Here and Now

De: Corinne Michaels

Narrado por: Jason Clarke, Angelina Rocca

I’ve crafted my new life in Ember Falls with two simple rules: maintain superficial relationships and always be ready to run.

But when my son’s incredibly hot hockey coach Miles Anderson walks in, things get very, very complicated.

With his charming smile and our accidental dates, he’s the exact opposite of any man I’ve ever dated. That should make saying yes to being with him simple, but nothing in my life is easy.

In fact, it’s a mess. Miles makes me smile and treats my son like his own. When we’re together, I forget about my troubles and dream of a life that I will never be able to have with him.

It’s only a matter of time until the past comes knocking and I’ll have to leave, breaking us both in the process.

Narrated in the Duet Style!

©2025 Corinne Michaels (P)2025 Corinne Michaels

Incredible story

Amazing narration. Jason Clarke is dreamy again!!! Loved Angelina as well!! Great storyline for the continuance of the embers saga. Nice suspense.

Love and Suspense

I miss these stories from Corinne Michaels. The first books I've read from her were her military romance books. I loved them. Ame now she has given me a new one with Miles and Penelope’s story.
Miles is a former Marine, former hockey prospect, turned school principal. He had no interest in getting married and having kids. Meeting the new barista in town, Penelope has him reconsidering his life decision. Penelope has secrets of her own. She came to Ember Falls trying to outrun her past with her son, Kai. They are trying to
lay low but its hard to do in the small town of Ember Falls where everyone looks out for each other.
Miles makes the story for me. He is the most selfless character I have read. He wasn't a doormat but he always looked out for others. The way he cared for Penelope and Kai was swoon-worthy. This book is a page turner so buckle up.

romantic suspense at it's peak!

4.5 stars (rounded up)

tropes include: found family, he falls first, heroine on the run, single mom, small town, romantic suspense

content warnings include: domestic abuse, kidnapping, child in danger

Penny and her 6-year-old son, Kai, are on the run from some powerful people. She finds herself in Ember Falls working as a barista when, one day, Miles walks in. Miles is persistent from the beginning - he wants Penny and is willing to do whatever it takes to show her that he can't stay away from her.

From the start, Miles was so swoony and charming. He worked hard to win her over and win her trust...and really is the definition of "if he wanted to, he would." He's not a golden retriever by any means; he's just persistent. You can feel the attraction from these characters exuding off the page. The spicy moments were true to a single mom trying to get it on and weren't placed at weird/awkward times. I also love that we also got so many interactions with side characters (who have their own books in this series) because it makes it even more fun to read about their stories knowing little tidbits about them in this book.

Jason Clarke nailed it again - love hearing his voice in romance books. I also enjoyed Angelina Rocca!

Duet narration

Jason Clarke is great (as always), I got used to the female narrator after awhile and her tone. This story felt repetitive at times and it felt as though they were continually saying the same thing over and over. I also felt like some scenes were incomplete and just ended abruptly. Overall, it was a very sweet story and worth a credit if you need your next duet narration fix.

Meet Your Next Dream Boyfriend

Oh Miles, how I love thee. Corinne yet again created a hero that you can’t help but fall in love with. Also love the cameos from Quinn, Liam, Ben, and Jackson. Definitely a must read! You’ll freak in love too.

100/10 girl this story was perfect!

Omg Corinne this was perfect! And in duet it was chefs kiss. Penelope and Miles love story was so cute and his love for them was so sweet. I can’t wait for the rest of this series.

Breathtaking

This story will take you on such an emotional rollercoaster it is so beautiful Miles and Penelope are so perfect together so strong
I highly recommend this
Can’t wait for the next book in this series

Wonderful story

I liked that we knew from almost the beginning why Penelope and her son, Kai were in Ember Falls, but Miles didn't. For both of them to learn to trust was a journey. Jason Clarke and Angelina Rocca were great narrators. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

First half is slow; picks up at the end.

Corinne Michaels is one of my favorite writers in this genre, and the last half of this book was very good, but it took a LONG time to get there. Really nice (substantive) crossover with the Salvation Series (my absolute favorite series of hers!) and some good suspense at the end. But the buildup seemed unnecessarily long. This book probably could have been closer to 8 hours (sorry Corinne! I really do love your work!) JC was perfect as always. AR (new to me) was decent. I don't ever say this, but for some reason, this duet seemed a bit choppy-too much quick back and forth without smooth dialogue. It sometimes didn't feel like a real conversation, but I'm not sure why. I usually love duet. All of that said, it really WAS a good book and worth a listen.

So heartfelt and sweet

A heartfelt and emotional journey that left me hooked. The character growth is beautifully written, though the pacing could have been a bit faster at times.