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River Bend #4.5
Can't Forget Her
First loves never last and second chances never come. Or do they?
Ryan Croft has three goals: enjoy his Tahoe vacation, figure out why the hell he’s so restless, and once and for all, forget the woman who broke his heart nine years ago.
Rosemary Shaw has plans of her own: do the best job she can for her movie-star boss, settle in Sweetgrass as quickly as possible, and finally come to terms with the decisions of her past.
Running into each other after all this time? Definitely not on the agenda for either of them. Experiencing the same sizzling chemistry from a decade earlier? Let's just say chemistry was never an issue.
Can these two keep that rekindled flame alive, or is the past better left forgotten?
Ryan Croft has three goals: enjoy his Tahoe vacation, figure out why the hell he’s so restless, and once and for all, forget the woman who broke his heart nine years ago.
Rosemary Shaw has plans of her own: do the best job she can for her movie-star boss, settle in Sweetgrass as quickly as possible, and finally come to terms with the decisions of her past.
Running into each other after all this time? Definitely not on the agenda for either of them. Experiencing the same sizzling chemistry from a decade earlier? Let's just say chemistry was never an issue.
Can these two keep that rekindled flame alive, or is the past better left forgotten?
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2016
95 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Molly McLain
43 books1,245 followersAuthor 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
January 25, 2016
4.5 - "Some things are just meant to be." Stars!
I LOVE Molly McLains books, her set up for the River Bend series is absolutely brilliant, and the story-lines and characters that were generated because of it gives you as a reader an absolutely outstanding series to get your teeth into.
So imagine my excitement when I found out that Molly had a crossover novella up her sleeve, set in the town of Hope Falls, part of author Melanie Shawns' long running series named appropriately Hope Falls!
Can’t Forget Her ties up the two communities perfectly in that Ryan Croft still lives in River Bend and Rosie Shaw originated from there, but now lives in Hope Falls. Second chance love is and will always be one of my favorite romance tropes, and Molly delivered Ryan and Rosie’s’ reconnection story with style.
"Do I make you nervous, princess."
Because of their past together, the instant connection between them didn’t feel 'insta' and I loved that the chemistry bubbled from the get-go it made for all sorts of delicious dirtiness between them.
"You were my first love. To say I’ll always be a little overprotective of you would be an understatement."
Molly kept the story focused on their blossoming romance whilst dropping in some sizeable twists to keep things moving along nicely. As you would expect Rosie’s reasons for leaving River Bend all those years ago were not as cut and dried as Ryan initially assumed, and it wasn’t just his broken heart she left behind.
Her heart recognized him just as easily as her body remembered him…
I have a massive soft spot for Molly and her books, and once again she didn’t disappoint. I want to thank her for providing me with and ARC copy, as always it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
"Some things are just meant to be."
I LOVE Molly McLains books, her set up for the River Bend series is absolutely brilliant, and the story-lines and characters that were generated because of it gives you as a reader an absolutely outstanding series to get your teeth into.
So imagine my excitement when I found out that Molly had a crossover novella up her sleeve, set in the town of Hope Falls, part of author Melanie Shawns' long running series named appropriately Hope Falls!
Can’t Forget Her ties up the two communities perfectly in that Ryan Croft still lives in River Bend and Rosie Shaw originated from there, but now lives in Hope Falls. Second chance love is and will always be one of my favorite romance tropes, and Molly delivered Ryan and Rosie’s’ reconnection story with style.
"Do I make you nervous, princess."
Because of their past together, the instant connection between them didn’t feel 'insta' and I loved that the chemistry bubbled from the get-go it made for all sorts of delicious dirtiness between them.
"You were my first love. To say I’ll always be a little overprotective of you would be an understatement."
Molly kept the story focused on their blossoming romance whilst dropping in some sizeable twists to keep things moving along nicely. As you would expect Rosie’s reasons for leaving River Bend all those years ago were not as cut and dried as Ryan initially assumed, and it wasn’t just his broken heart she left behind.
Her heart recognized him just as easily as her body remembered him…
I have a massive soft spot for Molly and her books, and once again she didn’t disappoint. I want to thank her for providing me with and ARC copy, as always it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
"Some things are just meant to be."
June 25, 2018
Brilliant .... I'll explain why in the morning :)
OK, so let me tell you why it's BRILLIANT ... So the story goes like this: Our hero is on vacation with his buddies. And what do you know ... he bumps into his high school girlfriend/love of his life that up and left him almost 9 years ago without a word ... and ... and ... and ... (ok, so the and(s) represent things that happen that I don't want to give away).
So this story is moving along, and I'm not gonna lie, about half way thru I got a little twitchy. Things were happening fast! Faster than I was comfortable with. Beyond whirlwind . But then Molly McLain did her thing ... she frikking nailed it! How you ask? Because she's brilliant....
You see, this IS an insta kinda of story but our leads not only acknowledge it, but discuss it. It became part of the story. Part of their journey. So Molly totally legitimized it. She didn't just throw it out there and expect the reader to just accept it. OH NO, she made it part of their story. Their journey.
Just #brilliant ...... #TRUST
ARC was provided by the author for review
OK, so let me tell you why it's BRILLIANT ... So the story goes like this: Our hero is on vacation with his buddies. And what do you know ... he bumps into his high school girlfriend/love of his life that up and left him almost 9 years ago without a word ... and ... and ... and ... (ok, so the and(s) represent things that happen that I don't want to give away).
So this story is moving along, and I'm not gonna lie, about half way thru I got a little twitchy. Things were happening fast! Faster than I was comfortable with. Beyond whirlwind . But then Molly McLain did her thing ... she frikking nailed it! How you ask? Because she's brilliant....
You see, this IS an insta kinda of story but our leads not only acknowledge it, but discuss it. It became part of the story. Part of their journey. So Molly totally legitimized it. She didn't just throw it out there and expect the reader to just accept it. OH NO, she made it part of their story. Their journey.
Just #brilliant ...... #TRUST
ARC was provided by the author for review
January 28, 2016
Can’t Forget Her is a wonderfully written, full-of-sexy-goodness novella that had me roped in and laughing within the first two pages. Molly McLain’s River Bend Series gets better and better! Her writing style is easygoing, natural, and thoroughly engaging. She takes you on a fast-paced journey that is not only witty, and touching, it’s super steamy! Her characters are real people with interesting and sometimes quirky personalities that you quickly come to love and care about.
Ryan Croft definitely needs this Tahoe vacation. His job as a contractor keeps him busy and fulfilled, but there’s still something missing. Most of his friends are married or in relationships, having found their perfect mate. While Ryan is happy for all of them, he just can’t forget the woman who up and walked out of River Bend nine years ago, taking his heart along with her. He’s pretty much given up the belief he’ll find a woman anywhere near the perfection that was his Rosie. He’d mistakenly believed they were fated to be together. The only thing he believes in now is hard work and making stuff happen on his own. No more nonsense about fate. So excuse him if he’s reluctant when his mother insists he make a side trip to Hope Falls, saying she has a feeling he should visit his cousin Janine.
Nine years ago Rosemary Shaw walked away from the boy she loved. It broke her heart but it was best for Ryan that she give him his freedom. The heartache hasn’t eased up over the years, however, she’s made her PR job her life. When her biggest Hollywood superstar client moves his family to the quiet of Hope Falls, Rose gladly moves her base of operations there as well. She’s more than happy to trade the glitz of Los Angeles for the solitude of a small town and genuine people. She’s also giving up dating men. No one will ever measure up to Ryan Croft. The man she can’t forget. The man she is still in love with. The man she will never see again.
Oh, but there is such a thing as fate. Hehehe. And it throws Ryan and Rosemary smack up against each other in Hope Falls in this fun, and sexy novella. Nine years apart hasn’t changed the deep feelings the couple had for each other. As soon as they lay eyes on each other again their chemistry instantly sparks to life, becoming a roaring bonfire that will burn your marshmallows. Ms. McLain conveys this instant reconnection beautifully. Ryan and Rosemary have so much more than their history. And for this reason, the story is completely believable.
They’d shared more in their three-year relationship than many couples ever did in a lifetime. Partly because they’d shared so many firsts together, but mostly because of trust. He’d been her best friend and she’d been his, and it didn’t matter that nine years had passed. Ryan would always have a part of her that no one ever could. It was his and only his. Forever.
No other man had ever been able to make her feel this way and, until that very moment, she hadn’t understood why. Now, with Ryan’s head buried so intently between her legs, she got it, crystal clear. Sex with Ryan had never been just sex. It wasn’t just a physical high they chased—it was a desire to connect on a level that far surpassed the basic human need for release.
But will Ryan be able to forgive Rosie once he discovers the reason she ran away all those years ago? And how can they possibly make a relationship work when his job is in River Bend, Nebraska while hers is in Hope Falls, California?
Can’t Forget Her is not just a quick read, it’s a total package novella; a complete and satisfying story I couldn’t put down.
Read more of Deb's reviews at www.xtreme-delusions.com
January 29, 2016
4.5 / 5 stars
I love River Bend... It's a series that grew on me (CAN'T HOLD BACK was my first, and it wasn't my favorite) pretty quickly, because after my first not-favorable view, I met Tony and Nicole alongside the world and I LOVED them.
And so my obsession with Molly and her River Bend people began.
Second-chance romances always have the ability to warm the heart. My biggest issue with them typically revolves around the ages of the characters and how long they've been apart. Picking up where you left off ten years ago is one thing when you were sixteen and quite another when you were twenty-two. While only a few years difference in those numbers, there's a wealth of maturity in those years.
Ryan and Rosemary were together for three years during their late teens/early twenties, but without a word, everything just... Stopped. Originally hailing from River Bend, they re-meet by (semi-)chance in Hope Falls nine years later when he and some guy friends go to consult on a job, a job that Ryan's Rosie, who now goes by her given name, happens to be at.
Fate f---ing sucked.
So did Will. And Ryan's mother, too, for that matter, because if it hadn't been for her "do the right thing" speech before he'd left River Bend, he would've never ended up here today. Staring at herin some mega-movie star's home...
Their re-attraction is hot and fast, but Molly wrote it in a way that both characters were well aware of the speed. It was talked about at length between the two, giving the reader a sense of satisfaction that this wasn't just a pick-up romance, as if the years of growth each had did not happen.
Definitely a cute edition to the River Bend world, but also to this Hope Falls Kindle World. The only chapter that I personally thought felt off was chapter two -- it just didn't seem to fit or really give much meat to the story. But beyond that, the writing was flawless and these were two characters that were so easy to fall for.
...and the end was satisfying for this epilogue reader, too.
I love River Bend... It's a series that grew on me (CAN'T HOLD BACK was my first, and it wasn't my favorite) pretty quickly, because after my first not-favorable view, I met Tony and Nicole alongside the world and I LOVED them.
And so my obsession with Molly and her River Bend people began.
Second-chance romances always have the ability to warm the heart. My biggest issue with them typically revolves around the ages of the characters and how long they've been apart. Picking up where you left off ten years ago is one thing when you were sixteen and quite another when you were twenty-two. While only a few years difference in those numbers, there's a wealth of maturity in those years.
Ryan and Rosemary were together for three years during their late teens/early twenties, but without a word, everything just... Stopped. Originally hailing from River Bend, they re-meet by (semi-)chance in Hope Falls nine years later when he and some guy friends go to consult on a job, a job that Ryan's Rosie, who now goes by her given name, happens to be at.
Fate f---ing sucked.
So did Will. And Ryan's mother, too, for that matter, because if it hadn't been for her "do the right thing" speech before he'd left River Bend, he would've never ended up here today. Staring at herin some mega-movie star's home...
Their re-attraction is hot and fast, but Molly wrote it in a way that both characters were well aware of the speed. It was talked about at length between the two, giving the reader a sense of satisfaction that this wasn't just a pick-up romance, as if the years of growth each had did not happen.
Definitely a cute edition to the River Bend world, but also to this Hope Falls Kindle World. The only chapter that I personally thought felt off was chapter two -- it just didn't seem to fit or really give much meat to the story. But beyond that, the writing was flawless and these were two characters that were so easy to fall for.
...and the end was satisfying for this epilogue reader, too.
January 28, 2016
Can’t Forget Her
by Molly McLain is a crossover between Molly’s
River Bend Series
and the
Hope Falls Series
by Melanie Shaw.
“Why settle for less than the true love you’ve already found?” ~ John Roberts~
Ryan Croft, resident River Bend bachelor employed by Hudson Construction is on his way to Lake Tahoe for a bit of overdue relaxation. His game plan is to recharge his battery by unplugging from life, work, and lingering memories for a bit.
Rosemary Shaw left River Bend to start a new life nine years ago taking with her the heart of a boy that she never stopped loving and a secret pain that she never shared with him. Rosemary has ended up in Hope Falls with a career that keeps her busy and her mind distracted from things & people that used to be her life.
Chance circumstance, some might call it fate if they believe in such a thing, brings Ryan and Rosemary together again. Surprised that mutually those strong feelings they once shared for each other were still right under the surface, Ryan and Rosemary start to work through unresolved chapters of their lives.
Molly McLain has done it again with her skills in writing a terrific Second Chance Romance!
This story has a HEA and is a standalone.
ARC was gifted by Molly McLain in exchange for honest review
“Why settle for less than the true love you’ve already found?” ~ John Roberts~
Ryan Croft, resident River Bend bachelor employed by Hudson Construction is on his way to Lake Tahoe for a bit of overdue relaxation. His game plan is to recharge his battery by unplugging from life, work, and lingering memories for a bit.
Rosemary Shaw left River Bend to start a new life nine years ago taking with her the heart of a boy that she never stopped loving and a secret pain that she never shared with him. Rosemary has ended up in Hope Falls with a career that keeps her busy and her mind distracted from things & people that used to be her life.
Chance circumstance, some might call it fate if they believe in such a thing, brings Ryan and Rosemary together again. Surprised that mutually those strong feelings they once shared for each other were still right under the surface, Ryan and Rosemary start to work through unresolved chapters of their lives.
Molly McLain has done it again with her skills in writing a terrific Second Chance Romance!
This story has a HEA and is a standalone.
ARC was gifted by Molly McLain in exchange for honest review
January 29, 2016
Rosemary's life is finally going as planned. Her stars have aligned and her career is on the right path. She should be the happiest woman in the world right? Wrong...there has always been something missing from her life and although she knows what's missing she cant go back to the man she left until.... in walks Ryan
Ryan Croft is a very simple man with a very simple plan...enjoy his vacation, figure out his future and forget his past. What should have been a simple trip to Tahoe ends with a walk down memory lane and answers to questions he has always wanted to know.
Can Ryan forgive deeds that he thought were unforgivable or will he walk away; forgetting the best woman he has ever loved and a chance at a great future with Rosemary? Read and find out!
I received this book as an ARC for my honest review
I loved everything this book had to offer. Molly did a great job creating a book about loved lost and re-found and how great it can be to find it again. This book was funny, sexy, and a little heart breaking.
I was completely in love with Ryan and Rosemary. Ryan was so strong but not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. Rosemary was strong in her own way because she tried to do what was best for everyone involved. Like many romance novels the biggest problem with this couple was communication. But hey when your a fool in love you can't help but make a couple of mistakes.
Overall this is a great book, selling for about 1.99, with a sexy cover and a great story line. I highly recommend this book, this series, and this author!
Ryan Croft is a very simple man with a very simple plan...enjoy his vacation, figure out his future and forget his past. What should have been a simple trip to Tahoe ends with a walk down memory lane and answers to questions he has always wanted to know.
Can Ryan forgive deeds that he thought were unforgivable or will he walk away; forgetting the best woman he has ever loved and a chance at a great future with Rosemary? Read and find out!
I received this book as an ARC for my honest review
I loved everything this book had to offer. Molly did a great job creating a book about loved lost and re-found and how great it can be to find it again. This book was funny, sexy, and a little heart breaking.
I was completely in love with Ryan and Rosemary. Ryan was so strong but not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. Rosemary was strong in her own way because she tried to do what was best for everyone involved. Like many romance novels the biggest problem with this couple was communication. But hey when your a fool in love you can't help but make a couple of mistakes.
Overall this is a great book, selling for about 1.99, with a sexy cover and a great story line. I highly recommend this book, this series, and this author!
April 11, 2021
This is a book about a second chance for love, a love that was meant to be. This is Rosemary and Ryan’s story. They fell in love nine years ago in River Bend, their home town. They had dreams, big dreams. I think one of my favorite parts of the book is when Rosie tells Ryan why she left River Bend. I will not go into that because I am not going to give any spoilers. You will need to read this OUTSTANDING book to find out why. I could not put it down.
Now, I need to especially thank NetGalley even though this time they have absolutely nothing to do with me reading this book. So why then am I thanking them? I am thanking them for introducing me to this absolutely superb author, Molly McLain with one of her earlier books Can’t Walk Away in February 2015. So love Ms. McLain’s books. She really gets the reader to the meat of her stories. I know she had me tearing up when Rosie and John were having the conversation about first loves…
If you love emotional romance, you will absolutely love this book!
Thank you for reading my review. Go ahead hit the one click button, you cannot go wrong with this Molly McLain book!!!
Now, I need to especially thank NetGalley even though this time they have absolutely nothing to do with me reading this book. So why then am I thanking them? I am thanking them for introducing me to this absolutely superb author, Molly McLain with one of her earlier books Can’t Walk Away in February 2015. So love Ms. McLain’s books. She really gets the reader to the meat of her stories. I know she had me tearing up when Rosie and John were having the conversation about first loves…
If you love emotional romance, you will absolutely love this book!
Thank you for reading my review. Go ahead hit the one click button, you cannot go wrong with this Molly McLain book!!!
June 20, 2017
3.5 stars
This a quick second chance romance novella on Ryan and Rosemary. It took me a while to remember who Ryan was in the series. Rosie and Ryan are high school sweethearts whose relationship ended abruptly in their senior year. Ryan was left heartbroken and Rosie disappeared from River Bend never to be heard from again. Nine year later, Ryan bumps into his old girlfriend and things get interesting.
I wanted to love the story, but I felt Rosie's reason for leaving Ryan nine years prior fell short and were somewhat selfish. I understand that what happened was shocking and heartbreaking, but she basically ran away from home and no one seem to care/notice except for Ryan. Also for someone who grew up with the same people no one seemed to remember Ryan and Rosie's teenage love affair.
Quick read with steamy moments.
This a quick second chance romance novella on Ryan and Rosemary. It took me a while to remember who Ryan was in the series. Rosie and Ryan are high school sweethearts whose relationship ended abruptly in their senior year. Ryan was left heartbroken and Rosie disappeared from River Bend never to be heard from again. Nine year later, Ryan bumps into his old girlfriend and things get interesting.
I wanted to love the story, but I felt Rosie's reason for leaving Ryan nine years prior fell short and were somewhat selfish. I understand that what happened was shocking and heartbreaking, but she basically ran away from home and no one seem to care/notice except for Ryan. Also for someone who grew up with the same people no one seemed to remember Ryan and Rosie's teenage love affair.
Quick read with steamy moments.
February 14, 2016
I love anything and everything Molly writes! Can't Forget her, like all the others was emotional, romantic, sweet and as always super sexy!! Can't wait for more Molly!!!
March 13, 2016
It didn't really have the Hope Falls feeling I love...But I am a sucker for second chances. And Rosie and Ryan meeting up after 9 years and falling in love again was a beautiful story!!
December 1, 2023
Ryan and Rosemary see each other after ten years. Ryan doesn't know the real reason Rosemary left ten years ago. Rosemary decides to tell him the whole story. When Ryan hears about an audition that Rosemary had he realizes that when he went to visit he was mistaken about what he saw. These two try to hide their feelings since they live so far apart. These two are both given advice and it takes them a couple of weeks to act on it. This was a sweet second chance reunion. This is a really good series!
March 25, 2024
I've been reading through The River Bend series and I just feel like this book didn't quite seem like the rest. I had to look up the main characters name twice to see if I remembered them talking about him before and they did but just barely. It was also weird to me the order that this one was in relation to the rest in the series and the story and characters were just too similar to the last story in the book set.
February 1, 2025
Didn't feel much invested in the book. It was a quick read and hence I felt there wasn't anything crazy or exciting that happened in those few pages.
Please note that this review is based on my experience reading this one as a standalone and not having read the series so the review may or may not be entirely biased because of that.
Please note that this review is based on my experience reading this one as a standalone and not having read the series so the review may or may not be entirely biased because of that.
February 10, 2018
A wonderfully romantic second chance story set in one of my favorite towns: Hope Falls! And a crossover from River Bend? It was awesome! I loved Ryan and Rose's story.
September 18, 2021
A little disappointed
Sweet read as always.
SPOILER
********************************
Wish at least ONE of them hadn't needed nudge to get to finale. Like the wrap-up. Nice job!
Sweet read as always.
SPOILER
********************************
Wish at least ONE of them hadn't needed nudge to get to finale. Like the wrap-up. Nice job!
September 25, 2021
Second chance
A sweet sexy second chance romance with all the sexiness and feelings expected from Molly McLain. A perfect ending to this series.
A sweet sexy second chance romance with all the sexiness and feelings expected from Molly McLain. A perfect ending to this series.
December 2, 2021
For some reason I did not expect to enjoy this one as much as I did! Glad it proved me wrong.
January 26, 2022
Can't Forget Her
Another good story by this talented author. I have enjoyed reading her other stories and I look forward to reading more.
Another good story by this talented author. I have enjoyed reading her other stories and I look forward to reading more.
January 27, 2022
beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!
Oh. My. Word.
So much love for these 2! Hot, moving, just beautiful! Thank you Molly! I absolutely recommend this series
Oh. My. Word.
So much love for these 2! Hot, moving, just beautiful! Thank you Molly! I absolutely recommend this series
February 1, 2022
Can't forget her
Thoroughly enjoyed, this witty, funny read. Made me chuckle at times and sad when Cat was leaving but happy again at the end
Thoroughly enjoyed, this witty, funny read. Made me chuckle at times and sad when Cat was leaving but happy again at the end
February 5, 2022
Lost love.
Great story of finding your lost love. The little short story really ties all the couples together and makes you believe things always work out in the end.
Great story of finding your lost love. The little short story really ties all the couples together and makes you believe things always work out in the end.
February 9, 2022
don’t want to leave
Second chance at love makes your heart melt. While I wish Ryan was a bigger part of the other stories I still loved the plot and character development. Lovely ending to the series. Especially loved the epilogue
Second chance at love makes your heart melt. While I wish Ryan was a bigger part of the other stories I still loved the plot and character development. Lovely ending to the series. Especially loved the epilogue
January 3, 2023
sweet
I love this series I just wish the editing was better. I love second chance stories they give you hope.
I love this series I just wish the editing was better. I love second chance stories they give you hope.
May 11, 2024
This book was perfect to finish their story
January 27, 2016
Fans of the River Bend series won’t be disappointed in this River Bend/Hope Falls crossover!!
First off I have to admit I am biased and that I truly love McClain’s River Bend series! She’s manages to write the sweet, heart melting love stories that include just enough angst to make you wonder if the couple will make it and plenty of HEAT to hope they argue it out a little longer, lol. ‘Can’t Forget Her’ is no exception and Ryan Croft easily holds his own with the other hotties of River Bend.
Ryan’s at a turning point in his life. I think he’s bored with where he finds himself. Even though he’s a foreman for a successful construction company, he’s young enough and smart enough to do anything but not quite sure he knows what to do to feel fulfilled. Not an exactly new feeling for anyone which is part of what draws me to McClain’s stories. She’s able to paint ‘real’ scenarios that draw you closer to characters as their worlds are relatable. Ryan’s boredom is about to come to a screeching halt as he runs into his past while on vacation. Meeting his high-school love, Rosemary Shaw, will give him the motivation he’s been looking for…just what he does with it will remain to be seen.
Rosemary ‘Rosie’ Shaw, unlike Ryan, is very comfortable with the life she’s built in Hope Falls. She’s successful in her business as a PR rep, having landed one of Hollywood’s top actors, has friends and is happy in the town of Hope Falls (even if it is an almost exact replica of the town of River Bend where she grew up). Rosie’s happiness may come with a price, however, and living in her dream world may be nothing more than a fantasy she’s built to get away from her mistakes and regrets from her past. Meeting Ryan will force her to come to terms with those mistakes and regrets and make a decision as to whether she will try to make amends or continue to run.
Definitely a fun read and the characters will draw you in. They were so young when they first met and the mistakes and wrong turns that their relationship took can be justified by their age. It’s how they handle themselves and the attraction that still burns hot between them now that will keep you reading to the end. Even though ‘Can’t Forget Her’ is a novella, it is a complete story without any of the rushed endings you sometimes find in the shorter stories. Definitely a purchase to add to your River Bend collection!
I confess that I did receive a copy of this novella in return for an honest review. I have purchased and own other books in the River Bend series.
First off I have to admit I am biased and that I truly love McClain’s River Bend series! She’s manages to write the sweet, heart melting love stories that include just enough angst to make you wonder if the couple will make it and plenty of HEAT to hope they argue it out a little longer, lol. ‘Can’t Forget Her’ is no exception and Ryan Croft easily holds his own with the other hotties of River Bend.
Ryan’s at a turning point in his life. I think he’s bored with where he finds himself. Even though he’s a foreman for a successful construction company, he’s young enough and smart enough to do anything but not quite sure he knows what to do to feel fulfilled. Not an exactly new feeling for anyone which is part of what draws me to McClain’s stories. She’s able to paint ‘real’ scenarios that draw you closer to characters as their worlds are relatable. Ryan’s boredom is about to come to a screeching halt as he runs into his past while on vacation. Meeting his high-school love, Rosemary Shaw, will give him the motivation he’s been looking for…just what he does with it will remain to be seen.
Rosemary ‘Rosie’ Shaw, unlike Ryan, is very comfortable with the life she’s built in Hope Falls. She’s successful in her business as a PR rep, having landed one of Hollywood’s top actors, has friends and is happy in the town of Hope Falls (even if it is an almost exact replica of the town of River Bend where she grew up). Rosie’s happiness may come with a price, however, and living in her dream world may be nothing more than a fantasy she’s built to get away from her mistakes and regrets from her past. Meeting Ryan will force her to come to terms with those mistakes and regrets and make a decision as to whether she will try to make amends or continue to run.
Definitely a fun read and the characters will draw you in. They were so young when they first met and the mistakes and wrong turns that their relationship took can be justified by their age. It’s how they handle themselves and the attraction that still burns hot between them now that will keep you reading to the end. Even though ‘Can’t Forget Her’ is a novella, it is a complete story without any of the rushed endings you sometimes find in the shorter stories. Definitely a purchase to add to your River Bend collection!
I confess that I did receive a copy of this novella in return for an honest review. I have purchased and own other books in the River Bend series.
January 29, 2016
*****SECOND CHANCE AT ROMANCE*****
There's nothing I like more than a story about a second chance at romance and Molly McLain's "CAN'T FORGET HER" delivers!!!! This is a Hope Falls Kindle World crossover book, combining characters from Molly's Riverbend series with Melanie Shawn's Hope Falls series. Both series are compelling on their own and I highly suggest readers pick them up. With "Can't Forget Her", you meet Ryan and Rosemary aka Rosie, both from Riverbend. Sweethearts in high school, Rosie dumps Ryan at graduation, without an explanation and disappears. Ryan, heartbroken, goes on with his life, living and working in Riverbend, yet can never forget his first true love. Rosie, meanwhile, has made a life now in Hope Falls, but she also can't forget her first true love. Fate steps in when Ryan and friends go on vacation and as a sideline, help consult on a renovation/construction job in Hope Falls at the home of Rosie's boss. Sparks ignite the moment Ryan and Rosie meet up again after 9 years. It's the opportunity Rosie has longed for, to be able to explain her disappearence to Ryan. For Ryan, it's the chance to find out why Rosie left and to finally put closure to his heartbreak. But the sparks are still there and after explanations for why Rosie left come out, those sparks become flames and Ryan and Rosie can't help but get caught up in each other again, despite knowing Ryan will be going back to Riverbend as that's where his life is and Rosie has her own responsibilities keeping her in Hope Falls. To find out how Ryan and Rosie get their HEA, pick up your own copy of Molly's "Can't Forget Her". You won't be disappointed!!!
**** I was asked to provide an honest review in exchange for an ARC of Can't Forget Her****
There's nothing I like more than a story about a second chance at romance and Molly McLain's "CAN'T FORGET HER" delivers!!!! This is a Hope Falls Kindle World crossover book, combining characters from Molly's Riverbend series with Melanie Shawn's Hope Falls series. Both series are compelling on their own and I highly suggest readers pick them up. With "Can't Forget Her", you meet Ryan and Rosemary aka Rosie, both from Riverbend. Sweethearts in high school, Rosie dumps Ryan at graduation, without an explanation and disappears. Ryan, heartbroken, goes on with his life, living and working in Riverbend, yet can never forget his first true love. Rosie, meanwhile, has made a life now in Hope Falls, but she also can't forget her first true love. Fate steps in when Ryan and friends go on vacation and as a sideline, help consult on a renovation/construction job in Hope Falls at the home of Rosie's boss. Sparks ignite the moment Ryan and Rosie meet up again after 9 years. It's the opportunity Rosie has longed for, to be able to explain her disappearence to Ryan. For Ryan, it's the chance to find out why Rosie left and to finally put closure to his heartbreak. But the sparks are still there and after explanations for why Rosie left come out, those sparks become flames and Ryan and Rosie can't help but get caught up in each other again, despite knowing Ryan will be going back to Riverbend as that's where his life is and Rosie has her own responsibilities keeping her in Hope Falls. To find out how Ryan and Rosie get their HEA, pick up your own copy of Molly's "Can't Forget Her". You won't be disappointed!!!
**** I was asked to provide an honest review in exchange for an ARC of Can't Forget Her****
January 20, 2016
Disclaimer: ARC received from the author for an honest review prior to book release date 1/28/2016.
I am a big fan of Hope Falls (by Melanie Shawn) the series, yes I have read every book at least once. I am also a BIG River Bend fan, and have also read every story in this series. River Bend is the series written by the author of this novella, Molly McClain as her character visits Hope Falls.
It features contractor Ryan, who is away in Tahoe on vacation with his friends. One friend is related to Vaughn, a contractor who lives in Hope Falls who just had a heart attack. He wants to go visit him because he needs help on a project for Hope Falls newest resident Kyle Austin Reed, his new wife Aurora and her handicapped daughter, Angel. And that is how Ryan ends up in Hope Falls.
Meanwhile Kyle has moved from Hollywood to Hope Falls permanently and he has brought his PR gal Rosemary/Rosie with him along with his PA Janine. What no one knows is that Rosie grew up in River Bend but left it 9 years before for the glamour of Hollywood and broke her high school boyfriends heart and that was Ryan.
So what happens when Rosie and Ryan meet at Kyle's well that was pure fun. I am not spoiling this story except to say its sweet and romantic and I totally loved that Molly used the Hope Falls Senior Center again. I have missed the Hope Fall seniors and they really add some funness to the Hope Falls books.
If you have never read a Hope Falls book, I would definitely read Christmas Wishes by Melanie Shawn first because it introduces Kyle, and his family and Rosie.
If you have never read a River Bend story, this book includes some characters but very minorly, so it easily stands alone from that series.
If you have never read either series, this book can stand alone.
I am a big fan of Hope Falls (by Melanie Shawn) the series, yes I have read every book at least once. I am also a BIG River Bend fan, and have also read every story in this series. River Bend is the series written by the author of this novella, Molly McClain as her character visits Hope Falls.
It features contractor Ryan, who is away in Tahoe on vacation with his friends. One friend is related to Vaughn, a contractor who lives in Hope Falls who just had a heart attack. He wants to go visit him because he needs help on a project for Hope Falls newest resident Kyle Austin Reed, his new wife Aurora and her handicapped daughter, Angel. And that is how Ryan ends up in Hope Falls.
Meanwhile Kyle has moved from Hollywood to Hope Falls permanently and he has brought his PR gal Rosemary/Rosie with him along with his PA Janine. What no one knows is that Rosie grew up in River Bend but left it 9 years before for the glamour of Hollywood and broke her high school boyfriends heart and that was Ryan.
So what happens when Rosie and Ryan meet at Kyle's well that was pure fun. I am not spoiling this story except to say its sweet and romantic and I totally loved that Molly used the Hope Falls Senior Center again. I have missed the Hope Fall seniors and they really add some funness to the Hope Falls books.
If you have never read a Hope Falls book, I would definitely read Christmas Wishes by Melanie Shawn first because it introduces Kyle, and his family and Rosie.
If you have never read a River Bend story, this book includes some characters but very minorly, so it easily stands alone from that series.
If you have never read either series, this book can stand alone.
January 31, 2016
I've read everything that Molly McLain has written, and I'm a huge fan. I wasn't sure what to expect out of this River Bend/Hope Falls cross-over novella, having never read the Hope Falls series, but I knew I could trust Ms. McLain to deliver another great read. And she did not disappoint! I love a good second-chance romance, and this was also a lost first-love story. Rosemary and Kyle were high school sweethearts that were together for three years before Rosemary leaves their hometown, River Bend, without much of an explanation to Ryan. Both have compared other loves to this first-love and none have measured up. They reconnect in a series of coincidences after not seeing each other for nine years. After some conversation that explains Rose's departure and mindset, the two decide to spend his week-long vacation getting to know each other again. They discover that the attraction that always burned bright between them is as alive as ever. And both realize that the mature version of their first love is even better than they dreamed of. Ryan is a great male lead; he has a confident swagger tempered with just the right amount of sweetness. Their love story progresses quickly as they move from one week to forever, but their backstory and encounters with secondary characters make it believable. It is a nicely layered plot for a short story, and the epilogue, which jumps ahead one year, brings everything full circle. Can't Forget Her is a short, sweet, and sexy read that can easily be enjoyed independent of any River Bend of Hope Falls novel.
January 28, 2016
Another great addition to the River Bend family. I absolutely loved Can't Forget Her. Usually with second chance romances the reason for it not working the first time around is dragged for half the book, but Molly surprised me by having Ryan and Rose talk it out in the beginning itself. Neither of them were teenagers who couldn't get over the past, or who were unwilling to listen to the other person.
I loved the fact that Ryan and Rose behaved like two mature adults and resolved their differences early on in the book. But honestly their reason for separating surprised me. I wasn't expecting that. But then again how they came together and then stayed together also pleasantly surprised me.
Rose and Ryan's story was the kind of feel-good romances that one loves to read when they are feeling low. This book will sure cheer you up. Molly Mclain wrote this book quite smartly. While I don't really like insta-love stories, and this was one, no doubt, the author made it part of the journey of the couple. Like mature adults, they discussed what they thinking, how fast they were moving, their past and all the other important and unimportant things.
The lovemaking in true Molly style is HOT and sizzling! Great story and butterflies in the stomach make it a worthy 5 star read.
Why no voting buttons? We don't let customers vote on their own reviews, so the voting buttons appear only when you look at reviews submitted by others.
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I loved the fact that Ryan and Rose behaved like two mature adults and resolved their differences early on in the book. But honestly their reason for separating surprised me. I wasn't expecting that. But then again how they came together and then stayed together also pleasantly surprised me.
Rose and Ryan's story was the kind of feel-good romances that one loves to read when they are feeling low. This book will sure cheer you up. Molly Mclain wrote this book quite smartly. While I don't really like insta-love stories, and this was one, no doubt, the author made it part of the journey of the couple. Like mature adults, they discussed what they thinking, how fast they were moving, their past and all the other important and unimportant things.
The lovemaking in true Molly style is HOT and sizzling! Great story and butterflies in the stomach make it a worthy 5 star read.
Why no voting buttons? We don't let customers vote on their own reviews, so the voting buttons appear only when you look at reviews submitted by others.
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January 29, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review
Molly McLain was a new author to me, but I'm already looking forward to reading her River Bend series. This was my first Molly McClain book and I believe it can be read as a stand alone novella, but being a person who reads a series in order I think I would've liked to have read the River Bend series first. That being said, that was the ONLY drawback to this novella.
Ryan and Rosie were teens in love who made stupid decisions that took nine years to confront, forgive, and remedy. Ryan has a "chance" reunion with Rosie in Hope Falls. His mom convinced him to go visit his cousin while on vacation. Little does he know that his cousin is Rosie's current roommate. Rosie works for a famous movie star who is looking for a construction company to remodel his home to accommodate his step daughter. Although Ryan is in construction, he's not the company asked to do the remodel--his friend's company is. He goes along to observe and possibly give his friend some input. Bam! Ryan sees Rosie and the story starts to unfold....
I loved that these two faced real-life decisions that teens make daily. In hindsight, if they were more mature and had communicated more with each other things may have turned out differently. As mature adults, they come to understand and forgive for those decisions. I would highly recommend this novella!
Molly McLain was a new author to me, but I'm already looking forward to reading her River Bend series. This was my first Molly McClain book and I believe it can be read as a stand alone novella, but being a person who reads a series in order I think I would've liked to have read the River Bend series first. That being said, that was the ONLY drawback to this novella.
Ryan and Rosie were teens in love who made stupid decisions that took nine years to confront, forgive, and remedy. Ryan has a "chance" reunion with Rosie in Hope Falls. His mom convinced him to go visit his cousin while on vacation. Little does he know that his cousin is Rosie's current roommate. Rosie works for a famous movie star who is looking for a construction company to remodel his home to accommodate his step daughter. Although Ryan is in construction, he's not the company asked to do the remodel--his friend's company is. He goes along to observe and possibly give his friend some input. Bam! Ryan sees Rosie and the story starts to unfold....
I loved that these two faced real-life decisions that teens make daily. In hindsight, if they were more mature and had communicated more with each other things may have turned out differently. As mature adults, they come to understand and forgive for those decisions. I would highly recommend this novella!
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