Spune-mi că rămâi

The Hennington Brothers #1

by Corinne Michaels, Ana Săndulescu (Translator)

Un singur cuvânt.

Rămâi.

Era tot ce avea el de făcut. În schimb, s-a urcat în acel autobuz și a plecat cu tot cu inima mea. M-a abandonat, lăsându-mă să cred că nu îi pasă. Și că nu merit să îi pese.

Asta s-a întâmplat acum șaptesprezece ani.

Am suferit teribil și m-am simțit mizerabil. Dar am mers mai departe. M-am căsătorit. Am făcut copii. Am cumpărat o casă frumoasă, într-un loc frumos. Am pornit o afacere care îmi aduce satisfacție, alături de cea mai bună prietenă a mea. Aveam tot ce îmi puteam dori. Și apoi soțul meu m-a trădat, și am fost încă o dată abandonată. Și inima mi-a fost din nou sfâșiată.

Singură, înglodată în datorii despre care habar nu am avut și cu doi băieți de crescut, nu am avut de ales și am fost nevoită să mă întorc în Tennessee, în locul unde am refuzat atâția ani să revin. El nu ar fi trebuit să fie acolo. Ar fi trebuit să fiu în siguranță în acel loc, la ferma părinților mei. Și totuși, viața găsește mereu moduri în care să te surprindă.

De data asta însă, rolurile sunt inversate. Decizia îmi aparține. Există o a doua șansă, dar nu știu dacă noi doi putem repara ceea ce a fost cândva distrus...

„O poveste de dragoste despre a doua șansă – tumultuoasă, evocatoare, sexy și explozivă. Povestea lui Presley și Zach vă va pătrunde adânc în inimă.” Vilma's Book Blog

„O combinație superbă de emoție, iubire, suferință și speranță. Spune-mi că rămâi este memorabilă și mișcătoare. Corinne Michaels s-a întrecut pe sine.” New York Times

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance Romance, Audiobook, Small Town Romance

336 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2016

About the author

Corinne 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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Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars



Say You’ll Stay is a stunningly beautiful and emotional read. Honestly, I’m not sure if I’ve ever read a book that made me feel so much in the first few chapters. I was in tears more times than I can count in the first 10%. Did I mention it’s emotional?? Coming from someone who loves to feel when they read, I was totally okay with this aspect of the book. Just a warning to all readers picking this one up- be prepared to feel!

In the first chapter of the book, Presley’s life is forever changed. It’s not just changed, it’s turned upside down. Everything she thought she knew about her life isn’t what it seemed to be. Now she’s forced move from the city she’s raised her sons in, to go back to the small town she grew up at in Tennessee. She loves her parents and her brother, but there is a lot in Tennessee she doesn’t want to return to. Her first love, Zachary Hennington is on the top of that list.

Pres and Zach had that small town first love that everyone thought would last forever. But it didn’t. And now she’s back in the same town he is in. Zach and Presley both made choices when they were younger that broke them apart. The problem wasn’t that they didn’t love each other, it’s that their dreams took them in different directions, and they were young so of course there were struggles and miscommunications along the way that kept them apart all these years.

I’ve moved on in some ways, but Presley… she’s everything. She’s the reason I haven’t been able to move forward in my life. I’ve tried to live, love again, but it never compared. She fucking ruined me.

It’s apparent that Zach and Presley belong together. Whether they want to admit it or not, those feelings are still there between them. They both have regrets and it’s not an easy go of things, but their love is still there. Most people don’t get a second chance at a first love, but Zach and Pres have that chance. They just both have to decide to take it.

“I don’t think we’re doing anything too fast. I think we’re just finding our way back to where we always were meant to be.”

Presley’s story wasn’t just a romance. It was a story of strength. A story of finding yourself and making the best out of all the bad that can come. Bad things happen, and sometimes you just have to suck it up and do the best with the situation you find yourself in. Presley’s life was turned completely upside down and she was in a situation she never imagined she’d find herself in, but she was a fighter and ended up stronger for it. I admired her ability to move on with her life after the worst case scenario happened to her.

I got that feeling from the start that Zach and Presley were one of those couples that just belonged together and I really rooted for them both. I loved both Presley and Zach. Pres was actually my favorite character in the book, but Zach really won me over with the time he spent with her sons, and that fact that he was patient with Pres when she needed it, but also knew when she needed a push. As much as I loved the two main characters, I really adored Zach’s brother, Wyatt, and I’m ecstatic he’s getting a book!

Corinne’s words were so poignant and powerful I didn’t want to stop reading when I started. If you’re looking for a heartbreaking, yet heartwarming, gorgeous second chance romance- you don’t want to miss out on this one! Highly recommend it to all!

“I want you. I want us.”


“I’ve always wanted you.”

[Aestas Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED ::::

I can't tell you if you're ready. I can only tell you that I've always loved you. I've always closed my eyes and seen you beside me. It was never over.

OMG!! This was one of the most gorgeous second chance romances I’ve ever read!! It had all the emotional intensity of a passionate love story, mixed in with deep feels that made me tear up, and even hilarious moments that made me laugh out loud too. It was sexy, swoony, and utterly addictive. I loved every word!

One of the things I specifically loved most about this book was that this couple genuinely talked through their issues in an open, functional way that made me truly believe in their relationship. It felt real. Everything they went through and did, even their mistakes, made sense or were explained in a way that you could understand where each character was coming from logically and because of that, their story was truly a joy to read.

Oh, and THE EPILOGUE WAS PERFECT!!!!!! ALL THE SWOON!! If you're looking for a heart-warming romance to make you swoon, I highly recommend this as a top favorite! But first, let me tell you a bit about the story...

When her loving, caring, supportive husband commits the ultimate betrayal (not cheating) with no apparent cause that she can see, Presley's life is shattered and thrown into chaos. Everything she'd built with him came crashing down. The man she planned to grow old with and the father of her twin boys removed himself permanently from their lives leaving her alone to raise their children and support their home. When she loses their house shortly after, she has nowhere left to go but to return to her hometown to be with her family while she gets back on her feet.

She'd been avoiding going back home for almost two decades, ever since she left for college, because everything about that town reminded her of Zachary, the boy she'd loved in her childhood, who she'd been engaged to, with whom she was planning to spend the rest of her life, and who'd ripped out her heart when he left her.

What she didn't count on was that he'd actually still be there. And even more, she certainly didn't count on the chemistry between them being stronger than ever. He'd left her, abandoned her, and after everything she'd gone through since then, she was done putting her heart out on the line. And this time it was up to him to convince her that their broken relationship could be healed and that it was possible to give their love a second chance.

I’ve never stopped loving her. I knew I never had, but now there’s no way I can deny it. I’ve moved on in some ways, but Presley… she’s everything.

Ahhhhhhh THAT MOMENT when their eyes first met again after all those years apart gave me SHIVERS! My spine tingled!! There were so many feels between them that passes even in that moment. ALL THE SPARKS!

Before I can respond, my eyes look toward the bar. Everything stops. My heart. My breathing. My entire world stands still. Zachary Hennington stands there staring at me. He doesn’t move and neither do I. A tsunami of memories flood the room. Out first kiss, the first time we made love, the promises, the proposal, the love that filled our lives, and the pain when he left me. Not a muscle on him moves as he looks at me. I can see the questions pass between us.

Is that really you?
How are you?
Why are you here?
Why didn’t you call?
Why did you leave me?
Why didn’t you come with me?
Where have you been?
Do you feel this?
What does it mean?

And even the first time he hugged her -- literally just HUGGED her -- tears came to my eyes. They just had the kind of connection where you knew in your heart of hearts that no matter what kind of horrible things had happened between them, they were meant for each other.

“I want to see where this goes, and if it works, I want to take care of you. There’s a lot of shit we have to work through. This isn’t going to be easy, darlin’… I don’t ever want to hurt you.”
“I know you can’t promise that.”
“No, I can’t. But I can promise I’m not going away easily. I’ll wear you down. I’ll remind you that something the reward is worth the risk.”

I loved watching them reconnect. I loved that it wasn't instant, and yet the moment they saw each other, you could tell that THEY were inevitable. It wouldn't be possible for them not to end up together. They belonged to each other and seeing them work through their past to build back what had broken was beyond heartwarming!

For all his misguided mistakes back in college, I couldn't help but fall in love with Zach. It was clear beyond any doubt that he still loved Presley with everything he had. Not to mention that the way he welcomed her sons into his life with such openness was just gorgeous! Guys, there is a whole LOT of swoon in this book!

When two people loved each other without inhibitions, the way we have, there is no chance of ever being the same again. The connection we share isn’t something that can be severed. I learned to love differently, and in this instant, my soul has found it’s way back to him.
“Kiss me,” I say in a hushed voice…
“Are you sure, darlin’?”
“I’ve loved you since I was twelve years old. You were my first kiss, my first love, the first man to touch me. I want you to kiss me, and I need to kiss you.”

Now I know some of you will be curious about this... When Presley comes back to town, Zach does have a girlfriend. She's the town bitch and he isn't in love with her. As soon as it was clear that they had a shot at trying to rebuild their relationship, he broke up with his girlfriend. I mean, they were separated for seventeen years. As far as he knew, he'd messed things beyond fixing with the girl he loved and she'd married someone else and started a family so it was understandable that he'd be with someone else during that time. But I loved that he openly broke it off as soon as it made sense to. Just the whole way all of this scenario was handled didn't bother me at all.

I mentioned above how wonderful it was that Zachary and Presley really talked through their issues and I have to say that this was really the key element that made their whole story so believable. Good communication is one of the foundations of any healthy relationship and they had some of the most functional and realistic relationship-centric conversations I've ever read. They took the time to be open about their feelings and work through their issues and that's what made their story so genuine. It wasn't just that they fell back in love with each other, it was that they actually took the time to deal with their past in such a way that you believed that their future would be solid.

“We’re not a normal couple. We’ve known each other forever [and] I’ve been in love with you my whole life. I know you better than you know yourself. Don’t you get it, baby? We’re made for each other.” He releases my hand and cups my face. “I know every part of you, love every part of you, and there’s no rush on my part, but I don’t think we’re doing anything too fast. I think we’re just finding our way back to where we always were meant to be.”

Also can I just say that I adored Zachary's brother Wyatt. He worked so hard to get them back together that it was achingly sweet. He deserves his own HEA and I hope he gets a book too. I'd read it without question!

Oh, and did I mention Zachary is a cowboy? A gorgeous, sexy cowboy who calls her "darlin'". This was the ultimate swoon-fest. It was everything I could ever hope for from a second chance romance. I loved  the story from start to finish. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down and I highly recommend it to everyone as a new top favorite!!!

Rating: 4.5+ STARS!! Standalone Adult romance.

Buy SAY YOU'LL STAY (Kindle)
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[Karen Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” ~ Corinthians 13:4-13

Sometimes you read a book that is so beautiful that you’re left in a haze, floating in the air where life is more precious from above. You wonder how mere words….WORDS…can render you so full of FEELS where your emotions are still dangling on clouds long after the story has stopped. Emotional ecstasy. Corinne Michaels’ latest second-chance romance, Say You’ll Stay, is THAT FEEL-GOOD BOOK that renders you breathless and blissful from all of the heart that is poured into this piece of penned perfection.

Say You’ll Stay consumed me from the very first page; immersing me deeply into this devastatingly beautiful book.Chills ran through me. My breaths were bated. My pulse raced. My heart quickly broke as tragedy strikes hard. Presley and her two young boys are forced to flee back home to Presley’s family in Tennessee after their lives are turned upside down. Tears are starting to trickle as waves of despair crash into Presley, crashing into me.

"Black. That’s how I feel---void of any light or color.”

My tears are falling fast and hard, soaking my face. I’m nearly gasping for air, drowning to breathe, as I can’t help but become immersed in the devastation.

This poor mother, Presley, is still reeling from heartbreak yet she has to rebuild her life and muster up strength for her two boys. As a mama, I am devastated right with Presley. Now she is forced to face Zach Hennington, who broke her heart seventeen years ago when they were teens.

“He’s the same boy I fell in love with at twelve. He’s the boy who taught me to love. He’s the boy I saw myself growing old with, having children with, and yet he destroyed me.”

Presley left to forget Zach; now that she is back in her hometown and can only remember.

“That’s the thing about young love in a small town---it never dies.”

Presley is running from the past as she tries to overcome the tragedy of the present; Zach is running towards her.

“She’s the reason I haven’t been able to move forward in my life.”

Where there is darkness, there is light. Where there is heartbreak, there is hope. Where there is hope, there is healing. A misunderstanding tore them apart, leaving Presley bitter and broken, but she and Zach are reunited. Their love, despite tragedy and time, has never died.

“Love doesn’t let go. It grows stronger.”

Presley and Zach are a ball of fire. Their passion pours through the flames. They are turbulent yet so tender. As Zach pounds his way into Presley’s head and heart, he uncovers feelings that Presley tried her hardest to bury.

“My heart skips a beat. As much as I will try to fight the draw---it’s still there. Zach holds a string that’s tied inside of me. If he pulls, I’ll unravel.”

A boy and girl then; now a man and woman. Zach is the match that lights Presley’s body in flames. The sparks that resonated years ago are now reignited, burning brighter and scorching stronger than ever. Their love has survived heaven and hell.

“It’s not because of you, Presley. It’s because it’s always been you.”

I SWOONED HARD as these soul-wielding words clamped down on my heart, squeezing so many emotions out as I fell even more deeply in love with this story and this beautiful couple.

Presley can’t fight her feelings for Zach any longer. Zach took a part of her heart when they were teens and never gave it back. She owns his heart and always has. Their love is the kind that happens once in a lifetime. Soul mates who have lost their way and have finally come home.

“You were my first kiss, my first love, the first man to touch me. I want you to kiss me, and I need to kiss you.”

These words are so real, raw and romantic…gah! I’m awe-struck in the beauty bleeding off of the pages that carve out a part of my heart with each line.I cry. I smile. I hope with everything I have that Presley and Zach get the happy ending that they have fought long and hard for and deserve so desperately.

“I’ve always closed my eyes and seen you beside me. It was never over.”

My heart is still reeling and racing. These characters won’t stop dancing in my head. Corinne Michaels has written one of MY TOP ROMANCE READS OF ALL TIME, touching me so deeply in Say You’ll Stay.This author writes with heart and steals readers’ hearts along the way. Corrine Michaels' intense and intoxicating words in Say You’ll Stay have wrapped themselves around my heart and won’t leave.

Say You’ll Stay is a powerful and poignant, an epic and everlasting love story that dances in dreams and soars inside the soul. A romance that radiates passion and promise, Say You’ll Stay is so raw and real that I felt each word I read. My heart shattered and soared so many times. This book broke me yet breathed love, luster, and life into my body where I was left in utter book bliss. I fell in LOVE with Say You’ll Stay so HARD. Say You’ll Stay will stay with me like that special and sweet first love, owning a piece of my heart forever.

5 'but worth way more' beautiful and broken stars

[Angie - Angie's Dreamy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

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“I could drown in you.”
My eyes open.... “I could let you.”

I WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT! HOLY FREAKING WHOA. Let me be frank, I went into this with zero expectations. I was intrigued by the blurb. I was in LOVE with that cover. I knew it would be good. I did not know that it would OBLITERATE ME. I had no idea that I would feel beat me up and put together at the very same time. I had no idea I would yearn and need, feel a desperation for this couple that drove me to the brink of insanity. I had no idea what was waiting for me deep inside those pages. And IT. FLAT. OUT. BLEW. ME. AWAY.

It was one of those reads where when I finished, I had to sit back, close my eyes, let out an exhausted breath, and just soak it all in. Riveting, tumultuous, intoxicating, each page kept me hovering right on the edge.

Honestly, this review is so hard review to write. I don't think I can do Say You'll Stay justice. I don't know how to review it adequately. It just too good. And I am crazy in love with it. So crazy, it's turned into an almost fanatical feeling.

I'm DROWNING with the need to get this book IN YOUR HANDS. I want to stand on my perch and scream, "READ THIS. READ THIS NOW!" And let me tell you, that is what I live for. I LOVE a novel that lights a fire inside me, that drives me nutty, that makes me want to shove it down everyone's throat! This book is one of my FAVORITE READS EVER.

EVERRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

I came away feeling like I had lived, like I had LIVED AND BREATHED each word handed to me, felt every feeling as if they were my own. This book, for the hours I read it, become MY REALITY. I was bound to it.

It's hands down one of the most emotionally explosive novels I've read. It HOOKS YOU and doesn't release you. It's HEAVY HITTING in the feels department. Heart breaking yet undeniably sweet. It's a novel that's easy to invest in. The author holds nothing back. She unleashes angst like a violent Tsunami. It's gritty. It leaves you raw. But it's also one of the sweetest second chance romances. I guarantee you'll ache, cry, want, and need for Presley and Zach. You'll read it in one sitting, because that's the only option. It's addicting. And when it's done, you'll wish for more. A truly BREATHTAKING ride.

"Presley is mine. Always has been. Always will be. I’ll make damn sure of that.'

Zach and Presley come from a small town in Tennessee called Bell Buckle. They were each others first loves and they both thought it would last forever. That naivety lead to pure heartbreak. Things didn't work out. Years later Presley is married with two kids and Zach is well, Zach--hot as f-ck!!!

Both are on different paths now. However, unexpectedly life implodes for Presley, leading her back home, to the small town she's spent years trying to escape. With no other options, desperate, and suffering from a heart that's shredded, she struggles to find a way to cope and put her life back together for the sake of her two kids.

I can't say more than that. I think this book needs to be read without anymore info. There are twist and turns. The love that Zach and Presley have for each other has never died. And no amount of time could distinguished the flame these two carry. But with that flame, there is also so much bitterness and hurt. Feelings of abandonment, deep disappointment, and overall loss haunt them.

"So many memories between us. It’s easy to look at him and recall them all [....] We lived as if nothing could touch us. We had passion, trust, love, and hope for the future we dreamed of. I still see the boy who had the world at his feet. He’s deep inside this man who I don’t know anymore."

This is a story about finding yourself, picking yourself up, and learning you can handle anything life throws at you. It's about finding happiness in the worst situation. About accepting things you can't even begin understand. It's about forgiveness and second chances. And of course love that never dies.

"You and me, Presley. You and me.”

A small town romance with a family feel, this novel is heart wrenching, engrossing, sexy, compelling. I can't say enough good things. A total winner. One you NEED to read. One I highly recommend over and over. It's going down in my book as one of the best.

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

[A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

ANOTHER 'it’s me, not you' case.



This is an emotional second chance love story which, sadly, didn’t move me (except for the tragic event in the beginning which was indeed devastating).

I feel like I would have enjoyed the story more if it had been more focused on the main characters' past and college days instead of on the unnecessary and sometimes overly dramatic events.

Another problem is that I didn’t like the heroine and the hero was kind of boring, nothing to write home about.

I did love the secondary characters, though, and I can't wait for their own books.

QUICK REVIEW:

Enjoyment:: 3/5
Writing style: 4/5
Storyline: 3/5
Hero: 3/5
Heroine: 2/5
Secondary characters: 4/5
Hotness/chemistry: 2/5
Romance: 3/5
Angst: 4/5
Darkness level: 2/5
Humor: 2/5
Depth of the book: 3/5
POV: dual, 1st person
Triggers: suicide; hero is in the 5-year relationship with OW
Books with similar theme: For You (The 'Burg, #1) and Golden Trail (The 'Burg, #3) by Kristen Ashley

[Bibi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Considering the number of 5-star reviews, I started this book with gleeful palm-rubs and an idiotic grin, still, as I reached the 50% mark, I stopped and doubled back to the reviews. Did I miss something? Where are the feels? Am I missing the specific gene that rewards BS and idiocy? Can someone please help?!!

*Some spoilers*

Presly, a whiny entitled brat, is the female protagonist who blames everyone for the cards life dealt her and without once taking responsibilities for her own decisions.

Her husband, of 17 yrs, commits suicide because of their overwhelmingly dire financial situation and who does she blame? Him. How dare he lose his job and then take on more debt to sustain their lifestyle? Everyone always leaves, so she was certain he killed himself to get away from her.

And although she chose to marry her husband and have 2 lovely boys, apparently, only she was allowed some semblance of happiness because:

Zach, her first love, must be delusional for asking her forgiveness giving it was he who ended their relationship 17 yrs ago to follow his dreams of playing pro league? Also, Zach clearly never loved her otherwise, how could he even date another woman?

Lets not even start with her ungrateful attitude toward her parents, her brother, and everyone in her hometown: How dare her parents expect a thank you for opening their home to her and her kids? Don't they know she'd rather be homeless than return to live at their rolling hills 300-acre farm in "rural" Tennessee?

And would these hillbilly town people leave her be already; they have no right in wishing her and her kids well. Would her brother get over his resentment toward her "17 yr" absence, already? Yes sure she didn't call, write ,email or visit; but, doesn't he know Zach broke her heart "17 yrs" ago? Do you see a pattern? Perhaps this book should have been titled: "Say you'd have stayed with me 17 yrs ago."

Personally, I give a wide berth to people who feel entitled; are deficient in self-awareness or lack the ability to hold themselves accountable for their actions. I wouldn't want to spend a day with Presly and Zach should be grateful he had 17 yrs of peace because, their HEA is more like a HFN.

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Star



This story started off so very good and then I felt like the story jumped into hooking her back up with her ex way too quickly.

There definitely should have been more time spent on her dead husband and her feelings for him. Presley barely spent any time with her children for a mom I felt like she lacked a good connection to them. I also felt like the characters lacked depth somewhere in the feels portion for me. The heroine wasn’t my favorite character and I actually found her irritating and arrogant.

As for two characters that I felt totally got the shaft:

Felicia… 5 years she was loved by this man only to be cast aside. It didn’t matter how evil she once was or what she says to scare the heroine away.

"It’s not because of you, Presley. It’s because it’s always been you."

Todd… everyone was so darn angry at this poor guy. There wasn’t a real moment where the heroine forgave him and my heart broke for his life lost. The heroine returns to her country town and all everyone cares about is her getting back with her ex.

Anyway if you like second chance romances with a country setting of meddling secondary characters this maybe for you!

"I'll stay with you forever."

[NMmomof4 · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

Warning: I get a little ranty below because this h really ticked me off...

Overall Opinion: I think this is one of those that I went in expecting something great, and it sadly just didn't live up to my expectations. I had huge issues with the h. She ruined the book for me! I felt like she was selfish, stubborn, and had an undeserved entitled attitude! The way people treated her, it was like the B walked on freaking water too!! I just didn't understand why people let her get away with her piss poor attitude or her dishonesty. I was wondering what on earth the H could've done to make her so dang bitter and hold such a grudge, and once we find out?!? I was like -- that's it?!? I felt like she was WAY more in the wrong than he was in the situation, but noooo the H was "such a jerk" *rolls eyes*. If you really want to know why they separated, pm me and I'll give you spoilers. I love second chance romances, but the separation has to be caused by understandable circumstances...this?!? I felt was BS, and the h caused her own damn OTT "misery" (<

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Presley and Zach's story. They grew up together and were high school sweethearts, but were separated in college. Many years later, Presley finds herself heading back home with her twin sons after a traumatic event that separated her from her husband. She didn't expect Zach to be back as well, and the strong feelings from the past return at their reunion. They have some dancing around each other and having some major ups and downs, but they end up getting back together and getting a HFN ending.

POV: This alternated between (mostly) Presley and Zach's POV (only a few times).

Overall Pace of Story: Ok. This had one of those conflicts being resolved in the last chapter and then jumping into an epilogue ending. I hate that! I want some time between the resolution and the ending to see them succeeding as a couple! Otherwise, it flowed well and I never skimmed.

Instalove: No. They've known each other since they were kids, and they both claimed to have never fallen out of love (even though both of them "loved" other people)

H rating: 4 stars. Zach. I liked him. I felt like his confusion and anger towards the h was completely justified, and that he deserved better!

h rating: 1 stars. Presley. She ruined the book for me. I had big issues with her attitude towards the H (and everything else), and I felt like she was in the wrong for most of the book!

Sadness level: Low/moderate. I cried a few times, but it never turned into ugly crying.

Push/Pull: Yes The h holds a mean grudge over what happened in their past when she returns to town. We don't know the full details of why she is so upset, and we don't learn them until late in the book (80ish%). The H mainly pursues her.

Heat level: Low. There are a few scenes, but I felt like they are more about the emotional connection rather than the purpose of being hot.

Descriptive sex: Yes

Safe sex:I'm pretty sure condoms are mentioned, but I don't remember specifically or if there was any mention of previous practices....sorry D ;)

OW/OM drama: Yes The H is with OW for 5 years and is about to propose when the h returns. He states that he loves the OW, but never the same as how he loved the h. The OW went to school with them growing up, and causes some drama for the couple.

Sex scene with OW or OM: No

Cheating: Yes The H is with OW when the h returns. There is definite emotional cheating and some kisses shared before he ends things with the OW.

Separation: Yes They are separated for approximately 17 years. They both have other partners during this separation (h got married and had kids, and the H said it took years to be with another woman)

Possible Triggers: Yes Suicide, loss of a spouse, and miscarriage.

Closure: This had cute closure, but not enough for me. I would call it a HFN ending. They get engaged and are about to move in together

How I got it: I paid the $3.99 on Amazon.

Safety: Safe with exception

- Does have cheating (see above spoiler)
- Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
- Does have the h pushing the H away
- Does have a ~17 year separation between the h and H
- Does Not have abuse
- Does Not have OTT sad parts, but some tearful moments
- Does Not have a HEA ending

[KAS · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 S.L.O.W. Burn Second Chance Stars!

This was my first read by this author and it won't be my last. I love a second chance romance, especially one which pulls me in immediately, has me emotionally invested and keeps me tapping through the pages. Check, check and check!

*****

Presley Benson has it all. The love of a supportive husband named Todd, twin boys she adores, a great job and living in a beautiful house. That is until one day she comes home, and her world as she knows it is obliterated.

Left with no options, Presley is forced to move back home to Tennessee. She loathes having to go back and be a main topic of conversation. She also hates having to lie to the people she loves, but it can't be helped. She has only been back home to visit once in seventeen years.

But life continues to play a cruel joke on Presley! Not only is she back, but she learns the boy who was love of her life, the boy for whom she gave up everything, the boy who broke her heart, is also back living in the same small town. It has been seventeen years since she left for college to be with Zach. Seventeen years since Zach walked away from her. Seventeen years since she has laid eyes on Zach.

*****

Leaving Presley is Zach's biggest regret, and now that she is back home he will do anything and everything to prove how much he still loves her, that he never stopped loving her. Zach had a huge decision to make seventeen years ago, and was given only moments to do so. He had to choose ....... choose his childhood dream or choose Presley. He chose the dream and left Presley behind.

"Take a swing, Pres. What's the worse that happens?"

"You hurt me."

"I won't."

"I don't think you will on purpose, but you don't know what the future holds."

"I do though. I know that every part of my future includes you. When you came back into town, it was like my world settled. You were always supposed to be part of my life, but I wasn't ready for you then."

I must admit when I first read the reason Zach left her, I was disappointed it wasn't more of an epic, grovel worthy, get down on your knees and beg for forgiveness kind of reason, especially when he tried to stay in contact with her and she refused his phone calls. But I did understand Presley's anger and resentment because of what she went through after he left. I also understand her anger at her husband, Todd, and the position he has put her and their boys in. She is a jumbled up mess of emotions and carrying around a boatload of lies. Presley came home with a huge chip on her shoulder, and seeing Zach after all these years is making things ten times worse. Their chemistry is undeniable, but the angst Presley feels is getting in the way of any future she and Zach might have with each other.

"I don't want easy, Zach. I just don't want agony."

"I don't ever want to hurt you."

"I know you can't promise that."

"No, I can't. But I can promise that I'm not going away easily. I'll wear you down, Presley Mae. I'll remind you that sometimes the reward is worth the risk."

This is not one of those 'hop in the sack' within the first couple of chapters kind of story, which I appreciated. I tend to really enjoy a slow burn romance, and this one delivers just that.

I really like this author's writing style and how easily the storyline flowed. Mainly told in Presley's POV, I was glad to see Zach's interspersed as well.

I am so excited to read Wyatt's story next. He is Zach's younger brother and quite the comical character, but the best part, he is mighty swoon worthy and totally full of himself.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

That’s the thing about young love in a small town-it never dies.

Oh how absolutely true that statement is. I grew up moving every two years due to my dad's military career, but when I was fourteen we moved to a tiny, TINY, city in Tennessee. The city’s population, about 3,400, we had one red light and it flashed most of the time. So this story, I felt it, I knew it and honestly I lived a huge part of it. I am not sure I have ever connected so much to a story, Corinne absolutely blew me away.

"It’s not because of you, Presley. It’s because it’s always been you."

The story begins with us meeting Presley. She is from a tiny town too, Bell Buckle, Tennessee, but has since left and is living her dream in Pennsylvania. I completely understood Presley’s need to leave, to do more and be more. When you live in a small town it’s easy to feel like your life is mapped out for you and everyone has expectations of you, but for Presley it’s more.

Circumstances outside of Presley’s control force her into moving back to Bell Buckle, the town she fled and hasn’t visited since. Moving back is embarrassing and takes so much freaking courage, because if you think for one second everyone won’t be talking about her, you have no idea what's it like in a small town. Worse, moving back puts her right back in Zach Hennington’s life and that is the last thing on Earth she wants.

"I’ll wear you down, Presley Mae. I’ll remind you that sometimes the reward is worth the risk."

Zach Hennington has lived with a lifetime of regret and seeing Presley just puts his loss in perspective. The love and connection he thought he could never have again is still there, but earning his way back into her heart isn’t going to be easy.

This story is an epic love story of second chances, but it is also a beautiful, emotional story about a woman accepting fate and moving on. I loved Presley and her fire. I loved who she was and how strong and determined she was.

"I’ve loved you since I was twelve years old, Zachary Hennington. You were my first kiss, my first love and the first man to touch me."

This story is emotional on so many levels, I cried, laughed, swooned and cried again. Corinne’s writing is beautiful and I could truly feel their pain. I could feel Presley’s vulnerability and insecurities. Hell, I feel like these are real people not characters, which I am aware makes me crazy. Regardless, I love this one. Loved it!


ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Pavlina Read more sleep less blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 EMOTIONAL STARS

"How can two people remember the same thing so differently?"

What an emotional ride, this story was as beautiful as I expected! With the perfect blend of angsty, intense, hot and emotional moments. Say You'll Stay is one of the best second chance romances I have ever read!



The story starts heartbreaking and kept me emotional. Everything felt realistic, making me ach for Presley. Then we have Zach, the sexy protecive cowboy and childhood boyfriend who is there for her. Both have to deal with a lot. Honestly these two made me crazy..I desperately wanted them to have their second chance, they deserved it.I love them both they were intense,passionate and sweet.

"Look at me, baby.
Time has made you more magnificent than I remember.
Whatever imperfections you see..I only see beauty."

Corinne saccesfully managed to captivate me with this story. She is so talented, she managed to touch my heart with her words. This was an amazing story that everyone should read!

"I'll stay here as long as I can, because right now everything feels right."

*An advance reading copy was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*

[Maria✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

➦I FINALLY got to reading this series. Better late than never, people! :D


➦What can I say? This isn't the first book I've read by Corinne Michaels and I definitely recognize that she has a very unique writing style, which plays on your emotions but for some reason doesn't leave you depressed.

➦This book follows the journey of a woman who is trying to rebuild her life after a tragedy. The circumstances the characters in Corinne Michaels' books find themselves in are always very peculiar, sometimes very unfortunate. But you can't help but root for them to dig themselves out of despair and find their happiness again.

➦You definitely need to be in the right mood to read this book, so if/when you do decide to pick it up, keep in mind that it is very angsty. Recommended for readers who love emotional reads and second chance at love and life romances.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 I'm Not Feeling the Feels Stars

Okay. Deep breath. Just be honest and get it out there.



I have a confession to make. Despite all of the 5 Star reviews popping up on my feed for Say You'll Stay, I didn't love this book. Did I enjoy it? You bet. The writing's terrific and it's chock full of so many second chance love story tropes I can almost taste them!

Don't judge me people! I like my drama.

Yes, this entire book's pretty much drama-rama from the get go, but for some resason I just wasn't feeling it.



What Presley and her boys went through at the beginning of the story definitely had me tearing up. My boys and I are close to these characters ages respectively, so that wasn't much of a leap for me.

When it came to all things Zach and Presley? There were times I found myself on the sad side of the book train, but mostly I just felt ambivalent.

Does this make me a numb to the world, black hearted shrew?



Maybe.

At the end of the day, I prefer to go with the whole "I liked it but didn't love it"deal.

[Jx PinkLady Reviews ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's LIVE! Amazon US * Amazon UK * iBooks * B&N * Kobo



Say You’ll Stay is the moving, richly emotional second chance love story of Zach and Presley. They were each other’s first love and thought they were forever but something transpired to change the course of their fate. Heartbreak ensued resulting in Presley making a life with someone else, a full life with marriage and children and then the unimaginable happens. Her world implodes. Life as she knew it was over and she finds herself back in her family home, away from the big city with her two young sons in the small town of Bell Buckle and it’s from this point that the story unfolds in all its angst ridden delectable glory. It’s a story that weaves heartfelt layers that convincingly portrays grief fate, second chances, moving on, young decisions, hope and most of all LOVE.



Told in first person narrative and from the alternating perspective of the hero and heroine the prose immediately pulled me into their story and evoked my total investment in the drama rich happenings. The author sets the scene of this second chance romance beautifully, creating a perfect small town atmosphere, hitting the angst button during the opening pages and crucially continuing to work the reader’s emotions throughout the telling, making me feel so much and genuinely root for the hero and heroine’s happy-ever-after.



The various flashbacks into the protagonist's shared past perfectly show how their relationship fell apart. They’re insightful but, in some respect, made me occasionally frustrated with the heroine as her natural naiveté to a situation was depicted, but having said that, she was 18, things happen, people get in the way, outside influences have an effect. Initially I couldn’t comprehend her reasons why but as the story develops Corinne Michaels slowly drips understanding into the reader’s mind, so in the end I completely understood Presley’s rationale and believed in it, which is incredibly important to me.

Zachary Hennington is beyond perfect! This author has the Midas touch when she crafts sexy, charismatic male characters. He made my heart beat fast; I swooned at his kind words and the relationships he shares with the heroine and her children. His interaction with them is truly touching.



The plethora of additional characters, both male and female add substance to the overall feel of the story board creating additional relationships and interest, each of them adding light and shade and personality to the narrative. These additions ensured my heart was not only captured by the swoon worthy Zach, but also paints a picture of three more gorgeous story-worthy males making them ideal candidates to jump into their own story.



Zach and Presley, despite being apart for around 17 years, have an undeniable attraction to each other that's clearly showcased in the narrative. I felt their connection in their words and actions and loved the way Say You'll Stay convincingly explores the scenario of what they were to each other, what they are now and the possibilities of the future. It depicts the deep love and emotion of the second chance romance trope to beautiful perfection, angst heaven encased in a tremendous drama filled story arc. The push and pull of the character's emotions evolves perfectly illustrating their development and capturing my affections. If you're a lover of ROMANCE brimming with emotion then this story is an absolute #mustread, I can't wait for more stories from this small town dynasty created by Corinne Michaels.

NOTE: Say You’ll Stay is a STANDALONE second chance Contemporary love story steeped in romance and angst!

Advance copy provided for my honest review thoughts

★ Graphics created by me with stock photos I purchased from deposit photos ★

[Alba and Her Secrets..♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25 'A Part of Me' Stars!


I have been hesitant to reading this book. I don't know exactly why. Maybe because I read so many mixed reviews. I was super excited about this one because I love Corinne Michaels' books and thank God I finally decided to read it: it was pretty awesome!

Say You'll Stay is the first installment in Corinne's new series called Return to Me which will feature the stories of the Hennington brothers. This story focuses on Presley Benson and Zachary Hennington, two people that were in love but circumstances broke them apart. Now, Pres has the perfect life (a house, a loving husband and two kids) and we don't know about Zach until the Benson family is forced to leave their home after a heartbreaking event. The hometown sweethearts meet again and their second chance love story begins again.

“Loving someone doesn’t stop just because you don’t see them any more.”

Is that really you? How are you? Why are you here? Why didn’t you call? Why did you leave me? Why didn’t you come with me? Where have you been? Do you feel this? What does it mean?

Zach and Pres have always been in love, they were/are 'the one' for each other and even though their present situation is not the best, they cannot stop what they feel for each other. Everything is extremely difficult to be dealt with, especially for Presley, but love wins over all things. These two start dating again but there still are some secrets between them (and they provoke some intense emotional scenes!).

He breaks me apart. He puts me together. He’s my poison and my antidote.

“I regret leaving her, not lovin’ her.”

There definitely is lots of chemistry between the main couple. Sometimes their scenes are hugely emotional, sometimes off-the-charts hot, sometimes just so sweet. How can I not love a cowboy that talks baseball lingo and loves the heroine to the most extreme level? *swoon* Also, I love all the new characters introduced for this series! Pres' kids, Angie, Wyatt, Trent, Grace.. I cannot wait for the next two books!

I feel so much all at once. I’m scared, happy, sad, desperate, and hopeful. It’s as though I’ve found my place again. Zach is home. Zach is the place that I’ve always known and wanted.

“No, darlin’,” he says. “We never fuck. Even when we’re rough.” Zach’s fingers grip my hips, digging into the flesh. “Even when it’s fast, hard, and completely out of control.” He leans forward so we’re chest to chest. He takes a fistful of my locks in his hands and tugs. “I’m always loving you.”

Oh my sweet God, I can't deal when he calls her darlin'! Just imagining the Southern accent, damn! ;) However, I also have to say this: Say You'll Stay is not my favourite book by Corinne Michaels. Even though this was quite emotional on some points, I was expecting more drama, more tears if you will. Sometimes I did not connect with the moments as much as I expected but overall this was a good read for me! I love second-chance love stories and this was not an exception!

“Presley Benson, say you’ll stay.”
“I’ll stay with you forever.”

Therefore, my rating for Say You'll Stay is, 4,25 STARS because Corinne definitely provided a fantastic love story, she introduced characters that I cannot wait to know more about and always with her brilliant writing style! And who can complain about hot cowboys? Not me! So, if you want to read a good second-chance love story with great characters, check this one out. I recommend it!

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[Sarah/DragonflyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should have prepared myself for the emotions I felt within the first few chapters of Say You'll Stay. I mean, it's Corinne Michaels. She brings the heartache and the funny. But. The. Heartache. Dear sweet baby jesus, the heartache. But let's be honest, a good book draws on all emotions, right? I may not have experienced the situations that Presley goes through in the first few chapters, but man I felt it. I don't know where or how Corinne got through those chapters but here we go, golf claps to you, Corinne. Thanks for the sweet ache I'm still feeling.

"Freedom was an intoxicating emotion that I wanted to drown in. But I'm not free."

Presley Benson finds herself in an impossible situation. She has to uproot her children and move back to the town she vowed to never return to. Their lives have turned upside down and she doesn't know how she'll right it again. With old towns comes old memories, old relationships that should have stayed buried. That's not the case.

"Zach and I might be over, but my heart doesn't seem to care. I'm deluding myself if I think otherwise."


Zach Hennington didn't want to see Presley again. After 17 years however, he's still not over his first love. When she comes back to their small Tennessee town, he can't stay away and is determined to get her back.

"It's not because of you, Presley. It's because it's always been you."

I'm pretty sure I said all that I needed to in the first paragraph of my review. I don't know of a book that's made me so emotional. Did I mention angst and sexual tension? Corinne delivers with Presley and Zach in spades. Oh, the hotness! Say You'll Stay is one contemporary romance you don't want to miss out on.

[Corinne Michaels]

Say You'll Stay releases 6/20/16!

✦ Amazon US ➙ http://bit.ly/SYSAmazonUS
✦ Amazon UK ➙ http://bit.ly/SYSAmazonUK
✦ iBooks ➙ http://bit.ly/SYSiBooks
✦ Barnes & Noble ➙ http://bit.ly/SYSBN
✦ Kobo ➙ http://bit.ly/SYSKobo
✦ Google Play ➙ http://bit.ly/SYSGooglePlay

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say You’ll Stay is the second chance love story between Presley and Zach. From childhood friends, to young love to epic heartbreak. Seventeen years have passed since these two have seen each other. Lives moved on, hearts learned to love someone else, but it wasn’t enough time to change the way their hearts knew how to love each other. When Presley’s world crumbles she is forced to move home to the small town she never thought she’d return to. A mother, two boys and three broken hearts begin a new life when she returns home.

This is one of those books where I am going to struggle to review it. There is so much that I want to talk about, but I just can't. These are moments in the book that each reader has to experience for themselves. So I am going to try to do this book and Corinne justice and I doubt I will even come close to properly expressing how this story affected me.

Just reading the dedication caused a lump to form in my throat. A few sentences from Corinne and the first punch to the gut was delivered. It took 4% into this story for the dam to break and me to be left a sobbing mess. I can’t remember a book that had me that early. A heroine that in an instant was felt in my heart so deeply. The emotions are out of control from page one and I loved Presley, Logan and Cayden and I felt like I was sitting in their living room clutching this broken family in my arms.

As the story continues and Presley returns home and you experience how this small town accepts her back into the fold and you learn the reasons why she had to escape and why she never wanted to return, you still feel that pain so deeply. You meet Zach and you want to hate him. You learn the pieces of their past as memories flood the pages. Your heart soars with the moments of pure young love and you’re crushed when it all falls apart. But this wasn’t just about the highs and lows. I think this is the most angsty story Corinne has ever written. Once I got control of my tears and told myself to woman-up, I was white-knuckling my kindle. My stomach in knots. The early interactions between Zach and Presley tore me apart. And as things start to come together and I was able to start to breath and feel like I was in my safe place, I just knew that something was coming. I knew this was just too good to be true. I knew with everything I am that Corinne was not done squeezing my heart. There were still feels to be rung from that lump of muscle in my chest.

Second chance romances are my guilty pleasure. There is something about the hope you find in a story like this. The hurt, the hate, the forgiveness and the love. It captures every emotion and as much as the story breaks you, it heals you so you find deeper appreciation for what you have when it’s all said and done.

I can’t not mention the co-staring character that stole my heart. Wyatt, Zach’s brother. From the first time you meet Wyatt you love him. He’s sexy, he’s funny and you just know that his story will be epic when it happens, oh and he's mine. Many times when I felt like I was going to burst, Wyatt would show up and insert some needed levity.

Say You’ll Stay is a romance of epic proportions. An emotionally gripping story of loss, forgiveness and love that you will feel deep down to your bones. You need to read this book. You need to experience this story. My heart is still reeling from spending four hours with these characters. The year is only halfway through, but this book just secured its place as a top read of 2016.

[T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my FAVORITE Corinne Michaels book to date! I loved it so much I’m not exactly sure what I want to say about it other than READ IT!!

The Hennington Boys; WOW talk about some alpha male mixed with southern charm. They know how to melt the clothes right of f of a woman. I will take any of them.

Presley has had her life ripped out from under her. She has literally lost everything, being forced to move back to her home town. She needs to put her and the boys’ lives back together while gaining some financial freedom from the mess she was left. She also has to face her fears, face the one who held and broke her heart first. The one she loved the purest and fiercest.

Zach thought he lost the love of his life. Baseball and Presley were his future until they weren’t. He has accepted this; he is ready to move on. Until a tragedy brings her back; he is forced to reevaluate what he wants out of life. Can he live without her, can he love someone else.

This book has is all; angst, love, loss, forgiveness, second chances. I need more of these characters. I am dying for the next books. I hope we see more of Presley and Zach!

Read it!

[Dilek VT · Rating 2 out of 5]

In my reviews, I always try to be as fair and honest as possible. While rating, I think about it a lot as if I am still grading my students’ exam papers. A teacher’s old habit, let’s say :)

So here, I must admit first that I shouldn’t read books about "second chances in love with the same person" because I actually hate them. I cannot forgive them easily. I hate whatever reason they give for breaking up. I only feel OK if they were separated due to outside reasons such as maybe because their parents forced them to or lied to them - I mean if it wasn’t their fault or stupidity. I just cannot feel OK if it was their fault because then, I feel that their love was not that great as the writer tries to make us believe. They forgive one another but usually, I cannot!



In this book, there are sentences like, “We were always meant to be” or “You are made for me and I am made for you”... These sentences do not make me feel good or emotional; they only make me feel angry. I keep yelling at them, “If so, why did you break up for such stupid reasons? If your love was a legend, if you were the couple everyone adored or envied like you say, why in the hell or how for God’s sake did you dare to lose it?”

I know young people, especially teenagers, are prone to making mistakes, but knowing this doesn’t help. I want them to keep on moving on if they have already moved on. Now that I think again, maybe I will feel too much pain for the loss of years apart if I forgive them so, not forgiving them gives me less pain and more anger and anger is better than pain to deal with.. yeah, this may be my fucked-up reasoning, I don't know...

So, while the hero and the heroine try to make up and solve their issues, I keep my anger... I told you, I am not a good reader of “second chances”...

Plus, I knew that two trusted friends here hated this book! So, you may ask me why on earth I have read this... Well, it is because I want to read the second book, actually and the characters in the second book are presented here first, that is why... Sorry :( I said I was always honest even if it would make me look or sound stupid :) Hey, why am I writing reviews here? All because I hugely depend on the reviews of yours here. I have been reading the best books of my life since I became a member here. So this is "taking & giving" for me and I am giving things as truly as possible as a means of “thank you” since I do not want to mislead anyone.

Still, I tried to like this book, I really did my best but I had to force myself to feel something. (However frustrating and annoying it was, “A love letter to whiskey” by Kandi Steiner made me feel a lot but I couldn’t relate to the characters in this book and I couldn’t feel their love. Even in this first book, I liked the hero of the second book :) so I must really start the 2nd book asap :)

Well, maybe you shouldn’t trust me if you like second chance novels but if you do like them, the one and only second chance book I have found totally worthy of reading is Wicked Beautiful by J. T. Geissinger, which is an epic read I can highly recommend. In it, all the time lost apart was neither her nor his fault, which is how I like it.



In this book, their love is supposed to be legendary but they break up for silly and selfish reasons and I hated their reasoning and actions. Other than this plot issue of my own, the writing of this book was mediocre with dual point of view although it has some editing mistakes.

Also, there are too many pages I found unnecessary and dragging; too many details I wanted to skip, and maybe again all because I wanted to finish reading it quickly, but if I were the editor of this book, I would definitely shorten it 50-60 pages...

My actual grading is 2,5 but I don’t feel like giving it a 3, so it becomes 2, unfortunately, and I really really wish gr allowed half points!

Oh, by the way, the best part of the book was the "Dedication" part for me as I could relate to it. But its relevance to this book is still a mystery to me :)))

[MELISSA *Mel Reader* · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 "You're My Heart" Stars!
(ARC provided by author)



Presley Benson is a 35 yr. old woman living in Pennsylvania. She has the perfect life. The husband, twin boys & a job she loves. Suddenly her whole life falls apart & she's a single mom, completely broke, & having to move back home to Bell Buckle, Tennessee. She swore she'd never live there on that ranch again, but life has other plans. She left home seventeen years ago with a broken heart & wanting to put as much distance between herself & the town that held all the memories of the boy she loved since she was twelve, Zachary Hennington.



Soon after returning home to Bell Buckle, Presley comes face to face with her ex Zach. His family owns the Hennington Horse Farm, & their properties are separated by a creek. Presley once thought Zach would be her future. He's the guy she shared all her firsts with, but he's also the guy who left her. She is surprised to still feel so much for him, but one of the main feelings she still feels is anger. So many emotions swirl together when she's around Zach. While she's angry & hurt, she still finds him to be comforting & familiar, and their chemistry is still insane! She's never truly been able to stop loving him. She pushed her feeling to the side & hasn't dealt with them for years. Now she's forced to face this beautiful man who still looks at her the same way he did all those years ago.



-I've never been able to control my heart where Zach is concerned. He has some kind of special hold on me.

-We both feel the electricity between us. It was there long ago, and it apparently hasn't ebbed at all.

-He's the boy who taught me to love. He's the boy I saw myself growing old with, having children with, and yet he destroyed me.



Zach has lived with regrets for years about how things turned out with Presley. With so much love still between them, it's as if fate has brought them back together for a second chance. Can they learn to forgive & have the future together they've always dreamed of? I absolutely loved this book!!! It's my favorite I've read by Corinne, & I've adored all her other books. This series is so different from her other stuff. It's a beautiful story set on the Tennessee countryside about two soulmates who get a second chance at love. There are three of these delicious Hennington brothers & I can't wait for Wyatt & Trent's books! :D



-"When you came back into town, it was like my world settled. You were always supposed to be a part of my life, but I wasn't ready for you then."

-She's the one thing in this world I've always known was right.

-"Every time I close my eyes, I see you. I've always seen you, Presley."

-"It's always been you."

-Presley is mine. Always has been. Always will be.

[CristiinaReads୨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

➳A love story filled with second chances, and opportunities that you never saw coming, Corinne Michaels brings a new meaning to second chances at love in this marvelous masterpiece to the first part of an upbringing series…

Presley and Zach were long young lovers and have known each other for a long time now. After being separated by the opportunities the world brought to them, and having different opinions on certain aspects on life, they are both reunited by the world itself through the harsh times that Presley had to endure. Not only did someone whom she thought cared enough for her, took away his life, but she also lost the hope of continuing a future of her own outside the small town she was trying to run away from, run away from the past memories she ever had of her and Zach. Life itself as a struggle is a main theme in this novel, something that not a lot of authors in the romance category tend to admire since it’s all a fantasy inside our heads when we imagine a fictional world. However, Corinne does the opposite and that is quite something that I really appreciate reading more than anything.



Overall, this was a lot story that is worth reading if you want to be swooned over Zach’s combats of getting Presley back to loving him. But we all know that she never did stop caring for him that way, so as easy as it sounds, this book is worth a gem that you must study and admire. Thank you to Corinne Michaels for sending me a copy that I will never regret to read!

➳Paperback copy generously provided by Corinne, in exchange for an honest review...

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[Megan✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

****4 Stars****



“That’s the thing about young love in a small town – it never dies.”

I am a big Corinne Michaels fan, so I was very excited to read a new book of hers and it did not disappoint. I have a real soft spot for second chance romance stories, especially when it comes to childhood sweethearts. It was such a beautifully well written story with all the ingredients to make me feel connected to the characters as well as the story. It started quite devastatingly, a twist I was not prepared for; so be warned it is really emotional to begin with.

“She’s the reason I haven’t been able to move forward in my life. I’ve tried to live, love again, but it never compared. She fucking ruined me.”



Presley and Zach grew up together in Bell Buckle, Tennessee and were childhood sweethearts. They were destined to be together forever. They had so many plans for the future which involved leaving their families ranches in Bell Buckle and making a life together, but unfortunately plans don’t always work out. Zach made a rash decision to chase his dreams, which ultimately resulted in leaving Presley behind and breaking her heart.

“He pulls me into his body. He breaks me apart. He puts me together. He’s my poison and my antidote.”

Fast forward seventeen years and Presley is now married with twin boys. She is living with her perfect family, business and white picket fence. She has no idea her life was about to change drastically. The devastating effects left her once again heartbroken, betrayed and alone. Presley discovers that she’s penniless and has no choice but to move herself and her two boys back to Bell Buckle, Tennessee to live on her family’s ranch.



When Presley and her boys moved back to Tennessee, Zach wasn’t meant to be there. He was meant to be living his dream, which was the point in leaving Presley in the first place. Everything seems to have come full circle; the most talked about couple of Bell Buckle are together once again. It was meant to be, almost like fate decided to step in.

“First love is naïve. I was open and trusting. I didn’t hold back on how much love I gave; he got every ounce inside of me. He took over every nook and cranny.”

I absolutely love second chance romance stories and the way Corinne Michales delved into some tough issues was epic. It had me sobbing like crazy. I couldn’t believe it took such a turn so early on in the book, just 2% in. I loved all the different emotions this book captured. It is a story about loss, love, family and trying to survive with the hand you’ve been dealt. I would definitely recommend this story to anyone who loves their second chance romance stories filled with lovable cowboy characters

[Lo Bookfrantic · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating 3.75★★★★Stars

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Dual Mostly Female


This was a bit different read for me. I enjoyed this story however I was expecting ugly crying pain and maybe it was just my high need and expectation for it that the story just came a bit short for me. However; it was sweet and very enjoyable.

The book starts with Presley's horrible tragedy. Her lover, best friend and husband of many years dies and she finds herself lost with no money and with no other option then to return home to her parents and ask for help. She has two lovely boys that are going thru the emotions of losing their father and not understanding what is going on. They don't want to be in a ranch in the middle of no where. They miss their friends in the city and their old life.

Zack is Pres's young love; she never thought she would see him again after the way they ended things as a young love birds. She loved him so much so that she never returned to see her family so that she wouldn't have to see Zack. He got a deal he couldn't resist as a baseball player and wanted Pres with him but apparently not enough to keep her.

Zack wanted her back and was bound to do anything to be everything she wanted it. He became a friend to the boys and helped her deal with the lose of her husband. They find each other once again; time seemed to never end when true love exist. I really liked Zack's brother and enjoyed his funny ways. Pres best friend was also a character i enjoyed. Overall this was a nice fast read. If you are looking for a sweet romance this book is for you.



Book Order Series: Standalone



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[Katy Loves Romance ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Second Chance Stars


He breaks me apart. He puts me together. He's my poison. And my antidote.

Gahhh I love second chance romances I think they're one of my absolute favourite genres, they get me every time. But I have to say this has hands down got to be one of favourites to date. So I'll be sure to definitely read Corinne's books again as this is a first for me where it comes to Corinne's writing. But wow I just loved how she grabbed hold of my heart and pulled me in.

Presley is from a small town, the ranch lifestyle. Everyone knows her and her family and as a young woman she wanted it away from her life. She wanted the world, I can kind of relate to that I'm from a very little village where everyone knows one another and it can get claustrophobic. She left, lived, got married, had children and to her, her life was blessed in the best way. Yet everything changes and her world collapses around her meaning she has to pack her things up, take her boys and move back home to live with her parents. Emotional you say? Yup you got it...



Let me tell you that first 10% is heartbreaking in the biggest way, I cried like a baby. I was there right with her and felt every tear and anxious moment that was written on those pages. Corinne set up the story right there, and as a reader I was excited to see how this story unfolded. So let me tell you it was a beautiful and heartwarming read as the story progressed I ahhed, smiled and cried with her. Kind of saw where she was and what she had to do to get that happy butterfly feeling we get by just living and breathing every damn day.

So back to the present.

Zach was Pres's first love and at the time broke her heart previously. She DID NOT expect to see him back home living in the town they both ran from in the beginning. So there are hurdles to cross, that said this man was patient, sexy and a real gentleman and perfect for for Presley. She might have been hurting yet she still found a way to live in the end for her boys. There's something to be said about living and breathing the country air. To be with a community and a family that know everything that you both live and just want you to be happy. I live in a town where I'm actuality away from my family and closest of friends, people think they know you.. THEY DON'T that doesn't matter for me, I have my own family but what I'm saying here when I read this, it was a butterfly mix of emotions. I loved reading about fun times, about brothers, about family, about romance and about two people who were destined to be together.



It was a perfect weekend read for me, and I highly recommend it if you love this genre just like me. You will FEEL in this book. But you will also laugh and enjoy the hell out of it.

Enjoy guys <3

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[Mallory · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

I'm not sure why, but I just never connected with this book. It felt like I was reading it just to finish, but I could honestly care less what happened to Presley and Zach.

It all felt so forced. The back and forth, the exes, and the fact that Presley seemed to only interact with her sons when it was convenient to the story. I sometimes forgot she had kids because she lived like a single woman.

Also, the time jumps were weird. She moves back to her parents home and like maybe within a few days (not really sure because time was cray here) she goes to a bar and sees her ex. Then like the next page or so it talks about how it's been a month and she's been hiding out since seeing Zach, the ex. Or maybe it'd been a month and then saw Zach? I'm so confused. Most of the book was this way.

Unfortunately this book just felt slapped together. I've enjoyed some of this author's before so
I'll give her another try. This particular book just wasn't for me.

[Kelli C · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are many 5* reviews present and I found every one of them true to a point...this is really a case of "it's me not you" here. I am a huge sucker for rip my heart out angst and about 10 pages into this book I was completely on board. I felt the eyes getting a bit misty, but then somewhere along the way I just became kinda disconnected. Perhaps my cold heart is in need of a new "give a damn meter!"

Keeping it simple, there is no doubt that Corinne Michaels can write, and she does it beautifully. She draws feels out of the sky and does a great job of making her characters realistic. My issue was that I just could not connect with Miss Presley Benson! This was a clear case of one character muddying up the waters for me and making me lose my way. With the tragic and unexpected death of her husband, I was really looking forward to all those stages of grief and with the push/pull emotions of coming back to a place where your first heartbreak occurred. I struggled with the mentioning of those stages as I didn't really feel Presley's angst. I guess the reappearance of one's first love is more important than the loss of the present one.

I also felt as if the drama of the second chance romance of Presley and home town hottie Zach was a bit meh'. I really couldn't understand the past break up as both characters knew the goal...professional baseball. When the dream is dropped in your lap earlier than expected, what is the problem? It seemed to me that Zach was always thinking of more with Presley and he did what he needed to do as well as get the chance as this life-long dream. Miscommunication? Perhaps. Too young and a bit selfish? More likely.

So overall I can say that I thought this tale will knock it out of the park for many. There is nothing better than and hot love reconnected, but I just was hoping to be gutted only to settle for some minor heart string tugging!

[Bubu · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @40%

It's been a while since I've DNF'ed a book and actually felt like writing a review about it.

If you ever feel the need to read about an utterly selfish, constantly moaning and whining and completely ungrateful and entitled heroine, read Say You'll Stay.

How dare her parents and her brother offer her and her twin sons a home after her husband commits suicide and leaves them financially ruined?

How dare her younger brother feel resentment for not following his own dreams because she followed hers, not caring about him at all?

How dare any nice person ask after her wellbeing and express sympathy for the death of her husband?

How dare the man she once loved as a teenager move on with his life with another woman?

How dare he choose the one woman who is the vilest of vile women imaginable?

That this other woman was taken out of the box of vile-women-clichés was actually the killer for me. I can endure a TSTL heroine, even if she is as selfish and ungrateful as Presley. I am also not particularly fazed by a hero who doesn't immediately break up with his girlfriend once the heroine shows up. Relationships are difficult concepts and not as black and white as we would like them to be.

But I'm sick and tired of The Evil Other Woman portrayal that reeks of pure laziness on the author's part.

“Where’s your girlfriend?” I look around him, pretending I actually want to see the evil bitch. “Leave her at the plastic surgeon? Psychiatrist? Either one is appropriate.”

Why does the other woman always have to be the evil bitch? Why can't she just be a normal woman who's simply not the right one for the hero? Why do I have to put up with the portrayal of women as dumb and simplistic as that? When will female authors finally stop vilifying their own female characters in favour of the heroine?

Well, I'm not putting up with it, therefore the DNF. Honestly, if that's how an adult romance (non-erotica) is written, I'd rather stick to NA novels. At least the drama llama, the immaturity, the slut shaming can be pinned down to age and lack of experience of the characters, though I'm not excusing any of it.

When the heroine is 35, however, mother of 10-year-old twins, recently widowed, I do expect more.

[CoraLeeLou · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that feeling. The one when you just finish a book and you can't seem to do anything else but stare blankly at your kindle. That feeling when you just know that you've just read one of the most beautiful stories to ever cross your hands. The feeling when you know you've just read a story that will stay with you forever because it has crawled into your heart and taken over your soul.

Yeah. You'll know that feeling after reading this book. amazing story. beautiful. I have no words that will do what I felt about this read any justice.

[Pikolina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historia de rancheros, contemporánea, que empieza de manera muy fuerte e impactante, pero que va resultando en una historia de amor tierna y dulce.
Con muy muy buenos personajes, especialmente WYATT y con su ligero toque de humor en las conversaciones que a mi me resultan tan agradables.
Es lo primero que leo de la autora y desde luego que su estilo me ha gustado muchísimo.
Asique solo puedo decir que recomiendo el libro 100%