My rating for this book is 3.5 stars from 5.

First I would like to say I really liked the writing. It had depth, and there were moments where the emotions really hit. That said, I found some of the dialogue and descriptions a bit unoriginal. So while the writing was good, it didn’t feel entirely fresh.

Now, about the story—it dragged in places. A lot of time was spent talking about their work, like Jake’s life on set and Kat’s career. I get that we need to know the characters, but it felt excessive. Those parts made the book feel longer than it needed to be, almost like filler.

What I did enjoy, though, was the emotional depth of the characters. Jake’s struggles with fame, mental health, and addiction added a lot of complexity, and Kat’s grief over losing her husband and her guilt about moving on were handled beautifully. These heavier themes—grief, mental health, guilt—were definitely the highlights for me. Despite their differences in age, personality, and lifestyle, Jake and Kat’s connection felt real and believable. I liked how their personalities complemented each other, and their chemistry really came through in their dialogue.

The setting in Copenhagen was another strong point. It added a unique atmosphere to the story that I really enjoyed.

However, I wasn’t happy with the ending. After a big fight where Jake messed up by publishing their story without Kat’s consent, which at the same time was a already very predictable plot twist, they broke up, and she avoided him for six months. Then, out of nowhere, she texted him, and they had a short conversation that felt too rushed and too easy. I wanted to see them work through their issues together, not just skip ahead to four years later where everything is magically perfect. Jake hurt her, and while it’s clear he worked on himself, I feel like he needed to grovel more. That part of the resolution felt too convenient and unsatisfying.

Overall, the book had its moments. I liked the emotional depth and the characters’ individual struggles, but the pacing, excessive details about their jobs, and the rushed ending held it back for me. I’m glad they got their happy ending, but I wish it had been more earned.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this arc.

As much as I wanted to like this one based on the synopsis, I learned very quickly that this book was not for me. It's similar to The Idea of You, but didn't quite captivate me as much as that one did. I DNF'd about 30% in. I do think this book could be great for the right audience, just not for me.

✨ARC Review✨
📚 Book: “And They Had A Great Fall”by Shelby Saville’s
🗓️Release Date: 3/11/25
🌟Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖Review: “And They Had a Great Fall”
is a beautiful, messy, and deeply human story—one that will stay with you long after the last page. Highly recommended for anyone who loves romance with a thoughtful, introspective edge. The novel follows Jake Laurent, a young actor struggling under the pressure of rising fame, and Kat Green, a dedicated single mother balancing her career and personal life. Their secret affair during the pandemic, built on fleeting moments of connection, resurfaces a year later in Copenhagen—the "city of fairy tales." But as they reconnect, it becomes clear that neither is living the dream life they once imagined.

The book explores heavy themes such as the objectification of famous people by society, self-discovery, and the tension between love and fame. It’s an insightful reflection on the nature of celebrity and how people can be reduced to mere commodities in the eyes of the public. Yet, at its heart, this is a story of two individuals pushing through their own insecurities and fears to find something real.

Saville’s writing is engaging, and the novel kept my attention from start to finish. I found myself emotionally invested in both Jake and Kat’s journey, crying several times as they navigated their personal and professional struggles. The emotional depth is real, and the author handles the complexities of their relationship with nuance and sensitivity.

DNF at 25% – I was really looking forward to this book, but unfortunately, it ended up being a DNF for me. The writing style didn't quite click; there was a lot of telling through dialogue rather than showing, which made it hard for me to fully immerse myself in the story. I also struggled to connect with the characters, which made continuing difficult.

Kat, a widow with a small child and a high powered corporate job binds with her neighbors son during Covid. They go their separate ways afterwards but neither can shake the other. Jake, a-list actor, is having trouble connecting with his role and calls the first person he thinks of to help, Kat. She doesn’t hesitate to fly to Copenhagen to work on a major project at her company’s home base and help Jake. From there the love grows stronger but Kat is hesitant due to the high profile life Jake leads. This is a story about two people meant to be together that just have to learn how to make it work. I enjoyed the whole book and couldn’t put it down!

It was a good book, not the best, but the story was good behind it all.
I don't have really anything to say about the book that was standing out to me . I would for sure recommend this book but I wouldn't read it again for fun.

I am grateful that I had the opportunities to have read this book.

Cheers,
Cass's Bookshelf

And They Had a Great Fall is a sweet romance by Shelby Saville. In this story, single mom, Kat and famous actor, Jake take us with them on their journey of the love they have for each other and the obstacles they encounter. Kat and Jake are both characters you’ll find yourself invested in. If you liked The Idea of You by Robinne Lee, you’ll enjoy this one, as well. Thank you to NetGalley and to She Writes Press for this ARC. I’m grateful for the opportunity.

This book is the epitome of how timing is everything as well as the realization as to what is truly important. Kat during the majority of her life did not create a distinction as what it feels to be herself versus what she thinks is important in terms of financial success. Kat was extraordinary successful at Path and in fact was in the primary candidate for COO; however, she was a shell of herself after Ben and only worked. She was never truly happy and wanted to be there as a mother to Becca. Unfortunately, she was there to act as a mother rather than truly be there in experiencing moments with her as a mother. Jake was hugely successful as an actor but was lost as a person as he didn't know who he was beyond the character he was meant to play. Yes, they took time apart but it made them realize how much better they are together. Love cannot be replicated and doesn't fall apart.

This book will hit home for anyone who’s ever felt caught between duty and desire, longing for a love that feels real amidst all the noise. It’s a poignant, raw look at what it takes to choose a future with someone when everything feels uncertain. I loved reading it.

Thank you NetGalley and She Writes Press for the opportunity to read And They Had a Great Fall by Shelby Saville!

The story begins with Kat, a single mother living in New York on the fast track to becoming COO of a large tech company. One day an old friend from the days of the pandemic, Jake, randomly calls her while working on set as an actor in Copenhagen. He's going through a mental crisis and even though they haven't spoken in a year, he turns her life upside down by asking her to fly out to him. Both of them are faced with rekindled feelings mixed with new challenges of Jake's rising stardom.

This is Shelby Saville's debut novel and I think she knocked it out of the park with this story! I genuinely had a heart time putting this book down because I loved the style of writing, the characters, their banter, and so much more. I connected to Kat on so many levels but especially as a mother and the feelings of wanting to provide as a mother but also not miss out on their childhood. The references and extra tidbits of Copenhagen were fun to read about too!

There is an age gap between Kat and Jake but I feel like Shelby did a great job of showing a realistic representation of characters at different stages of life and having completely different lifestyles, without making it cheesy. I think the development of both characters was done very well. I think Jake's character could easily have turned into a spoiled, selfish celebrity. But with Shelby's writing, he became more than that and was multi-dimensional.

If you love a sweet romance that will leave you invested in the characters' journeys, then you'll definitely need to read this story!

Kat Green, a single mother from NYC, has big dreams and her biggest dream is providing an amazing life for her Daughter, Becca. After losing her Husband to Cancer three years ago, she feels the immense pressure of providing the best of everything for Becca. But when Kat receives a phone call from her old friend Jake, her life is suddenly turned upside-down. Jake is eight years younger, a celebrity, and she pushed him away almost a year ago. Suddenly, Kat finds herself traveling to Denmark to solidify a huge career promotion and face the relationship she wanted, but left behind. Does Jake still have feelings for her? Does she feel the same? What about her career?

And They Had a Great Fall is a solid debut by Shelby Saville. Being a big fan of The Idea of You, I jumped to request this book after a comparison was made in the synopsis. I do think this one was a bit better being the age gap was quite a bit less. I love TIOY, but that age gap is a little much for me ☺️

Both Kat & Jake have amazing character development and I enjoyed experiencing the ups and downs of their relationship. I really felt myself getting attached to both of them and rooting for them to work out! I also loved the Denmark & NYC backdrops. Shelby is a fantastic writer and I hope to read more from her in the future!

Thank you She Writes Press and NetGalley for gifting me an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC! Definitely similar to The Idea of You - I think this one feels marginally better because the age difference is less pronounced.

I liked Kat as a character, along with Emily. I think Jake had growing up to do but it was appropriate as he was young and naive and in his own bubble. I kind of wanted more Ben but I get it.

I think the story was fine, the plot was cute and their moments of learning to be together were cute, but I couldn’t truly get immersed in the whole thing. I would’ve loved a prologue or flashbacks where we’re introduced to Jake and Kat when they were getting close, so we could see the budding and blossoming chemistry. I think being dropped into an existing “situationship” didn’t give me the same depth of connection.

I thought I would give the trope another chance, but I think I just need to stay away because I don’t think it’s my cup of tea. 4/5 stars objectively, personally closer to a 3/5.

When I see that this is being compared to The Idea of You, I knew I'd like it! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. This is an entertaining story with characters that are complex and it was a pleasure to read a book all about them! Well done, Shelby. You are great at your craft.

I loved this book! Anyone But You Was One of my favorite movies and books so I was looking for a book similar to this vibe and I was not disappointed! It was very well written and I highly enjoyed it!