After the Rain

Sycamore Mountain

by Ember Davis

RYLAND
I planned to avoid Sycamore Mountain for a lot longer than ten years, but when my dad dies, I have to go back. Hammond Whiskey Distillery isn’t the only thing waiting for me in my hometown.

Magnolia’s the girl I always wanted and could never have because she’s my sister’s best friend and too young for me. Now, she’s all grown up and even more captivating than I remember. The fire in her eyes tells me I have a lot of work ahead of me to make her mine.

I hope I’m not too late and have enough time to settle in and get through the annual Earth Day Fair. Her devotion to my family’s distillery is humbling. I should hand it over to her; maybe I will after her last name is Hammond. She thinks I’m not going to stay, but this time I’m not running. I’ll get her in my arms, in my life, permanently…after the rain.

MAGNOLIA
Pining for a man who I never thought would come home has left me bitter and sad, no matter how much I try and hold onto the sunshine. I don’t know why he’s stayed away so long, but I can only hope it’s not because of me.

I’ve given so many years to Hammond Whiskey Distillery trying to feel closer to Ryland, but time still passes and I’m still alone. No one was prepared for Mr. Hammond’s death, least of all me. It’s the only reason Ryland comes back to Sycamore Mountain, but who is to say he’ll stay?

Seeing him again reminds me that pieces of my heart are still jagged even though Harmony, my best friend and Ryland’s sister, tried to help me smooth them out over the years. Working together gives me hope I’m not sure I can trust. Maybe a little rain will wash away the past. When the clouds part, I don’t know what path I’ll be on, but Ryland will know he’s not the only one who has changed.


**If you like alpha heroes and an insta-love story that is sweet but isn’t necessarily simple, then this is for you. No cheating with a guaranteed HEA. It is a standalone but is related to my Denver Family series (Banks Ink., Suburban Outcasts and Higgins Security). Meet Ryland in Finding Luck Again (Get Lucky Series)—more information on that coming soon.


The MAN OF THE MONTH CLUB is a steamy small-town collection featuring a new hottie (or two!) every month. In 2022, escape to Sycamore Mountain, North Carolina and celebrate ALL the holidays with your favorite group of romance authors and their delicious mountain men. Can’t wait to see you there!

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Workplace Romance

102 pages, ebook

Published April 15, 2022

About the author

Ember Davis loves alpha heroes with a range of emotions, but a strong sense of how to take care of their women. She loves her heroines from all walks of life, just like her heroes, and she wants them to be real and relatable. Her heroines tend to be sassy, opinionated and smart.

Ember is a stay at home mom of two who recently refound her love of books and all things romance and is so glad that she did. She’s always been creative, but writing and creating stories that she would love to read satisfies the dreams she had as a little girl. She loves butterflies, the color purple and enjoying time with her family.

Pssst, it’s totally a pen name, but everything above is 100% true.

Find her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ember.A.Davis

Find her on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/ember.a.davis/

Reviews

[Oriana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel kind of ambivalent about this story. Don't know why but I had a hard time liking Ryland(just my opinion🙈). Ryland left his hometown and his "One" 10 years prior. Now he is back after his father died and wants to claim his woman. Both he and Magnolia were so in love with each other but tried to date while being separated (nothing s**ual!!-but still my total pet peeve😱😱 ). But still a sweet, romantic and enjoyable second chance at love story with groveling and a sweet HEA at the end 😍😍
Ryland should have had to grovel a whole lot more for his stupidity 🙄

[Jenn Theis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked After the Rain. Ember Davis is an amazing author and this book was well written and edited. That said, there were a few things that didn't hit home for me. It didn't have that magic connection that I am so used to with Ember's books. I didn't understand Ryland's reasons for staying away 10 years, it felt really weak. He talks about fear and being a coward, but that isn't explained other than to say she was way too young. She was 17 - yeah that's under age, but enough to stay away with no contact for 10 years when there was no other conflict? On Magnolia's part, there was some internal dialogue about him hurting her and her not just allowing him back in, but it's not a part of the plot line. They just come back together, get engaged, and get married. I didn't feel the magic where the characters draw you in and make you part of their happy ever after. Overall, I still give it 5 stars because it was technically well written and my hang-ups with the plot shouldn't affect your overall enjoyment of the book. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele79 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Ember Davis. I highly recommend it! Ryland left Magnolia 10 years ago to let her live her life. She was still so young and he thought he was doing a good thing. His father's passing finally brings him home and this time he's fighting for Magnolia. They both have this connection and could never really move on from each other.
It was such a sweet story and they get their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Man of the Month Club Series second chance at love story for Ryland and Magnolia. I loved how stead fast Magnolia is when she sees her first love Ryland. I loved how hard she makes him work to get back in her good graces. I loved this sweet second chance love story.
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I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked previous book by Ember Davis but this one was kind of choppy. The story just didn't flow. I liked the characters and really liked Magnolia. I thought the way that she was the boss was a nice twist. I didn't like Ryland though. The age difference wasn't that large for him to act the way he did. He just didn't seem very sure of what he wanted and I thought Magnolia deserved more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Ryland and Magnolia's romance. This may be a fast-paced novella but these two offer up lots of emotion, heat, feels and heart. Add in angst and the forbidden angle and this book was like my own personal catnip! This is my objective, volitional review.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay..Maybe my three star review was a bit harsh, but I didn’t necessarily like how the female lead was basically going to leave and try to do something for herself and then two seconds later changed her mind. It also seemed extremely fast paced too and was a bit ‘eh’ in my opinion.

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one, the storyline was alright, it was a quick read. I have read several of this authors books, but I didn't feel any connection to the characters in this book.

Ryland and Magnolia have known each other their whole lives, she is his sister's best friend. There is a five year age gap between them. So when Magnolia turns seventeen Ryland leaves Sycamore Mountain and heads to Charleston. He thinks about her everyday and she thinks of him. Neither one is able to date because they feel they are cheating on the other. When Ryland's father passes away, his sister, Harmony calls him to give him the news. Ryland tells her he's coming home for good, it's time. Ryland finds out that Magnolia has been helping his dad keep Hammond Whiskey running and his sister and father never seen eye to eye. Ryland knows he has to work at getting Magnolia to forgive him. Ryland gets Magnolia to show him what goes on with his families whiskey business they've had in their family for over 100 years. At his dad's funeral, he tells Magnolia that he's not leaving and he wants her. Ryland tries to get Magnolia to forgive him for him leaving her for the last ten years. Magnolia isn't sure she can forgive Ryland, he's been gone ten years. Magnolia and Ryland start to work together to run Hammond whiskey. Magnolia has everything ready for earth day, it's an important day in their town, and Hammond whiskey is always present. Everyone knows it always rains on earth day it's just a matter of what time it will happen. When the day is over Ryland pulls Magnolia aside and tells her he wants her, she tells him she wants him too. Ryland takes her back to his childhood home. He's been fixing it up, making it more of a home for them to live in. Magnolia forgives Ryland, and soon they are pleasuring one another, then they make love. Ryland tells Magnolia he'll spend the rest of his life asking her for forgiveness for him leaving her for ten years. The next day at Hammond Whiskey Ryland asks Magnolia to move in with him. She tells him she will, Ryland tells her she's one of the bosses of Hammond Whiskey and she's very happy. Ryland next asks her to marry him and she tells him yes. They have a summer wedding and then head off to Charleston. Soon after when they are back at work, Magnolia tells Ryland she's pregnant but he already figured that out. Ryland knows Magnolia better than she knows herself. No matter what life throws at them, they'll be able to handle it, because they have each other.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the Rain [Sycamore Mountain Series]
This book was short, dirty talk, Sister's best friend Romance, Your mine trope, Enemies to lovers feel because he hurt her years ago leaving town, Second chance romance, a bit steam. a bit of a age gap and a happy ending.. These books are wrote by different authors in this series..

This book Follows Ryland and Magnolia's story.. It was a good romance with steamy bits, A bit of Dirty talk, sisters best friend romance.. I really enjoyed this book and i will be reading more in this series..

Ryland is going to take over the family business now his dad is gone, Works hard, He is sweet, caring, kind, thoughtful and funny, He likes Dirty talk, He looks out for his family and friends, He has a Crush on his sister's best friend for years now, He feels sad because he has missed out on a lot of his sister and his dads life but he is going to try and make it up to his sister Harmony but he still misses his dad and mum, He also is going to try and make things better between him and Magnolia, He still loves Magnolia

Magnolia works at her best friends family company and now has a new Boss which is Ryland, She is strong, smart, sassy and does not put up with any shit, she loves working with Whiskey and hanging out with her Best friend Harmony, She still has strong feelings for her best friends brother after all these years, Always there for anyone that needs help, She still loves her best friends Brothers Ryland

This book is packed full of:
⦁ Sassy characters
⦁ Sisters best friend Romance
⦁ Some dirty talk
⦁ Second Chance Romance
⦁ Enemies to lovers Romance feel
⦁ A bit of a Age Gap
⦁ A bit of Steam
⦁ Small tow romance
⦁ Over 18+ Readers
⦁ Fast Read

I like the strong friendship between Magnolia and her best friends Harmony because they are so awesome and you can see how much they look out for each other..

I really enjoyed the relationship between Ryland and Magnolia.. The characters are so awesome and i really like the cozy warm small town feel.. Its nice to see that everything worked out and they got a happy ending..

It is a standalone but is related to the authors 3 Denver Family series which are Banks Ink., Suburban Outcasts and Higgins Security.. If you like Ryland's character then you can find him in Finding Lucky again which follows his best friend Finley [Get lucky series] Also If you would like to see more from Rylands sister Harmony then check out The Kiss Code [Part of the Sycamore Mountain Series]

[Aliama · Rating 4 out of 5]

After leaving ten years ago and breaking Magnolia’s heart, Ryland is now back in town not only for his father’s funeral, but to finally make things right with Magnolia. Magnolia tried to move on when Ryland left town but she’s made her way in the Hammond Distillery business. Now with Ryland home again she doesn’t know if she should believe him when he says he’s home to stay. This was a heart wrenching read. Ryland was miserable when he moved away. He was determined to prove to Magnolia that he does truly love her and he’s staying to make a home with her if she’ll have him. Magnolia is a hardworking independent woman that still loves Ryland but needs the proof he’s staying and won’t break her heart again. Ryland and Magnolia have a chemistry that leaps off the page. The love between them never died and burns brighter ten years later. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this is a novella it had lots of impact with the beautiful love story between Magnolia and Ryland. Ryland left his home town ten years earlier and left behind the love of his life, Magnolia. During that time neither has moved on and they still love each other very much. When Ryland returns after a tragedy strikes his family he realises it is time to make Magnolia his woman again. Even though Magnolia is very hurt by Ryland’s past actions she is still in love with him and gives him another chance. I loved Ryland’s determination and the sweet story between him and Magnolia. In the end true love always wins. Once again Ms Davis gives us a fun read of love and second chances. Love, love, loved it!

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joining the multi-author Sycamore Mountain / Man of the Month series, Ember Davis' After the Rain is a swoon-y best friend's brother / second chance romance. Ten years ago, Ryland left town. He wanted his sister's best friend, but Magnolia was just seventeen, and he knew he needed to give her time to grow up and spread her wings. But when his father passes away, he returns to their small town to take over the family whiskey distillery - and finally claim the woman he loves. However, Magnolia is not about to make things easy for the man who left her tender heart broken. Will Ry be able to make things right with the only woman he has ever really loved?

A fast-paced, swoon-y, second chance / best friend's brother romance!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha Brehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Finding Luck Again I was so looking forward to reading Ryland's story, and it did not disappoint. When Ryland's father dies, he is forced to go back to the place he has been running from for ten years. Not because he doesn't want his part in the family business, but because he believes staying away from the woman he loves was the best option ten years ago. Magnolia has been in love with her best friend's brother for ten years, but he ran away. Now he's back and she doesn't know if she can ever forgive him.

I adored these two, there was so much emotion, hurt, and love between the two, and I think Ember did an incredible job of making you feel it in such a short book. This was a super-fast read, but was so incredibly worth it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[T Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
*over 18 readers only *
Second chance

Ryland left the mountain 10 years ago to get away from his love of Magnolia. She's his little sister's best friend, and he stayed away from home, scared of his love for her. But now his father has passed on, and he has no choice but to return. She was 17, not even legal, when they fell hard for each other. Now he's back, and she doesn't know if she should give him a chance or not. Can he convince her he is staying for good this time?

I love pretty much every book I've read by this author. Any time I come across her books, I download them. You don't typically have to read them in any specific order, though her Denver family series would read better in order. Typos are something I've come to expect with this author, but they don't take away from the story.

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sweet and steamy and a little sad. Ryland left his hometown 10 years earlier when he fell in love with Magnolia, his sisters best friend. She was only 17 and he felt he needed to give her space to grow. Neither of them ever got over it. They never moved on and still loved each other. When his dad dies Ryland returns home and is going to win Magnolia back. He will do anything to keep her and gain her trust and forgiveness. Magnolia is hurt and frightened, she’s not sure she can trust Ryland not to break her heart again. Their love for each other pours off the pages. The chemistry is amazing. Beautiful second chance romance with a fantastic HEA!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. Magnolia and Ryland have been in each others lives for a long time. A decade ago, they recognized that there were intense feelings between them. Ryland ran and left a heartbroken young girl behind. They never got over each other but trudged on with lives far apart. A tragedy brings them back together. This gives him the chance to change everything for the better finally. Magnolia has to forgive him though. I enjoyed their love story. The characters and their relationship are detailed well for being short. I like how Ember ties in to characters in her other series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryland and Magnolia is a fast steamy second chance read that will have you melting in your seat and crying over the lost time.

Ryland has had feeling for his sister's best friend, but kept away due to her age and fear of it getting complicated. Now that he dad has past, Ryland decided to come back home, not only to take his place with the family business, but to claim Magnolia.

Magnolia has been working at Hammon's for years, to her it was a way to feel close to Ryland. Now that it is back, she is scarred that he will break her heart all over again.

This is a perfect story to get lost in over an afternoon and fall in love over and over.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ember Davis is a new author for me, when I read the blurb for this story I couldn't help myself! Who doesn't like a sweet alpha male and a sweet strong woman! Ryland has left Sycamore mountain 10 years ago, leaving Magnolia behind without a second glance. Now he returns home for his father's funeral and to run the family business. Neither Magnolia nor himself could move forward with their lives in the last ten years, because they were made for each other. Now Ryland must convince Magnolia that hs is not leaving again and he is willing to build a life with her on Sycamore Mountain. Will he succeed? You have to read this amazing story to find out! Their 2 pov's makes this a very interesting story and I volunteered to review it!

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryland left Sycamore Mountain ten years ago, he was in love with his sister's best friend, at the time she was seventeen and he could she felt the same. Instead of talking to her, he decided for both of them to disappear and let her experience life. When his father dies, he knows it is time for him to return.

Magnolia has been pining for Ryland since he left, she tried dating, but just could not and just stopped trying.

Ryland is determined to make her his. Will he be able to get her to forgive him and give him a chance? Or will her pain cause her to freeze him out?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryland has stayed away from his home for ten long years. His reason for staying away were honorable at first but I think fear really kept him away. Now he is back but it took his father's passing to light a fire under him. Magnolia was torn between regret and longing, staying in their hometown and working for Ryland's dad. When he comes home, she doesn't hide her feelings at all. She makes sure that Ryland works for her forgiveness but doesn't cling to her anger. This was just a lovely story, it was so very emotionally satisfying.

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the Rain (Man of the Month Club Series)
Man of the Month Club Series

by
Ember Davis

Ryland ran from home when he was 22 because he was in love with Magnolia, his sister's 17 year old best friend. He knew it was wrong but he had to stay away and he did for 10 years until his dad passed away and he returned to take his spot in the family company. He decided he will win Magnolia back, no matter what it takes. I loved this book, it was so beautiful and sweet.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryland left his home town ten years ago when he realized he was in love with his sister’s best friend Magnolia! Only now his father has passed away and he is needed home to run the family distillery! He will do whatever it takes to make Magnolia his! Magnolia has always loved Ryland, but when he left he broke her heart! Can she forgive him for leaving her? Can they find their happily ever after? Great book that I would highly recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabrina Flachsmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very emotional. Ryland is called home for the death of his father. He fell in love with his sisters best friend when she was seventeen and stayed away to give her time to grow. He didn’t realize how much he hurt them both by doing that but his fathers death woke him up. Magnolia tried to move on but couldn’t and wasn’t a pushover when he came back. Lots of emotions, lots of love and steam. Great read. Can’t wait to get Harmony’s story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rowena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A swoon worthy must read!

YAY we finally get Ryland’s story and it was so worth the wait. Ryland ran from his home town and Magnolia but when he needs to come home he finds himself facing what he ran from. I love the intensity of Ryland and Magnolia’s romance, they were always meant to be together and this story is their chance at love. I love all the emotions and romance with just the right amount of heat level that will have you cheering for their HEA. A sweet quick romance read that didn’t disappoint.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnolia has loved Ryland for as long as she can remember and Ryland has loved Magnolia for just as long. Neither acting on their feelings because of his sister/her best friend. Now that they are both in Sycamore Mountain he is determined to make her his. This is a short, sweet, love story with believable characters and a sweet happily ever after. After The Rain is part of the multi-author series Sycamore Mountain. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryand left ten years ago so Magnolia could plot her future and give it a chance. His father has died so he is back to help with the Whiskey Distillery. They are now in tune with each other but still do not know what the other feels for them. Love this series and the characters are terrific. The storyline has drama, secrets, surprises, steam, big decisions and much more. Loved their chemistry and banter. Great ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance Romance 🥰

Loved this story. I adore second chance romances and when Ryland comes home after 10 years he has one goal and that is to win back Magnolia who he left high and dry all those years ago. He has been in love with her forever but he always made excuses for why he shouldn't pursue her. But now here she is and she is even more beautiful and stunningly intelligent. He has a lot to make up for but he is up for the challenge. You will love their story! Happy Reading!!

[Jennifer Cogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok yes I went into this with HUGE skepticism. It was definitely a cute read. Magnolia was adorable. And so super smart with how she basically took over and ran the business. Yesssss I still wanna kick Ryland in the nads. A few years I can sorta understand. But TEN?! yes I'm a fussy pest. But it's a personal peeve. Glad they got their hea and I'll be excited to read the sister's story eventually.

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!

Ryland loved Magnolia but left town immediately after finishing college because he was 22 and she was only 17. He wanted to let her grow up. The problem, however, was he stayed away 10 years, returning only after his father died and he had to take over Hammond Distillery. Magnolia no longer trusted him and was upset that she had waited so long. Ryland had serious wooing to do!

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of Ryland finally going home to Magnolia to claim her for his own. He's been gone for 10 years and he knows that he'll have his work cut out for him convincing Magnolia that he's home to stay and will she ever forgive him. Story is about love and forgiveness. Ry and Mag's love jumps off the pages and shows that if it's true love it will last forever.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.