Falling Stars by Lex Martin

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INITIAL THOUGHTS

I didn’t expect to fall so hard for Maverick Walker, but here we are. I received this book as an ARC from Grey’s Promotions. I was looking for a cozy small-town romance. I ended up sobbing over how deeply I wanted this love in my life. This book made me laugh, swoon, and full-on ugly cry. Honestly, it surprised me in the best way.

WHAT IT IS ABOUT

Baylee is a small-town hairstylist and a single mom. She is trying to keep her life together. Her childhood best friend, Maverick, returns home from the NFL to recover from a serious injury. They end up living together. There is just one bed and years of unresolved feelings between them. It doesn’t take long for things to heat up.

MY REVIEW

Writing Style

Lex Martin’s writing is emotional and addicting. The banter is sharp, the pacing is steady, and the spice is hot without ever feeling overdone. I was completely pulled in by how natural the conversations felt and how real the characters were.

Themes & Messages

This book is all about healing. It emphasizes showing up for the people you love. It also focuses on learning to trust again, even when it feels risky. I really appreciated how Maverick wasn’t afraid to grow. Therapy, vulnerability, and emotional maturity played a part in his journey. We love a man who gets help and communicates.

Characters

Baylee is strong, self aware, and fiercely protective of her son. She’s been burned before, especially by Maverick, but she still has a soft heart and big dreams. Maverick is truly next-level. He notices everything, from how Baylee likes her food after work to the jewelry she lingers on. He’s thoughtful without being performative, and he steps up for Leo like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

And then there’s Paige. Everyone deserves a Paige in their life. She’s the best friend who delivers fresh sheets. She offers a backup plan before you even realize you need them.

Vibes, Settings, and Tropes

This story brings all the cozy romance goodness:

• Small town Texas
• Friends to lovers
• Second chance romance
• Forced proximity
• One bed
• Single mom
• Big, emotional spicy scenes
• And a dreamy man who will buy you your forever house and fill it with babies and love

Favorite Quotes

“Because if my wife wants something, I’m gonna move hell and high water to make it happen, especially if I’ve been a dick. For the record, I try not to be a dick around her.” (Rhett, p. 141).

““Baylee,” he whispers. “You were worth the wait.” (Maverick, p. 208).

“I’m a riddle wrapped in an enigma.” (Baylee, p. 98).

What Worked For Me

Maverick. Just… Maverick. I loved that he takes care of Baylee without needing recognition. He sees how busy and exhausted she is. He quietly steps in by calling her landlord and handling the mess. He makes sure she’s fed and supported. She is not doing it all alone. It’s not performative, it’s just who he is. The way he shows appreciation for the people in his life is touching. His actions made my heart melt. He’s so attentive, so emotionally in tune, and incredibly thoughtful.

And don’t even get me started on how he treats Leo. He clearly considers Baylee’s son a part of the package. He never acts like Leo is an inconvenience. He’s all in, no hesitation, no drama.

I have to mention how much I appreciated Maverick’s growth. He listens to Baylee and takes her advice seriously. He even reaches out to a sports psychologist to work on his healing. Watching a male character pursue therapy, not because it’s easy, but because he wants to be better, felt so refreshing. Emotional maturity looks really good on him.

Let’s talk about Chapters 23 and 24. This section of the book? Whew. I felt this in my body.

First of all, the emotional tension leading up to this scene is already off the charts. Baylee is insecure about being desired after having a baby. Maverick makes it his mission to obliterate every single one of her doubts. He doesn’t just tell her she’s sexy, he proves it. Over and over. The way he looks at her, touches her, worships her body… it’s not just sexy, it’s affirming. And that hit deep.

What really made it so hot was how connected it felt. Yes, it was spicy and explicit. It had creative positioning (because hello, injury). Nevertheless, there was so much trust and care layered into every moment. Maverick checks in, pays attention, adjusts when needed. When Baylee expresses concerns about leaking breast milk, he doesn’t flinch. He leans in and makes it part of the experience. It feels natural and wildly intimate.

Also? The consent. The communication. The confidence. The humor. The mutual pleasure. The fact that Maverick gets off on her getting off? 10/10. He listens to her body. Then, he says the exact thing her soul needs to hear. For example, he tells her she’s the only woman who’s been capable of “waking things up” after his injury. That moment was vulnerable, hot, and so emotionally honest.

And then there’s the post-sex scene. Instead of rushing into what’s next, they shower together and hug. Just hold each other under warm water. Maverick doesn’t make promises he can’t keep, but he also doesn’t let Baylee retreat into fear. He tells her, plain and soft, that he doesn’t want to do life without her. My heart cracked open.

Honestly, this is the sex scene that matters. It’s not just physical release. It’s healing, safety, love, and deep emotional connection.

What Didn’t Work For Me

The random kidnapping plot line with the ex-girlfriend’s mom felt out of place. It was too dramatic for a story that was already so full of emotional depth. I think the story would have been stronger without it.

Final Thoughts

This book had everything I love. It included emotional growth, thoughtful gestures, and dirty talk. It also had the love that shows up in a million small ways. Maverick is the full package, and Baylee’s journey was incredibly relatable. If you love small-town romance with a lot of heart, you must add Falling Stars to your TBR list. It has a whole lot of spice.

Let’s Talk

Have you ever read a romance that made you cry because it hit too close to home? Or made you rethink what you want in love? Let’s talk in the comments.