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Come Back to Me #1
Come Back to Me
Home on leave in sunny California, Marine and local lothario Kit Ryan finds himself dangerously drawn to his best friend's sister, Jessa - the one girl he can't have.
But Kit's not about to let a few obstacles stand in his way and soon Jessa's falling for his irresistible charms.
What starts out as a summer romance of secret hook-ups and magical first times quickly develops into a passionate love affair that turns both their worlds upside down.
When summer's over and it's time for Kit to redeploy, neither Kit nor Jessa are ready to say goodbye. Jessa's finally following her dreams and Kit's discovered there's someone he'd sacrifice everything for.
Jessa's prepared to wait for Kit no matter what. But when something more than distance and time rips them apart they're forced to decide whether what they have is really worth fighting for.
But Kit's not about to let a few obstacles stand in his way and soon Jessa's falling for his irresistible charms.
What starts out as a summer romance of secret hook-ups and magical first times quickly develops into a passionate love affair that turns both their worlds upside down.
When summer's over and it's time for Kit to redeploy, neither Kit nor Jessa are ready to say goodbye. Jessa's finally following her dreams and Kit's discovered there's someone he'd sacrifice everything for.
Jessa's prepared to wait for Kit no matter what. But when something more than distance and time rips them apart they're forced to decide whether what they have is really worth fighting for.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2014
487 people are currently reading
27074 people want to read
About the author
Mila Gray
14 books1,366 followersMila Gray is the pen name for Sarah Alderson, author of Hunting Lila, Losing Lila, The Sound, Fated and Out of Control.
Originally from London she has lived in Bali for the last four years with her husband and daughter.
As well as writing young adult fiction under the name Sarah Alderson and adult fiction under the name Mila Gray, she also writes screenplays.
You can find out more at www.milagray.com and on facebook: www.facebook.com/sarahjalderson
Originally from London she has lived in Bali for the last four years with her husband and daughter.
As well as writing young adult fiction under the name Sarah Alderson and adult fiction under the name Mila Gray, she also writes screenplays.
You can find out more at www.milagray.com and on facebook: www.facebook.com/sarahjalderson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,696 reviews
July 11, 2014
***** FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED *****
I absolutely LOVED this book!!!
It was so much more than I ever expected. Deeply emotional, sexy, funny, romantic... and it had that special heart-pounding intensity to it that only my favorite books give me. I highly recommend it!!
The story was a forbidden romance about a Marine, Kit Ryan, who was home on leave and drawn to the one girl he couldn't have, Jessa Kingsley... his best friend's little sister. But even though he was only home for four weeks before he was going to be sent out again for another nine month deployment, they couldn't deny their feelings for each other so every second they had together was stolen and precious.
"I just had to see you again," he murmurs.
The emotional impact hit right from the start. The prologue actually made cry. The reason I find that so impressive is that it means that even without any prior connection to these characters, without knowing their histories or relationships or anything personal about them, the author was able to have me so feeling so strongly for them in a matter of only a few pages that it brought tears to my eyes. To me, that's a sign of really good writing.
I loved the way the story's timeline was built. The prologue introduced the reader to the story at a crucial, heart-stopping cross-road with a life-altering question hanging in the balance. Then the first chapter went back three months to the start of Kit and Jessa's summer, where their relationship began, and took us through their gorgeous forbidden romance... then it caught us up to the prologue and went beyond into the future and wrapped up with a beautiful epilogue.
Right from the first chapter, this book made my heart race. I just felt that kind of breathless intensity and connection to the story that I'm constantly searching for in books. I had a huge smile on my face and my review notes are pretty much filled with "OMG LOVE", "SO MUCH AWESOME", "I LOVE THIS", over and over again.
I also really loved this author's writing style. It was the kind of writing that just allowed me to get lost in the story as opposed to having the story told to me, y'know? I felt like I was experiencing the story along with the characters.
The forbidden aspect of their relationship was so thrilling!! The reason it was forbidden was two-fold. First, Jessa's father (also in the military) ruled the house. His word was law. He unfortunately was also suffering from PTSD (which he refused to see anyone for) and while he was never physically abusive, it was definitely an unpleasant environment to live in. And for a reason (that was later revealed), her father strongly disliked Kit in particular. Also, there was the whole thing about him dating his best friend's little sister -- Riley was a very protective brother and Kit had a bit of a colorful past so there was that aspect too.
I won't give spoilers but there was a backstory which was revealed and incorporated into the story later on that really rounded everything out in a way that gave it a lot of added depth and I was really impressed with the way every piece of the story was dealt with.
Kit made me SWOOOOOON!!!! He was a hot, protective, kind, loving, young Marine who was totally falling for a girl completely off limits to him in about every way you could think of but who loved her enough not to care. She was worth it to him and he was going to do whatever it took to be with her.
"If you ask me do I want you to be waiting for me the day I get off the plane? Yes. Do I want to talk to you every night on the phone and know you're my girl and that I'm coming home to you? Yes. Am I going to be thinking of you every single moment while I'm gone? Yes."
Jessa was a really sweet heroine. She was quite sheltered in many ways and had grown up in constant fear of the consequences of her actions so she was a total 'good girl' but I loved the way Kit challenged her to go after the things she wanted and dreamed about. There was so much she hid from the world and Kit made it his mission to bring the real her out.
Throughout the whole first half of the book, during their summer together, there was that constant feeling of time slipping away. Every single second was precious and every happy memory they made took them one step closer to him leaving...
"I want to take a piece of her with me and leave a piece of me with her. How do I get enough of her to last me a year?"
Oh gosh... this book really just had gorgeous emotions!!! I didn't expect the story to be so deep but it really just reached right into my heart. I love a wide range of books but the ones the are my most favorite are the ones that make me FEEL with all my heart and that was what this book did.
The last quarter of the book had a different vibe to it (understandably, given the turn of events) but I loved it just as much. Things got a lot more serious and my eyes were rarely dry in the last few chapters. I was constantly choked up and on the verge of tears -- just feeling so much. I really, truly loved it!!
Now, just to be completely honest here... there are things I could nit pick about in the book if I wanted to but the reason I'm not is that overall, none of them matter to me. The thing that is most important to me is that I genuinely "bought" this whole story, if that makes sense? I believed it. I felt it. I loved it. And that's all that matters to me. It was a gorgeous romantic escape and it's absolutely a new favorite of mine.
This was exactly the kind of book I was searching for!! It was romantic, sexy, emotionally intense, and it swept me away in the story. I highly recommend it!
"Come back to me. Promise you'll come back to me." She whispers…
"Always."
Rating: 4.5 -- 5 stars!! Standalone New Adult romance. HEA.
And seriously -- how gorgeous is that cover??? ♥
****************************
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July 17, 2023
the brothers best friend trope will always be That™ bitch
January 9, 2015
This was my first time reading this author and it definitely won't be my last. Wow !!! I went through every emotion reading this book ! The last part of the book my hand was to my heart the whole time and my tears would not stop falling !! Just so damn beautiful!!!
Hands down .... I LOVE books about my best friends little sister/brother. That storyline just makes my heart melt! Then you throw in there the military aspect and the " I've loved you since I was a child " ..... It's my reading Achilles !
This book was packed with a beautiful love story and a great journey of discovering a once in a lifetime love. Come back to me will be sure to hit the spot for those of you who enjoy steamy-weepy reads filled with angst and heart-fluttering moments. When you finish this book you're going to want to look up to the night sky ..... Think about your star ..... And dream about the magic that is love ❤️
Hands down .... I LOVE books about my best friends little sister/brother. That storyline just makes my heart melt! Then you throw in there the military aspect and the " I've loved you since I was a child " ..... It's my reading Achilles !
This book was packed with a beautiful love story and a great journey of discovering a once in a lifetime love. Come back to me will be sure to hit the spot for those of you who enjoy steamy-weepy reads filled with angst and heart-fluttering moments. When you finish this book you're going to want to look up to the night sky ..... Think about your star ..... And dream about the magic that is love ❤️
August 26, 2015
4.5 - "You're the reason I made it home." Stars!
I fell 100% in love with Come Back to Me. It's one of those books that although doesn't really offer any major surprises plot-wise, you get lost in it. The story and it's development as well as the easy to like characters just pull you in and make you forget the world around you for an afternoon.
"I'm a little partial to stories about forbidden love."
Kit Ryan and his best friend Riley Kingsley, have pretty much done everything together since they were young boys, getting into mischief, getting into trouble for setting a garage on fire, as well as joining the Marines.
Jessa Kingsley has had a little crush on Kit for a long time. But what with an overbearing, controlling father and the fact Kit is away often, sometimes for 12 months at a time, she keeps her thoughts and feelings to herself. That is until her 18th Birthday, when Kit decides he isn't waiting any longer to let her know how he feels, and gives her the present of a lifetime.
My life is basically spent surrounded by guys in uniform waging war and watching porn in their downtime.
There's a novelty factor in taking it slowly. I'm enjoying the intoxicating tension that's building up.
What follows are some of the most well crafted and beautifully put together chapters, of a young couple coming together. Jessa's inexperience makes Kit step back and assess his actions, whereas with a more experienced woman this wouldn't be the case. All the little things he does for her to make each new step as comfortable and memorable for Jessa kept me rooting for them, even against the odds.
Kit - "I'm going to be the best boyfriend you've ever had."
Jessa - "You're the only boyfriend I've ever had."
There is a certain lyrical quality to the writing, it pulls you in, I went back a re-read several paragraphs prior to writing this review, and I know for certain this is a book I will read again in the future.
I want to take her, inhale her, own her. I want to press myself into her flesh like a thumbprint into wet clay, leaving a makers mark. I want to take a piece of her with me and leave a piece of me with her. How do I get enough of her to last me a year?
As I said this book doesn't offer up anything new really in the story-lines it contains, but it is so well written, and engaging that you can't but help, to falling a little in love with Jessa, Kit and Riley. Although this story is Jessa and Kit's there are other stories playing out in the background that make their coming together and the repercussions from it even more poignant. I am a sucker for emails and texts in a book, and Mila adds them at perfect points to develop their relationship as well as pass time, without clogging up the story.
This is my first book by Mila Gray, it won't be my last.
ARC generously provided by the Author, in exchange for the above honest review.
I fell 100% in love with Come Back to Me. It's one of those books that although doesn't really offer any major surprises plot-wise, you get lost in it. The story and it's development as well as the easy to like characters just pull you in and make you forget the world around you for an afternoon.
"I'm a little partial to stories about forbidden love."
Kit Ryan and his best friend Riley Kingsley, have pretty much done everything together since they were young boys, getting into mischief, getting into trouble for setting a garage on fire, as well as joining the Marines.
Jessa Kingsley has had a little crush on Kit for a long time. But what with an overbearing, controlling father and the fact Kit is away often, sometimes for 12 months at a time, she keeps her thoughts and feelings to herself. That is until her 18th Birthday, when Kit decides he isn't waiting any longer to let her know how he feels, and gives her the present of a lifetime.
My life is basically spent surrounded by guys in uniform waging war and watching porn in their downtime.
There's a novelty factor in taking it slowly. I'm enjoying the intoxicating tension that's building up.
What follows are some of the most well crafted and beautifully put together chapters, of a young couple coming together. Jessa's inexperience makes Kit step back and assess his actions, whereas with a more experienced woman this wouldn't be the case. All the little things he does for her to make each new step as comfortable and memorable for Jessa kept me rooting for them, even against the odds.
Kit - "I'm going to be the best boyfriend you've ever had."
Jessa - "You're the only boyfriend I've ever had."
There is a certain lyrical quality to the writing, it pulls you in, I went back a re-read several paragraphs prior to writing this review, and I know for certain this is a book I will read again in the future.
I want to take her, inhale her, own her. I want to press myself into her flesh like a thumbprint into wet clay, leaving a makers mark. I want to take a piece of her with me and leave a piece of me with her. How do I get enough of her to last me a year?
As I said this book doesn't offer up anything new really in the story-lines it contains, but it is so well written, and engaging that you can't but help, to falling a little in love with Jessa, Kit and Riley. Although this story is Jessa and Kit's there are other stories playing out in the background that make their coming together and the repercussions from it even more poignant. I am a sucker for emails and texts in a book, and Mila adds them at perfect points to develop their relationship as well as pass time, without clogging up the story.
This is my first book by Mila Gray, it won't be my last.
ARC generously provided by the Author, in exchange for the above honest review.
January 4, 2020
Um Amor em 3 "Idos":
Proibido
Destemido
Conseguido
Proibido
Destemido
Conseguido
Read
July 17, 2014COME BACK TO ME IS JUST 99p ON AMAZON UK RIGHT NOW! FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!
This is actually me (Sarah Alderson) writing as Mila Gray for Pan Macmillan. It's my first new adult novel and I'm so excited about it. It will be out on June 19th as an ebook and then as a paperback in the UK in August exclusively to WHSmith before general paperback release in October. For anyone who read Hunting Lila and loved that then you should also like this - it's set in Oceanside, just like Hunting Lila and is about two marines who are best friends - Kit and Riley. Kit falls for Riley's little sister Jessa and so our story begins... sound familiar? Well, that's where the similarities to Hunting Lila end (though Kit is every bit as gorgeous as Alex).
It's a contemporary romance, so no mind powers in this one and it's a lot, LOT steamier than my YA... :) In fact I've told my parents they can't read it... It's also a bit of a tear jerker so bring your tissues!
I hope you like it!
CALLING ANY BLOGGERS WHO WANT TO TAKE PART IN A BLOG TOUR - do get in touch!
This is actually me (Sarah Alderson) writing as Mila Gray for Pan Macmillan. It's my first new adult novel and I'm so excited about it. It will be out on June 19th as an ebook and then as a paperback in the UK in August exclusively to WHSmith before general paperback release in October. For anyone who read Hunting Lila and loved that then you should also like this - it's set in Oceanside, just like Hunting Lila and is about two marines who are best friends - Kit and Riley. Kit falls for Riley's little sister Jessa and so our story begins... sound familiar? Well, that's where the similarities to Hunting Lila end (though Kit is every bit as gorgeous as Alex).
It's a contemporary romance, so no mind powers in this one and it's a lot, LOT steamier than my YA... :) In fact I've told my parents they can't read it... It's also a bit of a tear jerker so bring your tissues!
I hope you like it!
CALLING ANY BLOGGERS WHO WANT TO TAKE PART IN A BLOG TOUR - do get in touch!
February 8, 2016
Come Back to Me started off with a burst of emotion, and then slowly started to enrapture my heart. Before I knew it, I was in the midst of an emotional powerhouse that floored me. I can happily say that this is one of my favorite books of the year. And that's saying a lot, since we are currently in December. But once you start to see how breathtaking, emotional, butterfly inducing and entirely addicting Come Back to Me is, then it becomes clear why I loved every minute of this story!
Jessa and Kit's story is one about falling in love for the first time, and it made me squeal while grinning like a love sick girl! I felt their uncertainty of moving from friends into something more. Excitement rushed into my stomach from their first kiss and the start of little touches here and there. And I loved the anticipation, while they bantered, about taking their relationship to an even more intimate level. It easily transported me back to my teenage years and my experiences, which made Come Back to Me even more enticing!
It all started because Jessa and her brother's best friend, Kit, can't ignore the electricity between them anymore. Jessa's brother, Riley, has been friends with Kit for years. He even enlisted into the Marines right along with Kit. But neither Jessa or Kit acted on their emotions or thoughts before this moment. Now they only have one month together before Kit is deployed back overseas with Jessa's brother, Riley. And once deployment happens, either Kit or Riley won't be coming back home to her.
While Come Back to Me was filled with cliches, honestly that's a moot point. Because the direction those cliches were taken made it impossible to knock the grin off of my face or stop the laughter that kept escaping my mouth. This book was so much fun! But, can I add a but? In the midst of all of my giddiness, we catch back up with that first chapter. The one where Jessa is about to learn which of the men she loves is coming back to her. And I sobbed. Yes I cry while reading, but nothing like this. Gut wrenching, heart crushing, ugly sobbing exploded from me, and there was no stopping it. I became that emotionally invested. But have faith, because by that last page my heart somehow pieced itself back together, and I closed the book with a smile.
Each person I met was memorable. Kit was adorably sweet and thoughtful with his words and gestures. I seriously wanted to steal him out of this book! Jessa had this happy, beautiful, free side to her despite having a controlling nightmare of a father who suffers from PTSD and a mother who idly stands by. To Riley and how his situation and mannerisms wormed their way into my heart. To even Didi, who was Jessa's faithful best friend, whose book is next in line and I can't wait to read! I felt something for everyone that tumbled throughout the pages. So if you love a swoon worthy story about falling in love for the first time, then I have a feeling that you’ll become captivated by this sweet, sexy, adorable story just like I was!
*ARC kindly provided by Simon Pulse via Fantastic Flying Book Club Tours in exchange for an honest review*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Jessa and Kit's story is one about falling in love for the first time, and it made me squeal while grinning like a love sick girl! I felt their uncertainty of moving from friends into something more. Excitement rushed into my stomach from their first kiss and the start of little touches here and there. And I loved the anticipation, while they bantered, about taking their relationship to an even more intimate level. It easily transported me back to my teenage years and my experiences, which made Come Back to Me even more enticing!
It all started because Jessa and her brother's best friend, Kit, can't ignore the electricity between them anymore. Jessa's brother, Riley, has been friends with Kit for years. He even enlisted into the Marines right along with Kit. But neither Jessa or Kit acted on their emotions or thoughts before this moment. Now they only have one month together before Kit is deployed back overseas with Jessa's brother, Riley. And once deployment happens, either Kit or Riley won't be coming back home to her.
While Come Back to Me was filled with cliches, honestly that's a moot point. Because the direction those cliches were taken made it impossible to knock the grin off of my face or stop the laughter that kept escaping my mouth. This book was so much fun! But, can I add a but? In the midst of all of my giddiness, we catch back up with that first chapter. The one where Jessa is about to learn which of the men she loves is coming back to her. And I sobbed. Yes I cry while reading, but nothing like this. Gut wrenching, heart crushing, ugly sobbing exploded from me, and there was no stopping it. I became that emotionally invested. But have faith, because by that last page my heart somehow pieced itself back together, and I closed the book with a smile.
Each person I met was memorable. Kit was adorably sweet and thoughtful with his words and gestures. I seriously wanted to steal him out of this book! Jessa had this happy, beautiful, free side to her despite having a controlling nightmare of a father who suffers from PTSD and a mother who idly stands by. To Riley and how his situation and mannerisms wormed their way into my heart. To even Didi, who was Jessa's faithful best friend, whose book is next in line and I can't wait to read! I felt something for everyone that tumbled throughout the pages. So if you love a swoon worthy story about falling in love for the first time, then I have a feeling that you’ll become captivated by this sweet, sexy, adorable story just like I was!
*ARC kindly provided by Simon Pulse via Fantastic Flying Book Club Tours in exchange for an honest review*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
August 17, 2019
I haven’t cried reading in the longest until this book
June 16, 2014
There are only a handful of New Adult books that I can say I truly enjoyed, I don’t know why but this genre and I really haven’t been able to click. So I’m always a little wary going into New Adult books, but when I first heard about Mila Gray (Sarah Alderson) deciding to step into this genre, I couldn’t wait to give this genre a try once more. Alderson has always guaranteed to bring the swoon, so I couldn’t wait to see her game with this book.
Jessa has liked her brother’s best friend Kit, but she knows he just probably sees her as his best friends little sister, also if he did see her more than that she’d know she was out of bounds because of her over protective brother. But things change when Kit comes back from Sudan for a couple of weeks, there seems to be a spark between Jessa and Kit and one which both seem to notice and for once it seems like both want to make the most despite the consequences. I was glad Kit and Jessa both decided to finally take a chance with each other, it was clear that they both had strong feelings for one another, which they’d been holding back on for a long time, and they were afraid of getting caught especially by Jessa’s dad who’d never been a huge fan of Kit for some reason to begin with. But I always seem to enjoy books which have characters in a relationship sneaking around, I know it’s not one of the healthiest things and things could hit the fan afterwards, but the secret meet ups between Jessa and Kit was a lot of fun to watch.
I liked how Gray decided to give us this story too, we’re given snippets at the beginning of bad news, but we don’t know the complete story, we’re then thrown into the past, slowly building up to the present day, the whole time we’re on tenterhooks dreading what the bad news could be. I kind of had a feeling early on which way things would go, but despite knowing this, I was hoping that things could change some way. Also the beautiful story and relationship that Gray gave us between not only Jessa and Kit but Jessa’s brother Riley and his girlfriend made me dread the build up to the bad news even more.
Come Back to Me, really was a gorgeous but heart breaking read, I loved watching the relationship between Jessa and Kit develop, it really was one of those relationships that only comes around once in a while, but ends up leaving a huge imprint. Mila Gray has definitely gone on to show that she can deliver both solid reads as a YA and New Adult author. I for one can’t wait to read more from her if she decides to delve into this genre once more.
This review can be found on: The Readers Den
Jessa has liked her brother’s best friend Kit, but she knows he just probably sees her as his best friends little sister, also if he did see her more than that she’d know she was out of bounds because of her over protective brother. But things change when Kit comes back from Sudan for a couple of weeks, there seems to be a spark between Jessa and Kit and one which both seem to notice and for once it seems like both want to make the most despite the consequences. I was glad Kit and Jessa both decided to finally take a chance with each other, it was clear that they both had strong feelings for one another, which they’d been holding back on for a long time, and they were afraid of getting caught especially by Jessa’s dad who’d never been a huge fan of Kit for some reason to begin with. But I always seem to enjoy books which have characters in a relationship sneaking around, I know it’s not one of the healthiest things and things could hit the fan afterwards, but the secret meet ups between Jessa and Kit was a lot of fun to watch.
I liked how Gray decided to give us this story too, we’re given snippets at the beginning of bad news, but we don’t know the complete story, we’re then thrown into the past, slowly building up to the present day, the whole time we’re on tenterhooks dreading what the bad news could be. I kind of had a feeling early on which way things would go, but despite knowing this, I was hoping that things could change some way. Also the beautiful story and relationship that Gray gave us between not only Jessa and Kit but Jessa’s brother Riley and his girlfriend made me dread the build up to the bad news even more.
Come Back to Me, really was a gorgeous but heart breaking read, I loved watching the relationship between Jessa and Kit develop, it really was one of those relationships that only comes around once in a while, but ends up leaving a huge imprint. Mila Gray has definitely gone on to show that she can deliver both solid reads as a YA and New Adult author. I for one can’t wait to read more from her if she decides to delve into this genre once more.
This review can be found on: The Readers Den
June 22, 2014
This is a beautiful and emotional book! It is kind of a forbidden love story but also so much more. Kit is attracted to his best friend, Riley's little sister Jessa. Riley doesn't want anyone looking at his little sister especially someone he considers a player like Kit. I love Kit and Jessa together. I love the way their relationship developed and how they were together. This book pulls you in from the very beginning and it was such a heartbreaking and beautiful story that once you start you can't put down. I don't want to say too much and spoil this for anyone but this is a must read. Just be prepared to read it with a box of tissues. Highly recommend!
**ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review**
**ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review**
October 10, 2014
5 north star stars!!
Wow. I loved this book. Such a sweet, sexy, emotional tale of loss, love and second chances. It was perfect!!! I highly recommend for the romance lovers!!
*review to come*
*EDITED REVIEW*
"Come back to me. Promise you'll come back to me." She whispers…
"Always."
Awwwww, I loved this book so much. I gotta say first, I'm an Army brat. My dad served in the Military for most of my life and he was deployed all over. So I could totally sympathize with these characters. As far as all the emotions and fears of someone you love being deployed. It's scary as shit, not knowing if you're gonna see them again. The constant fear that the last kiss was the last kiss you'd ever share with them. And I don't mean just lovers, but also fathers...brothers...friends. All of it. So the author did a great job in developing the emotions in these characters.
Jessa and Kit have known each other for a long time. Basically Kit was 14 and Jessa was 11 when he first moved to their town. He became best friends with her brother Riley during baseball tryouts and they've been inseparable ever since. They did everything together. But somewhere along the way, Kit started to see his little sister a little differently. But he never expressed to anyone what he was feeling. Because he didn't want to ruin his friendship with Riley. Not to mention, their father never cared for Kit. He'd have a coronary if he found out he was into his daughter. But we do learn the reasoning behind Mr Kingsley's hatred toward Kit and his father, which to me still didn't justify alienating him for so many years. But I get it...I guess?
When Kit and Riley both join the Marines together, things change. Jessa misses both of them so much and it's then that she discovers her growing attraction and feelings for Kit. But does he return them?
On leave for 4 weeks, moment of truth has finally come. Kit and Riley plan to make the most out of this time at home with their families. Including, revealing pent up longing and deep feelings hoping it's reciprocated. Oh yeah, thus begins the secret affair that makes your toes curl and the butterflies swarm. It's a beautiful thing. But what happens when you're on a time frame? What happens when you only have a few weeks? Is it long enough to develop into love; something that could last forever? And what about all the sneaking around? Is it worth telling everyone about and risking friendships and ridicule?
Well, when it's with someone like Kit, hell the fuck yes it's worth it. He was so damn dreamy. Perfect sexy Marine hero. Gah, he had me sighing, swooning, drooling, cursing, smiling and even crying. He was such a perfect guy. He had flaws, no doubt. But he truly loved Jessa and despite the risk of pissing her dad off, he still went after what he wanted. He even stood up to the old man, telling him like it is, which no one had ever done before. Everyone was afraid of the big bad Colonel Kingsley. But not Kit. I loved that. He risked it all for Jessa and she was one lucky lady.
"If you ask me do I want you to be waiting for me the day I get off the plane? Yes. Do I want to talk to you every night on the phone and know you're my girl and that I'm coming home to you? Yes. Am I going to be thinking of you every single moment while I'm gone? Yes."
Jessa was the kind of heroine you wish you could be friends with. She was smart and funny and very talented. She had dreams of being on stage in front of an audience, but her father's plans for her kinda ruined it all. He wanted her to go to a college close to home, whereas she wanted to go to USC. She lived her life under her father's thumb, always doing everything he said without question. It was a sad life for her because she wanted to fly and be free. But with Kit, that's how she felt. Eventually, she grew a backbone and slowly became her own person. Kit taught her so much and she never took it for granted. She appreciated his friendship over the years and now that they both care for one another as more, she's happy. The problem is, she can't tell her dad. So she just enjoys the time they have now, before he's shipped off again. She learns what it's like to be cherished; what it's like to be ravished, what it's like to be cared for. And it's great watching her grow into herself as a woman in love. Kit brings the best out of her, and her in him. She's a lucky lady. But I thought she was a great heroine, with flaws and kindness and passion. She was a great friend too.
Riley was amazing. He was the kind of big brother that all girls wished they'd have and those that have it feel so grateful. My brothers are just like him. Protective, funny and the best friend a girl could ask for. She was lucky in that sense too. But I'll admit, I was a little irritated with him in the beginning. The way he talked down to Kit was uncalled for. But once he was in the know of the truth, he became a great brother and friend to Kit and Jessa. I loved his character.
All the other characters were great too. I loved Kit's dad. He played an important role, besides being Kit's dad. But he was really good for Jessa once the guys were deployed again. Her own father was an ass (he suffered from PTSD and was such a controlling jerk) so she needed a man that counteracted her own dad. Cause damn, I wanted to punch him a few times. I know I can't relate to him and know what he's going through, after being in the war and seeing what they've seen and such...but damn. Then quit refusing help and fucking do something about it. I didn't like her mom very much through most of the book. I liked Jo (Riley's longtime girlfriend) and Didi (Jessa's best friend). They were great characters.
Once I got into the story, I was hooked. I couldn't stop reading. I was just pulled straight in from the beginning. And I was so glad we got both Kit and Jessa's pov, cause I don't think it would've worked any other way. Both voices were strong and distinguishable. And though I did want to shake Jessa at one point, I put myself in her shoes and thought maybe I'd do the same thing. I can't talk much about the middle to the end because it'll be all spoilery, but I will say, you'll get emotional. It's very devastating and tragic and I had a feeling it would happen, but I wasn't sure. And when it did, it felt like I'd gotten sucker-punched. So it definitely becomes a rollercoaster in which you'll feel so many different emotions, you can't tell one from the other. But tears will be shed, curses will be said, so beware. However, it's worth the read.
I hadn't read the Lila series by Sarah Alderson, (this is her new adult book under the pen name of Mila Gray) I do own them, but after reading this book, I'm gonna jump on that series soon. I loved the writing style. I love stories that involve love between brother's best friend/best friend's sister. So this was just perfect. Not to mention, a Marine. Hello? Can we say oooo lala? A man in uniform is always sexy. And Kit was no exception. He was so swoonworthy, and also very romantic and attentive. He's definitely been added to my list of fictional heroes. I can't wait to see what other guys she makes me fall for.
I will say, I caught a few grammatical errors in my copy. But I was able to overlook them. It never retracted from the story, I just laughed it off and went on with no problem. There were a couple of words I didn't understand at first, being that it was British English, but once I read it in the context, I was able to comprehend their meaning. To me, the grammar errors are no biggie. I never review based on that. I just thought it was kinda humorous, which they did make me laugh a few times. Other than that, it was a great story with unforgettable characters that felt more real than fictional. So if you're looking for a story that makes you feel and makes you love and makes you happy, then this is the story for you.
Wow. I loved this book. Such a sweet, sexy, emotional tale of loss, love and second chances. It was perfect!!! I highly recommend for the romance lovers!!
*review to come*
*EDITED REVIEW*
"Come back to me. Promise you'll come back to me." She whispers…
"Always."
Awwwww, I loved this book so much. I gotta say first, I'm an Army brat. My dad served in the Military for most of my life and he was deployed all over. So I could totally sympathize with these characters. As far as all the emotions and fears of someone you love being deployed. It's scary as shit, not knowing if you're gonna see them again. The constant fear that the last kiss was the last kiss you'd ever share with them. And I don't mean just lovers, but also fathers...brothers...friends. All of it. So the author did a great job in developing the emotions in these characters.
Jessa and Kit have known each other for a long time. Basically Kit was 14 and Jessa was 11 when he first moved to their town. He became best friends with her brother Riley during baseball tryouts and they've been inseparable ever since. They did everything together. But somewhere along the way, Kit started to see his little sister a little differently. But he never expressed to anyone what he was feeling. Because he didn't want to ruin his friendship with Riley. Not to mention, their father never cared for Kit. He'd have a coronary if he found out he was into his daughter. But we do learn the reasoning behind Mr Kingsley's hatred toward Kit and his father, which to me still didn't justify alienating him for so many years. But I get it...I guess?
When Kit and Riley both join the Marines together, things change. Jessa misses both of them so much and it's then that she discovers her growing attraction and feelings for Kit. But does he return them?
On leave for 4 weeks, moment of truth has finally come. Kit and Riley plan to make the most out of this time at home with their families. Including, revealing pent up longing and deep feelings hoping it's reciprocated. Oh yeah, thus begins the secret affair that makes your toes curl and the butterflies swarm. It's a beautiful thing. But what happens when you're on a time frame? What happens when you only have a few weeks? Is it long enough to develop into love; something that could last forever? And what about all the sneaking around? Is it worth telling everyone about and risking friendships and ridicule?
Well, when it's with someone like Kit, hell the fuck yes it's worth it. He was so damn dreamy. Perfect sexy Marine hero. Gah, he had me sighing, swooning, drooling, cursing, smiling and even crying. He was such a perfect guy. He had flaws, no doubt. But he truly loved Jessa and despite the risk of pissing her dad off, he still went after what he wanted. He even stood up to the old man, telling him like it is, which no one had ever done before. Everyone was afraid of the big bad Colonel Kingsley. But not Kit. I loved that. He risked it all for Jessa and she was one lucky lady.
"If you ask me do I want you to be waiting for me the day I get off the plane? Yes. Do I want to talk to you every night on the phone and know you're my girl and that I'm coming home to you? Yes. Am I going to be thinking of you every single moment while I'm gone? Yes."
Jessa was the kind of heroine you wish you could be friends with. She was smart and funny and very talented. She had dreams of being on stage in front of an audience, but her father's plans for her kinda ruined it all. He wanted her to go to a college close to home, whereas she wanted to go to USC. She lived her life under her father's thumb, always doing everything he said without question. It was a sad life for her because she wanted to fly and be free. But with Kit, that's how she felt. Eventually, she grew a backbone and slowly became her own person. Kit taught her so much and she never took it for granted. She appreciated his friendship over the years and now that they both care for one another as more, she's happy. The problem is, she can't tell her dad. So she just enjoys the time they have now, before he's shipped off again. She learns what it's like to be cherished; what it's like to be ravished, what it's like to be cared for. And it's great watching her grow into herself as a woman in love. Kit brings the best out of her, and her in him. She's a lucky lady. But I thought she was a great heroine, with flaws and kindness and passion. She was a great friend too.
Riley was amazing. He was the kind of big brother that all girls wished they'd have and those that have it feel so grateful. My brothers are just like him. Protective, funny and the best friend a girl could ask for. She was lucky in that sense too. But I'll admit, I was a little irritated with him in the beginning. The way he talked down to Kit was uncalled for. But once he was in the know of the truth, he became a great brother and friend to Kit and Jessa. I loved his character.
All the other characters were great too. I loved Kit's dad. He played an important role, besides being Kit's dad. But he was really good for Jessa once the guys were deployed again. Her own father was an ass (he suffered from PTSD and was such a controlling jerk) so she needed a man that counteracted her own dad. Cause damn, I wanted to punch him a few times. I know I can't relate to him and know what he's going through, after being in the war and seeing what they've seen and such...but damn. Then quit refusing help and fucking do something about it. I didn't like her mom very much through most of the book. I liked Jo (Riley's longtime girlfriend) and Didi (Jessa's best friend). They were great characters.
Once I got into the story, I was hooked. I couldn't stop reading. I was just pulled straight in from the beginning. And I was so glad we got both Kit and Jessa's pov, cause I don't think it would've worked any other way. Both voices were strong and distinguishable. And though I did want to shake Jessa at one point, I put myself in her shoes and thought maybe I'd do the same thing. I can't talk much about the middle to the end because it'll be all spoilery, but I will say, you'll get emotional. It's very devastating and tragic and I had a feeling it would happen, but I wasn't sure. And when it did, it felt like I'd gotten sucker-punched. So it definitely becomes a rollercoaster in which you'll feel so many different emotions, you can't tell one from the other. But tears will be shed, curses will be said, so beware. However, it's worth the read.
I hadn't read the Lila series by Sarah Alderson, (this is her new adult book under the pen name of Mila Gray) I do own them, but after reading this book, I'm gonna jump on that series soon. I loved the writing style. I love stories that involve love between brother's best friend/best friend's sister. So this was just perfect. Not to mention, a Marine. Hello? Can we say oooo lala? A man in uniform is always sexy. And Kit was no exception. He was so swoonworthy, and also very romantic and attentive. He's definitely been added to my list of fictional heroes. I can't wait to see what other guys she makes me fall for.
I will say, I caught a few grammatical errors in my copy. But I was able to overlook them. It never retracted from the story, I just laughed it off and went on with no problem. There were a couple of words I didn't understand at first, being that it was British English, but once I read it in the context, I was able to comprehend their meaning. To me, the grammar errors are no biggie. I never review based on that. I just thought it was kinda humorous, which they did make me laugh a few times. Other than that, it was a great story with unforgettable characters that felt more real than fictional. So if you're looking for a story that makes you feel and makes you love and makes you happy, then this is the story for you.
September 4, 2017
Ever since I bought this book from Book Outlet over a year ago (a TOTAL cover buy), it has been sitting on my shelf, calling my name. Unfortunately, I never picked it up until I finally put together a TBR strictly of books that I've been dying to read for the Booktubeathon in July. Now, I can't believe I waited this long to read this amazing book!
Jessa has always had a crush on Kit Ryan, her older brother's best friend, but she's never been able to do anything about it. Until now. Back home on leave, Kit can't hide the feelings he's felt brewing over Jessa recently as she's become a woman in his eyes. He knows Jessa's brother and dad would kill him for touching Jessa, but Kit knows she's the real deal. Jessa can't believe that Kit is giving her the time of day, but she's not ready to tell her family the truth. And she's even less ready for Kit to leave and risk losing the love of her life.
Holy moly, talk about emotional. I never read military romances, but I was so utterly obsessed with this one and I'm dying to pick up some more. From the very first page of this book, we knew our characters were going to deal with the horrific repercussions of war that breaks apart families and hearts. While I knew that Jessa could potentially have her heart broken, I was rooting for Jessa and Kit to get together from the moment Kit came back for leave. Their chemistry was through the roof and I loved watching them fall for each other.
While the romance was the center of the story, I really loved how family was a huge element to this book for Jessa. Her dad and brother were both very presently affected by their service and PTSD is heavily addressed in their story. Jessa's conflicts with her family added to the desperation and emotion in her relationship with Kit and made it so much more realistic.
Overall, this book was definitely an emotional roller coaster and I am officially hooked on military romances. These characters are tested when tragedy strikes and experience a once in a lifetime love. I own book two and cannot wait to dive in and read about Jessa's best friend!
Jessa has always had a crush on Kit Ryan, her older brother's best friend, but she's never been able to do anything about it. Until now. Back home on leave, Kit can't hide the feelings he's felt brewing over Jessa recently as she's become a woman in his eyes. He knows Jessa's brother and dad would kill him for touching Jessa, but Kit knows she's the real deal. Jessa can't believe that Kit is giving her the time of day, but she's not ready to tell her family the truth. And she's even less ready for Kit to leave and risk losing the love of her life.
Holy moly, talk about emotional. I never read military romances, but I was so utterly obsessed with this one and I'm dying to pick up some more. From the very first page of this book, we knew our characters were going to deal with the horrific repercussions of war that breaks apart families and hearts. While I knew that Jessa could potentially have her heart broken, I was rooting for Jessa and Kit to get together from the moment Kit came back for leave. Their chemistry was through the roof and I loved watching them fall for each other.
While the romance was the center of the story, I really loved how family was a huge element to this book for Jessa. Her dad and brother were both very presently affected by their service and PTSD is heavily addressed in their story. Jessa's conflicts with her family added to the desperation and emotion in her relationship with Kit and made it so much more realistic.
Overall, this book was definitely an emotional roller coaster and I am officially hooked on military romances. These characters are tested when tragedy strikes and experience a once in a lifetime love. I own book two and cannot wait to dive in and read about Jessa's best friend!
August 11, 2014
Things that have moved me in this novel:
Kit, the Marine hero.
The friendship between Kit and Riley.
The amazing service and sacrifice of our nation's military families.
PTSD.
Meh:
Make-out scenes dominated in the first half of the novel.
Epilogue is not needed: Cheesy. Unbelievable.
Jessa was only 18, but I couldn’t help rolling my eyes at her indecision and some of her actions. She should have fought for Kit when he was drown in his nightmare.
The storyline had a lot of potential, but it lacked in-depth development on the family conflict. The hide-and-seek romance in the 1st half was overdone.
#Thanks to Maida for bringing this novel to my attention. Best:)
Kit, the Marine hero.
The friendship between Kit and Riley.
The amazing service and sacrifice of our nation's military families.
PTSD.
Meh:
Make-out scenes dominated in the first half of the novel.
Epilogue is not needed: Cheesy. Unbelievable.
Jessa was only 18, but I couldn’t help rolling my eyes at her indecision and some of her actions. She should have fought for Kit when he was drown in his nightmare.
The storyline had a lot of potential, but it lacked in-depth development on the family conflict. The hide-and-seek romance in the 1st half was overdone.
#Thanks to Maida for bringing this novel to my attention. Best:)
December 1, 2015
There are books that you love the concept of but fail to execute the ideas…and there are books that execute these concepts well and read like a dream.
And Come Back To Me is the kind of book that falls in between these two types.
The book is perfect because it captures a Forbidden Romance perfectly. The stolen moments, the fear of being caught, the wanting to cram a lifetime into the limited time together. But not forgetting that Come Back To Me is also a Military Romance and it includes the doubt and fear and longing and uncertainty that involves being in love with someone from the military. But to me, what set the book apart was the fact that inspite the fact that the book was chock full of clichés and tropes, I actually found myself enjoying it. I actually enjoyed a book whose story I could predict as soon as I had the synopsis in my hand.
Fucking unbelievable, I know, but believe it because it’s the truth.
Straightaway at the beginning, we know that something terrible is about to happen. It’s heart-breaking to read, especially since you’ve literally just opened the book and you heart already hurts for these characters. The book then flashes back to three months before the event, where Kit and Jessa are meeting again, after Kit and Jessa’s brother Riley are back home for a month’s leave before re-deployment. Jesse has always had a huge crush on Kit, and she’s starting to feel like maybe he likes her too. But he’s never made a move at her and she suspects that this summer will be the same.
Jessa is dead wrong because, this summer, Kit’s decided that he’s had enough. He’s going to pursue Jessa and woo her, even if it means that Riley would flay him alive. And after a meeting filled with terrific sexual tension, Kit does exactly that. He pursues her and woos her. Fucking finally. Kit was such a sweetheart, you guys, and it was such a nice change from the bad boys and the rebels! I love me some bad boys, mind you, but Kit was a complete breath of fresh air with his gentle demeanour, and his military discipline and the way he absolutely adored Jessa when the story shifted to his POV. But the thing I loved most about Kit the way he was with Jessa. He didn’t like the situation in her home any more than she did—her tyrant father, her mother who wouldn’t stand up for her children and the feeling of betrayal she experienced whenever Riley left her to deal with their parents. And Kit always, always urged her to stand up for herself. Never once did he let her be crushed, so to speak, by her father’s intentions and Jessa not as afraid as she was before Kit. He was loving and kind and pushed her to follow her dreams.
I’ve read a few reviews online where many reviewers complained of Kit being a bad influence on Jessa—helping her bend and break rules, disobey her parents. But from what I read of Jessa, I’d say this girl needed to break some rules. Gather ye roses (rosebuds?) and all that. Not once was she in any form of mortal danger or at the risk of the elements. Everything Jessa and Kit did together was consensual and Kit took very, very good care of Jessa. So, no. There are no complaints from me on this front.
The book was very predictable in its clichés and there was the required amount of drama and misunderstanding. I'm usually a hater of banality in Contemporary novels but I actually found myself enjoying it, almost hoping that certain tropes would play out the way I wanted them to. I suppose the writing makes all the difference, especially in a type of story that’s been done many times over and Mila Gray managed to keep me cheering and crying for and laughing with every character in the book. Come Back To Me has a kind of a Dear John-ish feel to it (complete with letters, albeit in the digital form) but I daresay the former was much better where it came to keeping me engaged in the story. I wasn’t only a passive reader, I was an active participant in the lives of these characters and I felt as lost, as sad, as empty as they did in certain parts of the book.
I hear there is another book in the series (about Jessa’s best friend Didi) and since I’m officially a fan of both Mila Gray and her military men, I can’t wait to dig into that one :)
*I was provided a free ecopy of this book in exchange of an honest review. This did not in any way, however, influence the content of this review.*
And Come Back To Me is the kind of book that falls in between these two types.
The book is perfect because it captures a Forbidden Romance perfectly. The stolen moments, the fear of being caught, the wanting to cram a lifetime into the limited time together. But not forgetting that Come Back To Me is also a Military Romance and it includes the doubt and fear and longing and uncertainty that involves being in love with someone from the military. But to me, what set the book apart was the fact that inspite the fact that the book was chock full of clichés and tropes, I actually found myself enjoying it. I actually enjoyed a book whose story I could predict as soon as I had the synopsis in my hand.
Fucking unbelievable, I know, but believe it because it’s the truth.
Straightaway at the beginning, we know that something terrible is about to happen. It’s heart-breaking to read, especially since you’ve literally just opened the book and you heart already hurts for these characters. The book then flashes back to three months before the event, where Kit and Jessa are meeting again, after Kit and Jessa’s brother Riley are back home for a month’s leave before re-deployment. Jesse has always had a huge crush on Kit, and she’s starting to feel like maybe he likes her too. But he’s never made a move at her and she suspects that this summer will be the same.
Jessa is dead wrong because, this summer, Kit’s decided that he’s had enough. He’s going to pursue Jessa and woo her, even if it means that Riley would flay him alive. And after a meeting filled with terrific sexual tension, Kit does exactly that. He pursues her and woos her. Fucking finally. Kit was such a sweetheart, you guys, and it was such a nice change from the bad boys and the rebels! I love me some bad boys, mind you, but Kit was a complete breath of fresh air with his gentle demeanour, and his military discipline and the way he absolutely adored Jessa when the story shifted to his POV. But the thing I loved most about Kit the way he was with Jessa. He didn’t like the situation in her home any more than she did—her tyrant father, her mother who wouldn’t stand up for her children and the feeling of betrayal she experienced whenever Riley left her to deal with their parents. And Kit always, always urged her to stand up for herself. Never once did he let her be crushed, so to speak, by her father’s intentions and Jessa not as afraid as she was before Kit. He was loving and kind and pushed her to follow her dreams.
I’ve read a few reviews online where many reviewers complained of Kit being a bad influence on Jessa—helping her bend and break rules, disobey her parents. But from what I read of Jessa, I’d say this girl needed to break some rules. Gather ye roses (rosebuds?) and all that. Not once was she in any form of mortal danger or at the risk of the elements. Everything Jessa and Kit did together was consensual and Kit took very, very good care of Jessa. So, no. There are no complaints from me on this front.
The book was very predictable in its clichés and there was the required amount of drama and misunderstanding. I'm usually a hater of banality in Contemporary novels but I actually found myself enjoying it, almost hoping that certain tropes would play out the way I wanted them to. I suppose the writing makes all the difference, especially in a type of story that’s been done many times over and Mila Gray managed to keep me cheering and crying for and laughing with every character in the book. Come Back To Me has a kind of a Dear John-ish feel to it (complete with letters, albeit in the digital form) but I daresay the former was much better where it came to keeping me engaged in the story. I wasn’t only a passive reader, I was an active participant in the lives of these characters and I felt as lost, as sad, as empty as they did in certain parts of the book.
I hear there is another book in the series (about Jessa’s best friend Didi) and since I’m officially a fan of both Mila Gray and her military men, I can’t wait to dig into that one :)
*I was provided a free ecopy of this book in exchange of an honest review. This did not in any way, however, influence the content of this review.*
February 28, 2017
Acho que aqui o que mais me impressionou foi o crescimento das personagens, principalmente da Jessa, a protagonista do livro. Começamos o livro com uma miúda tímida, sempre com medo do pai, que sonha ser actriz mas que devido ao regime que lhe é imposto em casa, nunca consegue revelar a 100% a sua personalidade extrovertida, sem ser quando está com a sua melhor amiga Didi ou com o seu irmão.
Kit também é uma personagem que amadurece e consequentemente com isso toma atitudes estúpidas que me deixaram a revirar os olhos e com os nervos em franja. Eu percebi as suas acções mas não conseguia concordar com elas. Felizmente tudo acabou bem.
(...)
Muito resumidamente, "Volta para mim" foi uma surpresa autêntica, já esperava um romance que me enchesse as medidas mas nunca pensei que as excedesse e que me arrebatasse por completo. Chorei tanto com as últimas 50 páginas como já há muito não chorava com um livro. Recomendo imenso e só espero que a Presença publique o segundo livro da autora que terá como protagonista a Didi. Se eu já adorei-a neste livro mal posso esperar para ver que romance a autora tem reservado para ela.
Opinião completa: http://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogsp...
Kit também é uma personagem que amadurece e consequentemente com isso toma atitudes estúpidas que me deixaram a revirar os olhos e com os nervos em franja. Eu percebi as suas acções mas não conseguia concordar com elas. Felizmente tudo acabou bem.
(...)
Muito resumidamente, "Volta para mim" foi uma surpresa autêntica, já esperava um romance que me enchesse as medidas mas nunca pensei que as excedesse e que me arrebatasse por completo. Chorei tanto com as últimas 50 páginas como já há muito não chorava com um livro. Recomendo imenso e só espero que a Presença publique o segundo livro da autora que terá como protagonista a Didi. Se eu já adorei-a neste livro mal posso esperar para ver que romance a autora tem reservado para ela.
Opinião completa: http://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogsp...
June 25, 2014
"Everyone who terrifies you is sixty-five percent water, and everone you love is made of stardust, and I know sometimes you cannot even breathe deeply, and you have cried yourself to sleep enough times that you are down to your last two percent, but nothing is infinite, not even loss."
Actual Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Ahhh. This book has so many cliche parts that I can't keep count but what I like you guys to know is that I ENJOYED IT! Some scenes here I think, I have seen something like those before from other books, but seriously I couldn't stop reading!
Reading that first part was such a cruel thing mainly because I got freaking afraid. I mean, did this author seriously just did that? I comtemplate not continuing reading this (to avoid any pain I might felt later) but who am I kidding? This is Sarah Alderson and I know I just have to!
The plot:
Like what I written earlier, the story screams "too cliche" for me. Anyway, the story just have the right amount of conflict to keep me interested and there was no dull parts.
Oh crap (in a good way). This book has like a great amount of sexual tension! We got to see a different side of Ms. Alderson here. Very different when I was reading Hunting Lila. (Where does these steamy scenes came from?)
The characters:
Jessa. To be honest, perfect heroines just lost it's appeal to me since I started reading. I like the main character to have flaws because that means she's real and I can relate to her. She's a 'mary sue' to me at first but after some time, I get to like her better. I liked that she does stand up for what she believes in. I also loved that she didn't give up easily even though that giving up seems like the easiest thing to do.
"You are made of the sea and the stars, and one day you're going to find yourself again."
Kit. Ahhh. I liked Kit. It's so good to have a break from reading about douche guys! He's thoughtful and sweet without overdoing it. He's not perfect and he made awful decisions but I understood him. Ahhh, I wouldn't also know what to do if I'm put in his shoes.
"Does he call you his north star? Because that's what you are to me. You're the reason I made it home."
I just love the friendship between Kit and Riley! They were inseparable ever since they're like kids and I like that they always have each other's backs.
I like that this book didn't only focus on the romance part. It also tackles the aspect of family, friendship, forgiveness and redemption.
The ending was good because all loose ends are neatly wrapped up. I recommend this book to almost everyone when you don't mind getting past the clicheness of it. My 3-star rating means I LIKED it but not LOVED it okay? Definitely worth my reading time, though!
**ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
October 26, 2016
'4.50 stars'
Heart-melting story.
Heart-melting story.
dnf
July 19, 2022dnf @ 12%
yeah wow no one gaf🤩🤩
“…because jessa isn’t like the other girls…”
yeah wow no one gaf🤩🤩
February 26, 2023
i finished this book in a total of two hours and 30 minutes while sobbing and with my heart shattering into pieces. i- i’m not emotionally okay now
June 20, 2014
***This review has also been posted on The Social Potato
I have absolutely no idea where to start reviewing this book. I have only 7 sentences worth of notes because I was too busy inhaling the book in one go to take any. So I’ll start by saying this: if you’re a fan and you're reading this book because you love everything Sarah has written (kind of like me), don’t go in expecting it to be like her other works. It won’t be. I mean we all know Sarah is talented when it comes to writing hot romances, but aside from that, this book is definitely different compared to her other works and not only because it’s an NA. I’d definitely say it’s a lot more intense and oh! does it play with your emotions.
Sarah lets you know right off the bat something awful is going to happen. She gives you a warning that she is going to tear your heart out and even though I spent a whole day prepping myself for the event (I mean I knew what was going to happen because I am psychic so it was worse for me in some ways), I couldn’t have prepared myself for that blow. So my number one advice for anyone planning on reading this book is to have something chocolatey on hand and a nice chick flick to watch afterwards. In fact, the day I finished this book, watched 4 chick flicks one after another because I really needed something to help me get out of the funk. I guess it was worse in my case because I had just finished another sad book, but my best advice is to do all that you possibly can to cushion the blow.
Advice from the fabulous Rashika (talking about myself in 3rd person is fun) aside, this book was fantastic and while I really, really wish that event hadn’t occurred, I wouldn’t take back this reading experience. Sarah really nailed NA, not that I ever had any doubts, but she did. She met my expectations and went beyond in some ways. She gave us a heart-felt romance and tons of steamy scenes.
Jessa, I’ll admit is not the best or the most unique female lead out there, but she works - in a way you wouldn’t expect at times. She has dreams and aspirations which all get trampled down by her father who is most likely suffering from PTSD and she seems to be leading this life of pretense where she is not free to be who she wants to be. With Kit though, she has that freedom.
Kit wins the show. He is just so swoon-worthy and it doesn’t even surprise me anymore. Sarah seems to be very good at writing extremely swoon-worthy males. I don’t even know where to begin talking about him, though. For starters, he cooks. HE COOKS. HE BAKES, TOO! I mean, that would have been enough for me, but he is also the sweetest. He is understanding of Jessa and never pushes her to do something she wouldn’t be comfortable doing. He also takes it upon himself to give Jessa the breathing room she desperately needs and provides an escape from her tensed household. He takes her on adventures and gives her freedom to be herself.
Their romance is just the sweetest; it’s the right balance of steam and moments that put a smile on your face. They have their ups and downs (and believe me when I say the downs get bad), but they find their way back to each other and it’s worth it in the end. It’s worth it to see them stand up for their relationship because no relationship will be perfect and theirs isn’t, either.
I have no idea how to even start talking about the moment. The moment when everything changed. I guess one of the reasons I was so heartbroken was because I was completely unprepared for it. I was looking forward to reading a happy summer romance book… and it wasn’t that. It isn’t just a summer romance, there is so much more to it than that. The ability this book has to rip your heart out, I cannot even put it into words. Sarah writes some of the scenes so well that you feel like you’re right in there with the characters, in that shell shocked situation not wanting to believe that it’s true, but it is and you all know it is.
There is also an interesting dynamic between Jessa and Kit’s families, and while I am not sure how I feel about the said dynamic, I was glad to see the resolution.
Although far from perfect, Come Back to Me is definitely a New Adult novel to watch out for, and I desperately hope that Sarah Alderson (aka Mila Gray) will write another NA, albeit one that won't rip out my heart to shreds like this one did.
I have absolutely no idea where to start reviewing this book. I have only 7 sentences worth of notes because I was too busy inhaling the book in one go to take any. So I’ll start by saying this: if you’re a fan and you're reading this book because you love everything Sarah has written (kind of like me), don’t go in expecting it to be like her other works. It won’t be. I mean we all know Sarah is talented when it comes to writing hot romances, but aside from that, this book is definitely different compared to her other works and not only because it’s an NA. I’d definitely say it’s a lot more intense and oh! does it play with your emotions.
Sarah lets you know right off the bat something awful is going to happen. She gives you a warning that she is going to tear your heart out and even though I spent a whole day prepping myself for the event (I mean I knew what was going to happen because I am psychic so it was worse for me in some ways), I couldn’t have prepared myself for that blow. So my number one advice for anyone planning on reading this book is to have something chocolatey on hand and a nice chick flick to watch afterwards. In fact, the day I finished this book, watched 4 chick flicks one after another because I really needed something to help me get out of the funk. I guess it was worse in my case because I had just finished another sad book, but my best advice is to do all that you possibly can to cushion the blow.
Advice from the fabulous Rashika (talking about myself in 3rd person is fun) aside, this book was fantastic and while I really, really wish that event hadn’t occurred, I wouldn’t take back this reading experience. Sarah really nailed NA, not that I ever had any doubts, but she did. She met my expectations and went beyond in some ways. She gave us a heart-felt romance and tons of steamy scenes.
Jessa, I’ll admit is not the best or the most unique female lead out there, but she works - in a way you wouldn’t expect at times. She has dreams and aspirations which all get trampled down by her father who is most likely suffering from PTSD and she seems to be leading this life of pretense where she is not free to be who she wants to be. With Kit though, she has that freedom.
Kit wins the show. He is just so swoon-worthy and it doesn’t even surprise me anymore. Sarah seems to be very good at writing extremely swoon-worthy males. I don’t even know where to begin talking about him, though. For starters, he cooks. HE COOKS. HE BAKES, TOO! I mean, that would have been enough for me, but he is also the sweetest. He is understanding of Jessa and never pushes her to do something she wouldn’t be comfortable doing. He also takes it upon himself to give Jessa the breathing room she desperately needs and provides an escape from her tensed household. He takes her on adventures and gives her freedom to be herself.
Their romance is just the sweetest; it’s the right balance of steam and moments that put a smile on your face. They have their ups and downs (and believe me when I say the downs get bad), but they find their way back to each other and it’s worth it in the end. It’s worth it to see them stand up for their relationship because no relationship will be perfect and theirs isn’t, either.
I have no idea how to even start talking about the moment. The moment when everything changed. I guess one of the reasons I was so heartbroken was because I was completely unprepared for it. I was looking forward to reading a happy summer romance book… and it wasn’t that. It isn’t just a summer romance, there is so much more to it than that. The ability this book has to rip your heart out, I cannot even put it into words. Sarah writes some of the scenes so well that you feel like you’re right in there with the characters, in that shell shocked situation not wanting to believe that it’s true, but it is and you all know it is.
There is also an interesting dynamic between Jessa and Kit’s families, and while I am not sure how I feel about the said dynamic, I was glad to see the resolution.
Although far from perfect, Come Back to Me is definitely a New Adult novel to watch out for, and I desperately hope that Sarah Alderson (aka Mila Gray) will write another NA, albeit one that won't rip out my heart to shreds like this one did.
October 11, 2015
Why the 2-star rating?
It could've been because Jessa was only 18 but why would she break up with Kit, to be with Todd (when she obviously still has feelings for Kit) and when Kit comes back asking for a second chance, she dumps Todd like it's nobody's business? All this indecisive crap and playing with people's feelings are not cool. I was kind of hoping she'd stay alone so she knows what it feels like to be dumped. But it's a HEA so gotta get with the program. Sigh. Not something I'd re-read.
It could've been because Jessa was only 18 but why would she break up with Kit, to be with Todd (when she obviously still has feelings for Kit) and when Kit comes back asking for a second chance, she dumps Todd like it's nobody's business? All this indecisive crap and playing with people's feelings are not cool. I was kind of hoping she'd stay alone so she knows what it feels like to be dumped. But it's a HEA so gotta get with the program. Sigh. Not something I'd re-read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2020
Is it bad that I was kinda hoping the other person died instead of the one who actually did?
October 1, 2022
4.5 rounded up. Full review to come.
August 14, 2016
3 stelle e mezzo
Libro dolcissimo, il romance è delicato e gestito benissimo.
Ho adorato la maturazione graduale di Jessa che da ragazzina quasi smarrita diventa una donna e si trasforma, come una crisalide che si schiude e diventa una meravigliosa farfalla.
Questo libro tratta temi molto interessanti e delicati, non sempre però entra in profondità e questo è un vero peccato (almeno per me), perché temi così hanno il dovere di essere approfonditi, assolutamente.
Kit è tanta roba. Avrei voluto baciarlo, amarlo e sposarlo, per poi prenderlo a sberle e amarlo di nuovo!
Il mio cuore non si è ripreso per Ridley! (No No NO).
Sono curiosa di leggere il secondo volume!
Libro dolcissimo, il romance è delicato e gestito benissimo.
Ho adorato la maturazione graduale di Jessa che da ragazzina quasi smarrita diventa una donna e si trasforma, come una crisalide che si schiude e diventa una meravigliosa farfalla.
Questo libro tratta temi molto interessanti e delicati, non sempre però entra in profondità e questo è un vero peccato (almeno per me), perché temi così hanno il dovere di essere approfonditi, assolutamente.
Kit è tanta roba. Avrei voluto baciarlo, amarlo e sposarlo, per poi prenderlo a sberle e amarlo di nuovo!
Il mio cuore non si è ripreso per Ridley! (No No NO).
Sono curiosa di leggere il secondo volume!
May 1, 2017
”Come back to me. That was the very last thing I said to him.
Always. The very last thing he said to me.”
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with as much kissing as this one, and for some reason, I’m not really mad about it.
Jessa has been in love with Kit Ryan ever since she was fourteen. And despite his denials, Kit feels the same way. The problem? He’s her brother’s best friend. That and her overbearing, emotionally abusive father would never allow his perfect little princess into a romance with a Marine. Especially when that said Marine is the son of his biggest enemy. So begins a summer of secret getaways, stolen kisses, and steamy romance. But Kit and her brother are redeployed, bringing their romance to an end. And when a Marine chaplain knocks on her door, it can only mean one of them is dead. But who?
You have to be in the right frame of mind to read this book. And by right frame of mind, I mean you have to be in the mood for pages upon pages of steamy make-out sessions. Like I said before, I don’t think I’ve read a book with this many make-out sessions in quite a long time, if at all. It doesn’t take long for Kit to give into his feelings for Jessa (despite the blurb making it sound like an unrequited, slow burn romance that will be taking place. Nope; they admit their feelings right away). And once they do admit their feelings, put on your chap stick and stick a breath mint in your mouth, because KISSING WILL ENSUE!!!
”’We have five more hours left before I have to drop you back home. How many of those hours can we spend kissing?
‘Maybe four and a half, depending how fast you can paddle us back to the beach.”
To be honest, there were so many kissing scenes (and a lot more, if you know what I mean), that there wasn’t really a whole lot of time for character development and growth. If the author’s intent was to give us an escapism romance with lots of romantic moments, she succeeded. If the author’s intent was to show us the workings of a military romance and how war can effect it and change the people who served, she failed. Speaking on that note…
One thing that irked me here was the author’s representation of soldiers with PTSD. As the daughter of a military veteran who suffers from PTSD, I can say with certainty that the author didn’t do her research in regards to this topic. I would go so far as to say that she brushed it off entirely. She also made it seem like there’s a one-all cure, and as soon as you have a bunch of drugs in your system, everything’s rainbows, unicorns and sunshine again. That’s not the case. It can take years to get back to even the quarter of the person you once were, and some people never will go back to being 100% normal. So for the author to basically say that once you get into therapy and have all these charming little drugs to help is kind of offensive.
Another thing that bogged down this novel was the predictability of it all. Jessa’s the typical good girl virgin who never gets in trouble and is all Precious Moments innocence,
”At school I’m the good Catholic straight-A student who never messes up. At home I’m the good, quiet, studious, and respectful daughter who doesn’t cause trouble. On stage or with Kit, though, I get to throw off those identities and inhabit another person. I can be angry, passionate, funny, tragic, playful, seductive, powerful. I guess it’s ironic that the only time I’m ever myself is when I’m not myself. My usual self, anyways.”Hell, her description even reminds me of those little ceramic Precious Moments figurines. The only thing missing are teardrop eyes and a halo.
”One day she was this small, blond kid, all elbows and knees and braces, following the two of us around all the time like a lemming, and then I go away to basic training and come back to find she’s all grown up, with eyes the size of dinner plates, hair hanging straight as a sniper’s aim down her back, and a smile that takes my breath away every single time.”Kit’s the predictable bad boy Marine, Jessa’s father is the overbearing, mentally ill Corporal, Jessa’s mom is just kind of there, etc. This is the YA/NA equivalent of a Nicholas Sparks movie. You know; sobbing, tragic romance stories with pretty white people set on the beach. Even the plot is predictable. I knew who would die, I knew how it would end, I knew the big twists and turns. The author didn’t make it very heard to figure these things out.
And yet I can’t bring myself to fully hate this book. Like I said, you have to be in the right frame of mind to read this sucker, and I just happened to be in the right frame of mind for a kissing book.
Was it predictable? Yes.
Was there way too much kissing? Probably.
Could I bring myself to stop reading it? No.
I got to hand it to the author, she knew how to keep me turning the pages. So if you need a kissing book in your life, or a steamy romance to keep the blues away, I’d recommend this book.
Just keep a fan with you, because some of the scenes are STEAMY.
June 24, 2016
3.5-4 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So it’s a little alarming that I’ve read four New Adult books in the span of about a week. It’s a genre I’ve always been wary of, despite its heavy focus on romance and me being the epitome of a hopeless romantic. But I’m a very picky, moody reader, and New Adult tends to either be too angst-driven, too poorly written and/or edited, too full of stupid, annoying characters, or all of the above. Wading through the bad to find the good for the most part seems to take too much effort. I’m not really sure what caused this sudden spurt – maybe feeling drained on Young Adult books and having read most of the Adult ones that appeal to me – but I’ve been, for the most part, pleasantly surprised.
Come Back To Me combines two tropes I absolutely love in a romance: a hero who is not only in love with his best friend’s little sister but a military guy at that. Sign me up, please and thank you. Oh, and it’s dual point-of-view, so brownie points. It’s about first love, family, loss, and redemption. Right away we learn something devastating will take place, but then we’re thrown into a long flashback full of summer and lightness. Kit has just returned home on leave, along with his best friend Riley. Nine months ago he started to notice Jessa, Riley’s sister, a lot more than was appropriate, and he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about her ever since. Jessa has always had a crush on him – I mean, if the cover model is to judge, who can blame her? – but she thinks it’s hopeless. Even if he did reciprocate her feelings they couldn’t be together because of her overprotective brother and her dad who for no apparent reason hates Kit. Plus, Kit has always been a player, so can she trust there could ever be something deeper?
I think I’m making that last part sound more dramatic than it actually is, because I was extremely giddy over their relationship. They are super duper adorable. It’s not long before they decide to risk it and be together, though without telling anyone about it. There’s plenty of covert kisses and discreet eye sex and sneaking around; normally this sort of secrecy would make me tense all over, but I was completely wrapped up in their love story. They are both so sweet on each other that I couldn’t help but be swept away. There’s an innocence to it – it really captures the rawness and beauty of first love. Knowing that tragedy was up ahead, I’m so grateful there is very little angst and drama between Kit and Jessa. Also, both characters are extremely likeable. Jessa is passionate and open in a way that’s unusual for this genre, and Kit is a sexy mix of strength and vulnerability.
Though romance is the focus, there’s also plenty of interesting family dynamics. Kit has a good relationship with his dad, who suffered from alcoholism after his wife passed away. Riley is a constant presence as well, and his relationship with his longtime girlfriend is particularly bittersweet. One character I definitely did not like is Jessa’s dad. He’s suffering from PTSD and has violent mood swings, but refuses to get help. He’s the main reason why Jessa and Kit are forced to keep their relationship a secret, as he’s very controlling of Jessa’s social life. There’s also the inevitable tragedy that you know is coming; it’s heartbreaking and painful, and I understood why each character reacted the way they did.
Come Back To Me is an aching story of loss, yes, but it always comes back to the soul deep love between Kit and Jessa. I really enjoyed their story, and I hope Mila Gray (aka Sarah Alderson) continues to write in this genre. It’s not as graphic as most New Adult books, but the slow build up to Kit and Jessa’s first time is sensual enough. The only thing I wish is that the epilogue wasn’t so picture perfect. I’m not talking about the surety of their happily ever after – that I loved – but that they both made it so big in their professions. I think it would have been sweeter if they were still trying to break through but also content with where they were at.
This review can also be found at Love at First Page.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So it’s a little alarming that I’ve read four New Adult books in the span of about a week. It’s a genre I’ve always been wary of, despite its heavy focus on romance and me being the epitome of a hopeless romantic. But I’m a very picky, moody reader, and New Adult tends to either be too angst-driven, too poorly written and/or edited, too full of stupid, annoying characters, or all of the above. Wading through the bad to find the good for the most part seems to take too much effort. I’m not really sure what caused this sudden spurt – maybe feeling drained on Young Adult books and having read most of the Adult ones that appeal to me – but I’ve been, for the most part, pleasantly surprised.
Come Back To Me combines two tropes I absolutely love in a romance: a hero who is not only in love with his best friend’s little sister but a military guy at that. Sign me up, please and thank you. Oh, and it’s dual point-of-view, so brownie points. It’s about first love, family, loss, and redemption. Right away we learn something devastating will take place, but then we’re thrown into a long flashback full of summer and lightness. Kit has just returned home on leave, along with his best friend Riley. Nine months ago he started to notice Jessa, Riley’s sister, a lot more than was appropriate, and he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about her ever since. Jessa has always had a crush on him – I mean, if the cover model is to judge, who can blame her? – but she thinks it’s hopeless. Even if he did reciprocate her feelings they couldn’t be together because of her overprotective brother and her dad who for no apparent reason hates Kit. Plus, Kit has always been a player, so can she trust there could ever be something deeper?
I think I’m making that last part sound more dramatic than it actually is, because I was extremely giddy over their relationship. They are super duper adorable. It’s not long before they decide to risk it and be together, though without telling anyone about it. There’s plenty of covert kisses and discreet eye sex and sneaking around; normally this sort of secrecy would make me tense all over, but I was completely wrapped up in their love story. They are both so sweet on each other that I couldn’t help but be swept away. There’s an innocence to it – it really captures the rawness and beauty of first love. Knowing that tragedy was up ahead, I’m so grateful there is very little angst and drama between Kit and Jessa. Also, both characters are extremely likeable. Jessa is passionate and open in a way that’s unusual for this genre, and Kit is a sexy mix of strength and vulnerability.
Though romance is the focus, there’s also plenty of interesting family dynamics. Kit has a good relationship with his dad, who suffered from alcoholism after his wife passed away. Riley is a constant presence as well, and his relationship with his longtime girlfriend is particularly bittersweet. One character I definitely did not like is Jessa’s dad. He’s suffering from PTSD and has violent mood swings, but refuses to get help. He’s the main reason why Jessa and Kit are forced to keep their relationship a secret, as he’s very controlling of Jessa’s social life. There’s also the inevitable tragedy that you know is coming; it’s heartbreaking and painful, and I understood why each character reacted the way they did.
Come Back To Me is an aching story of loss, yes, but it always comes back to the soul deep love between Kit and Jessa. I really enjoyed their story, and I hope Mila Gray (aka Sarah Alderson) continues to write in this genre. It’s not as graphic as most New Adult books, but the slow build up to Kit and Jessa’s first time is sensual enough. The only thing I wish is that the epilogue wasn’t so picture perfect. I’m not talking about the surety of their happily ever after – that I loved – but that they both made it so big in their professions. I think it would have been sweeter if they were still trying to break through but also content with where they were at.
This review can also be found at Love at First Page.
September 23, 2022
4.5 “wait for me” stars.
This is a beautifully heartfelt story that captivated me from the very start. It’s a sweet, funny, sexy, and deeply emotional romance combining some of my favourite types of stories – forbidden romance with a big brother/best friend set up, and a military theme. Jackpot!
Jessa has been in love with her big brother’s best friend, Kit, for years. But he has never noticed her, and instead she has had to watch him manwhore his way around town before joining the Marine Corps with her brother, Riley, and being sent overseas on deployment.
The summer of Jessa’s 18th birthday, the boys arrive home on leave, and Kit decides that it’s time he makes his move. He has been attracted to Jessa for a while, but she has always been just a little bit too young, and Kit hasn’t wanted to risk his friendship with either her, or her over-protective brother. But he can’t resist her any longer.
And here begins their epic summer of love. Kisses, sweetness, nights spent under the stars, laughs, swoony declarations and eventually, steamy time. It’s emotively written and beautifully played out as Jessa and Kit experience the wonder of being together and falling in love for the first time.
It’s gorgeously swoony, but realistic, but it’s not all perfect. Firstly, they are keeping their romance a secret – not only is Jessa’s brother protective of her (and he knows exactly what Kit’s past with women is), but her father has some severe PTSD which means Jessa’s home life is strictly regimented and controlled by him. Add in to that the fact that her father hates Kit, and it’s all very messy. So they keep their deepening relationship to themselves, which adds an element of intensity to the whole thing.
And then there is the fact that Kit is only on leave for four weeks before he has to go back on deployment overseas for a year.
And all the while I was while reading about their blissful time together, the happiness they find with each other, and the way that their being together is changing both of the lives for the better, in the back of my mind was the ominous prologue which hinted at devastation to come. It adds a sense of dread to the whole book, as we know that something is going to happen to shatter their worlds. And let me tell you, knowing that something is coming does nothing to dampen the hit when the story takes a huge shift. It is heartbreaking, it is painful, and I sat there reading with tears streaming down my face. The feeeeeeeels! It’s all beautifully written, and incredibly emotional. And as hard as it was reading certain scenes, each little moment adds something amazing to the story - - and it makes a very sweet and somewhat predictable book so much deeper and heartfelt than I was expecting.
I love that this story is told in alternating POVs. I love that we get to see absolutely everything – the good, the bad, the devastating and the blissful. I love the smaller storylines running through the book. And I love that we get an epilogue that gives us a glimpse into the future, providing closure on everything. Jessa and Kit’s story is absolutely captivating, and I couldn’t put it down.
I loved it – 4.5 stars.
This is a beautifully heartfelt story that captivated me from the very start. It’s a sweet, funny, sexy, and deeply emotional romance combining some of my favourite types of stories – forbidden romance with a big brother/best friend set up, and a military theme. Jackpot!
Jessa has been in love with her big brother’s best friend, Kit, for years. But he has never noticed her, and instead she has had to watch him manwhore his way around town before joining the Marine Corps with her brother, Riley, and being sent overseas on deployment.
The summer of Jessa’s 18th birthday, the boys arrive home on leave, and Kit decides that it’s time he makes his move. He has been attracted to Jessa for a while, but she has always been just a little bit too young, and Kit hasn’t wanted to risk his friendship with either her, or her over-protective brother. But he can’t resist her any longer.
“I was thinking about you a lot when we were away … I couldn’t get you out of my head.”
And here begins their epic summer of love. Kisses, sweetness, nights spent under the stars, laughs, swoony declarations and eventually, steamy time. It’s emotively written and beautifully played out as Jessa and Kit experience the wonder of being together and falling in love for the first time.
It’s gorgeously swoony, but realistic, but it’s not all perfect. Firstly, they are keeping their romance a secret – not only is Jessa’s brother protective of her (and he knows exactly what Kit’s past with women is), but her father has some severe PTSD which means Jessa’s home life is strictly regimented and controlled by him. Add in to that the fact that her father hates Kit, and it’s all very messy. So they keep their deepening relationship to themselves, which adds an element of intensity to the whole thing.
“If you ask me do I want you to be waiting for me the day I get off the plane? Yes. Do I want to talk to you every night on the phone and know that you’re my girl and that I’m coming home to you? Yes. Am I going to be thinking of you every single moment while I’m gone – yes.”
And then there is the fact that Kit is only on leave for four weeks before he has to go back on deployment overseas for a year.
I want to take a piece of her with me and leave a piece of me with her. How do I get enough of her to last me a year?
And all the while I was while reading about their blissful time together, the happiness they find with each other, and the way that their being together is changing both of the lives for the better, in the back of my mind was the ominous prologue which hinted at devastation to come. It adds a sense of dread to the whole book, as we know that something is going to happen to shatter their worlds. And let me tell you, knowing that something is coming does nothing to dampen the hit when the story takes a huge shift. It is heartbreaking, it is painful, and I sat there reading with tears streaming down my face. The feeeeeeeels! It’s all beautifully written, and incredibly emotional. And as hard as it was reading certain scenes, each little moment adds something amazing to the story - - and it makes a very sweet and somewhat predictable book so much deeper and heartfelt than I was expecting.
“Come back to me,” I whisper.
“Always,” he answers.
I love that this story is told in alternating POVs. I love that we get to see absolutely everything – the good, the bad, the devastating and the blissful. I love the smaller storylines running through the book. And I love that we get an epilogue that gives us a glimpse into the future, providing closure on everything. Jessa and Kit’s story is absolutely captivating, and I couldn’t put it down.
I loved it – 4.5 stars.
August 10, 2016
The book opens right up with a bit of a shocker and you know some heartbreak is coming. But then it's three months earlier and Jessa's brother Riley and his best friend Kit are back for a month but will be redeploying. Jessa has been crushing on him forever and we get to switch to Kit's POV and see that he has also had feelings for her. I love the sweet life long friendships that turn to romances. It's a whirlwind romance with so many romantic, swooney and sexy scenes.
It was also such a great story about friendship and family. Kit and Riley have such a sweet bromance. Riley is such a great protective big brother to Jessa. Jessa and Riley really struggle with their home life. Their dad is also in the military and a very strict, cut off, bitter man. He also hates Kit so Jessa and Kit have to hide their relationship. It is such a sweet romance. Some great scenes with Kit taking Jessa to see the stars and he cooks for her. LOL Kit is a great catch! A really good guy worth swooning over. I got so caught up with them that I forgot that something bad was coming until it was too late. I was kind of hoping that opening was a mistake.
Then I balled! During the last 10% of the book I was doing that thing where I tell myself these are characters and they are not real, to try to get myself to stop crying. LOL But I took a break and then came back. Having a relationship with someone in the military has to be so difficult. I don't think I could ever do it. Having to go through them leaving and not knowing how to help them with what they are dealing with. It was worth sticking through some of the sad parts because we see how even the strongest can break but then they build themselves back up again. While there is a lot of heartache it does end on a sweet and hopeful note. It was worth it!
---
"Come back to me. Promise you'll come back to me," she whispers, her lips against mine, tears pouring down her cheeks.
I stroke that stubborn strand of hair behind her ear. "Always," I say.
"Does he make you see stars?" he asks in a low voice. "Does he call you his north star? Because that's what you are to me. You're the reason I made it home."
"I don't care where we go. Just so long as we go there together."
---
Character Interview from my blog!
Too cute not to share!
Do you remember when you first met as kids?
Kit: I met Riley when I was 14. He came down to the court to shoot some hoops. I think I first saw Jessa around the same time. Riley took me back to his house one day and she was there. To tell you the truth though I didn’t really notice her back then.
Jessa: I remember the first time I saw Kit. He was hanging out on the porch waiting for Riley and I asked him if he wanted Lemonade and then I spilled it on him when I brought it out because I was so nervous.
When did you realize you liked each other as more than friends?
Jessa: I had a thing for Kit when I was about 14 or 15. Embarrassingly, because most of the girls in Oceanside liked him too. So I forced myself not to even go there.
Kit: Oh man, she’s exaggerating. But yeah, it was only when I got back from basic training with Riley that I first started seeing Jessa differently. Riley dragged me to see her in some play and the minute she came out on stage she blew my mind. She was incredible. But because Riley was her brother and because we were friends I stayed away. I made myself forget her but yeah…when we came back from our first deployment I realised I didn’t want to imagine her with any other guy but me.
What is your favorite memory of each other?
Kit: I’m not sure I’m allowed to say. Jessa knows though. Let’s just say it was the best night of my life.
Jessa: I think I would have to say the time he threw rocks at my bedroom window and when I went downstairs and snuck out the house he was waiting in the bushes. It was my birthday.
Kit: I kissed her.
Jessa: For the first time.
Kit: It was pretty special.
Jessa: Until my dad showed up.
What is your idea of the most romantic date?
Kit: Hanging out in bushes.
Jessa: Heading out to the desert to watch the stars from the back of Kit’s pick up.
Kit: That was our first date.
Jessa: We still do that once in a while, go out there and stargaze
Kit: You call that stargazing? Because I’d call it something else.
What's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?
Kit: Jessa, the day I returned from deployment. I hadn’t seen her for a year. She opened the door and she was holding something and I swear to god I almost burst into tears right there and then. It was like someone punched me in the heart.
Jessa: The stars at night seen from the back of Kit’s pick up.
What is your best feature?
Jessa: My best feature? I don't know.
Kit: Her smile.
Jessa: Kit’s? His eyes. And his laugh.
What is your idea of the perfect day? What time of day is your favourite?
Jessa: A picnic at the beach. Kit’s an amazing chef. So a home-made picnic, followed by a trip to the theatre - preferably open air, and then a road trip out to the desert. I love dusk best.
Kit: Hanging out with Riley and Jessa. Anywhere is good. On my ideal day I’d get up, make Jessa breakfast in bed, then give her dessert..
Jessa: you have a one track mind..
Kit: You love my mind…you never once complain about my mind.
Jessa: shhhhh
Kit: Then once I’m done making Jessa smile I’d whisk her away for a romantic date at the beach before taking her home for more dessert.
Jessa: He means cake.
What kind of weather is your favourite?
Kit: Sunshine all the way.
Jessa: Same.
What is your favorite food?
Jessa: Anything Kit cooks. He’s half-Portuguese so he makes incredible Portuguese food.
Kit: Steak.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Kit: I’d change one moment of forgetfulness. Can I do that?
Jessa: No. There’s no looking back. What is, is. I wouldn’t change anything about you.
Kit: I’d change Jessa’s inability to see how amazing she is. And how talented. She’s way too humble.
Jessa: There’s nothing wrong with that.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Kit: Being a godfather. Getting my shit together. Convincing Jessa to fall in love with me and, above all, getting her to come back to me.
Jessa: Standing up for myself and following my dreams.
Tell me something no one else knows about you?
Kit: I’m scared of spiders.
Jessa: He is. He’s a Marine and he’s scared of spiders.
Kit: She sleeps with a Care Bear when I’m not home.
It was also such a great story about friendship and family. Kit and Riley have such a sweet bromance. Riley is such a great protective big brother to Jessa. Jessa and Riley really struggle with their home life. Their dad is also in the military and a very strict, cut off, bitter man. He also hates Kit so Jessa and Kit have to hide their relationship. It is such a sweet romance. Some great scenes with Kit taking Jessa to see the stars and he cooks for her. LOL Kit is a great catch! A really good guy worth swooning over. I got so caught up with them that I forgot that something bad was coming until it was too late. I was kind of hoping that opening was a mistake.
Then I balled! During the last 10% of the book I was doing that thing where I tell myself these are characters and they are not real, to try to get myself to stop crying. LOL But I took a break and then came back. Having a relationship with someone in the military has to be so difficult. I don't think I could ever do it. Having to go through them leaving and not knowing how to help them with what they are dealing with. It was worth sticking through some of the sad parts because we see how even the strongest can break but then they build themselves back up again. While there is a lot of heartache it does end on a sweet and hopeful note. It was worth it!
---
"Come back to me. Promise you'll come back to me," she whispers, her lips against mine, tears pouring down her cheeks.
I stroke that stubborn strand of hair behind her ear. "Always," I say.
"Does he make you see stars?" he asks in a low voice. "Does he call you his north star? Because that's what you are to me. You're the reason I made it home."
"I don't care where we go. Just so long as we go there together."
---
Character Interview from my blog!
Too cute not to share!
Do you remember when you first met as kids?
Kit: I met Riley when I was 14. He came down to the court to shoot some hoops. I think I first saw Jessa around the same time. Riley took me back to his house one day and she was there. To tell you the truth though I didn’t really notice her back then.
Jessa: I remember the first time I saw Kit. He was hanging out on the porch waiting for Riley and I asked him if he wanted Lemonade and then I spilled it on him when I brought it out because I was so nervous.
When did you realize you liked each other as more than friends?
Jessa: I had a thing for Kit when I was about 14 or 15. Embarrassingly, because most of the girls in Oceanside liked him too. So I forced myself not to even go there.
Kit: Oh man, she’s exaggerating. But yeah, it was only when I got back from basic training with Riley that I first started seeing Jessa differently. Riley dragged me to see her in some play and the minute she came out on stage she blew my mind. She was incredible. But because Riley was her brother and because we were friends I stayed away. I made myself forget her but yeah…when we came back from our first deployment I realised I didn’t want to imagine her with any other guy but me.
What is your favorite memory of each other?
Kit: I’m not sure I’m allowed to say. Jessa knows though. Let’s just say it was the best night of my life.
Jessa: I think I would have to say the time he threw rocks at my bedroom window and when I went downstairs and snuck out the house he was waiting in the bushes. It was my birthday.
Kit: I kissed her.
Jessa: For the first time.
Kit: It was pretty special.
Jessa: Until my dad showed up.
What is your idea of the most romantic date?
Kit: Hanging out in bushes.
Jessa: Heading out to the desert to watch the stars from the back of Kit’s pick up.
Kit: That was our first date.
Jessa: We still do that once in a while, go out there and stargaze
Kit: You call that stargazing? Because I’d call it something else.
What's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?
Kit: Jessa, the day I returned from deployment. I hadn’t seen her for a year. She opened the door and she was holding something and I swear to god I almost burst into tears right there and then. It was like someone punched me in the heart.
Jessa: The stars at night seen from the back of Kit’s pick up.
What is your best feature?
Jessa: My best feature? I don't know.
Kit: Her smile.
Jessa: Kit’s? His eyes. And his laugh.
What is your idea of the perfect day? What time of day is your favourite?
Jessa: A picnic at the beach. Kit’s an amazing chef. So a home-made picnic, followed by a trip to the theatre - preferably open air, and then a road trip out to the desert. I love dusk best.
Kit: Hanging out with Riley and Jessa. Anywhere is good. On my ideal day I’d get up, make Jessa breakfast in bed, then give her dessert..
Jessa: you have a one track mind..
Kit: You love my mind…you never once complain about my mind.
Jessa: shhhhh
Kit: Then once I’m done making Jessa smile I’d whisk her away for a romantic date at the beach before taking her home for more dessert.
Jessa: He means cake.
What kind of weather is your favourite?
Kit: Sunshine all the way.
Jessa: Same.
What is your favorite food?
Jessa: Anything Kit cooks. He’s half-Portuguese so he makes incredible Portuguese food.
Kit: Steak.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Kit: I’d change one moment of forgetfulness. Can I do that?
Jessa: No. There’s no looking back. What is, is. I wouldn’t change anything about you.
Kit: I’d change Jessa’s inability to see how amazing she is. And how talented. She’s way too humble.
Jessa: There’s nothing wrong with that.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Kit: Being a godfather. Getting my shit together. Convincing Jessa to fall in love with me and, above all, getting her to come back to me.
Jessa: Standing up for myself and following my dreams.
Tell me something no one else knows about you?
Kit: I’m scared of spiders.
Jessa: He is. He’s a Marine and he’s scared of spiders.
Kit: She sleeps with a Care Bear when I’m not home.
March 18, 2024
Não percebo, genuinamente, como é que este livro tem tão pouco hype.
Neste livro encontramos algumas das tropes que mais adoro:
- Melhor Amigo do Irmão
- Age gap
- Amigos de infância
Começa logo de uma forma que ficamos 😳👀, e a partir daí è impossível pararmos.
Fala da guerra, do luto, de stress pós traumático e como às vezes as famílias ditam demasiadas coisas na nossa forma de viver!
Foi releitura e soube-me pela vida!
Neste livro encontramos algumas das tropes que mais adoro:
- Melhor Amigo do Irmão
- Age gap
- Amigos de infância
Começa logo de uma forma que ficamos 😳👀, e a partir daí è impossível pararmos.
Fala da guerra, do luto, de stress pós traumático e como às vezes as famílias ditam demasiadas coisas na nossa forma de viver!
Foi releitura e soube-me pela vida!
May 3, 2019
Bellissima ,dolce e commovente la storia tra Jessa e kit....
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