After We Fall is the brilliant follow up to possibly the best book I read in 2025. Although part of a series, the story works well as a stand alone.

This book focuses on Penelope who works as an executive assistant, but whose heart is set on becoming a program director for girls who’ve aged out of foster care. She comes from a tough background herself but has risen above her past to build a future.

It takes a minute to remember who security expert Luke is, when they run into each other. He’s the one who got away after praising her a dance then disappearing several years previously. She curtly ignores the remaining sparks, but when she’s badly hurt, he’s the one she calls for help. And boom. What follows is a treatise on grit, grace and recovery.

Deborah Clack is remarkably gifted at mixing humor with gravity. Make no mistake – this is real skill. Several times I was moved to tears, right before chuckling out loud. Luke doesn’t want to stop moving around while Penelope craves order and control. Unfortunately her injury strips control away and Luke is forced to stay still long enough to help Penelope recover.

The research on head injuries for this book is impressive and at times I think my head hurt in empathy with the main character, such is Clack’s skill in creating real characters. I read this book in three days, because Penelope and Luke, and the wider cast, are utterly compelling. If you love deep but witty romances, this is a no brainer. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The enjoyment is all my own.