Trust Fall - a surprise inheritance and an unexpected romance.

High school senior Julia Lowell lives in Nebraska with her parents and twin brother, Liam, where they run a small grocery store. The family had formed a close bond with Lou, an elderly neighbor living in a fishing cabin. Upon Lou's passing, the Lowells are shocked to discover that they have inherited his fortune, which includes his brownstone on New York City's Upper West Side, where they are required to live for a minimum of six months. Another stipulation of the will is that Julia and Liam must attend the exclusive Gardenwood Academy. Equally stunned by the contents of the will is Lou's family, the Rutledges. Lou, whose real name was Remington, had been a father figure to his nephew Damion, who is now Julia's classmate and her new math tutor. Damion wants to find a way to discredit the Lowells and support his family's plan to challenge the will. But his growing feelings for Julia are going to complicate the situation.

Trust Fall by Lynn Painter was a highly enjoyable book. Initially, it didn't make it onto my list because I usually skip books labeled as YA. However, I gave this one a second look and was so glad I did. I was drawn to its New York City setting, the intriguing premise of an unexpected inheritance, and the developing attraction between two very different people. The main characters are written with an intelligence that made me immediately care about them. Sometimes a light, sweet, swoony book is what's needed. 

Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for the advance.

Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.

Contemporary Fiction | YA Romance.

Publication Date: September 29, 2026.

Please "like" this post if Trust Fall sounds like a book you’d enjoy reading. I'd love to know. Scroll below the photo and click on the red outlined heart on the lower right-hand side of the page. Comments can also be left below.