From New York Times Bestselling author Corinne Michaels comes a heartbreakingly beautiful standalone story about letting love in.
I’m losing myself trying to save everyone else…
As a doctor, I walk a dangerously delicate balance of being compassionate but not overly invested. The same is true in my personal life–love is a luxury I can’t afford.
It isn’t until Dr. Westin Grant breaks … until Dr. Westin Grant breaks down all my walls and offers me a future, I find myself wondering if I’m brave enough to risk my heart.
When who I was and who I’ve tried to become collide during my clinical trial, the fate of one patient changes everything.
In a single moment, everything I’ve worked for is jeopardized. My integrity, my career, and even my relationship with Westin.
He loved me once, I just hope he can love me always …
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You Loved Me Once is an emotional, angsty story about a woman who has turned of her feelings after some very tragic incidents.
When her past returns to haunt her she is forced to choose between staying in the past or moving on.
I really really really loved this book. The story was very emotional and angsty. The twists and turns just hurt your heart alot.
Serenity is an amazing character. She‘s presumed to be an ice queen which she definitely is in the beginning but when someone from her past returns she finally is ready to leave her past behind.
For me this story was great. I felt alot and had to hold back tears a few times.
5
In this standalone from Corinne Michaels, Dr. Serenity Adams is a gynecological oncologist devoted to ending the type of cancer that took her own mother’s life. The story centers around an ethical dilemma Serenity finds herself in regarding a clinical trial under Serenity’s purview.
By all accounts, Serenity is achieving her goals of helping others with the devastating diagnosis, but in her personal life she’s also nursing old wounds that keep her from taking her relationship with Dr. Westin Grant to the next level. If she doesn’t claim him soon, there are plenty of other women in the hospital who will.
I liked this story even though the cancer related content brought back some sad memories of my own mother, but it’s worth a warning that it may not be a book for everyone. While Serenity’s ethical problem seems a bit unlikely and a little contrived, I did like the position it put her in and I really wondered what she was going to do.
I also liked her relationship with Westin and his understanding of her work environment. He really was wonderful and it was clear he had deep feelings for Serenity who will have to choose between her past and her present.
You Loved Me Once is a quick read that held this reader’s interest until the end. The conflict is an ethical one that not only impacts Serenity’s professional life, but has the potential to damage her personal life in a big way. I liked the situation the main characters were placed in and the decisions they had to make. Overall, it kept me guessing as to all it all was going to end up and I liked that.
The narrators did a fantastic job. I love corinne’s books alway amazing and never disapoint. I’m so thankful she decided to write this book
I seriously don’t know how to review this book because the blurb is pretty vague and I don’t want to give anything away. Trust me, this is one of those books that needs to be experienced and you should go in blind.
You Loved Me Once was a rollercoaster of raw emotions, life-changing events and an unexpected suspens-like feeling that had me on the edge of my seat and my heart in my throat the whole time.
Serenity’s story was heartbreaking to the max, but also by the end, liberating. Her journey wasn’t all roses at all. The heartbreak this woman suffered would be too much for anyone and when she finally reached her breaking point, it all came crushing down around her. But lord, she fought tooth and nail, she recognised her mistakes, and she grew up.
And don’t even get me started on Westin. That boy was pure perfection in all his flawed awesomeness. Seriously, his patience with Ren, his commitment, his drive, his understanding, his…his…HIS FREAKING EVERYTHING!!!!!!
This book was so unexpected from what I’m used to by Corrine Michaels, but it was a great surprise. You Loved Me Once was a powerful story about regrets and mistakes and how to overcome them with dignity, how to grow up and move on from the shackles of the past that hold us hostage. It was about how closure is powerful enough to heal what was once broken and that opening your heart to the possibilities and your eyes to what’s in front of you instead of caging yourself to a past long gone, can bring you healing and a chance at something even better.
5 heartwrenching, beautiful stars!
OMG this book! An angsty, heartwrenching, heartbreaking, but absolutely beautiful story with a romance that stole my heart. This book had me feeling all the feels, and I loved it.
This book is marketed as ‘Women’s Fiction’, I’m thinking that probably means that there’s less sex than a usual romance novel, but it’s still a passionate, romantic book, with all of the emotion and intensity that I expect from a Corinne Michaels novel.
Serenity is a talented and highly regarded surgeon whose work is her life. After experiencing a traumatic heartbreak in her 20s, she’s kept her life free of complications, and has no time for a relationship, and no place for love in her life. But she does have a friend with benefits – fellow surgeon, Westin, who is a stellar lover, and a companion who understands the pressures of her work, and though she suspects he wants more, he’s never pushed her for more than she is ready for.
“He’s really perfect. There are times when I hate myself, and right now is one. I wish I were a bright-eyed girl who believed that love could save your soul.”
Serenity gives all of herself to her patients, and the hospital where she works, and she’s about to embark on the highlight of her career – a clinical trial for a treatment that she has designed which will change the course of treatment for her patients, and will hopefully save lives. Her life is ordered, her career is fulfilling, and she’s at no risk of having her heart shattered again, and that’s the way she likes it. And then her past comes crashing into her present, sending her defences tumbling. It feels like her life is rocked completely off its axis, and she’s forced to face all of the emotion she’s been hiding from for so many years.
“I’d rather never feel those emotions again. I’d rather heal people, make things better and erase the damage life can cause instead of inviting it in.”
At the same time, after years of slowly breaking through Serenity’s walls, Westin wants more, and oh, my heart, the man is pure perfection! He’s patient, gentle and understanding (and sexy as all hell), and he knows just how much to push, I had full-on heart eyes over him, and I freaking love him!
“I’m doing what I should’ve done a long time ago,” he says, watching my reaction … “I want more and I’m tired of waiting for you to be ready.”
I gasp as the fire burns in his gaze. “What if I’m not ready now?”
His lips turn into a sinful smile. “Then I guess I’ll have to make you ready.”
“It’s been two years, and I’ve been a patient man. You’ve got issues with love, and I get that, but I’m not him, Serenity. I’m not the guy that fucked your head up. I’ve been the guy who held you when you cried, supported you, and if you don’t see that we’re more than fuck buddies…I don’t know what else to say.”
There are moments of such sweetness between these two, that I read with a huge smile on my face, my heart full and excited to see things so effortlessly changing between them. But at the same time, Serenity is spiralling as she tries to keep on top of her emotions. And through it all, Westin is by her side.
“If I fall, are you going to catch me?”
His eyes close, and when he opens them again, there’s not a trace of doubt. “Always.”
But one devastating moment will change everything – risking everything that Serenity holds dear, professionally and personally. It wasn’t a huge surprise where the story was going, but there are definitely shocks along the way that I wasn’t expecting, and there were moments where I had no clue what was going to happen. It’s all so well written, I could absolutely understand where Serenity was at, and my stomach churned with anxiety for her, and I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it, desperate to know how it was all going to end.
I felt so much reading this book. I ached for these characters, and there were scenes that had me sobbing at the gutwrenching pain of it all. But the hurt puts you right into the heart of Serenity’s life as our brave heroine faces her past, her present, and her fears, and fights for her future. Her growth as a character is really satisfying to watch.
The side characters are also fantastic – from Westin to Serenity’s family, friends and patients, I came to deeply care for these characters, and again, I felt so much for them.
Through all of the drama, the love story is a key focus, and is beautifully woven into the story, and the different plotlines blend seamlessly to create an intense and emotional read that owned my heart in all the ways.
Even with all of the drama, there is blessedly a happy ending, and I finished this book with a healed heart. It’s an intense read, and so beautifully written. I loved it.
5 stars
P.S. This book is absolutely a standalone, but I would love to see a follow-up book. There is a character just screaming to have their story told, and I’d love to see them get their HEA.
Emotion, passion, hope…this book has it all. It kept me hooked from the beginning. Westin and Serenity’s story is about learning to let go of your past and open yourself up to love. It is a Corinne Michaels book, so bring tissues. There will be tears. You definitely want to add it to your must read list!
Thank you to whoever pushed Corinne Michaels to finish this book and release it to the world. Because wow. Just wow. This is probably one of her best books.
Serenity is fierce and fragile all at once. Westin – who is amazing – is her anchor, even though she keeps him at arms length. It takes coming face to face with her tragic past for her to realize what Westin truly means to her. But then her world starts to crumble, and it might be too late.
This is a book that will make you think. What would you do? It will also drag you through the emotional wringer, which is no surprise. Corinne Michaels does that well. LOL!
You Loved Me Once is an emotional and angsty journey of self-discovery. I was captivated from beginning to end by this heartbreaking, yet heart-warming story of love, loss, hope, redemption and second chances.
Serenity Adams is a passionate, driven, and dedicated oncologist who keeps everyone at arm’s length and her personal life takes a back seat to her professional goals and aspirations. Struggling with grief, this conflicted heroine is faced with choices that could affect everyone around her.
Once again Corinne Michaels has put her readers through an emotional wringer and I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging and unique story.
You Loved Me Once is Corinne Michaels’ newest standalone. It’s an emotional rollercoaster I didn’t expect! I knew it would be emotional, it’s Corinne after all but I didn’t see the curves and I love that. I really can’t get into the storyline without spoiling the ride this will be fast.
Serenity has loved and she has lost. Her only love at thirty-eight is her career which means saving lives. She is a gynecological oncologist who is not only saving lives but giving women the chance to carry their own children. Her career is close to her heart and it’s the only thing she needs to be happy. She doesn’t have time for relationships. She barely has time for friendships and family. She does have Westin to fill her nights after stressful days but she will not let him in. Her walls are built with stones and has been for the last fourteen years. He has been working to break them down over the time they have been in their non-relationship relationship. Will she finally let them fall?
This is more than just a love story between Ren and Westin. It’s about much more but I can’t get into all of that. I will say that I loved it. It’s a beautiful, heartbreaking, and intense story full of love, family, passion, and heart.
Quotes:
“Emotions don’t play by the rules.”
God, he kisses like no one else.
“All I need is you.”
Corinne Michaels has become a go to author for me. Her books are unique and have realistic feels to them. With that said, You loved me once was not a favorite. It has nothing to do with the writing or the actual story, which were both phenomenal as usual. This has more to do with the fact that I am a medical professional that wholeheartedly disagreed with an important part of this story. No spoilers here. I know that this is fiction but I just couldn’t get past it. That’s the difference between 4 stars and 5 stars for me.
Holy mother of god, I wasn’t ready for this masterpiece that Miss Michaels delivered, but wow she blew me away with this! I cried, laughed, got mad and rooted for these characters the entire time! This is her best work yet!
5 Stars!
Serenity Adams is a world class surgeon who has made it her mission to fight cancer. She’s known among her peers as one of the best, and continually tries to make a difference. She loves her job and is passionate about it. So much so that her personal life kind of takes a back seat to her professional life. She’s been casually seeing a neurosurgeon at her hospital for the last two years. They’ve kept things easy with no expectations. Over the years she’s learned the hard way feelings make you vulnerable, so she’s not emotionally available. Westin Grant is a great guy, and they have an agreement that works well for them, but when he suddenly changes the rules will she finally let her guard down and open her eyes to what’s right in front of her?
While busy balancing her career and romantic life one moment changes her path and makes her question everything. When the past and present collide everything she cares about is put on the line. Soon it feels like the weight of the world rests on her shoulders. She’s doubting herself as she is met with impossible decisions and situations. She’s conflicted and in over her head as her life feels like it’s falling apart. With a job that is both rewarding and at times devastating she’s pushed outside her comfort zone and feels reckless. As her world gets more complicated will what doesn’t destroy her make her stronger?
You Loved Me Once by Corinne Michaels is an unforgettable standalone friends to lovers, office romance about love, loss, heartbreak, hope, healing and family. This is a deeply emotional story that really makes you think about right, wrong, and life in general. It’s real, addicting and beautiful. We are taken on this woman’s journey of self discovery as she realizes what’s most important to her. Priorities shift and we get a very real look into the heart of Serenity Adams. I really loved this book, and couldn’t put it down. It’s one that will stay with me for a while and made me feel everything!!!
Intensely emotional & awesome narration
Full of feels and angst. A very sick wife who has cancer seeking treatment. A husband who will do anything, even confront the heartbreak of his past to save his wife from a deadly disease. A kind hearted surgeon who held on to his love for a woman who built walls around her heart, not letting love in. And a woman oncologist who is Haunted by hurt and grief from her past in the center of them all.
An old fashioned love story & romance that gives you all the feels of love and heartbreak. Of holding on and letting go. And that love always triumphs in the end if given a second chance.
This novel is made into masterpiece by the performance of award-winning narrator and “Golden Voice”, Julia Whelan, who brought this story on the next higher level. Her evocative performance captured the intensity and angst of the whole story, as how the author intended her novel to be for her readers and listeners. A real great voice acting performance.
*4,5 stars*
This author just has a way with words and to bring a story to you that is not only emotionally charged but also has funny loving moments that make you feel what the characters are going through in every way. I need to be careful in this review so I don’t spoil too much but this story deals with something a lot of women have to face in real life and you just can’t help but feel connected in some way, even if you haven’t been in that situation. You’ll definitely need some tissues while reading ‘cuz at times it can get heartbreaking to read. But I feel those are the best stories to read and also make you connect with what they’re going through even more. You just need to read this book or definitely put it on your to be read list ‘cuz it’s that good!
Serenity and Weston are both doctors at the same hospital and have been dating for quite some time now. When Serenity starts the trials in her speciality, she has a lot riding on it but when a ghost from the past comes back into her life, it’ll change everything in its course. No matter how hard she tries, nothing seems to be going right and when tragedy happens, it’ll be hard for her to keep going but Weston is there all the way with her and supports her in any way he can. Although she has a lot on her plate, their relationship slowly changes and she sees what’s been there all along before her eyes but will it be enough to take it to the next level?… Or will her secret destroy everything in its process?…
You Loved Me Once is emotional, angsty and was difficult to put down once I started reading. The characters and story pull you in immediately. Serenity is a dedicated and focused doctor. She has been in a casual relationship with a fellow doctor, Westin Grant but never allowed herself to get too emotionally involved. She was left heartbroken by her first love and didn’t want to find herself in that position again so she has kept herself from getting too close to anyone romantically. After a series of traumatic events Serenity begins to question herself and her choices. The decisions she is faced with are heartwrenching. The story takes you on an epic journey of self discovery, love, hope and heartbreak. I would classify this as more of a womens fiction, than a romance as it wasn’t the focal point of the story, but that didn’t make me love it any less. Beautifully written.
*I received an advanced reader copy via Valentine PR in exchange of an honest review.
Awesome story of how you can forgive your past and move on to a wonderful future. Corinne does an amazing job of brining the characters to life and proving there is happiness possible in all of out worlds.
5 I’m Still Recovering Stars!!
It’s been a long time since I’ve had several crying jags with a Corinne Michaels book. You Loved Me Once gave me every emotion possible…. Angst, anger, tears, smiles and everything in between. In my opinion, this is Corinne Michaels at her very best!!
Serenity is a woman that has worked hard and is facing some challenging times and while she’s working her way through this point in her life and career she’s also trying to figure out how Westin, a fellow doctor at her hospital fits into her life. That alone is a painstaking journey. Add in people and situations that are beyond Serenity’s control and man oh man, get the tissues ready. This book is hypnotizing in it’s words making me want to do nothing but read this book. Not only did I read it, I was listening to the audiobook, masterfully narrated by Julie Whelan. Between her amazing narration and beauty of Ms. Michaels words and I’m a goner!!
This is a must read book. Don’t let the chance of experiencing so many emotions scare you away from this book. If you’re like me, when it’s over you’ll be a changed person, wondering if you too would make the same choices Serenity made!
This is Serenity and Westin’s story. Serenity is a doctor who is determined to save as many lives as she can after loosing her mom to cancer. Westin is a doctor as well, and he and Serenity have had a casual relationship for a while, and he is determined to break down the walls around her heart. When Serenity loses a patient, she makes some difficult decision which could just be her downfall, and Will when her past shows up at one of her clinical trials she is conducting, this is an added complication she did not need. Will her decision be the end of her relationship with Westin? This is a well written flawless story which is an emotional roller coaster, and is filled with angst, family, heartbreak, and is an endearing, thought provoking, and entertaining story. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend. In my opinion, this is this author’s best work to date.
This one makes you think…
An all-new standalone from Corinne Michaels, within the category of woman’s fiction, and it’s a total win. The story was solid and heartbreaking—great characters with depth and emotions that fuel an already powerful storyline. I like this side of Corinne. Don’t get me wrong, I love a great series, but this was different on the best way possible.
Serenity (Ren) is a gynaecological oncologist who is determined to find better health outcomes for her patients. She is about to begin a drug trial that she is hoping will change the lives of the women who so desperately need help. She has been casually dating Westin, a cardio surgeon who is so gorgeous, most women swoon when they meet him. Up to this point it has been a friends with benefit arrangement, but it has grown to them now rarely spending a night apart.
Westin has been patient with Ren, when he first met her he knew that he would have to be, to slowly break down her walls. Two years later, Westin is ready to push for more, sweeping away the eggs shells he has been walking on around her. They have kept their relationship on the downlow at work but it’s time to bring it out into the light and show her that he is committed to more.
The first time Ren fell in love she was only 14 years old and with her high school boyfriend Bryce. It was an all consuming, intense love. They were together for four years and after they were both accepted into Penn State, they planned to spend the rest of their lives together. When Ren’s mothers health took a turn for the worst, she decided to change her choice of college to be closer to her mother. This decision ended up changing things for Ren and Bryce, ripping them apart not just physically but emotionally.
‘In my heart I know there is no one else that will love me like Bryce does. There is not another soul that could make me feel like the world is full of colour and life. He will forever be the only person for me, and I know this.’
It has been fourteen years since Ren last saw Bryce and since then she hasn’t been in love or given her heart to anyone. She knows she feels something for Westin but defining it is uncomfortable for her to think about. After a come to Jesus talk with her bestie she realises that she has been unfair to Westin, holding back on giving in to what has been truly growing between them and she needs to trust Westin with her heart, opening up to the possibility of ‘more.’
‘When I’m around Westin I feel a sense of safety in a sea of uncertainty. He holds the rudder, keeping us on course. He doesn’t control me, but he comforts me. I can relax. I can breathe.’
Then Bryce walks back into her life. His wife is part of the drug trial Ren is running and seeing him completely throws her. Not just because it’s been so long but seeing him deeply in love with another woman hurts. All of the pain she went through, not just losing him but her late mother as well, comes flooding back into her memories. How can she treat this woman and cope with seeing him every day?
Ren has a lot going on – Westin pushing her for more, Bryce begging her to save his wife’s life and things going on in her childhood home. Then once again she loses someone else close to her. She feels like she can’t breathe, drowning in sorrow and filled with despair. All of this turmoil has her making decisions she may live to regret and potentially losing the man she loves.
‘People move around me, but I don’t pay any attention, too lost in my own world and drifting away. That’s what the last few weeks have felt like. My anchor has broken and I’m lost at sea.’
‘You might be lost right now, but I’m holding out my hand, asking you to let me pull you back.’
Wow, this story packs a big emotional punch to the gut! Corinne managed to draw me into this carefully woven love story that frequently had me in tears. Been a while since I read a story like this and I loved every moment.