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The Hardest Fall

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Connor

I thought I had it all—an awesome family… mostly. A career I kinda like, and the man of my dreams.

But then life has a way of kicking me in the teeth when I least expect it. My prince turns out to be a toad. Okay, maybe it was too much to ask him to stick around when family responsibilities take over.

Who wants a man with baggage? No one. But I’m fine on my own. Right?

Brett

Moving back to my hometown was step one. Step two was finally finding my person only he’s definitely not supposed to be my new co-worker.

I’m determined to keep Connor in the friend zone but my heart seems to have other plans. Only Connor’s been burned before. How can I prove to him that not all men run when things get tough?

Will he give me a chance to show him I’m here to stay?

All I need is a chance to prove to him that falling isn’t so hard with the right one.

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2022

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About the author

Rheland Richmond

33 books178 followers
Writes Omegaverse as Skye R. Richmond.

Rheland is the ultimate bookworm, TV enthusiast, popcorn and ice cream connoisseur (Sweet and Salt is the best), and lover of all things cute and girly! From a young age, Rheland has been entranced by the magic of storytelling, diving headfirst into worlds of romance (before she was allowed to), and mysteries.

When she's not reading the latest romance novel or binge-watching her favorite TV shows (no horror, please!), you can find her writing stories of found families and forevers for her men.

Rheland is a hopeless romantic through and through with dreams of happily ever afters and swoon-worthy moments.

Rheland invites you to join her on a journey of laughter, love, and happily ever afters for her characters. So cozy up with a mug of cocoa or a glass of wine and prepare to fall head over heels for Rheland's men.

Rheland would love to hear from her readers and learn more about you. So if you get a chance... please get in touch.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkyeRRichmond/
Twitter: @RhelandRichmond
Instagram: @rhelandrichmondmm
Newsletter: https://www.rhelandrichmond.com/newsl...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rhela...

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5 stars
37 (37%)
4 stars
27 (27%)
3 stars
24 (24%)
2 stars
5 (5%)
1 star
6 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Heather Duff.
1,053 reviews29 followers
May 24, 2022
“Also maybe wait for him to ask you out before you start picking out matching suits and decorating the nursery.”

This was a sweet, uplifting story with two men ready for love and white picket fences. They just need to trust that it isn’t all in their head.

Centered around Connor a nurse who moved home to care for his younger sister and his mom who is battling cancer. He needs someone to be by his side and love him and the people he cares about. Brett, a doctor who has moved home to build a forever life, and he wants nothing more than to stand at Connor's side.

They are both wonderful people and are really sweet together.

All in all, a really nice story by a ‘new-to-me’ author.

< ARC provided and this is my honest review >
Profile Image for Bati.
439 reviews23 followers
July 4, 2022
DNF 83%

Shallow story without spark. Poor editing, lack of proofing. Lots of mistakes. At 83% I felt that I didn't want to know what was next.
366 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2022
The story itself, wasn't bad and the characters were ok. It does have a couple of my least favourite tropes (keeping ridiculous secrets, "I got hurt once, so I'll never love again") but that's not why I couldn't finish.

No, that was because of the lack of line editing/proof reading. This is a pretty common complaint of mine, especially with indie writers, but it's not usually bad enough to make me give up.

As with many romances, this story is told in first person with alternating points of view. Pretty common, as I noted. Unfortunately, periodically, and more often as I got further in, first person changed to third person, and back again, in the same sentence.

Unfortunately, I didn't highlite any examples, so I'll have to make one up to illustrate.
"Well, if she ever needs any help he'll {meaning I'll} be happy to pitch in."

"I lowered my eyes to the table and started fidgeting with his {my} cutlery."

I got about halfway through before it drove me nuts enough that I just had to stop. I know editing is expensive, but if you're charging money for a product, if you want people to buy future products, it needs to be as good as possible.
Profile Image for Jenn ReadsBooks.
282 reviews16 followers
October 30, 2022
Connor is the man of the house and an Oncology nurse. He has a younger sister, Cami and his mom, Lila, to take care of. His mom has been battling cancer for the last 2 years. His last boyfriend split up with him a year ago because it was too much for him to handle. BOY BYE. Connor decides that he’s done with dating. He doesn’t need to open his heart to someone else who can’t support him and his family through this journey.

Brett is a Doctor who is moving back home from NYC and is applying to work at an Oncology clinic. Following what he hopes was a successful interview with a couple of the Doctors in the practice, he bumps into Connor and, if love at first sight was a thing, it was the result of this run-in.

Brett wants a home, a husband and a family. He hopes that moving home is the first step for this dream to become a reality. When he goes to a gay bar with his best friend and finds Connor working as a bartender, he can’t believe his luck to be seeing him again. He feels luckier still when Connor’s car won’t start at the end of the night and he has the chance to drive him home.

Connor’s ex hurt him badly and he feels almost like he’s unworthy of love and is destined to be alone. Fate must have intervened for him to have Brett in his life. They start as coworkers, move into friends and, after his mom is brought to the hospital with pneumonia, lovers. Brett finds a trial for a new drug that is being tested on chemo-resistant cancers and thinks that Lila would be an excellent candidate. He gets the go-ahead and contacts the Doctor in charge of the trial to see if she can be worked into the schedule.

Does Brett’s attempt to help Lila and, by extension, Cami & Connor come to fruition? Does Connor finally believe that he’s worthy of love and the future Brett is offering him? Rheland Richmond has gifted us a beautifully written, close-to-their-heart story of love, strength and the fight against the horror that is a battle with cancer. Brett, Lila, Cami and Connor are family goals and I needed their HEA like I need my cold brew every morning.

I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
The Hardest Fall
Rheland Richmond
Profile Image for CC.
393 reviews4 followers
October 29, 2022
I finished this a few days ago and it took me some time to come up with my review. I lost my brother and mother this year to cancer so let just say it was a hard read for me. With saying that it was unimaginably so well written!!!! The way that the drs and nurses were to Connors family was nothing short of amazing!!! It takes incredible people to have those jobs. Saying that Brett was the perfect guy for Connor, I’m usually not into age gap that much however it wasn’t spoken of enough to get to me. Connor had little faith in love or of anyone loving him and his baggage, Brett was looking for love and believed in love at first sight. They complemented each other in every possible way!!! Brett showed Connor what love really is and Connor showed Brett there’s more to life then work!!!!
5⭐️ for this emotional one that I even shed a few tears but I do recommend it !!!!!!
Thank you for making cancer real in this one!!!!
Profile Image for RedsBookReads.
460 reviews12 followers
May 25, 2022
Enjoyed it

This is a super sweet story about Brett and Connor. Brett is an oncologist who is moving back home to be nearer family. Connor is an oncology nurse who is also supporting his mother through her cancer treatments.

I loved the relationship between these two and how supportive Brett was of Connor and his family needs. I thought the way they came together was super sweet as well. I enjoyed this book
Profile Image for Kaitlyn.
385 reviews135 followers
October 29, 2022
The Hardest Fall was a sweet, surface-level book with no angst and slow-burn. The writing style wasn't my cup of tea, but it will be for others! I didn't really connect with the characters and but the storyline was emotional. Its a good read for when you want something simple and sweet with smooth pacing.
86 reviews
May 22, 2022
Read this book

If you haven't read writing from this author, you don't know what you have been missing. As always her work leaves you feeling happy and filled with love for the characters.
874 reviews4 followers
May 28, 2022
I loved reading Connor and Brett's story! I am a Rheland Richmond fan and I love her writing style! Conner and Brett's story is so emotional and so good! I read an advanced copy of this story and this is my unbiased review!
Profile Image for Taylin Clavelli.
Author 10 books9 followers
November 14, 2022
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 3 Hearts
You never know a person’s true nature until life throws you a curveball. Connor found out the hard way what that entailed, making him shy away from subsequent relations. Doctor Brett Rockwell wants a new start. After concentrating on his career, he also wanted a life outside the hospital. When he encounters Connor, he is captivated – but what is the way forward?
This story is written from the heart and makes one evaluate how lucky they are in life.
The Hardest fall is told in the first person with named chapters from the specified viewpoint. Given the nature of the story, worldbuilding is mainly kept in the bubble between home and work. Kudos to the author for maintaining a good focus. However, some technical issues exist, especially in the early chapters, where the author finds the story's stride. The story contains autonomous body parts, which are a pet peeve of mine (E.g., ‘my eyes skimmed’, ‘my eyes widened, ‘my brain couldn’t help’). I understand the overlying sentiment, but there are rules governing their use. There is also the odd slip into the third person (E.g., they fell into step as they both). It may seem like I’m being a little hard here, but given that this is a re-edited story, these technicalities should have been picked up in the first issue, let alone the second.
Connor and Brett make a super couple who find each other at the right time in their lives. There is an instant attraction, followed by many internal ramblings, and nervous babbling of various natures. However, thought and action fly in opposite directions until they take the same path to what is meant to be.
The overriding element of this story is cancer. It deals with all the hopes, fears, and side effects surrounding cancer. The writing here is informative as well as genuinely heart-rendering. The extended cast is small and contains protective friends, family, and work colleagues who come across as realistic. Other elements of the story involve plenty of mutual appreciation alongside fears left over from the past.
Three hearts equates to a good book. The Hardest Fall is a lovely story that brought home many aspects of living with cancer, especially the importance of a sound support system – and for that, I want to thank the author for sharing. But the relationship story, albeit lovely, is a frequent flyer in hospital romances, and the technicalities let it down.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
387 reviews8 followers
May 25, 2022
The Hardest Fall by Rheland Richmond is the story of Connor and Brett. Connor is a nurse who works at an oncology center and part time as a bartender. He has moved back home to help take care of his mother, who is fighting cancer, and his 16 year old sister. He does not take his responsibilities lightly and was hurt when a boyfriend he was serious about left him because he had “too much baggage”. Brett is an oncology doctor who moved back to his hometown from New York because he needed a change. He interviewed and got a job at the center where Connor works but they actually first met at the bar where he met his best friend for drinks. They were both attracted to each other but Connor didn’t think Brett would be interested because of his duties to his family. Once they got to know each other through work, Brett realized how much he wanted to date Connor and after a few tries they finally got together. In the back of Connor’s mind he was always waiting for Brett to say he was too much to take and Brett knew he had to convince him that this wasn’t true. The story continues from there through the ups and downs of forming a new relationship, family problems, friends trying to help, Connor’s mother’s journey through chemo and sickness, and trying to see each other when both were busy. I really enjoyed this book, although stories involving cancer are often scary and uncertain. I like how the characters always tried to stay optimistic, even through their fears, and reached out for help when they needed it. Connor’s and Brett’s growing relationship was special and sweet, especially as it turned into love. I liked how much Brett was invested in Connor’s mother’s care and how he helped to find a new treatment for her, and also how he helped Connor’s sister when it was needed. I recommend this book and am looking forward to reading more from Ms. Richmond.
64 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2022
Brett Rockwell has just moved back to Allister, Maine to escape his hectic life as a practitioner at a hospital in NYC. Having had worked with a notable oncologist in New York, Brett applies for a job in an oncology clinic in his home town. There he meets Connor Jenkins, a nurse at the office at which he's applying. The two are immediately smitten with each other, even though there is a ten-year gap in their ages. As the two grow ever closer together, however, the specter of cancer Connor's mother suffers from continuously haunts him, and is foremost in his mind.

I really enjoyed The Hardest Fall! There are so many emotions in this book - worry, anticipation and certainly fear, to mention a few...but happily there is also a lot of hope and love, as well! Reading the book, I couldn't help but to fall in love with Brett and Connor! Connor has taken on the responsibility of caring for his ailing mother and younger teenage daughter single-handedly, and really allows himself no life of his own. So when the calm, cool and compassionate doctor walks into his life, things start to look up.

The character development in this novel is fabulous, the plot is beautifully and lovingly written, and the byplay between characters is engaging and heartwarming.

Highly recommended!! 5 stars, most definitely!!
Profile Image for Marion.
996 reviews
December 1, 2022
This is the story of Connor and Brett. Connor is Oncology nurse. He has been taking care of his younger sister and mother. His mom has been battling cancer for two years. When he thought the love of his life was going to suggest moving in together, he actually left Connor. All the responsibilities that Connor had were too overwhelming for him and he ran away. Instead of helping to carry Conner's significant emotional load, he just added to it. At that point, Connor decided he was too busy working two job to make ends meet for any relationships. Brett is a doctor who has returned home to practice. He gets a job at the same place where Connor works. He left the city to find someone to settle down with and have a great life. While there is definitely chemistry between the two of them, fear builds many walls. It will take a lot of effort on both their parts for a HEA. I have to admit that I really didn't click with the main characters. I wasn't invested in their finding their HEA. I found this to be an okay read. There was nothing majorly wrong with the story but it just didn't hold my attention.

I received an ARC from GRR and am leaving my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Janice Wilson.
637 reviews2 followers
November 8, 2022
Connor is a nurse by profession, and has elected to move back home to take care of his 16 year old sister and his mother who has cancer. He has lost out on relationships, as men in the past have seen his responsibilities as just too much. In steps Brett, a doctor of oncology, and fills Connors life with light and love. Brett does not see Connor's responsibilities as baggage, but something to be shared to relieve the burden of his loved ones.

I really liked this book. Even though it deals with something as heavy as cancer and ill health of a loved one, the story was a feel-good piece. Even through the struggles, you could feel the strength, love, and hope as Lila battles cancer. The MC's had an instant connection, but it took awhile for them to get to know each other before they got together, which I really liked. Easy, no-strings is good if you are into that, but when feelings are involved, people need a deeper connection than just lust. This book shows that deeper connection, which is awesome.
Profile Image for Terri.
1,458 reviews
May 29, 2022
This was a terrific hurt-comfort romance. Nurse Connor lost his last boyfriend, who couldn't handle the "baggage" of Connor's mom and sister needing him to move back home to take care of them. Doctor Brett was smitten with Connor from the first time they bumped into each other, and finding out that Connor worked at the oncology clinic Brett had just accepted a job with seemed like fate was stepping in.
Connor was a devoted son, and his mother's battle with cancer was heartbreaking. Connor had great interaction with both his mom and his teenage sister. Their family interaction was full of love and humor. It was just hard for Connor to believe that Brett would want to involve himself with their issues, due to his past. I loved Brett and appreciated his determination to prove himself to Connor and his family.
This story could have been sad and painful, but instead it was uplifting and hopeful. I enjoyed it and finished the last page with a smile on my face and happiness in my heart.
216 reviews
November 8, 2022
This book warmed my heart. I enjoy stories where someone who has dated a bunch of inconsiderate jerks finally finds someone who is worthy of his love, and shows him how beautiful love with a worthy and caring partner can be. Brett was just that for Connor. Their chemistry was off the charts, too.

I usually run away from books that just mention the C word, so reading one where it is a main theme was unimaginable. I am so glad I read The Hardest Fall and so appreciative for the author addressing a sensitive and emotional topic. As a person who has been a caregiver for loved ones who had this unfortunate battle, it was comforting (for lack of a better word) to see some of my thoughts, struggles and guilt reflected in Connor’s. Sometimes you can feel alone and wrong when having those thoughts. I hope this book helps others, as it helped me. Thank you Rheland Richmond, I am grateful.
2,135 reviews17 followers
November 8, 2022
Connor has had it tough. He was able to choose a profession he loved, move out on his own and was hopeful until his mother's cancer diagnosis and battle made him move home to take care of her and his sister. He has also been unlucky in love as after a bad experience with a boyfriend he comes to believe that no one will take on a partner with family baggage. He just had not met the right one yet. Brett, a doctor returning to his hometown to work, winds up at the same oncology practice with Connor. They instantly hit it off and unlike Connor's other prospects, he is ready to stay the course even through tough times. I appreciated the storyline and the fact that the caregiver who gave so much of himself at work and at home was finding someone to care for him.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Myeshia Cole.
685 reviews3 followers
June 6, 2022
This is the story of Connor and Brett, two men who moves back home in search of something more. Connor thought he had his life worked out. He had a nice job, a great guy and was happy. Familial circumstance dictate that Connor move back home to care for his mother and sister and it turns out that the guy he loves is not so great. Brett moves back home looking for a change and his person. They meet in a bar, then again as coworkers. The chemistry is there and eventually they find their way. I love this author and her writing style. She always writes a story that keeps me enraptured from beginning to end. Connor and Brett were two lovable characters and I adored them. Definitely a five star read
Profile Image for Bkwrm24.
1,269 reviews9 followers
November 3, 2022
Brett and Connor ❤️.

3 stars ⭐️

Ok, so this was a little bit different from this author's other books that I have read. It was more sweet than spicy but heartfelt nonetheless. At times I found this so sweet almost to the point of being corny but that was the flow of this book, so I can't complain....it was adorable. Brett and Connor were both incredibly loving and sweet with one another, what Brett proved to reluctant Connor was that he was a strong, supporting and the man of Connor's fantasies come true! I adored how Brett proved just that with his care for Connor's family ❤️

This was good book overall, it is a feel good story about found family, taking risks, support and love. I'd recommend.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
November 29, 2022
ARC Review

In The Hardest Fall, we meet Connor, and in just the prologue he gets his heart broken. This is all because he is his mothers main caregiver. His mother has cancer, and Connor helps keep everything running for the family. He works 2 jobs and helps get his sister and mother taken care of, and doesn't think he has anything to offer a love interest. Enter Brett. They run into each other LITERALLY, and there is an instant spark. They find out that they both work for the same cancer treatment center, Brett as the new oncologist and Connor as one of the nurses. No matter how hard Connor pushes Brett away, Brett proves himself to be a good partner. This story, while dealing with a serious subject matter, it was very well done and heartfelt. 
Profile Image for Traci S.
948 reviews6 followers
May 25, 2022
I liked this book. Particularly, I thought it does a good job creating well rounded and likable MCs. Brett and Connor are good people and it is refreshing to read mature characters who try to do the right thing. Their relationship was quite lovely and I like that the the tension and angst was outside the personal relationships. Some of their internal monologues and the dialogue in the steamy moments did not quite ring true for me, but overall I enjoyed the romance between Brett and Connor who have great chemistry and are quite sweet together. Plus, a satisfying HEA.

I received an arc of this book and this is my honest review
Profile Image for Fay.
2,705 reviews38 followers
June 4, 2022
❤ A fantastic book with all the feels.
A good start as both characters begin the story. I loved when they first meet for the first time litterrally bumping into each other.
Connor and Brett had a chemisty rocking as they danced around each other.
Connor 25 yrs was back home to look after mum with cancer along with his sisters.
Doctor Brett was the new employee of the oncology department.
A fantastic book, I loved this one. The emotions for Connor as he helps his mother for the past two years juggling 2 jobs as well.
Lady Fate steps in for them to meet and a romance blossoms. Told with both pov's and a hot insta connection for an HEA ending.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
4,266 reviews33 followers
June 6, 2022
This is a wonderful co-workers to friends to lovers romance. Connor has been dumped by his boyfriend when he steps up to the plate and takes on some enormous family responsibilities. He seems to have learned a lesson from that which tells him he's going to have to go it alone from now on, that no one wants a man with responsibilities. Along comes Brett, who as he becomes friends with Connor recognizes all of his great qualities and what a perfect catch he is. He just has to convince Connor he's serious and will stick around for the hard times as well as the good ones. Loved these two men and their story.
393 reviews3 followers
November 5, 2022
Such a great book. Lovable main characters. Heartfelt and heartwarming. Enjoyable and entertaining. Will tug at your heartstrings. Connor is a man with many responsibilities taking care of his mother who has cancer and his little sister. He works at a cancer clinic where his mother is a patient. Enter the new hot doctor Brett who starts working at the clinic. There is an immediate attraction between the two. The two get to know each other and the attraction grows. Unlike Connor’s last boyfriend Brett doesn’t run away from the situation. Can the two become more under the circumstances or will they cave under the stress? I highly recommend.
2,650 reviews42 followers
May 28, 2022
This is a very sweet story about Brett and Connor. Both work in oncology which draws them together.
Connor has been let down in the past and is hesitant to open himself up to love again.
Brett sees in Connor someone who he can really love and be with.
I really love how much importance is placed on family. Connor is there for his mother during her health battles and Brett values that so much.
Brett and Connor who have great chemistry and are quite sweet together. I loved seeing them get their HEA.
Profile Image for Rebecca Park.
753 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2022
Connor & Brett are so cute together from the moment that met! They develop a wonderful friendship that turns into a beautiful relationship! Despite his past Connor gives Brett a chance and they get their happy ending!
My heart went out to Connor & his mother, cancers sucks and it’s hard to deal with but their happy ending was so wonderful! This author is amazing and always tries to make sure her characters get their HEA! I thought Jayson & Marcus were also super cute! Can’t wait to see what’s next! 😀❤️😀❤️
961 reviews18 followers
November 4, 2022
Easy-to-read, heartwarming romance with a bit of angst and hurt/comfort vibes. Really liked the finding family trope as well and the way Brett does everything he can to help out Connor’s family and be a source of strength and support. Connor has not had it easy, a lot of responsibility was thrust upon him, and he has no partner to lean on or share his worries with. When Brett comes into his life, he is afraid to trust that things are finally looking up. But of course, Brett is up to the challenge.
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,499 reviews41 followers
May 25, 2022
Loved Connor and Brett! Their story was sweet and the perfect feel-good story. Connor is a nurse who has moved back home to take care of his mom who is battling cancer. Brett is a doctor who has also moved back home to start over. There was a lot of emotion within the story, a sweet slow burn with a great HEA. Overall, a great read! The story was really well written, the pacing was smooth, highly recommend.
Profile Image for K-Me.
1,686 reviews
May 26, 2022
Brett and Connor were both such sweet and endearing guys! I liked that they were real people with real jobs, families and challenges. Being a doctor and a nurse, they are dedicated and caring men. I enjoyed how cute their first meeting was! Their relationship is sweet and develops naturally. Both dealing with changes and obstacles in their separate lives, and I loved watching them grow together and support each other! I read an arc and found their romance to be very realistic and heartwarming!
Profile Image for Leanne Hart.
75 reviews
November 13, 2022
I really enjoyed Brett and Connor's book, Brett has just moved back to his home town and is the Oncologist Doctor at the hospital where Connor is an Oncologist Nurse.

These two are amazing together I love how much Brett understand Connor and is super supportive with everything that Connor is going through, is beautiful to see a man stand by his lover through everything and show them that not all men run at the first hurdle.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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