FALLING FOR MAX is Book nine in Shannon Stacey's Kowalski Family series. Even though this book is part of a series, I was able to follow the story and enjoy it without having read the previous books. This may have been the first book I've read by Shannon Stacey, but it won't be my last. I love this book!

FALLING FOR MAX is a book about friends becoming lovers. Max Crawford is a little socially awkward. He hosts sports- viewing parties in his small town, but he otherwise keeps to himself. One day he decides he wants to look for a potential wife -- a companion and somebody to start a family of his own with. Max is sweet and a nice guy, not creepy. However, his self-imposed isolation gives some people in the community the wrong idea about him. He sets off looking for a wife, or at least a date to start with, but ends up making a new friend. Tori Burns watches him crash and burn at the diner she works at and feels sympathetic. What starts as Tori's attempt to give Max some pointers that will help him with women, turn into something much deeper for both of both of them.

I think it's interesting that both Tori and Max turn to the diner looking to connect with other people in the town. Max goes there looking for a potential romantic interest, while Tori works there part-time to find the human connection that her graphic designer job doesn't always provide. I love the slow evolution of their relationship. They get to know and like each other way before becoming sexually involved. That makes their relationship more real to me. The chemistry that happens between them and the sexual tension is electric and lots of fun to read about. There is no external conflict. The only thing stopping Max and Tori from being happy together is what's in Tori's head. In spite of her emotional issues, I liked Tori and never felt like she came off sounding too bitter or whiney.

I think Shannon Stacey does a great job of making Max and Tori complex characters and interesting. Tori's troubled background with her parents and the glimpses into their toxic relationship gives a good reason for why she is so resistant to the idea of marriage and commitment. I thought Max's reactions to Tori when she explains about her parents is perfect and very supportive without being intrusive. There are some emotionally powerful moments in FALLING FOR MAX along with the fun and sexy ones.

FALLING FOR MAX is the quintessential friends-turned-lovers story and a must-read for romance fans. This is exactly the kind of fun, charming romance that becomes a frequent re- read for me. I eagerly await more books by Shannon Stacey.