REVIEW: Falling Into Place by Allison Ashley

Falling Into Place by Allison Ashley: By day Carly punches numbers but by night, well that is when she is dreaming up her best life as a fashion stylist. So when her best friend Sasha ropes her into a challenge to try and style Oklahoma’s hottest bachelor for the magazine that she works at, Carly jumps at the opportunity, after all this could be the big break that she has been waiting for… the only catch being the bachelor in question is non other than Sasha’s grumpy older brother Brooks. There is little to nothing that Brooks wouldn’t do for his sister, which is exactly how he found himself playing dress up when he would much rather be minding his own business in his garden with his cat, that is until he realises that he will be working with Carly. The mission is simple, get Brooks to give up his scrubs for something a bit more refined and fitting of a hot single doctor ready to hit the dating scene… the only problem being the only girl that Brooks is interested in is non other than his new stylist Carly… The question is can these two mix business with pleasure without risking their hearts?

I really loved this book, firstly it was a best friends brother romcom and if you know me then you know that I will always have a soft spot for this trope, add in the fact that we got a bit of grump meets sunshine and I was totally sold! Ashley has done a brilliant job in crafting a cute, sweet and emotionally balanced romcom that will have you giggling one moment but have your heart aching the next. One of the things that I really liked was how relatable both Carly and Brooks felt, this only made me love them just that much more.

It was so easy to root for Carly, there was just something about her as a person that felt like she would be a good friend. I loved that her passion for fashion wasn’t just about making people look stylish but making them feel good about themselves. She really was a darling leading lady and I loved getting to see her shine and really get to embrace her passion but also allow herself to fall in love in the most beautiful way possible. Now for our hero, well I do love a bit of a grumpy hero and that was kind of what we got with Brooks. While he wasn’t mean anything like that, I think he just became a bit jaded and reserved. I loved that Brooks was into the more laid back lifestyle, he basically just wanted to chill in his garden with his cats and I loved this about him. Though I did really like getting to see him slowly open up to Carly and allow her to see his more soft vulnerable side.

I just loved the slow burn build up between Carly and Brooks. While they already knew each other it was the slow build up to their attraction that I really liked. It was the kind of connection you don’t really see coming until it pops up at you and it just worked with these two. Between their banter and the general playfulness between them it was hard not to want them to finally end up together.

I can not finish my review without mentioning the two cute furry little guest stars in this book, Oreo and Pepper. As a cat person myself I always love when a cat plays a role in a book and in this book both Carly and Brooks have their own furry little buddies. One of the things I liked was seeing Brooks with Oreo, we got to see him completely let his guard down and show his softer side with Oreo. Pepper was also a pretty sweet with Carly.

Overall I really enjoyed reading Falling Into Place, this was a sweet but heartfelt romcom that blends humour and heart to create one cute love story about healing but also embracing what your heart desires. Definitely a book that I would recommend!
 

Book Info:

Publication: August 19, 2025 | Montlake |

Accountant and freelance personal stylist Carly Porter, daughter of a compulsive gambler, knows the personal cost of a bad bet. But when she partners with her best friend, Sasha—publisher of a floundering fashion magazine—Carly can’t resist. The highly publicized makeover of an Oklahoma City bachelor could boost sales and be Carly’s ticket to her dream profession. The bachelor in question is none other than Sasha’s older brother, Brooks.

Hardly the party boy Carly remembers from high school, Brooks is now an antisocial, work-obsessed physician still struggling with a devastating loss. But if it means helping his sister, he’s in. It’s Carly’s job to get him out of those lived-in scrubs, style him to the nines, and bring Brooks back to life. But so far, the only real connection is between Brooks and Carly—and falling for a client could cost Carly the career she’s worked so hard for.

To move forward, they’ll both have to overcome their painful pasts. And whatever the risk, maybe even take a chance on love.