enjoy more than adults. If you’re in that age group, you’ll probably find it a fun and charming read!