Falls From Grace
FALLS FROM GRACE
RUBY LANDERS
Grace Notes #1
ebook, Audiobook
Narrated by Quinn Riley
Sapphic Contemporary Romance
Summary
Savannah Grace is a huge star in Nashville. At least, she was. Her hit band Twice Struck topped the country music charts for almost a decade until her high profile marriage to her bandmate and co-writer publicly exploded. Now she’s fading from the spotlight and her own life, just trying to keep her head above water.
Brynn Marshall is a little lost. Dropping out of med school made her the black sheep of the family and now she’s floating around LA trying to find a sense of purpose. When she falls down on her luck, her best friend - indie musician Noah Lyman - refuses to let her wallow. After all, he’s just got his big break, co-writing with a megastar!
When Savannah enlists Noah to help her break out of country music and make a name for herself for once and for all, what better way to do it than to spend the winter in her secluded vacation home in the woods of Vermont? And what better way for Noah to help out a friend than to pretend he’s bringing along his wife?
After all, what could possibly go wrong?
See Content Warnings
Synopsis adapted from Goodreads.
Tasty Thoughts
Edited 01/13/2025 after listening to the audiobook:
Falls From Grace by Ruby Landers, narrated by the phenomenal Quinn Riley, is an absolute masterpiece that will leave you emotionally wrecked—in the best way possible. This book had me laughing, crying, and gripping my pillow in frustration. Ruby Landers has crafted an angsty, slow-burn romance that feels as authentic as it is heart-wrenching, and Quinn Riley’s narration takes it to an entirely new level.
From the very first chapter, Savannah Grace and Brynn Marshall pulled me into their world and didn’t let go. Savannah, a fading country music superstar, is trying to rebuild her life and career after a public fallout with her ex-husband and former bandmate. Enter Brynn, a kindhearted yet lost soul who becomes Savannah’s lifeline in ways neither of them could have predicted. Their magnetic pull is undeniable, and watching their connection evolve from tentative friendship to something more was like witnessing a beautiful symphony being composed in real time.
The Romance
This is the slow burn of all slow burns—strap in, because you’re watching sparks ignite from the very first match being struck. Landers takes her time building the relationship between Savannah and Brynn, and the payoff is well worth it. Every glance, every touch, every small moment builds to a crescendo that had me glued to the page (and later, to my headphones). The chemistry between them is palpable, and their journey is equal parts romantic and healing.
The Authenticity
Landers immerses readers in the world of country music with such authenticity that it feels like you’re right there in the studio, in songwriting sessions, and on tour. The details about Savannah’s career and Brynn’s supportive role felt so real, adding depth and richness to the narrative. The bond between Savannah and her son was another standout—heartwarming, tender, and a beautiful thread that tied the story together.
The Healing
This isn’t just a romance—it’s a story about healing. Both Savannah and Brynn are grappling with their pasts, and their individual journeys toward self-acceptance and growth are as compelling as their romance. Landers explores themes of trauma, forgiveness, and boundaries with sensitivity and nuance. The respect and space the characters give each other were refreshing and felt incredibly healthy, even when it was heart-wrenching to read.
The Audiobook
Listening to this audiobook was nothing short of a religious experience. Quinn Riley brought these characters to life with unparalleled talent, and her performance elevated an already incredible story. Savannah’s accent? Absolute perfection. The angst? Oh my goodness, THE ANGST. Brynn’s sweet vulnerability and strength shone through every word, and it felt like Quinn was channeling the very soul of these characters. This audiobook isn’t just a listen—it’s an experience.
Final Thoughts
Falls From Grace is a stellar debut from Ruby Landers, and I’m in awe of the emotional depth and authenticity she poured into this story. Add in the dream team of Ruby Landers and Quinn Riley, and this audiobook becomes pure magic. If you love slow-burn romance, celebrity drama, and stories of healing and redemption, do yourself a favor and pick up this book immediately.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m diving into Graceless because I simply cannot get enough of this world. Thank you, Ruby and Quinn, for this incredible experience—I’ll be on cloud nine for a long time!
Original 2024 Review:
BRB - I'm a mess. This book was phenom! - Okay, I'm back. Whew. It's taken me a minute to review this book b/c life got busy but this book stuck with me. This is an incredible debut novel from Ruby Landers. I'm honestly in awe that this is a debut. When I first read the synopsis about a lesbian "fake marriage" to her male bestie, I wasn't really sure I was in the mood for that kind of story but I'm oh so glad that I jumped in. This book made me laugh, made me cry, and made me so frustrated I was ready to throw things across the room. I'm so lucky I had a friend reading this at the same time (@Lez_be_readin_ya - check out her review too) because I NEEDED someone to talk to about this book. Landers had so many feelings bubbling up out of my chest that I couldn't function, literally, for a whole day while I devoured this book. This is an ANGSTY SLOW BURN NOVEL. When I say slow burn, bundle up kids, because we're watching this fire start from the woodchopping stage all the way through to the blaze of this sapphic fire. It's so freaking good.
Savannah and Brynn are such incredible characters. Their magnetic pull to each other is so incredibly strong. There's something about celebrity romances for me right now - I'm all in. I can't seem to get enough of the behind-the-scenes storylines. Landers did an amazing job with everything from the songwriting sessions to the recordings to the tour - it felt so authentic every step of the way.
I adored how Brynn was with Savannah's son. He was such a light for Savannah and a wonderful connection between the two MC's.
For me, this book was a romance, yes, but it was also about healing. Healing childhood traumas and healing wounds from a relationship that was nothing like we thought it was. I really valued the healing journey that each of these characters took together and apart. Landers took an interesting approach to boundaries and respect that you don't often see in the genre and romance. She took a chance and it absolutely paid off, in my opinion. It was a refreshing take on space and forgiveness that was heartwrenching to read but also felt very necessary and healthy.
I'm beyond ready for the next two installments of the Grace Notes. This book was just absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend this for anyone who loves a slowburn romance novel. This was such a refreshing unique read for me.
Thank you to Ruby Landers, for an e-arc of this book. It was an honor and a privilege to read this novel.
Originally posted on Goodreads
Why You’ll Love It
Single parent
Vermont to Nashville to Hollywood
Steamy duet
Song writing inspiration
Found family
So much angst
