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bookwormbetty's review
5.0
I am not going to rehash what this story is about, you can read a synopsis. This story gave me the best kind book hangover. The triangle was so real, the only thing I wish was that there was more Gabe back story.
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review
4.0
3.5 Stars
This was one of those books that took so many twists and turns with the characters that you had to wonder if who you thought was going to end up together at the end was really going to happen.
For as long as Maddy Jennings was with Trent Basso. They were best friend but they found themselves in the vicious cycle of being on again, off again boyfriend and girlfriend. That was fine in high school, but as they moved into their adult lives, with Trent becoming a soccer phenom and Maddy going into interior design, they found themselves growing apart and ultimately not speaking to each other. In the year since they'd broken up, Maddy had avoided their hometown because she didn't want to be reminded of Trent and what they'd lost. But her brother's wedding calls her home and forces Maddy to evaluate not only her relationship with Trent, but his older brother Gabe and the entire Basso family.
There were times when I was reading this that I wanted to equally smack Trent and Maddy. Trent because he was a selfish ass that figured he could win Maddy back just because he'd done it before. Maddy for not being strong enough, at time, to tell Trent to go to hell and move on. Trent managed to charm his way into getting Maddy to do what he wanted and when that didn't work, he would punish her by purposefully flirting with other women in front of her. But then Maddie would let him, even when she knew what he was doing. It was infuriating.
Then there was Gabe. He'd been in love with Maddie since college, but because she was "Trent's girl" he always tried to do the right thing and stay away from, despite the fact that he and Maddie had grown close in college. You could understand why he would try to keep his distance, despite how he felt. But as the past between Gabe and Maddy unfolds you start feeling so back for the poor man. His feelings are obvious, but he continues to put the feelings of his little brother above his own...even when he knows his brother doesn't want to have the type of relationship he does with Maddie. It's heartbreaking and makes you just want to toss your reading device across the room.
Despite my irritation with the characters, this was a very well written story. It was told from multiple points of view and different time periods to give readers a full understanding of just how intertwined the lives of Maddy, Trent and Gabe were. It was a story that I could not put down and at times questioned if the two I wanted to have the happily ever after was going to happen. Michelle Lynn is an author I look forward to reading more from in the future.
This was one of those books that took so many twists and turns with the characters that you had to wonder if who you thought was going to end up together at the end was really going to happen.
For as long as Maddy Jennings was with Trent Basso. They were best friend but they found themselves in the vicious cycle of being on again, off again boyfriend and girlfriend. That was fine in high school, but as they moved into their adult lives, with Trent becoming a soccer phenom and Maddy going into interior design, they found themselves growing apart and ultimately not speaking to each other. In the year since they'd broken up, Maddy had avoided their hometown because she didn't want to be reminded of Trent and what they'd lost. But her brother's wedding calls her home and forces Maddy to evaluate not only her relationship with Trent, but his older brother Gabe and the entire Basso family.
There were times when I was reading this that I wanted to equally smack Trent and Maddy. Trent because he was a selfish ass that figured he could win Maddy back just because he'd done it before. Maddy for not being strong enough, at time, to tell Trent to go to hell and move on. Trent managed to charm his way into getting Maddy to do what he wanted and when that didn't work, he would punish her by purposefully flirting with other women in front of her. But then Maddie would let him, even when she knew what he was doing. It was infuriating.
Then there was Gabe. He'd been in love with Maddie since college, but because she was "Trent's girl" he always tried to do the right thing and stay away from, despite the fact that he and Maddie had grown close in college. You could understand why he would try to keep his distance, despite how he felt. But as the past between Gabe and Maddy unfolds you start feeling so back for the poor man. His feelings are obvious, but he continues to put the feelings of his little brother above his own...even when he knows his brother doesn't want to have the type of relationship he does with Maddie. It's heartbreaking and makes you just want to toss your reading device across the room.
Despite my irritation with the characters, this was a very well written story. It was told from multiple points of view and different time periods to give readers a full understanding of just how intertwined the lives of Maddy, Trent and Gabe were. It was a story that I could not put down and at times questioned if the two I wanted to have the happily ever after was going to happen. Michelle Lynn is an author I look forward to reading more from in the future.
bookwormbetty's review against another edition
5.0
I am not going to rehash what this story is about, you can read a synopsis. This story gave me the best kind book hangover. The triangle was so real, the only thing I wish was that there was more Gabe back story.
rlp78's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. I'm not usually a huge fan of triangle books, but I really thought this one was done well. I loved the slow reveal of the entire back story. It kept me up later than I wanted just dying to know what happened next. And the best part, NO CLIFFHANGER!!!!
This was very well written and I really look forward to more from Michelle Lynn. Perhaps a book for
This was very well written and I really look forward to more from Michelle Lynn. Perhaps a book for
Spoiler
Trent?! I don't think he's a bad person. It would be great to see his HEA and see more from Maddie and Gabekspear22's review against another edition
4.0
Love Me Back was even better than I was expecting or hoping it would be! The premise sounded good, but I've been tricked before. I'm happy to report that this time, I was pleasantly surprised.
This is the story of Maddy, a girl with an unconventional family and her trek into true love. She is an extremely relatable and likable character. It was a nice change of pace to not find the girl in a book annoying. I enjoyed rooting for her this time around. The story starts when she's 11 and we get to see her interactions with Trent Basso, aka her soul mate. They're adorable together and you really think he's amazing and they'll end up together. But you realize SOMETHING is wrong from their present relationship status. Fast forward 14 years and she's heading home for her brother's wedding. Maddy is reluctant because her relationship with Trent (and his mother) is strained. Enter his older brother, Gabe, and SWOON!! He is hot, sweet, and you just know he has feelings for "Madgirl". Yes, he nicknamed her!!! I can't lie, both brothers have their strengths and things that make them great. I thought I'd be torn between the two and I was for awhile. I mean, Gabe is hot and caring and seemingly genuine, but how does that compare to first love?
But there's more to the story of what went wrong between Maddy and Trent. You can sense he screwed up, but it's not clear how. As the story jumps past to present, secrets are revealed and you'll definitely be able to choose between the guys. Or at least I was able to. Somewhat reluctantly, but one edges out the other.
Love Me Back is a sweet story and a glimpse into small town life. We get to see a beautiful girl who has choice of the town's most wanted men - the Basso brothers. We get to watch her mend her non-existent relationship with her mother. It is fun, fast paced, and easy to get hooked on once you begin. Even the supporting characters are well-developed enough that you'll appreciate the story even more. You'll laugh, get frustrated, and probably angry. You'll be a cheerleader for one guy and maybe want to punch the other.
A great journey into letting go of the past and finding true love.
This is the story of Maddy, a girl with an unconventional family and her trek into true love. She is an extremely relatable and likable character. It was a nice change of pace to not find the girl in a book annoying. I enjoyed rooting for her this time around. The story starts when she's 11 and we get to see her interactions with Trent Basso, aka her soul mate. They're adorable together and you really think he's amazing and they'll end up together. But you realize SOMETHING is wrong from their present relationship status. Fast forward 14 years and she's heading home for her brother's wedding. Maddy is reluctant because her relationship with Trent (and his mother) is strained. Enter his older brother, Gabe, and SWOON!! He is hot, sweet, and you just know he has feelings for "Madgirl". Yes, he nicknamed her!!! I can't lie, both brothers have their strengths and things that make them great. I thought I'd be torn between the two and I was for awhile. I mean, Gabe is hot and caring and seemingly genuine, but how does that compare to first love?
But there's more to the story of what went wrong between Maddy and Trent. You can sense he screwed up, but it's not clear how. As the story jumps past to present, secrets are revealed and you'll definitely be able to choose between the guys. Or at least I was able to. Somewhat reluctantly, but one edges out the other.
Love Me Back is a sweet story and a glimpse into small town life. We get to see a beautiful girl who has choice of the town's most wanted men - the Basso brothers. We get to watch her mend her non-existent relationship with her mother. It is fun, fast paced, and easy to get hooked on once you begin. Even the supporting characters are well-developed enough that you'll appreciate the story even more. You'll laugh, get frustrated, and probably angry. You'll be a cheerleader for one guy and maybe want to punch the other.
A great journey into letting go of the past and finding true love.
whatismimreading's review against another edition
3.0
A massive emotional roller coaster that had me drained. And I wasn't even the one living it. Worth a read though.
mimko85's review against another edition
3.0
A massive emotional roller coaster that had me drained. And I wasn't even the one living it. Worth a read though.
readingaway84's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great stand-alone romance! I read it in one evening, because I couldn't put it down.
When I read the blurb, I was doubtful that I would enjoy it as much as I did...I mean a girl who falls in love with 2 brothers? How fickle can the main character get? But it is not like that at all!
The main character Maddy Jennings, grows up in a small town. She is best friends with Trent Basso, who happens to be her childhood/high school sweetheart. Maddy is friends with his whole family, including his older brother Gabe.
After high school, Trent decides to break up with Maddy, when they go there separate ways to college. Gabe checks in on Maddy and they form a stronger friendship with a flicker of romance. Gabe won't date Maddy though, because she has always been deemed as "Trent's girl", even though he thinks his brother is treating her badly.
I fell in and out love with the characters in this book, just like the main character did. Beautifully written! Loved it!
When I read the blurb, I was doubtful that I would enjoy it as much as I did...I mean a girl who falls in love with 2 brothers? How fickle can the main character get? But it is not like that at all!
The main character Maddy Jennings, grows up in a small town. She is best friends with Trent Basso, who happens to be her childhood/high school sweetheart. Maddy is friends with his whole family, including his older brother Gabe.
After high school, Trent decides to break up with Maddy, when they go there separate ways to college. Gabe checks in on Maddy and they form a stronger friendship with a flicker of romance. Gabe won't date Maddy though, because she has always been deemed as "Trent's girl", even though he thinks his brother is treating her badly.
I fell in and out love with the characters in this book, just like the main character did. Beautifully written! Loved it!
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