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She Can... #4.5
He Can Fall
When security expert Sean Wilson takes his wife, Amanda, along on a business trip to an isolated bed and breakfast, he’s hoping to combine work and pleasure. But when four armed men storm the inn and take the staff and his wife hostage, the romantic getaway is over. A former army Ranger, Sean will do anything to save his wife, and when he finds the seven-year-old granddaughter of the innkeeper in the snowy woods, the situation becomes more dire. Sean must get the child to safety, but as the armed men become increasingly hostile and violent, Amanda’s life is also on the line. Cut off from help and spurred by desperation, Sean and Amanda must make hard choices that could get them all killed.
Thriller Award nominee and bestselling romantic suspense author Melinda Leigh delivers a page-turning story of love, fear, and desperate choices.
Thriller Award nominee and bestselling romantic suspense author Melinda Leigh delivers a page-turning story of love, fear, and desperate choices.
66 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2014
2822 people are currently reading
1410 people want to read
About the author
Melinda Leigh
45 books21.9k followers#1 Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker who learned that writing books is way more fun than analyzing financial statements. Melinda’s debut novel, SHE CAN RUN, was nominated for Best First Novel by the International Thriller Writers. Since then, she has garnered numerous writing accolades, including two RITA® Award nominations and an induction into the NJ Romance Writers Hall of Fame. Her novels have sold more than 15 million copies across the world. Melinda loves martial arts, rescue dogs, and sea turtles.
WEBSITE: https://www.melindaleigh.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/melindaleighauthorpage/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MelindaLeigh1
WEBSITE: https://www.melindaleigh.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/melindaleighauthorpage/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MelindaLeigh1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
July 14, 2018
This was good, but really short!
July 27, 2018
I really enjoyed this novella :D
November 5, 2023
Better than any in the series so far. Likely because there was no cheesy romance. This story was focused on the crime mystery aspect. Short but entertaining. Narrator was excellent.
May 7, 2018
A relaxing weekend away turns quickly in to a suspense filled thriller, a short read but an exciting one.
April 20, 2023
Holy cow...talk about a weekend gone wrong. But I guess if ever a person was in this type of situation being a former Army Ranger would be good, you'd have the skills to keep a calm head and do what needed to be done. I was glad to see how it ended, for the bad guys to get there, all of them! And for those that started with a quiet weekend, could end with it the same way.
March 19, 2019
Decent characterization and plot development for a short. :)
March 6, 2017
Wow, this was really short!!! It was good but nothing special. I guess it was just different from everything I usually read. Almost like a short story compiled alongside a list of other suspense short stories as one book kind of thing. I didn't care for Sean much in the previous books because he just seemed too disrespectful to his wife even though he claimed he was happily married. I don't know I guess he was just too different from the guys I'm used to reading about in romance. It's normal I suppose for men to still look at other women in reality but it still bugs me and if they're gonna do it, I'd rather him not blatantly do it in front of his friends but in a discreet way where no one notices. That's just me though. The twist at the end I actually didn't see coming. The story was fast, once it started it didn't stop till the end. Amanda and Sean were likable and just looking for a nice relaxing weekend that didn't go their way. The chef couple I did feel bad for but we didn't even meet them until the trouble started so they were kinda just there. The grandpa, I have a sweet spot for the kind elderly and I felt bad that they treated him the way they did. The clerk was a toss up and too messed up to do anything other than stand there.
The little girl Mia, while I love children, she could have gotten the rest of them killed with her little escape. It's an admirable thing for an adult to put the child before themselves to escape it's a whole different thing if that child is selfish enough to leave her grandfather there knowing you have little chance of getting away and putting everyone else at risk of being hurt. Sorry, Mia disappointed me, it doesn't matter how freaked out she was. Any other child would have stayed put, too scared to move. No big deal though, it was so short I'm already over it. I did like how Sean's quick thinking and stealth left no room for games. He went in, handled business like a boss, and stomped all over those pathetic cowards. An ok read but not something I'll read again.
The little girl Mia, while I love children, she could have gotten the rest of them killed with her little escape. It's an admirable thing for an adult to put the child before themselves to escape it's a whole different thing if that child is selfish enough to leave her grandfather there knowing you have little chance of getting away and putting everyone else at risk of being hurt. Sorry, Mia disappointed me, it doesn't matter how freaked out she was. Any other child would have stayed put, too scared to move. No big deal though, it was so short I'm already over it. I did like how Sean's quick thinking and stealth left no room for games. He went in, handled business like a boss, and stomped all over those pathetic cowards. An ok read but not something I'll read again.
April 13, 2014
Sean and his wife Amanda take off on a weekend business trip that has an added bonus of weekend getaway. They are both looking forward to a mini vacation without the kids to indulge in some decadent romance. What they get is criminals running from the authorities, a strung out druggie reeking of pure maliciousness, and a small child who is scared and alone in the woods.
In true Melinda Leigh fashion once He Can Fall begins the pace is fast and the suspense stays high. Former Army Ranger Sean Wilson just wants to enjoy the chance of a romantic weekend with his wife. He knows the job he has come to the secluded bed and breakfast to complete will be simple and leave him plenty of time to enjoy his lovely wife. He’s enough of a bad ass that he is not about to let some thugs ruin that for him.
I recommend this installment in the She Can…. series to anyone who is impatiently waiting on Melinda’s next book to come out. This is also a great place to start if you have never read any of her books. While it is part of a series He Can Fall works perfectly as a stand-alone.
In true Melinda Leigh fashion once He Can Fall begins the pace is fast and the suspense stays high. Former Army Ranger Sean Wilson just wants to enjoy the chance of a romantic weekend with his wife. He knows the job he has come to the secluded bed and breakfast to complete will be simple and leave him plenty of time to enjoy his lovely wife. He’s enough of a bad ass that he is not about to let some thugs ruin that for him.
I recommend this installment in the She Can…. series to anyone who is impatiently waiting on Melinda’s next book to come out. This is also a great place to start if you have never read any of her books. While it is part of a series He Can Fall works perfectly as a stand-alone.
March 27, 2014
When Sean agrees to do a security consult on a remote inn for a friend prior to it opening it's doors to the public, he thinks the highlight of the weekend will be some quality alone time with his wife, at no point did he think he'd have to put his Ranger skills to the test in order to save everyone from a group of armed robbers who think the inn is the perfect place to hide.
For such a short story, so much happens. It is action packed from beginning to end and Melinda does not disappoint! This would be a great little taster for anyone who hasn't read any of Melinda's work yet. It's definitely a series that I would recommend to all Romantic Suspense fans.
For such a short story, so much happens. It is action packed from beginning to end and Melinda does not disappoint! This would be a great little taster for anyone who hasn't read any of Melinda's work yet. It's definitely a series that I would recommend to all Romantic Suspense fans.
August 17, 2018
Another suspenseful Melinda Leigh story!!
Melinda Leigh did a great job of keeping my interest in this story.
She developed her characters well and did a great job tying the ends of this Short Story together!!!
Melinda Leigh did a great job of keeping my interest in this story.
She developed her characters well and did a great job tying the ends of this Short Story together!!!
May 3, 2022
Loved this well written, short romantic suspense novella - it was perfectly balanced. An with an excellent narrator!
April 29, 2025
This short story in the “She Can” series told an horrific event in painful detail that could have come straight from today’s headline. It is terrifying how cruel criminals can be.
April 1, 2014
REVIEW – He Can Fall by Melinda Leigh
Whew! This was edge-of-your-seat action from start to finish! Danger, suspense and love combine for a fast-paced enjoyable read.
He Can Fall lives up to the usual Melinda Leigh standards and is a thrilling story of how quickly an unforeseen event can uproot our lives. Characters Amanda and Sean demonstrate strength, resourcefulness and love as the story unfolds.
Although this was a short story, the book was filled with depth and layers of intrigue that make you feel as it if is a full-length novel. The plot moves quickly and has many twists and turns. I definitely recommend reading He Can Fall!
It is with great respect for the author and story, as well as my pleasure as a reader, to rate HE CAN FALL five stars. ~ Enjoy!!
Whew! This was edge-of-your-seat action from start to finish! Danger, suspense and love combine for a fast-paced enjoyable read.
He Can Fall lives up to the usual Melinda Leigh standards and is a thrilling story of how quickly an unforeseen event can uproot our lives. Characters Amanda and Sean demonstrate strength, resourcefulness and love as the story unfolds.
Although this was a short story, the book was filled with depth and layers of intrigue that make you feel as it if is a full-length novel. The plot moves quickly and has many twists and turns. I definitely recommend reading He Can Fall!
It is with great respect for the author and story, as well as my pleasure as a reader, to rate HE CAN FALL five stars. ~ Enjoy!!
March 29, 2014
Fifty nine pages of evil, action and a thrill ride!!! Who would imagine a business/pleasure trip would turn into a nightmare? A short story involving Sean and Amanda Wilson, giving us an insight as to how life can be unpredictable and threatening. As much as it was a horrific experience, Amanda stayed strong and Sean kept his wits to save everyone from four armed men. The whole story was a fast and even paced narration to a great end. Even being a short story, the chemistry and trust between Amanda and Sean was palpable.
What an adrenaline rush!!!!
Thanks Melinda for giving me an opportunity to review the book :)
What an adrenaline rush!!!!
Thanks Melinda for giving me an opportunity to review the book :)
March 26, 2014
What an adrenaline rush all packed into a short suspenseful story. All the characters were fascinating even the bad guys. It was also very noticeable that the author incorporated her real life training in Kenpo techniques into this book which for one made me never want to take her on in real life and and loving the creative way the hero took out the bad guys.
Even though this was a fairly quick read it was jammed packed with action and suspense from the beginning and had a very satisfying ending. I bow to Ms Leigh and concede I loved it..
Even though this was a fairly quick read it was jammed packed with action and suspense from the beginning and had a very satisfying ending. I bow to Ms Leigh and concede I loved it..
November 16, 2014
Romantic suspense, good and very short.
Finished reading/listening while doing my needlework in the afternoon. Have another in this series to read already. Thanks to Kindle fire HDX.
Finished reading/listening while doing my needlework in the afternoon. Have another in this series to read already. Thanks to Kindle fire HDX.
January 26, 2018
Another fantastic book, although I did not enjoy it as much as the others It still deserved a five star as it was suspensefull and exciting. It was a little more obvious what was going to happen however. Really good series so far looking forward to book 5
May 8, 2018
Although this was a shorter read and read out of sequence, I enjoy every bit of it. I understand how every man is possessive and protective of their wife. Shawn is no exception to the rule. I could visually see smoke billowing out of his head when he saw that ID10T cut his wife.
January 10, 2019
Short but a great read!
I don’t always care for short stories since they rarely get much information into them about the characters but this one was really good. Enough information for all of the characters with a great, even plausible storyline. Highly recommend it.
I don’t always care for short stories since they rarely get much information into them about the characters but this one was really good. Enough information for all of the characters with a great, even plausible storyline. Highly recommend it.
May 4, 2015
Quick and easy short story. Even though it was short the book was well compact and gave a lot of action.
April 19, 2016
Just gets better
These books just keep getting better and better. Okay, this is really just a novella but it is a great story with great characters.
These books just keep getting better and better. Okay, this is really just a novella but it is a great story with great characters.
August 15, 2017
Two-haiku review:
Romantic weekend
Turns into scary story
Criminals threaten
Well done short story
Characters to love... and hate
And sweet little girl
Romantic weekend
Turns into scary story
Criminals threaten
Well done short story
Characters to love... and hate
And sweet little girl
August 28, 2017
great fast paced short story
May 1, 2018
He Can Fall
My only complaint is I wished this was longer! I loved Sean and Amanda, and this story. They both were both amazing!
My only complaint is I wished this was longer! I loved Sean and Amanda, and this story. They both were both amazing!
April 21, 2019
Team Sean and Amanda! 4.5*****
Ex-Army Ranger Sean, now security consultant, and his wife Amanda venture out on a working weekend/ romantic vacation to install a security system at a remote inn, belonging to Glenn and his granddaughter, Mia. Unfortunately, it was a day too late to deter Carl, Lincoln, Uncle Dennis, and his drug-fueled psychopathic, nephew Win, from entering the inn post their botched robbery/ murder spree. The four, no five, grossly underestimated the group, as the Fates were not on their sides. Those who were not killed by Sean and Amanda, were returned to the Big House.
Great writing, editing, and a captivating plot can be found in this intriguing novella, with well formed characters. This encounter actually allowed Sean to upgrade his system on the inn, hopefully deterring any future, unwanted break-ins. A Must-Read for suspense junkies!!
Ex-Army Ranger Sean, now security consultant, and his wife Amanda venture out on a working weekend/ romantic vacation to install a security system at a remote inn, belonging to Glenn and his granddaughter, Mia. Unfortunately, it was a day too late to deter Carl, Lincoln, Uncle Dennis, and his drug-fueled psychopathic, nephew Win, from entering the inn post their botched robbery/ murder spree. The four, no five, grossly underestimated the group, as the Fates were not on their sides. Those who were not killed by Sean and Amanda, were returned to the Big House.
Great writing, editing, and a captivating plot can be found in this intriguing novella, with well formed characters. This encounter actually allowed Sean to upgrade his system on the inn, hopefully deterring any future, unwanted break-ins. A Must-Read for suspense junkies!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2025
Super short novella can be read as standalone. It features Sean Wilson a former ranger who has been married for 10 yrs. He and his wife are trying to fit in a few days alone at an inn (their kids are home) where he is working on a security system for the owner. Problem is a group of murderous criminals take over the inn (which has not opened yet) everyone is captive with threats of violence/rape/murder except for a 7yr old that escapes into the freezing cold and Sean who was out for his morning run.
Sean needs to find a way to rescue them before they are killed. This is full of excitement/suspense and murder. It is a short only a few hours on audio but gives you the full experience. You don't get the build up get to know you parts that are usually the first half of the book so this is like diving into the last third and getting all the good parts!
Sean needs to find a way to rescue them before they are killed. This is full of excitement/suspense and murder. It is a short only a few hours on audio but gives you the full experience. You don't get the build up get to know you parts that are usually the first half of the book so this is like diving into the last third and getting all the good parts!
February 25, 2021
Super short story in the middle of the She Can series. This one is a “He Can” and follows Sean (he’s the one who installs the security stuff in the other books) and his wife as they head for a weekend away. Bad guys show up. Sean has to save the day.
It was quick paces with very little romance. The action was there and was pretty good. I felt like the story developed fine and wasn’t upset at it length (59 pages or just under 2 hours on audio). Do I think it added to the series? Not really. We could skip this book and I don’t think it would matter. But I gave it four stars for keeping my interest and not throwing in a new main character that’s not in the other books.
He Can Tell by Melinda Leigh
Audible
Read 2/24/21-2/24/21
Four stars.
It was quick paces with very little romance. The action was there and was pretty good. I felt like the story developed fine and wasn’t upset at it length (59 pages or just under 2 hours on audio). Do I think it added to the series? Not really. We could skip this book and I don’t think it would matter. But I gave it four stars for keeping my interest and not throwing in a new main character that’s not in the other books.
He Can Tell by Melinda Leigh
Audible
Read 2/24/21-2/24/21
Four stars.
April 27, 2025
A naughty weekend becomes a nightmare weekend!
Sean has lots of delicious plans for his wife but desperate armed men blow those plans apart. Seperated Sean and Amanda are working blind, Sean was black ops and obviously has many skills that he doesn't hesitate to use to rescue Amanda and the rest of the hostages. But Amanda is smart and also has skills and she has a huge advantage...they completely underestimated her because she was a woman. Big mistake! Short, sharp and dangrous this novella will grip you from the first chapter, although it is short it still packs a punch and has unexpected twists to keep you on your toes.
I download this on Kindle Unlimited which allowed me to listen on Audible to.
Sean has lots of delicious plans for his wife but desperate armed men blow those plans apart. Seperated Sean and Amanda are working blind, Sean was black ops and obviously has many skills that he doesn't hesitate to use to rescue Amanda and the rest of the hostages. But Amanda is smart and also has skills and she has a huge advantage...they completely underestimated her because she was a woman. Big mistake! Short, sharp and dangrous this novella will grip you from the first chapter, although it is short it still packs a punch and has unexpected twists to keep you on your toes.
I download this on Kindle Unlimited which allowed me to listen on Audible to.
May 22, 2018
Great Short Thriller for Series
Thank you Melinda for giving us a insight into Sean and his wife in this very short thriller that wasn’t in Westbury. The fact that their love and understanding of each other helped each of them through the crisis was amazingly written with actions more than straight out words.
Love her series and look forward to reading final in the See Can series this weekend. If you looking for something to read on a quick hour flight or while waiting somewhere and hour this is your book.
Thank you Melinda for giving us a insight into Sean and his wife in this very short thriller that wasn’t in Westbury. The fact that their love and understanding of each other helped each of them through the crisis was amazingly written with actions more than straight out words.
Love her series and look forward to reading final in the See Can series this weekend. If you looking for something to read on a quick hour flight or while waiting somewhere and hour this is your book.
December 31, 2020
A quick suspense with HEA
A quick read that covers all aspects of a suspenseful read. There are some well developed characters, an isolated retreat and a group of villains on the run. Emotional and full of action this quick read is a good addition to the she can series.
The former ranger and the model wife make a good couple and are a different type of hero form the rest of the series. The security aspect and tie in to the little girls dad who is a criminal was intriguing. Kept me entertained and was a short novella.
A quick read that covers all aspects of a suspenseful read. There are some well developed characters, an isolated retreat and a group of villains on the run. Emotional and full of action this quick read is a good addition to the she can series.
The former ranger and the model wife make a good couple and are a different type of hero form the rest of the series. The security aspect and tie in to the little girls dad who is a criminal was intriguing. Kept me entertained and was a short novella.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews