Review: "Can't Walk Away" by Molly McLain (River Bend #3)


Note: This ebook was provided by CrushStar Multimedia LLC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

There aren't too many secrets that can be kept in the town of River Bend, so when barista Ally Barrett and Sheriff Mark Dunn's year-long affair appears to have hit a rough patch. Things have always been casual between the two of them but now both are ready for more, though neither one of them has actually been forthcoming about how they're feeling. Ally misunderstands Mark's decision to give her space, believing that he isn't ready to reciprocate how she feels about him. They hesitantly go their separate ways but they're constantly drawn to one another.

When Ally finds out that she's pregnant, she doesn't want Mark to feel obligated to be with her simply because they've created a baby together. Even before he came close to losing Ally to an accidental fire, Mark already knew he wanted to fight for their relationship. Ally is hesitant when Mark professes his love for her, thinking that his first priority will always be his job as River Bend's sheriff and an Army Guardsman. Mark knows that he needs to show Ally that he's loved her far longer and much more than she gives her credit for, no matter what it takes.

I loved Can't Walk Away, the latest book in the River Bend series by author Molly McLain, as it now focuses on two characters that were first introduced in the first book. This felt different from the others, possibly due to the fact that Mark and Ally already had a much longer history, having been friends first before deciding to start seeing each other. They obviously had an issue with communication in the early part of the book but both characters evolved as the story went on, and reading about how Mark was willing to go above and beyond for Ally was sweet.

The book went in a direction I wasn't expecting but happily welcomed, since the author could have easily decided to use another character to create conflict between Mark and Ally but didn't. Yes, there's Nick Caliendo, the fire chief, was part of the story and he was interested in Ally when they initially met, but the story veered from that much-wandered upon path. Having the story truly focused on what was going on between Mark and Ally and how they both worked at making sure the other was secure in the relationship made this book a wonderfully romantic read.

After reading this book, you can't help but be reminded that honest and open communication is key in relationships, whatever kind it may be. The story also shows that love can truly grow between two people, making them want more for themselves and from each other as their relationship develops. Love is rarely easy one hundred percent of the time but putting the time and effort it can pay off, as Mark and Ally showed in Can't Walk Away. Maybe I'm sounding sappy because it's Valentine's Day but one thing I'm sure of is this lovely book deserves 4.5 stars. ♥

Date read: 14 February 2015

Learn more about author Molly McLain here.

Grab a copy of Can't Walk Away on Amazon | B&N | Kobo.

Check out my reviews for the other books in the River Bend series:
Book 1 - Can't Shake You (Josh Hudson & Carissa Brandt) - Review
Book 1.5 - Can't Hold Back (Dan & Maddie Hudson) - Review
Book 2 - Can't Get Enough (Tony Dunn & Nicole Hodges) - Review

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