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Love Me Like You Won't Let Go
You never get over your first love. It’s something I’ve heard countless times. Like someone has to point out that your pain will never go away. That your shattered heart will never mend.
Because that’s exactly what my heart did the day I watched Asher Evans board that train- it shattered, splintering into a million tiny fragments that I didn’t think I’d ever be able to piece back together. He was the boy I had loved since I understood what loving someone meant. The one who knew me inside and out. The one who swore he’d never let me go. It’s been six years since that day and even now the memory haunts me like it was yesterday.
I’ve done my best to move on, to rebuild, and for the most part I’ve done pretty well. But all of that comes crashing down when Asher strolls back into town like he never left.
I don’t want to want him. I certainly don’t want to need him. But that doesn’t stop me from doing it anyway.
Only things are different now. I’m different. I’m not the girl he left behind all those years ago. I may have been foolish enough to give him my heart once but I won’t make that mistake a second time.
Or at least that’s what I tell myself until I’m standing face to face with the one man who has the power to break me all over again.
Love Me Like You Won’t Let Go is a STANDALONE second chance romance.
Because that’s exactly what my heart did the day I watched Asher Evans board that train- it shattered, splintering into a million tiny fragments that I didn’t think I’d ever be able to piece back together. He was the boy I had loved since I understood what loving someone meant. The one who knew me inside and out. The one who swore he’d never let me go. It’s been six years since that day and even now the memory haunts me like it was yesterday.
I’ve done my best to move on, to rebuild, and for the most part I’ve done pretty well. But all of that comes crashing down when Asher strolls back into town like he never left.
I don’t want to want him. I certainly don’t want to need him. But that doesn’t stop me from doing it anyway.
Only things are different now. I’m different. I’m not the girl he left behind all those years ago. I may have been foolish enough to give him my heart once but I won’t make that mistake a second time.
Or at least that’s what I tell myself until I’m standing face to face with the one man who has the power to break me all over again.
Love Me Like You Won’t Let Go is a STANDALONE second chance romance.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2019
106 people are currently reading
853 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Toppen
55 books1,816 followersMelissa Toppen is a USA Today Bestselling Author who specializes in New Adult and Contemporary Romance. She is a lover of books and enjoys nothing more than losing herself in a good novel. She has a soft spot for romance and focuses her writing in that direction; writing what she loves to read.
For more information on Melissa and her books, visit www.melissatoppen.com
For more information on Melissa and her books, visit www.melissatoppen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
February 13, 2019
Second chance romances used to be my favorite trope until they all started to follow the same sad outline. Hero moves on to screw 5000 other women and has a decent life, while the poor left behind heroine stays broken and pining. Now this book has some of that (broken & pining), but I appreciated the fact that the author had the heroine move on with another man (Tyler), and she seemed genuinely happy. As for the hero, I have NO clue what he was up to since there is never a single mention of him being with OW while traveling the world for six years. I don't know if he slept with OW (I imagine he must have), but we the reader are never given that info. So in that regard, I was quite pleased with this book.
I also thought the writing was excellent. It was well paced. I found the plot to be enjoyable. There wasn't any OW drama. Obviously, there was OM drama. There wasn't any sex until very late, and it was super mild. There was a great cast of interesting secondary characters. There was Unfortunately, I didn't like either of the two main characters. They were two of the most selfish human beings I have ever had the displeasure to read about. (lol) But, I'll get into that more in a bit. Last, it was all wrapped up in an ending that I guess I was supposed to be happy about? However, all I felt was the happy ever after of these two characters came at the expense of a decent guy who was left heartbroken and humiliated. And honestly, that left me sad...
So onto the HUGE issue I had with this one. I loved Tyler. Genuinely adored him. He was a nice guy. A fantastic human being, that loved the heroine completely. I liked him way more than the hero who quite frankly was a selfish prick. Both when he left the heroine who he claimed to love SO much, yet he couldn't be bothered even to send her a single message to let her know he was alive for six years. And he was still a selfish prick when he came back expecting her to fall right back into his arms. He completely ignores the fact she had moved on with Tyler. He didn't seem to feel any remorse at all for pursuing her even though he knew she was getting married in six short weeks. I mean the mind boggled...
Poor Tyler deserved a way better woman than a fiancee that ran around behind his back to spend time with her first love. Maybe I should be happy he escaped being stuck with a wife who never got over her teenage love. (lol)
So yea, even though overall I enjoyed this book. I think the Tyler issue was handled poorly. Perhaps if he had been dealt with much earlier in the book and not dragged out until the bitter end. And by that I mean her f-cking I would have given this one a higher rating. The author made Tyler too likable. (lol) As it stands, I just can't go with anything higher than 3-Stars. C'est la vie.
April 5, 2019
3.5-4 ⭐'s
“You’re the most beautiful mess I’ve ever seen.”
~Sigh~ I went into this book looking for some angst and drama only for it to be short sighted and predictable at best.
Asher and Blakely grew up together, became best friends and then lovers. Everything was amazing until his father passed away when Asher was eighteen.
Asher decides he needs to get away, figuring it would only be a few months. Blakely doesn't like it but she tries to be understanding, that is, until Asher is gone for SIX years without a single phone call, text or letter. Devastation doesn't cover it.
However, life does go on and so did Blakely. After she pulled herself together, she finally met someone and moved forward with her life only to have Asher show back up.
Things are pretty much what I expected but I did enjoy it after all. I felt like Blakely handled herself well and tried to be a better person. I wasn't buying Asher's reasons for most of the book but then came the photo albums. That was an amazing scene, idea, whatever...sooo sweet and romantic and it totally saved the book for me. And the epilogue was pretty touching as well.
“You’re the most beautiful mess I’ve ever seen.”
~Sigh~ I went into this book looking for some angst and drama only for it to be short sighted and predictable at best.
Asher and Blakely grew up together, became best friends and then lovers. Everything was amazing until his father passed away when Asher was eighteen.
Asher decides he needs to get away, figuring it would only be a few months. Blakely doesn't like it but she tries to be understanding, that is, until Asher is gone for SIX years without a single phone call, text or letter. Devastation doesn't cover it.
However, life does go on and so did Blakely. After she pulled herself together, she finally met someone and moved forward with her life only to have Asher show back up.
Things are pretty much what I expected but I did enjoy it after all. I felt like Blakely handled herself well and tried to be a better person. I wasn't buying Asher's reasons for most of the book but then came the photo albums. That was an amazing scene, idea, whatever...sooo sweet and romantic and it totally saved the book for me. And the epilogue was pretty touching as well.
August 23, 2023
3.5 stars of precious, second-chance love!
Synopsis: Asher and Blakely have known each other their whole lives. They're each other's first best friend, kiss, partner, and lover. But then Asher's father passes away and his world crumbles. His only remedy is to leave town in hopes of restoring balance back into his life. But that leaves Blakely crushed, and now her world is wrecked. Six years later, Asher reappears. Blakely is engaged to be married, and Asher has a confession - he still loves her.
This story was darling. It was your archetypal second-chance love story with a love triangle twist. I think the predictability, being that this is a frequently utilized trope, swayed this story more onto the cute side, rather than serious.
From my perspective, it appeals to an audience in their early twenties. The characters are all college-age or just out of college. And the depth of the love story reminds me of my relationships in my early twenties. Also, some of the language is more on the junior side.
Overall, it was sweet. I read it in one sitting. It would make a great travel-read or day at the beach book!
Synopsis: Asher and Blakely have known each other their whole lives. They're each other's first best friend, kiss, partner, and lover. But then Asher's father passes away and his world crumbles. His only remedy is to leave town in hopes of restoring balance back into his life. But that leaves Blakely crushed, and now her world is wrecked. Six years later, Asher reappears. Blakely is engaged to be married, and Asher has a confession - he still loves her.
This story was darling. It was your archetypal second-chance love story with a love triangle twist. I think the predictability, being that this is a frequently utilized trope, swayed this story more onto the cute side, rather than serious.
From my perspective, it appeals to an audience in their early twenties. The characters are all college-age or just out of college. And the depth of the love story reminds me of my relationships in my early twenties. Also, some of the language is more on the junior side.
Overall, it was sweet. I read it in one sitting. It would make a great travel-read or day at the beach book!
February 27, 2019
This second chance didn't sit well with me. Mainly b/c Blakely was with another man when Asher returned. I just didn't like how she handled things. Not to say I wouldn't have done what she did, but 'cheating' (whether physical or mental) to me is a HUGE no for me in books. The whole time I was more in tune with Tyler than I was with Blakely. I even liked Asher a whole hell of a lot. Yes he left for 6 yrs without a single word to Blakely, which is horrible. Then of course comes back thinking everything will be as he left. I liked that he went after what he wanted and with complete honesty. I wouldn't be with my Mr. today if he backed off. So I liked that back Asher.
I know people LOVE high anxiety reads. I know people love this kind of trope, but again it's just not my jam.
~I volunteered to read an advance copy.
I know people LOVE high anxiety reads. I know people love this kind of trope, but again it's just not my jam.
~I volunteered to read an advance copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 22, 2019Crap 💩 again I clicked and didn’t realize it’s a second chance and good guy involved that gets the shitty end of the stick. Ugh I think I need to retire Romance. Lol
February 21, 2019
Love Me Like You Won’t Let Go is a beautiful story of true love withstanding the test of time and distance and coming to life again in a second chance. Melissa has added her signature touches to this young pair and succeeded in making me adore a man I questioned from the beginning.
The story of Blakely and Asher brought out many different feelings for me. I went back and forth in my decision about what Blakely should do. I didn’t love her as a character. She was not a strong heroine who struggled with decisions, but she had amazing friends who knew her better than she knew herself and they helped pull her along. I questioned whether Asher would ever redeem himself. I wondered if I even liked him. I think that was due to the way the story was written and we didn’t get to see a lot of their relationship bloom before they were not together anymore. It made it difficult for me to endear myself to Asher and really root for him to win Blakely back. I eventually liked Asher, even though I wasn’t totally on board and didn’t totally agree with him, I did understand his choices and the reasons behind them.
Melissa Toppen has never let me down and once again she succeeded to bring a tear or two to my eyes. I thought I had avoided them. I didn’t think the characters has woven their way into my heart enough to draw out a tear, but there came a point in the book when Asher’s true inner beauty and his journey of self-awareness and reflecting really hit home with me. I guess it hit me at the same time as Blakely gets her ‘oh my god’ moment as well. My tears were flowing and I loved Asher and felt his love for Blakely ten-fold. I wish I could tell you what he did that had me clutching my heart, but that would be the ultimate spoiler.
I really enjoyed this story and this couple, but my heart would have liked to see more of them together. I would have liked some substance that I could base my feelings for them on. I wanted Asher to win her back I wanted to see more of the winning going on instead of the internal dialogue and remembering that both he and Blakely did. I loved their flirtations. All the scenes where they interacted and had to fight their feelings; those were my favourites. I never once felt a cheating vibe, but obviously it would have been had they acted on it. I guess I felt the same way Asher did – Blakely was his, he just had to remind her.
The epilogue was beautiful and symbolic. It should not have happened any differently than it did. It tied up all the strings and brought the couple full-circle. After reading a whole book about Blakely and Asher trying to find their way back to each other, I would have liked to actually read a bit more with them together. As I reader, I invest my time in a book and I want to feel like I am a part of them. I did not like the time-lapses throughout the book. Sometimes it works to read the words “two years later” but generally I want to be a part of those two years; to feel the pain or happiness each of them encountered along the way. Had we been given some of those parts in this story, it may have helped me attach myself to the couple a bit more. I still give this book 4 stars because Asher turned out to be an amazing individual who loved Blakely more than anything else in the world and because of how he showed her. He finally wove his way into my heart.
The story of Blakely and Asher brought out many different feelings for me. I went back and forth in my decision about what Blakely should do. I didn’t love her as a character. She was not a strong heroine who struggled with decisions, but she had amazing friends who knew her better than she knew herself and they helped pull her along. I questioned whether Asher would ever redeem himself. I wondered if I even liked him. I think that was due to the way the story was written and we didn’t get to see a lot of their relationship bloom before they were not together anymore. It made it difficult for me to endear myself to Asher and really root for him to win Blakely back. I eventually liked Asher, even though I wasn’t totally on board and didn’t totally agree with him, I did understand his choices and the reasons behind them.
Melissa Toppen has never let me down and once again she succeeded to bring a tear or two to my eyes. I thought I had avoided them. I didn’t think the characters has woven their way into my heart enough to draw out a tear, but there came a point in the book when Asher’s true inner beauty and his journey of self-awareness and reflecting really hit home with me. I guess it hit me at the same time as Blakely gets her ‘oh my god’ moment as well. My tears were flowing and I loved Asher and felt his love for Blakely ten-fold. I wish I could tell you what he did that had me clutching my heart, but that would be the ultimate spoiler.
I really enjoyed this story and this couple, but my heart would have liked to see more of them together. I would have liked some substance that I could base my feelings for them on. I wanted Asher to win her back I wanted to see more of the winning going on instead of the internal dialogue and remembering that both he and Blakely did. I loved their flirtations. All the scenes where they interacted and had to fight their feelings; those were my favourites. I never once felt a cheating vibe, but obviously it would have been had they acted on it. I guess I felt the same way Asher did – Blakely was his, he just had to remind her.
The epilogue was beautiful and symbolic. It should not have happened any differently than it did. It tied up all the strings and brought the couple full-circle. After reading a whole book about Blakely and Asher trying to find their way back to each other, I would have liked to actually read a bit more with them together. As I reader, I invest my time in a book and I want to feel like I am a part of them. I did not like the time-lapses throughout the book. Sometimes it works to read the words “two years later” but generally I want to be a part of those two years; to feel the pain or happiness each of them encountered along the way. Had we been given some of those parts in this story, it may have helped me attach myself to the couple a bit more. I still give this book 4 stars because Asher turned out to be an amazing individual who loved Blakely more than anything else in the world and because of how he showed her. He finally wove his way into my heart.
February 6, 2019
Hmmm. I am not sure how to review this one. Overall I liked the story. What I did not like... Asher was gone for six years. Six years and no contact with Blakely. No contact with any of his friends. Nothing. I find it hard to believe that he spent his life traveling the world, thinking about her every day, and not wanting her to join him or keep in touch and really thinking that after six years had passed she would be there ready to have him back in her life. I also wanted to know if he had other relationships while he was gone, other girl friends, what did he do that entire time. Six years is a long time and people can change a lot in that time. I also did not like the way that Blakley hung on to Tyler and did things behind his back, not really cheating per say, but secretly with Asher... thinking that they could be friends and it would all be okay and not being true to her feelings right away or honest with Tyler right away. I wanted so much out of the book. It had so much potential to be so angsty and emotional, but it left me lacking at times. I did not feel enough invested in the characters - well, at least most of the time. Definitely not with Tyler - he was a take it or leave it kind of guy. Not enough development surrounding their relationship to make me care whether or not he stayed. Overall, was this a good book. Yes. Was it a great book? No. It could have been, but it fell flat for me unfortunately.
June 22, 2019
A huge bag of mixed feelings -- beginning with a triangle between Blakely, Asher and Tyler. I'm not a fan of cheaters and in my opinion there is definitely cheating in this book -- and just because there wasn't sex involved didn't make it any less so. Making excuses and keeping it secret doesn't make it any less hurtful or honest. I wasn't onboard. Blakely made me furious. Yeah, she was hurt -- got it. In spades even -- and I can totally understand to a certain extent. Her whining and blah, blah, blah railing with her friends didn't go over well with me either. For me, she pretty much wore me out and lost any sympathies I had for her. Although in the end I agreed with her decision. Tyler didn't wow me at any level -- he just made me want to "zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz" my way through all the pages where he appeared. And Asher, well I didn't agree with his choice -- but then again, he was young and suffering a big loss. I could find forgiveness in my heart where he was concerned.
None of the characters were stand-outs. Nothing about the book made it memorable. I finished it, I didn't hate it but I certainly didn't love it either. Most of the time I didn't even like it. But I was caught up in the will she, won't she, who'll be left standing at the end. So, yep the curiosity got to me. And that's all I got!
None of the characters were stand-outs. Nothing about the book made it memorable. I finished it, I didn't hate it but I certainly didn't love it either. Most of the time I didn't even like it. But I was caught up in the will she, won't she, who'll be left standing at the end. So, yep the curiosity got to me. And that's all I got!
February 28, 2019
3 probably me *
I wasn’t routing for who you were supposed to in this one. It could have been a bit different rather than the usual if it had played out differently. This is what I love about reading everyone gets a different experience reading the same book. I like this author and will read more but this one left me wishing it had ended completely differently.
I wasn’t routing for who you were supposed to in this one. It could have been a bit different rather than the usual if it had played out differently. This is what I love about reading everyone gets a different experience reading the same book. I like this author and will read more but this one left me wishing it had ended completely differently.
February 21, 2019
Blakely is left heartbroken when Asher leaves, and now six years later he is back in town. This is a well written second chance romance, which is an emotional roller coaster throughout. I was hooked throughout this heart-warming story, and look forward to reading more from this talented author, whose work I highly recommend for all.
February 25, 2019
Love Me Like You Won’t Let Go is a stand-alone second chance romance. It is the story of Blakely and Asher. Blakely is left with a broken heart when Asher leaves and she hears nothing from him at all for six years! I was at first hesitant, thinking how in the world is Ms. Toppen going to pull this one off? I mean, for me, six years seems like a long time to go and hear nothing from him. After reading the story all I will say is that I’m left satisfied and happy!
January 27, 2019
I Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book!!!
I absolutely love Melissa Toppens and her writing. While this was not a favorite read of mine it was still heartwarming and loveable. I just don't think any book can top "The Road to You". Maybe I am bias but that novel had me shedding tears left and right and reading until my eyes couldn't stay open.
This book was a second chance love story that proves that even with time, the heart wants and needs what the heart wants. Asher took a chance and left behind the only girl to explore a journey without her. He spend several years away which one boy proved one thing. He was still in love with her. He couldn't live without her. Going back to find her could prove his mistake to be not fixable or it could prove that his bond with Blakeley is too far embedded in their chemistry. However, what he finds is neither. It might have pieces of both outcomes, but one that he never imagined will have him fighting to get the girl he loves, lost and will need to "find" and admit his mistakes.
This book a roller coaster of emotions. Poor Blakeley is devistated and heartbroken. But will her pieces be able to be put back together? And by whom?
4.5 Stars
I absolutely love Melissa Toppens and her writing. While this was not a favorite read of mine it was still heartwarming and loveable. I just don't think any book can top "The Road to You". Maybe I am bias but that novel had me shedding tears left and right and reading until my eyes couldn't stay open.
This book was a second chance love story that proves that even with time, the heart wants and needs what the heart wants. Asher took a chance and left behind the only girl to explore a journey without her. He spend several years away which one boy proved one thing. He was still in love with her. He couldn't live without her. Going back to find her could prove his mistake to be not fixable or it could prove that his bond with Blakeley is too far embedded in their chemistry. However, what he finds is neither. It might have pieces of both outcomes, but one that he never imagined will have him fighting to get the girl he loves, lost and will need to "find" and admit his mistakes.
This book a roller coaster of emotions. Poor Blakeley is devistated and heartbroken. But will her pieces be able to be put back together? And by whom?
4.5 Stars
February 23, 2019
When her first love, the man who broke her heart into a thousand pieces, comes back home after 6 years, will Blakely give him a second chance like he's come back for? Or has she moved on?
Sigh...I am of two minds about this story. On one hand, the writing itself is good (nice pacing, well-detailed, etc.), on the other hand, I absolutely could not stand either Blakely or Asher. She because she basically cheated on her fiancé, who was really the only likable character in the entire story, and !!! He because he was a selfish douchenozzle who left for 6 years and never, not once, contacted her, then strolled back into town and expected her to be just dying to get back together with him. Um no, just freakin NO! So, good writing but awful lead characters means 3 stars is all I can honestly give this one.
ARC via Enticing Journey Book Promotions for an honest review.
Full review posted here ---> Live Through Books Blog.
February 26, 2019
Second chance romances are one of my favorite types of stories.💜 This book is a great example of that. This story grabbed my attention right from the start.😊 I really enjoyed learning about Asher & Blakely. I loved the fact that they were childhood friends first. I also enjoyed learning about their long history. My heart broke for Asher & all that he went through. It also broke for Blakely, who was left to navigate in a world without him. She had to make sense of his departure & placed her hopes in his return. I really loved all the support she had/received during this time. Her parents, two best friends and Tyler. That support system is equally as important when Asher returns. I loved how confident Asher was about his feelings for Blakely & how important she is in his life.💜 I also loved how he respected her new life & tried his best to carefully make a way into that life. Blakely tried her best too, to make sense of his return & all of her unanswered questions she still had. I loved seeing them both navigate their way back to each other.😊 Their chemistry was off the charts & difficult to ignore. I loved how Melissa combined the right amount of flashbacks of important moments between these two.💕 I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of second chance romances. I would also say it is A Must Read for any fans of Melissa's writing.
February 22, 2019
I’ve read emotional love stories but omg this one is now in the top 5. It was sad, it was happy with a little bit of anger, heartbreaks all wrapped in one. My heart was about to explode reading about Asher and Blakely. I didn’t know what to think at times and oh my heart.
Asher and Blakely childhood sweethearts until poor Asher loss his dad and set out to fulfill his dad dream of exploring the world. Of course this meant leaving heartbroken Blakely behind. Fast forward 6 years and he returns thinking that they can pick up from where they left off. How wrong was he. It wasn’t easy and Blakely was not about sweeping 6 years under the rugs like nothing had happened. It was so much and I didn’t know what to expect and who corner to be in. One thing I did realize was how much Asher loved Blakely and how he never stopped thinking about her in all those 6 years. Blakely was confused and didn’t know what to do. She was torn for lots of reasons.
Asher was about to accept defeat but fought for her and she eventually came around. These two had such a beautiful relationship and went thru so much that this couldn’t be read with dry eyes especially towards the end. Really beautiful.
Asher and Blakely childhood sweethearts until poor Asher loss his dad and set out to fulfill his dad dream of exploring the world. Of course this meant leaving heartbroken Blakely behind. Fast forward 6 years and he returns thinking that they can pick up from where they left off. How wrong was he. It wasn’t easy and Blakely was not about sweeping 6 years under the rugs like nothing had happened. It was so much and I didn’t know what to expect and who corner to be in. One thing I did realize was how much Asher loved Blakely and how he never stopped thinking about her in all those 6 years. Blakely was confused and didn’t know what to do. She was torn for lots of reasons.
Asher was about to accept defeat but fought for her and she eventually came around. These two had such a beautiful relationship and went thru so much that this couldn’t be read with dry eyes especially towards the end. Really beautiful.
February 23, 2019
Childhood sweethearts and he goes away. This story is great love story about a tried and true love that people dream of and life happens and then will they be able to get their story back. Asher is a perfectly written character describing the loss he feels internally after losing both his mother and father and his struggles to find himself again. Blakely is his love who is left behind while he is trying to find his place again. The emotions in this book were perfectly written and very accurate with the ups and downs and confusion of life.
I enjoyed reading about these characters, their family and their friends. This book felt like a mostly accurate way of life and I loved how easy it was to relate to. I would love to know about the supporting friends Mary and Allison.
I enjoyed reading about these characters, their family and their friends. This book felt like a mostly accurate way of life and I loved how easy it was to relate to. I would love to know about the supporting friends Mary and Allison.
February 21, 2019
Second-chance romance is one of my favorite tropes. But not when it comes at the expense of an innocent party, like this triangle with Asher/Blakely/Tyler. I genuinely liked Tyler — maybe even more than Asher. And that was kinda problematic because I was rooting for the OM, not the hero of the story.
Blakely just came off as being really selfish in my opinion, spending all this time, literally weeks before her wedding , with her teenage love after he went AWOL for SIX YEARS with zero contact! There were way too many unknowns for me about what the hell Asher had been up to while traveling the world, and how poor Tyler was treated during all of this just really made me not like Blakely.
Unfortunately for me, this book was a miss. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Blakely just came off as being really selfish in my opinion, spending all this time, literally weeks before her wedding , with her teenage love after he went AWOL for SIX YEARS with zero contact! There were way too many unknowns for me about what the hell Asher had been up to while traveling the world, and how poor Tyler was treated during all of this just really made me not like Blakely.
Unfortunately for me, this book was a miss. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
February 22, 2019
Asher and Blakely's story completely consumed me. This second chance romance is the first book in a long time that made me want to jump to the end to see if they find their way back to each other. This was a well crafted love triangle and you could feel the pain and heartbreak that the characters were living through. Ms. Toppen has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I know that I will always love the story and the characters and that it will make me feel. It has been really hard to find a book that can make me do that lately. Great read!
January 29, 2019
It's difficult to read a book where you just know there might be so much angsty but for some reason this story was so well writing that I just fell in love with this characters with their difficult journey they had to take and what they all went through. It was just at the same time heartbreaking and sweet as well. Asher and Blakely they had to go through so much so they can have that love the kind of love that you never take for granted and you never let go.
January 29, 2019
this was kind of a heart breaking story! they were together than he had to leave for a little while. she waited for years for him. she moved on with her life. than he decides to come back. will it be to late? read to find out.
February 14, 2019
This has to be the best Melissa Toppen book to date even though I haven’t read them all yet. I laughed. I cried. I couldn’t put it down until the very last page. This book was fantastic. It’s absolutely brilliant and I can’t wait for Melissa’s next book!
February 23, 2019
Second chance romance are my thing....so when I saw this was available I jumped on it.
I have to admit, I was a little disappointed with the story/characters. They just seemed a tad immature for me. I may have not liked the story, but the writing was good and worthy of the 3 stars.
Reviewed by: Dana D.
I have to admit, I was a little disappointed with the story/characters. They just seemed a tad immature for me. I may have not liked the story, but the writing was good and worthy of the 3 stars.
Reviewed by: Dana D.
February 27, 2019
Super emotional!
Whenever I read one of Melissa’s books I bring tissues. This one was no different. The story was beautifully heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. Blakey and Asher will give you all the feels. Definite must read.
Whenever I read one of Melissa’s books I bring tissues. This one was no different. The story was beautifully heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. Blakey and Asher will give you all the feels. Definite must read.
February 22, 2019
I loved this book!! The characters were flawed and heartfelt. Blakely and Asher really kept me glued to the pages!! Asher makes a great member of my harem!!
February 26, 2019
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Just same storyline boy leaves girl and sleeps with different woman every night. Then realizes he made a mistake and tries to win her back.
Just same storyline boy leaves girl and sleeps with different woman every night. Then realizes he made a mistake and tries to win her back.
January 27, 2019
I volunteered to read this story for an honest review and loved it. I connected with the characters immediately and it's one of those books you can't put down.
March 25, 2019
** Review contains spoilers **
I wanted to like this book so much more than I did, but from the beginning I just couldn't get behind Blakely and Asher. Asher left for six years with no contact. Not one letter, one phone call, one text; absolute radio silence for six years. That's a lifetime, especially in your late teens/ early twenties. You go through so many changes during that time as you try to figure out what it means to be an adult. I know I wasn't the same person at 18 that I ended up being at 24. It frustrated me that Asher came back and expected everything to just be the same, or that he declaration that he still loved Blakely should be enough for her to pick up where they left off. I'm sorry, but I think we should set the bar a bit higher for our romantic leads/ book boyfriends.
And I was just as frustrated with Blakely (and to a lesser extent her two best friends). Blakely kepts saying how devastated she was when Asher left and how much it broke her, but it didn't take much for her to fall right back into it with him. I understand that he was her first love and they share so much history, but it seems too easy for her forget the six years of history she had WITHOUT him. Too often in these stories the main female lead chooses not to learn from the heartbreak and devastation they go through at the hands of their love interest. It annoys me because if a man who claimed to love me treated me that way I wouldn't soon forget it. I would want more for myself than someone who though I was so easily left behind. And if something like this happened to one of my best friends I would feel it was my duty to remind her that she deserves someone who is there for her, who realizes how special she is, and knows they could not live without her for any extended length of time.
I feel like these kinds of stories, with the focus on second chances with your first love, can work if the author makes the reader feel the connection between the two characters is so deep and unbreakable that nothing else makes sense but for them to end up together. I just didn't feel that with Blakely and Asher.
I wanted to like this book so much more than I did, but from the beginning I just couldn't get behind Blakely and Asher. Asher left for six years with no contact. Not one letter, one phone call, one text; absolute radio silence for six years. That's a lifetime, especially in your late teens/ early twenties. You go through so many changes during that time as you try to figure out what it means to be an adult. I know I wasn't the same person at 18 that I ended up being at 24. It frustrated me that Asher came back and expected everything to just be the same, or that he declaration that he still loved Blakely should be enough for her to pick up where they left off. I'm sorry, but I think we should set the bar a bit higher for our romantic leads/ book boyfriends.
And I was just as frustrated with Blakely (and to a lesser extent her two best friends). Blakely kepts saying how devastated she was when Asher left and how much it broke her, but it didn't take much for her to fall right back into it with him. I understand that he was her first love and they share so much history, but it seems too easy for her forget the six years of history she had WITHOUT him. Too often in these stories the main female lead chooses not to learn from the heartbreak and devastation they go through at the hands of their love interest. It annoys me because if a man who claimed to love me treated me that way I wouldn't soon forget it. I would want more for myself than someone who though I was so easily left behind. And if something like this happened to one of my best friends I would feel it was my duty to remind her that she deserves someone who is there for her, who realizes how special she is, and knows they could not live without her for any extended length of time.
I feel like these kinds of stories, with the focus on second chances with your first love, can work if the author makes the reader feel the connection between the two characters is so deep and unbreakable that nothing else makes sense but for them to end up together. I just didn't feel that with Blakely and Asher.
April 6, 2019
Asher left for 6 years and Blakely moved on with her life. She was set to marry another man when Asher walked back into her life. You can imagine how much angst she feels between her first love and her current love.
I loved the plot and the overall feel of the book. What I didn’t care was being “told” things rather than shown...if that makes any sort of sense. I wanted to feel emotionally attached and I couldn’t seem to attach myself completely.
I struggle with how much I loved the story line and how much I wish I felt their connection more. I wish we had gotten some more background on their history instead of being told about it...I couldn’t feel the chemistry and connection they had.
With that being said though, I did enjoy the book. It was definitely a second chance romance filled with angst and turmoil. Just the way I like them!
I loved the plot and the overall feel of the book. What I didn’t care was being “told” things rather than shown...if that makes any sort of sense. I wanted to feel emotionally attached and I couldn’t seem to attach myself completely.
I struggle with how much I loved the story line and how much I wish I felt their connection more. I wish we had gotten some more background on their history instead of being told about it...I couldn’t feel the chemistry and connection they had.
With that being said though, I did enjoy the book. It was definitely a second chance romance filled with angst and turmoil. Just the way I like them!
February 12, 2019
Love Me Like You Won’t Let Go by Melissa Toppen is emotionally charged, and poignantly written. As a second chance novel, this book was so much more than I expected, and kept me guessing. I found myself going back and forth throughout, hoping for different outcomes, and enjoying the result. Melissa Toppen delivers a must read. and an angst filled ride in Love Me Like You Won’t Let Go.
Asher seeks to find himself by living a nomadic life and traveling the world after losing his dad. Six years after leaving everything and everyone behind, Asher returns home to an icy reception. He left to escape his crushing grief, and in doing so lost what he valued most – Blakely. Asher may have put his life on hold, but life kept on moving without him. After mourning the loss of her best friend and first love, Blakely finally has found happiness and moved on…or so she thought. When Asher storms back into her life expecting to pick up where they left off, Blakely finds all of her old wounds ripped wide open. He says they can just be friends, but Asher plans to be anything but, aiming to claim Blakely’s heart for his own. Will Blakely forget the boy from the past and the man he’s become, or will she trust Asher with the heart he’s already broken?
The main characters have great chemistry and a strong connection, which is evident throughout this slow burn. I enjoyed all of the characters, however I did have a hard time with Blakely halfway through the book. I initially understood her fickle tendencies due to fear, but she eventually grew a bit frustrating. Like come on already. This was not at all a negative reflection on the author’s writing, simply a reader preference. I thoroughly enjoyed Asher as a main character, however misguided he was in his decisions based on grief. In spite of his departure, he was loyal, enamored, and equipped with the patience of a saint. If you’re looking for an emotional second chance novel with a slow burn, look no further than Melissa Toppen’s Love Me Like You Won’t Let Go. Enjoy xo
Asher seeks to find himself by living a nomadic life and traveling the world after losing his dad. Six years after leaving everything and everyone behind, Asher returns home to an icy reception. He left to escape his crushing grief, and in doing so lost what he valued most – Blakely. Asher may have put his life on hold, but life kept on moving without him. After mourning the loss of her best friend and first love, Blakely finally has found happiness and moved on…or so she thought. When Asher storms back into her life expecting to pick up where they left off, Blakely finds all of her old wounds ripped wide open. He says they can just be friends, but Asher plans to be anything but, aiming to claim Blakely’s heart for his own. Will Blakely forget the boy from the past and the man he’s become, or will she trust Asher with the heart he’s already broken?
The main characters have great chemistry and a strong connection, which is evident throughout this slow burn. I enjoyed all of the characters, however I did have a hard time with Blakely halfway through the book. I initially understood her fickle tendencies due to fear, but she eventually grew a bit frustrating. Like come on already. This was not at all a negative reflection on the author’s writing, simply a reader preference. I thoroughly enjoyed Asher as a main character, however misguided he was in his decisions based on grief. In spite of his departure, he was loyal, enamored, and equipped with the patience of a saint. If you’re looking for an emotional second chance novel with a slow burn, look no further than Melissa Toppen’s Love Me Like You Won’t Let Go. Enjoy xo
February 22, 2019
I feel like it has been way too long since I read a Melissa Toppen book and really, it has, I don’t think I have read her since Crazy Stupid Love (which I loved BTW). I also need to mention that I love her super unique covers! The writing is just what I loved and e Percy from Melissa Toppen. She never fails to add so much emotion to her stories. Love Me Like You Won’t Let Go (LMLYWLG) is definitely packed in with the feelings... they characters will pull at your heart and have you rooting for them.
Asher and Blakey have a past and it’s a tough one. I struggled with Asher. I went back and forth in liking him and wanting to catch him on fire. Blakey is also an interesting character. She’s not exactly strong-willed and I felt like the people in her life almost told her how to live. However, as time goes by they both start to grow and evolve. I never really loved Asher but in the end I really felt that him and Blakey made a great couple. I do wish we had more of them as couple. There was so much of them separate or thinking about the other... I just would have loved a bit more of them. Toppen created a unique storyline out of something that has been so overdone. I liked it and really felt she gave this duo their deserved happily ever after.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
Check out my Blog: Next Book Review
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Asher and Blakey have a past and it’s a tough one. I struggled with Asher. I went back and forth in liking him and wanting to catch him on fire. Blakey is also an interesting character. She’s not exactly strong-willed and I felt like the people in her life almost told her how to live. However, as time goes by they both start to grow and evolve. I never really loved Asher but in the end I really felt that him and Blakey made a great couple. I do wish we had more of them as couple. There was so much of them separate or thinking about the other... I just would have loved a bit more of them. Toppen created a unique storyline out of something that has been so overdone. I liked it and really felt she gave this duo their deserved happily ever after.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
Check out my Blog: Next Book Review
Check out my Facebook Page: Next Book Review Facebook
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