The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez Review

I never thought a fire alarm could change the course of a weekend. But there I was, barefoot in my neighbor's kitchen, awkwardly holding a mug shaped like a tree stump, while a guy named Seth explained the difference between a sycamore and a sweetgum. It started with a bang (literally—construction accident, missing staircase, long story), and ended with me rethinking everything I thought I knew about trust, trauma, and what it means to let someone in.

Welcome to the whirlwind that is The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez.

Listen to the full audiobook of The Fall Risk for free 👉 here

The Setup: Valentine’s Day, One Staircase Short

Imagine this: you're planning a cozy weekend alone, armed with takeout, a good book, and a mental "do not disturb" sign. Then boom—you can't leave your apartment because the staircase is, well, gone. Just gone. Like someone picked it up and walked away with it. That’s what happens to Charlotte and Seth, two neighbors with about as much in common as a cactus and a violin.

They're stuck. Together. On Valentine’s Day weekend.

Cue forced proximity. Cue awkward silences. Cue banter that sizzles like bacon in a hot pan.

Characters Who Feel Too Real (In the Best Way)

Charlotte isn't just "anxious." She's scarred. She's been stalked, harassed, and now lives life like a chess game—every move cautious, every piece a defense. She keeps a baseball bat nearby. She flinches at kindness. But here's the thing: she's not weak. She’s just... tired. Of looking over her shoulder.

Seth, on the other hand, is fresh out of a divorce and climbs trees for a living. Yep, he’s an arborist. A man of few words and deep roots. Literally. He’s patient, unexpectedly funny, and has a smile like the sun peeking through storm clouds.

Their chemistry? It doesn’t just simmer. It crackles.

Themes With Teeth (And Tenderness)

The Fall Risk dances on a tightrope between funny and ferocious. It tackles heavy themes—trauma, anxiety, healing—without dragging you down. Jimenez has this wizardry where she throws in a pun (tree jokes galore) just when things are getting too real. It’s like a hug wrapped in sarcasm.

Trust issues? Check.

Loneliness? Yep.

Resilience that tastes like burnt toast but keeps you alive? Oh, absolutely.

But don’t let the giggles fool you. Charlotte's struggle with being stalked is raw and complicated. The emotional tension sticks to your ribs like peanut butter on hot bread.

Humor That Hits (Not Just Ha-Ha Funny)

There’s a difference between comic relief and comic truth. Jimenez writes with that second kind. Her banter feels like eavesdropping on real people. The jokes aren't just thrown in for laughs—they're armor. In little ways, the characters try to survive their own stories.

And the side characters? Absolute gems. Izzy, Charlotte's best friend, is the kind of friend who would text you memes at your lowest. Gabe, Seth's buddy, makes a five-second cameo and somehow steals the scene. Honestly, I want a spin-off.

The Not-So-Perfect Parts (That Make It Perfect)

Is the premise ridiculous? Absolutely. A staircase just... disappears?

And yet. You believe it. Because it’s not really about the staircase. It’s about two people being forced to stop running from the world, from each other, from themselves.

Also, let’s talk about imperfections:

Some readers didn’t love the resolution of the stalker subplot. (Too tidy? Maybe.)

Others found the pacing a little quick.

And yeah, some moments feel like "Wait, would this happen IRL?"

But here's the thing—when a story makes you feel, logic takes a backseat.

What Abby Jimenez Gets So, So Right

Abby Jimenez writes like she’s telling you a secret in a blanket fort. Her style is intimate, clever, and loaded with bite-sized truths that stick in your throat. In The Fall Risk, she manages to:

Develop emotionally layered characters in under 100 pages.

Inject humor without undercutting the pain.

Balance realism with romance like a juggler with glass knives.

Her fans know this already. But if you’re new to her world, this novella is the perfect sampler plate.

Some Real Questions, Real Fast (FAQ Style But Cooler)

Is this a romance? 100%. But not the cheesy, insta-love kind. This is slow-burning in a microwave.

Do I need to read other books first? Nope. But Easter eggs are hidden for longtime Jimenez fans.

Trigger warnings? Yes. Stalking, anxiety, talk of self-defense, and a baseball bat used as more than a prop.

Audiobook worth it? Julia Whelan + Connor Crais = pure audio magic. It’s like Netflix in your ears.

Funny or serious? Both. Like crying while watching a stand-up show.

Too short? For some, yes. For others, it’s like a shot of espresso: intense, satisfying, and over too soon.

A Universe That Feels Cozy (Even When It Hurts)

What makes The Fall Risk more than just another "meet-cute" novella is how it fits into Jimenez's broader storytelling universe. Characters like John and Holly from Worst Wingman Ever pop in like old friends crashing the party. It feels lived-in. Like you’re reading a memory, not a story.

Also, a side note: the tree jokes? They leave you smiling. (Okay, I’ll stop.)

For Whom This Book Is (And Isn't)

This story is:

For anyone who’s ever felt too broken to date.

For folks who hide their pain behind puns.

For fans of sweet tension, sharp humor, and tiny glimmers of hope.

Not for:

Cynics who hate happy endings.

People who can't suspend disbelief for 82 pages.

Readers looking for something dark, gritty, and nihilistic.

Final Thought: It’s a Soft Punch in the Heart

The Fall Risk doesn’t try to be profound. It is profound, in that soft, sneaky way where you laugh and then suddenly your throat gets tight and you’re like—wait. Why am I emotional? Why does this hurt a little?

It’s the emotional equivalent of slipping on ice and landing in someone else’s arms.

If you're craving a story that feels like a warm drink with a spicy kick, read this.

If you’re afraid to start something new, because your heart’s still bruised—read this.

If you only have an hour but want to feel everything, read this.

Listen to the Magic

Wanna hear Charlotte and Seth come to life? You can listen to the full audiobook of The Fall Risk for free 👉 here

Go on. Let your ears fall in love.