“Intensely sexy and packs an emotional punch!” – #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely on Make Me Beg Claire Collins has always been good–except when it comes to bad boys. Or one bad boy in particular: a tattooed musician as skilled with her body as he is with his guitar. But he wasn’t ready to be a father, so she left him to raise their daughter on her own. Only fate had other … daughter on her own. Only fate had other plans, and suddenly, Ryan is back in her life, disrupting everything. This time, though, she’s determined not to lose her heart…even if she still craves his touch.
Ryan Thomas never expects to see Claire again–especially not in a small mountain town in Washington on the last show of his comeback tour. But when the lights come on, there she is, more beautiful than ever. One incredible night with her won’t be enough… But he’ll have to prove he’s not the man he used to be, if he wants to keep her–and his family–for good.
Each book in the Men of Gold Mountain series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series Order:
Book #1 Make Me Stay
Book #2 Make Me Beg
Book #3 Make Me Want
Book #4 Make Me Yours
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Let me start by saying that this is the fourth book in the series but the first one I’ve read, so yes it can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed this story a lot; the characters were great, the storyline was great and the story flow was perfect. This book gives us Claire and Ryan’s story and it’s the classic case of young, dumb, making mistakes but learning from them. However, we all slip from time to time because no one is perfect and mistakes happen. I was rooting for Ryan throughout the whole story up until the bar scene, but again no ones perfect including Claire. This is a sweet second chance romance read that I would recommend. The ending was wrapped up very nicely. Distance and/or time gaps doesn’t kill love, especially if its deep within your heart and soul and with these characters it is and that made this story such a great read.
This is the fourth story in the Men of Gold Mountain series and it is my favorite! It is an emotional, roller coaster ride of a second chance romance! You will smile, laugh and cry! If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would!
Ryan and Claire have a complicated history. Years ago, Claire gave up her aspirations for college to follow Ryan to New York, supporting him working as a waitress while he pursued a career as a musician. Unfortunately, he spiraled downward into a life of alcohol. Claire leaves Ryan after a particularly hurtful episode (I don’t want to give anything away here) and moved back to Washington, giving birth to her daughter Maya and began a career she could support she and Maya with. Ryan, in the meantime, goes through rehab and, 5 years later, has embarked on a comeback tour. His last stop is a small town in Washington where he just happens to find Claire in his audience.
This is a very emotional story for both characters. Claire is working so hard to make a perfect life for Maya and is always there to care for her friends as well, that she spends little time on herself. She’s always working, trying to make ends meet, very focused on Maya. Seeing Ryan unexpectedly throws her for a loop. She’s angry and hurt but also feels the same pull towards him that she felt over 5 years ago.
Ryan has plenty of baggage of his own. He wants to show Claire that he’s not the same guy he was. And yet, he can’t even remember how badly he (emotionally) hurt her. Then, when he discovers he has a daughter, old self doubts surface making him unsure of how he will fit into their lives.
There is a depth to both characters that will draw you in. You will feel the anguish both of them experience. There are a lot of bumps along the way for both Claire and Ryan, but a lot of bright points too! Can they make it work in the long run? Read this and find out!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.