Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.
In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.
Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.
This was kinda sad to read. I was so happy with the ending f the first book that I really didn't expect this. (Spoilers) I think Ryan did the right thing by breaking off their relationship. Hadley was not ready to put someone else before her career at that time. The one thing I was upset with Ryan about was how quickly he jumped back into a relationship, and that he stayed in it even though the other woman knew he was still I love with someone else. I think that was really selfish on his part. Why would you do that to someone you care about? He was doing to Jessica exactly what Hadley was doing to him...putting the other person second. I dunno....the ending was good....just sad that they had to go through time apart to get there.
After falling for Hadley and Ryan in Lost in You, I was excited to get a glimpse at their future in Lost in Us. Let’s just say, it wasn’t at all what I expected. From the start, Heidi completely threw me for a loop. A significant amount of time has passed since the end of Lost in You and Hadley and Ryan are vastly different people. I didn’t expect this novella to be quite the emotional rollercoaster that it was, but it had me gripping the edges of my kindle while I battled with myself over whether I should throw it across the room or just pray for the skills to read faster.
Heidi has developed both characters significantly since we saw them last. She made it clear that Hadley and Ryan were no longer two people completely consumed by young love, but rather time had turned them into adults with dreams and responsibilities that couldn’t always coincide effortlessly. I loved the change in Ryan. The lost seventeen year old is long gone and in his place, Heidi has given us the voice of a man who has finally learned his worth. He stole a little more of my heart in this book. Hadley, on the other hand, is forced to face the challenges of balancing her demanding career and building the personal future she so desperately wants. She undergoes considerable growth over the course of this story, as she navigates life out of the limelight.
As much as I’d love to hate it, the storyline of this novella was captivating. Ryan was a much stronger, sexier personality, while Hadley became more relatable with the appearance of her insecurities, flaws and sometimes-selfish nature. I can appreciate the happily ever after more when a story is honest and the characters imperfect. Lost in Us took the couple I loved and made their story more tangible. It was touching and heartbreaking and satisfying all at once. It took a while for my emotions to level out after reading this one. Heidi had me all over the map as we experienced the ups and downs of adult life with Ryan and Hadley. Lost in Us is a raw, emotional novella that will keep you rooting for these two and remembering why you fell for them in the first place.
I made the mistake of starting to read the book without having read a review first. And while I thought that I was going to find a book about the wonderful married life led by Ryan and Hadley, nooooo!!!!! I find that they have broken up, AGAIN. I started reading the book immediately after finishing the first one without giving my heart time to recover from the pain of the first break up.😭 Bc the second part was not easy at all. We had left with Ryan and Hadley engaged soon after meeting again after 4 years apart, and here turns out that years has passed and they are still not married, why? Bc every time they set a date, Hadley had to record a new album or had to leave for a long tour. Seriously girl? With everything you suffered, you don’t learn. Well, they spend more time apart, especially after Ryan leaves NY to go live in Boston for his new job. He thought Hadley would follow him, but no, and each day they grew more and more distant, until Ryan decided to break the engagement on the phone. A year has passed since the breakup, and its not until after a concert when Hadley sees how happy Alex and Cole are with their baby, that she realizes how lonely she is and how unhappy she is. So she gets on a plane and goes to see Ryan, hoping to get back with him. But Ryan has not wasted time since he has a new girlfriend for 6 months ( this boy every time he breaks up with the one who is supposedly the love of his life, he immediately starts another relationship. Bad Ryan, bad boy). His new girlfriend, Jessica, is, according to him, te perfect woman for him if he never have met Hadley. When Hadley appears again in his life asking him to at least be friends, he is not sure at first,but Jessica encourages him since she knows that her boyfriend still has feelings for his ex, and tells him that is best to clarify things(point for Jessica). But as Ryan and Hadley spend time together, the feelings come back and Ryan ends up kissing her. Jessica sees them and breaks up with him. We finally have a wedding, but seeing the trajectory of these 2 I don’t know if it will last.
I never visited Ryan at work. I don’t know why. I guess I didn’t need it. I’m not a nervous person by nature, but knowing that I’m about to see Ryan for the first time in a year has me on edge. I haven’t even thought about another person except for him, let alone entertain the idea of moving on. I can’t because I’m still in love with him. When I close my eyes at night, he’s all I see. I step into his doorway and immediately feel like I’m being hit by a truck. His arms are wrapped around a woman, a brunette. She’s the complete opposite of me. She leans in, kissing him and he kisses her back. I could yell and scream, show how hurt I am, but we aren’t together. I have no right, but damn it if my heart isn’t breaking all over again.
Do I feel as strongly for Jessica as I do Hadley? No, I don’t and I’m not sure I ever will, but that doesn’t mean I should be with Hadley. Neither of us is willing to compromise and if you don’t have at least that, you can’t make your relationship work. Love begins to fade over time and that’s what Jessica has offered me–time. With each passing day, thoughts of Hadley ceased to exist. It’s almost like she knew that I wasn’t thinking about her any longer and had to show up. I love Hadley and seven or eight months ago I would’ve welcomed her back with open arms. But when you start giving your heart to another person who deserves to be loved, it’s hard to just shut yourself off.
“I want a family, Hadley, but not at the expense where my children are growing up without a mother around all the time.” “Am I too late?” she asks, her voice breaking. I swallow hard and stare out into the wide-open space before us. “I can’t answer that right now.”
As much as I should shy away, I can’t. I love him too much to deny myself a chance. Our lips touch, briefly, and I jump as fireworks go off behind us. He straightens, but keeps his eyes on me. “Maybe I can see you tomorrow?” “I’d love that,” I reply, nodding my agreement. “I saw you,” she says in a hushed tone. I nod, confirming that, yes, I screwed up. “I’m sorry, Jessica.”I pull her to me and hold her in my arms. I don’t know why I can’t be in love with her so deeply that she’s the only one I see. She’s perfect for me and maybe that’s the problem. Maybe I don’t need perfect. “I know, but I also know you have a connection. You’ve been good to me, Ryan, the best, in some cases. You’re sweet, personable and very good-looking, but your heart belongs to another.” I blush at her compliments and chide myself at same time. I don’t deserve them. “My heart belongs to you too and I don’t know what to do.”
“I know I said I didn’t want children right now, but since Dylan had her daughter, I think I’ve changed my mind. No, I know I have, but I can’t do that with you unless you’re willing to stop touring so much. It’s the tours that kill me, Hadley, not the music. Not the paparazzi or your recording schedule. It’s the tours that take eight months or over a year. You’re Hadley Carter, America’s Pop Princess–give America a break and stay home, enjoy life. No one is going to fault you for wanting to settle down. They’ll all still be there.” “I understand,” I mumble through my tears. Ryan steps forward and kisses my forehead. “I’ll call you tomorrow.” With that, he walks out of my room. I sob the moment the door to my hotel room shuts because I’m not so sure he’ll call tomorrow or if I’ll ever see him again.
“I love you, Hadley,” he whispers in my ear as music starts playing. Tears well in my eyes as a slideshow starts. There are images of us when we were babies and growing up and finally of us together, even when he was seventeen. I wrap my arms around him, leaning into his shoulder. “I love this.” “Me too, but it’s not over.” The music changes into Canon in D as the words “Will You Marry Me?” appear on the screen. I gasp and cover my mouth as the tears flow. I turn in his arms and nod feverishly, words escaping me in this very important moment. Ryan sighs. “Is that a yes?” “Yes! Yes! Yes!” “Phew, I was getting a little worried.” Only he would make light of an important moment like this. “So, I was thinking we’d get married tonight.”“So, what are we waiting for?”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Its always a great thing when you get to revisit with some of your favorite book characters. Thanks to McLaughlin diving back into the story of Hadley and Ryan, we were awarded with the privilege. Lost in Us can be found in the Breathless anthology but now it is its own entity. This novella will sure to please everyone that fell hard for these two characters in Lost in You.
You might have thought when you finished Lost in You, that Ryan and Hadley got their HEA. Well not necessarily, Lost in Us continues where we left off with real issues and dilemmas these two love birds are dealing with. It shows us that HEA doesn't just magically happen, that Ryan and Hadley will have to work and compromise to reach that "Happy Ever After".
Be prepared to feel every emotion under the sun. If they are angry, your angry, if they are stubborn, your even angrier. But once they come to terms and figure it all out, that they know they are meant for each other. The reconnection is amazing after they fight for it. This is when your heart will be so delighted and happy, you might think your having a heart attack. Short and sweet and a must read!!! - Yara
Short, sweet but really a whole lot of not too much. But I get it, I really do.
Ryan was super young when he met Hadley and fell in love. She left to do what was best for him and then years later they give it a go. Sadly they didn't grow as a couple and couldn't compromise. They ended. A year later Hadley surprised Ryan.
While Ryan might be hesitant he goes all in pretty quick.
This was a short and sweet conclusion to Hadley & Ryan's story. It was a very unexpected where their story was going to go but loved the ending. Perfect!
As someone who has read almost all of Heidi McLaughlin's books, I loved returning to her earlier works, including Lost in Us. This novella is a sweet continuation of Ryan and Hadley's journey, giving readers a glimpse into their lives after the events of Lost in You. The story dives into the challenges and joys they face together, offering closure while delivering the emotional depth I expect from McLaughlin’s writing.
Although it reflects her earlier style and isn't as polished as her later, more well-known series, Lost in Us, is a touching read that fans of Ryan and Hadley will appreciate. Even in her early works, McLaughlin had a knack for crafting heartfelt, character-driven stories. For those who enjoyed Lost in You, this novella is a satisfying and enjoyable addition to their love story. Happy Reading...enjoy!
Tenia muchas ganas de leer como continuaba la historia de Ryan y Hadley y bueno hubo dramita esperaba que el libro fuera un epilogo del primero pero no, fue como otro bache en el camino para el happy ending, al igual me quede esperando mas la vida de pareja de ellos como tal aun asi se agradece una continuación de ellos
A little better than the previous one. The books should have been reversed. The first one should have been a novella and this one the novel, to create character development as Hadley and Ryan are older and more mature.
This was a super quick read, only 65 pages. It started off interesting but in the end I love how it ended op. Ryan grew so much as a character and I loved that part of it. I like low much he has grown over time and moved honestly past all he has done.
It was great to catch up with Ryan and Hadley. In fact it was Heidi's Lost in You, that introduced me to her books.
"I just had to know" "Know what?" If you're still the one....
I was a bit shocked when I started reading this, and was thinking am I missing something? So they didn't work it out after all. Thankfully it all came out as I read on.
After bearing both sides of their story, we join them 5 years on...Ryan had ended their relationship and they both wanted different things out of life; where Hadley was ready to have children, Ryan felt he was still too young. After all she was still touring and making records, which was the main problem area.
So Hadley decided to go and surprise Ryan, in all hope to win him back, and its her that's in for a surprise.
Ryan was making a name for himself, he was the youngest Baseball Manager and the team was beginning to get somewhere. He had met and stated a new relationship even though his heart was elsewhere.
I felt for Jessica, but she was one really lovely, courageous, generous lady. She put Ryan's happiness above her own, she had known all about Hadley and had accepted that she was always going to take second place.
I was happy they took things slow and did 'normal' couple things like dating, and loved his total surprise proposal, perfect.
True romance doesn't get better than Lost in Us. Shame on me for not reviewing this the first time around, second time around or the third time around. I am correcting the error of my ways. I love Hadley and Ryan, a love story that started in Lost in You. It was a story where I thought they had found their happily ever after.
When I started reading Lost in Us, I found out I was so wrong. Lost in Us is a wonderful second chance, okay actually it is a third chance romance. Third time is a charm.
Lost in Us is a great quick feel good story. When I need a pick me, a story to give me hope that all will work out, Lost in Us is the perfect choice. I have read it numerous times and I am sure I will read it again.
02/17/23 I just listened to audiobook. The story was just as awesome as ever. The narrator was fantastic. She really brought out the emotions of the characters.
LOVE this story in the Breathless anthology.... I personally can not wait for Oct 13 to get here so that I can have back in my hands again.
Heidi did such an amazing job showing us what true love is all about. And how one must work at it in order to hold on to something that is so true to our heart. Follow your heart and magic can happen all the time..
Hadley & Ryan though young in the start of Lost In You have grown into adults. Their careers have taken over their lives yet has it destroyed their love for each other. Or is their hearts/passion strong enought to conquer everything that thrown at them....
You have to read this novella. I swear you will adore this just as much as I have.
At first I was like WTF is going on!?! did I miss something!?! but then it all became clear and I was freaking angry lol. Yelling at my Kindle and cursing Heidi lol. Then I realized, this s*** happens. It just happened to me a month ago. It feels real and it's honest. S*** happens. Life happens. People grow apart, people leave and people break your heart and sometime they aren't the people you thought they once were. But they had a second chance. Hadley realized she isn't happy, Ryan is her life and she wants him and more. She wants that life with him. But when she shows up one year later and he has moved on. Is it too late? you will have to read to find out how their story ends. It was short and I loved it! great addition to their story and I loved it. Must read
I read this novella as part of the Breathless anthology. I'm so glad that I now have it on my Kindle as part of my Heidi McLaughlin collection. I fell for Hadley and Ryan this summer when I read Lost in You for the first time. I was so happy that this novella was being released. I loved them and wanted more of their story. Lost is Us is terrific. The first couple of pages made me very angry but that didn't last. Everybody knows that Hadley and Ryan belong together. They just needed to stop being so stubborn. I loved watching them reconnect. I first read this on a plane heading home from vacation and had tears streaming down my face. But I didn't care. Not even a little bit. This story was worth every tear!
I loved Hadley Carter and Ryan Stone in Lost In You. So obviously I had to read Lost In Us to see what they are up to now. It was not at all what I expected, but I love their story! Lost In Us Takes place nine years after Ryan and Hadley first met. They are all grown up, and while Hadley is still touring, Ryan has his dream job as general manager for the Boston Renegades baseball team. Their lives haven't turned out exactly as they thought they would. Can true love overcome the obstacles standing in their way?
This is a super short, easy read. At times I thought it was very rushed, but I enjoyed this glimpse into Ryan and Hadley's lives after Lost In You.
What a sweet way to wrap up Hadley and Ryan's story!
3.5 sweet stars! As a reader, it is always fun to get a glimpse of a book couple beyond the HEA. What was both startling and surprising about this one, is that our couple had grown apart, and I was not expecting that. Ryan had matured, and Hadley still had some growing up to do, before they could find their way back to each other. This is a short novella, that gives us just enough; and a special thanks to Kindle Unlimited for letting me experience it! If you read Lost In You, you will want to pick up this couples full story in this quick read.
This is a solid story of soul mates that loose each other only to find each other again. You must read LOST IN YOU before you read this novella. Not that you'll be completely lost but you will appreciate this story better.
I have to hand it to Harley. She's pretty ballsy. She knows what she wants and goes right after it. It helps that Ryan is still hopelessly in love with her. That makes it a lot easier. Half her battle is already won.
If real life could be as easy. Oh, what a wonderful world it would be.
I kinda felt as if this story was pointless. I understand the readers wanting more, and authors trying to give them more, but truthfully, it could have ended at book 1, and I would have been happier. What was the need for extra drama?
It was nice to find out what city they ended up in, what job title he has and what not, but that could've been added in book 1. Just my personal opinion.. Overall, if you liked book 1, you will want to read this, just to get closure if your curious..
Short and sweet story about rekindling the love that never wavered during time apart. The story teaches us that sometimes we make choices we later regret and it would be great to get a do-over. When love is still present you can't deny those feelings. Sometimes time apart allows us to grow and reflect on what we miss. Also it's import to compromise.
It was heart breaking to read what happened to Ryan and Hadley but knew it was only going to make them stronger. Amazing story written by an amazing Author