When We Fall

Star Harbor, Book 2

By: Lena Hendrix

Narrated by: Ava Lucas, Ryan Hudson

I need a nanny. Not a distraction.

I certainly do not need a twentysomething man with a devastating smile, tattooed forearms, and an easy charm that could unravel a woman twice as composed as me.

But when my daughter gets kicked out of after-school care (again) and my flaky nanny ghosts us (again), Austin Calloway moves into the duplex next door—and right into our lives.

Now he’s helping with homework, cooking dinner shirtless, and showing up with coffee like he’s always belonged here.

He’s too young.

Too familiar.

Too good with my daughter.

Too close.

And the worst part? He sees through me—the cracks, the stress, the walls I’ve built to protect what’s mine.

The more I try to keep him out, the more I ache to let him in.

But letting someone in means risking everything.

He’s the wrong choice . . . unless we’re finally ready to see what happens when we fall.

©2025 Lena Hendrix (P)2025 Lena Hendrix

This one wrecked me over and over. And their HEA put me all back together.

Emotional. This story has all the feels. Austin and Selene give us quite the emotional, romantic ride. And these two narrators, Ava Lucas and Ryan Hudson, give us everything this story deserves in a duet narration that’s simply perfect. They are both outstanding.

Austin has never felt chosen. His father wasn’t present. He’s just getting to know his half-brother. He’s trying to find his place in the small town of Star Harbor. My heart ached for him.

Selene has been a single mom for too long. She’s never let anyone close. But Winnie, a 5 year old who will steal your heart, bonds with Austin, their new neighbor and part time “nanny” He’s just trying to help out Selene. Except, they’ve actually met before. A one night stand neither really forgot.

Austin will break your heart. Full stop. Then you’ll root for Selene to let her guard down and trust him. To believe they could have something. I’m not gonna lie, I devoured this book and I fell hard for this couple and little Winnie.

Looking forward to book 3. I love this town and all of the characters within.

Lena’s ruined it for all the husbands! Hehe!

Sweet hometown story with great character development. I did not like the narrator for Austin.

Didn't like the female character

I enjoyed the story, especially the fact they are normal people with normal jobs. No mafia boss, billionaire, sports player, or celebrities which is refreshing. But, the female character is selfish and doesn't deserve Austin. All I kept thinking was run, Austin run. The male narrator was a bit dull, female narrator was great.

emotional for me

I am really enjoying this series. the mystery about the lady that is in each book and what that's about the history. are definitely things that are interest to me so they really get me interested in the story but this story this one was very emotional it hit me different. I'm not sure if it's because he was a product of an hair and felt Very left out And there's emotions came through on the audio. if it was her bring a single mother and struggling because her I don't know what you want to call him her ex was no help whatsoever. But mostly I would say especially if you listen to the audio version It has to be Austin History Just talked at my heart And narrator did such a job that just made Cry made me cry. and also I am just fascinated with this lady of the dunes who is in each book and they talk about the history of it has to do with the history of the town so it's fascinating I can't wait for the next one I'm hoping that we get to learn more about her. it was just so good from start to finish and I really do recommend

Selene and Austin

Stellar performance by Ava Lucas and Ryan Hudson. SO well done, and in DUET too!

Selene and Austin...

I really enjoy Lena Hendrix's books - but I think this is the absolute best thing she's written. And it's certainly one of the best things I've read.

Beautifully descriptive language. Characters who are just on the edge of being too good to be true. A classic story of a one-night-stand turned to surprise neighbors to something like friends to lovers.

Underlying sub-stories with no resolution in this book, but a thread that will continue through the series.

I wish I had the gift of telling stories like this - but I'll settle for being the reader who loves them and encourages others to read them too.

Sweet Scale: 5/5
Spicy Scale: 4/5