The Bestselling Belonging Duet Boxset includes both books as well as Bonus Material available only in this set!
Catherine Pope had her happily ever after in sight, only to have it ripped away. To ensure it doesn’t happen again, she constructs impenetrable walls around her heart. When Jackson Cole turns her world upside down, she’ll have to fight every fear she has. Jackson pushes her, gives her hope, and terrifies her.
His training as a Navy SEAL never prepared him for the battle to win her heart, but he’s determined to claim her. However, Jackson isn’t without his own demons. If she lets him in and he destroys her … can she survive?
Together they must decide if they are each other’s beloved or if they’re beholden to their fears.
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.
If you haven't met the dirty talking former Navy SEAL, Jackson Cole, now is your chance to get BOTH books for only 0.99! The Belonging Duet is now available as a BOX SET!
“Leaving you right now goes against every fucking thing I want. I’m going to let you push me away this once. But I mean it, when I walk out it’s up to you when I come back. Don’t make me wait too long.” He leans down and places a long, tender kiss upon my lips. Our eyes meet again and he waits for a second before continuing, “I told you I’ll always find you, but you have to want to be found. Let me find you, Catherine.”
I loved these books so much so when I saw them in a box set with bonus chapters I was sold! In Beloved Ms. Michaels writing sucked me in and made me feel like I was part of the story. In Beholden I was so entranced I stayed up all night to finish. Jackson Cole is the ultimate BBF and you can't help but fall in love with him and Catherine! You will not regret this purchase!
I’ve got myself a new book husband and his name is Jackson Cole!!! Wahoooo!!! Seriously, you guys… Jackson Cole in Corinne Michael’s Belonging Duet is per-fec-friggen-tion. He was perfection to the tee. I picked up Beloved late on a Sunday night looking for something to pass the time before heading off to bed, something that I thought would help tire out my eyes and allow me a nice sleep-filled night. What I didn’t anticipate was instead staying up way too late because Catherine and Jackson just wouldn’t let me go. I kept at it, I read and I read until I had to berate myself of the fact that I had to be up early the next day for work. I dreamed of a gorgeous, blue/green eyed man with sinewy muscles flexing, caging me in against a wall… *fans self* Even in REM, Jackson Cole wouldn’t leave me alone.. Or I wouldn’t leave him alone.. Doesn’t really matter. Point being, I could not get that delicious Muffin off my mind.
What’s funny is that I had Beloved on my Kindle even before I started Consolation and Conviction (the spinoff of this duet) and FLOVED them both—those books made my heart beat like a drum being relentlessly pounded on; but Beloved and Beholden made my heart go berserk for totally different reasons. The best kind of reasons. The connection between Catherine and Jackson was instantaneous and what I loved about it the most was that it was also so unexpected. Both fighting the idea of falling in love again after both being hurt in different ways, they gather all of their bravado (Catherine especially) trying to fight the electrifying feelings bouncing between one another for each other. As with all of the best love stories, fate supersedes everything. Just like in Beloved, it steps right in and forces Catherine and Jackson to have to become permanent fixtures in each other’s lives. It’s when my book-hubby finally takes the bull by its horn and tirelessly pursues Catherine that she takes that leap of faith. And it’s when they come together that the real fun begins. It’s safe to say that I was addicted to their love. Not only were there lots of LOL moments but there were some really sexy and sensual “hottie tottie” scenes between them that just drove me right off the cliff. Each one had me reach the pinnacle and I was dangerously falling into a euphoric, endorphin induced coma. Not only did Jackson’s naughty and dirty mouth set me off like a rocket, but what I really loved and what I have to give praise the author for was that she was able to pour the depth of their emotions for one another in these intimate moments. It went far beyond the droned out, atypical love scenes. I could have read a certain part (hello, shoulder bite) over and over again and it would have been worth the time and the money I’d spent on both books. It was intense and it was beautiful.
The trepidation and the fear that both Catherine and Jackson felt elevated the sense of fulfillment I felt at the end of the book. It’s a gift to literary masochists like me when two endearing and unforgettable characters get their happy ending after all the drama and the angst that had driven the majority of their story. The intensity of what Jackson felt for Catherine filled me so full I was weighed down, unable to move an inch away from their love story. It is why he is didn’t make it to my ever growing list of book boyfriends but instead took his place in my very exclusive and short list of book husbands (considering how many romance novels I read a week) --- “Hello Christian Grey, Braden Carmichael, Jake Wethers, Ridge Lawson, Landon Christianson, Jared Holt, and Travis Maddox… I’d like you all to meet Jackson Cole…” ;D
I cannot, CANNOT tell you enough how much I loved this book. Both Beloved and Beholden are on my top reads to date and definitely book shelf worthy approved. Make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to meet Jackson Cole—100% perfection.
Ps. The Epilogue! Holy cow was that Kristen Ashley worthy!!! It was just everything!
Beloved had the perfect mix of romance and angst. I loved the characters. Jackson and Catherine were so much fun and easy to connect with. I loved their stubbornness and how they challenged one another.
I thought the story flowed well and loved the writing style. I got completely lost in Catherine and Jackson's story.
The ending.....Oh, my goodness.....That ending!!!!!!! Yes, I am going to warn you that it does end on a cliffhanger! And it is such a good one!! I can not wait to see what happens next!
I loved every minute of Beloved and will be anxiously awaiting the conclusion to Jackson and Catherine's story. It's still hard to believe that this is Corinne Micheals debut novel. She is definitely an author to watch out for.
Beholden:
The bar was set high for me, for Beholden and I'm so glad that I was not let down. Beholden will make you laugh, cry, swoon and maybe even yell at your kindle(I had a few of those moments)......I loved the angst and romance.
The characters are amazing. Even those secondary characters, they held their own and added so much to the story.
I've said it before and I will say it again, Corinne Michaels is definitely an author that you will want to watch for. Beholden was such an enjoyable read! I can't wait to see where Corinne Michaels will take us next!
These two books were on my top ten reads for 2014 and knowing that they were going to be bundled together like this was such a bonus! Jackson & Catherine's love story is one for the ages. These are a real couple--- going through real drama and heartbreak and finding their way to each other. Secrets from the past threaten their fragile love. You laugh and cry along with them as they both try and let down their walls. Can not say enough about what a great series this is. Catherine is a heroine that you relate to and Jackson is a man of honor. Fantastic debut series by Corinne Michaels !
I'm sitting here, having just finished this box set. This was her debut? Stunning.
Catherine had her happily ever after in sight, and it was cruelly shredded right before her eyes. She didn't see it coming. And sadly, it's not the first time a man she's loved and counted on has walked away from her.
"What we have just isn't enough."
She has suffered much emotional damage in her life at the hands of the men she has loved. She's battered, she's bruised, her heart is shattered. But, she manages to find the strength to pick herself up and continue moving on. She's got a great career, and she's worked hard to be considered for a promotion within her company.
Jackson is a haunted man. Haunted by the loss of members of his SEAL team and of his wife. Losses he blames on himself. He carries this guilt and moves through life not allowing himself to fall in love. He's charming, he's gorgeous, but he's deeply in pain.
"I don't want to lose you."
They both have so much to work through, so many demons to battle, obstacles to overcome. This book takes you through it all. You can see how perfect they are for each other, if only they'd each get out of their own way. I found myself screaming "No! No! No!" at my Kindle. I had a lump in my throat often. I cried many times.
"We were supposed to be together. This was our time."
Catherine is taking the promotion, but it moves her across the country. This comes during a time of separation, when she believes they over. Jackson has his moment of clarity after she leaves. He makes some big changes in his life, and he goes after her.
"...my life without you doesn't work."
This was a beautiful story of strength, love, and courage. I adored Catherine and Jackson individually, but they were breathtaking together. This was a beautifully told romance, even in it's most painful moments. Corinne Michaels is an incredibly talented author, and if this is her first novel, I can't wait to see what else she'll do.
OMG, where do I even start with how freaking AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL this duet is!!! I read these two books in the box set and was provided the entire range of emotions that could be offered by an author. I cried, laughed, yelled, swooned, and had heart stopping moments were I felt everything that these characters felt throughout this story right along with them. The emotional rollercoaster was AMAZING and I can't wait to read the spin-off duet and standalone. What is even better is that I actually get to meet Corinne Michaels this year at two book signings and hopefully at a private event, hopefully I don't fangirl out too much.
Purchased the 2 books separately back in October for more $$ so this is an awesome deal Beloved: Hated the opening of Cat catching her finace and a friend having sex. That is an awful this for any girl. But I loved when she fell on Jackson's lap in the bar that was super cute. Catherine and Jackson each have their own pasts to deal with but they are great together. I love Cat's quick wit and smarts. That was a hard cliffhanger- thank goodness I already had Beholden all set to read on my Kindle. Awesome story. Beholden: After that incredible cliffhanger ending to Beloved I knew I had to just right into Beholden. Catherine and Jackson have an unbelievable connection they just have to fight their way to stay together. Incredible journey in this second book and it is an emotional rollercoaster so glad I got on. Loved the ending.
Solid love story, not as good as Consolation but this leads into that so I would still recommend this duet. There wasn't a whole lot going on but Jackson makes it worth reading. It's a good book with a ton of funny bits. I can not wait for Marks books to come out! They are going to be the best.
What a great story! I loved every minute of it, apart from Neil and Piper. JS. I laughed, was sad, and swooned! Jackson (Muffin) and Catharine were a perfect match. Loved the epilogue
Please note, this review was previously published in 2015 under a profile used by multiple people. I am removing those reviews and republishing them on my new, personal profile.
Wow!!! Talk about a story that rips your heart out right from the start.
Meet Catherine, a publicist for one of the premier companies in Manhattan who seems to get shit on by all the men in her life, starting with her father at age nine and ending most recently with her douche-bag fiancé, Neil. During a night out with friends, she stumbles into Jackson and is instantly attracted to him. But she’s still recovering from her horrific break-up with Neil, so she walks away thinking she’ll never see him again. Right???
Wrong. Guess who’s the new CEO of the big PR account she’s just won? You guessed it: Jackson. Attempts to remain professional don’t last long and she quickly ends up working not only the account, but the hot and sexy CEO as well. THE BELONGING DUET is made up of BELOVED and BEHOLDEN and follows their relationship from all the ups and downs, to the personal tragedies, to the decisions that could make or break them.
Jackson is amazing. He’s an ex Navy SEAL that is currently the CEO of two companies: Cole Security Forces and Raven Cosmetics. He is also a man who seems to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. He blames himself for the deaths of those he’s loved and served with and no-one can tell him otherwise. But he is one hot man and his dirty talk is beyond panty melting. He’s funny, kind, loyal, protective and the perfect amount of alpha-male.
Catherine broke my heart and I felt for her right from the beginning. She starts out broken and vulnerable, but she becomes stronger with each turn of the page, making life-changing decisions for herself and even getting some payback to at least one person who deserved it. She has an amazing support system in her friends Ashton and Gretchen and eventually starts to heal her old wounds.
I could not figure out what the heck was up with Neil and Piper. Neil was such a prick, so cruel to Catherine over and over again, and Piper was so bitchy and vindictive. They were all friends at one point in their pasts, but Neil and Piper experienced pure joy at continuously hurting Catherine. Personally, I would love to find out why they both acted that way, because I can’t think of a single reason why. For me, that felt like a really loose end and it bugs me that it was not resolved.
This book has a little bit of everything: the villains that make you want commit totally justifiable murder; the loyal friends who will always support you no matter what; humour, conflict, suspense and sexy times; and most importantly a very very nice HEA. I was shocked to see the epilogue is seven years later, but it finishes the story perfectly.
For a debut novel it’s amazingly well written. I would gladly read more books from her. In fact, I’m already waiting for my copy of CONSOLATION.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Beloved – With her engagement in her rearview mirror, Catherine focuses on her job and landing a huge client. But before the meeting happens her friends take her out for an impromptu celebration of her single status, and with a few drinks in Catherine ends up in the lap of a sexy man who instantly has her heart racing. The last thing she ever expected was that the same man would be the CEO of the company she is trying to snag and the same man that she will need to work side by side with once she lands the deal. Can Catherine and Jackson keep everything professional? Or will the spark they felt at the bar be too much to overcome? With an interesting storyline and a great cast of characters this was a great start. The storyline ends with a cliffhanger and I am so glad I had the next book already lined up in my kindle.
Beholden – What starts off as a working relationship ends up being so much more for Catherine and Jackson. But when skeletons in his closet come to her attention will it be too much for her to overcome? Or will it be something they work through together? Once again Corinne Michaels take the reader on a wild ride. The give and take the push and pull, the utter happiness and the devastation that is left in their wake all make for a thrilling conclusion to Catherine and Jackson's story. But the bumpy ride to get there is worth the ride.
I read the Belonging Duet (BELOVED/BEHOLDEN) a couple of months ago, but these characters, and this powerful and emotional romance, resonated so deeply that it literally feels like just yesterday. As many fans have expressed, I too marvel at the fact this was author Corinne Michaels’ debut because the writing is so incredible! Her prose is powerful and guttural and real, and stirs such a chord in me, that it is unfathomable that she hasn’t been penning heartfelt romances for years.
Through the course of these two books, which launches The Salvation Series, we experience the beautiful, PASSIONATE saga of two lost souls who find true love—and healing—in each other. Catherine Pope has her life all planned out, with a fairytale wedding mere days away, and then her whole world is shattered in one single moment of devastating betrayal. Now, as the lovelorn publicist tries to mend her broken heart, she crosses paths with the one man who just might possibly be THE ONE.
Jackson Cole, a drop dead gorgeous ex-Navy SEAL, knows from the moment the pretty brunette accidentally stumbles into his lap that he must have her. She’s gorgeous. Vulnerable. And has a sassy personality that challenges—and beguiles him--at every turn.But even though sparks are flying aplenty, and the Alpha Male military hero is fully prepared to fight valiantly to win her heart, she’s not exactly melting into his big, strapping arms, begging him to make her his. Been there. Done that. Not happening. No matter how irresistibly swoony Jackson Cole is.
But when fate intervenes and she finds herself working tirelessly on a PR campaign for Jackson’s swanky company, sparks fly and they soon find themselves spellbound by each other. Even so, Catherine, a woman with abandonment issues and a serious complex of never feeling like she was enough, doesn’t trust easily. But once she finally puts her trembling heart in Jackson’s rugged, exquisitely gentle hands, she’s a goner. He stirs emotions in her she’s NEVER felt before. Makes her cling to the hope that maybe, just maybe, FINALLY she is worthy. Deserving of forever love. Of belonging. But will secrets from his tortured past dismantle a passionate union that consumes them both, heart, body and soul?
I invested in this couple deeply, to the point that they invaded MY heart and soul. There was just something about this captivating duo that spoke to me. I would stay up till the wee hours of the morning reading, try to catch a couple of hours of sleep, but then inevitably find myself waking up at 3 a.m. because I couldn’t get them off my mind.
The connection between Cat and her “Muffin” was so visceral, I felt as if I was falling in love, experiencing every passionate kiss, every sweet caress, and suffering every heartbreaking setback, right along with them. I laughed. I cried. I gasped in outrage. And while there were honestly some moments toward the end of the book where I wanted to throttle the impossibly stubborn heroine--and throw my kindle—I knew that if I hung in there just a while longer everything would fall into place as it was meant to. Right…? And, thankfully, it did. Beautifully. Exquisitely. With such poignant precision and depth of feeling that just thinking about it now makes me yearn for a reread!
The BELONGING Duet is a breathtaking love story that will live in readers’ hearts for a long, long time. Perhaps forever….
Wowzers. These books had it all: heartbreak, tragedy, deceit, joy, laughter, and love.
I couldn't help but fall in love with almost all the characters (*cough* Neil and Piper *cough*) that Corinne Michaels created. Although, every really good story needs an antagonist or two. I was definitely rooting for Jackson Cole from the minute Catherine Pope fell into his lap. I don't know how she resisted their instant chemistry.
I think my absolute favourite part of this duet, were the final 50-100 pages. They showed growth in both Jackson and Catherine. It also showed how a truly supportive and healthy adult relationship should function. There were things that bothered me throughout the duet, such as the complete and utter lack of communication, but I think it's a universal problem. The communication issues make this story real and relatable.
Beloved and Beholden in the Belonging Duet weren't my favorite books of all time, but I enjoyed Corinne Michaels' writing style and the storyline and characters she created. I really loved the secondary characters, and I'm very much looking forward to reading Mark, Ashton, and Natalie's stories in the rest of the Salvation series. Catherine and Jackson's story in the Belonging Duet wasn't my favorite, but I would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance.
Es una historia apresurada, insulsa y sin salida. Al principio, entendí los miedos, inseguridades y problemas de confianza de Catherine, pero después de un tiempo se volvió repetitivo y molesto. El suspenso no ayudó porque parece un truco barato para un libro que de otro modo sería mediocre. No hay una historia real ni con sentimiento. Solo el indicio de más dramas y los mismos personajes planos atravesando situaciones excesivamente dramáticas y cursis. El ritmo es bastante lento y la historia de fondo necesitaba estructura.
This was a fantastic story. I loved everything about Catherine and Jackson's story. These two beautiful souls were each broken in different ways. Reading their story and how they were able to overcome their fears and broken hearts was amazing. I honestly wished the book didn't end. I wanted more even though this was two novels. I wished we had more from Jackson's POV. Other than that, I had zero complaints about this duet.
“Beloved” and “Beholden”. One is a reread and the other a first read. Fantastic! Catherine and Jackson. Catherine meets Jackson by falling into his lap. What a meeting! A second meeting and he is her boss. How about that. Both have their issues with relationships. Jackson goes a little deeper. But their attraction is immediate. But does she dare with her experience of her cheating ex? Well good luck sweetie, not doing anything could be worse.
4.5 Stars Really thought these were great reads...sank right into them from the first page ...kept me entertained and intrigued ...Catherine and Jackson have a lot of their own issues going on but they are really attracted and connected to each other ...as a reader you could certainly feel that ...love this author's writing ...Recommened reads!!!
I loved these. I am not a spoiler so don't expect any details. You are an incredible author Corinne. I love your stories and the way you build your characters. So easy to love them.
I love when a book comes and knocks you with all its force only to leave you heartbroken but happy at the same time. The Belonging Duet has the power of destroy you when it ends but at the same time makes you feel whole and at peace.
It's hard to review the whole story without giving spoilers but I will concentrate in all the things that make this book so excellent. It's the first book that made me cry in a long time and I think that the tears were proof of the author's talent. When a book gets under your skin and the words transport you inside the pages, it means the author not only has a superb writing style but also she has the gift of creating a real, vivid, complete and heartbreaking love story.
Catherine is a successful business woman who has failed in the love department. One night out she literally ends up in Jackson’s lap. Of course destiny intervenes and they meet again. What starts as a professional relationship with sexual tension grows into an intense, passionate and emotional story.
There are moments of high voltage and yes, I’m talking about the sexual parts, which let me tell you are explosive. If there was a thermometer inside the book, it would blow away because of the hotness of the scenes. The author creates the perfect atmosphere and the passion is palpable.
Also, the book has what I would call key moments. Those moments that changed the story, events that moved it to a new route, chapters that were incredibly fantastic. For example the last chapter of Beloved, OMG! I was speechless and almost fainted when I read it. If you have the box set, the bonus chapter really helps you calm down a bit. Then, the prologue for Beholden is tragic and painful to say something. While I read it I was making theories about what I was reading because I couldn’t stand the sadness you feel as you go from word to word and I was hopping all my theories were wrong. Of course there are more moments worth mention, every time you think things are calming down bam! Another turn comes and shakes your world.
About the POV, I really liked that Beloved was only told from Catherine point of view. It really helps capturing the doubt, the fears and all the feelings that come from falling in love. Now, when we read Beholden, the author alternates between Jackson and Cat. Genius would be an understatement. It's incredible how deep you get into the story when you have both sides of it.
I have to talk a bit about Cat and Jackson, they are two broken souls that need each other to heal. They need to learn to trust again and take the risk of getting hurt. Cat is strong, decided but also she is a bit impulsive and stubborn. I admire the hard worker she is, her job is important and she knows it. Jackson is sexy, strong (I mean he is an ex - Navy SEAL) and has a tendency of carrying the world on his shoulders. They bring out the best and the worst in the other. Their relationship is fast and powerful, and they have to face a lot of obstacles.
If you are wondering why I cried, let’s say that the author not only writes great sex scenes. She writes about loss, sorrow, forgiveness, love, betrayal, pain, anguish and all those feelings using magical words. The line between reality and fiction gets blurry and it’s easy to lose yourself in the story.
So, if you want to read about real love, the one that hurts and makes you smile, you need to read this book.