This book has two of my favorite things . . . A returning military hero and a second chance romance. Jessica Flynn and Mark Dalton were high school sweethearts. Their relationship ended abruptly when Mark enlisted in the Army and left for boot camp and then overseas duty.

Fast forward almost ten years. Mark’s Army career is ended by an explosion. He returns to Haven, North Carolina to start an outdoor adventure business, Off-the-Grid, with his two best friends.

Jessica owns a successful spa business that she has been dreaming of expanding. The property next to her spa becomes available for sale. Just what she has been waiting for. The only problem is that the property in question lies between her spa and Off-the-Grid. Mark also is eyeing the property to expand his business.

This sweet romance held my attention from the first chapter. I didn’t want it to end. This book is the third in the Risking It All Series. I have not read the first two books yet, but they are definitely on my TBR list.

I loved reading this book! I might have enjoyed it even more if I had known this was one in a series, but that’s water under the bridge now. I loved the way the story developed, the interaction between hero and heroine and the love that was still there from their teenage years, you see it actually growing in the words Rachel Lacey used. As I said before, it’s a pity I didn’t read the first two books in this series, because I have the feeling I was thrown headfirst into this passionate love-story, while all the other characters already had a part and I didn’t know them. You can read it as a stand-alone, but you’re missing a lot of inside information about the town and characters. Nevertheless, I loved it! Praise!! Here’s what it’s all about:
Jessica Flynn can't wait to buy up that patch of unspoiled North Carolina woodland next door and expand her spa. What could be more sensuous than a hot-tub soak under the stars? Jessica would love to bask in the romantic view herself-but first she needs to find the right man to join her in this fantasy. Back in high school, she thought that was the dark and brooding Mark Dalton. But then he left to join the Special Forces, and when he returned to town, it felt like their teenage love affair had never even happened.

Mark Dalton has his eye on the same property for his own business. Yet there's something he wants to have even more. Because Jessica is sweeter than he remembered, and he's finding it hard to resist his attraction to the competition. When they finally find themselves alone, deep in the forest, nature can't help but run a little wild. But if she ever finds out what he's been hiding all these years, she may never forgive him...

This is a story that pulls at the heartstrings when reading it. A great book to read on a cold and rainy weekend or really any time.

This was heartwarming and heartbreaking.

Mark will just capture your heart from the beginning. he went through so much and is a good, kind man just trying to do what he feels is right. years ago when he went into the military and let Jessica go it was because he wanted her to be free to love. Only it hurt her. He never forgot her. In fact it was memories of her that kept him going. So when Mark came back to North Carolina, he didn’t expect anything from Jessica. They had similar friends but he never pushed her.

Jessica was a sweet girl. She was strong and independent. All she went through in this book has you respect her more. Her illness and her fear of being hurt again just tore at the heart. But she did give Mark a chance to be her friend. Only the attraction took over and she and Mark became more. Mark learns to let her in slowly with all but one thing. Something that he was trying to forget himself. Something that hurts him so much that he pushes it into a box and doesn’t let it out.

these two are so fun together. Mark loves her and respects her. He protects her and also does everything not to hurt her at least not intentionally. His quiet ways hurts her in its own way at times. Jessica has Mark to rely on and his support to help her through so much. She sees how alone he is even in a crowd and tries to change it. Mark tries to change it. He fights his feelings but when he finally realizes he can’t stop thinking of Jessica he goes all in and it is so wonderful.

this is a heartwarming story on second chances and forgiveness. About growth and love overcoming all. About being brave and letting someone in and trusting them with the good, the bad and the ugly and them still loving and accepting you. Jessica, Mark and their friends are awesome. The romance of Mark and Jessica captures your heart and you root for them to have a HEA. A wonderful heartwarming second chance romance.

book 3 in the risking it all series, can't forget you, is a second-chance-at-love style romance. jessica flynn loved mark dalton, but when he left her high-and-dry and enlisted in the army without a spare thought or glance back at her, she was left broken-hearted. he didn't talk to her or share anything that would have let her understand why he made the choices he did. all she knew was that he hurt her and clearly didn't feel the same way she did.



except that's not exactly true. mark has always loved jess too. she's his north star. thoughts of her got him past years of trauma and violence he experienced as a member of the special forces. coming home to haven, he loves jess still, even as he knows that the hurts he caused her are not easily healed. when a real estate deal forces them to spend more time together, the chemistry that has always sizzled between them becomes to unruly to deny.



but mark has never thought that family life would be something he'd have. abandonment and neglect were the mainstay of his childhood and back when he knew jess he was headed to the path of delinquency. it's not until he enlists that he learns to be a man. he needed to be away from haven, from jess, in order to grow up. and even still, he's so emotionally stunted that he's kind of a relationship disaster.



he expects people to leave him behind. even jess. what he doesn't understand is that when he doesn't let her in, he's pushing her away. when all she wants is to hold him close and know him. she wants to know what makes him tick. it's not an easy balance for them to strike, and how they navigate their relationship as adults is the crux of the story.



jess and mark's shared past provides a well of emotional depth for this relationship and seeing them figure out how to trust each other with their hearts makes for a satisfying story.



**can't forget you will publish on december 19, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/grand central publishing (forever) in exchange for my honest review.

This was a great book in the Risking It All series. I couldn't wait to read this one & read it in one sitting! I've been wanting to read their story ever since meeting Mark & Jess in Run to You. Mark & Jess were high school sweethearts til he broke her heart.

Mark & Jess are both interested in the same land to expand their businesses-Mark with his friends Ethan & Ryan who want to expand their outdoor adventure business & Jess, her spa. Mark is a former special ops soldier, who is more of a loner & has always kept things in, not sharing. Jess still felt the chemistry they used to share but wants to be let in. This was a great second chance romance, nice to see how they had to change & grow as people. It was also great to see the other couples & characters from the series.

I also loved the rescue dog Bear.

FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER/AUTHOR THROUGH NET GALLEY. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!

I've been pleasantly surprised by this entire series, so this book was no exception to that standard either! It made me very interested in reading more of this author's small town romances!

I really enjoyed the second chances trope in this story, and it is rare that I do enjoy those types of stories. Jessica and Mark reminded me of the story of my romance with my current husband, which was a tribute to the storytelling that the author did. Mark even reminded me of my husband, with his failure to communicate, even though that was a mark against him as a character!

I liked the side storyline of Jessica's illness. It imparted some interesting information about the disease, without going into excessive detail. It made me wonder if the author had experienced anything similar, which made the character easier to relate to.

I liked seeing how the previous couples in the series were doing, as it gave me a glimpse into their lives after the Happily Ever Afters. This is definitely a book where reading the previous books in the series enhances the book, even if it isn't absolutely necessary to do so.

All things considered, this was a great read, and I see a lot of potential for continuing the series with other heroines from Jessica's circle of friends. I would definitely recommend reading this book!

A wonderful second chance romance, I definitely think I need more of Rachel Lacey's books in my life because I thoroughly enjoy this one. While I do think "Can't Forget You" can be read as a standalone, I'd recommend reading the other books too so the readers can enjoy when characters from the previous books appear and really just get get the whole experience by reading all of them.

This story starts with both main characters being interested in a land for their own purposes. Jessica wants to expand her spa and Mark so he and his friends can also expand their outdoor adventure business. But there is something more to them, they were once high school sweethearts until he left and left her brokenhearted But now they'll have to work together to reach some kind of deal and while being together they'll realize that more than attraction, their feelings are still there. And more than the story being just about a second chance romance I think it goes deeper, it's more meaningful and is part of what makes this book special.

Along with a good story, this book also has great characters. Jessica was really determined, had a strong personality but was also very likable. Mark was also just wonderful, his story is difficult and you just feel for him so of course I was totally rooting for this couple.
It's sad that the series is over but Rachel ending it with a bang with this book, I'd absolutely recommend not just this one but all 3 of them!

Can’t Forget You is the third and final book in Rachel Lacey’s Risking it All Series. As with any good final book, there are lots of opportunities to catch up with previously characters. I especially loved seeing Sam and Carley spend so much time in Haven. While it starts with Jessica and the guys from Off-the-Grid Adventures, represented somewhat ironically by Mark, competing for the same piece of property, it soon moves past that into the idea of second chances and learning how to open up and let people in. Jessica takes the lead to teach Mark what being in a relationship looks like and how two people can work successfully together for the benefit of both. Though Mark has things to learn, he does jump into the role of supportive partner rather fast. His issues are more deep rooted and relate to letting people in, as opposed to supporting others as they achieve their dreams.

I have loved this series since the beginning. I’m sad to see it end, but watching Mark and Jessica make their way back to each other was the best ending. Start at the beginning, it’s more fun that way, but definitely dive right in.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.

Can't Forget You(Risking It All )
by Rachel Lacey

I just love second chance stories. I also love small town romances. Can't Forget You is a great second chance story. Rachel Lacey's stories are powerful yet sweet and romantic. Rachel Lacey has truly shown why she is so amazing. You get everything you want in a romance novel and more. A perfectly written and perfectly told story.

We get Mark's story and let me tell you it was worth the wait. In Can't Forget You Mark and Jess were high school sweethearts who had a future together full of hopes and promises until Mark enlists in the military and leaves. Fast forward ten years later and things take off.

The setting is beautiful and Rachel was very detailed about the town of Haven. I found myself wanting to visit Haven even live there. I could picture the mountains. Can't Forget You is different from other books. You get small town, second chance romance. I could relate to Jess. I felt all the emotions in this book. I enjoyed being on Jess and Mark's journey from first love to heart break to forgiveness to second chances. My heart swooned and I laughed. I could not put this book down. I read it all in one sitting and now am re-reading it for a second time. Can't Forget You will have your heart swooning and feeling everything from love to frustration to giddy. The perfect book. Thank you Rachel Lacey for writing a great book.

Mark Dalton grew up an orphan in a small-ish town. The one person he clung to was Jessica Flynn. At least until he unceremoniously dumped her right and left town to join the Special Forces. He's been back in town for awhile and now is trying to buy the plot of land that is in between her spa property and he and his friends outdoor recreation area.
Jessica isn't thrilled that Mark is back in town but she's mostly been trying to avoid him. Even if that old heat is still there....
There were some B plots that weren't woven into the main plot very well and I didn't love the Big Misunderstanding that was woven throughout the story but it was still a fast, fun, and fluffy book.

Three stars
This book comes out December 19
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley
Follows <a href="https://themeanderingreader.blogspot.com/2017/03/crazy-for-you-by-rachel-lacey.html">Crazy For You </a>

I've read the entire Risking It All series and have loved every one of them! Mark and Jessica have chemistry that's off the charts! A breakup in the past deters them for quite a while. Mark is a closed off guy and Jessica is very bitter towards him.

In this book they start to meet in the middle and then it moves quickly from there. I loved the end to this great series!!

This was so worth the wait. The dark and broody guy we've read enough about to have a serious "want" for. Lemme tell ya, Mark does not disappoint. He has a past that brings tears to your eyes and you just want to hug him, when you're not lusting after him. Bear even chose him to be her human. In typical male fashion he does, however, screw up.
Jessica is one tough lady. She owns her own business--very successfully too, and she loves Halloween. She says she hates Mark, her heart says otherwise.
Their journey makes you feel their heat, frustration, angst and I especially love all the bits that make you laugh.
The setting is just beautiful, so descriptive. A small town named Haven in the mountains where you now want to plan your next vacation.
Thank you, Rachel, for another excellent read that takes me along for the entire ride.
I received an ARC from the author/Publisher Forever thru Netgalley. In spite of all that I am giving my honest opinion/review of Can't Forget You.

Another great read from a great author. I really enjoyed the story. I started it and did not want to put is down., Great dialogue between the main characters.

After an injury puts an end to his military career Mark returns home to North Carolina to make his dream of co-owning an outdoor adventure business with his buddies a reality, but shortly after arriving in town he learns that someone else also has plans for the land he has his eye on. A very sweet and sexy someone, a someone that use to have claim on his heart, his ex-high school sweetheart Jessica. Seeing her again brings up a lot of old feelings, some regrets, and some serious chemistry...but is he ready to travel down that road with her again?

Jessica Flynn loves the life that she has created for herself in her little North Carolina town, her spa business is booming, and she has some ideas for an expansion, but before that can happen she has to battle her ex for the sweet spot of land to build it on. Seeing him again has brought up a lot of old memories, and some serious sparks, but Mark is a different man than he use to be, and she isn't so sure she is ready to deal with this new Mark. But when their businesses throw them together and they begin to spend a whole lot more time with one another, she begins to see glimpses of the man she use to know, and she begins to think maybe, just maybe, a second chance for them is possible...

Can't Forget You is a enchanting and sweet second chance romance story that is sure to score a place in your heart! When life throws these two ex-lovebirds together things start to get a little heated, and they begin to remember how much they miss one another, but as with all relationships they both have some serious baggage to sort out before they can have their love reboot. Their road to rediscovering the love they once shared has many bumps, but little by little they begin to sort things out, and create some fun little encounters for readers to enjoy along the way! I am really enjoying this new series from Ms. Lacey, these wonderfully crafted characters of hers sure know how to put on an enjoyable show, and make my heart happy! Highly recommend you make a trip to North Carolina and meet the folks of the Risking It All series, once you arrive you'll never want to leave!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

5 - "I'd hate you if I didn't want you so damn much..." Stars!

We return to Haven, North Carolina for the third book in Rachel Lacey’s outstanding Risking it All series.

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I have a huge soft spot for this series, in that it introduced me to Rachel’s wonderfully warm writing style and likeable characters, I have loved each and every book in this series, and have been dying to read Mark and Jessica’s book, Can’t Forget You did not disappoint in any way, and it was great to finally get into Mark’s head, because although he has been very visible in the previous books, he has kept himself pretty closed off and out of the action.

The spark between them had never completely faded…

This is a couple with history, ten years’ worth in that as high school sweethearts Jessica firmly believed that they would be together for the long haul, that was up until Mark enlisted and dumped her on his way out the door too boot-camp.

"Maybe we should quit thinking about the past and just focus on the present."

You start to find out more about his motivations regarding the way things ended between them as the book progresses, and I liked that the author didn’t make this story just about that, Jessica has her own issues to deal with, and the addition of Bear the dog, gave them a secondary connection outside of their initial failed relationship.

What would it feel like to come home to a wife, a couple of kids? The idea was so foreign that he couldn’t even imagine it…

This is a couple that both have their own issues and obstacles to overcome, especially in regards to having a healthy functioning relationship with each other. As you would expect there are highs and lows between them, but everything was spaced out really well, the addition of all the characters that I have come to know and love in the previous books gave great depth, and I just loved this story from start to finish.

"I can’t stay away from you no matter how hard I try…"

"...That makes two of us."

I hope this isn’t the end of the series, there were a couple of teases of potential, possible future characters, and I hope the author is given the opportunity to explore those avenues, if she has the story-lines for them.