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Can't Go Back

Marie Meyer (Goodreads Author)

3.67 · Rating details · 123 ratings · 33 reviews

When Jillian moved next door, she refused to get out of the car. I climbed into the backseat beside her and promised to never leave her.
Now, I’m driving her a thousand miles away, so she can leave me.

She has to go. What else would she do? Follow me and my band from one cheap bar to another, get hit on by sleazy promoters? Because Jillian would definitely get hit on. She’s ...more

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Paperback, 352 pages

Published August 4th 2015 by Forever Yours

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Feb 18, 2016 Carlene Inspired rated it liked it

Shelves: romance, new-adult, reviewed-books, inspired-blog

I was provided a copy for review through New Adult Book Club.

Griffin has always had Jillian by his side as his best friend and her leaving for college means things can't be any different, even though the feelings between them are more than just friends. He's determined to throw himself into his band's music and into spending time with his girlfriend, Erin. However, his mind keeps wandering and Griffin may just have to face the music, that he loves Jillian as more than a friend.

There's music, a h I was provided a copy for review through New Adult Book Club.

Griffin has always had Jillian by his side as his best friend and her leaving for college means things can't be any different, even though the feelings between them are more than just friends. He's determined to throw himself into his band's music and into spending time with his girlfriend, Erin. However, his mind keeps wandering and Griffin may just have to face the music, that he loves Jillian as more than a friend.

There's music, a hot tattooed guy, a best friend, and family, how could I say no? What I missed was that this is another book of Marie Meyer's, "Across the Distance," told from the male perspective of Griffin. If I had known this I might have made sure to read the other first, while it is a standalone I think it lacked information the female perspective would have given. I liked Griffin right away and really felt for him and how he felt he couldn't have Jillian due to their friendship. The push and pull between them has a lot of chemistry that's easy to connect with as the reader. While I didn't like him with Erin, I took more from it than I expected, because it showed how hard Griffin was working to be just a friend to Jillian and dating others. His growth within the band was also interesting and easily could have been explored more by the author. I liked his friendships and family dynamic as well.

Unfortunately, I feel like there was a lot of context missing, particularly related to Jillian, 9/11, and how much Griffin played a part in Jillians life. While we know they are best friends with feelings, not enough history is given to see them together. I didn't feel like they were best friends, especially with how easily both disconnected from one another when apart. I really liked reading from a male perspective, but kind of wish the books had been combined to give you the story from dual POV's.

I enjoyed Can't Go Back by Marie Meyer, the general story is interesting and keeps your attention, I love the friends to lovers story line, unfortunately the filler parts of the story and history between the two was lackluster for me. ...more

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Aug 09, 2015 Christina rated it liked it

3 Stars – 2.5 Flames

I keep vacillating on how to review this book. There are things that I liked about it and things that just rubbed me the wrong way. I will try my hardest NOT to spoil anything…

We’ve got this hot guy, a band, a girlfriend, a best friend, a record label and parents all wrapped up in one book. Is it too much? Not really, but I strongly believe that all of these elements caused this book to be longer than it really needed to be. I mean, in reading the blurb, this is supposed to ...more

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Feb 13, 2016 Hannah Smith rated it liked it

Shelves: new-adult

Actual Rating 3.5/4 Stars.

Can’t back down is ‘Across the Distance’ but in Griffen’s point of view which I was really excited for so I could experience his thoughts towards Jillian and how he develops personally as the story develops. This was an aspect I really liked, however in all honesty I struggled to fully immerse myself into the story because I had read 'Across the Distance' not so long ago the story was fresh in my mind from Jillian's point of view which may have ruined my reading experie ...more

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Aug 14, 2015 Julie rated it liked it

Shelves: book-in-exchange-for-review, arc, romance, netgalley, new-adult

Check out more reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!

I was completely entranced by Can't Go Back at the beginning. I found the main character, Griffin, to be so very sweet and I enjoyed that the book was written by his POV. It's not uncommon but you just don't find a whole bunch of romance novels that are written from the voice of the male and it was refreshing to read something from that side.

If you caught what I said at the start of my review ... the book had me hooked at the beginning ... but tha
Check out more reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!

I was completely entranced by Can't Go Back at the beginning. I found the main character, Griffin, to be so very sweet and I enjoyed that the book was written by his POV. It's not uncommon but you just don't find a whole bunch of romance novels that are written from the voice of the male and it was refreshing to read something from that side.

If you caught what I said at the start of my review ... the book had me hooked at the beginning ... but that did change. The story was still good after that point but I felt like I was missing something. Important parts of situations seemed to be missing ... something would happen and I would be sitting there waiting to see what happened and all of the sudden it would just skip over the resolution of a situation and just move on. It was perplexing and frustrating. I wanted to know the details of what had happened but I didn't get that. And now I know why. I just found out that this book is the same as Across the Distance but just written from Griffin's POV instead of Jillian's. Talk about irritating!! I had no idea when I picked this book up that this was what it was. It sure does explain why I didn't get satisfaction from situations in the book it's because it was already talked about in another one, apparently. I feel a little robbed. I wish that I had known and I would have read the other one first. But it is what it is. Just keep in mind if you're interested in this one, you might want to pick the other one up first.

The characters were pretty interesting and I liked the push and pull from Griffin and Jillian that seemed to happen quite often. Their love story isn't an easy one and it was full of turmoil. I like the turmoil ... I enjoy reading about struggles and how the characters are able to pull themselves out of it. This book was a good example of that. I just wish that it had felt more ... complete ... to me. The story-line was engaging and it really sucks you in but the missing info and situations just really bothers me. Especially without some kind of disclaimer at the beginning ... at least give me the choice to read the other book first. Is this mostly my fault? Sure, I guess it could be. I received this book from the publisher and I didn't do any kind of recon on the author or her previous books or any reviews before I picked this up. And that's a personal decision, I like going into a book pretty blind ... I don't want any outside forces (other reviews and whatnot) to cloud my thoughts and feelings before I start reading.

Anyhow ... maybe after I'm not irritated as much, I'll pick up that other book and give it a go and that could very well change my thoughts on this one. But I'm too peeved to do that right now. Tomorrow isn't looking good either.

* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review * ...more

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Mar 03, 2015 Meredith Tate rated it it was amazing

**I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review**

If you've read Marie Meyer's debut, ACROSS THE DISTANCE, you already know Jillian's side of the story. CAN'T GO BACK shows how Jillian and Griffin got together - from Griff's point of view.

I'm usually hesitant to read sequels that are retellings of the original story from a different POV, because I find them repetitive - rehashing the exact same events, but from a different voice. However, CAN'T GO BACK shows us a completely dif ...more

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Jul 08, 2015 Annika Sharma rated it it was amazing

Marie Meyer doesn't disappoint with her sequel to Across the Distance. Griffin is such a sexy book boyfriend and I loved getting to see his perspective in this book, especially after we'd gotten to know him in AtD...and fallen completely in love with him! It was so much fun to read this rockstar's weak side: his best friend and love of his life. I loved how much he loved Jillian and how badly he wanted her. Who can't relate to falling in love with their best friend? What was cool about both AtD ...more

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Jul 08, 2015 Kate H rated it it was amazing

Shelves: goodreads-fiction

I really really REALLY hope this book gets added to netgalley because I want to read it so much. Marie Meyer's other book Across the Distance is definitely one of my top 10 books for the year so far.

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May 04, 2015 Casey rated it liked it

Shelves: new-adult, romance, reviewed-2015

Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

I was really looking forward to reading Can't Go Back by Marie Meyer. I had really enjoyed reading Across the Distance by her, and was excited to get Griffin's POV which is the one thing I felt had been missing from that book. Can't Go Back is Griffin's side of the story told from his POV, and while I knew that I also expected to get some new content. There was some content that was new here since it was from his POV and he and Jillian were se Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

I was really looking forward to reading Can't Go Back by Marie Meyer. I had really enjoyed reading Across the Distance by her, and was excited to get Griffin's POV which is the one thing I felt had been missing from that book. Can't Go Back is Griffin's side of the story told from his POV, and while I knew that I also expected to get some new content. There was some content that was new here since it was from his POV and he and Jillian were separated for so long. But I have to say that I didn't really feel as though we got much else here. This wasn't what I had expected at all and I was mostly disappointed with this book.

Since Can't Go Back is the exact same story as Across the Distance, I feel like going into too many details about this book would be pretty pointless. If you read my review of that book, the only difference here is more Griffin and less Jillian. If you are unfamiliar with either of these books, Griffin and Jillian are childhood best friends. Jillian heads off to college thousands of miles away. Both Griffin and Jillian have feelings for one another, but they aren't together. The distance only makes them want to be together more, yet there are reasons why they aren't. (I'm looking at you Griffin) So here is where things get tricky for me. If you are against spoilers, I would go ahead and stop paying attention now. For those not opposed, continue reading. (Although to call them spoilers almost feels wrong to me since it is no mystery what happens in this story if you have read ATD, but I digress.)

I honestly thought that I would like Griffin more here, but sadly that wasn't the case. I felt like he had absolutely no reason to be with Erin. He pined for Jillian the entire time they were together, and repeatedly tried to convince himself that he should be with Erin. First off, that wasn't okay to do to Erin. How she wanted to stay friends when everything played out was beyond me! Second though, I didn't honestly get it! Even if he didn't want to be with Jillian for his weak excuses (and believe me they were weak!), that didn't mean that he had to be with anyone else! He didn't seem to really like her (beyond kissing her) and when things started to really go anywhere things always came back around to Jillian. He didn't seem to like spending time with her, he didn't seem to have any kind of connection to her, so the longer things went on the more frustrated with him I became. I didn't get it and quite frankly it made me start to dislike his character. If he wanted Jillian but didn't want to be with her in fear that she would give up her dreams, he should have just been alone.

The biggest issue here though was how repetitive this book was. Not only was it almost word for word the same and the first book, the new parts were just as repetitive. Most of the book was spent talking about how much Griffin missed Jillian and how much he loved her and wanted her, but why he couldn't be with her or tell her. It got old. The new stuff with the band didn't really hold my interest as it wasn't really that exciting, especially considering things would just go right back to him pining for Jillian but being with Erin. This book would skip large portions of time, months would go by and yet none of that was really explored. At the end of this book I was just left feeling pretty disappointed, and I really don't think that there was a need for this book. I think that Across the Distance and Can't Go Back could have easily been combined and written in dual POV, and it would have made for a much more satisfying story. I wanted to really dig deep with Griffin here and see what had happened to him while he was apart from Jillian, but it just seemed to be a rehash of the same story with Griffin constantly missing Jillian. I'm giving this one three stars because I really did like Across the Distance (and this is basically the same story) but I would probably suggest reading one or the other unless you just need to see the exact same thing from both sides. This can easily be read as a standalone.

**ARC Provided by Publisher** ...more

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Mar 02, 2016 OpenBookSociety.com rated it liked it

Shelves: andra

http://openbooksociety.com/article/ca...

Can’t Go Back
By Marie Meyer
ISBN: 9781455590971)
Author’s Website: http://www.mariemeyerbooks.com
Review brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Synopsis:

When Jillian moved next door, she refused to get out of the car. I climbed into the backseat beside her and promised to never leave her.
Now, I’m driving her a thousand miles away, so she can leave me.

She has to go. What else would she do? Follow me and my band from one cheap bar to another, get hit on by sleazy ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Feb 07, 2016 Catherine rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2016-reading-challenge

I would like to thank both the author and the Goodreads New Adult Read it Review it Programme for allowing me to read this fantastic New Adult Contemporary Romance book. The book fits in this genere very well because it is a very strong romance story which is very definitely new adult as it deals with going to college and starting a recording contract.

Jillian is a young woman who has dealt with the loss of her parents as a child and self-harming. After her parents death she moves in with her si I would like to thank both the author and the Goodreads New Adult Read it Review it Programme for allowing me to read this fantastic New Adult Contemporary Romance book. The book fits in this genere very well because it is a very strong romance story which is very definitely new adult as it deals with going to college and starting a recording contract.

Jillian is a young woman who has dealt with the loss of her parents as a child and self-harming. After her parents death she moves in with her sister who lives next door to Griffin, who becomes her best friend and promises that he'll never leave her. She goes to design college across the country and although she struggles with her self-confidence at times she works through it and graduates.

Griffin is a young man who is attending college while doing small gigs with his band. That is until the band gets a recording contract with a local record company. He is dating a girl who although he is cares about her he can't deny to him self that he's in love with his best friend Jillian, but he doesn't want to advance their friendship to a relationship because he feels it could hold her back. He had an accident which left him with a brain injury.

The friendship between Griffin and Jillian was really lovely and when it became a relationship it just became even more endearing because it just became stronger and more connected than ever, and it strengthened their friendship even further.

I loved this book because from cover to cover the sensitive way that the author covered the subjects of self-harm, brain injury, love and respect made it a book that I couldn't put down. The characters and plot were really well developed and the characters were multi-faceted which meant that I was able to connect with them on several levels.

I wanted to read this book because I read one of this authors books earlier in the year and loved it, so I knew that I would likely enjoy this one to and I wasn't disappointed. Having read this book now I know with out a doubt that this author has become a favourite for me so will not only be an auto read author but also an auto buy one as well from now on. The author will also be one who I will happily and eagerly recommend to others as well as buy it as a gift for anyone I know who I believe will enjoy reading it.
...more

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Feb 19, 2016 PaulaReader rated it liked it

I received this book in exchange of an honest review.

We have this rock star boy named Griffin and his best friend Jillian, having been together As Friends for like thirteen years, she moving away to school definitely isn't going to be easy for either of them. But she goes away, and he feels lost, if it weren't for his music and his band he would be a lost case. The more Jillian is away, the more harder it gets, but let's throw some good things, some fights, some kisses and then we have a pretty ...more

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Aug 21, 2015 Keanna (JustKey) rated it really liked it

Shelves: arcs, arcs-from-publishers, e-books, netgalley-approved, strong-male-leads, college, 2015-new-releases, male-pov

E-Arc provided through Netgalley

I always love that breath of fresh of air that I get from reading from a guy's POV. This was no different.

Griffin: He's loved Jillian since they were twelve and promised that despite that whatever she went she through, he would always be there for her. Even with the loss of her parents and her sister guardianship over her. He's always been her protector But when t he summer before Jullian goes to college, she kisses him which makes the feelings he has for her str ...more

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Dec 27, 2015 Linda Rea rated it it was amazing

I just loved this story especially because it was from his point of view which is rare to read. It was great to see how Jillian and Griffin stayed best friends all this time. Jillian has lost her parents and when she is sent to her grandparents she meets Griffin who promises to protect her forever. Jillian's grandparents die and she has to live with her sister and husband and nephews but her sister resend sit and she takes ever opportunity to pick at her. Jillian get into design school which tak ...more

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Feb 01, 2016 yorkie lass rated it it was amazing

This is the first book I've read by this author so I wasn't sure what to expect . The story follows Griffin and Jillian otherwise known as "jillibean" two friends from way back . Griffin has been there for Jillian whenever she's needed him which has been a lot since she lost her parents in the 9/11 attacks . When they start to develop feelings for each other things seem to stand in the way of them actually being a couple , Jillian's off to start design school and Griffin's band is just getting t ...more

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Aug 04, 2015 Samantha Schwerin rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, dnf, 1-star

REALLY repetitive of the first book. Although, I forgot what the heck happened in the first, so it was kind of nice to get a run through of Jillian's story again. However-once I was up to speed, besides his band life on the side, everything was the same. I feel like the two books could have been combined and varied from POV to get the full effect instead of having two books. Sorry to say, I did not finish this. =/

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Aug 07, 2015 Glady Oestreich rated it it was amazing

I was super excited to hear that Griffin was getting his own story. I've read Across the Distance about ten times already. I couldn't get enough! So, I was really really happy to get my hands on Griffin's book! I really loved this book! Griffin is THE BEST! I really enjoyed being in Griffin's head and getting to know him better. Did I mention I love Griffin? Marie Meyer is officially my new favorite author!

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Aug 22, 2015 Emma bramley rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviewed

this book can be read as a standalone or with 'across the distance'. it is a sweet romance which you wont want to put down. I thought it might have been a repetitive story as its the same as the story 'across the distance' but from another characters point of view, but how wrong was I. so much happens in this book, I was totally hooked
highly recommended
https://obsessedbookreviews.wordpress...
https://www.facebook.com/obsessedbook... ...more

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Feb 12, 2016 Claire rated it liked it

I received this book in return for my honest review.

Having read the companion novel I was really interested to read from Griffins point of view.

I enjoyed the book, and it gave me a completely different take on the events from the previous book. I found I like Griffin more and could connect with his character better.

Occasionally I felt that details were missed in the plot but other than that I thought it was a great companion book.

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Sep 06, 2015 Keri rated it really liked it

This book was just as good as the first that I finished it in a few hours. It gave Griffins POV on all the major things that happened in the first book but also added more to the story so you didn't get bored reading the same story. I love reading these "feel good books"! I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

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Jan 31, 2016 Stacey rated it it was amazing

This book is really different to what I normally read .
I was very pleasantly surprised , the story grabbed me and sucked me in .
Griff and jillian or jillibean ax griff calls her are a great team .
The journey is amazing and what comes out of this is awesome
The book is well written and the reading pace is good .

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Feb 10, 2016 Rebecca Bonvillain East rated it really liked it

Shelves: my-books

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. It only took Griffin long enough to get his head out his butt and realize what he needed to do! Although letting Jillian go off to school was the right thing to do, he should not have hidden his feelings from her. I really did like this story and look forward to reading Jillian's POV!

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Aug 16, 2015 Saskia 'follow my shoes' Smith rated it did not like it

Started off good, then went downhill. It got vague, confusing and apparent it was being rushed. Its repetitive to the point where it drove me crazy. Most part its about the bands life on the side. BORING!!

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Aug 22, 2015 Ann Quinn rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

True love never fails

I loved this book the love Jillian and griff felt for each other .I was sad her sister did not play a bigger role in her life . I 'd love to read a follow up do they marry have children?

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Aug 04, 2015 Sandy Catanzarita rated it really liked it

It was great reading Griff's side of the story.

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Aug 31, 2019 Romancing the Book rated it it was amazing

Reviewed by Angela
Book provided by NetGalley

I had the absolute pleasure of reading and reviewing Across the Distance by Marie Meyer awhile ago and I could not wait for this book to come out. I love when authors give you the story from more than one point of view. Don't get me wrong I LOVED Across the Distance and would not change a thing but being able to now go and read the same book from Griff's point of view will just let me get that much more from the book.

In Can't Go Back we f ...more

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Dec 22, 2017 Vania Nunes rated it liked it

Recommended to Vania by: NetGalley

The same story by different POV, this is what happens with "Can't Go Back" and "Across The Distance".
Basically it's a couple of friends who, at first, believe that friendship alone is enough, but when they are separated and try to take their lives and planning forward, the emotional discoveries begin to surface.

The plot is interesting, and although I always like the POV of the male characters, I didn't feel connected to this story.
But maybe I didn't read it at a good time.
I think I'll re-read it ...more

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Aug 04, 2015 Andra Weis rated it liked it

http://openbooksociety.com/article/ca...

Can’t Go Back

By Marie Meyer

ISBN: 9781455590971)

Author’s Website: http://www.mariemeyerbooks.com

Can’t Go Back

Review brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Review:

Can’t Go Back is a powerful story told from Griffins point of view. Is this just a story of unrequited love? Or is it more? It was interesting and refreshing to read a romance from the male (Griffin’s) point of view. Of note, the author also wrote this story from the female (Jillian’s) point of view – ...more

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Feb 21, 2016 Yamina -Women Who Stare at Books rated it liked it

3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Can't go back is the first book I read from Marie Meyer. It's the story of Griffin and Jillian, "Jillibean", who are best friends and soulmates. Jillibean is about to start a Fashion Design course in Rhode Island and leave Griffin behind . She kissed him , hoping for more but he let her go.
Their story is beautifully written from Griffin's point of view. However, I found some passages too long where I wanted to tell Griffin to get o ...more

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Feb 28, 2016 Jamie rated it it was ok

Shelves: over-18-ya, romance, arcs

This book didn't make the cut for me.

The overall books reads like a biography or a diary. There was no major plot or storyline just Griffin and his everyday life for over 300 pages! From the band, to his parents, to Jillian, there were so many story lines that the author started but weren't necessary. The book had a lot of fillers. This would have been better off as a novella.

This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review,

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Feb 02, 2016 Crystal rated it really liked it

Can’t Back Down is a sweet romance which you won't want to put down. Griffin and Jillian are best friends. Griffin promised Jillian he would always be there when she needed him. Over time feelings start to grow for each other, but now Jillian's leaving to start design school and Griffin's band is making it big. It was a great to read Griffin's pov.

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About Marie Meyer

Marie Meyer

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Marie Meyer has been a teacher for sixteen years. She spends her days in the classroom and her nights writing heartfelt romances that will leave readers clamoring for more. She is a member RWA (PAN) and a 2017 RITA® Finalist. Marie's short fiction won honorable mentions from the St. Louis Writers Guild in 2010 and 2011. She is a proud mommy and enjoys helping her oldest daughter train for the Spec ...more