4.0
Falling for the Competition
ByPublisher Description
He’s her biggest competition.
And the key to her success.
When Keisha Edwards collides with Rhodes scholar Julian Langley, she briefly considers switching from her MBA to chemistry—because theirs is off the charts! But when Tall, Dark and Arrogant asks for her number? The answer is no. Besides, if Keisha’s going to graduate top of her class, she doesn’t have time for romance.
Julian is no novice when it comes to beautiful women, yet when Keisha turns him down, it stings. But not as much as discovering she’s in his MBA program—and she’s the one to beat for top marks. Well, the competition is on—until they’re assigned to a group project. As their chemistry threatens to boil over, it’ll be a test to see if these frenemies can work together to succeed in business…and in love…
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
The Friendship Chronicles
Book 1: The Shoe Diaries
Book 2: Bloom Where You're Planted
Book 3: London Calling
Book 4: Her New York Minute
Book 5: Falling for the Competition
And the key to her success.
When Keisha Edwards collides with Rhodes scholar Julian Langley, she briefly considers switching from her MBA to chemistry—because theirs is off the charts! But when Tall, Dark and Arrogant asks for her number? The answer is no. Besides, if Keisha’s going to graduate top of her class, she doesn’t have time for romance.
Julian is no novice when it comes to beautiful women, yet when Keisha turns him down, it stings. But not as much as discovering she’s in his MBA program—and she’s the one to beat for top marks. Well, the competition is on—until they’re assigned to a group project. As their chemistry threatens to boil over, it’ll be a test to see if these frenemies can work together to succeed in business…and in love…
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
The Friendship Chronicles
Book 1: The Shoe Diaries
Book 2: Bloom Where You're Planted
Book 3: London Calling
Book 4: Her New York Minute
Book 5: Falling for the Competition
Download the free Fable app
Stay organized
Keep track of what you’re reading, what you’ve finished, and what’s next.
Build a better TBR
Swipe, skip, and save with our smart list-building tool
Rate and review
Share your take with other readers with half stars, emojis, and tags
Curate your feed
Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communitiesStay organized
Keep track of what you’re reading, what you’ve finished, and what’s next.Build a better TBR
Swipe, skip, and save with our smart list-building toolRate and review
Share your take with other readers with half stars, emojis, and tagsCurate your feed
Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communitiesFalling for the Competition Reviews
4.0
“3.5 ⭐️ This was a really nice read. I like the emphasis on starting over and following your passion in life, no matter how iffy it may seem.
Keisha quit her corporate job to return to school, starting a new MBA program. She feels like she's made a big mistake. On Day 1, she literally runs into Julian, a handsome, confident guy who she instantly takes issue with. Later, she's shocked to see that he's in her class. It doesn't help at all that he has a lot of good insight to share. Things really get interesting when they end up working on the same group project.
It took me some time to warm up to Keisha, FMC. She was a bit harsh in the beginning, but overtime, I started to get past that. I liked that the story focuses mostly on the characters working on a team project. I loved the team's camaraderie and high energy collaborative sessions they had. It really made me think about pursuing a higher degree.
There was lot of friendship, food and great marketing jewels sprinkled in throughout the story.”
“My first book by Darby but won’t be my last!
I was so captivated by this entire book from chapter 1 to the end! It was a mixture of friendship, strong sisterhood friendship, the type without toxic and drama. It gave the perfect example of how real friendship should be like. I related to the relationship Keisha had with her two best friends.
Of course it’s a romance book but the friendship was my favorite part.
The romance was the rivals to lovers vibe.
Julian is this strong, confident and intelligent black men that knows what he wants and gets it. I love his character.
I could go on and on about this book but I want you to read it!
Thank you so much for this arc. I will definitely recommend this to all my book besties.”
“What stood out to me in this novel is its depth and relatability. Keisha’s journey is one many women can identify with—healing from heartbreak, rediscovering herself, and finding love in unexpected places. Her friendships were a beautiful highlight of the story, serving as her personal therapy sessions as she navigated career stress, romantic tension, and self-growth. This book captures the reality of heartbreak and the way it can reshape our lives—often leading us toward something even better.
The book also shines in its cultural details. I loved the shout-out to Morehouse and Houston, as well as the bond Keisha and Julian shared through music, which felt like an unspoken language connecting them on a deeper level. Music wasn’t just a backdrop—it was woven into their story, making their relationship even more genuine and nuanced.
Of course, the story wouldn’t be complete without its steamy conclusion. The hot and passionate sex scene followed by a sweet date left me smiling, perfectly wrapping up Keisha and Julian’s journey from rivals to lovers.”
“Darby Baham is one of my favorite authors. I truly enjoyed this book. I love how she made each character relatable and realistic. I love how she made the main male character vulnerable. 10/10 highly recommend. Can’t wait for book 6”About Darby Baham
Darby Baham is an author and storyteller on a mission to make women like herself feel seen and believe that love is possible for them, yes them. The former Times Picayune and Washington Post contributor often uses her doubts, hopes, and fears to connect with her readers and inform the themes in her Harlequin romance series, The Friendship Chronicles. The fifth book in the series, Falling for the Competition, was released November 2024, continuing her love letter to female friendships and offering an intimate look into the dynamic love lives of Black women.
Other books by Darby Baham
Start a Book Club
Start a public or private book club with this book on the Fable app today!FAQ
Do I have to buy the ebook to participate in a book club?
Why can’t I buy the ebook on the app?
How is Fable’s reader different from Kindle?
Do you sell physical books too?
Are book clubs free to join on Fable?
How do I start a book club with this book on Fable?
