The Way Back to Us

by Kayla Luis

Struggling mentally after the death of her best friend, Emberlynn Valle is ready to leave her past behind for a fresh beginning at West Coast College, located on the sunny beaches of California. Her plans get off to a rocky start when she comes in close quarters with the college’s star wide receiver on the plane—Greyson Ashwell.

After his easy dismissal leads them to endure a tense six hour flight, filled with exasperated sighs and rolling eyes, Emberlynn’s optimism leads her to believe that things can only go up. That was until her ex-boyfriend transfers to the same university in hopes of getting back together, leaving Emberlynn scrambling for an excuse.

She has two options: tell him the heart-wrenching truth or lie her way out…again. In her eyes, option number two is the only way to go, but it comes with one downfall: a fake dating scheme with the one guy she can’t stand.

In the plan to fool everyone, will they be the ones to fall for the facade?

*CONTENT WARNING: This novel depicts on-page graphic scenes of domestic violence/abuse and self-harm. There are also references to sensitive topics, such as self-harm, domestic violence, abuse, and death in this text. Therefore, reader discretion is advised. If any of these topics are triggering, please refrain from reading this book.

389 pages, Paperback

Published August 14, 2025

Reviews

[irdrawzz · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW:
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 5/5
I truly haven’t enjoyed a clean cute story in a long while. By reading this book and seeing how Emberlynn and Greyson started out from hating each other to slowly understanding each other was truly a treat to read. I absolutely loved reading their banter and Emberlynn is truly a sunshine at heart! She’s just so adorable!
Greyson caught my eyes right at the first chapter. I mean the description was impeccable how could I not fall for him? I absolutely loved reading his pov when it’s thoughts about Emberlynn or just dealing with Eli and showing how done he is HAHA 😆

I absolutely loved reading both their povs. The baggage they carry, the flaws they try to hide, and the mental health struggles are properly highlighted which resembles how life is. It really shows how everyone isn’t perfect. We just try to survive this chaotic world.

Ok Eli and Tierra? I NEED A BOOK FOR THEM! I absolutely love Eli he’s such a character that deserves a spotlight!

FINAL THOUGHTS:
Honestly anyone can read this book. It’s cute, sweet, and quite a read that’s light and fun!
All in all…I loved this book with all my heart and I throughly enjoyed it!

[Valeria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged enough to read this book before it officially publishes. Greyson Ashwell caught me off guard, his closed-off persona truly hid a perfect man beneath it. The way he loves, despite his difficult past, is every woman's dream. On the other hand, Emberlynn Valle is the realest character I've ever read about. She's funny, brave, and a beautiful friend who is in deep mourning. Both of the character's journey is worth reading about and don't even get me started on THE CHEMISTRY between these two. A 10/10 for tension buildup.

Also, Eli cracked me up every time he appeared in this book and I MUST know what happens between him and Tierra. All in all, this was an incredible read that took me on an emotional rollercoaster—in the best way possible. I'll be looking forward to the authors' future projects!

[Ashley Bidon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Way Back to Us was a cute read that includes tropes such as enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, sports romance, and even some religious and contemporary romance themes.

Greyson is a stoic, hard ass football player while Emberlynn is just trying to fight the demons in her past and make her way through life and college. The two meet on a flight to their campus and end up sharing a ride, further escalating the tension between the two into a fake-dating romance that continues throughout the story to save Emberlynn from her ex.

The story itself was cute with the moments between our two MCs showing the underlying love they clearly share for each other. Overall, this was a 3.5 ⭐️ read for me and I am thankful to have been able to be a part of the arc team for Kayla Luis!

[Sarah C. Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet sports romance with cute nicknames, fun banter and tension between the MCs, and hilarious side characters.

There is a little bit of hate-to-love vibe with a lot of back and forth between our characters which is always fun. They quickly enter a fake relationship which forces them to spend time together. Greyson is the grumpiest of all and when he starts to reveal more of himself to Emberlynn, it’s just the best. Emberlynn is the sunshiniest ever and the way she catches Greyson’s attention from the start is sweet.

“You don’t ever have to apologise for your feelings."

Some heavier topics are discussed so be sure to check out the trigger warning before you dive in.
Thank you for my arc!

[Ella Kennamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading this book before its official release, and it completely took me by surprise. This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster in the best way!! Greyson Ashwell, with his guarded demeanor, hides a truly remarkable man beneath the surface. The way he loves—despite the weight of his past—is the kind of love every woman dreams of. And Emberlynn Valle She’s Witty, courageous, and grieving deeply, she shines as both a heroine and a friend. Their individual journeys are powerful, but the chemistry between them? Absolutely electric.
A solid 10/10 for tension and slow-burn buildup.
I loved Eli and I hope you write a book about him and Tierra

[Cass C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attention romance readers, you'll want this book on your TBR!
I was given the opportunity to read this book before publication and I'm so glad I added it to my list! This book follows well-developed characters through their heart warming love story. With a prickly exterior, our MMC Greyson shows his true self is far from the façade he displays. Emberlynn, our FMC, is a ray of sunshine but has overcome her own battles which are revealed throughout.
This story about mental health, love and loss, will have you staying up late to finish each chapter, eager to see where our main characters will end up.
Fake dating trope, slow burn romance, you're going to love it!

[Shana Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so honoured to be given an ARC of this book and wow, it did not disappoint. This is the first ARC I have read and was nervous about it but I absolutely loved it. The story is both wholesome and heartbreaking and I sobbed continuously for the last 30% of the book. Cannot wait for the paperback to be released so I can buy it for my shelf. I’m also holding on to the hope we may get a second book for Tierra and Eli 🤞🏻. Definitely worth the read

[Jacqueline Espinoza · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Way Back to Us was... a decent romance read. It was enemies to lovers, no spice, and just a sweet romance. So if you're into slow burns or tension without the steam, you might vibe with it.

The romance was sweet, but very slow building. There was talk about religion, which might be a plus or a pass depending on what you're looking for. I did enjoy the 2nd epilogue and how it played out! Overall, it was an okay read.

[Diana E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel privileged of being able to read this book before it releases. I feel so proud of Kayla, she is one of my best friends, and I know how much effort she put in this book. I felt in love with Greyson, he is everything that is perfect in this world. I knew he was going to be first one falling in love with Emberlynn 😭❤️‍🩹 the plot was so good, got me crying in some chapters. Favorite quote “You’re my once in my lifetime” 🩷

[Jenabreeza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have gotten the honer to get to read this. And when I say I loved this book so much!!! I loved it!!!! It was so heartfelt and had me feeling every emotion and Eli!! Best side character ever!!

[Grace McCorkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute but also addressed deeper topics in a great way—I love Greyson. Debut author diva. So glad I could be an arc reader #litcrazyparty

[Broken Beauty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book.. this book is just 🥹🫶

Emberlynn and Greyson are just 🥰

From the beginning I knew I was going to love them and I was right!
Their story is just absolutely beautiful! This story is fake dating and that start in the first like 3 chapters? But it's so cute! The way they have rules and they way they sre with each other! And the way Greyson is with his Firefly! Oh my heart! 🥰
He listens and he takes care of her and he helps her in so many ways and she also helps him!!
Oh! And let's not forget both of their best friends!!! Eli is just amazing! Love him! He makes me laugh so much and literally my favorite! And Tierra! She's an amazing friend and I'm so glad Emberlynn has her🫶 but goodness gracious taht girl doesn't stop! She keeps so busy and she went to school during the summer to take more classes!? Like, I need that type of determination in my life 😭

Anyways... Emberlynn and Greyson are literally the cutest!!! And for those who want a clean romance book, this is it!! The tension between these two is just enough and the entire story will keep you wanting more and more.

I strongly dislike Cade...well more like hate... IYKYK!

Tropes:
Fake dating❤️
Sports romance ✨️
He falls first and harder❤️
He has tattoos ✨️
Grumpy guy x sunshine/shy girl❤️
Closes door romance✨️
Slow burn❤️
Panic attack rep✨️
Ptsd rep✨️

P.s. 241! 🫶

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emberlynn and Greyson are just absolutely beautiful and their story is beautiful 🥰

These two healed one another with not just their love for one another but with their actions and the friendship that blossomed within their relationship.

It was all for sure but how can you smile at someone the way they do, laugh with someone the way they do, look at someone the way they do, kiss someone the way they do and call it all fake?

I truly recommend you guys to read it!

Tropes: Fake dating, slow burn, Panic attack rep., ptsd rep, sports romance, closed door romance