Could Have Been Us by Corinne Michaels

This is an honest review for an arc received.

“You deserve a man who will slay the dragons, Stella. Not the dragon himself.”

Stella Parkerson is the youngest and only girl of the Parkerson clan. Although Stella is her own person, growing up with 4 protective brothers can be a challenge. She has loved Jack O’Sullivan, her brother’s best friend, for almost her entire life. When they share an intimate night together, she dreams of what could be. But when faced with a life altering decision, they can only lean on each other at that moment. Fast forward years, and her love for Jack has never faded. An untimely tragedy has her coming face to face with a past that still haunts her and burdens her heart, but it is also the biggest blessing, and a second chance.

“I want to feel like we’re the only people in this world. I want to love you like this night is all we’ll have so when we wake in each other’s arms tomorrow, we see the sun rises for just us.”

Jack O’Sullivan has loved Stella Parkerson from afar, knowing he can never have her. He would never do anything to jeopardize his friendship with her brother Greyson. Jack has not had an easy life. He has a tragic past not only with his family but Stella as well. The only way for him to survive is to move forward and try to forget about the past, and love Stella from afar. When faced with the past, he decides to be a man Stella can be proud of and become her rock of support. He will do anything and move Heaven and Earth to make sure Stella is happy.

“I would rather suffer from loss and remember the joy while it happens.”

5 heartwrenching stars!!!!!! This book gutted me. The first chapter will destroy your heart (here is your warning), but in true Corinne style she will slowly put you back together again. I loved Jack and Stella! How can you not once you know their story. You will feel all of the feels with this one. Happiness, sadness, gut-wrenching sorrow, and a love like you’ve never known. I love every book from Corinne Michaels, and I have to say, this one tops them all. You will laugh, you will cry and you will just love this story! My review seems shorter than normal, but that is solely because I think every reader should experience everything this story was meant for you to feel. I could not put this book down. This is one of my top reads for 2021 hands down. Corinne Michaels you slayed my heart and this book.

“She robs me of air and the only thing that will give me life is her.”

Angie