Keep Me

Finding Me #3

by Michelle Mankin

Almost forty-one-year-old Annabelle Morris, wife to multi-billionaire record label executive Charles Morris of Zenith Productions, and mother of two is at a crossroads in her life.
Separated from her husband after walking in on him having sex in the public restroom of a charity event she was hosting, she has arrived on the island of St. John alone and rejected, determined to re-evaluate her life and her marriage. She's tired of being her husband’s showpiece while he pretends she doesn't exist. She's tired of trying to make their marriage work for the sake of their two teenage boys.
When she meets Johnny Lightning, a sexy but mysterious piano-playing, bearded sailor, she is tempted to break vows she has never before broken. But Johnny is much younger than her and seems to be hiding more than a few secrets of his own.
From the laid-back sandy beaches of the Caribbean to the elite circles of Dallas high society, Annabelle is forced to make critical choices.
Is a chance for happiness worth the risk of giving up the life she has always known?
Worth jeopardizing her own and possibly even her children's future?
In the end, will she stay on her present course or brave a new and uncharted one?
Find Me, Remember Me, and Keep Me is a full and complete novel in three separate parts.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

100 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2016

About the author

MICHELLE MANKIN is the New York Times bestselling author of over 40 romance novels.
Romance that Rocks.
Her individual books are FREE in kindleunlimited. Link to them on her author page on Amazon:
http://author.to/MyAuthorPage
BRUTAL STRENGTH trilogy
completed series
TEMPEST
a fan favorite and a completed series
FIND ME
a completed trilogy
ROCK STARS, SURF AND SECOND CHANCES
a completed series
STORM is a #1 bestselling standalone spin-off from the Rockstars, Surf, and Second Chances series
GIRLS RANKING THE ROCK STARS (Rock F*ck Club)
a completed series
IN HIS EYES is a standalone spin-off from the RFC
ONCE UPON A ROCK STAR
4 books planned ending with The Right Song
ADDY"S ROLLERCOASTER ROMANCE
Getting it Wrong
Getting it Right
NO QUARTER
Hot Summer School Night
Breaking Her Bad
MAGIC series
a completed paranormal series

Reviews

[Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.• · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a three part series that I read as a complete set. What I loved the most about this is that it was about a woman with some life experience, she is 40 years old, been married, raised a family and made a lot of sacrifices.

In Find Me I really feel like this is about Annabelle rediscovering herself. When you have spent the last 18 years married and being a stay at home mother it is easy to lose who you are. One minute you are working in a career you enjoy and the next you are elbow deep in nappies and household chores. When Annabelle arrives on the island of St John the weight of her day to day life is slowly peeled away and she enjoys just being a woman. She has been separated from her husband for the past year and when she meets Johnny on her holiday he makes her realise that she is still desirable and beautiful. Everything changes for Annabelle after her time away and she is determined to stay true to who she is now.

In Remember Me Annabelle is back home. Her husband seems to have had a change of heart and wants her by his side. Annabelle begins to look at her marriage with a much different viewpoint, after her holiday experience with Johnny and what she felt with him. There is no comparison really, to be honest her marriage feels just like a business transaction – she is just an asset to her husband and she does not gain any happiness in being with him.

In Keep Me Annabelle really starts to put herself first more. It is not in her nature to do that, she is notorious for putting everyone and everything else before her own needs. It is a liberating experience for her and gives her a bit of a thrill. She knows what she wants but whether she can make it happen or not is the biggest hurdle she will have to face. She knows she is not happy in her marriage but there is a security of sorts that comes with that. She also knows that she is strong enough now to go it alone and make her own happiness too.

This is a wonderful series about getting a second chance at life and that learning to value yourself is the greatest love there is.

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of Keep Me from the author in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*
In Keep me, the characters showed a lot of growth, and the romantic scenes made me melt!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this new book part three by Michelle Mankin as an ARC and it is an amazingly beautiful story about self discovery.

Enter the contest:

ADD Find Me, Remember Me, and Keep Me on Goodreads. You might be one of three lucky readers chosen randomly to receive an e-copy of each on release day 1-15-16.

Find Me is a story of self discovery. It amazes me that no matter how old we are we are still discovering things about ourselves. Annabelle is a married woman with kids and finds herself at crossroads in her life so she takes a time out to revive herself and goes to the beach to find herself. This story really resonates with me as a woman in her 40's and married. No matter what age women question their worth and confidence is shaken when we are hurt by the ones who should love us the most. Johnny Lighting is in the same boat, he has gone to the Island to run away from life and find himself again. These two find themselves in a situation where they spend lots of time together and have this electric attraction to each other. And the mystery behind who Johnny Lighting is really surprising. love this story it is really about self discovery and finding yourself and the journey to get to that destination. This book felt so real to me that I can imagine myself on the beach that is where I go to find myself again and again....
For more indie book reviews: Myindieauthorfix.com

[Ruth McDonnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Anna and Johnny! They are having a baby! My only complaint is the ending felt a little rushed.

[Miss Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book in this series is the best one. The other two are kind of... meh. I would have liked to have an epilogue about their life and new baby.

[Miss Rail · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars...
I really enjoyed book 1 but all the very stupid drama thrown in this last installment ruined the story for me.
I hate stupid and easily avoidable drama.
It just drags things along without a meaningful purpose.
I rounded up the rating to 2 stars because the writing was not terrible.

[Brandee (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Johnny's reappearance, he and Anna realize that in each other's arms is where they belong. However, Charles isn't going down without a fight and his machinations and a surprise threaten Anna and Johnny's tenuous happiness.

What I loved most about Keep Me was getting to know Anna's family better as well as getting more of Johnny's history. We even get a few chapters from his POV. All this combined to fully flesh out Anna and Johnny as characters - rounded them out. And really made me believe in them.

What I took away from their story:


The titles could be more apropos for the characters and their story. I delighted in Mankin continuing her tradition of defining pertinent terms at the beginning of the book as well.
Mankin deftly conveyed a real story - the characters are relatable and their situations realistic.
Mankin's use of metaphor brilliantly paints pictures of scenery as well as emotions.
Seeing Anna blossom into a emotionally stronger and confident woman was a beautiful thing.


**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"But I can't keep you, Johnny. What we shared was wonderful. You gave me memories I will never forget. But it was temporary. We both know that. It wasn't even the start of anything real, anything honest."
"I never lied to you."
"Sins of omission..."
***

KEEP ME about ruined me. Mercy!! First of all there is so, so much that happens in this short read. How Mankin got every bit of all that goodness into this book is beyond me. Lady obviously knows what she is doing. That is for darn sure.

As I read this one I sort of took my time. I knew this was the end. I knew that once this book ended I wasn't going to get any more Anna and Johnny. So I savored my time with them. Well, for as long as I could. I am not really the patient kind of reader. So I ended up greedily taking it all in as fast as I could. I was dying to know what would happen. Would Johnny and Anna be together? What would Charles do to them even if they did decide to? He is a powerful man after all. And what about when....Ah, ah, ah. I can't give that away. Trust me; you will want to read what happens for yourself!!

Getting to read this amazing series has started my year off on the right foot. Definitely setting the bar for some authors to compete with its goodness. I will say that I saw quite a few stories lingering between the lines with this one and some of the other characters. I am restless to know if this is something the author plans to indulge in. But I encourage you to pick up this series and immerse yourself into this beautifully crafted story of finding yourself and finding love. 5 Stars!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Annabelle trying to make her relationship with Charles work to protect her sons and Johnny, she is under pressure to reignite all parts of their relationship. When Johnny makes a reappearance, he reminds her of the life she could have with him, feeling loved and cherished. It could finally give her the courage she needs to end it once and for all with Charles and begin a new life with Johnny.

Being ground down time and time again by Charles is the reason she gave back into him so easily. She knows what will happen to those she loves if she doesn't and she feels completely alone in her struggles.

Annabelle coming into her own and discovering who she is and what she wants is a definite highlight, as is Johnny's devotion and belief in her, which makes their relationship a beautiful one if they can overcome all of the obstacles in their way.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***

[Lisa Guzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story

The story was a quick read with three parts to it. Annabelle finds herself in a situation where her marriage is going nowhere. Her husband was caught with his pants down and she decided to separate from him. After a year of separation her bff has her take a trip to her brothers villa for some much needed R&R. While there she meets Johnny Lightening. She finds something in him and he does as well. Only problem that remains now is the husband that doesn't really want to let her go without a fight.

[Brandee - Brandee's Book Endings · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Author has done it again. Keep Me is part three of the new Tempest spin-off series which I absolutely loved! Perfect ending to this new series... definitely keeps you turning the pages!!!! While you do not need to read the Tempest books to read this series, I would highly recommend you to - otherwise you are missing out. I loved the characters in this story, the surprise elements and the hope of being able to start over again in life when you are not in your 20s anymore. Make sure to pick this series up!

[Robyn Jones]

This is going in my reread section. I have a new favorite author in Mankin. I loved how the entire landscape was painted, how I could taste the salty air and feel the intensity of stolen and not so stolen gazes between Anna and Johnny. I loved that the turmoil wasn't about redemption or guilt but a rebuilding. So yeah, I loved the book.

[Michelle Mankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Janet Sastini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome awesome awesome

I just finished all three books of the Finding Me series. All I can say is I absolutely loved them. Charles Morris never appreciated what he had, only longing for what he lost. Annabelle had a low self esteem from how Charles treated her, she felt that she wasn't worth being loved. Johnny couldn't believe his instant attraction to Annabelle and worked hard to come to terms with his feelings and convincing Annabelle that she deserved to be loved and cherished just like she loved and cherished those important to her. Johnny and Annabelle are so perfect for each other and I'm so happy that they found each other and get their HEA. Thank you for another outstanding series Ms. Mankin.❤❤❤

[Ruby McDemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored how this part tied everything up and made it all so so sweet. Everything between Johnny and Annabelle is so sweet and pure its beautiful to hear about. I loved listening to all the emotions (good and bad) that Kai and Wen projected into the finally of this series. With all the lies or misunderstandings how everything worked out shows the true beauty the world can hold and made getting to hear this story so much better.

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happily satisfied!

I didn’t get the sense that Charles was such a douchebag in all books that he was in before this. He did seem cold though and that came out in these books. Anna was such a warm person as was Johnny so I’m really happy all ended well for them. And now they are starting their own family and Johnny is getting back to his rock career.

Good trilogy.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep Me was a good ending to Johnny and Annabelle's story. I would have liked some more epilogue as to what they're doing now but I'm thinking Johnny could have a book in his future and a lot of questions could be answered there. I was glad to get a little more insight into Charles' character. All in all, this was not a disappointing read. Michelle really writes some great series!

[Patti Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep Me is the final book in the Finding Me trilogy. I am not a fan of short books and had the full trilogy not been immediately available I would have skipped it.

Although a rocky road to it, Johnny & Annabelle get their hea AND my suspicion from book 2 is confirmed! Charles rightfully gets put in his place. An excellent ending for Johnny & Annabelle!

[Cindie Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Wow I thought this series couldn’t get any better… But it did. What a perfect ending to a love story… I want more about this group… Please

[Nicole Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changes

Loving this series! Michelle is an amazing writer that knows how to keep a readers interest. I highly recommend this book to others.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story but there are so many cliffhangers... I want to know what is next.

[Shirley Monas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending

Great ending to the series! Love Johnny so much in this story. A nice HEA ending. Charles got what he deserved and Anna did too.

[Laurie Gyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

so very good

I couldn’t forget, the man with the poet’s soul and the sailor’s heart, the man for whom I had fallen so hard. Loved this trilogy, characters and HEA
8 stars

[Sharilyn Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

wonderful

As always the books were entertaining and full of so much love. I never wanted to put this series down until I finished all 3!

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+++ Stars for this book and for the series. It just doesn’t seem right that I am having such a hard time writing a review for this book but the reason is probably surprising to many. How do you review a book that you felt so totally invested in its characters? Saying “characters” also sounds pretty harsh because Ms. Mankin wrote about these “people” with a lot of love. Johnny and Annabelle seemed so real and they actually were when you were reading this series because they became people who you felt so a part of. I’m a hardcore rock romance junkie and even if you didn’t have all the drama of behind the stage action you were drawn into something so much deeper. Yes, Johnny was the rock star from a band which was out in the public eye a few years back but he still held that charisma that rock stars need in order to draw the fans but he had more than that. The love and caring that he felt and showed toward Anna just melted my heart so many times which for me is saying a lot because I am not a mushy type of person.

As for Anna, how could you not love her? She was a great mother with always putting her boys first, a caring friend to Claire, a loving sister, and even though she had millions of dollars at her disposal she was always one of the first people to host a fundraiser or charity in order to help others. How does anyone turn out like that when they are in a marriage in which she was always second best to her husband? That is what Johnny saw in Annabelle. A person who more than deserved to be loved and cared for. It did take some convincing from him to get her to understand that the age difference did not matter to him because he looked past all of that to see what type of woman she really was.

This third part to the series dealt with Johnny back in the picture and ready to fight for a woman that he had let leave the island with her heartless husband. Johnny’s devotion to her was beyond words, it was shown in his actions too. As a tornado threatened the fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project it was Johnny who put Annabelle’s safety above his own and went to look for her and make sure she was safe, as Charles sought shelter without checking to see if Annabelle was ok. You are taken on one hell of a ride when they throw caution to the wind and let their romance take over. They have to deal with Charles and all the implications that he holds for Annabelle and for Johnny’s career and his love of music. There is another little twist thrown into all of this in which Charles, Johnny and Annabelle has to decide what is best for someone else besides themselves.

All three of these books are ones that should not be passed up if you love to read a great book. After the endings of the first two parts which leave you with NEEDING to find out what is next, the final book will leave you with a good feeling and a feeling of contentment. Excellent job Ms. Mankin and I cannot wait to see what else you have coming for us.

This book was provided as an ARC from the author for an honest review.

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Queen of RockStars is back!

I thoroughly enjoyed the Find Me, Remember Me, Keep Me books by Michelle Mankin. I always enjoy Michelle’s writing but I particularly enjoyed this romance which features older characters, and for once, an older than the hero, heroine (shocker!).

Michelle gave me a taster of the first book back in November and then left me hanging for more! When an ARC of all three books arrived on my kindle I was beside myself and delved back in straight away. I re-read all the chapters that I had already read so I could be transported to St John with Anna and Johnny!

Initially, the story is set on the Island of St John which Michelle describes beautifully. I absolutely adore books with an Island setting and this was no exception. This story, told mostly from Anna’s point of view, but also occasionally from Johnny, is more than just a romance story; it’s a story of self-discovery, and rejuvenation. At the start of these books, Anna’s confidence was at an all-time low, it was great to see that turn around and for Anna to find herself once more.

Annabelle, a forty one year old, mother of two teenage boys, travels to St John alone following her marriage breakdown. Her best friend Claire arranges for Anna to stay at her brother Johnny’s beachside villa. Johnny isn’t supposed to be there, and Anna believes that the caretaker is meeting her at the port. But, well, that’s not quite the situation! Of course!

We don’t get the greatest first impression of Johnny but he sure turns it around. What’s not to love about a mysterious, bearded, troubled but gentle souled fella? Johnny was a great character; he had his own issues going on but the way he gave Anna her confidence back and fought for her was heart-warming. Is that enough to give Anna the courage to end her unhappy and demeaning marriage permanently and find the happiness she deserves?

I read all three books in one sitting. It was effortless reading for me, and I enjoyed the escape. There was angst, drama, lots of swooning, and a terrible villain! The door is wide open for more from these characters and I can’t wait to read more!

I believe some of the characters in this book may be familiar to some who have read Michelle’s other work. I hadn’t come across these characters before, but that didn’t stop my enjoyment of this story. This story can be read without having read the other books, without question.

If you’re looking for a fab quick read that is a great escape but tells a sweet and heart-warming story (with the odd bit of nookie thrown in!), then look no further. Enjoy!

Oh and as a side note, I LOVED all the references to James Bond!

4 Stars!

[JC82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all can I say, this cover is so sexy. And its not because it has that sizzle factor its more because of its simplicity. The cover model is gorgeous and he has the most simple yet sincere expression on his face. Love it.

I read all three parts of this book in succession so I am just going to write an overall review and post it for the other two parts as well.

This story is a true romantic read. I literally felt my heart flutter while reading this story. The words that Mankin puts to paper drip with love, admiration and pure heart. The character Johnny is a true gentleman who guards those he cares for with genuine ferocity and loves unequivocally. He will make you melt into gushy little pieces.

I also enjoyed the character of Annabelle. Annabelle is an older woman with two teenage boys and a husband who is a jerk at his finest. He treats Annabelle like property and in an attempt to regain her life and dignity she takes a personal trip to St. Johns. Its like a reset button. Annabelle though she has her insecurities is still a very strong character. Throughout the novel she faces very real and understandable obstacles and dilemmas for a woman in her position. She wants a love that is real but she also must do what is best for her family and children. I liked seeing her struggle with her emotions and what was the right course for her. That is life, its not easy all the time to make decisions especially when you are at a different phase in your life.I liked seeing her overcome the barriers that kept her from being happy from the perspective of an older woman.

I would have liked the story to be a bit longer with some more development with Johnny and Annabelle's family, especially her sons. Annabelle's sons were very important to her and I would have liked to see some more conversation and bonding between them and Johnny, we get a small glimpse of them together and some conversation between Annabelle and her son CJ and Trent, but i would have liked Mankin to delve into that a bit more from both the perspective of the boys and Annabelle.

Overall I enjoyed this story, there are some heart wrenching moments, some moments that will make you seriously pissed especially when it comes to Annabelle's husband Charles, and some moments that will lift your spirits. I enjoyed the underlying theme of second chances. Both Johnny and Annabelle has a history of heartbreak and I loved that they both were able to get past it and find happiness again.

I have been reading Mankin for some time now and she never disappoints. Satisfying romantic read with true heart!

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #2 Remember Me finished with Mr. Johnny Lightning in a suave suit whispering the words Remember Me , which if you were like me - it made you swoon and you wish that you had a Mr. Johnny Lightning in your life. Where Find Me was all about Annabelle and Johnny's first meeting and Remember Me about Annabelle's life, in Keep Me we discover and take a walk back through Johnny's past and learn about how he became Johnny Lightning and was in the band Noir signed up by Black Cat Records - which made me smile as if you are a fan of Michelle's earlier works you will remember from her previous series "Black Cat Records" . In Keep Me, we still read as Charles is being a manipulative jerk but it seems that by Book #3 Keep Me - Annabelle has finally grown a backbone and found some guts to leave the guy behind and I love how her children are supportive of this as that's who comes first in her life. In Keep Me, all will be revealed to whether Annabelle will get her happy ending as she discovers that she is pregnant ? Whose baby is it - is it Charles and will she find herself trapped once again or is it Johnny's which will give her a chance to start a new and happy life ? What I have loved about this series is that Annabelle was a geninue nice person and you have the idea that she may not be model looking material, but that she has a great personality and that she has a big heart and is a beauty on the inside and that in order to find someone who truly loves you , you don't have to look like a model as if it's meant to be then they will discover the goodness inside and it's the inner beauty that you hold within you that they fall in love with.
Females out there - Don't be a Shallow Hal , but instead be a Annabelle or a Claire - be An Audrey and let your light shine out of you as inner beauty lasts a lot longer than outer beauty and in the long run is more important.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so eager to get to this last part of the trilogy! I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen after Johnny surprised Annabelle by performing at the benefit she had put together with her brother. I just knew that things were going to explode with Charles being there as well.

Well, let me just say that I have been all over the place with my emotions while reading this one. I have no idea how Michelle Mankin managed to pack so much into such a short trilogy but this one is packed full of goodness. Annabelle is taken back when she sees Johnny again. She is rendered speechless for sure. So, what is Annabelle going to do now? She has been trying to make at it with Charles for their boys, but is she going to be able to keep that front up? When Charles does everything he can to try and make Johnny think that Annabelle is set on making it work with him and is even pregnant with his baby, Johnny does the noble thing and leaves. He thinks that Annabelle has made up her mind. But was that just Charles talking for Annabelle of was that really what Annabelle wanted? You need to read this one to find out!

I loved the devotion that Johnny showed to Annabelle by making the trip to see her. Not until later does Annabelle really understand how big of a deal this was for Johnny. She can not comprehend how she means so much to someone that they would take those measures just to see her because of how Charles has always treated her. She was just a filler for a position for him. I am so proud of Annabelle for figuring out who she wanted to be and who she clearly wanted to be with. This is such a great read. I am hooked on Michelle Mankin now and can't wait to see what she has in store for us as readers in the near future!

[Rhonda Laws · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy family love

Fully enjoyed this series. The strength one must hold onto just to keep who you are inside. Family Anna would do almost anything to make sure that the children came first in this crazy triangle of what she thought to be love.