Growing up in small town Belcrest,
Maddy Jennings thought she was destined to be with her childhood love Trent
Basso. Their friendship blossomed into love as they weaved in and out of each
other’s lives, from school aged to young adulthood. During her complicated path
with Trent, another love interest seems to be her constant. The problem is the
other love interest is Trent’s older brother. Trent’s brother is bound to keep
a promise to him even if it means keeping his distance from Maddy, but it
doesn't stop him from being a friend she can count on.
When Maddy returns to her hometown
after two years for her brother’s wedding, she will have to face not only Trent
but his brother as well. As the two Basso brothers fight to win her heart, she
struggles to forgive her mom and accept her apology, in order to mend their
relationship?
She must decide to either forfeit
her happiness or tear a family apart.
GENRE – New Adult Romance
“No thanks
required, Madgirl. But I have to say, my brother must have his hands full with
you around.”
“Why?”
“You’re a
good-looking girl and obviously naïve to how attractive you are. I assume you
get yourself in bad situations often, since you see only the good in everyone.”
“Gabe, your
brother has been the only guy to even ask me out. I don’t know if it’s the fact
that I am Jack's little sister or 'Trent's girl'," I say, using air quotes
for emphasis, “but it gets really annoying sometimes.”
“I can see that.”
“So is Cooper
telling the truth?”
He raises an
eyebrow at me.
“That you are
like him, make out with girls and then toss them aside for someone else the
next night.”
“No. Yes. I don’t
know. College is different, Maddy. Everyone just wants to have fun, no strings
attached. You will see next year. Too bad I will be gone by then.” He looks
genuinely upset that we won't be able to attend the same school again.
“I don’t think
that whole casual hooking up thing is for me,” I confess.
“You’re probably
right. That’s why my brother always keeps you close.”
“What do you
mean?”
“Nothing, let’s
go in.”
I hadn’t realized
we were at the house already.
“Tell me, Gabe.
What are you talking about?” I grab his arm, stopping him from leaving the car.
“I just wonder if
he knows you are the one he wants to settle down with in the future, but he
wants to enjoy what’s out there before he will commit to you.”
“Or maybe we
aren’t supposed to be together and that’s why it never works out. I don’t
really think I’m his type.”
“Believe me, Mad,
you are every guy’s type.”
There is
something stirring in his eyes when he says that, but I can’t put my finger on
what it is.
“Thanks for that,
Gabe, and I am so sorry for tonight.”
“Don’t mention
it. I just wish I could have shown you a better time.” He reaches over to
remove my hand from his arm, but it lingers in his hand while chills spread
through my body. “You better get in there to your boy before he comes out to
get you,” he motions to the front window with his head.
Trent is peering
out of the window, looking directly at us. When he sees me turn my head in his
direction, he quickly moves away.
I lean over and
kiss Gabe on the cheek, and then run into the house before I do something I
will regret. Bryan and Kenna are wrapped in each other’s arms, lying on an air
mattress in the living room, and Trent is feigning sleep on the couch.
I go into the
bathroom and change into my pajamas. Afterward, I lie down on the empty couch,
trying to turn off thoughts of Cooper, Trent, and the things that Gabe said.
“Did you have
fun?” I hear Trent whisper.
“Yeah, it was
okay.” I prop myself up on my elbows to face him.
“I missed you,”
Trent says, staring at the ceiling.
“You should be
asleep; it’s a big game tomorrow,” I say, trying to detour the conversation.
“Will you lay
with me?”
“Trent, we aren't a couple. We really shouldn't.”
“Come on, Mad, we
are friends. I won’t touch you anywhere you don’t want me to. I just need you
next to me right now,” he confesses.
“Okay.” I get up,
hoping this will help him get the sleep that he needs.
“Come here,
girl.” A huge smile spreads across his face and he lifts the corner of the
blanket for me. I snuggle on the narrow couch next to him with my back to his
front, and he swings an arm around my waist, nuzzling his face in my neck.
After five
minutes of quiet silence, my eyelids start to close.
“I love you,
Madeline Jennings,” Trent whispers in my ear.
I ignore him,
pretending to be asleep. That is a line I am unable to cross. Trent wants me
when he can’t have me, but he doesn't want me when he can.
I am a sucker for books like Love Me Back. Growing up with the love of your life, experiencing all your first together...they get me every time. And this one did not disappoint.
What I loved about this book was the past and present storyline that was expertly told, hooking me from the very beginning.
Maddy is going back to her small hometown outside of Chicago, for her brother's wedding. She is not looking forward to spending a week in the town that she has been trying to avoid for the past 2 years. There are demons there and most of all, there are brother's there...Gabe and Trent Basco.
Trent is the love of her life. At least that is what she has always believed. They have been inseparable since they were kids. For the past 11 years Trent and Maddy have had an off and on relationship. The thing is that Trent's older brother has also been a fixture in her life too, as an older brother until college, where their relationship became complicated. Gabe watches over Maddy where his brother drops the ball. Maddy comes face to face with both brother and not ready for her to make a decision.
This love story is full of angst, sorrow, pain, joy, redemption and a HEA. I loved every minute of it. Can't wait to read more from Michelle Lynn. 4.5 Stars!
Michelle moved around the Midwest
most of her life, transferring from school to school before settling down in
the outskirts of Chicago ten years ago, where she now resides with her husband
and two kids. She developed a love of reading at a young age, which helped lay
the foundation for her passion to write. With the encouragement of her family,
she finally sat down and wrote one of the many stories that have been floating
around in her head. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can be found playing
with her kids, talking to her mom on the phone, or hanging out with her family
and friends. But after chasing around twin preschoolers all day, she always
cherishes her relaxation time after putting the kids to bed.
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Thank you for participating in the tour Becca! Loved your review :)
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