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Back To You #1
Back To You
All Ellie wants is to have a normal life. She pictures a white picket fence, a stable and loyal husband, and eventually a couple of kids. She doesn’t date just anybody. She has relationships with guys like Ward Cleaver. Her best friend Spencer, on the other hand, is famous for being quite the opposite. That’s why they’ll always be ‘just friends.’ But maybe when it comes to love, what looks good on paper just isn't good enough...
Spencer knows what Ellie wants for herself. In fact, he thinks she deserves every bit of it. She sure as hell deserves more than what he can offer her. But as he gets ready to leave for Marine Corps Recruit Training, he starts to think about exactly what he’ll be leaving behind. As the weeks of training drag on, he can't help but think that if it weren't for the shadows of his past, he would make her his future.
Spencer knows what Ellie wants for herself. In fact, he thinks she deserves every bit of it. She sure as hell deserves more than what he can offer her. But as he gets ready to leave for Marine Corps Recruit Training, he starts to think about exactly what he’ll be leaving behind. As the weeks of training drag on, he can't help but think that if it weren't for the shadows of his past, he would make her his future.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2013
20 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 21, 2019
***********May Contain Small Spoiler**********
There were parts of this book I liked somewhat and then...there was one huge part, in-particular, that I despised. It was a deal breaker and discolored what could have been a very good, sweet story. IMO his actions ruined the storyline for me and no matter what he did, he did not redeem himself in my eyes. Being a man-whore is one thing, but betraying the woman you love and giving her blow by blow details while drunk and in bed with two women is quite another. Shame on him!
I was greatly disappointed and left feeling unfulfilled.
In good conscience I cannot recommend this book. It troubled me so much that I was up past 3am and could not sleep. You may very well feel differently if betrayal is not an issue with you.
There were parts of this book I liked somewhat and then...there was one huge part, in-particular, that I despised. It was a deal breaker and discolored what could have been a very good, sweet story. IMO his actions ruined the storyline for me and no matter what he did, he did not redeem himself in my eyes. Being a man-whore is one thing, but betraying the woman you love and giving her blow by blow details while drunk and in bed with two women is quite another. Shame on him!
I was greatly disappointed and left feeling unfulfilled.
In good conscience I cannot recommend this book. It troubled me so much that I was up past 3am and could not sleep. You may very well feel differently if betrayal is not an issue with you.
January 8, 2015
At 26%
I called it quits. They were never together. Just denied feelings all the way through. Everyone slept with everyone else. I lost track of who the protagonists were supposed to be. I'm pretty much getting over these best friends to lovers romances because basically they're all the same. Deny deny deny. The deny their feelings for each other while they carry on relationships with other people who get shafted after the to best friends pull there head out of their ass and admit their feelings. This happens in every BF to lover book, and frankly its getting tiresome.
One good thing I liked about this book was the description of military life. Unfortunately, that wasn't the reason I picked this book.
I called it quits. They were never together. Just denied feelings all the way through. Everyone slept with everyone else. I lost track of who the protagonists were supposed to be. I'm pretty much getting over these best friends to lovers romances because basically they're all the same. Deny deny deny. The deny their feelings for each other while they carry on relationships with other people who get shafted after the to best friends pull there head out of their ass and admit their feelings. This happens in every BF to lover book, and frankly its getting tiresome.
One good thing I liked about this book was the description of military life. Unfortunately, that wasn't the reason I picked this book.
September 18, 2013
hello!?!?!
WHERE THE HELL IS MY EPILOGUE!???
Not like the plot was really rocket science, but I was waiting to see how exactly they will figure things out at the end.
I guess its the only reason I continued with it after chap 3.
And BAM!! They end with no epilogue!!
I mean, if that is all you wanted to share with us, the whole purpose of the book is kind of moot.
The only thing that could be worse if they actually mention a sequel soon.
ARRRGHHH!
But no denying it
Even if the formula was tried and tested, it was really cute!
And somehow managed to not be repetitive and stupid.
So yeah, if you looking for a laid back, cutesy read, this ones for you.
ps: change that cover, please.
I mean have you met Spencer?!?!
WHERE THE HELL IS MY EPILOGUE!???
Not like the plot was really rocket science, but I was waiting to see how exactly they will figure things out at the end.
I guess its the only reason I continued with it after chap 3.
And BAM!! They end with no epilogue!!
I mean, if that is all you wanted to share with us, the whole purpose of the book is kind of moot.
The only thing that could be worse if they actually mention a sequel soon.
ARRRGHHH!
But no denying it
Even if the formula was tried and tested, it was really cute!
And somehow managed to not be repetitive and stupid.
So yeah, if you looking for a laid back, cutesy read, this ones for you.
ps: change that cover, please.
I mean have you met Spencer?!?!
October 2, 2019
I fell in love with Ellie and Spencer from the beginning! I am a sucker for military romances!
October 3, 2013
I picked this book up free when I saw the author advertise in the NaNoWriMo group on facebook. It was free so I figured why not. I've been giving self-published works a try this last year and I've been surprised by a lot of them. This book was no exception.
The overall plot line might be a little predictable: best friends finally realize they have feelings for each other but I loved how this all played out. Starting with Spencer (a slut as Ellie calls him) coming to the realization that he might just be in love with Ellie who has been his best friend since forever. But he's leaving for bootcamp so there's no point in bringing it up. Especially since Ellie has a boyfriend (who Spencer can't stand) and has her whole life plotted out complete with white picket fences and 2.4 kids. Spencer can't give that to her so he keeps it all inside.
But true love can't be stopped. The rest of the book follows Ellie and Spencer (in alternating chapters) as they deal with evolving feelings for each other, being apart for the first time, working jobs they hate, Marine Corps training and screwing everything up.
It's a sweet little story of friendship, love, the stupidity of youth and a whole lot of unresolved sexual tension. A fun read.
The overall plot line might be a little predictable: best friends finally realize they have feelings for each other but I loved how this all played out. Starting with Spencer (a slut as Ellie calls him) coming to the realization that he might just be in love with Ellie who has been his best friend since forever. But he's leaving for bootcamp so there's no point in bringing it up. Especially since Ellie has a boyfriend (who Spencer can't stand) and has her whole life plotted out complete with white picket fences and 2.4 kids. Spencer can't give that to her so he keeps it all inside.
But true love can't be stopped. The rest of the book follows Ellie and Spencer (in alternating chapters) as they deal with evolving feelings for each other, being apart for the first time, working jobs they hate, Marine Corps training and screwing everything up.
It's a sweet little story of friendship, love, the stupidity of youth and a whole lot of unresolved sexual tension. A fun read.
October 31, 2013
Friends to lovers trope. It didn't take my breath away but it was a fairly decent story. Eighteen and nineteen year olds and at times the lines of reality were blurred.
May 27, 2017
This book was excellent! I couldn't put it down!! I am a fellow military wife and it was such a good read. It was romantic and sweet and a total roller coaster. Would definitely recommend to anyone.
January 30, 2020
What a super cute story. I loved reading this sweet story about two best friends falling in love. It kept making me smile with every turn of the page.
January 13, 2014
Good love story. Spencer is so lovable.
November 6, 2020
I will admit that am a sucker for military romance stories. Back to you is a well-written military romance with believable characters and situations. Since I was a military wife, I could identify with the feelings of those waiting at home for their husband/fiancé to return. I have a little bit of a problem with the ages of the characters. They seem to be much more mature than the average eighteen-year-old.
Other reviewers have mentioned the need for editing for grammar and spelling. I did notice that there were some errors that could have been caught by a good editor, but I also believe that some of those might be the fault of autocorrect...for example, the word ‘passed’ appeared in several places where ‘past’ should have been used. I’m willing to give the author the benefit of the doubt. Having said that, I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Other reviewers have mentioned the need for editing for grammar and spelling. I did notice that there were some errors that could have been caught by a good editor, but I also believe that some of those might be the fault of autocorrect...for example, the word ‘passed’ appeared in several places where ‘past’ should have been used. I’m willing to give the author the benefit of the doubt. Having said that, I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
September 4, 2020
From the opening words until the final ending author Jess Mastorakos has the reader engaged with a total focus to find out how such an awful event could ever find any hope of getting better. However, for the reader who likes a beautiful ending, it certainly does not disappoint.
Should the reader have never been around the military, there is such great detail that the reader will quickly engage and find it to be a smooth read. For the one who is apart of a military family, they will find the connection to be strong and real.
While this is the first book I have read of author Mastorakos, it will certainly not be my last. She has moved to the top of my reading list and I look forward to reading all of her material.
Should the reader have never been around the military, there is such great detail that the reader will quickly engage and find it to be a smooth read. For the one who is apart of a military family, they will find the connection to be strong and real.
While this is the first book I have read of author Mastorakos, it will certainly not be my last. She has moved to the top of my reading list and I look forward to reading all of her material.
March 25, 2020
** Audiobook Review **. I was given a copy of this audio book for an honest review. This sweet, military romance story is well written & narrated beautifully. Off the charts chemistry and burn you to the ground feels. God this book, it will grab your heart and squeeze and not let go. It hit me straight in my feels and had me laughing, crying, mad, and swooning all at the same time. This is book #1 in the “San Diego Marines” series. I can’t wait to read/listen to Matt & Olivia’s continued story in book #2.
February 11, 2014
I'm sort of torn on how to rate this book. The story was believable and realistic. The characters are genuine and likable. But given the premises of the story, I expected more drama. But there's a part of me that's glad Jessica Mastorakos didn't follow the tried and true formula of over-the-top constant dramarama that I've seen in so many books of this nature.
This book is written in the alternating points-of-view of Ellie and Spencer as they struggle with their growing feelings for one another. They've been best friends for years but now they find themselves having "more than friends" feelings for one another but neither wants to admit them to the other. Most of the book, minus the three minutes they tried a relationship, is spent in should we or shouldn't we territory. I would have liked to see more communication between them about their feelings versus Spencer sharing with Mills and Ellie sharing with Olivia.
At first I was going to dog on the cover but then I read in the acknowledgements that the picture used was one of several personal photos submitted by Marine Corps S/O's. Knowing this wasn't a stock photo cover made the cover more personal and I saw it in a whole new light.
Overall, it was a nice, feel-good read with a happy ending.
This book is written in the alternating points-of-view of Ellie and Spencer as they struggle with their growing feelings for one another. They've been best friends for years but now they find themselves having "more than friends" feelings for one another but neither wants to admit them to the other. Most of the book, minus the three minutes they tried a relationship, is spent in should we or shouldn't we territory. I would have liked to see more communication between them about their feelings versus Spencer sharing with Mills and Ellie sharing with Olivia.
At first I was going to dog on the cover but then I read in the acknowledgements that the picture used was one of several personal photos submitted by Marine Corps S/O's. Knowing this wasn't a stock photo cover made the cover more personal and I saw it in a whole new light.
Overall, it was a nice, feel-good read with a happy ending.
September 9, 2013
This book has all the aspects of the feel-good story you'll want to snuggle up with next to the fireplace, or a companion to make your trip to the beach or pool even more relaxing.
The perspective of love in a military setting, and the pain of separation that often goes along with it, is a topic that has been surprisingly untouched upon, and this book does a great job of bringing those feelings to the reader in a way unique to this story.
The cliché epic war novel about leaving a lover behind while Jonny goes off to save the world is over-written and played out; the realistic perspective this story provides is a breath of fresh air into the genre. This book needed to be written.
I recommend this book to any romantic.
The perspective of love in a military setting, and the pain of separation that often goes along with it, is a topic that has been surprisingly untouched upon, and this book does a great job of bringing those feelings to the reader in a way unique to this story.
The cliché epic war novel about leaving a lover behind while Jonny goes off to save the world is over-written and played out; the realistic perspective this story provides is a breath of fresh air into the genre. This book needed to be written.
I recommend this book to any romantic.
October 13, 2013
I really enjoyed this story. I didn't like Spencer at first - he is definitely a man whore. But his vulnerability grew on me and his fear for the future. I hated him for what he did to Ellie and was thrilled that they were able to get passed their challenges. I felt the story was a bit unfinished the way the author finished up the book - I felt there was a bit more of these characters we needed to know.
January 25, 2014
I jumped at the chance to read a novel about a girl and her Marine. This book reminded me that the struggles military S/O's deal with are real. It's not an easy life, but for the guy we love it's all worth it. It's a cute story and I love the way Ellie and Spencer interact with themselves and with their friends. I can't wait for the next book!
Read
April 1, 2014I only read this book because my friends son and daughter in law is on the cover. He told me there were walking on the beach and was asked if she could take there picture. Out of many pictures they go picked. The book was good, a love story after a few chapters you could figure out what was going to happen
April 8, 2015
This was a really cute book!
I literally devoured this book, reading it all this afternoon. I couldn't put it down.
I loved the characters, and found myself smiling on several occasions while reading it.
The only complaint I would have would be...
The ending felt abrupt to me. I wish we would have gotten an epilogue or something.
I literally devoured this book, reading it all this afternoon. I couldn't put it down.
I loved the characters, and found myself smiling on several occasions while reading it.
The only complaint I would have would be...
The ending felt abrupt to me. I wish we would have gotten an epilogue or something.
December 8, 2015
Loved this book so much!! The characters were so relatable and the writing was great! I related to the storyline so much! Kinda hate the way that it ended only because I really really wanted more of Spencer and Ellie's relationship. Hoping for more of their relationship in books to come!! Such a cute book! I'd recommend it!
September 9, 2013
I couldn't tear myself away and ended up reading the whole book in one day! The book was beautifully written and I would recommend it in a heartbeat. I could feel every emotion that Ellie and Spencer had throughout the book and it left me wanting more!:)
January 12, 2014
Parts of this book brought back memories of my husband and I. I remember the long lonely nights while he was away and how it made me cry to hear his voice on the phone for just a minute. I love this book
January 14, 2014
Good
This book was pretty good. a bit rushed at the end but pretty good overall. I would read it again. I hope there is a sequel. I would like to see what happens with them and Matt and Olivia.
This book was pretty good. a bit rushed at the end but pretty good overall. I would read it again. I hope there is a sequel. I would like to see what happens with them and Matt and Olivia.
January 5, 2014
Truly a great book! The characters were fantastic and so was the story line. I really enjoyed Jessica's writing style and her ability to tell the story. I was sad when it was over!
Read
January 14, 2014Loved it!!!! I laughed, I cried! I was not with my husband through boot camp but I felt like I was while I read this book :) can't wait to read the second!!!!!
January 18, 2014
This was a cute story, would of liked an epilogue but not all story's have one. I did like the end of the acknowledgements!!! x x
March 4, 2014
Cute story. Its a Cinderella story in the making with a twist. I always like a triangle love story, it is just so interesting how they get out of it.
February 3, 2014
Nice book on young love!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews