Review: Back To You by Priscilla Glenn

Title: Back To You
Author: Priscilla Glenn
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Self Published (Oct. 20, 2012)
Source: Copy Provided by the Author (in exchange for an honest review, this did not influence my review in any way, shape or form)
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 5 Stars!

Goodreads Description:
 When Lauren Monroe first laid eyes on Michael Delaney back in high school, she had every reason to stay away from him; within minutes of their first encounter, his volatile actions confirmed his notorious reputation. But Lauren saw something in him that caused her to question his bad-boy persona, and against her better judgment, she took a chance. She had no way of knowing that the unlikely friendship they formed would become so important to her.

Or that it would end so painfully.

Eight years later, when Lauren begins her new job at Learn and Grow Day Care, Michael is the last person she expects to see. Refusing to revisit the hurt and confusion of their past, Lauren vows to keep her distance from him. But staying away from Michael proves to be more difficult than she thought, despite her lingering grief and her instincts for self-preservation.

As Lauren and Michael recall the friendship that changed them forever and the events that tore them apart, will they finally be able to heal? Or will the ghosts of Michael’s past prove to be too much to overcome?

My Review:  

  After reading this book I am so impressed with Ms. Glenn's talent. I am blown away that this is her debut novel.

I enjoyed this read so much I would even go as far as saying it was one of my favorite contemporary reads this year.

I loved that Glenn managed to combine this novel with not only present day happenings but also seamlessly gave us flash backs to their shared past 8 years earlier from where the story starts off.

I loved watching Lauren and Michael’s story unfold. Their friendship, their love, the ups and downs they each experienced alone and together along the way, it just worked beautifully in this story. I couldn't help but fall in love with them both.

I grew so attached to them both that I had a hard time putting the book down. I wanted to learn all I could about them. I became so engrossed in their story that I felt like I had become invested in their lives and like I was somehow a part of it.

Michael wasn't just the typical bad boy with a heart of gold, there was so much more to him. His past was a hard one and he had a lot of guilt that wasn't his to bear. He was pretty damaged and Lauren was just what he needed in so many ways.

And just like Michael wasn't the typical bad boy, Lauren wasn't the typical good girl either. I loved her character and how strong and good she was not only to Michael, but to everyone around her. 

I have to say, someone I didn't expect to win my heart over was Erin. I just adored her. She reminds me so much of my own daughter that I couldn't help but feel an instant love for her. Seeing her and Michael together was so heartwarming. If I hadn't already fallen in love with Michael earlier in the story, those precious moments between him and his daughter would have done me in.

This is so much more than a love story. It is a heartbreaking tale about two people who came together and strengthened one another. Made each other better in so many ways and formed a bond that would last a lifetime.

This one deserves no less than the 5 Stars I am giving it. This book spoke to me on so many levels and brought out all those wonderful emotions only a good storyteller can do.

Very well done Ms. Glenn, I can't wait to read more from you in the future.