From Goodreads:
"Growing up in small-town Belcrest, Maddy Jennings always thought she was destined to be with her childhood sweetheart, Trent Basso. Throughout the complicated road she has traveled with Trent, someone else has had a strong presence in Maddy's life. Trent’s older brother Gabe has always been someone she could count on, therefore neither of them can be blamed when lines blur from friendship to something more. However, promises made between brothers threaten to ensure that neither of them will have a permanent place in her life.
When Maddy returns to her hometown for her brother’s wedding, she is forced to face both Trent and Gabe for the first time in two years. While the two Basso brothers fight to win her heart, she is busy struggling with a past that won't seem to let her go. Whether she wants to or not, Maddy must decide to either forfeit her own happiness or forever tear a family apart."
My Thoughts:
I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. Let me put this in perspective, I started it at 6pm, and just finished it now, at 12:30am. Seriously, un-put-downable.
Maddy has grown up with the Basso brothers, Trent and Gabe. Trent is her age, and Gabe a bit older. Growing up in a small town, a large group of siblings all stuck together, broken up into the "Bigs" and the "Littles" by age (ps.. I LOVED the big/little thing). Gabe, being a "Big", has always looked out for Maddy (as a "Little"), while Trent and Maddy fell into young "little" love.
"Come on Maddy. You and Trent are Belcrest's Romeo and Juliet."
Trent and Maddy have had an on again, off again, relationship since the first round, continuing well into college. Trent hasn't always been the model boyfriend, and quite honestly, I wanted to punch this kid in the face quite a few times. But, they have a very involved history, and have been through quite a lot together. However, Gabe, has always been there for Maddy, especially when Trent wasn't, and the line between their friendship has been a bit blurred at times.
" 'Why do you even care what I do?" I ask, still not moving from the bed.
'You are my brother's girl. If he can't be here, then I will take care of you.' "
Now at 25 years old, after having left her small town and moving to NYC, Maddy finds her way back to her hometown for her brothers wedding. Keeping with the small town ways, it of course means the Basso family will be there, Trent and Gabe included. She hasn't seen either of them in 2 years, since the last time her and Trent broke up.
"It is impossible for me to focus on Trent when all I can think about is how much I want to kiss his brother."
Maddy is torn between these two brothers, who are both desperately trying to win a way back into her life. Now she has to make a choice, as leaving it all up in the air has torn the Basso family apart. Does she follow her heart? Or does she save a relationship between two brothers she loves dearly.
"I know its a hard decision, but whatever you decide, they need to know it's final."
Usually when a love triangle is involved, I have some sort of issue with it, but this was one of the most well written love triangles I have ever read. Love Me Back was a total page turner. At one point, I actually stopped, emailed Michelle Lynn, with a message that went something along the lines of:
"What are you doing to me?! I must look like a crazy cartoon with my jaw on the floor and my eyes bugging out with crazy OMG sound effects going off!!!!"
There are twists, there are turns, there are times where you think you have it figured out.. but really, you don't have a clue. There are times where you want to shake Maddy while screaming "GIRL! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" and other times where you want to hug her for everything she has gone through. There are times where you want to kick Trents ass, and others where you actually feel sorry for him. And (sigh).. Gabe.. oh Gabe.. you're a new favorite. The side characters are no exception to the awesomeness of this book. Ian, is absolutely hysterical, and Kenna, is one amazing friend. Love Me Back is definitely the whole package!
I absolutely cannot wait to read more by Michelle Lynn!
Ps.. be sure to stop back by on September 4th.
I'll be posting during the Blog Blitz for her new book, Don't Let Go.
Check out the Don't Let Go cover reveal HERE.
Favorite Quote:
"For some people, they are lucky they meet their love first and never look back, but for others it takes a couple more loves before the right one comes along. Unfortunately, some never find theirs or they weren't selfish enough to take their love when they should have."
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Marisa, I love your review and happy you enjoyed the book!! I love the quote you pulled out!
ReplyDeleteThank you!! I definitely did :) I can't wait to read more from you!
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