ARC Review - The Problem with Falling by Brittainy Cherry.

The Problem with Falling by Brittainy Cherry

The Problem with Falling by Brittainy Cherry is exactly what I needed to get out of my reading slump. This small-town grumpy sunshine romance is everything you need right now. This book isn’t just about romance, it’s about love, loss, and everything in between. Theodore Langford (wait am I allowed to call him that or just Theo?), is a brooding, closed-off man with his own reasons for guarding his heart, while Willow Kingsley is a ray of sunshine who challenges everything he believes. When these polar opposites end up as roommates to plan Theo’s grandparents’ anniversary, the tension is inevitable, but so is the undeniable chemistry. Will they clash, or will their differences pull them together?

Westin Lake is a town where everyone knew everyone else’s business which Theo hated the most. He wants to keep things to himself and doesn’t indulge in small-town “small talk” and gossip. He grew up with his maternal grandparents who were actually his parents. Harry Langford and Molly Langford are here to set the standards high. The couple having lived sixty years together decides to celebrate it. Enters Willow Kingsley. Willow, who’s supposed to be Molly’s “friend” helping with the anniversary planning, turns out to be anything but the older woman Theo envisioned. Instead, she’s a young, free-spirited whirlwind who resembles everything Theo can’t stand.

Theo is the classic grump with a heart of gold, but Brittainy Cherry’s writing brings a depth to his character that makes you root for him. His pain and guarded nature feel real, making his growth throughout the story even more satisfying. On the other hand, beneath Willow’s sunshine and bubbly exterior lies a hidden depth, a side of her that few truly see. While they may appear to be polar opposites on the surface, Brittainy subtly unpacks their shared struggles and hidden similarities, weaving a connection that feels authentic. 

Brittainy also draws parallels between Theo and Willow and Harry and Molly where the resemblance between the two couples is uncanny. Harry, once a grump himself, found joy and color in life through Molly, a dynamic that closely mirrors Theo and Willow’s journey. As Harry’s health begins to decline, Theo and Willow witness firsthand the kind of enduring love that feels straight out of storybooks and movies. It’s both inspiring and bittersweet, offering the younger pair a glimpse of what love can be at its best. (Honestly, I want to be like them when I grow up [and for people who watch Indian movies, it gave me OK Kanmani or OK Jaanu vibes])

Parallels from the film OK Kanmani

Speaking of Theo’s and Willow’s relationship, I loved how Brittainy didn’t rush their romance and gave space for them to get comfortable with each other despite their differences. It was a slow yet beautiful growth. Theo being a hard one to crack and Willow being best at putting up a facade found themselves in a place where they both could be their true self without having to exhaust themselves by being someone else. I loved how Molly, Harry, Micheal (Willow’s father), and even Jensen (Theo’s 14-year-old cousin) were there for them, giving the right advice. Every character was very beautifully crafted that it left me in awe. I’m not going to delve deep into this because you need to read it to get the feels and trust me when I say this, you will get the feels when you read it.

At its core, The Problem with Falling is an exploration of grief, guilt, healing, and love in its many forms. Brittainy Cherry beautifully explores how past traumas shape our relationships and our ability to love. Theo and Willow’s journey is not just about falling for each other; it’s about learning to forgive themselves, embrace their scars, and believe in the possibility of happiness despite life’s hardships. 

Speaking of my favorite moments in this book, there are many but if I have to pick one, it’ll be the scene where Avery, Willow’s sister says, “Take the time to heal. Heal for yourself, then heal for him. But also know that you don’t have to be perfectly healed to be loved by another.” It really hit home, you don’t have to be fully healed to be loved by someone. While you heal most of you, their love will heal the rest of you.

Rating  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

If you love emotional romances with complex characters, small-town settings, and a touch of humor, this book is for you. The Problem with Falling isn’t just isn’t about romance, it’s about love! It’s a reminder that even when life feels like it’s falling apart, there’s beauty in the pieces coming together. It’s a story that made me laugh, cry, and fall in love with love all over again.

Thank You Good Girls PR and Brittainy Cherry for the opportunity!