Back To You

So a few weeks ago I was asked to review this book and to be honest, I didn't put a whole lot of thought into it before I got it. Then I got the book, and I re-read the synopsis and totally thought this was one that I would really like. As it turns out, I absolutely love it.

Back To You - Priscilla Glenn

When Lauren Monroe first laid eyes on Michael Delaney back in high school, she had every reason to stay away from him; within minutes of their first encounter, his volatile actions confirmed his notorious reputation. But Lauren saw something in him that caused her to question his bad-boy persona, and against her better judgment, she took a chance. She had no way of knowing that the unlikely friendship they formed would become so important to her. Or that it would end so painfully. Eight years later, when Lauren begins her new job at Learn and Grow Day Care, Michael is the last person she expects to see. Refusing to revisit the hurt and confusion of their past, Lauren vows to keep her distance from him. But staying away from Michael proves to be more difficult than she thought, despite her lingering grief and her instincts for self-preservation. As Lauren and Michael recall the friendship that changed them forever and the events that tore them apart, will they finally be able to heal? Or will the ghosts of Michael’s past prove to be too much to overcome?

So you know I don't say it much but I absolutely loved the characters, I loved the story, I loved the entire thing. A lot. I finished this baby in a matter of hours because I could not stop. 

Basically this story bounces back from present day, their high school years, and a few chapters of Michael's childhood. And I know some of you are like, "Dammit Sara, I hate when books do that!", and to that I say shut up because it's done really well in this book. No extra thinking is involved, it flows really nicely and naturally. The other really great thing about this book is that Priscilla doesn't put a bunch of unnecessary information and detail. You know I hate that. 

And I found myself rooting for Michael and Lauren the entire time. Sure, Michael has seriously major childhood issues that he carries into adulthood, granted. And Lauren tries really hard to help him and be supportive but she misinterprets everything he does. And because both of them are young, and clueless, their friendship and budding relationship, goes to hell. And Michael admittedly does something kind of douchebag but I totally get why he does it, and he didn't do it to be a douchebag. He thought he was doing the right thing but in a high school girl's world, it's totally horrible and awful. 

I also loved how Michael has his own daughter and is a really great dad. He's doing everything he can for his daughter and it's really kind of great. And I love that he just took to it right away where most guys in his shoes would run the opposite way from a newborn. 

Overall? It's a really great love story that isn't over the top, it doesn't have mushy scenes and I kind of wish I had a Michael. I'm just saying. I absolutely loved this story and I think you'll really like it.