River Bend

River Bend #1-3

by Molly McLain

Welcome to River Bend, home of SEXY, “REAL” ROMANCE…

The men of this small, Nebraskan town aren’t billionaires or shifters-in-disguise; they’re HOT, hardworking heroes who know how to keep their women happy.

In this boxed set, you’ll find reunited lovers, a secret relationship, hidden sexual desires, friends-to-lovers romance (more than once!), a tattooed Marine, a baby, a few lickable contractors, lusty newlyweds…and of course smokin’ hot sex.

Can’t Shake You – Book 1 (novel)
Marine Josh Hudson has two rules: Don’t mix business with pleasure, and never date your friend’s ex. But when Carissa Brandt needs his help with a botched renovation, it’ll take every ounce of resolve he can muster to resist temptation. Especially since he’s already had a taste.

Can’t Hold Back – Book 1.5 (novella)
Newlyweds Dan and Maddie Hudson are off on the honeymoon of their dreams. But sunshine and margaritas aren’t the only things Maddie’s looking forward to on this exotic getaway. Getting her new husband on board with those desires…well, that might take some subtle—and not so subtle—coaxing.

Can’t Get Enough – Book 2 (novel)
Sexy, single dad Tony Dunn will do anything for his daughter--even sacrificing his own needs. That is, until the pretty new neighbor shows up on his doorstep and he can’t deny himself any longer. But Nicole Hodges has needs of her own and not all of them are in River Bend.

Can’t Walk Away – Book 3 (novel)
Sheriff Mark Dunn lives for his job. He also lives for stolen moments with his unofficial girlfriend Ally Barrett. Too bad he hasn’t told her this, because Ally’s tired of waiting. Independent woman that she is, she takes matters into her own hands and Mark has no choice but to up his game.

789 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 7, 2015

About the author

Author of sexy, small town romance. Lover of banana Laffy Taffy, 80's ballads, 90's rock, and road trips. Location: Wisconsin. Sign: Sagittarius. Religion: Coffee and naps.

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Reviews

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read ALL four of these stories at least twice, some maybe more :) Each one was read either RIGHT when it published or as an ARC because I LOVE Molly McLain's voice and skill! You can find each one of these reviews on the individual books as well.

Can't Shake You (River Bend #1): Have I told you already how much i LOVE second chance stories?! Well, I do. THEY ARE FANTASTIC and throw in a little secrecy and drama and I am hooked! LOL
SO, in my usual nutshell way (because I do not like to give away plots .... read the book lol) I'm gonna tell you this is a story about a girl (Carissa) and boy (Josh) who share a past (one night stand) and common friends (one being Carissa's ex) and now, 3 years later they try a relationship but in secret. Cue drama and laughter for me! LOL I honestly thought this story was really sweet and the ending ... OH MY! LOVED IT. The story is told from a dual point of view, which is always my favorite, and it occasionally went back in time to cover key events from the past that allowed you to have more understanding on the whys of what was happening in the present and it helped in understanding the storyline. This is my second experience with Ms McLain and I am happy to say that I love her work. I cannot wait to read more of these characters in this series.

Can't Hold Back (River Bend #1.5): Can’t Hold Back is a quick and sexy novella that tell the story of Dan and Maddie on their honeymoon. Maddie has some 'needs' she hasn't shared with Dan and is afraid if she shares, he'll run for the hills. That's the nutshell of the story. The 'nut' of the story is "every now and then a girl just likes her hair pulled!" Will Dan deliver? Will Maddie be satisfied? ..... If you're not reading this series then I'm SOOOOOO sorry for you!!!!

Can't Get Enough (River Bend #2): I received and read this ARC from Victory Editing Publishing Group via NetGalley for an honest review months ago. Unfortunately, I am a reading junkie and sometimes I get SO caught up in books and of course life, that before I know it I am WAY behind in reviewing books I have read. But better late than never I say!
Let me tell you what I have learned about this author since the day I met her writing summer of 2014 when I read the first River Bend story, gifted to me via a Giveaway by Ms McLain .... The woman has MAD skills! That should be enough for you to RUN and either start this series or continue with this recently published story, Can't Get Enough!!
Warning: This book contains a sex-deprived single dad with a wicked tongue. Enough said. (c'mon people, how can you possibly NOT want to read this LOL I got that statement from the blurb of the book and it REALLY is a warning. TRUTH lol)
Here is the gist: our hero, Tony, is a long time resident of River Bend, new to fatherhood ~ yea, daughter he never knew he had AND he gets full custody. And we have our heroine, Nicole, not a permanent resident, just passing thru, um yea, baggage that follows her like a bad penny! So, Nicole is only in town to handle her grandmother's affairs and then she's out before her past catches up to her. Bwaaaahahahahahahaha, that's what SHE thinks ;) Cue .... deliciously handsome charmer, Tony. Tony needs a sitter like yesterday because he has adjustments to make with his life for his new daughter but she needs tending at the same time so .... Cue, desperate for cash Nicole :) And that kids, is how they meet :) ok, not really, cuz they had met once before, but that doesn't count. This is when their relationship that neither of them knows is happening, begins!
These two have some serious chemistry and their conversations were real and to the point! I loved that so much about Ms McLain's books/characters. She makes you relate to them. They have every day problems with every day banter ... it's like you're there! I just love her! This story had just about everything you could ask for in a romance HEA .... fun, scorching hot sex, family, love, loyalty, small town goodness, heartbreaking moments as well as very heartwarming moments, and some serious issues dealt with phenomenally well by Ms McClain!
But I'll tell you what the BEST part of this book was .... tough, sexy ex-marine brought to his knees by his love for his baby girl.
Honestly .... if you are not reading Molly McLain's work, you are really missing out! TRUTH!

Can't Walk Away (River Bend #3): Before I go into giving you my thoughts on this book, I'd like to mention that I am the type of reader that reads without prejudice. Just because you wouldn't catch me dead doing this that or the other that is in a book, that does not make that book bad. Hopefully all of you understand what that means. Second, I don't give away plots, I only speak of characters and structure of the story. That being said, let's move on to Can't Walk Away.
I am a HUGE fan of Molly McLain's style. The woman will tell you a story like it is. She doesn't sugarcoat her characters. They are real and are portrayed that way. SO yes, they curse, think nasty things, do nasty things, make stupid choices and above all, are not infallible. Something else Ms McLain is VERY good at is writing RAW FUCKING SEX SCENES (that phrase will have to change when I review on Amazon lol). When I read the first book in this series back in the summer (well, I've read them all twice now), I immediately fell in love with how easy it was to relate to her characters and how true to form her plots/events were. Her books are real. They happen every day. To every day people. And that's who I am. An every day girl. SO, as much as I love to read out of my reach fiction (you know the one, billionaire falls in love with housekeeper and they live HEA.....lol), it's VERY GOOD when an author comes along and writes stories that not only could very much happen to me or already have, but the characters are people that I would actually know. People I would be friends with. So Molly McLain gets HUGE props for accomplishing that, not only with Cant Walk Away, but also with the last two stories and two novellas she has written about our friends in River Bend!
The story of Mark and Ally is basically this. For over a year now, they have both been each other's go to person when the itch for sex comes along. In reality, they may have started out that way, but somewhere down the line, both of them fell for the other in a more than 'can you scratch this itch for me' kinda way. But the problem is, neither told the other that. But wait, it gets better, not only did neither of them tell each other they had developed seriously deep feelings for the other, but they both decided (in their own special way) that ignoring the other for a period of time would make the other realize how good they had it and fall to their knees. And to be clear ..... no one is communicating! LOL At some point in this whole mess of a situation, Ally finds herself pregnant and Mark has to do a lot of ass kissing (lol) to not only gain Ally's trust, but her heart as well. Can Mark and Ally learn to communicate with each other and learn to listen to each other and not just hear each other? Will they be able to put their stubborn ridiculousness (lol) aside so they can find the love they both deserve from and in each other? READ THE BOOK AND LET ME KNOW :)
If someone was to ask me to put a title to me review it would read: Knowledge is power and communication is key! Mark and Ally have the WORST communication skills to the point that it borders on lunacy. These two were not teens or even young adults, but yet they acted like they were teens! I honestly have zero tolerance for lunatic people. And to me, they were both off the chart lunatics! But they are not unique in their lunacy. That crap happens ALL THE TIME. We've all experienced it at some point in our lives. I have no clue how Ally can be intimately acquainted with Mark for over a year and not only not know his basic moral code, but somehow paint him as something he is completely NOT. And Mark .... LMAO, but in what world does 'backing off' a woman and ignoring her EVER come to any good. I know this sounds like I didnt like the book, but it's the opposite. I actually read it twice. Yes, I was annoyed as all get out at them BOTH and their meddling family and friends as well, but I read without prejudice :) SO as much as neither Mark nor Ally would ever be allowed in my circle of life, their story was GOOD! Ms McLain wrote a very engaging story that really kept you on your toes. Even I couldnt wait to read what happens next....every damn time either Mark or Ally tried to close the gap they had created, something would just go ridiculously wrong. I laughed A LOT at their expense. I must have said 'WHO DOES THAT?!' in my head over a dozen times thru the course of this book! lol The only reason the book was not a 5 star book for me, was because I did think it took way too long for both Mark and Ally to get their heads out of their asses (even tho miscommunications still occurred after) which made it a little tedious at times to read and not skim.
So there you have it, I've told you about Ms McLain's BADASS writing skills and the story that drove me BANANAS while reading it! :) Now YOU go pick this book up and let me know what YOU think!
I am very much looking forward to MORE River Bend novels and/or anything else Molly McLain has to offer for us.

[Shannon Stuckey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great boxset!

The River Bend series is a great sexy read. I enjoyed reading every one of these books and can't wait to read the rest in this series

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

CAN'T SHAKE YOU:
Josh he doesn't like other men touching his girl, "he hadn't planned on going all friggin' caveman about the situation, but something ugly and possessive took over the moment he saw Carissa in his friend's arms and his suspicions were confirmed." I mean sometimes you just have to lay it all out on the table to move past things, "do you think," he began, his jaw set and his voice low and deliberate, "it was easy for me to come home and see my best friend all over the last woman I'd been with?" Sh narrowed her eyes, her spite egging him on. "Or better yet, to shake his hand and pretend I didn't know how effing beautiful his new girlfriend looked when she came?" And good Lord, Carissa knows how to get this man's blood pumping, "she gasped and trembled in his arms, involuntarily bouncing against his throbbing co** and damn near making his eyes roll back in his head. "Jesus, woman," he growled." He gets offended easily especially over his skills, "not nice to laugh at a guy less than ten seconds after sex, babe," he muttered, falling back down against the blanket." And let's not start on the jealousy issues he has, "hey, you might've just stirred up a hornets' nest. Who knows? I may go absolutely nympho now, throwing myself at every man I see." With that, he slid his hand to her a** and jerked her body tight against his. He leaned up and glared at her, but said nothing. He was pretty sure his pi**ed expression covered his feelings on the matter." And he appreciate his girl's assets, "skimpy shorts, that provided a very nice, tempting view of the curvy lower part of her cheeks. He stifled a groan of appreciation. God, he loved this woman's a**."

CAN'T HOLD BACK:
Dan's thoughts are of a typical man's on their honeymoon, "was she really turning down more honeymoon sex? "Okay. How about a quickie before we eat?" Also Dan doesn't like when his wife gives herself pleasure when he's a ready and willing participant, "there is no excuse for making yourself come when I was right here, my c*** hard and aching to do it for you." He also likes to make sure him and his woman are on the same page, "you wanna try something new? Or make it a habit? Tell me. Or shove me down on the bed and take it. Believe me, baby, I'm not gonna complain." This was a quick naughty read for if you're standing in a long a** line at the grocery, and it was so enjoyable.

CAN'T GET ENOUGH:
Oh my I loved this book Nicole and Tony know how to give each other a run for their money, "you look like you take care of your body." He gave her a generous once-over and she swore the temperature in the room went up twenty degrees." Tony obviously hasn't gotten any action since taking over custody of his baby girl so you can imagine what is going on in his mind where Nicole is concerned and it was fun ride to be in that mind, "then there was Nicole, who, at this very moment, was probably looking gorgeous as hell, playing some goofy game with his daughter in the middle of his living room floor. And, in about thirty second, he was going to have to walk in and pretend the sight didn't make him horny as eff." Sometimes I think Nicole just likes to tempt the devil, "she dropped her bag in the living room and bent to retie one of her sneakers. Sweet mother of God. Were those cheeks peeking out? And where exactly was her panty line?" There was this one scene I almost peed myself laughing, "your pink thong with the bows? It's trashed." Oh. My. God. She cast her eyes back to his wound as the heat in her face came back tenfold. "I didn't see the clothes on the floor and accidently stepped on them. The panties got looped around my shoe..." Not only can Nicole tease but Tony does it much worse than she does, "or checking out your a** when you're not looking." His hand slid down to said a** and she gasped, involuntarily pushing herself against him." Did I mention I loved Tony's reactions to Nicole, "Jesus effing Christ, the way she said 'daddy' was like all the right hormones mainlines straight to his d***. He shifted uncomfortably on the couch, discreetly adjusting his junk in his basketball shorts." He always reassures his girl, "baby, there are probably some guys in the world who don't like getting head..." He slid his fingers into her hair, gently kneading her scalp. "I'm not one of them. If you wanna suck my d***, I'm not gonna argue." I honestly can't wait for the next book in this series.

CAN'T WALK AWAY:
Mark has issues, like the boy can't make up his mind he knows what he wants but he just screws up everything, "Mark grunted. "Is that what this is about? You're pi**ed that I haven't called?" The boy would seriously mess up a wet dream, yeah he stars in em' but he messes them up, "that's not what I meant..." S***. Why was he such an epic failure when it came to saying what he needed to say to her?" He's a horny boy I mean at times Ally has to bat him away:
"Can we have sex...like, as soon as we blow this pop stand or...?"
Ally laughed. "You're seriously thinking about getting laid right now? Sex is how we got into this mess!"
Mark he's an encourager (I don't think that's a word but it's what he does) when it comes to Ally and her exploring hands, "I like when you touch me," he whispered. "Feel free to move your hand a little further south." I liked the humor that Mark brought at certain times, "then I'll be quiet." He shoved her hand down to his junk and she shook harder. "You think my d*** is funny?" This is my favorite out of the series, but I'm thinking once we get Nick's book that'll change I love me a man in uniform.

[Crystal Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once you start reading about River Bend you won't be able to stop :-) Each story is a different couple, but each story sticks with the friends of River Bend. Small town romances as such! Well worth the read!

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

[Sue Sparks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series and highly recommend it! You will not be disappointed!

Can't Shake You:
Can’t Shake You is Molly McLain’s debut and she is off to an awesome start! This book alternates POV between Carissa and Josh which is great because you were able to get into both of their heads. Carissa is a very normal and likable character and Josh is an ex-Marine/Contractor and is super sexy! The chemistry between these two was off the charts and the sex was H-O-T! Throw in a little mystery and some great secondary character and this was an excellent read :) I am really excited that this is going to be a series; I can’t wait for both Tony and Reed’s stories!

Can't Hold Back:
Wow, This little novella sure did pack a punch! After reading the first book in the River Bend series I was eager to read more from Molly and she did not disappoint! We met Dan and Maddie in the first book and in this one we get to join them on their honeymoon. "Can't Hold Back" is super sexy and has an interesting storyline that kept me turning the pages. What really surprised me was the depth of emotion that came through in such a short read. Now the wait is on for Tony's story!!

Can't Get Enough:
I have been eagerly awaiting this book for a long time and was so happy to finally have Tony's story on my Kindle! Molly did not disappoint, I loved every single moment of this book and can't wait for the next in the series.Tony has had his life flipped upside down. Going from a single guy with minimal responsibilities and all the freedom in the world to becoming a father and not just a father but a single dad all at once! With everything happening as quickly as it did, Tony is still trying to get his footing with this whole working single parent thing.
Nicole is only in River Bend for 7 weeks. On route to escaping her past she just has to stop off in the small town she used to spend time in to settle her grandmothers estate and then she off to her new job in Chicago. But with car trouble and a tight bank account she needs to find temporary work.
When Tony's babysitter is suddenly ill he needs a replacement and he needs one now! When Nicole see's the ad for the job, it seems like the perfect fit while she's in town. Can these two keep their relationship strictly professional? Do they even want too? With Nicole leaving in a matter of weeks can they manage a fling with no strings attached?
They have incredible chemistry that made for some super sexy scenes as well as some extremely heartwarming ones. I was even in tears a few points in the story. I highly recommend this book and the other two in this series and cannot wait for Mark and Ally's book!!!

Can't Walk Away:
Let me just start off by saying that I am HUGE fan of Molly's writing. I knew before I even opened the book that I was going to love it and I was not wrong. One of the things I really enjoy about this series is how real these characters feel. We got a little sneak peek of Mark and Ally's story in Can't Get Enough so I was very excited to see their love story play out!
Mark and Ally have been "unofficially" together for close to a year but Mark is too committed to his job to even think about committing to a relationship. Ally has been enjoying her time with Mark but with feelings starting to evolve she doesn't want to continue to play second fiddle to Marks career. When a series of life changing events happen can these two find a way to be together?
Mark and Ally have a chemistry that jumps off the pages. There are some extremely steamy scenes between these two along with some emotional and romantic ones as well. I loved every single page of this book and highly recommend all the River Bend books! I cannot wait to read more from Ms.McLain!

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

CAN'T SHAKE YOU: Book 1:
Loved this book. Carissa Brandt falls for the sexy Marine Josh Hudson one summer, and wished it was more. Three years later she's moved on, and he's returned to River Bend after being deployed..

Josh Hudson is running his family's contracting business in River Bend. Seeing the girl he can't get out of his head with a friend is really hard.
The worst part come when she needs his help, it's not looking good. The more and more time spent together well feelings are resurfacing..So what will happen between these two?


CAN'T HOLD BACK: Book #1.5: Left me Breathless..Two soul mates: Dan and Maddie Hudson are on there honeymoon in Cabo. She has told him he held two secrets from her. They're minor to the one she has. One night trying to push him she goes to far, and pays the price.

Maddie only wants Dan to want her. Dan can't figure his wife out? She's hot and cold. He will do anything to make her happy. The one night she pushes him over the limit he see's red and reacts. He knows that Maddie is the only women for him but enough is enough. He will get to the bottom of her strange behavior.

So what will happen? Can Dan give his wife what she wants? Will she tell him the secret she harbors deep within her heart?
Well get this book on June 9th and find out these answers. You will be left with utter amazement what you will find within these
pages.

Some of my favorite lines:

“All this time we’ve been together, I had no idea you were such a naughty girl.”

"The only lips that will ever touch your body again are mine. Is that understood?”



CAN'T GET ENOUGH: Book #2: Molly McLain has done it again..In the second River Bend book-Can't Get Enough...Tony Dunn is a single father.
He is faced with unfortunate circumstances with his little daughter Bri..after his babysitter falls ill he's stuck, and he needs help.
Well in River Bend everyone helps each other. So when his friends suggests something he goes so for it. The ad gets a
response right away. Upon meeting the women he's kind of hesistant, but takes a chance.

Nicole Keller Hodges needs to make Tony see she is perfect to take care of his daughter. They only thing is after awhile
an attraction between the two develops..They both know it's not a good idea.
A bond forms between them. The connection between Tony and Nicole go way deeper then just love and effection. It's a beautiful thing. The emotions
in this book are outstanding.

I highly recommend this book, and if you have not read the River Bend series you really need to. Molly really
nails something in this book. A hidden meaning..I loved it....

CAN'T WALK AWAY:#3 in River Bend Mark Dunn Hot Sexy Sheriff and Ally Barrett..the Coffee barista in River Bend..


Mark Dunn and Ally's Barrett's relationship was rocky...They're scared and both have issues with putting themselves out there...After being apart for awhile they're both not sure where the relationship stands. Ally knows what she wants. Mark will do anything and everything to prove he cares. The one thing is Ally wants something more from him, and she's not so sure he's is willing to give her..Will he or won't he put her first..Ally wants everything and is being selfish..

There is nothing more important then her. He keeps telling her over and over he wants no one else in his life, and his life is not complete without her in. He tries so hard to show and prove himself to her. I loved that about Mark, but Ally continues to not believe it.


Truly Mark and Ally were made for each other..part of me wished Mark had not disappointed me so much..In one part of the book.

These books are amazing..Each book in it's own right. Take a chance in River Bend and fall head over heals in love...

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic, hot, sexy, boxed set!!

I've read and individually reviewed all of the books in this collection and they are great! Below are excerpts from my original reviews. Warning: These books are sexy, HOT and contain coarse language.

Can't Shake You - great friends to lovers story. Lots of great bantering back and forth between the characters.

Can't Hold Back - while this was a relatively short book - a novella actually - it really packed a punch. It was hot, sexy and kept me glued to my e-reader until the very end.

Can't Get Enough - Tony is a single father trying to adjust to the demand that having an infant daughter makes on his life. He loves his daughter but it is still a struggle to juggle everything they both need. Nicole is trying to get her life back after her divorce from a controlling husband. Of course there are major sparks between Nicole and Tony but their story is complicated and their journey to their HFN (happy for now) is interesting, compelling and quick paced.

Can't Walk Away - this book made me laugh and cry and really feel for Ally and Mark. They really manage to mess things up between themselves by not communicating and who hasn’t had this problem before in real life? This is my favorite of the series so far.

I received ARCs from the author for the individual books in exchange for my honest review.

[Marcie Wegner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series. I loved that the characters were consistent from story to story (although the main characters were different, the support characters appeared in each story). It helped with character development. I felt a real attachment with the characters and didn't want to see their story end. I am so glad to see that there is a 4th book in the series so that I can immerse myself in River Bend a little longer.

[Bobbie Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly McLain has outdone herself in this series! Absolutely amazing stories. I wish I could find my way to River Bend. Sounds like the perfect place to live. And of course, all the sexiest men live there! They all know how to treat their women...and if they don't, these women will teach them! Can't wait to see what happens next!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great deal for River Bend fans!! You'll love these sexy men and the lengths they'll go to to win the women of their hearts!