Interview with Corinne Michaels, author of Say You Won't Let Go + Excerpt - Vilma Iris | Lifestyle Blogger

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Interview with Corinne Michaels, author of Say You Won't Let Go
By Corinne Michaels

Interview with Corinne Michaels, author of Say You Won’t Let Go + Excerpt

Yesterday, author Lexi Blake, in partnership with 1001 Dark Nights, launched an exciting new Crossover Collection. Comprised of six novellas written by New York Times bestselling authors, this group of women worked together to integrate their beloved worlds and characters. Authors joining Lexi include: Larissa Ione, J. Kenner, Corinne Michaels, Carly Phillips and Susan Stoker.

Corinne Michaels is one of my favorite romance authors and I wanted to chat with her about her book, SAY YOU WON’T LET GO! I’m thrilled to share an excerpt from the novella, plus and interview about what you can expect!

ENTER TO WIN PAPERBACKS OF ENTIRE CROSSOVER COLLECTION

  • Interview

    Lexi Blake’s crossover collection is an introduction of five new worlds and characters crossing over with the stories and characters she’s created. What were your initial thoughts on participating in a project like this, with authors like J. Kenner, Larissa Ione, Carly Phillips and Susan Stoker?

    Well, first I had to smack myself because I thought it was a dream, and then once I gathered my wits, I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough. I love love love the whole theory of these crossovers. The way Lexi explained it with comics is the perfect analogy. It’s like the Avengers, right? When I was watching Thor and The Hulk shows up, it’s like you can’t help but smile. So, I was honored to be a part of this caliber of authors in something really fun.

    How did you decide what to write in the Lexi Blake crossover collection?

    I actually had a call with Lexi and we talked about who to cross in with the options available. My story is a little different since we wanted to do the Return to Me series in that, the couple was already predetermined. So my crossover is really fun.

    Was it tougher writing a novel with this kind of format? Was it different than your usual process?

    Yes and no? I know, I’m being super helpful there, but . . . I think writing a novella was different for me. I wanted to give a hearty story in a short story. It was a challenge, but one that I really enjoyed. It wasn’t different in a way because I feel that bringing Wade in, allowed me to have a lot of fun playing with my characters at the same time.

    Tell us about Say You Won’t Let Go, and how it crosses over to Lexi’s side of the world.

    I actually got to do something so unique, I’m still overjoyed about it . . . I was able to take a character of Lexi’s (Wade Rycroft) and sort of set up his story for her to write. It was absolutely the most fun I’ve had. I got to give his voice a little of my touch and have him come into my world for a bit, then he goes back to Masters and Mercenaries where I’m DYING for his book. Say You Won’t Let Go features Emily Young and Cooper Townsend from the Return to Me series where she’s an up and coming country music singer and Cooper is running his ranch in Bell Buckle. These two were starting their relationship a little in my last book, and I loved getting see them come together . . . and of course . . . give them quite a bit of obstacles. Wade works for the McKay-Taggart team and when his old friend calls on him for help, he stands ready to protect what Cooper loves.

    Now, if you’ve read the Return to Me series, you’ll be familiar with Cooper Townsend, right?! What’s his back story for those who are new to the series?

    Yes! He’s Presley’s brother from Say You’ll Stay. Of course, we see Coop a lot through the series with Wyatt in Say You Want Me, and then he’s very central in Say I’m Yours. Heck, my readers literally started a “Cooper Revolution” to demand his book, so this was really for them.

    He’s a really wonderful man. He’s a great son, brother, friend, and he’s been burned before. Cooper took over his family’s ranch and when it comes to love, he’s just unlucky. I can’t say enough good things about him, he’s just one of those characters you root for. His heart is big and I’m really happy he has his resolution.

    Looking ahead now, what’s coming up for you next?

    Vilma, I need you to come here and slap me upside the head! My next year is crazy, but none of it can be announced yet! GAH! But . . . if you read One Last Time, then there’s a smartass, crazy character in the quad of best friends who I might be working on now ;).

    On it, Corinne! 😉 Can’t wait!

     

  • Excerpt

    “Don’t be sad, darlin’.”

    She tucks the sheet under her arms and looks away. “But I am sad, Coop. I don’t want this to end.”

    “Who said it has to end?” I ask her as I pull her against my chest.

    I hate seeing her like this, and the last thing I want is to leave today knowing she’s sad. Not that I’m happy at the idea of driving away, but last night solidified how I feel and verified that there’s no way this is the end.

    Emily Young will be mine. I’m going to marry this girl come hell or high water.

    She nestles her face against my neck. “I like this. I like bein’ in your arms. I like it a lot more than I thought I would. A lot more than just spending a few nights together would mean with anyone else.”

    I push her back so I can look in her eyes. “We may have spent a few days together like this, but we’ve spent a lifetime building more. You’re not just some random hookup, Emily. You and I have history and we’re not kids.”

    “I know, and this is a long time coming.”

    That makes me feel marginally better. There is still so much I want to say to her, but the last thing I want to do is fall hard for a girl who will never be mine.

    Been there, done that, and I don’t want another fucking postcard.

    “And hopefully a lot longer to come,” I say with a twinge of hope.

    “How did you make me like you so easily?”

    I try not to laugh, but she looks so cute. “I’m just irresistible.”

    “Ehh.” She shrugs.

    “Ehh?”

    “Well, you’re somethin’, all right.”

    I grip her chin between my thumb and forefinger, forcing her to look at me. “I’m more than that, and I’m tellin’ you now that I’m not walkin’ away from this. You’re going to have a very persistent man waitin’ for you, Emily Young. Very persistent.”

    Her hand threads through my hair, and she smiles. “I’m pretty persistent, too.” Emily’s lips touch mine and then her blue eyes bore into mine. “Stay for breakfast. Then I’ll let you go without a fight.”

    I grapple with the fact that it’ll take me four hours to get to Dallas and, if I stay, there is a very real chance I’ll miss the presentation. I still have to shower, pack my things, and eventually get on a plane, but the idea of even just another hour with her ties me up. Saying no to her isn’t something I want to do. Ever.

    Jesus, I’m screwed.

    “Breakfast, but then I need to go.”

    Emily throws her arms around my neck, pulling me on top of her. She squeals and kisses my cheek repeatedly.

    This right here is why I may just sell my farm and become her biggest groupie.

    I lift myself up a little and Emily hangs on. “Get ready, darlin’. I have a feeling Wyatt isn’t going to be too happy with me if I don’t make it back to the farm.”

    She gets up, gets dressed, and I can’t stop smiling. I’ve never been this happy before. I can’t remember a time in my adult life when just making someone smile like that gave me such joy.

    While she finishes getting ready, I head out to the sitting area. There’s a huge bouquet of red roses on the table with her name on the card.

    “The flowers are nice.” I try to sound offhanded.

    Someone sent her flowers, and I’d be full of shit if I said it didn’t bother me.

    “Oh!” she yells and peeks her head in. “I didn’t thank you! I’m sorry!”

    “Thank me?” I ask.

    “Yeah.” She giggles. “Thank you for sending me the flowers, Coop. I love roses.”

    I hesitate, watching her. “I didn’t send you flowers, Em.”

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This post contains affiliate links, meaning I’ll receive a small commission should you purchase using those links. All opinions expressed are my own. I receive no compensation for reviews.

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3 Comments:


  1. Kathy Valentine said:

    Awesome interview!! Enjoyed!! Shared on all my socials!!

    Reply

  2. Anita Ingram said:

    Great interview. Love the excerpt!!

    Reply

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