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Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Romance (2015)
7 hrs 20 mins

Liam wasn’t supposed to be my happily ever after.
He wasn’t even on my radar.
He was my husband’s best friend—forbidden.

But my husband is dead and I’m alone. I ache for him and I reach for Liam.

One night with Liam changed everything. Now I have to decide if I truly love him or if he’s just the consolation prize.

8 pages, Audible Audio

First published March 18, 2015

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About the author

Corinne Michaels

64 books14k followers
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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5 stars
12,450 (53%)
4 stars
7,428 (31%)
3 stars
2,706 (11%)
2 stars
670 (2%)
1 star
224 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,502 reviews
Profile Image for Christy.
4,223 reviews35.1k followers
April 26, 2015
5 stars!!!

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What can make a perfect book for me if done right, is a book that makes me feel. And this book… My heart. My emotions. The FEELS. It really got to me. If you’re looking for that kind of read, Consolation should go to the very top of your TBR list. This book hit me hard. I was completely captivated while reading Natalie’s story.

Natalie seemed to have it all. A husband she loved that made it out of the Navy safe and a live. After trying for a while, she's pregnant with their first child. Then something huge happened to change all that. She gets a knock on the door. Her husband Aaron, who is doing some sort of security mission overseas is gone. And she is alone. It’s just her and her daughter and she’s left to pick up the pieces and carry on with her life.

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Natalie feels alone. Even though she has family and friends, it’s not the same. She feels a void and doesn’t think anyone can ever fill it. Everyone notices how she’s not coping well. Then enters Liam Dempsey. Liam was Aaron’s best friend. He feels like he should make sure Natalie is okay. Be there for her for support and any help she might need. Liam is such a stand up guy.

The more time Liam spends with Natalie and her daughter, Ara, the more their friendship changes from just friendship to something more. They both try to fight it. It doesn’t seem ‘right’. But Aaron is gone. He’s never coming back. Is it really wrong?
The feel of her body against mine makes me want more. It’s wrong on so many levels. I’m breaking the ultimate man-code, but I can’t stop myself.

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Liam. OH my Liam. Is there a more swoony man? He’s military. He’s sexy. He’s sweet. He’s protective. AND he’s good with her kid. Can you say PERFECT MAN?!? And Natalie has so much strength. All she’s been through, as hard as things get, as the punches just keep on coming she stays strong. In her shoes, I’m not sure if I could hold on like she did. I love a strong heroine. She was truly great. I really loved them together. Liam isn’t the only hero in this story. They both saved each other.
“You being here in my arms right now is reminding me that sometimes the victory is worth the battle.”

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This was my first Corinne Michael’s story, but it certainly won’t be my last. The writing was fantastic and I loved the way the story flowed. I loved the direction it took. I’m actually excited to go back and read her first two books (which are recommended to be read before this- the characters tie in) because I liked Jackson so much in this one! And then that ending. Holy hell. I just can’t even go there. You have to read it for your self. Let that jaw drop and wait ever so patiently for the next book just like me!

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This was a story of loss, of love, friendship, moving on, starting over and believing in love again. It’s one thats going on my favorites list for the year. I highly recommend.

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“I want you. Every day I want you.”
*arc kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*

Profile Image for Aestas Book Blog.
1,059 reviews75.2k followers
May 31, 2015
::: FULL DOUBLE REVIEW POSTED :::


SQUEEEE!!!!! What an awesome book duet!!

I read both books in this series back-to-back and absolutely loved them!! I was hooked from the first page of the prologue and couldn't put either book down even for a minute. These books were  addictive , thrilling, emotional , romantic, sexy , and everything I could want in a series! 

I'll be honest, it was the blurb of the first book that made me want to read them...
Liam wasn't supposed to be my happily ever after.

He wasn't even on my radar.
He was my husband's best friend -- forbidden.


But my husband is dead and I'm alone.
I ache for him and I reach for Liam.


One night with Liam changed everything. Now I have to decide if I truly love Liam or if he's just the consolation prize.

See?? C'mon. Admit it. That's intriguing!

What you don't know from the blurb (but is revealed in the prologue) is that the heroine was pregnant when she got word that her husband was killed so this story isn't just about her and Liam, it's also about her daughter too. And let me tell you... watching Liam with this little baby girl was heart-melting!!!

I loved the way Liam came into their lives. There was nothing rushed about it. Initially he was just there to watch over them. He's been her husband's best friend and wanted to do for him what he would have done for any of his fallen brothers -- care for their loved ones. Their romance just... happened. It was very believable to me and I absolutely was rooting for them. He was open and honest with Natalie about everything -- talked with her about things he could have hidden, helped her in every way he could, was just there for her through everything, and also welcomed her daughter equally into his heart.

Lying on the couch is Liam with [my daughter] fast asleep on his chest. Her tiny hand is wrapped around his and they’re both holding on to each other. His huge body shields her as his arm holds her tight. It breaks my heart and mends it at the same time. Two parts of me are pulled apart. The one side that’s sad it’s not her father. The other part is grateful it’s Liam. Aarabelle shifts a little, and even in his sleep, he moves to accommodate and protect her.

The story was honestly just  addictive to an extreme. It's the kind of story where you start it and then suddenly realize that you're half way through and feel like you've barely stopped to breathe. It's well written, flows smoothly, and the story just draws you right in and keeps you flipping pages!

It's told in alternating POVs (but more of her POV than his). It was angsty, but not gut-wrenching, emotional but not the ugly-cry kind... it was just enough of everything to keep my heart racing the whole way through and make me unable to put it down until I got to the very end.

Liam and Natalie had fantastic chemistry and their banter was pure awesomeness (I have so many highlighted sections in my book) and I just generally loved the way their relationship built and developed.

They had a lot of things to work through though -- like for example how she was naturally wary of falling for another SEAL after already loosing her husband to this dangerous career. But regardless of the set backs, they fell strong and hard for each other and I totally believed in their love.

It’s difficult to love someone and know they might not come home, but the idea of not loving him is unimaginable. I was built for this life — not every woman can be a military wife, but even fewer can handle being a SEAL wife. You have to love deeper, stand stronger, but know that at any moment bonds can break. 

The ending of the first book was thoroughly gasp-worthy (even though I admittedly did guess that that would happen about half way through the book). Still, it had the intended effect and I immediately dove into the next book without hesitation.

Given the nature of the twist, the second book was naturally a little more... stressful?... than the first book, but no less addictive. For those of you who maybe have worries, I'll just say: don't be scared. K? You guys know the kinds of things that bother me and I promise this series doesn't have any of that. So you're good. Just enjoy the ride!

This isn’t my fight. It’s hers.
I’ll never be able to push her away. I’ll wait forever if I have to, but I can’t fight this battle.
She has to be the one to choose me.
If she loves me like she says, she knows where to find me.

I'm pretty sure I read the second book even faster than I read the first one -- that one made me almost more desperate to be sure things all worked out the way I wanted them too. I can say though that I was really thrilled with it. And I loved the way the epilogue completed the story. It was just beautiful!

If you love badass Alpha male heroes and sexy romances that keep your heart racing, then this highly addictive series is a must-read! These are definitely new favorites for me!

Rating: 4.5 stars! Complete 2-book series.
Contemporary Adult romance.


_______________________________________

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Profile Image for Candi~Dirty Laundry Review.
122 reviews244 followers
May 29, 2015
This book. Omg. THIS BOOK. There are so many things I want to say about this book and so many things I can’t say. Good god. I’m still on an emotional high. That ending. Holy hell. Let me start first, by saying, that this is my first Corinne Michaels book. And it will not be my last. And I thank my stars that I have the ARC of Conviction sitting in my kindle!! Because I would die, people. DIE. IF I HAD TO WAIT!!

When I first started reading this, not gonna lie, I thought oh god. This is going to gut me. I can’t. This is going to hurt. But I kept reading. For one, the writing is very hypnotic. It just sucks you in. And two, the storyline I thought was sad. But different for me. So I carried on and I’m so glad I did. I feel my words will not do justice for what this book is. It’s about heartbreak, sadness, loss, life, healing, learning, loving, grief, betrayal at its worst, hope. And yes people. Holy EFFEN hotness when things got hot. Which brings us to Liam. Good god almighty. Sweet Liam. Sexy, strong, sexy, protective, sexy all alpha male, of the best kind. Btw, did I mention sexy? Haha.

And let’s talk about one of my new favorite heroines. Natalie. This strong, beautiful, courageous woman. God how my heart broke for her. I completely understood her internal battle through the majority of the book. I couldn’t even imagine being in her place. The ups and downs, the confusion, the second guessing of everything, the guilt. I cried with her. My soul literally ached for her. And I cheered for her. She deserves all the things. The things that this woman had to endure. It’s just completely devastating. And what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Yeah, she came out even better in my opinion. Only to be crushed not once. But twice. That ending. God. It takes a lot to get a reaction like the one I had on that last page. I literally gasped. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I felt like I became Natalie in that moment. And that, my friends, is impeccable writing. If I had to sum up this book in one word. It would be “powerful.” From the flawless writing. To the brilliance of the storyline. To the powerful feelings that I truly experienced as a reader. Yes. Powerful. That is how I’m ending this review. Because I want you to read this story without knowing things. And, because I hate spoilers. Going in blind with a book is my favorite thing. Not knowing what to expect. There’s nothing better!!

I am so excited to start book 2, Conviction, right now!! So, if there is one thing you do today. YOU. MUST. 1-CLICK THE HELL OUT OF THIS BOOK.
Profile Image for Beverly.
1,005 reviews791 followers
January 13, 2016


Most little girls dream of the day they will marry their prince charming, have babies and live happily ever after. But what happens when your happily ever after is taken from you? That’s what happens to Natalie. After fertility problems Natalie and Aaron are finally pregnant, things are on track for their happily ever after until the knock on the door that will change her life forever.

‘My life is gone. My heart is dead. I’m a widow at twenty-seven.’


That morning Natalie woke up a happy, expectant mother, married to the love of her life, but went to bed a widow and soon to be single mother. Natalie’s husband was a retired Navy Seal working security for Jackson Cole, from Beloved/Beholden, when he was killed. After this devastating news the story picks up months later and Natalie is still trying to hold it altogether for their daughter, Aarabelle.

Liam Dempsey was Aaron’s best friend. Losing his best friend has completely shook him and he knows he needs to step up and help Natalie, that’s what Aaron would have wanted. Liam is a current Seal and he is transferred to Virginia Beach and begins helping Natalie He starts by doing things that she has neglected in her grief. More importantly Liam helps Natalie realize she isn’t alone and still has a lot of love to give.



Natalie and Liam were always friends, but their friendship was formed around Aaron. After Aaron’s death they begin to develop a bond that doesn’t include him. Liam is instrumental in helping Natalie move on and move through her grief. Natalie helps Liam realize he deserves a life, too. Liam has felt so much grief living with his friend, a husband and father, died.

She looks at me like I’m saving her. I wish she knew how much she was saving me.


I think it’s important to point out this isn’t a love triangle and the relationship between Natalie and Liam was always innocent. It still is, Aaron is gone and while they both struggle with moving on, especially with each other it’s hard to deny their connection. I absolutely loved this about the characters they were both overcome with grief and trying to move on when they begin developing feelings and attractions. I love how they are both cautious and respectful of Aaron’s memory.



I can’t even begin to imagine living through what Natalie did. I can’t imagine struggling to have it all and finally having it, but only for a moment. As someone who has struggled with infertility I can feel Natalie’s pain. I can imagine the relief and joy she felt thinking they would finally have their family. What I can’t imagine is losing it all, but with Corinne’s beautiful way of telling this story I felt all of Natalie's pain. I felt her devastation, I felt her heartbreak and I felt her struggle to move forward with her life.

I’m warm everywhere. I want him to touch me, kiss me, and I want to feel him inside of me. The want to be claimed by him is so fierce it rocks me to my core.


I am not sure if everyone knows the story about how I read the prologue to Consolation in another book and from that moment on I couldn’t stop thinking about this story. In a few pages, Corinne had captivated me and I was dying to read more. As the release approached I went crazy trying to win an arc, because I wanted to make sure I would have the chance to read it early. A lot of times when you build a book up in your mind and wait months for it to release it ends up letting you down. I am not the slightest bit disappointed in this story, it was better than I could even fathom.

This story affected me in so many ways: it made me laugh, cry and swoon. There wasn’t drama for the sake of drama, every moment of the story adds to the bigger picture. Days after finishing I was still thinking about these characters. Then when my friends started reading it and chatting with me, I felt it all over again. I am still not over it.



After reading all of Corinne’s books I have learned to expect the unexpected and this book may seem like your cookie cutter romance, but it’s not. All of her books deliver on so many levels, but this one left me gasping, breathless, begging for more. I cannot wait to read Conviction! So Facebook friends expect me to be publically begging/humiliating myself again for an ARC. <3

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.



Profile Image for Maria✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦.
662 reviews2,727 followers
October 20, 2016




➦This wonderful novel about loss, grief, hope and love sure gave me all the feels.

Natalie is a wife of a Navy SEAL and is pregnant with her first baby. She loses her husband in Afghanistan and, while she is completely shattered and heartbroken, she has to continue living for her child. Her husband's best friend Liam steps up to help her deal with the loss and offers the support she needs.

❤I loved reading about Natalie and Liam's relationship transforming from friends to lovers. It was so hard for both of them to fight their feelings for each other. Will Natalie be able to give her heart away again? Her biggest fear is loosing another man and Liam is also a SEAL.

❤Through this book I found out how hard it is to be a wife of a military man. Natalie's thoughts helped me understand just how the constant deployments must be so heartbreaking. The fear of loss you have to constantly live with must me completely excruciating.

➦I recommend this book to anyone who loves second chance at love romances and stories that evoke deep emotions. I sobbed a lot in the beginning of the book but I also chuckled quite a bit at the banter between the two main characters. This novel has a big cliffy at the end but both books of the series are out.

Books in this series:
Consolation (Salvation, #3) by Corinne Michaels Conviction (Salvation, #4) by Corinne Michaels

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Profile Image for Jx PinkLady Reviews ♡.
736 reviews1,071 followers
March 26, 2015
It's LIVE! * Amazon US * Amazon UK *



Consolation is emotional, brilliant and LOVELY and WOW. I really, REALLY loved this story of fear, loss, and hope. It’s about facing the life that’s left; the realities of what was and what could be if you open your heart and your soul. It deals with the realities of losing someone. Grief is explored showcasing the way other people behave towards the bereaved, the expectations of feelings and actions and the fact that there's no written law detailing how one should behave in such devastating situations as faced by our heroine.

By 12% I found myself completely invested in the story. I felt the prose deeply and my eyes watered from experiencing the heavy heart of the heroine. This book is so good. The angst level is set to perfection.

The Protagonists:
Natalie married her childhood sweetheart, Aaron, her first love and was content with her life, despite the dangers of her husband’s job. One day in the blink of an eye, everything changed, she lost him.

Liam Dempsey, Aaron’s best friend is noble, honest, hot, kind, reliable, HOT, sexy, sensual, and charming and, did I mention HOT?! He made a promise to look out for Natalie and is the one person to make her smile again, despite the dangers he himself comes with.



I love their easy friendship, the kind that comes from knowing someone over a period of years, their repartee and interaction is wonderful. I spent a lot of time smiling which is in direct contrast to the angst ridden situations, providing light and shade and adding an extra layer of feelings and beauty to the mix. The way their friendship develops throughout is simply put... beautifully divine.

The juxtaposition between reminiscing about the past and the slow realization and acceptance of feelings for someone else is so very moving. Learning how to move on; how to live again.



There’s more to this story than at first appears, things aren’t always what they seem.

Writing with a complete sense of authenticity is so important to me, especially in terms of character motivation, actions, inner thoughts and dialogue and this author achieves this in dramatic proportion. I’m an emotional reader; I totally put myself in the heroine’s shoes, empathizing with them, feeling their hurt, their angst, thinking how I’d feel in their situation. This writing contains the most lovely and exquisite inner conflict. I experienced so much pleasure reading this story.

To sum up my feelings, Consolation made me smile, swoon and cry in equal heart warming measure. And the ENDING... it completely blew me away; I saw it only moments before, not a millisecond sooner. The whole tale is just perfectly executed and I'm anticipating the prospect of the second and final part of this story with baited breath. What. Will. Happen?


**Note Consolation is the first part in a two part series. The second part Conviction is due for release on 27th May 2015 http://amzn.com/B00U48LBZQ

**Excerpt 1:




Advanced copy received from the author, via TRSoR, in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sleepless Readmore.
163 reviews305 followers
April 18, 2015
5 CONSOLE-ME-LIAM STARS
The best kiss is the one that
has been exchanged
a thousand times
between the eyes before
it reaches the lips.

description

Lee and Liam .. ♥
description

You don't have to
pretend he isn't here
between us .."


I can HONESTLY say this novel gutted me. It's that kind that you can ONLY read once .. WHY?! Only because my heart couldn't bear to re-read. It was PERFECT in every way that counts. A tear jerker .. a page turner .. a freaking HEART breaker! Corinne Michaels knows her stuff .. HELLO NEW FAVOURITE AUTHOR .. pure GENIUS .. honestly WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE (another Rihanna song reference ►♫ hehe ) .. anywho if you're living under a ROCK come out m'love and experience a Corinne Michaels story. #HighlyReccomend

Loving me comes with a risk of
knowing I might not come back home .."


description

As your shadow crosses mine
What it takes to come alive ..►♫


SPOILER ABOUT ENDING .. seriously !?!!?!? HOLY F*CKETYF*CK ... #WhatTheActualF just happened?! Talk about a #PlotTwist .. definitely an understatement .. I don't think anyone could understand how much I need the next story .. like my next freaking BREATH .. like literally the scene out of Frankenstein came to my mind "IT'S ALIVEEEEEEEEEEE" but I'm sure Frankenstein doesn't hold a candle to him.

description

"Well, I don't mean to brag, but I've been
known to break a few hearts ... and beds."
"Breaking beds because you're a fatass doesn't count."


description

It’s the way I’m feeling I just can’t deny
But I’ve gotta let it go
We found love in a hopeless place ..►♫


Consolation Corinne Michaels
- Sleepless, Readmore. Twitter

Consolation (The Consolation Duet, #1) by Corinne Michaels
Profile Image for Catarina.
896 reviews2,227 followers
March 26, 2015
4 Sweet Stars.

Natalie was happy. She was happily married and she was pregnant with their first child. Until the day she gets the news that her Navy husband died at an overseas mission. Now she’s a pregnant widow at 27 years old.
Liam, her ex-husband best-friends from the Navy takes upon himself to look after them Natalie and his daughter and trough the grieving they start to get closer.
Eventually they’ll fall in love but how can Liam know that she loves him for who he is and that is not the consolation prize?

description

This was a very well written, engaging, heartwarming and at times gut-wrenching love story. I loved how the couple slowly fell in love and their story together was really beautiful.
However, there was some things that I didn’t particularly enjoyed. One being , and the other the big twist at the end. I felt it was unnecessary, although understanding what the author is trying to do with it .
It’s safe to say that I can’t wait for the next book.

description

Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: I loved Liam. I loved how loyal, and sweet and caring he was. He was amazing with Natalie and with her baby. Natalie was pretty sweet and I liked how strong and decided she was. There were some pretty good supporting characters and I loved how supportive of them they were.
Steam: Some heated scenes.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Profile Image for ~♡AB♡~.
974 reviews692 followers
March 21, 2015
★★ 2 Stars ★★

Unfortunately, I did not feel this book at all. There was just no emotional connection and I did not like the plot twist which occurred nor did I appreciate the freaking huge cliffhanger at the end.

Natalie is pregnant when Aaron, her ex Navy SEAL husband dies on a mission whilst working for a security team overseas. She is grieving heavily when his best friend Liam takes it upon himself to make sure she is OK and support her.

They didn't have feelings for each other before, but then during the grieving process they become closer. They both feel guilty about their growing attraction and Liam especially feels bad,, because in the Navy they have a code that prevents them from messing with each others wives.
_ _ _ _

One of my biggest problems with this book was that it didn't really feel forbidden to me. Natalie's best friend just wants her to be happy so she is very encouraging of her relationship with Liam and Liams' buddies were more worried that Natalie would get hurt more than anything, they didn't get angry or make a particularly big deal out of it. The only forbidden aspect was in their heads and I didn't feel their struggle all that much but that is a personal feeling. I just found it a bit boring if I am honest.

When the big twist came I was ready to throw a shit fit, I almost DNF. I felt it was completely unnecessary, that is, until I came to the huge cliffhanger at the end and now I understand why it happened. Still, this story was not for me and I am very sorry to say that I will not be continuing with their story.

First in a two part duet, told in dual POV.

ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Profile Image for Akanksha❤ Søren♰.
654 reviews2,659 followers
May 28, 2015
5 lobster Stars!
[f.r.i.e.n.d.s]

I LOVED THIS BOOK.
It reminded me a lot of another book which I hated; go figure.
Their stories are TOOOOOOO similar, hence I won't give the name or else the story will be out.

I wanted more answers, hope we get ALL in the next book of the Duet, which is 2 months away. *internally screaming* Can't Wait!!

I want to know whats written in Liam's letter, because I know it will have some MAJOR BOMB!

The story is written really well, like how it is played out. So balanced... had feels, happiness, cuteness, steam, and just OMG!

That ending, Oh Boy! Someone needs to give me pain killers for my heart.



Liam... LOVED him. Love how he could just flip the emotions of a situation, make it sexy and funny from sad and serious.

Lee!!! STRONG AND BEAUTIFUL. I loved her, seriously. All her actions, everything was so nicely justified in the story. I loved how the author played it out.

I love Aara! She was the cutest! Loved how Liam despised changing her diapers. It was so funny.

Rea, everyone needs a best friend like her. LOVED HER.

All the characters in this book were so nicely written. Each had just the right amount of time and importance given; amazingly balanced out...

The only problem I had with this book is the first chapter. The author let all her chips fall.
I PREDICTED THE WHOLE STORY just with the first chapter, I figured both the main hidden secrets of this book by just reading the first chapter... So that was a bummer.


~

She aches for him but reaches for me—I refuse to be the consolation prize.

WHAT A LINE.

~



^ ^
Me after just reading the tiny little chapter which was at the end of Kaleidoscope Hearts
Profile Image for Pavlina Read more sleep less blog  .
2,434 reviews5,108 followers
March 22, 2015
4,5 STARS

""You're supposed to be untouchable, and yet here you are in my arms.I don't know if I'm lucky or a fucking idiot.I just know that when we're together,it feels right.It feels like we're supposed to be."


I loved this book!!I was so excited to read it!!I pre-ordered it and was waiting patiently for the moment it would be released!! It's my first book from Corinne Michaels and I was curious about what to expect from this author!For me this book made me have so many feelings!!I fell in love with the characters slowly and I wanted to read more and more!!This books is about loss,love and moving on.

description

Nothing can be easy for Natalie now that she and her daughter are alone after the loss of her husband.When Liam her husband's best friend is back, things will change!They become friends and he helps her a lot...But he has feelings for her and Natalies starts to feel different about him..

Sometimes it happens....

description

Liam is amazing, he makes the whole story!He brought life back to Natalie and I love him for that!!He is exactly what she needs!! He is protective,patient,sweet and hot!! He is just perfect!!Natalie is funny and sweet!I could feel her loss and her pain..nothing is easy and I can understand her..

description


What I loved more about this book is that it surprised me!Because some things happened that I really didn't expect! But I can't say anything because it's spoilers!!And the ending..omg I don't know what exactly to expect from the second book!!I can't believe that now I have to wait ..Please second book...come soon <33
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,082 reviews886 followers
October 2, 2015
I was so excited for this story. I wanted to be torn to shreds as I read it and although I did ugly cry, I laughed hard too – sometimes at the same time which led to some very unattractive moments. For those of you who read the Belonging Duet you already met Lee and know how she came to be a window and single mother. Your heart was already broken for her.

As she is forced to come to terms with the fact that her husband isn’t keeping his promise about returning home, only one person seems to be able to break through the fog of her grief. Liam. Aaron’s best friend. As Liam pushes Lee to move forward they both begin to experience something that has them both scared to death. Liam isn’t supposed to fall in love with his best friend’s wife and Lee isn’t supposed to be falling in love so soon after her world was destroyed. But love sometimes can’t be stopped; there are no rules to follow when you lose everything. You can only follow your heart and Liam is slowly making his claim.

I was completely rocked by this book. I cried like a baby and then felt so much anger at times that I wanted to slam my kindle across the room. Corinne Michaels does a fantastic job displaying the various stages of grief and gave Lee so sides that my heart was breaking and soaring right alongside of hers. I loved watching her come to terms with reality, loved seeing her fight and battle herself and ultimately giving in to what her heart wanted.

Oh, and Liam. Yeah. Look up perfect in the dictionary and there he is. I fell completely in love with this man. Between the light hearted moments and the moments when things turned heavy, he had me completely wrapped up in him. I could not look away even if I wanted to. And I didn’t want to.

I can’t go into more of this story without it really giving anything away but what I can say is that I am hooked. I can’t wait till book two is out. I don’t think I can physically hold out until the summer. This is going to kill me.

I am a fan of this author. The writing style is so fantastic and she gives you amazingly created heroes and heroines that both balance that fragile line of being a little broken but still strong. The story given in Consolation was unexpected and I was left completely unprepared for the journey that I was taken on. I thought that after how my heart was at her mercy in Beholden, that I could withstand anything this author threw at me, I was wrong. My heart is hurting for these characters and the hard road they are going to have to face and I cannot wait to be taken along for the ride.

If you haven’t yet picked up this authors books – do so now. You will not regret it. I have absolutely loved every second I have been lost within the pages of her stories and can’t wait for more.


ARC


==========================





Profile Image for Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen.
1,688 reviews615 followers
March 2, 2015
Book – Consolation (The Consolation Duet #1)
Author – Corinne Michaels
Publication Date – March 18, 2015
Genre – Romance
Type – Part of Series
Cliffhanger - Yes
Rating – 4.25 to 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided for Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review.
 
My Thoughts - Story
In the beginning I was a bit overwhelmed with all the talk of death and the constant memories of Aaron, but as the story progressed and we got more into the story of Lee and Liam – that is when this book did a complete turn around. Also finding out that Aaron wasn’t all he was cracked up to be – at times annoyed me, pissed me off and it got to be a bit too much. 



Now Liam on the other hand…I loved everything he did – his loyalty, faithfulness, patience and damn – just about everything with that man.

What really kicked me over the edge and has me hanging by thread is the ending. I have to be honest and kind of thought it a possibility but shit…it still took me by surprise.

This was a great first book I have read from this author and I have a big feeling it won’t be my last.



Re-Cap
Lee is pregnant and after a routine operation her husband is on – she finds out that he perished overseas. Instantly turning into a single mom of a newborn, she at first shuts herself off for 6 months but with the help of her husband’s best friend, she learns to laugh again.

Innocent friendship turns into so much more and a new romance blossoms. Lee also has to deal with a flood of secrets from the past where Liam is right by her side for support.



Just as things start to take off and the “L” word is shared – Lee is…..

Nope – Yeah – Fucking A
 
Reason for Reading – Blog Tour
Story Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Steam Rating – 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Angst Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Writing Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Told In Dual POV
Heroine/Personality – Lee is strong and dealing with a bunch of shit – perfect heroine
Heroine/Personality – Liam is perfect in every way – he is patient, he loves with his whole soul and is just perfect
HEA (Spoiler) – Don’t know yet…Ended on cliffhanger
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Readers who like a lot of angst and sorrow to turn into happiness.

Profile Image for MELISSA *Mel Reader*.
1,413 reviews1,484 followers
May 24, 2015
4.5 "You're Made For Me" Stars!

I rely on faith. Faith that I'll make it through this and find my heart again.

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Natalie Gilcher aka Lee is a 27 yr. old woman living in Virginia Beach. She is married to a navy SEAL, and they are expecting their first child. A knock at the door one day suddenly changes her whole world when she learns the man she's loved since she was 16 is gone. He was her first & only love, and now she is a widow & single mother trying to survive, & take life one day at a time. She has a huge support system, but is still drowning in her grief, while trying to function & care for her daughter.

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Natalie's husbands best friend for the last 8 years moves to Virginia. His name is Liam Dempsey. He's an interrogator for the SEALS, worked with her husband, & was like a brother to him. He wants to be there for Natalie & her daughter & helps them out in any way he can. She begins to rely on him & his friendship. When he's around he's honest with her, & doesn't just tell her what she wants to hear. He helps her handle things, & when he's near, she no longer feels like she's broken. He makes her smile & feel like her old self again.

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-When I'm around Liam, it's not so hard. He makes me smile and laugh when I feel like I'm drowning in sorrow. But the best part of him is that he doesn't even realize he's doing it. It just happens when he's around.

-There's something there. She draws me in and I don't even realize it's happening. She makes me want to be a better man.

-"No matter what happens, you'll have me."

-She looks at me like I'm saving her. I wish she knew how much she is saving me.

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Liam slowly begins to bring Natalie back to life, & helps her piece her life back together. He makes her feel whole & secure. Feelings begin to develop between them that are very unexpected. They both feel guilty & conflicted over the way they are feeling for one another. Everything about Liam including his touch soothes her. They don't plan it, but they fall for each other. Liam is such a good man, & so loving to Natalie & her daughter. He totally lives up to his nickname Dreamboat & is absolutely swoon worthy, especially when he's with the baby. We also must mention the man is drop dead gorgeous!!! Military yummy & hard to resist! I totally fell hard for Liam & loved how playful he is! This was a very emotional beautiful book with some drama thrown in. It ends on a major cliffy that left me desperate for book 2!!! :D

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-I'm kissing Liam Dempsey and I like it.

-Liam breathes the air into my lungs for me. The life that left my soul months ago, when it was ripped from me, starts to find its way back. I'm alive in his arms.

-"I just know that when we're together, it feels right. It feels like were supposed to be."

-"How can you know exactly what I need all the time?"

-"Because I know you."

-"I know your heart, and I won't take that for granted."

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-"I've got you. I won't let you fall."

-I feel alive and adored.

-"I decided I was allowed to feel for you. I think you were meant to be mine."

-"Every second I'm away from you I'll feel like my heart is missing."

-"Sometimes the victory is worth the battle."

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U...
Profile Image for Olga therebelreader.
890 reviews761 followers
May 31, 2015
The story is about Natalie (Lee), a wife of a marine SEAL named Aaron. He is her high school sweetheart and the only man she has ever loved. Lee is 6 months pregnant when she receives the news that her husband has been killed in a mission overseas. Lee is left with a newborn baby girl feeling deep despair, hopelessness along with depression. She feels that all that is left is loneliness and voidness.

Liam, Aaron’s best friend and fellow SEAL, is the one who helps her take care of things, makes her laugh, and offers her support. Liam spends time with her and the baby, he binds himself to them and Lee is finally sensing comfort and inspires action for Liam to take control.


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Liam makes her focus on the positive, to ‘keep the faith and finish the race’. Liam never makes her forget her love for Aaron. He never suggests that she should no longer love Aaron. Eventually, Lee comes to her own peace, accepts her loss and tries to find happiness again with Liam’s help. They get very close and soon the dynamics of their relationship change.


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In the beginning, Lee’s happiness comes with guilt, nostalgia and regret. Can she really move on and find love again? Each one of them has to find his/her way to cope with Aaron’s loss and the courage to hold onto the arising feelings of love and affection for as long as they fill their heart. Lee had only loved one person in her whole life.

When Liam comes along, everything is different because he is not Aaron and Lee didn’t know that love would feel different. So as they become more serious and have deeper feelings for one another, Lee starts to worry. Because this does not feel the same. A lot. She starts questioning herself and her feelings but Liam is the man who sets her free and brings her back to life!!


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I really liked the secondary characters and the subplots these characters were running. These subplots were the ones that built tension and suspense. And that cliffhanger was just amazing! I also loved Liam’s devotion to Natalie and his romantic side that came in contrast to his strong physique and dynamism. I really enjoyed the witty dialogues, playful banter and flirtation that seasoned up any scene.

What I didn’t like is that the storyline was predictable and not something special, except that cliffhanger that raised my expectations for the second book. Also, it was slightly cheesy and it lacked intense drama, and passion and excitement in Liam and Lee’s relationship.

This book is full of angst, heartache, deceit and misunderstandings. It will take you on one heck of an emotional roller-coaster ride and will leave you with a brutal cliffhanger ending!
Profile Image for Dilek VT.
1,545 reviews1,589 followers
January 1, 2017
I loved this series. Both books in Consolation Duet series are told by dual point of view.

My only problem with the series was that the second book, despite being really good, was longer than necessary and dragged a little bit. It could easily have been a 100-150-page novella. Well, no matter what, I still loved the series. And I loved the main characters, they were so real, so imperfectly perfect....


First of all, it is a different kind of romance. Their love was unexpected and it is normally not the kind many people would approve... A love between a woman and her husband's best friend after the husband's death!

The book begins when Natalie learns that her husband Aaron is dead. And she is pregnant with his baby!
Really sucks, doesn't it?
She is naturally devastated. Her friends and family try to help. The friendships in the story are very real and good.

Aaron's best friend Liam was always in their life as a friend but now while helping Natalie to survive this mourning period with a new-born baby, things start to change between them.

If the love and the relationship between Natalie and Liam had happened immediately, if it had happened fast and suddenly, I wouldn't have embraced their love. I know this because I was really irritated and felt uneasy at the beginning.

But the relationship was slow-built. It was guilt-ridden at the beginning and fragile. But it was sincere and tender. It happened at a pace that I could accept it.


“Listen to me. He was your husband, the father of your child, and my best friend. You don’t have to pretend he isn’t here between us. If you think he’s not in my mind every time I look at you, you’re wrong. I’m struggling with thinking of you the way I do. Imagining doing things with you that he’d beat my fucking ass for.”

***

“You’re supposed to be untouchable, and yet here you are in my arms. I don’t know if I’m lucky or a fucking idiot. I just know that when we’re together, it feels right. It feels like we’re supposed to be.”

***

“I wanted to not want you, but I do. I don’t know how or when, but I have these feelings for you. I don’t know if we should do this. I don’t know that either of us is ready for this,” Liam says quietly as we hold each other.”


After a while, I was able to see how great a couple they have become. Their chemistry was strong, their banter was good and their love was real...

Plus, he adored her little daughter. Liam wasn't only hot and fun, he had such a good heart.

"I love this little girl. I mean, she’s freaking adorable, other than the diaper thing. If she could use the toilet, we’d be golden."




Their feelings have eventually become something more than what she felt for her dead husband.

But, Liam was never sure, he always felt the suspicion: Was he her real love or just the consolation prize?

“She needs to decide if it’s me she wants. I sure as hell won’t be the consolation prize.”



This book is not only about Natalie's survival after her husband's death and finding a new love; there is much more to it. There are many hidden truths that are gradually revealed. There are great surprises in the book.

And this first book ends in a huge and crazy cliffhanger, so you must go on reading the second book immediately :)
Profile Image for Christine MacFadden.
19 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2018
Once upon a time I was a romance novel whore. Legit, barely functioning twenty-something in a failing marriage with an addiction to smut. Filling a void, perhaps? Mmmhmm. {Nods head enthusiastically.}

I couldn't get enough of them. I would finish one and immediately begin another. I had an insatiable need for Alpha Males, unlikely Heroines, steamy {unrealistic} sex scenes and HEAs. I was Nora Roberts' bitch. As fast as she could pump them out {which was fucking fast}, I would devour them. And this was before eReaders. I'm talking full-priced paperbacks and hardcovers, yo. My habit was putting me in the poor house quicker than you could say 'Giant, Throbbing Hard-On'. {Because they're always giant, amiright?}

Eventually, something had to give. That something was my crappy marriage. With that train-wreck finally over, slowly but surely my obsession with swoon-worthy-stories was replaced with copious amounts of vodka and one-night stands. But, that's a story for another time. I digress.

Which leads me to now. I had been out of the Soft-Porn-Chick-Lit scene for quite a while. Being a late-thirties, (re)married, Stay-at-Home Mom of two young boys tends to lead to the utter neglect of your romantic {nether-region} needs. Don't get me wrong, I hopped on the ridiculous bandwagon that is 50 Shades of Grey along with every other housewife in America, {much to my embarrassment.} But, it certainly didn't make me want or need to dive back into the hyperbolic climax-filled fantasyland of girly erotica.

Then I read Consolation. And Hole. E. Crap. I'm back, bitches. I. Am. Back. This book. Ohmygod, this book. Great writing + great story + Swoony Hero + HOTASFUCKSEX + Mother of All Cliffhangers = Reading-induced Orgasm. {fanning self.} Fo' reals. This book just did it for me.

So, thank you, Corinne Michaels. Thank you for reminding me that, though I am an old, used up hag of a SAHM, I still have a vagina and it deserves to feel something remarkable every once in a while. Thank you for reigniting my desire for love and passion and drama and SEX between the pages. Because of you, I am now at the mercy of the Amazon One-Click. And I'm okay with that.
Profile Image for Didi.
865 reviews286 followers
June 2, 2015
I've read this book and the second one, Conviction, back to back but I'll review them separately and keep things short. This was a huge winner for most of my goodreads friends, but not so much for me. It took me some time to get into it then when I did, I found it riddled with drama and things that annoyed me. Despite not loving this, I found myself reacting as if watching a train wreck...an angst-filled train wreck I couldn't turn away from.
I can understand why people loved this, but this is not really my cuppa: the military theme isn't my favorite and this book made me realize that with conviction--no pun intended. The plot was a little far fetched, more dramatic than anything, and the ending was just unbelievable. It was a major cliffy that forced me to buy the sequel right away.

Anyways, Liam was great, Natalie was so-so and the romance was okay. So, yes, I've eaten up the series, but not necessarily because it was awesome but because despite being conflicted, I had to know how it ended.
Profile Image for Christy.
330 reviews47 followers
March 18, 2015
You know that feeling you get after you finish a GREAT book? The one where you can’t sleep and can’t think straight because all you can think about is that book… Well, this is that book! This book makes you think and put yourself in the characters shoes. Ms. Michaels writing is phenomenal! I devoured this in one day! I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more, and then cried some more. The balance of emotions is perfection. I absolutely freaking LOVE Natalie. She is so strong and determined! Liam is the ultimate BBF. He is simply amazing! His character is just so special. He absolutely stole my heart away. Read this now! You will not regret it!

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Profile Image for Kelli C .
1,052 reviews355 followers
March 30, 2015
4.99 Hurry The Hell Up With Book 2 Stars!

WHAT???? NOOOOOOO...I am 100% in love with this book. Again Corinne Michaels has just ripped my heart out. I started this book in tears and now I'm a mess again!

I'm gonna need the next book. I have to know that Liam Dempsey will get a HEA! He deserves an epic love...he deserves Natalie!

For those lovers of deep emotional angsty romance, this author should be an automatic one click!
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,102 reviews1,359 followers
March 23, 2015
ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review

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Are you ready to have Liam Dempsey steal your heart? If the answer is yes, then be prepared for this beautiful, heart-wrenching, emotional and touching read in Consolation by Corinne Michaels.

#@1

Consolation was a heartbreaking and yet beautiful book. This book pulled my heartstrings right off the prologue. Tears were shed as Ms. Michaels was able to make you FEEL what it was like to lose someone you loved. To have you feel the emotional loss of sadness and numbness. To know that man you promised to spend the rest of your life with is no longer going to walk through the door and get to know his baby daughter. The raw aspect of loss is what tore my heart. And while being consumed with Natalie's loss, Ms. Michaels was able to breathe life and beauty into the book through Liam, her husband's best friend.

Liam's love, friendship, and loyalty captured my heart. Honestly, he was the HEART of the book. He was your modern day knight in shining armor. The love that he felt for Natalie was so beautiful, pure and endearing. Liam was just PERFECT. He was sexy, kind, generous, protective, and was what Natalie needed in her life. We all know the saying when one door closes, another one opens. Well Liam walked into Natalie's life when she needed it the most. He brought back the light and happiness into her life. Together they both saved each other.

#@Consolation

Consolation was just an honest portrayal of what it means to live, loss and live again. The writing and story line consumed me. I was so lost into the honest and raw beauty of Liam and Natalie's relationship. Be prepared to get lost in Ms. Michaels heart-stirring read. I cried, swooned, cried again and then was ready to throw my kindle across the room because of that wicked ending Ms. Michael had to do. WHY.... Corinne Michaels..Why must you toy with my heart like that?!?!

Corinne Michaels
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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
Profile Image for ✿kawehi.reviews.
1,453 reviews420 followers
March 4, 2015
☆ I received an ARC via TRSOR PR in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆

#Why did I do it?! Why?!

I should have known that by getting into a book series centering around the same couple that there would be a catch cliffhanger!! Gosh darnnit! *tears*

Consolation was a tear-jerking novel that left me speechless and in tatters.

Here, it chronicles the events following traumatic love, loss, guilt, and ultimate grief.

After losing the love of her life while serving overseas in the military, Natalie “Lee” feels her world crumbling around her.

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Now faced with a newborn daughter and the overwhelming despair of anguish and heartache, Lee struggles to pick up the pieces and move on with her life.

But when fate enters Liam-- best friend of Lee’s deceased hubby, he invokes something in Lee that she felt long died with her husband in Afghanistan.

Can Liam shed light on Lee’s dreary life and mend her broken heart and sorrow? Is his and Lee's romance meant to be? Or is he merely just a figment of solace that will only cause more agony and destruction for himself and the girl he's slowly but surely falling in love with?

Read and you will find out!

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11204177 My thoughts:

As my first Corinne Michaels read, I was thoroughly impressed and taken aback by the honesty and realistic-ness of this plot novel.

Love does not happen over night and to see Lee and Liam battling out their doubts, feelings, and emotions was pretty brutal. But yet, it was the glue that helped mold and strengthen their relationship.

Consolation was an effortless wonder, even if I had not read the Belonging Duet series, depicting a slow-burning romance of friends to lovers and the ever-consuming testaments of faith, honor, loyalty, and survival.

There were times were I choked up, there were times were I was smiling like an idiot and wanting to slam the characters’ heads together; but most of all, it taught me the delicate nature and strength of the human spirit and what a second chance at life and love can do to you!

Loved it! ♥

Kawehi
Profile Image for Jessica .
2,320 reviews15.1k followers
June 22, 2022
I was so excited to read this book because I heard it was a super angsty love triangle. Well, it wasn't really a love triangle until the very end where there was a cliffhanger, so I'm thinking I'll get the angst I need in book two. In this one, the heroine lost her husband while she has their new baby and she doesn't know how to move on with life. She tries her best though. She gets a job and leans on her husband's best friend for support. Feelings start growing between them, though, and they start to fall for each other. This book was just fine. It was sad and sweet, but I was a bit bored. I'm glad it was short because I just wanted to get to the conflict and angst, which wasn't coming until the end of the book. Some secrets were revealed about her husband, but he wasn't even there, so it didn't really feel like a huge conflict to me. I'm hoping I like the second book better!
Profile Image for Anna.
484 reviews370 followers
March 16, 2015
I. Need. The. Next. Book. Now !!!!!
May 4, 2017
So the blurb pretty much give the whole gist of the story...Natalie's husband dies overseas, she's pregnant and his best friend shows up to help. It doesn't help that he's gorgeous and always there for her and her daughter. What's a woman to do?

Well, if you're looking for a book with all kinds of drama and angst, this is the book for you. Beware, it does end on a bit of a cliffy but luckily you don't have to wait for the next, and last, book.

It was hard not to feel for Natalie but what a range of emotions, ups and downs and everything in-between! I couldn't get enough of it!

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Liam was perfect. I think I fell for him when he put on Aarabelle's diaper...with a rope!

And just when things were going good, Natalie finds out some things about her husband that she wasn't expecting. I understand where Liam was coming from but it bugged me how he always backed off.

There's obviously a lot more to the story that hopefully we will find out in the next book. That ending though? Priceless.

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The Good Stuff:

Dual Pov's? Mostly Natalie's but there are a few chapters of Liam's.

Steam Factor? (Scale 1 - 5) When things finally get going, it's a 4.

Angst? (Scale 1 - 5) Tons of it but I'd give it a 4.

Next book? Conviction just came out and that's the last for Natalie. Jackson already has two books out. Mark's book is Defenseless, and Quinn's is Indefinite. Both don't have release dates at the time of this review.

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Favorite quotes:

♥ "Guys don't know what to do with tears!"

♥ “We make a good team. You’re Sparkles and I’m Twilight. It’s like a match made in heaven.”

♥ "I just need a minute."

♥ "No matter what happens, you'll have me."
Profile Image for Jenny Jo Weir.
1,552 reviews80 followers
July 5, 2020
IT WAS AMAZING! 5 BEAUTIFUL STARS! Such a great read. Wonderful story, touching journey, hard decisions...and can we say cliffhanger?
Man I was not expecting that...at all! I was so into this book, it started to consume my mind and my thoughts. Read it on a weekend you have time to obsess.
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