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Twisted Love #2
Follow Me Back
The sequel to Lead Me Not, this dangerously sexy second installment in the Twisted Love series continues Aubrey and Maxx’s love story, from New York Times bestselling author A. Meredith Walters—who “writes the most beautifully flawed characters that still have you swooning” (Sawyer Bennett, USA Today bestselling author of the Off series).
Aubrey Duncan has loved…and lost. Should she follow a heart that’s betrayed her or a head that tells her to let go?
Maxx Demelo’s addiction almost destroyed him. It ruined his life and, most importantly, his relationship with the only girl he ever loved.
He has vowed to become the man Aubrey Duncan deserves. Even if he has to tear himself apart to do it. So he enters rehab, trying to fix the parts of him that are shattered as he longs to be healthy and whole.
Aubrey lost everything because she chose to listen to her heart. Now she has sworn to put herself first, to heal in the only way that she can…far away from Maxx and his demons.
But just as Aubrey is starting over, Maxx is released from rehab and thrust back into her world, determined to prove how much they still need each other. And the chaos that had defined them threatens to unleash once again…
But a heart, no matter how broken, is impossible to ignore.
Aubrey Duncan has loved…and lost. Should she follow a heart that’s betrayed her or a head that tells her to let go?
Maxx Demelo’s addiction almost destroyed him. It ruined his life and, most importantly, his relationship with the only girl he ever loved.
He has vowed to become the man Aubrey Duncan deserves. Even if he has to tear himself apart to do it. So he enters rehab, trying to fix the parts of him that are shattered as he longs to be healthy and whole.
Aubrey lost everything because she chose to listen to her heart. Now she has sworn to put herself first, to heal in the only way that she can…far away from Maxx and his demons.
But just as Aubrey is starting over, Maxx is released from rehab and thrust back into her world, determined to prove how much they still need each other. And the chaos that had defined them threatens to unleash once again…
But a heart, no matter how broken, is impossible to ignore.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2015
29 people are currently reading
2160 people want to read
About the author
A. Meredith Walters
35 books4,274 followersThe New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary and New Adult romances including the Bad Rep, Find You in the Dark, Reclaiming the Sand, and Twisted Love series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
May 10, 2015
3,5 STARS
"We can't go back to who we were.To what we were.
But maybe...we could try to be something better."
The truth is that this series isn't my favorite because I didn't connect with the characters in the first book. It really perplexed me and I couldn't justify many of their choices! However, I wanted to know how the story would continue and if Maxx and Aubrey will end up together.
This book takes place where the previous leave us, Maxx is rehab while Aubrey tries to make her life and start trusting people again. Maxx wants to win Aubrey and have a better relationship with Landon, his brother. Making amends isn’t easy for Max because he must try and stay clean at the same time. Can they be together again? Is Aubrey going to trust Maxx again?
Aubrey wasn't the best heroine in the first book and the same happened in this one! She pissed me off a lot and I was frustrated so many times with her behavior! Maxx has changed in a good way. After Max’s time in rehab he tries really hard to win Aubrey back because he honestly cares and loves her.
Unfortunately the characters didn't win me but the story was better and this is why I giving this second book 3,5 stars. A. Meredith Walters has a very interesting and realistic way of writing her stories. You will not find heroes in her books most of the time they are antiheroes. For some people this maybe a winner and for others just an okay read. I will not say to not read it, I think you should give it a try and decide for yourself!
*ARC provided by publisher as an exchange for honest review*
"We can't go back to who we were.To what we were.
But maybe...we could try to be something better."
The truth is that this series isn't my favorite because I didn't connect with the characters in the first book. It really perplexed me and I couldn't justify many of their choices! However, I wanted to know how the story would continue and if Maxx and Aubrey will end up together.
This book takes place where the previous leave us, Maxx is rehab while Aubrey tries to make her life and start trusting people again. Maxx wants to win Aubrey and have a better relationship with Landon, his brother. Making amends isn’t easy for Max because he must try and stay clean at the same time. Can they be together again? Is Aubrey going to trust Maxx again?
Aubrey wasn't the best heroine in the first book and the same happened in this one! She pissed me off a lot and I was frustrated so many times with her behavior! Maxx has changed in a good way. After Max’s time in rehab he tries really hard to win Aubrey back because he honestly cares and loves her.
Unfortunately the characters didn't win me but the story was better and this is why I giving this second book 3,5 stars. A. Meredith Walters has a very interesting and realistic way of writing her stories. You will not find heroes in her books most of the time they are antiheroes. For some people this maybe a winner and for others just an okay read. I will not say to not read it, I think you should give it a try and decide for yourself!
*ARC provided by publisher as an exchange for honest review*
May 20, 2015
Review: Surj
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** "Follow me Back" is the sequel to "lead me Not" so in order to follow the story, this series will need to be read in order **
Reading about Maxx's addiction in book one had been hard. Reading about Aubrey, Maxx and their corrosive relationship as a result of said addiction had been harder but nothing compared to the road each of these characters had to travel in this conclusion to their story. Once again my heart and head did battle and once again I was left torn between right and wrong. Did this couple belong together? Did love really conquer all? Could someone really overcome an addiction? I wasn't so sure. What I did know was that both Maxx and Aubrey had a long way to go with the mother of uphill struggles awaiting them. Time and time again I questioned whether would they be strong enough fight or whether they would take the easy route and fall back into their old ways. A Meredith Walters once again gave me an honest and very realistic account of addiction, the consequences and the rehabilitation process. It wasn't pretty and it definitely wasn't hearts and flowers. It was gut wrenching and soul destroying and more often than not left me angry, frustrated, conflicted and saddened. I wanted to scream at Aubrey and Maxx. I wanted to push them down a different path but I couldn't. I had to wait it out. Wait for each of them to make their choices, hoping that they would be the right ones for the people they had become.
Aubrey and Maxx were not conventional characters... not by a long shot. Each had their own demons they were battling and each had their flaws. I guess that's what made them so true to life. They made mistakes, they took one step forward and two steps back, they buried their heads in the sand and they turned a blind eye but there was something about them that tugged at me. I didn't hate them although I know that would be quite easy if I took them at face value. But by getting chapters from each of their POV, I was really able to understand the battles each of them fought, the turmoil they faced and the inner conflict that tugged at them and I think it was this that really ensured I got a better understanding of what each of them was going through and trust me... it was tough... really tough.
If you're looking for something a little different, something to challenge you a little, then i would highly recommend this series. The conclusion to Aubrey and Maxx's story got ❤️❤️❤️❤️ from me.
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** "Follow me Back" is the sequel to "lead me Not" so in order to follow the story, this series will need to be read in order **
Love was ruthless. Love was pitiless. Love was cruel. Love fucking sucked.For those of you who read "Lead me Not," you'll know that it wasn't a particularly easy book to read... but then a book that centres around addiction and the destruction it can bring never is. But if you think the conclusion to Maxx and Aubrey's story entitled "Follow me Back" would go any easier on your emotions, then think again. My feelings were once again left battered, bruised and conflicted as I watched two characters who had quite literally hit rock bottom try to come up for air. Theirs had been a love that was unhealthy. It was dysfunctional and destructive but they had been so caught up in a whirlwind, so lost in one another, that they hadn't noticed the downward spiral that had become their lives until it was too late. Now, having lost everything they held dear... a promising future, friends, family and each other, it was time to wake up, smell the coffee and try to put together the broken pieces of themselves. And that... well that was easier said then done.
If losing Aubrey had almost destroyed me, then losing my drugs damn near ripped me apart. Not having that piece of my heart anymore had taken away the person I spent years becoming. Without drugs, without the club, who the fuck was I?
Reading about Maxx's addiction in book one had been hard. Reading about Aubrey, Maxx and their corrosive relationship as a result of said addiction had been harder but nothing compared to the road each of these characters had to travel in this conclusion to their story. Once again my heart and head did battle and once again I was left torn between right and wrong. Did this couple belong together? Did love really conquer all? Could someone really overcome an addiction? I wasn't so sure. What I did know was that both Maxx and Aubrey had a long way to go with the mother of uphill struggles awaiting them. Time and time again I questioned whether would they be strong enough fight or whether they would take the easy route and fall back into their old ways. A Meredith Walters once again gave me an honest and very realistic account of addiction, the consequences and the rehabilitation process. It wasn't pretty and it definitely wasn't hearts and flowers. It was gut wrenching and soul destroying and more often than not left me angry, frustrated, conflicted and saddened. I wanted to scream at Aubrey and Maxx. I wanted to push them down a different path but I couldn't. I had to wait it out. Wait for each of them to make their choices, hoping that they would be the right ones for the people they had become.
It was a deep-in-my-bones, drowning-in-it sort of love. It was desperate. It was obliteration. It was total anarchy in my heart. It was mine. It was all that I had.
Aubrey and Maxx were not conventional characters... not by a long shot. Each had their own demons they were battling and each had their flaws. I guess that's what made them so true to life. They made mistakes, they took one step forward and two steps back, they buried their heads in the sand and they turned a blind eye but there was something about them that tugged at me. I didn't hate them although I know that would be quite easy if I took them at face value. But by getting chapters from each of their POV, I was really able to understand the battles each of them fought, the turmoil they faced and the inner conflict that tugged at them and I think it was this that really ensured I got a better understanding of what each of them was going through and trust me... it was tough... really tough.
"You can't control addiction. it controls you. The minute you forget that, you've lost."The "Twisted Love series" is one that will stay with me for a long time. It was a book that was gutsy, frank, brutal and honest and took the theme of love and addiction in a direction most authors tend to shy away from. With no sugar coating and romanticising the themes within the pages, this will not be everyone's cup of tea but it was definitely mine. the The writing (as always) was impeccable, really drawing me into the darkness that surrounded this subject matter and as for the characters, I loved the realistic portrayal of everything they went through.
If you're looking for something a little different, something to challenge you a little, then i would highly recommend this series. The conclusion to Aubrey and Maxx's story got ❤️❤️❤️❤️ from me.
Hitting rock bottom was easy. It was climbing back up that I was finding to be near on impossible.
October 26, 2015
I wasn’t sure what to expect with book two of this series. The first was okay, but lacked to grip my heart – so with book two, I was hoping that some of those missing pieces could fall into place. Sadly it did not.
A. Meredith Walters is a fantastic writer – I have loved her prior books and although I am not a fan of this series, her talent still shines as a writer on these pages.
So what it really was that did me in was Aubrey. Her behavior drove me crazy. She was an enabler through nearly this entire series, she was not a stupid girl – but her reactions just felt off. Turning a blind eye to obvious drug use but then yelling at him and shutting down on him when he was actually doing the right thing. I felt like I was reading a story about all the wrong things to do if you find yourself involved with a drug addict. I can’t wrap my head around this being her chosen field. Now I get that her choice was swayed by her past and that this was never really her ‘calling’ but damn, it felt like she was destined to make the same mistake over and over again.
Maxx did slightly grow on me. Although he was still frustrating at times – I saw a shift in his character with book two. Growth.
In the end, this series just did not do anything for me. As a reader I want to feel empathy for the characters in this hard reads. I want to sympathize with them although I shouldn’t. I want to find a way to love them when everything about them is a giant warning sign to run in the opposite direction. I also live inside my head a bit. I struggle with sharing my emotions and when I read a book like this, I hope that it can allow me a chance to let some of those feelings to bleed out. Some might look at books like this or others with Trigger topics and avoid them. I try to embrace them in the hope that some small piece of me can relate – that some small part of the story can allow me to feel those emotions and process them. This book had that potential for me, but it just missed the marks I needed it to when it came to the characters.
A. Meredith Walters is a fantastic writer – I have loved her prior books and although I am not a fan of this series, her talent still shines as a writer on these pages.
So what it really was that did me in was Aubrey. Her behavior drove me crazy. She was an enabler through nearly this entire series, she was not a stupid girl – but her reactions just felt off. Turning a blind eye to obvious drug use but then yelling at him and shutting down on him when he was actually doing the right thing. I felt like I was reading a story about all the wrong things to do if you find yourself involved with a drug addict. I can’t wrap my head around this being her chosen field. Now I get that her choice was swayed by her past and that this was never really her ‘calling’ but damn, it felt like she was destined to make the same mistake over and over again.
Maxx did slightly grow on me. Although he was still frustrating at times – I saw a shift in his character with book two. Growth.
In the end, this series just did not do anything for me. As a reader I want to feel empathy for the characters in this hard reads. I want to sympathize with them although I shouldn’t. I want to find a way to love them when everything about them is a giant warning sign to run in the opposite direction. I also live inside my head a bit. I struggle with sharing my emotions and when I read a book like this, I hope that it can allow me a chance to let some of those feelings to bleed out. Some might look at books like this or others with Trigger topics and avoid them. I try to embrace them in the hope that some small piece of me can relate – that some small part of the story can allow me to feel those emotions and process them. This book had that potential for me, but it just missed the marks I needed it to when it came to the characters.
May 24, 2021
4.5 stars. Book two in lead me not taking place after Maxx gotten himself into rehab and the struggle and fight to make their love work in a relationship. I love this series as I feel it is the best book I've read so far the depicts addiction. It's a raw and emotionell and pretty ugly. Nothing for them gets to them easy, they make mistakes and sometimes I want to shout at them. But I love that in this story that they are so very human. Even though Maxx has gotten into rehab nothing is sunshine and rainbows right away and they really have to work so hard to get into a healthy life which I really enjoyed. Don't know if the book would resonate with me as much of I hadn't had an past with addiction my self. But I highly recommend it but it's a tough read.
September 7, 2016
3 stars
This book is the follow up to the emotionally intense Lead Me Not, leading on directly from that devastating ending as Aubrey and Maxx fight to drag themselves out of the mess they were left in.
Beware that this review will contain spoilers for the first book.
Aubrey and Maxx’s tumultuous love story began when Maxx attended a substance abuse therapy group that Aubrey was co-facilitating as part of her College studies. Their strong attraction developed into soul-deep love as they threw themselves into a forbidden relationship, but everything came crashing down for them as Maxx’s dealing and drug use escalated to horrifying consequences, and Aubrey’s relationship with a patient was revealed, threatening everything she had worked towards. They both hit rock bottom, and for her own sanity Aubrey had to walk away from the man she loves.
When this book starts, Aubrey is facing up to the consequences of her actions. I love that she doesn’t hide anything, she owns up to her mistakes and she works to make amends. Her heart is broken, and she has no idea where Maxx has gone and even though she’s trying to get her life back on track, she cannot forget about the man who owns her heart.
Meanwhile, Maxx has checked himself into rehab. He, too, is wanting to reclaim his life and he is working hard to get clean and come back and be the man that he knows he can be – with his girl by his side. Not realising that she’s trying to move on and create a life without him in it.
But as they are both well aware, life doesn’t go the way you expect it to. Out of rehab, Maxx is dealt blow after blow as he attempts a straight life, his past continues to impact his present and he struggles to find a way forward. And Aubrey is left questioning everything as her head battles with her heart and she is left figuring out what she truly wants. And then there’s the mess that is their relationship – both desperate for each other, and Maxx battling to win back his girl despite her (very justified) fears. It’s an emotional ride, and I love that despite everything they don’t hold anything back from each other.
But the romance takes a bit of a back seat as we get lots of detail about Aubrey and Maxx’s individual journeys. We witness their struggles, and Maxx’s story in particular broke my heart – he tries so hard to do the right thing, and I could feel his frustration and desperation with what he was going through. I thought Aubrey’s story was dragged out a bit more than it needed to be, but I did like the direction of it as she once and for all confronts the demons from her past and finds her way forward.
It’s a bit of a depressing read at times and very slow moving, and I found that I wasn’t as invested as I was while reading the first book. But I did enjoy revisiting these characters and seeing where this next part of their story went. It’s a bit of an up and down road but the book ends well, and there’s an epilogue which provides great closure.
Maybe not exactly what I was hoping for, but I’m still really glad I read it. 3 stars.
This book is the follow up to the emotionally intense Lead Me Not, leading on directly from that devastating ending as Aubrey and Maxx fight to drag themselves out of the mess they were left in.
Beware that this review will contain spoilers for the first book.
Aubrey and Maxx’s tumultuous love story began when Maxx attended a substance abuse therapy group that Aubrey was co-facilitating as part of her College studies. Their strong attraction developed into soul-deep love as they threw themselves into a forbidden relationship, but everything came crashing down for them as Maxx’s dealing and drug use escalated to horrifying consequences, and Aubrey’s relationship with a patient was revealed, threatening everything she had worked towards. They both hit rock bottom, and for her own sanity Aubrey had to walk away from the man she loves.
When this book starts, Aubrey is facing up to the consequences of her actions. I love that she doesn’t hide anything, she owns up to her mistakes and she works to make amends. Her heart is broken, and she has no idea where Maxx has gone and even though she’s trying to get her life back on track, she cannot forget about the man who owns her heart.
I was tired of hurting. Tired of fighting. Tired of everything.
Holding on to him had always been hard. But losing him was worse.
Meanwhile, Maxx has checked himself into rehab. He, too, is wanting to reclaim his life and he is working hard to get clean and come back and be the man that he knows he can be – with his girl by his side. Not realising that she’s trying to move on and create a life without him in it.
But as they are both well aware, life doesn’t go the way you expect it to. Out of rehab, Maxx is dealt blow after blow as he attempts a straight life, his past continues to impact his present and he struggles to find a way forward. And Aubrey is left questioning everything as her head battles with her heart and she is left figuring out what she truly wants. And then there’s the mess that is their relationship – both desperate for each other, and Maxx battling to win back his girl despite her (very justified) fears. It’s an emotional ride, and I love that despite everything they don’t hold anything back from each other.
“I want you to leave, Maxx, but I need you to stay. Please.” My lips trembled. “I’m such an idiot. I want the one thing that can hurt me the most. But I can’t help it. You’re in my blood, Maxx. You’re everywhere. In everything. I can’t escape you. I don’t want to escape you. You’ve destroyed me. But I want you to put me back together. Can you do that? Can you make everything right again?”
… “I will if you let me … I will do everything I can to make it up to you. I swear it, Aubrey.”
But the romance takes a bit of a back seat as we get lots of detail about Aubrey and Maxx’s individual journeys. We witness their struggles, and Maxx’s story in particular broke my heart – he tries so hard to do the right thing, and I could feel his frustration and desperation with what he was going through. I thought Aubrey’s story was dragged out a bit more than it needed to be, but I did like the direction of it as she once and for all confronts the demons from her past and finds her way forward.
How do we build a life on such a shaky foundation? One painful brick at a time. And just maybe we’d find our happily ever after.
It’s a bit of a depressing read at times and very slow moving, and I found that I wasn’t as invested as I was while reading the first book. But I did enjoy revisiting these characters and seeing where this next part of their story went. It’s a bit of an up and down road but the book ends well, and there’s an epilogue which provides great closure.
Maybe not exactly what I was hoping for, but I’m still really glad I read it. 3 stars.
April 2, 2015
Review by Lisa Kane
I have been waiting for this one to release, as the first one, Lead Me Not left us with Maxx overdosing and Aubrey devastated. This picks up right after that. Since it's told from both of their POV, we know what's going on in their lives, but of course neither one of them knows what the other is thinking or feeling.
Maxx admitted himself to rehab. He knew the two most important people in his life; his brother Landon and his love Aubrey, have made the decision to cut him out of their lives. His lies, his drug dealing, his drug abuse have all been too much for them. His craving for his next fix became the most important thing in his life. He was showing potential for his art (he hides behind the persona of X, an elusive, wildly talented street artist) but he has hit rock bottom.
Aubrey isn't doing much better. Maxx's addiction not only shattered her heart, but her career is in jeopardy. She has had to face the music and her job as a drug counselor is now on hold, as is her education because her peers are aware she had an affair with one of her clients. She is left questioning everything in her life.
Her friends Brooke and Renee are still standing by her, but it's obvious they are relieved Maxx is out of her life. Just when it seems as though she can take a breath without feeling like her chest is being squeezed shut, Maxx contacts her. Does she go to see him, or does she try like hell to stay away from him? He will be getting out of rehab shortly, but that is when the real test begins. All the same temptations will be there; Compulsion, the club where his demons lie, the drugs, the easy cash dealing, how will he manage to stay clean?
Parts of this book were difficult to read. Maxx, by his own admission is an addict and whether he stays clean a month or ten years, he will always crave the drugs, always miss the high that came with them. That will never change. While there are a few minglings of humor thrown in, this is by and large a serious read about two people having to earn back each other's trust. Is it possible to have blind faith with another person, knowing that they betrayed you once? And what happens when they slip and fall; because in real life, because humans aren't infallible- we fall.
Very good read. There was no quick fix, no magic therapy. But it was real and gritty and heart warming.
I have been waiting for this one to release, as the first one, Lead Me Not left us with Maxx overdosing and Aubrey devastated. This picks up right after that. Since it's told from both of their POV, we know what's going on in their lives, but of course neither one of them knows what the other is thinking or feeling.
Maxx admitted himself to rehab. He knew the two most important people in his life; his brother Landon and his love Aubrey, have made the decision to cut him out of their lives. His lies, his drug dealing, his drug abuse have all been too much for them. His craving for his next fix became the most important thing in his life. He was showing potential for his art (he hides behind the persona of X, an elusive, wildly talented street artist) but he has hit rock bottom.
Aubrey isn't doing much better. Maxx's addiction not only shattered her heart, but her career is in jeopardy. She has had to face the music and her job as a drug counselor is now on hold, as is her education because her peers are aware she had an affair with one of her clients. She is left questioning everything in her life.
Her friends Brooke and Renee are still standing by her, but it's obvious they are relieved Maxx is out of her life. Just when it seems as though she can take a breath without feeling like her chest is being squeezed shut, Maxx contacts her. Does she go to see him, or does she try like hell to stay away from him? He will be getting out of rehab shortly, but that is when the real test begins. All the same temptations will be there; Compulsion, the club where his demons lie, the drugs, the easy cash dealing, how will he manage to stay clean?
Parts of this book were difficult to read. Maxx, by his own admission is an addict and whether he stays clean a month or ten years, he will always crave the drugs, always miss the high that came with them. That will never change. While there are a few minglings of humor thrown in, this is by and large a serious read about two people having to earn back each other's trust. Is it possible to have blind faith with another person, knowing that they betrayed you once? And what happens when they slip and fall; because in real life, because humans aren't infallible- we fall.
Very good read. There was no quick fix, no magic therapy. But it was real and gritty and heart warming.
October 5, 2015
ARC provided in exchange of an honest review
Review original post:
http://collectorofbookboyfriends.com/...
When I read Lead Me Not I got into a bubble full of intensity and emotions. But when I got my hands on Follow Me Back, I realized that I haven’t seen anything yet. The first book swept off my feet literally and the second book just left me…… I don’t even know how it left me!
My fall in love with Maxx and Aubrey’s story was instant! Poof! In a blink of an eye I was soaring in a world of utterly captivately heartbreaking moments that had you bound to them until the end and beyond.
As we already know from the first book, Maxx came THAAAAAAT close to die and Aubrey had left him giving him an ultimatum. So, now, each one tries to get back her/is life back on track. Maxx decides to take Aubrey’s ultimatum and goes to rehab while Aubrey finds herself in a position that she never expected: to doubt everything she has done, thought or wanted until now.
But when she believed she had found a rythme, that’s where Maxx makes his entrance again into her life and “upsets” its order. Once again! Not-so-good buried feelings, memories, battles of will, dangerous people, temptations and so many other things got to send the story of these two on my TOP 5 and me on Cloud Nine!
Review original post:
http://collectorofbookboyfriends.com/...
When I read Lead Me Not I got into a bubble full of intensity and emotions. But when I got my hands on Follow Me Back, I realized that I haven’t seen anything yet. The first book swept off my feet literally and the second book just left me…… I don’t even know how it left me!
My fall in love with Maxx and Aubrey’s story was instant! Poof! In a blink of an eye I was soaring in a world of utterly captivately heartbreaking moments that had you bound to them until the end and beyond.
As we already know from the first book, Maxx came THAAAAAAT close to die and Aubrey had left him giving him an ultimatum. So, now, each one tries to get back her/is life back on track. Maxx decides to take Aubrey’s ultimatum and goes to rehab while Aubrey finds herself in a position that she never expected: to doubt everything she has done, thought or wanted until now.
But when she believed she had found a rythme, that’s where Maxx makes his entrance again into her life and “upsets” its order. Once again! Not-so-good buried feelings, memories, battles of will, dangerous people, temptations and so many other things got to send the story of these two on my TOP 5 and me on Cloud Nine!
Want to read
May 17, 2015**ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
November 26, 2015
“Trust. Faith. Belief. Every relationship is built on them. Without these three words, everything around you would crumble.”
Let the book hangover begin! Oh how I have been waiting to get my hands on this book! Follow Me Back is one those books that makes a lasting impression. It is one of the stories that has become a part of me, and that will be staying with me for quite a while.
Follow Me Back picks up right where Lead Me Not left off. Aubrey is lost. She is devastated. Aubrey’s relationship with Maxx not only ended up leaving her heartbroken, but it may have cost her, her college career. All she can do now, is try to pick up the pieces and deal with the consequences. She has no choice but to put herself first for once and try to move on. And just as fate would have it, once Aubrey is finally getting a handle on things, Maxx ones again turns her life upside down.
“I am such an idiot. I want the one thing that can hurt me the most. I can’t help it. You’re in my blood, Maxx. You’re everywhere. In everything. I can’t escape you. You’ve destroyed me. But I want you to put me back together. Can you do that? Can you make everything right again?”
Maxx..his addiction almost destroyed everything. He not only almost lost his life, but Aubrey and Landon too. Now he’s forced to live with the consequences of his decisions. The first step, admitting he needs help and try to kick his addiction. He’s hit rock-bottom and vows that he wants to change. He wants to be the man that Aubrey deserves to have in her life. He knows that he’s got a lot to make up for and that it won’t be easy, but he’s determined to make things right.
“Do you feel that? That’s where you are. That’s where you will always be. And as long as this heart beats, I will never give up on what we had. I will make you see that I can change. I can be the person you need me to be.”
Follow Me Back was a great sequel to Lead Me Not. This book was not an easy read. It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It was real and intense. The characters are flawed. They are damaged and have even hit rock-bottom. It was a great story of second chances, forgiveness, rebuilding faith and trust.
Maxx has come such a long way since we first met him. His eyes have been opened to the seriousness of his actions. The reality of what his addiction almost cost him, has made him want to be better. He has to work hard to prove that he’s changed. That he’s not the same Maxx. Most importantly, he will have to prove that things will be different. His struggles are real and something that he has to live with everyday. But, his love for Aubrey is so strong, that he’s determined to make things right. To not be the man that he was.
Aubrey. I had a love/hate relationship with her at the beginning of this book. Yes, Maxx hurt her. He screwed up. And yes, I totally agree that he needed to work for his forgiveness. That she should make him grovel and prove himself to her. But, after a while, I grew frustrated with her. Enough was enough. She needed to stop punishing Maxx for the past, especially when he’s owned up to his mistakes and is clearly making changes. That being said, I can not even imagine putting myself in this characters shoes. Aubrey was much tougher than I gave her credit for. When she finally was able to let go of the past, her guilt, her pain. You could feel the weight as it lifted off her shoulders. I loved seeing Aubrey finally realize that she can’t save everyone and that it’s time to live.
Follow Me Back was an amazing read. I was hooked from the first page. I was on pins and needles waiting to see how everything would play-out. This book made me laugh, cry, and swoon. It was difficult and frustrating, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Follow Me Back took me on one heck of a journey. And I will definitely say that in this story, although the journey and road to HEA was tough, the outcome was so worth it. Their will always be struggles. Keeping those demons at bay will be an ongoing task. But love, real love, is not something to take for granted. It is something to fight for. You take the good with the bad and just take things one day at a time.
* I was provided an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
*Quotes taken from ARC copy and may differ from finished copy*
My review can also be read at: http://onceuponabookblog.com/2015/06/...
Let the book hangover begin! Oh how I have been waiting to get my hands on this book! Follow Me Back is one those books that makes a lasting impression. It is one of the stories that has become a part of me, and that will be staying with me for quite a while.
Follow Me Back picks up right where Lead Me Not left off. Aubrey is lost. She is devastated. Aubrey’s relationship with Maxx not only ended up leaving her heartbroken, but it may have cost her, her college career. All she can do now, is try to pick up the pieces and deal with the consequences. She has no choice but to put herself first for once and try to move on. And just as fate would have it, once Aubrey is finally getting a handle on things, Maxx ones again turns her life upside down.
“I am such an idiot. I want the one thing that can hurt me the most. I can’t help it. You’re in my blood, Maxx. You’re everywhere. In everything. I can’t escape you. You’ve destroyed me. But I want you to put me back together. Can you do that? Can you make everything right again?”
Maxx..his addiction almost destroyed everything. He not only almost lost his life, but Aubrey and Landon too. Now he’s forced to live with the consequences of his decisions. The first step, admitting he needs help and try to kick his addiction. He’s hit rock-bottom and vows that he wants to change. He wants to be the man that Aubrey deserves to have in her life. He knows that he’s got a lot to make up for and that it won’t be easy, but he’s determined to make things right.
“Do you feel that? That’s where you are. That’s where you will always be. And as long as this heart beats, I will never give up on what we had. I will make you see that I can change. I can be the person you need me to be.”
Follow Me Back was a great sequel to Lead Me Not. This book was not an easy read. It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It was real and intense. The characters are flawed. They are damaged and have even hit rock-bottom. It was a great story of second chances, forgiveness, rebuilding faith and trust.
Maxx has come such a long way since we first met him. His eyes have been opened to the seriousness of his actions. The reality of what his addiction almost cost him, has made him want to be better. He has to work hard to prove that he’s changed. That he’s not the same Maxx. Most importantly, he will have to prove that things will be different. His struggles are real and something that he has to live with everyday. But, his love for Aubrey is so strong, that he’s determined to make things right. To not be the man that he was.
Aubrey. I had a love/hate relationship with her at the beginning of this book. Yes, Maxx hurt her. He screwed up. And yes, I totally agree that he needed to work for his forgiveness. That she should make him grovel and prove himself to her. But, after a while, I grew frustrated with her. Enough was enough. She needed to stop punishing Maxx for the past, especially when he’s owned up to his mistakes and is clearly making changes. That being said, I can not even imagine putting myself in this characters shoes. Aubrey was much tougher than I gave her credit for. When she finally was able to let go of the past, her guilt, her pain. You could feel the weight as it lifted off her shoulders. I loved seeing Aubrey finally realize that she can’t save everyone and that it’s time to live.
Follow Me Back was an amazing read. I was hooked from the first page. I was on pins and needles waiting to see how everything would play-out. This book made me laugh, cry, and swoon. It was difficult and frustrating, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Follow Me Back took me on one heck of a journey. And I will definitely say that in this story, although the journey and road to HEA was tough, the outcome was so worth it. Their will always be struggles. Keeping those demons at bay will be an ongoing task. But love, real love, is not something to take for granted. It is something to fight for. You take the good with the bad and just take things one day at a time.
* I was provided an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
*Quotes taken from ARC copy and may differ from finished copy*
My review can also be read at: http://onceuponabookblog.com/2015/06/...
July 25, 2015
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: 5 STARS
O. M. F. G. This book broke my heart in every possible way. I knew this was going to happen because when I read/listened to Lead Me Not (Read my review here) I had a hard time reading it, loving the characters was so hard for me, but I couldn't help it but loving them so much. Their story was really cruel, they had to live through a lot and ending up together was just inevitable. That’s why I was so anxious about this book, because the cliffhanger from book one was awful (for their love story, the book was perfect) and this book had to give them the HEA they needed. Well… that was what I was expecting from Follow Me Back, I wanted desperately to read how Maxx come to his senses and work so hard to get Aubrey back into his messed up life.
This book starts two weeks after Lead Me Not finishes, with Aubrey having to face the consequences of being involved with Maxx and in addition, her heart is broken for leaving him after he ODed. She was trying so hard to keep it together and find a way to stay strong and forget about him, but that was so hard, especially because after a few weeks of not knowing anything about Maxx, he came back asking for forgiveness. Will she listen to her heart who loves Max deeply or to her head who regrets everything about him. Read this book, or even better, listen to the audiobook, to find out how this heartbroken story ends.
What was the hardest about reading/listening to this book? Maxx’s POV. Oh My God, being inside of a drug addict’s head is awfully hard. I cried with almost all his chapters and I was anxious most of the time, I even had a hard time reading other books because I only wanted to know what was going to happen to Maxx. I was happy to read that he knew the true thing that kept him away from the drugs, and surprisingly it wasn’t only Aubrey. I’m also happy to read about how much they both grew up these time, because they needed to in order to get their relationship to work this time, because last time it was a real mess.
The narration of Shayna Thibodeaux and Sebastian York was perfect. I was happy to listen Sebastian again, it’s been months since I get an audiobook with his reading, and just like he nailed it in Lead Me Not, he did it perfectly with this audiobook. His performance for Maxx was so accurate to his personality and what was happening in his life. He showed the desperate, depressed and lonely young man who was struggling with a horrible addiction. Shayna did an amazing job too. Her voice and inflexions transmitted all the characters, not only Aubrey, but also Brooks, Renee and Maxx too. I was on the edge of my chair during one incident with Evan - UGH that asshole -, Shayna made this scene more vivid and real.
Perfect book! Kudos to A. Meredith Walters for ruining me again with another book. She has a way of doing it with every book I read of hers. Can’t wait for her next book. Bring it, A. I’m ready for anything.
June 1, 2017
I just wish the epilogue would have been longer.
4 - 4.5 Stars
I enjoyed these two books more than I thought I would. It wasn't action packed drama, but I related to the characters and would like to have this story continued; both with Aubrey and Maxx, and also the side characters like Renee and Brooks.
4 - 4.5 Stars
I enjoyed these two books more than I thought I would. It wasn't action packed drama, but I related to the characters and would like to have this story continued; both with Aubrey and Maxx, and also the side characters like Renee and Brooks.
October 22, 2015
This review contains spoilers for Lead Me Not, the first book in the Twisted Love series.
Aubrey and Maxx left me reeling at the end of Lead Me Not, and since then I’d been anticipating Follow Me Back. These two were so very broken had experienced more than any couple should have to endure. I bled for them, but by the end of Lead Me Not, I felt hope that they would get their much deserved happy ending. This brings be to Follow Me Back and the conflicting feelings I felt for these characters and their story. This book had all the layers and depth of any A. Meredith Walters story, but I think the general mood was too bleak and I had difficulty holding on to the hope I felt at the end of Lead Me Not.
Follow Me Back begins with Aubrey and Maxx recovering from their devastating break-up. Aubrey is dealing with the consequences of crossing ethical and professional boundaries, and Maxx is in rehab fighting for his life and drowning from the guilt and regret of thoroughly disappointing the people he loved most. I loved that Walters realistically conveyed Maxx’s torment and Aubrey’s rage. She did a superb job of showing how bent these characters were because of their reckless love.
“Even when he was gone, Maxx was everywhere. His art. His love. His chaos. I couldn’t escape him. And I was terrified that in the darkest recesses of my heart I still didn’t want to.”
I was very conflicted while I was reading this book. Because I became attached to Aubrey and Maxx, I couldn’t let them go as a couple, even when I knew that they couldn’t continue as they were. As Aubrey fought to move on from Maxx there were times when I hated her because she was letting him go. I understood that she needed to see him as an addict and to accept that he was dangerous to her happiness, but sometimes I thought he was portrayed as a villain, and I didn’t like that. He was the big bad and she had to stay away from him.
Then there were times when I wanted to throttle Maxx, and completely sided with Aubrey. He was weak. He was manipulative. He wasn’t who I thought he was. But then I realized that that’s how I was supposed to feel. Maxx was battling with his identity; completely lost regarding who he was without the swagger he’d worn as a mask, and adrift without the drugs to lift his self-confidence. It was hard for me to see him as he was while he while he tried to recover – as hard as it was for him to see himself.
“…I wavered between wanting to do things right and wanting to get back to the life I used to have. The one where I didn’t feel so small and helpless. The one where I felt in control.”
As Maxx struggled with his new reality and fought to handle his responsibilities without giving into the temptation of his former life – a life that was so easy, Aubrey punished herself for being so stupid, for falling so completely, for trusting so wholly, and for being unable to let go.
“Because as much as I was trying desperately to believe otherwise, I knew that I loved this man, as much as I ever had. It was a love without logic. It was a love without sense. It was a love that had no real place in the world I was trying to build for myself.”
I knew that these two would suffer a bit before they could get their happy ending. I knew that A. Meredith Walters would show the true torment people experience when facing these circumstances, but I needed more hope interwoven in this story, I needed something to hold on to as I waited for these characters to come through the storm. It wasn’t until I was past the halfway mark that I saw a glint of light, but then it flickered and threatened to blow out because of Maxx’s fear and weakness. Without spoiling the ending too much, I’ll say that I was happy with how things turned out, but I can’t say that I was completely satisfied. I felt like I was put through the wringer, but then when I was set free, the reward wasn’t worth the price.
I waited a long time to find out what happened with these two, and with some truly beautiful writing A. Meredith Walters deftly portrayed a twisted love story. I recommend this series to those who like real darkness in their romance. If you like to see your characters rise from the ashes, then this is a love story that you’ll enjoy.
“What’s wrong with us?”
“We love too hard and too recklessly, I think.”
Aubrey and Maxx left me reeling at the end of Lead Me Not, and since then I’d been anticipating Follow Me Back. These two were so very broken had experienced more than any couple should have to endure. I bled for them, but by the end of Lead Me Not, I felt hope that they would get their much deserved happy ending. This brings be to Follow Me Back and the conflicting feelings I felt for these characters and their story. This book had all the layers and depth of any A. Meredith Walters story, but I think the general mood was too bleak and I had difficulty holding on to the hope I felt at the end of Lead Me Not.
Follow Me Back begins with Aubrey and Maxx recovering from their devastating break-up. Aubrey is dealing with the consequences of crossing ethical and professional boundaries, and Maxx is in rehab fighting for his life and drowning from the guilt and regret of thoroughly disappointing the people he loved most. I loved that Walters realistically conveyed Maxx’s torment and Aubrey’s rage. She did a superb job of showing how bent these characters were because of their reckless love.
“Even when he was gone, Maxx was everywhere. His art. His love. His chaos. I couldn’t escape him. And I was terrified that in the darkest recesses of my heart I still didn’t want to.”
I was very conflicted while I was reading this book. Because I became attached to Aubrey and Maxx, I couldn’t let them go as a couple, even when I knew that they couldn’t continue as they were. As Aubrey fought to move on from Maxx there were times when I hated her because she was letting him go. I understood that she needed to see him as an addict and to accept that he was dangerous to her happiness, but sometimes I thought he was portrayed as a villain, and I didn’t like that. He was the big bad and she had to stay away from him.
Then there were times when I wanted to throttle Maxx, and completely sided with Aubrey. He was weak. He was manipulative. He wasn’t who I thought he was. But then I realized that that’s how I was supposed to feel. Maxx was battling with his identity; completely lost regarding who he was without the swagger he’d worn as a mask, and adrift without the drugs to lift his self-confidence. It was hard for me to see him as he was while he while he tried to recover – as hard as it was for him to see himself.
“…I wavered between wanting to do things right and wanting to get back to the life I used to have. The one where I didn’t feel so small and helpless. The one where I felt in control.”
As Maxx struggled with his new reality and fought to handle his responsibilities without giving into the temptation of his former life – a life that was so easy, Aubrey punished herself for being so stupid, for falling so completely, for trusting so wholly, and for being unable to let go.
“Because as much as I was trying desperately to believe otherwise, I knew that I loved this man, as much as I ever had. It was a love without logic. It was a love without sense. It was a love that had no real place in the world I was trying to build for myself.”
I knew that these two would suffer a bit before they could get their happy ending. I knew that A. Meredith Walters would show the true torment people experience when facing these circumstances, but I needed more hope interwoven in this story, I needed something to hold on to as I waited for these characters to come through the storm. It wasn’t until I was past the halfway mark that I saw a glint of light, but then it flickered and threatened to blow out because of Maxx’s fear and weakness. Without spoiling the ending too much, I’ll say that I was happy with how things turned out, but I can’t say that I was completely satisfied. I felt like I was put through the wringer, but then when I was set free, the reward wasn’t worth the price.
I waited a long time to find out what happened with these two, and with some truly beautiful writing A. Meredith Walters deftly portrayed a twisted love story. I recommend this series to those who like real darkness in their romance. If you like to see your characters rise from the ashes, then this is a love story that you’ll enjoy.
“What’s wrong with us?”
“We love too hard and too recklessly, I think.”
June 4, 2015
Often these romance novels that I review are my escape from reality. I am the stay at home mother of 2 beautiful children and a very supportive husband, but I often find my escape in these sexy and fun novels featuring hot alpha men. I mean let’s face it, if a man ever did REALLY tell me what to or go all alpha crazy on me, I would probably smack him upside the head. So, these books are about something different for me, living an alternate life for only 300 pages or so and then going back to my very good REAL life. But, I have to say that these books in the A Twisted Love Series were completely different for me. Because I know what it is to love someone with a horrible addiction. I know what it is to love and lose them to that addiction, so I was very much invested in Maxx and Aubrey's story. I could totally relate and I was totally pulling for Maxx from the very beginning of Lead Me Not all the way to the conclusion of Follow Me Back.
Follow Me Back picked up right where Lead Me Not left us. Maxx almost dying and deciding to go to rehab and Aubrey facing all of the consequences of being in a relationship with Maxx. Which all of that is drama enough ,if you ask me, but throw in the fact that they are still madly and deeply in love with each other you have the recipe for a really emotionally provoking book.
“I couldn’t escape him. And I was terrified that in the darkest recesses of my heart I still didn’t want to.”
Maxx isn’t giving up on his love for Aubrey even though their relationship had proved to be destructive and too co-dependent for words. I found myself feeling much like Aubrey for most of this book; on edge wanting to trust him and knowing that I shouldn’t. But I couldn’t help rooting for him and his happily-ever-after.
“But I did know one thing. That I loved this woman in front of me in a way that I would never be able to love anyone else. It was a deep-in-my-bones, drowning-in-it sort of love. It was desperate. It was obliteration. it was total anarchy in my heart. It was mine. It was all that I had.”
This book probably gave me way to many feels, but I honestly loved watching Maxx evolve into a different Maxx. I loved watching him worm his way back into Aubrey’s life. I loved watching both of these two damaged people find their way together.
“Kissing Max was like waking up. Like stepping through the mist into a clearing. It was love and lust and passion. It was and anguish and gut-wrenching turmoil.”
A. Meredith Walters took a very sensitive and grueling topic and handled it with beautiful and tender care. Follow Me Back was emotional, sexy, and a poignant representation of addiction and it’s consequences. It spoke to me on levels I will never be able to fully explain. It was just brilliant.
~Amie
Follow Me Back picked up right where Lead Me Not left us. Maxx almost dying and deciding to go to rehab and Aubrey facing all of the consequences of being in a relationship with Maxx. Which all of that is drama enough ,if you ask me, but throw in the fact that they are still madly and deeply in love with each other you have the recipe for a really emotionally provoking book.
“I couldn’t escape him. And I was terrified that in the darkest recesses of my heart I still didn’t want to.”
Maxx isn’t giving up on his love for Aubrey even though their relationship had proved to be destructive and too co-dependent for words. I found myself feeling much like Aubrey for most of this book; on edge wanting to trust him and knowing that I shouldn’t. But I couldn’t help rooting for him and his happily-ever-after.
“But I did know one thing. That I loved this woman in front of me in a way that I would never be able to love anyone else. It was a deep-in-my-bones, drowning-in-it sort of love. It was desperate. It was obliteration. it was total anarchy in my heart. It was mine. It was all that I had.”
This book probably gave me way to many feels, but I honestly loved watching Maxx evolve into a different Maxx. I loved watching him worm his way back into Aubrey’s life. I loved watching both of these two damaged people find their way together.
“Kissing Max was like waking up. Like stepping through the mist into a clearing. It was love and lust and passion. It was and anguish and gut-wrenching turmoil.”
A. Meredith Walters took a very sensitive and grueling topic and handled it with beautiful and tender care. Follow Me Back was emotional, sexy, and a poignant representation of addiction and it’s consequences. It spoke to me on levels I will never be able to fully explain. It was just brilliant.
~Amie
August 7, 2019
This book along with the first were absolute emotional rollercoasters however, I enjoyed every minute of it! I adored both Aubrey and Maxx and how their characters developed over the span of these books especially this one. A. Meredith Walters discussed and portrayed the sensitive topics such as, drug addiction and physical & mental abuse beautifully and gave such a delicate insight into each of them.
July 12, 2018
So much better than the first book. I loved the healing Aubrey gets to do in this book around her sister and family. Maxx is really struggling with his sobriety, and it is a good luck into how drugs will still try to control you even when you are sober. Overall, a great series and I will definitely pick up more from the author.
March 2, 2017
3.5 stars
I'm so proud of Maxx<3
I'm so proud of Maxx<3
June 2, 2015
My Review:
This is the second (and I think final) book in this series. If you haven't read the first book, you need to because the two books definitely need to go together because they make up a single story. Also, this review will contain some minor spoilers for the first book so stop reading it now if you haven't read that first one.
This book picks up where the first book left off...with Maxx going to rehab. His brush with death has opened Aubrey's eyes too. She can't be his crutch and support system anymore. It's not healthy for her or him, so she's done. But as she realizes just how unstable she had become in their relationship, she begins to look at all the other aspects of her life. Why was it so important for her to become a substance abuse counselor when it's a trigger for her and her sister's OD death?
This book really focuses on the two more as individuals as they begin to rebuild their mental lives...and it's great in that aspect. There's so much character growth over the course of the story. I loved that. For me, Aubrey was especially heartwarming because she's brutally honest with herself and others about how she got so off-course. That's where her schooling really shines through.
And there is a romantic side to this story...eventually. The chemistry between Maxx and Aubrey hasn't let up, no matter how hard she's fought it. But Maxx respects her boundaries for the most part. He's not willing to step away from her completely, but he won't pressure her...too much. She doesn't trust him anymore and rightly so, but the book is still romantic and has a great rebuilding of their relationship. While the first book left me feeling strung out, this one gave me hope. I also LOVE that there's an epilogue that give a little glimpse in to the future. For these characters and their issues, that was definitely needed and expertly executed by the author.
I'm so happy I read this series. It was painful at times, but that level of emotion is what I look for in my books sometimes and A. Meredith Walters wrote it all so well. This second book was incredible...and I didn't set it down once I began reading. It was so good and I recommend you check out the Twisted Love series. Maxx and Aubrey will twist your heart a few times, but in the end they are worth it.
Other things that I loved... It should also be noted that I loved Brooks and Renee and what they added to the story. I would love to see both of them get their own stories, too. I also really loved the continuation of Maxx and his art in this book to deal with his addiction...really beautiful.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This is the second (and I think final) book in this series. If you haven't read the first book, you need to because the two books definitely need to go together because they make up a single story. Also, this review will contain some minor spoilers for the first book so stop reading it now if you haven't read that first one.
This book picks up where the first book left off...with Maxx going to rehab. His brush with death has opened Aubrey's eyes too. She can't be his crutch and support system anymore. It's not healthy for her or him, so she's done. But as she realizes just how unstable she had become in their relationship, she begins to look at all the other aspects of her life. Why was it so important for her to become a substance abuse counselor when it's a trigger for her and her sister's OD death?
This book really focuses on the two more as individuals as they begin to rebuild their mental lives...and it's great in that aspect. There's so much character growth over the course of the story. I loved that. For me, Aubrey was especially heartwarming because she's brutally honest with herself and others about how she got so off-course. That's where her schooling really shines through.
And there is a romantic side to this story...eventually. The chemistry between Maxx and Aubrey hasn't let up, no matter how hard she's fought it. But Maxx respects her boundaries for the most part. He's not willing to step away from her completely, but he won't pressure her...too much. She doesn't trust him anymore and rightly so, but the book is still romantic and has a great rebuilding of their relationship. While the first book left me feeling strung out, this one gave me hope. I also LOVE that there's an epilogue that give a little glimpse in to the future. For these characters and their issues, that was definitely needed and expertly executed by the author.
I'm so happy I read this series. It was painful at times, but that level of emotion is what I look for in my books sometimes and A. Meredith Walters wrote it all so well. This second book was incredible...and I didn't set it down once I began reading. It was so good and I recommend you check out the Twisted Love series. Maxx and Aubrey will twist your heart a few times, but in the end they are worth it.
Other things that I loved... It should also be noted that I loved Brooks and Renee and what they added to the story. I would love to see both of them get their own stories, too. I also really loved the continuation of Maxx and his art in this book to deal with his addiction...really beautiful.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
April 20, 2015
Kudos to author A. Meredith Walters for her very heartfelt and insightful interpretation of a very difficult and emotional subject matter! While drug addiction is the story’s primary focus, issues of enabling, co-dependency, physical & mental abuse, as well as dysfunctional relationships (as a whole) are also aptly addressed.
Picking up where “Lead Me Not” (book 1 in this series) leaves off, “Follow Me Back” follows the lives of Aubrey Duncan and Maxx Demelo as they both struggle to put back the pieces of their shattered lives. For Aubrey, learning to trust again and burying the demons of her past become an essential part in her fight to move forward. For Max, moving forward means winning back Aubrey and rebuilding his damaged relationship with his brother, Landon. In order to do that, however, Max needs to stay clean. But despite Max’s desire to continue along the right path, financial problems is an added daily stress threatening to throw him off course.
“Follow Me Back” is told in an alternating POV, which is essential in fully understanding the thoughts and feelings of both Aubrey & Maxx. Each struggle with their own demons; each with their own addictions. Love, life and all its complexities are not easy, especially when it’s complicated further by outside influences. So, at what point do you decide to trust that love is worth the risk and follow your heart? And at what point do you finally give up, refusing to be dragged back down?
A. Meredith Walters does an amazing job of balancing all sides… giving us the good, the bad, and the ugly. But most of all, she gives us hope. Hope that we all have the ability to move beyond the past. Hope that someone might care enough to give us a second chance. And hope that when given that second chance, we prove that we do, indeed, deserve it!!
“Follow Me Back” is a truly powerful and thought-provoking novel!!
Picking up where “Lead Me Not” (book 1 in this series) leaves off, “Follow Me Back” follows the lives of Aubrey Duncan and Maxx Demelo as they both struggle to put back the pieces of their shattered lives. For Aubrey, learning to trust again and burying the demons of her past become an essential part in her fight to move forward. For Max, moving forward means winning back Aubrey and rebuilding his damaged relationship with his brother, Landon. In order to do that, however, Max needs to stay clean. But despite Max’s desire to continue along the right path, financial problems is an added daily stress threatening to throw him off course.
“Follow Me Back” is told in an alternating POV, which is essential in fully understanding the thoughts and feelings of both Aubrey & Maxx. Each struggle with their own demons; each with their own addictions. Love, life and all its complexities are not easy, especially when it’s complicated further by outside influences. So, at what point do you decide to trust that love is worth the risk and follow your heart? And at what point do you finally give up, refusing to be dragged back down?
A. Meredith Walters does an amazing job of balancing all sides… giving us the good, the bad, and the ugly. But most of all, she gives us hope. Hope that we all have the ability to move beyond the past. Hope that someone might care enough to give us a second chance. And hope that when given that second chance, we prove that we do, indeed, deserve it!!
“Follow Me Back” is a truly powerful and thought-provoking novel!!
May 8, 2015
First let me start by saying that is book two in a series, you will not understand alot so turn around and read book one first. Lead me Not is the title to book one.
Follow me BACK actually picks up where Lead me not leaves off, that by itself is an incredible feat. I love when an author starts up right where they left off instead of fast forwarding it. It makes it so much easier to fall into the story that way.
These books are not books for the faint, while I don't consider them dark, they are definitely not light. Drug addiction, abuse, and just a whole lot of other issues that I'm not even gonna get into. It's tough to read at times, sometimes I just wanted to scream let them be happy. But I know, I know Maxx and Aubrey's story was meant to be this way. It was scary, heartbreaking, and profound. It touches on topics that most people are scared of. It shows you the ugly side of love. The parts that people try to hide away.
Meridith shows us that even in the darkest hour of the darkest day, Love above all else, is the most powerful tool of all. This is a story of pain and love. To never give up hope. To just never give up.
This was a powerful read. One I'll not soon be forgetting. BUY it, Read it, Love it.
Follow me BACK actually picks up where Lead me not leaves off, that by itself is an incredible feat. I love when an author starts up right where they left off instead of fast forwarding it. It makes it so much easier to fall into the story that way.
These books are not books for the faint, while I don't consider them dark, they are definitely not light. Drug addiction, abuse, and just a whole lot of other issues that I'm not even gonna get into. It's tough to read at times, sometimes I just wanted to scream let them be happy. But I know, I know Maxx and Aubrey's story was meant to be this way. It was scary, heartbreaking, and profound. It touches on topics that most people are scared of. It shows you the ugly side of love. The parts that people try to hide away.
Meridith shows us that even in the darkest hour of the darkest day, Love above all else, is the most powerful tool of all. This is a story of pain and love. To never give up hope. To just never give up.
This was a powerful read. One I'll not soon be forgetting. BUY it, Read it, Love it.
October 24, 2015
Copyright Night Owl Reviews
Maxx and Aubrey's challenging love story continues in the second book of the Twisted Love series. The author provides enough information so that this book could be read as a standalone. However, I would suggest reading the series in order to get a better understanding of the relationship between the two main characters.
To see my full review, please click the link below:
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
June 5, 2015
5 stars
Follow Me Back was a fantastic conclusion to the Twisted Love series.
I really wanted to write a review to do it justice but not only am I lost for words right now, i’m in the middle of exams so I will write one when i re-read the series.
For now, here are some songs that I listened to when reading Follow Me Back
Bipolar Sunshine - Drowning Butterflies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdQSo...
Ladi6 - Ikarus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B_rX...
Follow Me Back was a fantastic conclusion to the Twisted Love series.
I really wanted to write a review to do it justice but not only am I lost for words right now, i’m in the middle of exams so I will write one when i re-read the series.
For now, here are some songs that I listened to when reading Follow Me Back
Bipolar Sunshine - Drowning Butterflies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdQSo...
Ladi6 - Ikarus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B_rX...
December 27, 2019
I enjoyed the first one so much more.
October 29, 2024
An emotional end to a great duet! Only issue is the ending felt rushed but other than that it was good!
July 25, 2021
Dużo lepsza niż pierwszy tom. Fajnie się czytało i naprawdę mi się ona podobała. Jednak jest taka do przeczytania i do zapomnienia, przynajmniej dla mnie.
May 30, 2015
4.5 Stars
I had always heard such good things about A. Meredith Walters and unfortunately, until now, had not really had the chance to read one of her many works. Of course, when given the opportunity to read the Twisted Love series, I jumped at the chance. While I enjoyed Maxx and Aubrey's story in the first book, Lead Me Not, this book, Follow Me Back, was the book that I really fell for and connected with. Maxx's struggle and determination struck a chord and stayed with me throughout and long after reading his inspirational journey navigating the difficult and turbulent waters of addiction and recovery. Follow Me Back is an angsty and eye-opening glimpse into the constant war waged within an addict on an everyday basis once sobriety is embraced as well as a beautiful and inspiring love story.
Maxx is the ideal redeemable, broken hero. Far from flawless with actions in the past that were actually quite deplorable, yet he still managed to capture my heart in the first book. His turn around, his dedication, and his perseverance in this installment only helped to solidify what a genuinely good, caring, and well meaning character he really is despite the misguided haze that clouded his thoughts and actions in such dangerous and distasteful ways. A wonderfully complex character who is tragically damaged by life, circumstance, and bad decisions, but after a much needed wakeup call finds the will to overcome and turn things around.
This story truly is a smack in the face for those of us never personally affected by addiction, be it in our lives or the lives of our loved ones, illustrating vividly the harsh reality of addiction and the arduous road to sobriety. Through Maxx we experience a true to life depiction of the struggles of an addict's recovery and all of the complications of getting clean and sober as well as getting life back on track after being sucked into the black hole of addiction. Call me sheltered, lucky, or just straight laced, but it was really quite staggering to realize what a slippery slope casual and/or recreational drug use can be and how easy it is to be overtaken by addiction when the need for more with each high to feel the same relief mounts and there is the ever present illusion of being able to handle things, of being in control. Even more eye-opening is the constant, daily, minute by minute struggle once you make it out of the grip of addiction, how easy it would be to slip back under, how considerable and seductive the draw is every minute of the day and in every situation. An experience I would never want to for myself, but one that is real, fascinating, and deeply enlightening.
This story had me completely tied up in knots. Will Maxx give into to old vices, falling under the spell of the escape that they provide or will his love of Aubrey, his brother, and really himself, be enough motivation to continue the daily fight? I found myself speaking to Maxx on more than one occasion whether it was to talk him through a difficult situation or to berate him for yet another poor choice. I was so mixed up, I didn't know whether I was coming or going. I was rooting for Maxx from the get go so I would often become upset with Aubrey for not giving Maxx another shot, yet at the same time I completely understood why she didn't give in and respected her strength.
Above and beyond all the intricacies of addiction and recovery is an emotional and uplifting love story. In order to give the second time around a fighting chance Maxx and Aubrey must learn to cope and function separately as well as together. They must examine their co-dependency, face their own demons, and embrace healing. They must learn to trust each other as well as themselves and they must focus on creating happiness and satisfaction within themselves instead of looking for it from external sources. The journey these two each make to self discovery and the brand new, healthy relationship they forge the second time around is stirring and inspiring.
Follow Me Back is an honest portrayal of addiction and the destruction it can have on your life as well as the gumption and dedication you must have and be committed to in order to claw your way out from under your dependence. It is a tumultuous emotional ride, but also a beautiful and moving story of love, life, the most daunting of obstacles, and the most thrilling triumphs.
I had always heard such good things about A. Meredith Walters and unfortunately, until now, had not really had the chance to read one of her many works. Of course, when given the opportunity to read the Twisted Love series, I jumped at the chance. While I enjoyed Maxx and Aubrey's story in the first book, Lead Me Not, this book, Follow Me Back, was the book that I really fell for and connected with. Maxx's struggle and determination struck a chord and stayed with me throughout and long after reading his inspirational journey navigating the difficult and turbulent waters of addiction and recovery. Follow Me Back is an angsty and eye-opening glimpse into the constant war waged within an addict on an everyday basis once sobriety is embraced as well as a beautiful and inspiring love story.
Maxx is the ideal redeemable, broken hero. Far from flawless with actions in the past that were actually quite deplorable, yet he still managed to capture my heart in the first book. His turn around, his dedication, and his perseverance in this installment only helped to solidify what a genuinely good, caring, and well meaning character he really is despite the misguided haze that clouded his thoughts and actions in such dangerous and distasteful ways. A wonderfully complex character who is tragically damaged by life, circumstance, and bad decisions, but after a much needed wakeup call finds the will to overcome and turn things around.
This story truly is a smack in the face for those of us never personally affected by addiction, be it in our lives or the lives of our loved ones, illustrating vividly the harsh reality of addiction and the arduous road to sobriety. Through Maxx we experience a true to life depiction of the struggles of an addict's recovery and all of the complications of getting clean and sober as well as getting life back on track after being sucked into the black hole of addiction. Call me sheltered, lucky, or just straight laced, but it was really quite staggering to realize what a slippery slope casual and/or recreational drug use can be and how easy it is to be overtaken by addiction when the need for more with each high to feel the same relief mounts and there is the ever present illusion of being able to handle things, of being in control. Even more eye-opening is the constant, daily, minute by minute struggle once you make it out of the grip of addiction, how easy it would be to slip back under, how considerable and seductive the draw is every minute of the day and in every situation. An experience I would never want to for myself, but one that is real, fascinating, and deeply enlightening.
This story had me completely tied up in knots. Will Maxx give into to old vices, falling under the spell of the escape that they provide or will his love of Aubrey, his brother, and really himself, be enough motivation to continue the daily fight? I found myself speaking to Maxx on more than one occasion whether it was to talk him through a difficult situation or to berate him for yet another poor choice. I was so mixed up, I didn't know whether I was coming or going. I was rooting for Maxx from the get go so I would often become upset with Aubrey for not giving Maxx another shot, yet at the same time I completely understood why she didn't give in and respected her strength.
Above and beyond all the intricacies of addiction and recovery is an emotional and uplifting love story. In order to give the second time around a fighting chance Maxx and Aubrey must learn to cope and function separately as well as together. They must examine their co-dependency, face their own demons, and embrace healing. They must learn to trust each other as well as themselves and they must focus on creating happiness and satisfaction within themselves instead of looking for it from external sources. The journey these two each make to self discovery and the brand new, healthy relationship they forge the second time around is stirring and inspiring.
Follow Me Back is an honest portrayal of addiction and the destruction it can have on your life as well as the gumption and dedication you must have and be committed to in order to claw your way out from under your dependence. It is a tumultuous emotional ride, but also a beautiful and moving story of love, life, the most daunting of obstacles, and the most thrilling triumphs.
June 3, 2015
Follow Me Ba
ck
is the conclusion to Maxx and Aubrey's tumultuous story. It picks up where
Lead Me Not
, book 1, ended. A. Meredith Walters did a wonderful job with the story of addiction and the struggles that come with it. She tells a haunting tale of despair, insecurity, love, and second chances. There's a twist or two that had me on the edge of my seat wondering if they were going to lose it all.
"It's easy to be fooled by pretty words and false promises disguised as love." ~ Aubrey
The characters of Maxx and Aubrey are written honestly and well developed. I felt like they were real, like I could have known them. Their story was raw and realistic in the way they were wrapped up in each other, avoiding the elephant in the room until they couldn't. Without giving anything away, Maxx has to face his demons. Aubrey has to choose which path to follow, her head or her heart. She knows both will be difficult but she needs to decide which will cause the least amount of heartache. Maxx has to fight everyday to be the man he wants to be, for Aubrey, for his brother and ultimately for himself.
One of the things I liked about this story was that the author didn't sugar coat the inner conflict Maxx faced. The struggle to stay sober a constant battle. The desire and temptation to use again so strong, it takes over. So many things were stacked against him. It's a story of inner strength and reaching out for help. One of realization that we cannot control everything but we also cannot let our mistakes define us or keep us from fighting for what we want. A. Meredith Walters illustrates how potent the need can be, depicting the fall into a personal hell that the hero has to claw and scratch his way back with everything he has.
"I always thought about the drugs. The way they tasted on my tongue. The burn in my throat. Those horrible yet blissful moments while I waited for them to take over....if losing Aubrey had almost destroyed me, then losing my drugs damn near ripped me apart" ~ Maxx
Aubrey's character is faced with the challenge of loving someone suffering with the disease of addiction. The author once again does a superb job illustrating the conflicting feelings of someone in a relationship with an addict. Feelings of doubt, suspicion, fear and mistrust are paramount to the storyline. Is love enough to save someone from themselves?
They face so many obstacles. Their story is gritty, honest and relatable. Having personal experience in this subject, I have to praise A. Meredith Walters' writing. Ms. Walters utilizes Dual POV, which I love because it allows the reader to get inside both main characters and see things through their eyes. That was really powerful in this story because the reader lives the internal battles of both characters. A thoughtful and true look into the eyes of addiction and the devastation it can cause, as well as, the hope for recovery, second chances and fighting for love and the life you want. Highly recommend this series.
"We can't go back to who we were. To what we were. But maybe...we could try to be something better." ~Aubrey
ck
is the conclusion to Maxx and Aubrey's tumultuous story. It picks up where
Lead Me Not
, book 1, ended. A. Meredith Walters did a wonderful job with the story of addiction and the struggles that come with it. She tells a haunting tale of despair, insecurity, love, and second chances. There's a twist or two that had me on the edge of my seat wondering if they were going to lose it all."It's easy to be fooled by pretty words and false promises disguised as love." ~ Aubrey
The characters of Maxx and Aubrey are written honestly and well developed. I felt like they were real, like I could have known them. Their story was raw and realistic in the way they were wrapped up in each other, avoiding the elephant in the room until they couldn't. Without giving anything away, Maxx has to face his demons. Aubrey has to choose which path to follow, her head or her heart. She knows both will be difficult but she needs to decide which will cause the least amount of heartache. Maxx has to fight everyday to be the man he wants to be, for Aubrey, for his brother and ultimately for himself.
One of the things I liked about this story was that the author didn't sugar coat the inner conflict Maxx faced. The struggle to stay sober a constant battle. The desire and temptation to use again so strong, it takes over. So many things were stacked against him. It's a story of inner strength and reaching out for help. One of realization that we cannot control everything but we also cannot let our mistakes define us or keep us from fighting for what we want. A. Meredith Walters illustrates how potent the need can be, depicting the fall into a personal hell that the hero has to claw and scratch his way back with everything he has.
"I always thought about the drugs. The way they tasted on my tongue. The burn in my throat. Those horrible yet blissful moments while I waited for them to take over....if losing Aubrey had almost destroyed me, then losing my drugs damn near ripped me apart" ~ Maxx
Aubrey's character is faced with the challenge of loving someone suffering with the disease of addiction. The author once again does a superb job illustrating the conflicting feelings of someone in a relationship with an addict. Feelings of doubt, suspicion, fear and mistrust are paramount to the storyline. Is love enough to save someone from themselves?
They face so many obstacles. Their story is gritty, honest and relatable. Having personal experience in this subject, I have to praise A. Meredith Walters' writing. Ms. Walters utilizes Dual POV, which I love because it allows the reader to get inside both main characters and see things through their eyes. That was really powerful in this story because the reader lives the internal battles of both characters. A thoughtful and true look into the eyes of addiction and the devastation it can cause, as well as, the hope for recovery, second chances and fighting for love and the life you want. Highly recommend this series.
"We can't go back to who we were. To what we were. But maybe...we could try to be something better." ~Aubrey
June 4, 2015
My Thoughts:
Lead Me Not was an excellent story, and I was so excited to continue this duology with Follow Me Back. These two books must be read in order as the second book continues the story of Aubrey and Maxx. Follow Me Back is told in the dual perspectives of the main characters and begins with Maxx entering in to a drug rehab program for 30 days. He is battling his addiction, and wants to heal for himself, as well as for Aubrey and his younger brother, Landen. In the meantime, Aubrey has been put on academic suspension from her college counseling program based on her ethical violation of fraternizing with a member of the substance addiction group that she co-facilitated.
When Maxx gets out or rehabilitation, he has his work cut out for him as far as gaining back the trust of the two most important people in his life; Aubrey and Landon. Both of them refuse to speak to him. To top it off, Maxx is having series financial problems, flunking out of college, and consistently struggles with the temptation to escape in to a drug induced euphoria. As Maxx and Aubrey begin interacting again, she wonders if she will ever be able to trust the man she loves again, and he doesn't know if he'll continue to be strong enough to resist the temptation of his drug addiction.
Follow Me Back is all about the process and challenges of rebuilding one's life, after drug rehab. This story was very realistic, and I felt empathetic towards both Aubrey and Maxx. I understood the reasons that she had trouble trusting him, and I felt bad that Maxx couldn't seem to catch a break. He was alienated from those he loved, (which was his fault,) but worked hard to change his life. The strong love that Maxx shared with Aubrey, as well as his younger brother was evident. These relationships were developed really well, and Maxx and Aubrey were fleshed out characters that I truly wanted the best for!
My Rating:
I give, Follow Me Back, by A. Meredith Walters, 4 Mentally Tough, Fighting for a New Beginning, Unconditional Love, Healing, and A Fresh Start Filled Stars! This was an excellent sequel in the Twisted Love Series.
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com
Lead Me Not was an excellent story, and I was so excited to continue this duology with Follow Me Back. These two books must be read in order as the second book continues the story of Aubrey and Maxx. Follow Me Back is told in the dual perspectives of the main characters and begins with Maxx entering in to a drug rehab program for 30 days. He is battling his addiction, and wants to heal for himself, as well as for Aubrey and his younger brother, Landen. In the meantime, Aubrey has been put on academic suspension from her college counseling program based on her ethical violation of fraternizing with a member of the substance addiction group that she co-facilitated.
When Maxx gets out or rehabilitation, he has his work cut out for him as far as gaining back the trust of the two most important people in his life; Aubrey and Landon. Both of them refuse to speak to him. To top it off, Maxx is having series financial problems, flunking out of college, and consistently struggles with the temptation to escape in to a drug induced euphoria. As Maxx and Aubrey begin interacting again, she wonders if she will ever be able to trust the man she loves again, and he doesn't know if he'll continue to be strong enough to resist the temptation of his drug addiction.
Follow Me Back is all about the process and challenges of rebuilding one's life, after drug rehab. This story was very realistic, and I felt empathetic towards both Aubrey and Maxx. I understood the reasons that she had trouble trusting him, and I felt bad that Maxx couldn't seem to catch a break. He was alienated from those he loved, (which was his fault,) but worked hard to change his life. The strong love that Maxx shared with Aubrey, as well as his younger brother was evident. These relationships were developed really well, and Maxx and Aubrey were fleshed out characters that I truly wanted the best for!
My Rating:
I give, Follow Me Back, by A. Meredith Walters, 4 Mentally Tough, Fighting for a New Beginning, Unconditional Love, Healing, and A Fresh Start Filled Stars! This was an excellent sequel in the Twisted Love Series.
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com
November 9, 2015
This is book two in the series and I recommend you read book one first.
Aubrey Duncan has been to hell and back and is now trying to pick up the pieces of her heart. She chose to step away from the one person she loves most in the world and put herself first. School needs to become a priority again, and she has to put herself back on the right track.
Maxx Demelo's life hasn't gotten any easier, but he's vowed to get better. To be better for Aubrey. It's because of her that he fights every day to be the man she deserves. If only his addiction didn't follow him around like an ever present shadow, he would be able to be that man a whole lot easier.
Maxx loves her and she loves him, but Aubrey isn't ready to put herself through the turmoil that comes with being a part of his life. When he finally breaks down the wall she's worked hard to rebuild, will she let him fully in? Can she trust him to stay clean and be the person he's promised her he will be?
This was an amazing addition to Aubrey and Maxx's story. I loved every second of it. We got to come along on every twist and turn that their relationship and the world threw at them. Absolutely loved this book.
Book received in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha.
Aubrey Duncan has been to hell and back and is now trying to pick up the pieces of her heart. She chose to step away from the one person she loves most in the world and put herself first. School needs to become a priority again, and she has to put herself back on the right track.
Maxx Demelo's life hasn't gotten any easier, but he's vowed to get better. To be better for Aubrey. It's because of her that he fights every day to be the man she deserves. If only his addiction didn't follow him around like an ever present shadow, he would be able to be that man a whole lot easier.
Maxx loves her and she loves him, but Aubrey isn't ready to put herself through the turmoil that comes with being a part of his life. When he finally breaks down the wall she's worked hard to rebuild, will she let him fully in? Can she trust him to stay clean and be the person he's promised her he will be?
This was an amazing addition to Aubrey and Maxx's story. I loved every second of it. We got to come along on every twist and turn that their relationship and the world threw at them. Absolutely loved this book.
Book received in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha.
November 1, 2015
18/20
En bref, j'ai passé un excellent moment avec ce second (et dernier) tome, un plaisir de retrouver Maxx et Aubrey, de les voir se battre pour ce en quoi ils croient et voir leur amour au travers de leurs yeux. Les sentiments que l'auteur exprime sont encore une fois superbes et ils nous transportent dans le monde des personnages. J'ai encore craqué pour eux et ils resteront longtemps dans mon coeur.
http://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/20...
En bref, j'ai passé un excellent moment avec ce second (et dernier) tome, un plaisir de retrouver Maxx et Aubrey, de les voir se battre pour ce en quoi ils croient et voir leur amour au travers de leurs yeux. Les sentiments que l'auteur exprime sont encore une fois superbes et ils nous transportent dans le monde des personnages. J'ai encore craqué pour eux et ils resteront longtemps dans mon coeur.
http://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/20...
February 10, 2017
A story of redemption and salvation...this is the journey to recovery...challenging one's true motivations, learning about one's identity, owning the past and believing in the future...all of these topics are addressed and challenged throughout this compelling sequel to "Lead Me Not"...once again, A. Meredith Walters tackles some tough topics with care and concern but also with a raw honesty and beauty.
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