Beholden (Salvation, #2) (the Belonging Duet, #2)

by Corinne Michaels

[Lynn]

I was completely unprepared when I began reading Beholden. I remembered the cliffhanger from Beloved, so shouldn't have been surprised by the assault on my emotions when I began to read. By the time I'd finished the prologue, I was already tearing-up. This book should come with a warning:

Do not attempt to read this book without having a box of tissues handy.

I confess to impersonating a leaking tap (faucet) during most of the duration of the book. In the beginning I also had an overwhelming feeling of claustrophobia too – talk about literally feeling what character was going through at the time! I wont say what part I am eluding to as I don't want to spoil the plot, but you'll know which part I mean when you get to it.

Beholden is so much more than an off-the-scale sexy conclusion to Catherine and Jackson's story. It's two people, madly in love with each other trying to find a way back into each others arms, to make a relationship work for them. And work they do because the odds are heavily stacked against them. With both carrying emotional baggage like lead weights around their respective necks, each has to delve deep and make decisions with gut wrenching consequences.

In Beloved, I was instantly attracted to Jackson because he was a suit wearing ex-SEAL. I was drawn to him if nothing else because he reminded me of another book boyfriend. What endeared me most to him was his imperfections and flaws and that applies to Jackson too. He's charming and arrogant, but shows vulnerability too. In Beholden, my heart wept for Jackson as he came to terms with his past, leading to an ultimate personal sacrifice. What a guy, what a hero!

Catherine went from being a woman I easily identified with, to a role model to aspire to. It was almost as if she'd pulled on her “big girl panties,” took life by the horns and charging head first into the heart of her problems. But life is never predictable, and Catherine is forced to make a life changing decision, which will ultimately change the course of her future, with an extremely high personal price tag. She shows courage, conviction & and newly found determination. Taking full responsibility for her actions, doing the right thing for herself, even if it breaks her heart all over again.

Amongst the tears of despair and joy, the mood is lightened with some humour too. All I'll say on the latter is “Battleships.” ;-)

If I thought Beloved was fabulous, Beholden is perfect. I especially love the direction Corinne takes her characters, in a far from predictable and refreshingly original way. You'll finish Beholden feeling exhausted & emotionally spent! As we nearer the end of 2014, The Belonging Duet is one of my favourite reading pleasures of the year! Cheers!

5 **arc received via author for blog tour in exchange for an honest review**