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The Risky Hearts Duet #1
Ten Reasons to Stay
One day a week—Thursdays—my husband and I could do whatever or whomever we pleased.
Protection was non-negotiable.
And no matter what, we had to be home by midnight.
Jack was the one who wanted an open marriage, but we were supposed to keep things simple. No strings. No commitments. It seemed so easy… until it wasn’t.
Devilishly handsome Cole Blackwater was only supposed to be a fling, but everything about him made me feel alive. Wanted. Seen. When I realized he was my husband’s boss, I should have broken things off right then… but I didn’t.
One day a week, I could pretend that I was his and he was mine… until Cole wanted more.
But how could I decide between the man I’d promised to love, honor, and cherish, and the man who tempted me to break every single vow I’d made?
CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE
Protection was non-negotiable.
And no matter what, we had to be home by midnight.
Jack was the one who wanted an open marriage, but we were supposed to keep things simple. No strings. No commitments. It seemed so easy… until it wasn’t.
Devilishly handsome Cole Blackwater was only supposed to be a fling, but everything about him made me feel alive. Wanted. Seen. When I realized he was my husband’s boss, I should have broken things off right then… but I didn’t.
One day a week, I could pretend that I was his and he was mine… until Cole wanted more.
But how could I decide between the man I’d promised to love, honor, and cherish, and the man who tempted me to break every single vow I’d made?
CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE
Unknown Binding
First published August 29, 2018
127 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
Candace Knoebel
26 books833 followersCandace Knoebel is a hopeless romantic with an affinity for whiskey and good music. Her love of words began when she met the boy who lived in the cupboard under the stairs. She's a self-proclaimed Lost Girl. Words are her mirror.
With two completed series, her work ranges from paranormal to contemporary, all centered heavily around romance.
Currently she lives in Florida with her husband and two children, and has just completed her thirteenth novel, The Taste of Her Words.
VISIT MY AMAZON PAGE:
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VISIT MY FACEBOOK:
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With two completed series, her work ranges from paranormal to contemporary, all centered heavily around romance.
Currently she lives in Florida with her husband and two children, and has just completed her thirteenth novel, The Taste of Her Words.
VISIT MY AMAZON PAGE:
http://amzn.to/2iGv31S
VISIT MY FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/candaceknoebel
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/candaceknoebel
PINTEREST FUN:
https://www.pinterest.com/candaceknoe...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
nope
July 21, 2018They have an open marriage.
One day a week—Thursdays—they are free to be with anyone they want.
Then she goes and falls for her "one-day" lover and he also expects more than a day from her... Blah bla bla...
And here I am still laughing at the last sentence in the BLURB:
But how could I decide between the man I’d promised to love, honor, and cherish, and the man who tempted me to break every single vow I’d made?
Really?
What wow, again ?
One day a week—Thursdays—they are free to be with anyone they want.
Then she goes and falls for her "one-day" lover and he also expects more than a day from her... Blah bla bla...
And here I am still laughing at the last sentence in the BLURB:
But how could I decide between the man I’d promised to love, honor, and cherish, and the man who tempted me to break every single vow I’d made?
Really?
What wow, again ?
August 29, 2018
This was the type of book that grabbed at me immediately. An open marriage? I mean, I know some may be a bit uncomfortable but I just had to know more. Corrine is devastated the day she learns her husband wants to venture into an open marriage arrangement. She loves him deeply but it’s either succumb to his demands or risk him doing it anyway. Such a lovely husband, yes?
The night she decides to look into that lifestyle she meets Cole on Tinder. But as fate would have it, he’s the husband’s new boss. Her life is changed forever when they move to the Upper East Side in New York. There Corrine and Jack decide to make an arrangement for Thursday—and only Thursday—to do whatever and whomever they want. Another rule, they have to be home by midnight.
Do these type of arrangements ever end up working in the end? Lines start to get blurred and at every stop, it feels as if someone is being betrayed. I felt the angst, the heartbreak, and the frustration while reading this story. Frustration for the heroine and her husband. The storyline was interesting but the forbidden aspect of it was completely delicious.
It kind delves into the question about marriage, love, and knowing when something just isn’t right. No matter how long you try to hold on to it. It surely made me think. Open marriage is not something I would ever be able to do. Then again, Corrine never saw herself being in this type of relationship either. I guess you never know what it’s like until you’re put into that situation. Good thing my husband doesn’t like to share ha-ha.
There’s no question about whose team I was on and in the end I’m glad the best man won out. If these types of plots make you uncomfortable, this may not be for you. But I hope you try it out because it’s not as bad as you would think. The book reminded me of the What He Doesn’t Know duet by Kandi Steiner. Two completely different books and different plot lines, but the angst and the feels were right up there with it.
If you haven’t already guessed, this book destroyed me in all the best kind of ways. Do yourself a favor and pick it up!
September 5, 2018
Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired.
4.5 Stars
Corrine loves her husband and Jack seems to love her too, but things in their marriage have gone a bit dull and he's suggested they open up their marriage. One night a week they can do whatever and whoever they want, as long as they return home by midnight. She thinks it'll be a one time thing for her, she doesn't anticipate falling for Cole Blackwater and wishing he was who she spent the other six days of the week with. She's tempted absolutely, but she made vows and she still loves the man her husband used to be. Corrine must choose, but she may lose it all along the way.
"'I'm sick of ignoring that part of myself.'
'What part?'
'The selfish part.'"
I am the opposite of most readers, I love a good marriage-in-trouble read, especially if it involves other men or other women in the picture. No, I don't really want this to happen to anyone, it's more of a I've been there, done that, I made it to the other side and I connect with stories that portray it well. Candace Knoebel does just that, weaving a story about a woman willing to go to the ends of the earth for her partner, a man who has strayed in the past and seems to be taking things a step too far with their agreed upon arrangement, and an outside who wants to give that woman everything she deserves and more. As readers our hearts ache for Corrine, she struggles to do everything for Jack and receives so little in return. She's a wilted flower, a rose specifically, and Cole becomes the water that brings her back to life. I loved her transformation in this book, we're told she used to be sassy and funny, but her dim light and carefully controlled exterior doesn't show that side of her, not until someone else encourages that side of her to return. Cole is handsome and the sweetest other man I've ever had the honor of reading. He loves fiercely, despite giving off this unattached vibe. He charmed my pants right off. And Jack, well in time he becomes secondary and every time Corrine thought of her vows I wanted to yell at her to go sign some divorce papers. It is difficult to read about marriages in trouble, but it's even more difficult to read about a woman who continues to accept the worst when she clearly deserves the best.
"He liked taking what wasn't his, and I liked being taken by someone who couldn't have me."
An angst through and through, Ten Reasons to Stay puts your heart out on the line, drawing you into a romance that's guaranteed to hurt somebody. Place your bets, people, because someone is going to get the girl. Candace Knoebel gifts us with lyrical writing and descriptive scenes that truly make you feel like you're one of the characters, whether it be aloof Cole or seductive in red Corrine. Their affair became a living, breathing thing for me, making me beg Corrine to see that someone loves her desperately and that that man wasn't Jack. Of course, like all marriages and affairs, things have to go south a bit and couldn't have predicted how the book played out at all.
"'Give the meetings to Jack.' Keep him busy for me, I thought with a wicked grin."
Ten Reasons to Stay might have been my first read by Candace Knoebel, but it certainly won't be my last. Books that take you on a journey, even if it's one most of us would never want to go on personally, are my favorite. I love the struggles the characters face in Ten Reasons to Stay, I love the detail that went into the emotions and the way everything played out on the pages, I just am obsessed with this book. Candace tells us a story that is believable, that rips at your heart and makes you want for something you know you shouldn't be allowed to have. I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who likes their romance to keep them on the edge of their seat, desperate for their desired outcome to happen.
ARC provided.
4.5 Stars
Corrine loves her husband and Jack seems to love her too, but things in their marriage have gone a bit dull and he's suggested they open up their marriage. One night a week they can do whatever and whoever they want, as long as they return home by midnight. She thinks it'll be a one time thing for her, she doesn't anticipate falling for Cole Blackwater and wishing he was who she spent the other six days of the week with. She's tempted absolutely, but she made vows and she still loves the man her husband used to be. Corrine must choose, but she may lose it all along the way.
"'I'm sick of ignoring that part of myself.'
'What part?'
'The selfish part.'"
I am the opposite of most readers, I love a good marriage-in-trouble read, especially if it involves other men or other women in the picture. No, I don't really want this to happen to anyone, it's more of a I've been there, done that, I made it to the other side and I connect with stories that portray it well. Candace Knoebel does just that, weaving a story about a woman willing to go to the ends of the earth for her partner, a man who has strayed in the past and seems to be taking things a step too far with their agreed upon arrangement, and an outside who wants to give that woman everything she deserves and more. As readers our hearts ache for Corrine, she struggles to do everything for Jack and receives so little in return. She's a wilted flower, a rose specifically, and Cole becomes the water that brings her back to life. I loved her transformation in this book, we're told she used to be sassy and funny, but her dim light and carefully controlled exterior doesn't show that side of her, not until someone else encourages that side of her to return. Cole is handsome and the sweetest other man I've ever had the honor of reading. He loves fiercely, despite giving off this unattached vibe. He charmed my pants right off. And Jack, well in time he becomes secondary and every time Corrine thought of her vows I wanted to yell at her to go sign some divorce papers. It is difficult to read about marriages in trouble, but it's even more difficult to read about a woman who continues to accept the worst when she clearly deserves the best.
"He liked taking what wasn't his, and I liked being taken by someone who couldn't have me."
An angst through and through, Ten Reasons to Stay puts your heart out on the line, drawing you into a romance that's guaranteed to hurt somebody. Place your bets, people, because someone is going to get the girl. Candace Knoebel gifts us with lyrical writing and descriptive scenes that truly make you feel like you're one of the characters, whether it be aloof Cole or seductive in red Corrine. Their affair became a living, breathing thing for me, making me beg Corrine to see that someone loves her desperately and that that man wasn't Jack. Of course, like all marriages and affairs, things have to go south a bit and couldn't have predicted how the book played out at all.
"'Give the meetings to Jack.' Keep him busy for me, I thought with a wicked grin."
Ten Reasons to Stay might have been my first read by Candace Knoebel, but it certainly won't be my last. Books that take you on a journey, even if it's one most of us would never want to go on personally, are my favorite. I love the struggles the characters face in Ten Reasons to Stay, I love the detail that went into the emotions and the way everything played out on the pages, I just am obsessed with this book. Candace tells us a story that is believable, that rips at your heart and makes you want for something you know you shouldn't be allowed to have. I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who likes their romance to keep them on the edge of their seat, desperate for their desired outcome to happen.
ARC provided.
September 2, 2018
This was my first Candace Knoebel novel and what a pleasant surprise it was. I'd been suffering through a pretty epic book rut for about a week and nothing held my interest until I opened this book, a story hyped by some fellow readers as being super angsty! Well it's definitely that. Ten Reasons to Stay is rich with heartache and complicated emotion, steamy sensuality and an infuriating marital dynamic. I was hooked straight out of the gate and I was glued until the very last page.
Was this a perfect read? No. Sometimes the writing felt rushed, some scenes I would've loved to be a bit more drawn out felt hurried. Sometimes there was a lot more telling than showing. Sometimes things remained at the surface when I really longed for more depth. Sometimes I had to really fight to feel the chemistry between characters because things were moving too fast, not developed quite enough for my taste. But I was honestly so into this storyline that not one of those flaws took me out of the book for even a fraction of a second. I was fully invested. But those things are certainly important to note in hindsight because I'm a reader that likes to savor, to feel completely enveloped in a fully immersive storyline and sometimes things just felt...too fast paced. That's not a bad thing at all if you're anxious to just see what happens next, but I would've liked for some scenes to have been developed a bit more.
With all of that said, this was a really great book. It snapped me right out of my funk and recharged my batteries. I'm now SO READY to keep reading, energized to go find more gems just like this one... another story full of angsty feels and a taboo storyline illustrated beautifully by a "new-to-me" author. This was a diamond in the rough and I'm so thrilled to have come across it when I needed it most. The icing on the cake for me was that I went into this novel expecting a cliffhanger. It's listed as book 1 in a series and since I don't read blurbs, I anticipated I'd have to wait for some kind of conclusion to complete this story later on. Well I would've eagerly anticipated that follow up, if there was one. I probably would've even gone so far as to stalk the author for more because the dynamic between Corinne, Jack and Cole was so addicting, so infuriating, so angsty. But i'm happy to share that this is definitely a standalone and that was just as pleasantly satisfying as the story itself.
Was this a perfect read? No. Sometimes the writing felt rushed, some scenes I would've loved to be a bit more drawn out felt hurried. Sometimes there was a lot more telling than showing. Sometimes things remained at the surface when I really longed for more depth. Sometimes I had to really fight to feel the chemistry between characters because things were moving too fast, not developed quite enough for my taste. But I was honestly so into this storyline that not one of those flaws took me out of the book for even a fraction of a second. I was fully invested. But those things are certainly important to note in hindsight because I'm a reader that likes to savor, to feel completely enveloped in a fully immersive storyline and sometimes things just felt...too fast paced. That's not a bad thing at all if you're anxious to just see what happens next, but I would've liked for some scenes to have been developed a bit more.
With all of that said, this was a really great book. It snapped me right out of my funk and recharged my batteries. I'm now SO READY to keep reading, energized to go find more gems just like this one... another story full of angsty feels and a taboo storyline illustrated beautifully by a "new-to-me" author. This was a diamond in the rough and I'm so thrilled to have come across it when I needed it most. The icing on the cake for me was that I went into this novel expecting a cliffhanger. It's listed as book 1 in a series and since I don't read blurbs, I anticipated I'd have to wait for some kind of conclusion to complete this story later on. Well I would've eagerly anticipated that follow up, if there was one. I probably would've even gone so far as to stalk the author for more because the dynamic between Corinne, Jack and Cole was so addicting, so infuriating, so angsty. But i'm happy to share that this is definitely a standalone and that was just as pleasantly satisfying as the story itself.
August 7, 2022
I've been trying to confront my triggers and am trying to be more open to different plots so I knew that this wasn't going to be safe going in. I was intrigued by the premise and it actually started out interesting, but as the book went on, I really started to dislike the heroine and how weak she was. Majority of the characters were unlikable....Hero deserved better and should be with someone that chooses him, not as second choice, Jack the husband was an asshole and deserved a swift kick to the nuts, and heroine deserved to be with a doormat or an orthopedic spine surgeon (someone that could help her grow a spine). In the end, she never stuck up for herself and her reasoning why she didn't want to leave Jack was weak. She didn't deserve the Hero and he should have just shut the door in her face at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2020
I liked this more than expected.
Husband is a jerk, and the wife a bit of a doormat. He suggests an “open” marriage and she’s willing only to keep him happy. And this is what makes her a doormat. She should have told him no, she should have told him to leave.
They set rules and go forth into their experiment. She goes with it, meets the OM and follows the rules, he was already involved with the OW, and of course, doesn’t follow the rules, again, she knows this...doormat.
When he realizes who the OM is, he’s not happy, and wants to end the open arrangements. She does the “right” thing and ends things with the OM... again... doormat.
They try but can’t save the marriage. She happily moves on, gets her HEA and he gets to try redeem himself in book 2.
Husband is a jerk, and the wife a bit of a doormat. He suggests an “open” marriage and she’s willing only to keep him happy. And this is what makes her a doormat. She should have told him no, she should have told him to leave.
They set rules and go forth into their experiment. She goes with it, meets the OM and follows the rules, he was already involved with the OW, and of course, doesn’t follow the rules, again, she knows this...doormat.
When he realizes who the OM is, he’s not happy, and wants to end the open arrangements. She does the “right” thing and ends things with the OM... again... doormat.
They try but can’t save the marriage. She happily moves on, gets her HEA and he gets to try redeem himself in book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
September 3, 2018DNF at ... I don't really know. I stopped reading right around 20%, or slightly beyond when I made my GR update, and then skimmed the entire rest of the book. My views and thoughts on this book never once wavered or changed. It just didn't work for me. I think this is yet another case of a very intriguing synopsis luring me in with the possibility of something so forbidden, leading to a very emotional realization.....but the actual story and writing not working for me. I HATE WHEN THIS HAPPENS.
The TWO main reasons I couldn't handle this book were the characters and their personalities as well as the actual writing style/storytelling style. I'll break it down.
--> The characters:
CORINNE was a meek (some might say weak) woman. She was run by her husband's decisions, never her own. I personally didn't like that, but I understand not all women are strong and can stand up for themselves against someone they love. I totally get it. That's not what bothered me. It was that literally from ONE page to the NEXT she grew a backbone. While, yay! she got some nerves and strength, it made me shake my head. I mean, here her husband is telling her what's happening next in their world and she shrivels up and basically talks back/argues with her husband IN FRONT OF HIS BOSS like a petulant child. Ok? It wasn't like she was standing up for herself; she was whining. And THAT turns me off from a female character quicker than anything else. I don't do whining. But then....we lost that backbone 100 other times....waffling around and excusing pathetic stunts by her immature husband. It was so aggravating.
JACK was a self-centered, controlling, narcissistic jerk. The world revolved around him and he made all the decisions to suit HIM - not as a couple or part of a team. He also decided what was happening in their love life, so this was NOT a joint decision......again, all about HIM. I did NOT like him and every single thing he did was to benefit his own selfish agenda. Nope. No. Nuh uh. Not one thing was in his wife's best interests and he purposely sabotaged what was going on with her and Cole because his jealousy reared it's ugly head from a decision he mentally unanimously made!! I realize we were supposed to not like him, and Knoebel accomplished that ten-fold. I didn't like him even for one minute. Not one. But he was so over the top rude and mean to her that there should have been zero questions in Corinne's mind as to staying with him or working it out.
COLE was, for all intents and purposes, the token rich CEO of a company there to sweep Corinne off her feet. He was never going to fall in love and loved his one night stands....typical, right? Apparently, he was a romantic at heart. Who knew? Well, I felt sorry for him on more than one occasion because Corinne was literally so undecided she was practically leading him on the entire freaking story. It was completely and utterly frustrating to watch this amazing man falling in love with a married woman (knowingly), yet he would listen to her hemming and hawing about her asshole husband and be so supportive of her pain and anguish. It was increasingly frustrating to watch her teeter-totter in her decisions and watch Cole falter in his strength. I know Corinne was caught between a rock and a hard spot, but this was a no brainer, no questions asked dilemma!!! #TeamCole100%
--> The writing:
This book screamed forbidden and that always has me super excited. I love the fact that there was going to be an emotional tug of war because I love those. I really do, so this should have been a slam dunk for me. And what a different storyline to tease me with too! Well, when you dangle a sexy suggestion at the end of one chapter, you might want to pick it up in the next....instead of dropping it and not working it out because there were some serious missed opportunities to provide added temptation and true feelings in this one. It was more tell than show with not a single ounce of angst, which is always rough reading for me with this type of trope.
Another thing bothered me and made me question things. Why put SO MUCH emphasis on your vows (in the synopsis, all throughout the book), when you are going along with an open marriage? The fear of explaining 'everything' to her parents?? WHAT?? Why? It just made no sense and added to the wishy-washyness of this book. You are a grown adult. You should be making decisions based on what YOU want and not what you fear others may think. Ugh. And now I ask, what in the world is Five Reasons to Stay going to be about? Because if I had to hazard a guess, I would blame .... nevermind. Maybe not. This is a complete standalone, but there is another book coming. I will not be reading that one.
The TWO main reasons I couldn't handle this book were the characters and their personalities as well as the actual writing style/storytelling style. I'll break it down.
--> The characters:
CORINNE was a meek (some might say weak) woman. She was run by her husband's decisions, never her own. I personally didn't like that, but I understand not all women are strong and can stand up for themselves against someone they love. I totally get it. That's not what bothered me. It was that literally from ONE page to the NEXT she grew a backbone. While, yay! she got some nerves and strength, it made me shake my head. I mean, here her husband is telling her what's happening next in their world and she shrivels up and basically talks back/argues with her husband IN FRONT OF HIS BOSS like a petulant child. Ok? It wasn't like she was standing up for herself; she was whining. And THAT turns me off from a female character quicker than anything else. I don't do whining. But then....we lost that backbone 100 other times....waffling around and excusing pathetic stunts by her immature husband. It was so aggravating.
JACK was a self-centered, controlling, narcissistic jerk. The world revolved around him and he made all the decisions to suit HIM - not as a couple or part of a team. He also decided what was happening in their love life, so this was NOT a joint decision......again, all about HIM. I did NOT like him and every single thing he did was to benefit his own selfish agenda. Nope. No. Nuh uh. Not one thing was in his wife's best interests and he purposely sabotaged what was going on with her and Cole because his jealousy reared it's ugly head from a decision he mentally unanimously made!! I realize we were supposed to not like him, and Knoebel accomplished that ten-fold. I didn't like him even for one minute. Not one. But he was so over the top rude and mean to her that there should have been zero questions in Corinne's mind as to staying with him or working it out.
COLE was, for all intents and purposes, the token rich CEO of a company there to sweep Corinne off her feet. He was never going to fall in love and loved his one night stands....typical, right? Apparently, he was a romantic at heart. Who knew? Well, I felt sorry for him on more than one occasion because Corinne was literally so undecided she was practically leading him on the entire freaking story. It was completely and utterly frustrating to watch this amazing man falling in love with a married woman (knowingly), yet he would listen to her hemming and hawing about her asshole husband and be so supportive of her pain and anguish. It was increasingly frustrating to watch her teeter-totter in her decisions and watch Cole falter in his strength. I know Corinne was caught between a rock and a hard spot, but this was a no brainer, no questions asked dilemma!!! #TeamCole100%
--> The writing:
This book screamed forbidden and that always has me super excited. I love the fact that there was going to be an emotional tug of war because I love those. I really do, so this should have been a slam dunk for me. And what a different storyline to tease me with too! Well, when you dangle a sexy suggestion at the end of one chapter, you might want to pick it up in the next....instead of dropping it and not working it out because there were some serious missed opportunities to provide added temptation and true feelings in this one. It was more tell than show with not a single ounce of angst, which is always rough reading for me with this type of trope.
Another thing bothered me and made me question things. Why put SO MUCH emphasis on your vows (in the synopsis, all throughout the book), when you are going along with an open marriage? The fear of explaining 'everything' to her parents?? WHAT?? Why? It just made no sense and added to the wishy-washyness of this book. You are a grown adult. You should be making decisions based on what YOU want and not what you fear others may think. Ugh. And now I ask, what in the world is Five Reasons to Stay going to be about? Because if I had to hazard a guess, I would blame .... nevermind. Maybe not. This is a complete standalone, but there is another book coming. I will not be reading that one.
July 19, 2019
2.5
This had such great promise and just fell flat. Husband was a cheater not following rules of the open marriage he demanded. The H slept with one OW in middle of arrangement with h and never told her. I didn’t blame him. This just need another 30k in words to be a great marriage on the rocks book. I kinda want to read book 2 because the husband is supposedly redeemed but I was so unimpressed with this book I probably won’t :/
This had such great promise and just fell flat. Husband was a cheater not following rules of the open marriage he demanded. The H slept with one OW in middle of arrangement with h and never told her. I didn’t blame him. This just need another 30k in words to be a great marriage on the rocks book. I kinda want to read book 2 because the husband is supposedly redeemed but I was so unimpressed with this book I probably won’t :/
January 4, 2021
Far fetched scenarios with cheesy dialogue.
September 29, 2018
This book was so much more than I expected it to be. Heartbreaking, sizzling and thought provoking, I was hooked from the first page to the last. TEN REASONS TO STAY has definitely put Candace Knoebel on my radar, and I can’t wait to read more of her work.
(Fair warning: if cheating/love triangles aren’t for you, then I would advise you not to read this book)
(Fair warning: if cheating/love triangles aren’t for you, then I would advise you not to read this book)
characters-who-cheated-ugh
May 27, 2022It's a Jada -Will Smith arrangement.
PASS.
PASS.
April 16, 2021
4.25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
This was soo sweet but intense
Review: I was in a mini book slump and this book fixed it all. The plot is definitely different from what I usually read. I don't even know if it's consider a love triangle maybe a little. But you guys know that I HATE love triangles but the synopsis for this just made me want to pick it up.
Corinne is married to Jack who after 9 years of marriage wants to have a open marriage. Which Corinne is totally agaisnt until she meets Cole who happens to be Jack's boss. Get the idea? So the story goes on from there and I adored it, it was a roller-coaster. Full of happy and painful moments.
Corinne reminded me so much of myself. Which I equally hated and loved. Cause everytime I was pissed at her it was like being pissed at myself. I just wanted to shake her to leave Jack and his cheating ass. God, I hate the guy, I wanted to slap him around and kick his ass. I understood where Corinne was coming from, I just didn't like it. But there were also moment where I was soo proud of her. So see, Corinne and I have a complicated relationship bc we are so damn alike.
"You're my red rose. The most beautiful blooming rose."
Cole is my baby. He was a sweetheart and the better man since the beginning. He worship the ground Corinne walked on and always appreciated everything about her. It literally hurt my heart every time Corinne hurted him. Every time Cole would ask her to stay and she would refuse him. To the point that I was like he deserves soo much better. But at the same time I just wanted them to be happy. Every Thursday was like Christmas, we got to know him and them together. He was a true treasure. I would totally want him to be by husband in real life.
"I love you, Corinne. Every moment. Every day. Every hour. You're in every thought. Everh breath. I love you, and I love you love me, too. That's why you should stay. That's the only reason needed for you to stay."
Jack can go to hell. Even at the end I didn't like him. He was just in the way and I wanted to shove him out of the way so Cole and Corinne could be happy. I won't even bother with his book cause I disliked him that much. But I would definitely be checking some other books from this author.
This was soo sweet but intense
Review: I was in a mini book slump and this book fixed it all. The plot is definitely different from what I usually read. I don't even know if it's consider a love triangle maybe a little. But you guys know that I HATE love triangles but the synopsis for this just made me want to pick it up.
Corinne is married to Jack who after 9 years of marriage wants to have a open marriage. Which Corinne is totally agaisnt until she meets Cole who happens to be Jack's boss. Get the idea? So the story goes on from there and I adored it, it was a roller-coaster. Full of happy and painful moments.
Corinne reminded me so much of myself. Which I equally hated and loved. Cause everytime I was pissed at her it was like being pissed at myself. I just wanted to shake her to leave Jack and his cheating ass. God, I hate the guy, I wanted to slap him around and kick his ass. I understood where Corinne was coming from, I just didn't like it. But there were also moment where I was soo proud of her. So see, Corinne and I have a complicated relationship bc we are so damn alike.
"You're my red rose. The most beautiful blooming rose."
Cole is my baby. He was a sweetheart and the better man since the beginning. He worship the ground Corinne walked on and always appreciated everything about her. It literally hurt my heart every time Corinne hurted him. Every time Cole would ask her to stay and she would refuse him. To the point that I was like he deserves soo much better. But at the same time I just wanted them to be happy. Every Thursday was like Christmas, we got to know him and them together. He was a true treasure. I would totally want him to be by husband in real life.
"I love you, Corinne. Every moment. Every day. Every hour. You're in every thought. Everh breath. I love you, and I love you love me, too. That's why you should stay. That's the only reason needed for you to stay."
Jack can go to hell. Even at the end I didn't like him. He was just in the way and I wanted to shove him out of the way so Cole and Corinne could be happy. I won't even bother with his book cause I disliked him that much. But I would definitely be checking some other books from this author.
September 9, 2018
Ever read a book and think... I've read this before? That was this book for me. Sure, small details are changed, but the main elements are the same. Girl is married to a jerk, but doesn't realize how much of a jerk he is. She stays loyal to him, until he isn't loyal to her (although he has never been loyal, she is just realizing his cheating ways). She meets the token rich guy who doesn't do relationships... that is until her meets her. He's been hurt in the past, but she makes him want break all his rules. Corrine is too weak, Jack is clearly a jerk, and Cole just didn't woo me.
The blurb certainly pulled me in. The story just didn't hold up.
The blurb certainly pulled me in. The story just didn't hold up.
September 4, 2018
What a fantastic reading experience this was for me. I was equally excited and anxious to read this as love triangles and infidelity are romance tropes that simply wind me up. With Ten Reasons To Stay, Candace Knoebel touches on so many aspects of marriage and relationships and builds a great storyline, and romance, through this. The premise, the request from her husband Jack to consider an open marriage leaves Corinne questioning her values and just what she'll do to save her marriage. So rules are created and for Corinne, rules are all she needs to see it through.
The pace of this story is perfect and Knoebels' writing and the way she develops her character really gave me a sense for who the couple was, and who the true outsider is. It took me no time to form an opinion of both Jack and of Cole, her would be "Thursday guy". With Corinne we watch as she explores the concept that maybe she isn't happy with Jack, but she's tried for years to be that way and she'll keep trying to reconnect, to play by his needs, to make him happy.
In every relationship, there was the leader and the led. From the beginning, Jack had been the leader. The one with the voice. He made all the big decisions. At first, it bothered me. …
And then, not so much. This is where she is in her relationship. And so she creates the conditions around this "open marriage", and once she's bought in, everything changes.
At first I was suspicious of Cole, but he won me over in no time. I knew, us readers, we know, this is a man who thinks of her happiness as his own. They have a delicious connection and it's apparent Cole gives her something she's missed in her marriage. This is a story of a man helping a women to find her "sparkle" again. Corinne is truly inspired to transform, to find her happy again and the triangle piece of this is what makes this such an angsty read. Her values drive her down one path, but it's been convoluted in the comprise she made when she stumbled upon what it's supposed to feel like to be worshiped and adored, something that was long missing in her life.
I've read Candace Knoebel before and loved her stories. Once again, I'm reminded how stunning her writing is. She grabs the readers attention and makes you FEEL everything exactly as you'd expect. I knew I wanted one thing for Corinne, for her to find her backbone because that lead her making the right choice for her, to find what makes her happy and to let that guide her -
"Aren’t we all searching for sunlight? For that warmth from the brightest touch that lets us finally breathe? "
I highly recommend this story!!
*I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
The pace of this story is perfect and Knoebels' writing and the way she develops her character really gave me a sense for who the couple was, and who the true outsider is. It took me no time to form an opinion of both Jack and of Cole, her would be "Thursday guy". With Corinne we watch as she explores the concept that maybe she isn't happy with Jack, but she's tried for years to be that way and she'll keep trying to reconnect, to play by his needs, to make him happy.
In every relationship, there was the leader and the led. From the beginning, Jack had been the leader. The one with the voice. He made all the big decisions. At first, it bothered me. …
And then, not so much. This is where she is in her relationship. And so she creates the conditions around this "open marriage", and once she's bought in, everything changes.
At first I was suspicious of Cole, but he won me over in no time. I knew, us readers, we know, this is a man who thinks of her happiness as his own. They have a delicious connection and it's apparent Cole gives her something she's missed in her marriage. This is a story of a man helping a women to find her "sparkle" again. Corinne is truly inspired to transform, to find her happy again and the triangle piece of this is what makes this such an angsty read. Her values drive her down one path, but it's been convoluted in the comprise she made when she stumbled upon what it's supposed to feel like to be worshiped and adored, something that was long missing in her life.
I've read Candace Knoebel before and loved her stories. Once again, I'm reminded how stunning her writing is. She grabs the readers attention and makes you FEEL everything exactly as you'd expect. I knew I wanted one thing for Corinne, for her to find her backbone because that lead her making the right choice for her, to find what makes her happy and to let that guide her -
"Aren’t we all searching for sunlight? For that warmth from the brightest touch that lets us finally breathe? "
I highly recommend this story!!
*I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
September 2, 2018
4-4.5 stars
I LOVED the premise of this story. An open marriage. So taboo and naughty. What I didn’t expect was the emotional side that Author Candace Knoebel would give us.
“Love is life. Love is a seed planted. If that seed is strong enough, not even the freezing cold could stop it.”
What a tangled triangle, or many-sided shape, an open marriage can bring. This became a reality for Corinne and Jack in Ten Reasons to Stay. I completely hated Jack for making his wife feel as though she had to accept his desire for an open marriage. He was just a cheater and didn’t want to feel guilty. It was also disheartening to me that Corinne felt so trapped by Jack that she had to follow his desires, not hers.
“As I held her, I realized there was no hope for me. I was a goner. I would do whatever Corinne asked. If it meant waiting forever, I’d gladly do it. If it meant letting her go, I’d suffer through just to make her happy. I was lost in her. Lost for her. And I didn’t care about being found.”
But, not too far in the story, I thought, “Jack, who?”. Cole was Jack’s complete opposite. He was caring, supportive, and observant of Corinne. Even though he was a rich and very sought after bachelor, Cole always took care to showcase Corinne, not as a possession, but as the beautiful, smart, and driven woman she was. He saw her. And she saw him. It was liberating on so many levels.
“There was that smile again. The one that could sink a thousand ships. And it was aimed at my heart, spearing straight through.”
Ten Reasons to Stay gave destiny and purpose to two souls who found there way home to each other.
I LOVED the premise of this story. An open marriage. So taboo and naughty. What I didn’t expect was the emotional side that Author Candace Knoebel would give us.
“Love is life. Love is a seed planted. If that seed is strong enough, not even the freezing cold could stop it.”
What a tangled triangle, or many-sided shape, an open marriage can bring. This became a reality for Corinne and Jack in Ten Reasons to Stay. I completely hated Jack for making his wife feel as though she had to accept his desire for an open marriage. He was just a cheater and didn’t want to feel guilty. It was also disheartening to me that Corinne felt so trapped by Jack that she had to follow his desires, not hers.
“As I held her, I realized there was no hope for me. I was a goner. I would do whatever Corinne asked. If it meant waiting forever, I’d gladly do it. If it meant letting her go, I’d suffer through just to make her happy. I was lost in her. Lost for her. And I didn’t care about being found.”
But, not too far in the story, I thought, “Jack, who?”. Cole was Jack’s complete opposite. He was caring, supportive, and observant of Corinne. Even though he was a rich and very sought after bachelor, Cole always took care to showcase Corinne, not as a possession, but as the beautiful, smart, and driven woman she was. He saw her. And she saw him. It was liberating on so many levels.
“There was that smile again. The one that could sink a thousand ships. And it was aimed at my heart, spearing straight through.”
Ten Reasons to Stay gave destiny and purpose to two souls who found there way home to each other.
December 2, 2024
A book buddy suggested this book as a better alternative to the book "Seduced Away" and as a romance, I absolutely agree with her, I was actually rooting for the main characters in this book to end up together instead of just being upset by the tragedy of the husband and wife's failed marriage. I couldn't stand the husband Jack, but part of me thinks Corrine didn't deserve Cole. She was too much of a door mat, willing to stay with someone far too long simply because of a ring and a slip of paper. I wanted her to leave the husband because he was a lying, cheating, selfish asshole, not because they tried to make it work and fell out of love. Blah! So unsatisfying! It felt like that was only done to set up her next book, which is about the husband and the woman who basically broke his marriage apart. I don't care if he cured cancer while finding peace in the middle east, he couldn't be redeemed to me, I don't even want him to be redeemed. Regardless, this book solidified my main take-away from the open marriage conversation. If your partner suggests it, just go ahead and start drawing up the divorce papers. 92% of people who open up their marriage end in divorce. That is an insanely high number! Just because there's always one hippy couple around who swear by their polygamist love den does not mean it works for everyone or even most people.
September 1, 2018
3.5 stars.
October 11, 2022
Couldn't stand the heroine in this book. A weak, snivelling, doormat for her abusive husband and letting go of a man who truly loved and cared for her. She had no redeeming qualities. I know I'm in the minority with this book but honestly, no strong successful man goes for a weak woman with no self confidence? Doesn't happen in life.
September 5, 2018
So, I have to admit that Ten Reasons to Stay truly caught me off guard! I was expecting, of course, the ramifications of an open marriage, with Jack and Corrine muddling their way through the rules and practice. But what I didn’t expect was to be totally sucked in by the budding romance between Cole and Corrine. And all the feels and changes and craziness that came with it.
Corrine, at her core, is a one man-one woman girl. She loves her husband, Jack, and wants to make him happy even at the risk of her own. When push came to shove, or more like the heavy realization that Jack was going to step out of their marriage, Corrine decided to try. And what a surprise when meeting Cole. Cole is everything she never realized she wanted. And everything that she realizes is lacking in her relationship with her husband.
And Cole has never been in a true relationship—he’s never wanted a woman as much as he wants Corrine. He’s never loved someone as much as he’s fallen for her. And he knows he’ll have to eventually let her go.
When Jack decides to change the rules again, will Corrine give up all that she’s discovered with Cole? Can their marriage survive?
I’m still reeling from this story. Ten Reasons to Stay is so compelling. So engrossing. I couldn’t stop reading until I knew what was going to happen in the end. And I absolutely loved it. A truly decadent, satisfying read! ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
Corrine, at her core, is a one man-one woman girl. She loves her husband, Jack, and wants to make him happy even at the risk of her own. When push came to shove, or more like the heavy realization that Jack was going to step out of their marriage, Corrine decided to try. And what a surprise when meeting Cole. Cole is everything she never realized she wanted. And everything that she realizes is lacking in her relationship with her husband.
And Cole has never been in a true relationship—he’s never wanted a woman as much as he wants Corrine. He’s never loved someone as much as he’s fallen for her. And he knows he’ll have to eventually let her go.
When Jack decides to change the rules again, will Corrine give up all that she’s discovered with Cole? Can their marriage survive?
I’m still reeling from this story. Ten Reasons to Stay is so compelling. So engrossing. I couldn’t stop reading until I knew what was going to happen in the end. And I absolutely loved it. A truly decadent, satisfying read! ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
September 6, 2018
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Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot
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Oh my freaking goodness this story was incredible and I think that it is my favorite Candace Knoebel book to date! The moment I read the blurb for this story I was hooked and then within the first few pages I knew I wasn't putting it down until I reached the end, even if I had some things I needed to do. Nothing mattered in those few hours it took me to devour this deliciously steamy romance that set my heart on fire.
Ten Reasons to Stay, the first standalone book in The Risky Hearts Duet, had me dropping my jaw time and time again. I absolutely loved Corrine and Cole's hot and heavy chemistry and I was rooting for them right from the very beginning, especially since I very much disliked her husband Jack. I mean who even suggests an open marriage anyways and then gets mad at his wife for having her own fling. Talk about a double standard. It's like come on he was already cheating on her before the arrangement even began. which is probably why I could hardly stand him. This story will have you experiencing a whirlwind of emotions that you won't know how to feel. You will laugh, cry and swoon while you read this beautifully captivating tale about forbidden love. Readers will discover that you first love might not always be your last love!
While this book might not be for everyone, it was certain one that kept my attention from start to finish and I already cannot wait to get my hands on Five Reasons to Go, the next installment in The Risky Hearts Duet!
Oh my freaking goodness this story was incredible and I think that it is my favorite Candace Knoebel book to date! The moment I read the blurb for this story I was hooked and then within the first few pages I knew I wasn't putting it down until I reached the end, even if I had some things I needed to do. Nothing mattered in those few hours it took me to devour this deliciously steamy romance that set my heart on fire.
Ten Reasons to Stay, the first standalone book in The Risky Hearts Duet, had me dropping my jaw time and time again. I absolutely loved Corrine and Cole's hot and heavy chemistry and I was rooting for them right from the very beginning, especially since I very much disliked her husband Jack. I mean who even suggests an open marriage anyways and then gets mad at his wife for having her own fling. Talk about a double standard. It's like come on he was already cheating on her before the arrangement even began. which is probably why I could hardly stand him. This story will have you experiencing a whirlwind of emotions that you won't know how to feel. You will laugh, cry and swoon while you read this beautifully captivating tale about forbidden love. Readers will discover that you first love might not always be your last love!
While this book might not be for everyone, it was certain one that kept my attention from start to finish and I already cannot wait to get my hands on Five Reasons to Go, the next installment in The Risky Hearts Duet!
August 23, 2018
Whew...my heart has been through the wringer with this book.
This is a new to me author and what I love most about blogging. Reading new stories, stories that sometimes push my comfort boundaries, but I am so glad I did.
This is the story of Jack, Corrine and Cole. This is the story of vows made and promises not kept. This is the story of how love comes in so many different and distinguished ways.
I could feel Corrine's pain in the pages. I could empathize with the masks she chose to wear. I applauded her fight to find herself and find the strength to make the hard choices.
Jack was a man who was used to comfort. He took advantage of what he had and demanded more and more. He felt it was his right. But he was oh so wrong.
Cole was a man burdened with what he wanted versus what he had. He laid everything on the line. He was the man that would do just about anything for the woman he loved.
This was a book I could not put down until it was finished. It was a page turner and I was on the edge of my seat until the very end. Who would belong to who in the end. Read this story and find out!
This is a new to me author and what I love most about blogging. Reading new stories, stories that sometimes push my comfort boundaries, but I am so glad I did.
This is the story of Jack, Corrine and Cole. This is the story of vows made and promises not kept. This is the story of how love comes in so many different and distinguished ways.
I could feel Corrine's pain in the pages. I could empathize with the masks she chose to wear. I applauded her fight to find herself and find the strength to make the hard choices.
Jack was a man who was used to comfort. He took advantage of what he had and demanded more and more. He felt it was his right. But he was oh so wrong.
Cole was a man burdened with what he wanted versus what he had. He laid everything on the line. He was the man that would do just about anything for the woman he loved.
This was a book I could not put down until it was finished. It was a page turner and I was on the edge of my seat until the very end. Who would belong to who in the end. Read this story and find out!
August 31, 2018
Wow!! First time to experience this Author and she had me hooked in the first chapter!! The whole story captivated me!! Fantastic book!!!
November 13, 2018
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 Stars! I liked it. Marriage strife, special arrangement and some forbidden love and of course a love triangle. It became clear that Cole and Corrine belong together, I fell in love with Cole and felt his pain. Great story.
November 24, 2024
Ridiculous premise
I mean we say a h is doormat but here i feel bad for H
I hate the h
I could never warm to her
I never ever could understand the situation nor her reasoning.
The H deserved better.
I mean we say a h is doormat but here i feel bad for H
I hate the h
I could never warm to her
I never ever could understand the situation nor her reasoning.
The H deserved better.
August 19, 2020
Huh. I did not like this one at all. Blurb sounded promising, but reality was different. Heroine was a DOORMAT , like caps DOORMAT. She took it on all but on her "happy face". Jack cheated, did not keep rules and she KNEW, but like the fool she was, she kept her rules and one day a week with hero.
She even said "i am like my mother, wait for husband and night, then he arrives smelling of perfume and she makes a happy face, to cry pillow later. But does she DO something, when she realises very early on what her marriage has become?.. nope... head in sand.
Sex scenes were bad, thank god most of them were not detailed (i can't believe i just said that)
Hero fucked around with more then 2 OW while being with heroine (it was not expected of him to be faithful, when heroine had sex with her husband, but it felt wrong how easy it was to him)
Heroine had sex with her husband and hero.
Heroine said she is IN LOVE with hero and does "only" love her husband, but then she still breaks up with hero, breaks his heart and fucks like rabbits with her husband for 4 months and then they decide nope..love not there.. DIVORCE (no shit...? Finally...)
Hero takes her back the second she arrives and HEA
She even said "i am like my mother, wait for husband and night, then he arrives smelling of perfume and she makes a happy face, to cry pillow later. But does she DO something, when she realises very early on what her marriage has become?.. nope... head in sand.
Sex scenes were bad, thank god most of them were not detailed (i can't believe i just said that)
Hero fucked around with more then 2 OW while being with heroine (it was not expected of him to be faithful, when heroine had sex with her husband, but it felt wrong how easy it was to him)
Heroine had sex with her husband and hero.
Heroine said she is IN LOVE with hero and does "only" love her husband, but then she still breaks up with hero, breaks his heart and fucks like rabbits with her husband for 4 months and then they decide nope..love not there.. DIVORCE (no shit...? Finally...)
Hero takes her back the second she arrives and HEA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2018
***Received an Advanced Readers Copy during a blog tour with InkSlingerPR in exchange for an honest review***
As most people have come to realize I am a glutton for punishment - I cannot get enough of those angsty romance novels with marriage dynamics. Seriously, the feels are real my comrades! I know many people will read the synopsis and say 'NO THANK YOU' to the possibility of cheating or martial conflicts, but guys I gotta admit, these are some of the realist, more rawest forms of relatable characters you will ever get to read. And it is even better when the author writes it to perfection.
Ergo my new love for 10 Reasons to Stay.
I am blown away with how much I can relate towards Corinne. Her character is stunningly beautiful. She is struggling with her husband's recent suggestion of an open marriage until she comes to a point where she realizes, either allow him to be open about his passion for other women or be blissfully ignorant to his cheating. This is a struggle I think most individuals can sympathize with on a multitude of levels. Keeping the affection alive in your relationship, growing apart, changing - these are real struggles. Especially when you feel like things are tilting one sided. It hurts.
Not to mention you have Cole, this delicious piece of man meat who comes into Corinne's life and more than anything, rattles things up. The confidence she was losing in herself really depended on Cole, and not in a 'oh woe is me' kind of way, but this primal appreciation to be noticed - Cole did that for her. He was charismatic, embraced his sex appeal and at the same time, wasn't afraid to admit what kind of person he was, or even what he wanted to become.
And oh my lanta can I not get enough of Corinne and Cole. These two in the beginning were interesting twist of events. I was a little afraid to see how this would transition from a good time relationship to actually growing feelings towards one another, but fear not kiddos, this is another reason why I enjoyed this writing style so much, it was seemliness to go from that benefits attitude to an actual love romance. That moment Corinne answers Cole with that answer I was dying to hear, if she stays the night then that meant he has her... crushed.
So not only was the passion steam-filled, melt off your seat in beaver drool delicious, the feels that accompanied them Thursday after Thursday became more real - tugging at my heart instantly.
My only pet peeve... and this is a really small one because i like how it happened, just not in the quickness it had - the moments between Jack and Corinne verses Cole. That dynamic played so fiercely throughout that had my heart pounding, my brain cringing at each turn of the page as the drama escalated. My issue however is that at a point, it was almost amti-climatic then boom - resolved. I don't want to be any more detail than this, obviously to avoid spoilers, but again for me, after such an earth shattering build, I felt I deserved more.
This is definitely a favorite. Again I just cannot get over the raw emotional heartbreak and swoonage that came along with this read. It was absolutely phenomenal. It blew me away with the seer understanding of how much I was sympathetic towards the dynamic of the trope but more over how I could relate to Corinne. Hands down Corinne was a flawlessly beautiful character, one I could see myself in, more ways than one and I loved that about her.
I could not recommend this read more. Romance that made me soar, drama that made me blissfully tearful with a smidge of chuckles along the way; the powerful underlining message in the romance was painfully delicious and I loved every minute of it! I am looking forward to adding more of Candace to my TBR in the very near future.
As most people have come to realize I am a glutton for punishment - I cannot get enough of those angsty romance novels with marriage dynamics. Seriously, the feels are real my comrades! I know many people will read the synopsis and say 'NO THANK YOU' to the possibility of cheating or martial conflicts, but guys I gotta admit, these are some of the realist, more rawest forms of relatable characters you will ever get to read. And it is even better when the author writes it to perfection.
Ergo my new love for 10 Reasons to Stay.
I am blown away with how much I can relate towards Corinne. Her character is stunningly beautiful. She is struggling with her husband's recent suggestion of an open marriage until she comes to a point where she realizes, either allow him to be open about his passion for other women or be blissfully ignorant to his cheating. This is a struggle I think most individuals can sympathize with on a multitude of levels. Keeping the affection alive in your relationship, growing apart, changing - these are real struggles. Especially when you feel like things are tilting one sided. It hurts.
Not to mention you have Cole, this delicious piece of man meat who comes into Corinne's life and more than anything, rattles things up. The confidence she was losing in herself really depended on Cole, and not in a 'oh woe is me' kind of way, but this primal appreciation to be noticed - Cole did that for her. He was charismatic, embraced his sex appeal and at the same time, wasn't afraid to admit what kind of person he was, or even what he wanted to become.
And oh my lanta can I not get enough of Corinne and Cole. These two in the beginning were interesting twist of events. I was a little afraid to see how this would transition from a good time relationship to actually growing feelings towards one another, but fear not kiddos, this is another reason why I enjoyed this writing style so much, it was seemliness to go from that benefits attitude to an actual love romance. That moment Corinne answers Cole with that answer I was dying to hear, if she stays the night then that meant he has her... crushed.
So not only was the passion steam-filled, melt off your seat in beaver drool delicious, the feels that accompanied them Thursday after Thursday became more real - tugging at my heart instantly.
My only pet peeve... and this is a really small one because i like how it happened, just not in the quickness it had - the moments between Jack and Corinne verses Cole. That dynamic played so fiercely throughout that had my heart pounding, my brain cringing at each turn of the page as the drama escalated. My issue however is that at a point, it was almost amti-climatic then boom - resolved. I don't want to be any more detail than this, obviously to avoid spoilers, but again for me, after such an earth shattering build, I felt I deserved more.
This is definitely a favorite. Again I just cannot get over the raw emotional heartbreak and swoonage that came along with this read. It was absolutely phenomenal. It blew me away with the seer understanding of how much I was sympathetic towards the dynamic of the trope but more over how I could relate to Corinne. Hands down Corinne was a flawlessly beautiful character, one I could see myself in, more ways than one and I loved that about her.
I could not recommend this read more. Romance that made me soar, drama that made me blissfully tearful with a smidge of chuckles along the way; the powerful underlining message in the romance was painfully delicious and I loved every minute of it! I am looking forward to adding more of Candace to my TBR in the very near future.
August 27, 2018
I've read all of this author's paranormal and contemporary books and loved all of them, so I always look forward to a new release from her! I was particularly excited about this book because the cover is stunning and the synopsis sounded amazing! I then received an ARC from the author and started reading it as soon as I had finished reading my current read! After reading this book, I can say that I enjoyed it! The plot was fast-paced and there was a lot of romance in it! The romance allowed for some seriously hot scenes too! This book also only took me a few sittings to read because I kept wanting to read on and find out what was going to happen next for the characters! The ending of this book was also left at the perfect place and was very beautiful! I loved it! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Corinne was the main female character, and in this book her life changed and she moved to a new place and spent a lot of time on her own! On one hand, I felt for Corinne, but on the other hand I just wanted to shake her! I understood and admired her for her commitment to her husband, but they were in what felt like a loveless marriage! I was so happy that Corinne got another chance at love because she deserved it so much! There was a bit of a love triangle in this book, but the synopsis tells you that this is going to be the case! Jack and Cole were the main male characters and the love interests of Corinne! Jack was Corinne's husband, but they had grown apart and Jack had fallen for someone else! I didn't hate Jack, but I wish he had been more honest! Cole was the new love interest of Corinne, and he was seriously hot! I loved Cole a lot and it was easy to see that he had genuine feelings for Corinne and wanted what was best for her! I loved that this book was written from both Corinne and Cole's point of views! I was actually expecting it to have been written from all three characters point of views, but it wasn't! It helped me connect more with Corinne and Cole and it allowed for more things to happen in the plot, especially as they were going through their own situations and problems! I now can't wait to read the next book in this series! I knew that this book was a standalone read before I started reading it, so I was sort of looking out for who the main characters were going to be in the next book! I don't want to say whose book it could be because this would be a spoiler lol, but there were a few characters that deserved a book, so we'll see! There also wasn't any indication of who the main characters are going to be at the end of this book, so I'll just have to wait to find out lol! The cover for this book is also stunning! I loved it as soon as I saw it and instantly wanted to read the story behind it! It represents the book perfectly as well and suits the feel of the plot and characters! Big thank you to Candace for an ARC of Ten Reasons To Stay!
September 5, 2018
I never thought the day would come where I would pick up a book centered around an open marriage. It's not something I could ever see myself agreeing to which was why I was so intrigued to see how everything would play out. Let me just start by saying I was not ready for the emotional rollercoaster Ten Reasons to Stay took me on.
For about 80% of this book I was frustrated with Corrine. She allowed herself to get into this situation even when it was not something she wanted. Also, I didn't agree with her way of thinking. Corrine had this idea that she was there to provide for her husband while completely disregarding her own wants and goals. Anytime her husband, Jack, made a suggestion or told her what to do Corrine would go along with it, no questions asked most of the time, in order to please him. This continued until it got to the point where Jack suggested they should have an open marriage. Once again she went along with it because she thought it would make Jack happy.
"Aren't we all searching for sunlight? For that warmth from the brightest touch that lets us finally breath."
Hands down the best part of this whole book was Cole Blackwater! I loved him almost from the very beginning. He came into the picture and showed Corrine exactly how she should be treated. Cole challenged every thought Corrine had of how marriage should be. Like I mentioned before this story had my emotions all over and half of that had to do with Cole. As much as he tried to hide it, Cole was incredibly vulnerable in their agreement. He was always willing to follow Corrine's lead even when he wanted so much more.
Throughout the book I enjoyed being able to see Cole pull Corrine out of the shell she was in and help her realize she deserved more than she was getting. I never thought I would become so invested in a story dealing with a failing marriage where the people in the relationship just tried to patch up the holes instead of actually addressing the problem. The entire situation was messy! This story broke my heart and put the pieces back together. Essentially Ten Reasons to Stay is about finding your worth and never settling. With all that being said, if this author can continue to deliver this level of emotional impact I am looking forward to reading more from her.
Originally Posted: Brandi Janee’s Bookshelf
For about 80% of this book I was frustrated with Corrine. She allowed herself to get into this situation even when it was not something she wanted. Also, I didn't agree with her way of thinking. Corrine had this idea that she was there to provide for her husband while completely disregarding her own wants and goals. Anytime her husband, Jack, made a suggestion or told her what to do Corrine would go along with it, no questions asked most of the time, in order to please him. This continued until it got to the point where Jack suggested they should have an open marriage. Once again she went along with it because she thought it would make Jack happy.
"Aren't we all searching for sunlight? For that warmth from the brightest touch that lets us finally breath."
Hands down the best part of this whole book was Cole Blackwater! I loved him almost from the very beginning. He came into the picture and showed Corrine exactly how she should be treated. Cole challenged every thought Corrine had of how marriage should be. Like I mentioned before this story had my emotions all over and half of that had to do with Cole. As much as he tried to hide it, Cole was incredibly vulnerable in their agreement. He was always willing to follow Corrine's lead even when he wanted so much more.
Throughout the book I enjoyed being able to see Cole pull Corrine out of the shell she was in and help her realize she deserved more than she was getting. I never thought I would become so invested in a story dealing with a failing marriage where the people in the relationship just tried to patch up the holes instead of actually addressing the problem. The entire situation was messy! This story broke my heart and put the pieces back together. Essentially Ten Reasons to Stay is about finding your worth and never settling. With all that being said, if this author can continue to deliver this level of emotional impact I am looking forward to reading more from her.
Originally Posted: Brandi Janee’s Bookshelf
September 16, 2018
THIS. BOOK. Holy cow. I'm going to call this Corinne's story, because it truly is. Her story of self discovery, disappointment, heartache, seduction, love, and so much more. I won't say this book didn't put me out of my comfort zone at times. Because, oh boy, did it. However, the compelling and emotional prose had me hook line and sinker. Yes, I know it's an unconventional setup to a romance, but this story made me swoon, sigh, rail and cry. I was torn between love and hate numerous times. The one person who always held my heart though was Cole This man is to die for sexy, but he and Corinne's paths weren't meant to be forever, or were they? Corinne's newly unorthodox and/or failing marriage, depending on your outlook and Corinne's from minute to minute, is the sole reason for Cole's presence in her life. But without meaning to they became so much more.
Just to put worried readers minds at ease, no one person in this scenario is better than the other (though Cole edges out quite a few times, in my opinion) and they all have their faults. But that's life. It's ugly, messy, and hard to comprehend and live with the truth sometimes even when it's starting you right in the face. The saying goes: the grass isn't always greener on the other side, but sometimes it is.
Ten Reason to Stay had me treading the love hate line so very often with its characters, but I was so wholly invested, I needed more, more, more. As someone who once shied away from love triangles, I have to say this book is absolutely worth the read. It's an all-consuming story, and in my opinion, so tastefully and carefully handled, despite the delicate nature of storyline, and it just has that extra "umph" that I want in a book.
Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Just to put worried readers minds at ease, no one person in this scenario is better than the other (though Cole edges out quite a few times, in my opinion) and they all have their faults. But that's life. It's ugly, messy, and hard to comprehend and live with the truth sometimes even when it's starting you right in the face. The saying goes: the grass isn't always greener on the other side, but sometimes it is.
Ten Reason to Stay had me treading the love hate line so very often with its characters, but I was so wholly invested, I needed more, more, more. As someone who once shied away from love triangles, I have to say this book is absolutely worth the read. It's an all-consuming story, and in my opinion, so tastefully and carefully handled, despite the delicate nature of storyline, and it just has that extra "umph" that I want in a book.
Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
September 6, 2018
3.90 of 5 Stars!
I went into this book not knowing what to expect. I've never read anything by this author before so this was my first experience with her writing. Jack, the husband sounded like a jerk just from the blurb alone, but the book also kind of sounded sexy... so I gave it a shot.
I was surprised that I got hooked on the story right away and had to see how it would end, as soon as I could flip through the pages (since this was on my kindle I did not peek at the ending until I got there!)
This book is definitely angsty, so it might not be for every reader especially with the overall theme. You'll be taken on an emotional rollercoaster from heartache to confusing feelings, steamy moments, and a marriage that I personally would have walked away from the moment Jack suggested an open marriage.
Was Ten Reasons to Stay my favorite recent read? No, probably not, although I did enjoy it. It's definitely out of my usual comfort zone which is always good to shake up every now and then but I'm not sure I'm interested in reading another book by this author right away. She's the kind of author I need to be in a certain mood to read.
Overall, if you're looking for a book with the potential to wreck you in the best of ways, this is a strong choice!
I went into this book not knowing what to expect. I've never read anything by this author before so this was my first experience with her writing. Jack, the husband sounded like a jerk just from the blurb alone, but the book also kind of sounded sexy... so I gave it a shot.
I was surprised that I got hooked on the story right away and had to see how it would end, as soon as I could flip through the pages (since this was on my kindle I did not peek at the ending until I got there!)
This book is definitely angsty, so it might not be for every reader especially with the overall theme. You'll be taken on an emotional rollercoaster from heartache to confusing feelings, steamy moments, and a marriage that I personally would have walked away from the moment Jack suggested an open marriage.
Was Ten Reasons to Stay my favorite recent read? No, probably not, although I did enjoy it. It's definitely out of my usual comfort zone which is always good to shake up every now and then but I'm not sure I'm interested in reading another book by this author right away. She's the kind of author I need to be in a certain mood to read.
Overall, if you're looking for a book with the potential to wreck you in the best of ways, this is a strong choice!
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