Emily Young had two goals in her life:1. Make it big in country music.2. Get the hell out of Bell Buckle.She was doing it. She was on her way, until Cooper Townsend landed backstage at her show in Dallas.This gorgeous, rugged, man of few words was one cowboy she couldn’t afford to let distract her. But with his slow smile and rough hands, she just couldn’t keep away.With outside forces conspiring … away.
With outside forces conspiring against them, Cooper hires the McKay-Taggart team to protect her. Emily refuses to let Cooper get hurt because of her. All she wants is to hold onto him, but she knows the right thing to do is to let go . . .
The Lexi Blake Crossover Collection features a new novel by Lexi Blake and five books by some of her favorite writers:
Lexi Blake – Close Cover
Larissa Ione – Her Guardian Angel
J. Kenner – Justify Me
Corinne Michaels – Say You Won’t Let Go
Carly Phillips – His to Protect
Susan Stoker – Rescuing Sadie
more
A sweet, friends to lovers story with a few twists
This is another author who has been on my radar for a while but haven’t read, so while I’m familiar with the Masters and Mercenaries series, the Return to Me world is brand new.
This is a sweet, friends to lovers story with a few twists thrown in. For example, there was a fairly straightforward stalker plot (though I had no clue who Emily’s stalker was) to provide the suspense and I liked the way the author tied her world into the McKay-Taggarts–Cooper hires Wade to protect Emily while she’s on tour–instead of the bodyguard being the main love interest.
The story did come across to me as being mostly in the author’s home world with only a superficial crossover; I would have liked a stronger Masters and Mercenaries feel. A little more heat perhaps or more background on Wade, something to support the crossover a little more.
Still, a quick, enjoyable I expect fans of the Return to Me series will enjoy. 3.5 to 4 stars
B2B Kelly
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader –
3.5 stars
M/F Thriller Romance
Triggers: Stalking
Emily is an up and coming country singer. She is on tour with a very well-known name and sometimes has to pinch herself to believe that she’s making it. When an old friend tracks her down, sparks will fly. Cooper has always been handsome, and Emily is not willing to wait any longer when she longs for home and his company.
Cooper is a rancher, but he’s always (I think) had a thing for Emily. When he finds himself within driving distance of her, he can’t stay away. Together, he finds that just being near her is what he wants but falling in love with her is what happens.
The chemistry and relationship between these two is kind of strange. I wasn’t sure if they had a relationship before or if this was a new development. I thought that it was forced and not well explained.
However, with the stalker becoming more and more bold, Cooper needs to make sure that Emily is safe, all the while Emily is trying to protect Cooper.
Overall, this was a fast read, but not my favorite of the ones I’ve read thus far. It felt very rushed and jumbled together.
Ruthie –
This is part of the Masters & Mercenaries crossover series that is being released by a number of super talented authors. I am so happy to be reading these books and reviewing them. I am a huge M&M fan, and this was another great addition to the series.
In this installment we are in musician-on-tour world, where Emily is finally making it big, even if home in the form of Cooper, and her feelings for him, are trying to derail her plans. Then danger seems to follow her around and MacKay-Taggart get involved supplying cover. Everything gets rather dark and the bubbly country singer Emily is at risk. We know that Wade will keep her safe, although at times it seemed close to call. I think that the romance between Emily and Cooper suffered a bit from this being a short novel, and the compromises were tough to fathom. But I shall look forward to the next Return to Me book and hope we catch up with them again.
What has been so much fun has been the completely different assignments that the guys have been on, and how wonderfully well the two worlds have blended together. Thank you so much for this brilliant crossover idea.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Say You Won’t Let Go (Return to Me #3.5) by Corinne Michaels to read and review.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Cooper since we first met him in Say You’ll Stay. So, I was over the moon when I found out we were getting Cooper’s story. Cooper and Emily are a match made in Southern Heaven. And the way he says “Darlin” will melt the panties right off you. It may be a novella but it gives you everything you need and more. Taking another trip to Bell Buckle was well worth it!!
What a sweet and fun story. I loved this one. It was sexy and fun but still full of that Corinne angst I crave constantly. I have been a lover of Corinne’s books for a long time now. She is a master at delivering a story with heart and soul. Each one I read has me eagerly anticipating the next.
Emily and Cooper have been friends for a long while but never moved beyond. She had music stardom in her sights and he was confused and thought he wanted her sister. It seemed they were not destined to be together. At one of her concerts, they reconnect and it doesn’t take long for them to realize what they feel for each other is so much more than they were prepared for.
This story was a great escape for a few hours of my day.
4.5 Smooches
One word brings to mind how I feel about Say You Won’t Let Go: Impressive! I admit that I need to read more of Corinne Michaels books because…DAMN, she wormed her way into my heart with Say You Won’t Let Go. This story is pure romance with a sprinkle of suspense, lots of great banter, and a hell of a story that made me feel like I really knew these characters…in a more personal way. I don’t get that often with characters so this…yea, this was NICE, VERY VERY NICE!
Say You Won’t Let Go brings the emotions to the surface I think. There are times I felt all warm and pleasant, scared to believe in love and trust, and excited and hopeful along with those moments that made me tear up. This had a bit of everything and I think Corinne Michaels did a marvelous job with this book in Lexi Blake’s Crossover.
I give this book a BOOK FULL OF HEART FIVE AND A HALF SHOOTING STARS! That’s right..FIVE AND A HALF STARS!
***3 Stars***
When I found out I won a copy of Say You Won’t Let Go, I was really excited because I’ve been wanting to read a Corinne Michaels book, but just never had the time to read one. So, I dove in and while things started off really good, there came that point where it went sideways for me when it came to the romance side of things. Thankfully I was all in when it came to the suspense angle and really enjoyed how that played out.
I liked Emily and Cooper, I did. Cooper is a good man. He cares about his family and is protective of those he considers his. Emily hasn’t had an easy life, but she’s a fighter and is now making her dreams come true. My issue came when they became a “couple”. Things happen quickly in a novella, and this one is no different, but there was just something missing for me. I just didn’t feel going on between them other than lust, but I could deal and roll with it. What got me was Emily herself. She made statements in the beginning and then did a full on 180 on them, IMHO, and that just didn’t work for me and that’s when things went sideways when it came to the romance.
As for the suspense. I thought it was done well and when all the pieces were put together made sense. And then there was Wade (McKay-Taggart bodyguard). I really wish we’d gotten more of him in every way possible, but the bit we did get I really liked and I want more. I really wanted to like this one more than I did, but it is what it is, though I will say that despite the romance not really working for me, I did enjoy the writing as a whole and will be looking into trying out other books by the author.
Cooper! It’s your time.
My memory of Emily is severely limited from the preceding books so I enjoyed getting to know her. She’s sweet and talented and loved with her while being.
Cooper is the man that made me sad when Trent and Grace finally found their happiness. Despite the fact that I knew Cooper and Grace were not meant to be together, I felt sad at his loneliness.
Seeing him pursue and fall head over heels for Emmy was wonderful. He could give his heart to the woman who had held his interest but never admitted to himself that she might be more than Presley’s friend; that she could be the missing piece of his heart.
Their connection is instant and I loved that when they first saw each other, they stayed up all night talking. No, really! They stayed up all night talking. Our Cooper connected with Emmy on so many levels. And I think that added to their relationship once the danger ramped up. She knew him. He knew her. And even though there were doubts, he knew! And he went after his girl! Swoon-worthy moment for me.
And the ending was quite amusing! I’m so glad we got Cooper’s story!!
Cooper’s a hard working cowboy that decides he is finally going after the pretty girl he’s had his eye on since they were growing up. Emily is an up and coming country music star who has always held a flame for Cooper. The time could be right, if they can find a way to make the distance work. And find the super creepy stalker that’s threatening to destroy Emily’s world and the people in it.
Corinne Michaels gives us swoon worthy book boyfriends and confident women characters, this story gives us more! Cooper and Emily are easily a power couple, and even individually they are their own force to be reckoned. I was so happy to revisit Bell Buckle with this cowboy!
A great quick and sexy story. Cooper finally gets his HEA. Your one and only that you’ve been searching for has always been right in front of you. Add a bit of suspense and angst, you’ll be hooked until the end.
I am so happy that I got to revisit Bell Buckle! I love this series and I was excited to preorder this novella.
This book reads like so much more than a novella. The author packed it with heart and soul. Intrigue, mystery and heat tie it all together! It is her usual perfection.
Emily left Bell Buckle to live her dream as a singer. The problem is that her dream man is back at home living his dream on his ranch. How can that work for them? Can they meet in the middle or are them doomed?
Cooper Townsend had her at “darlin” and he had me long before that. Holy book boyfriend swoon!
Say You Won’t Let me go is a crossover book in the Lexi Blake Masters series. Why do I say this? When danger threatens Emily, Cooper brings in Wade to protect her. Well, Wade is a hot alpha bodyguard that I want to read more about! Yum!
I am so sad to see the hot guys and their wonderful women end. Since the end had to happen, Author Corinne Michaels, ties it all up in a beautiful bow. One click today, untie the bow and enjoy!I
4 star Review Say You Won’t Let Go
This is part of the current Lexi Blake Crossover Collection and written by a relatively new author to me Corinne Michaels.
This is Emily Young and Cooper Townsend’s story and is essentially a friends to lovers story, a genre I enjoy.
When Cooper and Emily re connect they are in for a roller coaster of a ride with intrigue and emotions a plenty. Emily is finally living her dream but danger rears it’s head and Cooper hires Wade from the McKay Taggart agency to keep her safe. After all he has finally realised what he and Emily could have. However will Emily give up her music career for Cooper? Would Cooper give up the ranch he loves? Something has to give and you need to one click to see what happens.
Although I enjoyed the story I was expecting a lot more about Wade, after all it is a crossover with the Master & Mercenaries series and yet really Wade was in the background of the book, only employed to protect Emily and not heavily involved in the story line.
the gorgeous cowboy Cooper finally gets his HEA! love this crossover with Lexi Blake…great friends to lovers romance with just the right amount of suspense! Can’t wait to see Wade’s book!
Great ending to the Bell Buckle/Return to Me Series for Corinne…be sure to catch all of those hunky Henningtons in the rest of the series. This is a fantastic stand alone but you will want to know more about the rest of the guys…great reads all of them!
Well that was certainly worth the wait! I’ve been craving Cooper’s story since we met him. Again this is a really fast paced story because well, novella. But it’s a great story with a crossover and I must admit I’m looking forward to meeting a broody security guard soon! I loved everything about this story. Cooper and his alpha protective streak were sexy AF. I loved getting to see his happy ending. Thanks Corinne Michaels for giving us Cooper!
What do you do when Corinne Michaels’ world of Bell Buckle, TN meets Lexi Blake’s Masters and Mercenaries- one click as fast as you can!
Emily Young is living out her dream singing on stage for one of country’s hottest stars when Cooper Townsend makes his way to her after a show. Excited, thrilled for a little bit of home in her new world, she embraces him with open arms.
This incredible story about Cooper and Emily will hit all the right notes and leave you wanting more. It’s a good thing both authors have other stories to feed that urge!
Loved, loved, loved it!! I have been waiting for Cooper Townsend to get his HEA! Turns out while Cooper and Emily have been just friends, they have also had feelings for each other for a while.
Emily left Bell Buckle to pursue her music career and has been touring as an opening act. Meanwhile Cooper is happy to live and run his farm in Bell Buckle, but something has been missing from his life. He shows up at one of Emily’s shows in Dallas and let’s just say some very sweet music is in the making!
I like where the story goes with some danger and suspense due to a stalker who has his sights on Emily, mixed in with the hot and steamy connection between Cooper and Emily. I also felt because of their past together, the faster pace was just right for them! They are perfect together. I really love that we get more of my favorite peeps in Bell Buckle in this book too!!
This crossover into Lexi Blake’s Master’s and Mercenaries series introduces us to Wade Rycroft, who is a bodyguard with McKay-Taggart. Cooper runs Into his old friend Wade In Dallas and then hires him as a bodyguard for Emily because of the escalating behavior of her stalker. I like Wade a lot! I love how he steps in when Cooper asks him to and how concerned he is for Emily simply because she is Cooper’s.
The epilogue just made me happy! I’m still smiling!
Brilliant!! This story was everything I’d hoped for from Coopers Book… Having read all the other books in this series, like everyone else, we had been hanging on for Cooper’s story for so long! And finally we get his turn in this delicious morsel of the most perfect Novella!
Considering this is a novella, is still had everything you could want out of the story. Cooper and Emily’s story is just lovely. Both characters have history and ultimately friendship.
With Emily pursuing her career in singing. She’s left the small town world of Bell Buckle and is making it big supporting a huge country artist on tour. Whilst in town, Cooper happens to be in the same town for work, they meet up and the connection soon starts again, the chemistry is there and sparks begin to fly!
But can they make a go of things. With Cooper from Bell Buckle, and Emily wanting to make it big in the world, their lives are leading them in different directions. Throw in a crazy fan of Emily’s, suddenly things start to get a little more serious. When threats start to be made, we meet Wade, one of Coopers friends from his younger Rodeo days (Oh how I need to read his book too – swoon!!).
This novella is crammed full of love, romance, heat, danger and suspense. There is laughter, tears and angst. I devoured this story!! It was extremely well written, staying true to the rest of the ‘Return to Me’ series. A wonderful ending to complete this epic series!
Emily is an up and coming Country Star. Cooper is a rancher from her home town that has had her heart forever. Emily and Cooper meet up at one of her concerts, and sparks fly! Emily thinks that their biggest problem is that she is out on the road touring and he has to go home to his ranch. But all of a sudden, strange things start to happen. Cooper calls for help from a friend with McKay-Taggart, and things go from bad to worse!
Emily and Cooper are the sweetest couple! It seems like they are on the same page from day 1, as far as feelings go, and its just external problems that are getting in their way. But this stalker means business, and brings with it a whole host of drama. I was rooting for Emily and Cooper to find their HEA, even when it looked hopeless. This was a beautiful, exciting, action filled story that I totally enjoyed!
This is part of the Lexi Blake crossover series and I just have to say, it was amazing! I’ve been dying for Cooper’s story since w were first introduced to him in the Return to Me series. Cooper’s story was everythign I wanted and more. I couldn’t help but love this side to him we hadn’t been introduced to yet. I loved every one of the Hennington brothers, but I might just have loved Cooper even more. He loves fiercely and with his whole heart. Which made it even better!
Emily and Cooper grew up together and now Emily is a making her name known as a musician. Cooper is still back home running his family ranch in Bell Buckle. Like every friend’s to lovers story there is something that has to try their relationship from day one. Their story is no different. I loved watching Cooper get all protective and fierce in keeping Emily safe.
Their story was sweet and just wanted I needed for Cooper. It had moments I wasn’t expecting, the suspense factor was awesome and the love/romance was perfect.
Cooper
Emily is the girl I will never catch, the girl who shouldn’t have to be contained in a goin’-nowhere town. Sure, I’ll get what I can here and there, but in the end, she’ll see I’m a goin’-nowhere farmer while she’s reaching for the stars.
Emily
I need his touch.
I need his arms.
I need him to give me air.
This book was perfect it gave some “closure” to the small town of Bell Buckle. I loved this side of Corrine’s writing with the suspense and the simple, easy going and protective relationship that she creates. I started reading this book and it took me in an unexpected direction, which I immediately fell in love with. I mean who wouldn’t want Cooper on your side? This is an absolute must read. Especially if you need another fix of Bell Buckle and your favorite cowboys. Just know that Corinne always weaves an amazing story and you are going to be kept guessing!
I absolutely loved getting to re-visit some of my old friends from Bell Buckle! This Novella took off fast and that is just the way I like it! Cooper and Emily have always had a thing for one another but never acted on it. Several years later they finally have a real shot but soon learn Emily has a stalker. This book was full of long lost love, ants, romance, and suspense! I also loved seeing everyone together again. I would definitely say this was an incredible romantic suspense novel! Something about those southern men….