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Ember Falls #4
Come What May
Sleeping with your client is bad, but what I did is even worse.
When I’m sent to Ember Falls to handle a PR nightmare, I have no idea I am creating a crisis of my own. Killian Thorn is everything I know to resist—older, rugged and handsome with mesmerizing green eyes and a wicked smile—which is why instead of running from him, I end up in his bed.
Forced to work together, our stolen kisses are the least of our worries because the scandal on Killian’s ranch continues to grow.
My job is to fix the issue, but our secret is only making it worse.
My best friend convinces me that being with my client isn’t really such a faux pas. In fact, she thinks I should go for it since I’ve always guarded my heart.
Trouble is, neither of us realize we’re talking about her dad.
When I’m sent to Ember Falls to handle a PR nightmare, I have no idea I am creating a crisis of my own. Killian Thorn is everything I know to resist—older, rugged and handsome with mesmerizing green eyes and a wicked smile—which is why instead of running from him, I end up in his bed.
Forced to work together, our stolen kisses are the least of our worries because the scandal on Killian’s ranch continues to grow.
My job is to fix the issue, but our secret is only making it worse.
My best friend convinces me that being with my client isn’t really such a faux pas. In fact, she thinks I should go for it since I’ve always guarded my heart.
Trouble is, neither of us realize we’re talking about her dad.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2026
1099 people are currently reading
8618 people want to read
About the author
Corinne Michaels
74 books15.1k followersCorinne Michaels is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of romance novels. Her stories are chock full of emotion, humor, and unrelenting love, and she enjoys putting her characters through intense heartbreak before finding a way to heal them through their struggles.
Corinne is a former Navy wife and happily married to the man of her dreams. She began her writing career after spending months away from her husband while he was deployed—reading and writing were her escapes from the loneliness. Corinne now lives in Virginia with her husband and is the emotional, witty, sarcastic, and fun-loving mom of two beautiful children.
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Corinne is a former Navy wife and happily married to the man of her dreams. She began her writing career after spending months away from her husband while he was deployed—reading and writing were her escapes from the loneliness. Corinne now lives in Virginia with her husband and is the emotional, witty, sarcastic, and fun-loving mom of two beautiful children.
Connect with her here:
Newsletter: http://corinnemichaels.com/subscribe/
Website: http://www.corinnemichaels.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorinneMichaels
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corinnemich...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorCMichaels
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/corinnemicha...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 592 reviews
February 4, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
Tessa Rivers wants to prove herself as a serious publicist at her job and gets an opportunity to work with a client who needs to save his business, which sends her to Ember Falls, Virginia. But when she arrives, she lays eyes on a handsome cowboy, who can’t keep his eyes off her. One thing leads to another, which lands her in his bed, having the best night of her life. But when she sets out to meet her client, she finds out that her one-night stand, Killian Thorn, was, in fact, her client. Mortified, Tessa sets some boundaries and rules that prevent them from making things more serious. But as both Killian and Tessa find out, sometimes the rules need to be broken to find happiness and love again.
I am not going to lie, I enjoyed this book, even though it’s something I wouldn’t normally read. 😆 I mean, the blurb itself is super interesting because falling for your best friend’s dad is definitely a choice, so when the time came to read this, I was excited to see how everything would pan out. I am, however, upset that I read the last book of the series, but I didn’t feel like I didn’t know what was going on, or that I was missing valuable information from the previous stories, so that was nice! ☺
I liked the characters, Tessa and Killian, who each had a pov in the book, but more so Tessa. I’m not saying that I didn’t like Killian because I have nothing against the man, but he was too… assertive or possessive (?) for my liking. I know other readers are going to love him because of that, and I don’t blame them at all because, come on. An older, sexy cowboy with green eyes and a streak of gray in his hair most definitely sounds attractive. But Tessa was my favorite, and I loved how she had struggles yet remained true to who she was and grew as a character as the story progressed. I will say, though, that I loved the side characters more than the main characters. 🤭 The characters from the previous books made an appearance in this one, so it was so fun to see them all together, making fun of Killian and accepting Tessa into the group with open arms.
But, oh my gosh, this was way too spicy for my liking! 🥵 I mean, granted, I prefer no spice/fade-to-black in my books, but I’ll still read a book if there’s spice because I love a good story. I can skip or skim through it. But this book had whole chapters dedicated to lovemaking. I’m sorry if this complaint sounds stupid because, hello! It’s a romance book! I’m just not used to it, and it definitely took me by surprise. 😅 But besides that, the romance was sweet, and I didn’t have a problem with the whole age gap trope because I happen to like those. ☺
Another thing that threw me off guard was the plot twist in the second half of the book. No, not the fact that Tessa is sleeping with her best friend’s biological dad (there’s a whole story to that) because the blurb literally says that it happens, but it’s what made Killian’s business fall apart. Like, what?! I was not expecting that whole reveal, and it honestly sounds so out of pocket and unbelievable. 😂 I was laughing at what was going on because it sounded ridiculous. I'm not going to spoil anything, but let's just say that the FBI gets involved. But it’s a book. It’s fiction. The author can do whatever she wants, so kudos to her for writing an interesting book because, wow, I definitely did not see that coming. I literally said to myself, “Wow. That…took a turn.” I’m probably just making a mountain out of a molehill, though. 😉
Overall, I’m so grateful that my wish was granted on NetGalley to read this book because I think it cured my reading slump since I flew through this and am ready to tackle the rest of the arcs I need to read ASAP. 😆 Do I recommend this book? Sure, if you think this story sounds right up your alley! Am I going to read the other books in this series? Uhhh…I’m not so sure, lol! 😂
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. The book is now available!
❗Content Warnings❗
Mentions a loved one who died of cancer.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: Yes (🌶🌶🌶🌶/5)
Tessa Rivers wants to prove herself as a serious publicist at her job and gets an opportunity to work with a client who needs to save his business, which sends her to Ember Falls, Virginia. But when she arrives, she lays eyes on a handsome cowboy, who can’t keep his eyes off her. One thing leads to another, which lands her in his bed, having the best night of her life. But when she sets out to meet her client, she finds out that her one-night stand, Killian Thorn, was, in fact, her client. Mortified, Tessa sets some boundaries and rules that prevent them from making things more serious. But as both Killian and Tessa find out, sometimes the rules need to be broken to find happiness and love again.
I am not going to lie, I enjoyed this book, even though it’s something I wouldn’t normally read. 😆 I mean, the blurb itself is super interesting because falling for your best friend’s dad is definitely a choice, so when the time came to read this, I was excited to see how everything would pan out. I am, however, upset that I read the last book of the series, but I didn’t feel like I didn’t know what was going on, or that I was missing valuable information from the previous stories, so that was nice! ☺
I liked the characters, Tessa and Killian, who each had a pov in the book, but more so Tessa. I’m not saying that I didn’t like Killian because I have nothing against the man, but he was too… assertive or possessive (?) for my liking. I know other readers are going to love him because of that, and I don’t blame them at all because, come on. An older, sexy cowboy with green eyes and a streak of gray in his hair most definitely sounds attractive. But Tessa was my favorite, and I loved how she had struggles yet remained true to who she was and grew as a character as the story progressed. I will say, though, that I loved the side characters more than the main characters. 🤭 The characters from the previous books made an appearance in this one, so it was so fun to see them all together, making fun of Killian and accepting Tessa into the group with open arms.
But, oh my gosh, this was way too spicy for my liking! 🥵 I mean, granted, I prefer no spice/fade-to-black in my books, but I’ll still read a book if there’s spice because I love a good story. I can skip or skim through it. But this book had whole chapters dedicated to lovemaking. I’m sorry if this complaint sounds stupid because, hello! It’s a romance book! I’m just not used to it, and it definitely took me by surprise. 😅 But besides that, the romance was sweet, and I didn’t have a problem with the whole age gap trope because I happen to like those. ☺
Another thing that threw me off guard was the plot twist in the second half of the book. No, not the fact that Tessa is sleeping with her best friend’s biological dad (there’s a whole story to that) because the blurb literally says that it happens, but it’s what made Killian’s business fall apart. Like, what?! I was not expecting that whole reveal, and it honestly sounds so out of pocket and unbelievable. 😂 I was laughing at what was going on because it sounded ridiculous. I'm not going to spoil anything, but let's just say that the FBI gets involved. But it’s a book. It’s fiction. The author can do whatever she wants, so kudos to her for writing an interesting book because, wow, I definitely did not see that coming. I literally said to myself, “Wow. That…took a turn.” I’m probably just making a mountain out of a molehill, though. 😉
Overall, I’m so grateful that my wish was granted on NetGalley to read this book because I think it cured my reading slump since I flew through this and am ready to tackle the rest of the arcs I need to read ASAP. 😆 Do I recommend this book? Sure, if you think this story sounds right up your alley! Am I going to read the other books in this series? Uhhh…I’m not so sure, lol! 😂
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. The book is now available!
❗Content Warnings❗
Mentions a loved one who died of cancer.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: Yes (🌶🌶🌶🌶/5)
February 6, 2026
4 stars
I picked up the final book in Corinne Michaels ‘Ember Falls’ series without reading the blurb, and boy, was I pleasantly surprised. I loved Killian and Tessa’s story, and the little twist I didn’t know was coming! Such a great ending to this series. I adored it!
I picked up the final book in Corinne Michaels ‘Ember Falls’ series without reading the blurb, and boy, was I pleasantly surprised. I loved Killian and Tessa’s story, and the little twist I didn’t know was coming! Such a great ending to this series. I adored it!
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Austin Stone & Samantha Peachwood
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 9h 52m
Read
February 2, 2026okay so i did enjoy this... way more than i expected 🙈
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
your girl may have fallen a bit behind with arcs... but so far it seems pretty bingeable and i'll be able to finish in no time!!! best friend's dad / age gap isn't my favourite trope... but i love this series and i am a fan of ember falls & corinne michaels!!
↪ started jan 30
↪ finished feb 1
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
your girl may have fallen a bit behind with arcs... but so far it seems pretty bingeable and i'll be able to finish in no time!!! best friend's dad / age gap isn't my favourite trope... but i love this series and i am a fan of ember falls & corinne michaels!!
↪ started jan 30
↪ finished feb 1
Currently reading
January 14, 2026😮 Best Friend's Dad
🤠 Horse Rancher
💼 Publicist X Client
🫠 Age Gap
🥵 Forced Proximity
🏠 Small Town
💋 One Night Stand
COME WHAT MAY will be here January 20th!
✨Preorder the ebook: https://geni.us/CWM_Zon
✨Print Preorder Campaign: https://geni.us/CWM-PO
✨Audio: https://geni.us/CWM_Audio
Narrated by Austin Stone & Samantha Brentmoor!
🤠 Horse Rancher
💼 Publicist X Client
🫠 Age Gap
🥵 Forced Proximity
🏠 Small Town
💋 One Night Stand
COME WHAT MAY will be here January 20th!
✨Preorder the ebook: https://geni.us/CWM_Zon
✨Print Preorder Campaign: https://geni.us/CWM-PO
✨Audio: https://geni.us/CWM_Audio
Narrated by Austin Stone & Samantha Brentmoor!
January 21, 2026
Tessa & Killian were so captivating! Their story was brimming with chemistry and started with a BANG!
Then the real drama begins and it just keeps coming. There was turn after turn and I enjoyed it so much! I loved the whole community coming together and I loved how these two just couldn't stay away from each other.
I loved the setting and I loved the big of a mystery. The spice was hot but fit the characters so well.
This book had:
-19 Year Age Gap
-Best Friend's Dad
-Publicist/Client
-Small Town
-Big City Girl/Horse Ranch
Duet narration was performed by by Austin Stone & Samantha Brentmoor. They did a wonderful job and brought Tessa & Killian to life beautifully!
5 Star
3 on the spice scale
*Thank you to the author for an ALC of this title.*
Then the real drama begins and it just keeps coming. There was turn after turn and I enjoyed it so much! I loved the whole community coming together and I loved how these two just couldn't stay away from each other.
I loved the setting and I loved the big of a mystery. The spice was hot but fit the characters so well.
This book had:
-19 Year Age Gap
-Best Friend's Dad
-Publicist/Client
-Small Town
-Big City Girl/Horse Ranch
Duet narration was performed by by Austin Stone & Samantha Brentmoor. They did a wonderful job and brought Tessa & Killian to life beautifully!
5 Star
3 on the spice scale
*Thank you to the author for an ALC of this title.*
January 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75 stars)
There were so many things about Come What May that I truly loved. The FMC was easily one of my favorites in the series. Her passion for life and her determination to succeed made her impossible not to root for. I adored her drive and the way she went after what she wanted. The opening scene especially hooked me right away. I am always here for a good one night stand moment, and their first meeting was done so well. I also really enjoyed being back in Ember Falls and seeing familiar faces from earlier books. It felt like coming home, and that sense of community is one of the things this series does best.
That said, there were a few twists that felt a little out of left field. I didn’t dislike them and they were definitely entertaining, but some of them leaned a bit far into the unbelievable for me, which pulled me out of the story just slightly. Still, this book delivered a satisfying conclusion overall. As a whole, Come What May is a strong ending to a fantastic series, and I loved spending one last time in Ember Falls.
There were so many things about Come What May that I truly loved. The FMC was easily one of my favorites in the series. Her passion for life and her determination to succeed made her impossible not to root for. I adored her drive and the way she went after what she wanted. The opening scene especially hooked me right away. I am always here for a good one night stand moment, and their first meeting was done so well. I also really enjoyed being back in Ember Falls and seeing familiar faces from earlier books. It felt like coming home, and that sense of community is one of the things this series does best.
That said, there were a few twists that felt a little out of left field. I didn’t dislike them and they were definitely entertaining, but some of them leaned a bit far into the unbelievable for me, which pulled me out of the story just slightly. Still, this book delivered a satisfying conclusion overall. As a whole, Come What May is a strong ending to a fantastic series, and I loved spending one last time in Ember Falls.
Review of advance copy received from Author
e-ARC review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐♾️❤️
This is where Corinne Michaels delivers a proper conclusion: she closes with a strong finish. I haven’t read her entire catalog, but I read this saga from start to finish. And what an ending: Killian and Tessa are not just the chronological conclusion they are the emotional conclusion, the point where everything comes together and the journey feels complete.
This book has been fantastic, and I’m not saying that out of favoritism or bias. It is solid, well-constructed, and stands on its own. Without exaggeration, this is one of the best Small Town Cowboys books I’ve read. I’ve read more than 30 books in the cowboy and small-town romance category, and this one is firmly in my top five.
Now, why does this book stand out?
✨Number 1: The plot is solid and concise. Killian and Tessa meet naturally, and their relationship flows with coherence. It’s clear they were meant to find each other, and the story reflects that effectively.
✨Number 2: The client-publicist dynamic adds an extra layer of tension. The forbidden and professional relationship creates conflicts and connection points that are well executed.
✨Number 3: The age difference adds stability and maturity to the story. Killian is 44 and Tessa is 25, a nineteen-year gap that builds chemistry and depth without relying on clichés or exaggeration.
✨Number 4: The friend group is well-developed. Their interactions feel real and provide humor, camaraderie, and context that enrich the main storyline.
✨Number 5: The tropes are used effectively. One of the most notable is “the father of your best friend,” which creates tension and maintains interest without feeling forced.
✨Number 6: The plot twist around 75-77% of the book is unexpected and shifts the perspective of the story. This twist strengthens the narrative and solidifies my five-star evaluation.
In summary, this book combines a clear plot, well-developed characters, strong relationships, and moments of tension that make it stand out. It releases in a few days, and I had the privilege of reading it as an ARC. Experiencing this advanced copy allowed me to fully appreciate the story.
If you’ve read this review all the way through, thank you. The next review will focus on another book by Corinne, exploring a new family group that I’m excited to dive into.
This is where Corinne Michaels delivers a proper conclusion: she closes with a strong finish. I haven’t read her entire catalog, but I read this saga from start to finish. And what an ending: Killian and Tessa are not just the chronological conclusion they are the emotional conclusion, the point where everything comes together and the journey feels complete.
This book has been fantastic, and I’m not saying that out of favoritism or bias. It is solid, well-constructed, and stands on its own. Without exaggeration, this is one of the best Small Town Cowboys books I’ve read. I’ve read more than 30 books in the cowboy and small-town romance category, and this one is firmly in my top five.
Now, why does this book stand out?
✨Number 1: The plot is solid and concise. Killian and Tessa meet naturally, and their relationship flows with coherence. It’s clear they were meant to find each other, and the story reflects that effectively.
✨Number 2: The client-publicist dynamic adds an extra layer of tension. The forbidden and professional relationship creates conflicts and connection points that are well executed.
✨Number 3: The age difference adds stability and maturity to the story. Killian is 44 and Tessa is 25, a nineteen-year gap that builds chemistry and depth without relying on clichés or exaggeration.
✨Number 4: The friend group is well-developed. Their interactions feel real and provide humor, camaraderie, and context that enrich the main storyline.
✨Number 5: The tropes are used effectively. One of the most notable is “the father of your best friend,” which creates tension and maintains interest without feeling forced.
✨Number 6: The plot twist around 75-77% of the book is unexpected and shifts the perspective of the story. This twist strengthens the narrative and solidifies my five-star evaluation.
In summary, this book combines a clear plot, well-developed characters, strong relationships, and moments of tension that make it stand out. It releases in a few days, and I had the privilege of reading it as an ARC. Experiencing this advanced copy allowed me to fully appreciate the story.
If you’ve read this review all the way through, thank you. The next review will focus on another book by Corinne, exploring a new family group that I’m excited to dive into.
February 23, 2026
I loved the ending of this series!!! I'm kind of sad it's already over.
January 21, 2026
[Come What May]
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦 𝘔𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘈𝘓𝘊. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
I officially have a new favorite couple in Ember Falls! This book had everything- beyond top tier spice, character growth and development, a forbidden relationship, hilarious small town personalities, found family galore, and some mysteries and surprises. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down.
Killian and Tessa were exactly what this crew needed and the perfect couple to round out the series. Tessa is new in town and I love how she finds all the missing pieces in her life through this small town, Killian, and his horses. *deep breath* The way they met still has me giggling (You have arrived at your destination, IYKYK!) and their chemistry was out of this world. I love how they intend to have a casual relationship but Killian decides he's going to show Tessa how she should be treated so she can take that into her future relationships. It was so fun to watch them both take it too far and fall head over heels.
Tessa is in town and Killian's publicist to help him figure out what is going on with the disappearance of his horse training and the fallout to his business. Tessa really works hard and I love that she got her moment to shine. The mystery comes together at the end and it was so exciting!
I absolutely loved this book. It is the last book in the Ember Falls series but Corinne does a really good job of making each book a true standalone. By reading the series you get to know all the small town characters better, but you could totally dive into this book and still thoroughly enjoy it.
✨ One Night Stand
✨ Publicist x Client
✨ Ranch Owner
✨ Age Gap
✨ Secret Relationship
✨ Unsolved Mysteries
✨ Found Family
📚Book: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🎧 Audio: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🔥Spice Rating: ❤️🔥
🎧 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼...
Samantha Brentmoor and Austin Stone brought this book to life with their duet narration. Samantha will always be one of my favorite female narrators and this book is the perfect example of why. Her performance was top tier! Austin was fabulous and Killian. He freely let the emotions flow through his words when the book got heavy and also had me laughing. He did lots of different voices for the other men in the book which was helpful to keep everyone on the Disk Jockey's separate but a few of the voices were a bit distracting. Those parts were small so I was able to look past it and I really enjoyed the audiobook.
Spice Rating
🤍 clean romance
💗 closed door/ fade to black
❤️ spicy content (a few detailed scenes)
❤️🔥 explicit, play-by-play (major part of the plot)
🖤 graphic, more than vanilla
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦 𝘔𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘈𝘓𝘊. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
I officially have a new favorite couple in Ember Falls! This book had everything- beyond top tier spice, character growth and development, a forbidden relationship, hilarious small town personalities, found family galore, and some mysteries and surprises. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down.
Killian and Tessa were exactly what this crew needed and the perfect couple to round out the series. Tessa is new in town and I love how she finds all the missing pieces in her life through this small town, Killian, and his horses. *deep breath* The way they met still has me giggling (You have arrived at your destination, IYKYK!) and their chemistry was out of this world. I love how they intend to have a casual relationship but Killian decides he's going to show Tessa how she should be treated so she can take that into her future relationships. It was so fun to watch them both take it too far and fall head over heels.
Tessa is in town and Killian's publicist to help him figure out what is going on with the disappearance of his horse training and the fallout to his business. Tessa really works hard and I love that she got her moment to shine. The mystery comes together at the end and it was so exciting!
I absolutely loved this book. It is the last book in the Ember Falls series but Corinne does a really good job of making each book a true standalone. By reading the series you get to know all the small town characters better, but you could totally dive into this book and still thoroughly enjoy it.
✨ One Night Stand
✨ Publicist x Client
✨ Ranch Owner
✨ Age Gap
✨ Secret Relationship
✨ Unsolved Mysteries
✨ Found Family
📚Book: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🎧 Audio: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🔥Spice Rating: ❤️🔥
🎧 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼...
Samantha Brentmoor and Austin Stone brought this book to life with their duet narration. Samantha will always be one of my favorite female narrators and this book is the perfect example of why. Her performance was top tier! Austin was fabulous and Killian. He freely let the emotions flow through his words when the book got heavy and also had me laughing. He did lots of different voices for the other men in the book which was helpful to keep everyone on the Disk Jockey's separate but a few of the voices were a bit distracting. Those parts were small so I was able to look past it and I really enjoyed the audiobook.
Spice Rating
🤍 clean romance
💗 closed door/ fade to black
❤️ spicy content (a few detailed scenes)
❤️🔥 explicit, play-by-play (major part of the plot)
🖤 graphic, more than vanilla
February 21, 2026
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Come What May is the most current release of the "Ember Falls" series. This was a book I had high hopes for and I was a bit disappointed in this one here. The narration wasn't the best which was a big part of why I didn't really like this as I had wanted. I did enjoy some aspects of their relationship but I also struggled with some of the plot as I felt like it was way too much conflict and unnecessary at times. But I did love their chemistry and the hearts that came with their relationship and the end was pretty solid in some ways.
First Line
You are beautiful.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Killian
The Heroine: Tessa
Summary
Tessa had come to Ember Falls for a job. But the evening before she is to do a marketing plan to save a rancher's business, she meets a man at a bar and has a passionate night with him and that one night will seal her fate. What she doesn't realize, is the man she had the best sensual night of her life with, is the same person she is to help save for her work. She has slept with a client and it could cost her everything that she has worked for if she even thinks about giving in again. But there is something deeper building between Killian and Tessa.....more powerful than any career or any danger to them...
What I Loved
There was such fabulous chemistry between Killian and Tessa. From the beginning of the story, I loved how the author developed their connection. The spice in the story was truly fabulous. If you love a good dominant kink with some praise kink ....then you will really enjoy the smexy times that develop for these two. But what also was so much more with them was their hearts. How in tune they became with each other and all that yearning they had while also realizing how hard their road would be if they even tried to find a way to be together. They were respectful of boundaries and had such faith in each other. When it really comes down to the big battle for them ....their love was so powerful and inspiring. You can see how much they were willing to give for each other and sacrifice in the end.
What I Struggled With
I really battled with how the plot was developed in this one. I didn't care for the conflicts that the author added in. I did like the mystery involving his racer. But the added conflict to their relationship with her best friend was too much in my opinion. It just felt way too over dramatized than what was needed. They already had plenty of conflict happening, it just felt like it was drama for dram's sake and how she was willing to sacrifice the man she loved for a friend felt a bit too much to me. How the heroine treated the hero through this conflict is what I struggled with the most. Like he was an inconvience to her. I also wish it was more atmospheric for a ranch. Hardly any world description was put in. I am not sure why so many authors that write cowboys don't write the world building very good. Just felt like a small town with a hero that wears a cowboy hat lol
Narration
There were elements to the narration I liked but what I struggled with was the hero's tone of voice. It just wasn't how he was described and I just wish his tone of voice had felt more gruff and older and mature. It felt like he was in his early twenties and not forties. And it tended to draw me out of the story too much.
Overall View
Come What May was a sexy contemporary romance that had all the swoons and found family vibes that will keep you on edge!
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Cowboy Hero, Mature Age, Strong FMC
Themes: Praise Kink, Found Family, Small Town
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Fling, Forbidden Love
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Kristen Proby
Laura Pavlov
Willow Aster
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Narrators:
Austin Stone
Samantha Brentmoor
January 12, 2026
Age gap, right person wrong time, strangers to lovers, can’t have each other; seriously everything Corinne put in this book was like she infused crack into it! There was no way I wasn’t going to be addicted and there was no stopping my obsession within the first few chapters.
I couldn’t get enough of this book and the only reason it took me longer to read it because I had a LOVE/HATE struggle with the idea that this. Was. The. End. Of Ember Falls 🥺 that push and pull to read and consume but also slow down and savor - legit real problems!
Killian and Tessa are just amazing. I would have to say that they almost took my number one spot in this series. Cuz lord have mercy that age gap was ON POINT! Especially with as big as it was! It’s a hard trope to write with that big of one, but Corinne took it to races and never looked back. There was no ick and that too young/too old distance. Did Tessa give Killian crap?? Oh you KNOW it. And did the rest of the Disc Jockey rub it in the wound of his age? oh hell ya! But we wouldn’t have expected anything less.
Austin Stone and Samantha Brentmoor brought these two to life, as well as had to balance 3 other couples AND Hazel’s cameos. I would think coming at the end of a series, doing the narration for a final book would have a whole other level of hardship to contend with. Every couple up to that point has a certain voice in the readers heads, especially from the other narrators before them. So to be at the end you have to balance not only the way they see and feel the characters, but also the narrators who came before. They did an amazing job at with this book. A job that I think is already exceptionally harder from the start.
I can’t say enough love I have for Ember Falls and if I could convince everyone to read this series I will! Corinne I love and hate you giving us this. Love cuz these characters will stick with me forever and hate cuz well Ember Falls is over and no one wants something they love to be over…. Even though we all know it can’t last forever and ever.
Read the series, fall in love. Laugh, cry, feel the struggles, and most of all fall in love. Because each couple has their own unique story and Killian and Tessa give you one hell of an ending to this series. Take your betting wins and get ready to hold onto the reign cuz Ember Falls has one for story left in it for us all and she did NOT come empty handed.
I couldn’t get enough of this book and the only reason it took me longer to read it because I had a LOVE/HATE struggle with the idea that this. Was. The. End. Of Ember Falls 🥺 that push and pull to read and consume but also slow down and savor - legit real problems!
Killian and Tessa are just amazing. I would have to say that they almost took my number one spot in this series. Cuz lord have mercy that age gap was ON POINT! Especially with as big as it was! It’s a hard trope to write with that big of one, but Corinne took it to races and never looked back. There was no ick and that too young/too old distance. Did Tessa give Killian crap?? Oh you KNOW it. And did the rest of the Disc Jockey rub it in the wound of his age? oh hell ya! But we wouldn’t have expected anything less.
Austin Stone and Samantha Brentmoor brought these two to life, as well as had to balance 3 other couples AND Hazel’s cameos. I would think coming at the end of a series, doing the narration for a final book would have a whole other level of hardship to contend with. Every couple up to that point has a certain voice in the readers heads, especially from the other narrators before them. So to be at the end you have to balance not only the way they see and feel the characters, but also the narrators who came before. They did an amazing job at with this book. A job that I think is already exceptionally harder from the start.
I can’t say enough love I have for Ember Falls and if I could convince everyone to read this series I will! Corinne I love and hate you giving us this. Love cuz these characters will stick with me forever and hate cuz well Ember Falls is over and no one wants something they love to be over…. Even though we all know it can’t last forever and ever.
Read the series, fall in love. Laugh, cry, feel the struggles, and most of all fall in love. Because each couple has their own unique story and Killian and Tessa give you one hell of an ending to this series. Take your betting wins and get ready to hold onto the reign cuz Ember Falls has one for story left in it for us all and she did NOT come empty handed.
February 7, 2026
3.75 stars - Forbidden Romance · Rancher MMC · Age Gap
I liked this one, but I do wish Tessa and Killian’s initial encounter had been given a bit more time to develop. They fall into things very quickly, which made the early chapters feel a little rushed. I enjoyed the forbidden element of her being his publicist, but the best‑friend’s‑dad twist only appears in the second half, and Tessa’s reaction felt a touch immature. That said, I still enjoyed their dynamic and the series as a whole.
I liked this one, but I do wish Tessa and Killian’s initial encounter had been given a bit more time to develop. They fall into things very quickly, which made the early chapters feel a little rushed. I enjoyed the forbidden element of her being his publicist, but the best‑friend’s‑dad twist only appears in the second half, and Tessa’s reaction felt a touch immature. That said, I still enjoyed their dynamic and the series as a whole.
January 16, 2026
Another absolute hit from Corinne! I was giddy when I realized this story had a mystery-suspense element woven in (my favorite) and that plot twist? Chef’s kiss. Completely unexpected and so well done.
This was such a beautiful love story. Even with tropes that might seem taboo, everything was handled with care and depth, making their connection feel genuine and inevitable. These two were truly meant for each other.
And let’s not ignore the spice because… wow 🥵🔥 Corinne did not hold back.
This series is officially a forever must read for me. I’ll be recommending it nonstop. 🤭
Tropes included:
🧡 Small Town
🧡 Publicist x Client
🧡 Best Friend’s Dad
🧡 Age Gap
🧡 Forced Proximity
🧡 Horse Rancher
🧡 Temporary Roommates
This was such a beautiful love story. Even with tropes that might seem taboo, everything was handled with care and depth, making their connection feel genuine and inevitable. These two were truly meant for each other.
And let’s not ignore the spice because… wow 🥵🔥 Corinne did not hold back.
This series is officially a forever must read for me. I’ll be recommending it nonstop. 🤭
Tropes included:
🧡 Small Town
🧡 Publicist x Client
🧡 Best Friend’s Dad
🧡 Age Gap
🧡 Forced Proximity
🧡 Horse Rancher
🧡 Temporary Roommates
February 4, 2026
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ Small Town Romance
✨ Best Friend’s Dad
✨ One Night Stand
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Client x Publicist
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ Small Town Romance
✨ Best Friend’s Dad
✨ One Night Stand
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Client x Publicist
January 8, 2026
4.5 stars!!
Narration for this was so good! Absolutely loved Austin Stone & Samantha Brentmoor together!!
I absolutely loved Killian & Tessa!! The perfect Smalltown, age gap, filled with swoon worthy moments, some emotional aspects, and a touch of suspense and a fun little twist!
Killian was top tier and Tessa was just such a lovable FMC. Tessa is in Ember Falls to help a client with a problem with his ranch. Little does she know a one night stand leads her right to him. This one had me smiling, and on the edge of my seat at the same time!
Corinne Michaels definitely delivered a fun ride with this story & I highly recommend!!
Narration for this was so good! Absolutely loved Austin Stone & Samantha Brentmoor together!!
I absolutely loved Killian & Tessa!! The perfect Smalltown, age gap, filled with swoon worthy moments, some emotional aspects, and a touch of suspense and a fun little twist!
Killian was top tier and Tessa was just such a lovable FMC. Tessa is in Ember Falls to help a client with a problem with his ranch. Little does she know a one night stand leads her right to him. This one had me smiling, and on the edge of my seat at the same time!
Corinne Michaels definitely delivered a fun ride with this story & I highly recommend!!
January 20, 2026
3.5⭐️
2🌶
While I did enjoy this, I feel like it was a completely different series than all the others and the major twist just seemed so out of left field.
I am sad this series is over though. 🥹
2🌶
While I did enjoy this, I feel like it was a completely different series than all the others and the major twist just seemed so out of left field.
I am sad this series is over though. 🥹
February 4, 2026
thank you to corinne and her team for the digital ARC!
oh i DEVOURED this!! come what may was such a bingeable small town romance, and y’all know i’m always down for a bff’s dad sitch.
i also did not anticipate the suspense and mystery aspects, but that was such a fun addition!
- small town
- publicist x client
- best friend’s dad
- age gap
- forced proximity
4.25 stars
2.5 chilis
oh i DEVOURED this!! come what may was such a bingeable small town romance, and y’all know i’m always down for a bff’s dad sitch.
i also did not anticipate the suspense and mystery aspects, but that was such a fun addition!
- small town
- publicist x client
- best friend’s dad
- age gap
- forced proximity
4.25 stars
2.5 chilis
January 21, 2026
::sigh:: Move over Miles, there is a new fave in town and his name is Killian. This man is everything I could possibly want in a book boyfriend and more. Him and Tessa together was PERFECTION and I loved every single second of this book.
What you'll get:
- Small town
- One night stand plus more
- Age gap
- A wee bit of suspense
- A fab plot twist
Killian was well worth the wait and the surprise guests in this book were top tier. Bravo, my friend, you've outdone yourself.
What you'll get:
- Small town
- One night stand plus more
- Age gap
- A wee bit of suspense
- A fab plot twist
Killian was well worth the wait and the surprise guests in this book were top tier. Bravo, my friend, you've outdone yourself.
February 4, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!
eeek! this book! i ate it up and i enjoyed it SO MUCH. while it was bittersweet to say goodbye to the world of ember falls, i was also so giddy for this book because it took us in a direction i never thought i would see corinne explore. tessa & killian’s romance was as explosive and hot and full of small-town goodness as i’d hoped it would be!
when tessa was sent to ember falls to manage a PR disaster, she never imagined that doing so would involve creating a storm of her own. but that’s exactly what happens when she meets hot, rugged, sexy as sin killian thorne. he’s too much to resist and tessa indulges in an explosive affair with him, one that, unbeknownst to her, might blow the ranch scandal she’s attempting to fix into a nightmare of epic proportions.
anyone who knows me knows i’m a big fan of (fictional) romances that push the lines. (fictional) age gap? count me in! (fictional) taboo relationship? sign me up! so, when i knew this book was gonna have a particular favorite forbidden romance trope of mine (in fiction, exclusively!) i signed up for an early copy for review SO FAST. killian & tessa’s story was everything i needed—it was hot, spicy, full of dirty, delicious romps all over a ranch + rich with corinne’s signature small-town charm and found family vibes.
my only gripe is that the crux of the plot/big, looming secret in killian & tessa’s romance was advertised in the marketing for the book, however, in the book itself, it’s kept hush-hush? it was to the point where i thought the big secret was one i had made up or one i got from the blurb of a different story. i almost feel like the book was written to have it be a shocking, surprising twist of a discovery, and then belatedly was used to market the story. i think i would’ve enjoyed the story a lot more had it been kept secret à la hush hush by lucia franco.
eeek! this book! i ate it up and i enjoyed it SO MUCH. while it was bittersweet to say goodbye to the world of ember falls, i was also so giddy for this book because it took us in a direction i never thought i would see corinne explore. tessa & killian’s romance was as explosive and hot and full of small-town goodness as i’d hoped it would be!
when tessa was sent to ember falls to manage a PR disaster, she never imagined that doing so would involve creating a storm of her own. but that’s exactly what happens when she meets hot, rugged, sexy as sin killian thorne. he’s too much to resist and tessa indulges in an explosive affair with him, one that, unbeknownst to her, might blow the ranch scandal she’s attempting to fix into a nightmare of epic proportions.
anyone who knows me knows i’m a big fan of (fictional) romances that push the lines. (fictional) age gap? count me in! (fictional) taboo relationship? sign me up! so, when i knew this book was gonna have a particular favorite forbidden romance trope of mine (in fiction, exclusively!) i signed up for an early copy for review SO FAST. killian & tessa’s story was everything i needed—it was hot, spicy, full of dirty, delicious romps all over a ranch + rich with corinne’s signature small-town charm and found family vibes.
my only gripe is that the crux of the plot/big, looming secret in killian & tessa’s romance was advertised in the marketing for the book, however, in the book itself, it’s kept hush-hush? it was to the point where i thought the big secret was one i had made up or one i got from the blurb of a different story. i almost feel like the book was written to have it be a shocking, surprising twist of a discovery, and then belatedly was used to market the story. i think i would’ve enjoyed the story a lot more had it been kept secret à la hush hush by lucia franco.
January 20, 2026
Come What May by Corinne Michaels is book four in the Ember Falls series. Get ready for the forbidden, all the small town vibes, and a bit of suspense!
Tessa has a passionate one night stand with Killian. The attraction is instantaneous. But it's not until the morning after that they soon discover Killian is her new client.
From that moment they decide to keep it professional. The chemistry is there in the background burning slowly and ready to ignite. There's added suspense of trying to figure out what is happening with Killian's horses.
Watching them become a team and provide emotional support through rough patches cemented how perfect they were for each other. The gang is back together and I loved seeing the Disc Jocks in action. When they banter and razz each other.
My heart is full, this story was the perfect conclusion to the series. Corinne couldn't have done it better! Saving Come What May for last. I'm excited for what's to come next!
Thank you to Corinne and Team for the e-ARC copy ✨
Tessa has a passionate one night stand with Killian. The attraction is instantaneous. But it's not until the morning after that they soon discover Killian is her new client.
From that moment they decide to keep it professional. The chemistry is there in the background burning slowly and ready to ignite. There's added suspense of trying to figure out what is happening with Killian's horses.
Watching them become a team and provide emotional support through rough patches cemented how perfect they were for each other. The gang is back together and I loved seeing the Disc Jocks in action. When they banter and razz each other.
My heart is full, this story was the perfect conclusion to the series. Corinne couldn't have done it better! Saving Come What May for last. I'm excited for what's to come next!
Thank you to Corinne and Team for the e-ARC copy ✨
January 20, 2026
The final book in the Ember Falls series. Hard to say goodbye to this adorable small town. The friendships and found family of the group really stood out to me and made the series special. If you enjoy your romances with lovable characters and fun laugh out loud banter, this is for you.
This is Killian and Tessa’s story. Taking forbidden romance to the extreme. Not only is he her client but he’s her best friend’s dad. Oh and they end up living together while they work on the pr situation at his ranch. I really enjoyed Tessa’s character, she was mature and hard working and was a perfect fit for Killian.
I loved the little bit of added suspense and plot twist with the scandal at the ranch. Added a little excitement to the story. The romance was so well written, it was rewarding to finally get to see Killian get his happily ever after.
“It’s as though a match has been lit and I’m ready to set the entire forest up in flames.”
This is Killian and Tessa’s story. Taking forbidden romance to the extreme. Not only is he her client but he’s her best friend’s dad. Oh and they end up living together while they work on the pr situation at his ranch. I really enjoyed Tessa’s character, she was mature and hard working and was a perfect fit for Killian.
I loved the little bit of added suspense and plot twist with the scandal at the ranch. Added a little excitement to the story. The romance was so well written, it was rewarding to finally get to see Killian get his happily ever after.
“It’s as though a match has been lit and I’m ready to set the entire forest up in flames.”
January 11, 2026
Come What May by Corrine Michaels eARC Review
What a perfect ending to the Ember Falls Series. I read it in basically one sitting and absolutely didn’t want to put it down. The added suspense was completely unexpected but it added so much to the story.
A one night stand that turns into so much more. When Killian and Tessa learn who each other really are, it complicates things instantly. They can’t fight their connection and the forbidden aspect is just so good.
I adore Killian and Tessa. The two of them are put through it that’s for sure, but it just made it that much sweeter when they get their happily ever after.
I also loved seeing the ultimate frisbee gang again and their group chats are seriously my favorite!
What to expect:
Small town
Publicist x client
Best friend’s dad
Horse rancher
Age gap
Forced proximity
Thank you so much Corrine for the arc!
What a perfect ending to the Ember Falls Series. I read it in basically one sitting and absolutely didn’t want to put it down. The added suspense was completely unexpected but it added so much to the story.
A one night stand that turns into so much more. When Killian and Tessa learn who each other really are, it complicates things instantly. They can’t fight their connection and the forbidden aspect is just so good.
I adore Killian and Tessa. The two of them are put through it that’s for sure, but it just made it that much sweeter when they get their happily ever after.
I also loved seeing the ultimate frisbee gang again and their group chats are seriously my favorite!
What to expect:
Small town
Publicist x client
Best friend’s dad
Horse rancher
Age gap
Forced proximity
Thank you so much Corrine for the arc!
January 12, 2026
Come What May by Corinne Michaels absolutely delivered as a satisfying, emotional finale to an already beloved series. Narrated in duet by Samantha Brentmoor and Austin Stone—who were both phenomenal—this audio felt immersive, engaging, and perfectly cast, with each narrator fully embodying Tessa and Killian’s voices and emotional beats. I loved checking back in with the friend group and seeing everyone come full circle, and Killian and Tessa were such a compelling match. Even though I’m definitely closer to Killian’s age than Tessa’s 😅, I found her incredibly relatable and easy to root for. The tension between them, the way neither could fight their attraction, and watching them finally give in and realize they were meant to be made this such a swoony, heartfelt listen, with just the right touch of suspense woven in. A strong, emotional conclusion that reminded me why I loved this series so much.
Tropes:
🤠 Small town
🔥 One night stand
⏳ Age gap
🚨 Dash of suspense
🐎 Cowboy / rancher
Tropes:
🤠 Small town
🔥 One night stand
⏳ Age gap
🚨 Dash of suspense
🐎 Cowboy / rancher
January 21, 2026
4.25 Stars!
“Sleeping with your client is bad, but what I did is even worse.”
This is a very well-written, cute story that includes age gap, “right person, wrong time”, and forced proximity tropes!
I really enjoyed getting both Tessa and Killian’s POVs. Lots of swoon worthy moments as well as a little suspense plot added in.
I loved being back in Ember Falls and having the cameos of some of the characters from the previous books. Just so bittersweet that this is the end of that series.
This is the last book in an interconnected series, but can be read as a stand-alone. Recommend checking this one (and the whole series) out!🩷
I’ve read a handful of books now by this author and have really enjoyed them all!
Thank you to @corinnemichaels for this #gifted e-ARC!🫶🏼
“Sleeping with your client is bad, but what I did is even worse.”
This is a very well-written, cute story that includes age gap, “right person, wrong time”, and forced proximity tropes!
I really enjoyed getting both Tessa and Killian’s POVs. Lots of swoon worthy moments as well as a little suspense plot added in.
I loved being back in Ember Falls and having the cameos of some of the characters from the previous books. Just so bittersweet that this is the end of that series.
This is the last book in an interconnected series, but can be read as a stand-alone. Recommend checking this one (and the whole series) out!🩷
I’ve read a handful of books now by this author and have really enjoyed them all!
Thank you to @corinnemichaels for this #gifted e-ARC!🫶🏼
January 26, 2026
Struggled to get into this one.
February 3, 2026
Thank you Corinne Michaels and @teamcorinnemichaels for the ARC in exchange for my honest review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book was so good! I have been looking forward to getting to know killian’s backstory more since book one and man did it not disappoint. Tessa and Killian were such a great balance of sweet and steamy! I was not prepared for all the twist and turns this book takes you with the mystery of “who did it?” but I loved watching all the characters come together to solve the issues and close out such a great series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book was so good! I have been looking forward to getting to know killian’s backstory more since book one and man did it not disappoint. Tessa and Killian were such a great balance of sweet and steamy! I was not prepared for all the twist and turns this book takes you with the mystery of “who did it?” but I loved watching all the characters come together to solve the issues and close out such a great series.
January 20, 2026
ARC Review
I may or may not have read this book in 1 day. I also may or may not have stayed up wayyyy too late finishing it but I had to know what happened!
Killian Thorn is dealing with a major work crisis at his ranch, Ivy Thorn, and brings in his publicist for help... enter Tessa Rivers.
From the moment they meet, the chemistry is instant.
Things get a little messy the next day when they realize that they're supposed to be working together
Once the truth comes out, they try to fight the attraction... but let's be real—there was no chance of that actually working. 6
Their pull toward each other feels
natural, intense, and impossible to ignore.
There are definitely obstacles along the way, but I loved how everything was handled. Emotional, heartfelt, and so well done without unnecessary drama.
And can we talk about seeing familiar faces in Ember Falls again? That always makes my heart happy. Cl
Releases 1.20.26!
Corrine Michaels you knocked it out of the park yet again!
#bookstagram #comewhatmay #romancereaders #bookish #bookishvibes
I may or may not have read this book in 1 day. I also may or may not have stayed up wayyyy too late finishing it but I had to know what happened!
Killian Thorn is dealing with a major work crisis at his ranch, Ivy Thorn, and brings in his publicist for help... enter Tessa Rivers.
From the moment they meet, the chemistry is instant.
Things get a little messy the next day when they realize that they're supposed to be working together
Once the truth comes out, they try to fight the attraction... but let's be real—there was no chance of that actually working. 6
Their pull toward each other feels
natural, intense, and impossible to ignore.
There are definitely obstacles along the way, but I loved how everything was handled. Emotional, heartfelt, and so well done without unnecessary drama.
And can we talk about seeing familiar faces in Ember Falls again? That always makes my heart happy. Cl
Releases 1.20.26!
Corrine Michaels you knocked it out of the park yet again!
#bookstagram #comewhatmay #romancereaders #bookish #bookishvibes
January 25, 2026
2,5 *
The story is not bad if you have no great expectations.
The falling in love part is inexistent. The main couple feel attraction, lust...but love? Nope.
Just because a hot stranger you had a one-night stand with (that the next day turned out to be your client) invites you to stay at his farm, gives you yogurts to eat, makes you a breakfast, scrambles eggs for you, opens the cardoor and is good at sex..it really means you are now deeply in love with him?
In less than two weeks and without knowning anything important about the other?
When you have only talked at a surface level at best and the book is about to reach the end?
After a couple of weeks Tessa is so in love with Killian that she is ready to uproot her whole life and hoping the hero Killian wants more than casual sex, but when she finds out he is the biological father of her bestfriend it's now, out of nowhere, impossible for them stay together.
Tessa's motivations are illogical. She feels like she's betrayed her bestfriend's trust when the bestfriend Meredith and the hero Killian aka the dad have no real relationship or contact so far and they only live an hour from each other.
Noone knew who the other was and their connection to Meredith before they started the sexual affair but the universe, the fate, or whatever entity exists that rules and Tessa believes in, are punishing them because they pissed them off by sleeping together.
Tessa believes so.
They are doomed because they broke the rules she pontificates from her pulpit.
I kinda liked Tessa but at this point she is showing to be stupid and blowing a nothingness out of proportions.
She had no such worries about fate and doom when she decided to keep sleeping with her client.
What I save are the interactions among the Ultimate Frisbee components that are funny, and Killian.
The book is not so bad but not so good either.
Corinne Michaels is a hit or miss for me.
The story is not bad if you have no great expectations.
The falling in love part is inexistent. The main couple feel attraction, lust...but love? Nope.
Just because a hot stranger you had a one-night stand with (that the next day turned out to be your client) invites you to stay at his farm, gives you yogurts to eat, makes you a breakfast, scrambles eggs for you, opens the cardoor and is good at sex..it really means you are now deeply in love with him?
In less than two weeks and without knowning anything important about the other?
When you have only talked at a surface level at best and the book is about to reach the end?
After a couple of weeks Tessa is so in love with Killian that she is ready to uproot her whole life and hoping the hero Killian wants more than casual sex, but when she finds out he is the biological father of her bestfriend it's now, out of nowhere, impossible for them stay together.
Tessa's motivations are illogical. She feels like she's betrayed her bestfriend's trust when the bestfriend Meredith and the hero Killian aka the dad have no real relationship or contact so far and they only live an hour from each other.
Noone knew who the other was and their connection to Meredith before they started the sexual affair but the universe, the fate, or whatever entity exists that rules and Tessa believes in, are punishing them because they pissed them off by sleeping together.
Tessa believes so.
They are doomed because they broke the rules she pontificates from her pulpit.
I kinda liked Tessa but at this point she is showing to be stupid and blowing a nothingness out of proportions.
She had no such worries about fate and doom when she decided to keep sleeping with her client.
What I save are the interactions among the Ultimate Frisbee components that are funny, and Killian.
The book is not so bad but not so good either.
Corinne Michaels is a hit or miss for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2026
GASP. I can’t believe my favorite Corinne series (to date) has come to a close. And I knew I’d be feral for this one. BIG AGE GAP, BEST FRIEND’S DAD, FORCED PROXIMITY, and SUSPENSE/MYSTERY? GIMME! And Corinne delivers- this is SO much fun, so deliciously spicy, and addictively page turning. Come What May is a heartfelt, tender, and deliciuosly sexy finale to the Ember Falls series, but also a bittersweet to say goodbye to a world that has become so special to me. What a perfect finale!
Killian, the last of the Disc Jocks, is a rugged cowboy with a quiet, soft-hearted nature that makes him instantly compelling. When a PR disaster threatens his ranch, he never expects his new publicist to be the woman he shared a one-night connection with the night before. Tessa arrives in Ember Falls determined to prove herself professionally, even as she finds herself navigating small-town life, blurred boundaries, and feelings she did not plan for.
Tessa is hands down my favorite Corinne heroine. A deftly blended (and relatably created) blend of vulnerability, insecurity, and fierceness. And good GOD someone get me a cold shower because Killian is dangerously sexy. Alpha, rugged, growly and protective… but also thoughtful and sweet. Their romance blends an age gap, off-limits tension, and undeniable chemistry with genuine emotional depth that touches the heart. What begins impulsively turns into something layered and meaningful as both characters push and challenge each other. Tessa brings confidence and determination that forces Killian out of his comfort zone, while Killian offers steady support, emotional safety, and loyalty that allows Tessa to feel truly seen. Their relationship develops with restraint, stolen moments, and a growing emotional risk that gives their connection real weight AND keeps the tension high.
The romance is seamlessly paired with a suspenseful mystery surrounding Killian’s ranch, adding tension and urgency without overshadowing the love story. The twists kept me engaged, and the way the suspense was woven into the romance raised the stakes for both their hearts and their trust. A lot unfolds at the end, and I wish we’d had just a bit more time to marinate in it before things got fixed (would have raised the stakes even more), but I did love that we had some closure on some big pieces and more “after math.”
The small-town atmosphere, found family dynamics, and familiar faces from earlier books, including all our fav couples and town folks, are perfectly used here.There is humor, banter, emotional moments, and some good full circle closure to al our couples. It feels like we’re saying goodbye to them all vs. just Killian and Tessa, but their story still takes center stage.
The audio is a really solid listen, though I will say the male narrator, Austin Stone, wasn’t quite my cup of tea and took some getting used to for me. Both because his voice didn’t quite match what I saw for Killian and his performance style felt a bit over the top in places. I think it just felt a bit mismatched for Killian’s energy, though eventually I got sucked in and liked him fine. Samantha Brentmoor is fantastic though as Tessa- she’s so immersive and emotive.
Honestly, this one is set up to be a favorite for me just because of the tropes. I just have loved this series so much. Overall, Come What May is a romantic, emotional, and engaging finale that balances heat, heart, and intrigue. Can’t wait to see what Corinne has in store for us next!
Audio: 4 stars
Book: 4.5 stars
😮 Best Friend's Dad
🤠 Horse Rancher
💼 Publicist X Client
🫠 Age Gap
🥵 Forced Proximity
🏠 Small Town
💋 One Night Stand
Killian, the last of the Disc Jocks, is a rugged cowboy with a quiet, soft-hearted nature that makes him instantly compelling. When a PR disaster threatens his ranch, he never expects his new publicist to be the woman he shared a one-night connection with the night before. Tessa arrives in Ember Falls determined to prove herself professionally, even as she finds herself navigating small-town life, blurred boundaries, and feelings she did not plan for.
Tessa is hands down my favorite Corinne heroine. A deftly blended (and relatably created) blend of vulnerability, insecurity, and fierceness. And good GOD someone get me a cold shower because Killian is dangerously sexy. Alpha, rugged, growly and protective… but also thoughtful and sweet. Their romance blends an age gap, off-limits tension, and undeniable chemistry with genuine emotional depth that touches the heart. What begins impulsively turns into something layered and meaningful as both characters push and challenge each other. Tessa brings confidence and determination that forces Killian out of his comfort zone, while Killian offers steady support, emotional safety, and loyalty that allows Tessa to feel truly seen. Their relationship develops with restraint, stolen moments, and a growing emotional risk that gives their connection real weight AND keeps the tension high.
The romance is seamlessly paired with a suspenseful mystery surrounding Killian’s ranch, adding tension and urgency without overshadowing the love story. The twists kept me engaged, and the way the suspense was woven into the romance raised the stakes for both their hearts and their trust. A lot unfolds at the end, and I wish we’d had just a bit more time to marinate in it before things got fixed (would have raised the stakes even more), but I did love that we had some closure on some big pieces and more “after math.”
The small-town atmosphere, found family dynamics, and familiar faces from earlier books, including all our fav couples and town folks, are perfectly used here.There is humor, banter, emotional moments, and some good full circle closure to al our couples. It feels like we’re saying goodbye to them all vs. just Killian and Tessa, but their story still takes center stage.
The audio is a really solid listen, though I will say the male narrator, Austin Stone, wasn’t quite my cup of tea and took some getting used to for me. Both because his voice didn’t quite match what I saw for Killian and his performance style felt a bit over the top in places. I think it just felt a bit mismatched for Killian’s energy, though eventually I got sucked in and liked him fine. Samantha Brentmoor is fantastic though as Tessa- she’s so immersive and emotive.
Honestly, this one is set up to be a favorite for me just because of the tropes. I just have loved this series so much. Overall, Come What May is a romantic, emotional, and engaging finale that balances heat, heart, and intrigue. Can’t wait to see what Corinne has in store for us next!
Audio: 4 stars
Book: 4.5 stars
😮 Best Friend's Dad
🤠 Horse Rancher
💼 Publicist X Client
🫠 Age Gap
🥵 Forced Proximity
🏠 Small Town
💋 One Night Stand
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