Short Take Reviews: Give Me Love and Keep This Promise by Corinne Michaels

 

I recently binged the last two books in the Rose Canyon series, having read the first book, Help Me Remember, last September. This series delivered some of my favorite characters and stories from Corinne Michael - emotional, suspenseful, and swoony. Even better? All three books are available in Kindle Unlimited!

by Corinne Michaels
Series: Rose Canyon #2
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Purchased

Blakely and Emmett served together in the Army and agreed to a marriage of convenience in order to stay together and increase their military benefits. Things got messy when feelings became involved and their relationship became a complicated mess. When Blakely showed up unexpectedly in Emmett’s hometown after years of them not speaking, the sparks were still there, but so were the hurt feelings and mistrust. Blakely was there to follow a lead on a missing teenage girl and needed Emmett’s help. As they delved into the case, their snarky banter led to truths being shared and hearts laid bare.

Corinne Michaels’ Rose Canyon series has a different feel than her more recent releases because while each book does focus on a different couple, there is an overarching plotline that continues to evolve with each book. I loved the balance between Emmett and Blakely’s relationship and the suspense aspect. I was sometimes frustrated with Blakely for running hot and cold. She’d insist to Emmett they needed to talk about the past, but then be vague and combative instead of giving him the truth. Even so, Emmett understood her fears and had the patience to help her work through them. Corinne included a plot twist that was so shocking I was speechless (and tempted to throw my book out the nearest window). But I know that Michaels always breaks hearts before she heals them and it made the outcome that much more satisfying. I loved the way this one wrapped up and the dangling plot threads have me anxious to read the third and final book. 4.25 stars



by Corinne Michaels
Series: Rose Canyon #3
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Purchased

I can safely say that when it comes to the Rose Canyon series, Corinne Michaels saved the best for last. Keep This Promise delivered in such a big way and I flew through 300+ pages quickly, desperate to solve the mystery that has spanned the three books. Sophie arrived in Rose Canyon exhausted, confused and afraid. Sent there by the man who had been her best friend, she knew little more than she and her three-year old daughter, Eden, were in danger. Sophie was shocked to come face to face with Holden, the man she met in Las Vegas several years ago and never expected to see again – the man who is Eden’s father. As Sophie tried to get her bearings and understand why her life was in jeopardy, Holden was there to take her and Eden under his wing. As Holden and Sophie grew closer, so did the danger that threatened them all.

Corinne Michaels has a way of making me care deeply about her characters and Keep This Promise was no exception. I liked Sophie from the very start and found myself empathizing with her at every turn. Eden was so precious and really blossomed as the story progressed. And Holden – well, Holden stole my heart. He was instantly there for Sophie and Eden, willing to help and support, and protect. As his feelings for Sophie deepened, and his bond with Eden strengthened, I was practically a puddle of goo at every interaction. Corrine has written some memorable heroes and Holden is right there at the top. Beyond all the swoony feels, I was captivated as the story unfolded and the suspense amped up. My heart was in my throat through the most harrowing scenes. There were several surprises along the way, and I was more than satisfied with the ending. While I would hesitate to say the Rose Canyon books could be read as standalones, I highly recommend the series! 
4.5 stars

Have you read either of these books?

8 comments

  1. I haven't read this series, but these both sound like winning couples. I like that there's a thread flowing through to each next book, and the suspense factor really adds something!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Both of these books sound so good. Looks like I'm going to have to check out this whole series! Thanks for adding more titles to my TBR list. ;D

    ReplyDelete
  3. You and a few other blogging friends have recently binged some series. It is really inspiring me to work through some that have been waiting for me to read for a long time!

    ReplyDelete
  4. This sounds like a great series. I have read one Corinne Michaels book a while back and really liked it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am not one for romantic suspense, but I like the idea of a mystery running through the series. I am glad it finished off on such a high note for you too

    ReplyDelete
  6. I haven't read either of these. I wasn't sure if I wanted to, but that last book keeps catching my eye, so I might have to. It also makes it more likely to pick them up since you like them. It's good to know a plot line runs through all of them so that I didn't just pick up the last one.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I haven't read any of these but I confess that these special editions have me drooling!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I've not read this series yet but Corinne Michaels is on my list of authors to try so hopefully I'll get to it one day. It sounds fantastic!

    ReplyDelete