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Spring Hills Ten Year High School Reunion #4
Back to Perfect
She broke his heart to save his future. He’s back to prove she was always his future.
Cole Hamels spent a decade building the perfect life in Manhattan—VP title, luxury apartment, everything he was supposed to want, but it didn’t include the one thing he needed - her.
Nayla Foster knows she should avoid the reunion. Avoid him. Avoid revealing the devastating secret that ended their perfection.
But, when Cole orchestrates an elaborate plan to get her there, one look into those piercing blue eyes threatens everything.
One weekend. One truth. One last chance for Perfection.
A closed-door contemporary romance for fans of heartfelt reunions, determined heroes, and the true love that refuses to stay buried.
Back to Perfect is Book 4 in the Spring Hills 10 Year High School Reunion series. Each book is a standalone with its own complete HEA.
Cole Hamels spent a decade building the perfect life in Manhattan—VP title, luxury apartment, everything he was supposed to want, but it didn’t include the one thing he needed - her.
Nayla Foster knows she should avoid the reunion. Avoid him. Avoid revealing the devastating secret that ended their perfection.
But, when Cole orchestrates an elaborate plan to get her there, one look into those piercing blue eyes threatens everything.
One weekend. One truth. One last chance for Perfection.
A closed-door contemporary romance for fans of heartfelt reunions, determined heroes, and the true love that refuses to stay buried.
Back to Perfect is Book 4 in the Spring Hills 10 Year High School Reunion series. Each book is a standalone with its own complete HEA.
- GenresRomance
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2025
2 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Mel Walker
43 books854 followersMel Walker is an award-winning rare bird, the male romance author. Specializing in heartfelt small-town romance, he enjoys telling compelling romances with all the feels. A native New Yorker and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan, he enjoys baseball, reading, bike rides, and writing outdoors where he absorbs the energy of the city.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 9, 2025
A sweet small town, second chance romance - two of my favorite tropes.
A 10 year highschool reunion and Nayla is struggling because she knows her high school sweetheart, Cole will be back in town. Should she see him or not? She wants to see him but also is afraid that will be a mistake. Choices, choices! She doesn't want to hurt either of them. She has a feeling the small town rumor mill is working overtime already. Burying herself in work might be a good distraction...
I liked the story, although it ran a little long. I liked both Cole and Nayla, along with their friends/classmates, well most of them.
Going to a highschool reunion would be stressful for me, so that I'm sure was one reason Nayla didn't want to go.
The awkwardness of seeing, talking to and not sure how to act around an ex partner was written perfectly. Even the feelings of longing, fear and hopes were portrayed very well. Almost makes me regret not going to my own reunions, almost.
You'll have to read Nayla and Cole's story for yourself, to see how it all plays out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A 10 year highschool reunion and Nayla is struggling because she knows her high school sweetheart, Cole will be back in town. Should she see him or not? She wants to see him but also is afraid that will be a mistake. Choices, choices! She doesn't want to hurt either of them. She has a feeling the small town rumor mill is working overtime already. Burying herself in work might be a good distraction...
I liked the story, although it ran a little long. I liked both Cole and Nayla, along with their friends/classmates, well most of them.
Going to a highschool reunion would be stressful for me, so that I'm sure was one reason Nayla didn't want to go.
The awkwardness of seeing, talking to and not sure how to act around an ex partner was written perfectly. Even the feelings of longing, fear and hopes were portrayed very well. Almost makes me regret not going to my own reunions, almost.
You'll have to read Nayla and Cole's story for yourself, to see how it all plays out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2025
This book, y’all!!! Mel Walker truly saved the best for last in this series!!! I LOVED Nayla & Cole. This is a second chance romance about two imperfect people who were perfect for each other. They have intoxicating chemistry, swoon, sass, witty banter, laughs, & feels. It’s one that you won’t want to put down until the end and then you’ll want more.
December 31, 2025
I am itching to give it a four, but here is why it is a three read for me, but would definitely be a four read for you if you are someone who is new to these kinds of second-chance romance books.
Firstly, this was a beautiful book. I don't think I have ever read a book where the MMC was as gone for the FMC as the MMC of this book was. The yearning and pining were so evident. I also felt that there were some other side characters that I equally felt I loved and wanted to learn more about their story or them. That is how beautifully the author has written the characters.
So, why a three-star read for me? Unfortunately, I have read a good share of second-chance romance books (think around 700!) because of which it honestly takes a lot for any second-chance romance book to surprise me with the storyline. The storyline - the fallout, to be precise - of the book was a cliché storyline. Something that I could predict from far away, something I am not quite fond of (one of the MCs making a decision on behalf of the MCs as a couple, leading to a fallout). While I must say this part was evident from the blurb itself and is no spoiler, I still expected a bit of non-cliche build for the fallout, but unfortunately, it was a typical one that I've seen in quite a lot of books. Hence why I mentioned that if you are someone who is new to second-chance romance, it should easily be a 4-star read or more for you - if that is all other things align well to your liking of course.
As someone who found the storyline predictable, I must say I loved how the FMC handled the resolution part of things - her smartness is one of the beauties of the book. I must say there were instances where I felt lost/confused. For example, for the longest time, the timeline was confusing because of the switch between mentions of 10 years and 3 years of longing, and how, for someone who was so nervous and hiding out, the first interaction went quite...normal?! While it was also evident as you read which chapter is from whose POV, it would have still been great to add the character/POV name below the chapter number, as it takes time and gets confusing. There were some too-good-to-be-true moments or moments that felt too forced or too unconvincing that were made just for the storyline to progress, which seemed evident and misplaced.
But overall, this was a beautiful book where the MMC got me swooning! On a normal day, I would crave for authors to include alternating timelines to show the kind of love the MCs had. While I would still love that, it just didn't feel needed because the author has beautifully written yearning and pining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Firstly, this was a beautiful book. I don't think I have ever read a book where the MMC was as gone for the FMC as the MMC of this book was. The yearning and pining were so evident. I also felt that there were some other side characters that I equally felt I loved and wanted to learn more about their story or them. That is how beautifully the author has written the characters.
So, why a three-star read for me? Unfortunately, I have read a good share of second-chance romance books (think around 700!) because of which it honestly takes a lot for any second-chance romance book to surprise me with the storyline. The storyline - the fallout, to be precise - of the book was a cliché storyline. Something that I could predict from far away, something I am not quite fond of (one of the MCs making a decision on behalf of the MCs as a couple, leading to a fallout). While I must say this part was evident from the blurb itself and is no spoiler, I still expected a bit of non-cliche build for the fallout, but unfortunately, it was a typical one that I've seen in quite a lot of books. Hence why I mentioned that if you are someone who is new to second-chance romance, it should easily be a 4-star read or more for you - if that is all other things align well to your liking of course.
As someone who found the storyline predictable, I must say I loved how the FMC handled the resolution part of things - her smartness is one of the beauties of the book. I must say there were instances where I felt lost/confused. For example, for the longest time, the timeline was confusing because of the switch between mentions of 10 years and 3 years of longing, and how, for someone who was so nervous and hiding out, the first interaction went quite...normal?! While it was also evident as you read which chapter is from whose POV, it would have still been great to add the character/POV name below the chapter number, as it takes time and gets confusing. There were some too-good-to-be-true moments or moments that felt too forced or too unconvincing that were made just for the storyline to progress, which seemed evident and misplaced.
But overall, this was a beautiful book where the MMC got me swooning! On a normal day, I would crave for authors to include alternating timelines to show the kind of love the MCs had. While I would still love that, it just didn't feel needed because the author has beautifully written yearning and pining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2025
Back to Perfect is book 4 in the Spring Hills Ten Year High School Reunion by Mel Walker. I have loved all the books but I think this my favorite. Nayla and Cole were high school sweethearts that everyone knew would always be together, until they weren’t. Surprising everyone especially Cole, Nayla broke up with him on his graduation day. Now it’s 10 years later and she knows Cole will be back in town for his reunion and she will do anything to not see him. Cole’s plan is to do anything to make sure he does see her to let her know she’s still the love of his life.
The way the author tells their stories drew me in from the beginning and kept me engaged until the very end. You could feel all the emotions. And it was fun catching up with everyone from the first three books. If you like a great small town, second chance story then this book is for you. If you haven’t read the first three books I’d recommend reading them, you won’t be disappointed.
The way the author tells their stories drew me in from the beginning and kept me engaged until the very end. You could feel all the emotions. And it was fun catching up with everyone from the first three books. If you like a great small town, second chance story then this book is for you. If you haven’t read the first three books I’d recommend reading them, you won’t be disappointed.
November 13, 2025
Cole and Nayla were slow-burn and intense. There were so many emotions running through both of them at all times. There was serious dedication on Cole's part to resolve whatever the issue was and get his lady back. Likewise with Nayla on avoidance.
The reunion was a nice backdrop for me because there were so many glimpses into the core of who these two were together and how they were perceived by those around them. They had a lot to work with.
All I can say is that the author takes the reader on a long emotion journey where had truths, and even harder assumptions, were revealed and ultimately, dealt with.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The reunion was a nice backdrop for me because there were so many glimpses into the core of who these two were together and how they were perceived by those around them. They had a lot to work with.
All I can say is that the author takes the reader on a long emotion journey where had truths, and even harder assumptions, were revealed and ultimately, dealt with.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 12, 2025
Cole and Nayla give off the couple vibes. Even the town thought so. Cole is the perfect example of a book boyfriend written right. He has the steadfastness and determination to win Nayla back. Nayla, clearly, has been through trauma and has to claw back her sense of control. Together they see exactly what went wrong and how they can move forward.
This book explores the concept of what you will sacrifice for the person you love and what choices are yours to make. I liked how it came across in the story. If you like small town and second chance romance then this book is for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book explores the concept of what you will sacrifice for the person you love and what choices are yours to make. I liked how it came across in the story. If you like small town and second chance romance then this book is for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2025
This small town second chance romance is book 4 in this series.
Once again we are at the 10 year reunion for Cole.
Cole is desperate to reconnect with Nayla, but she at odds whether she wants to see Cole or protect her heart from even more heartbreak.
Mr Walker does a great job of taking us down memory lane and walking us through the ups and downs of second chance love.
I did feel this one was a little drawn out but I still enjoyed it just the same.
The characters were well written and the story takes you along for the ride.
Worth the read.
I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review.
Once again we are at the 10 year reunion for Cole.
Cole is desperate to reconnect with Nayla, but she at odds whether she wants to see Cole or protect her heart from even more heartbreak.
Mr Walker does a great job of taking us down memory lane and walking us through the ups and downs of second chance love.
I did feel this one was a little drawn out but I still enjoyed it just the same.
The characters were well written and the story takes you along for the ride.
Worth the read.
I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review.
November 14, 2025
Cole Hamels has everything his heart could desire except the one woman who lit his desire ,with her flame but she let him go .Now his aim is to make her see , that they were always meant to be … Nayla Foster knows it must be a trap but she enters willingly she’s entranced ,mesmerised by his blue eyes …This is so sweet and Swoony and synonymous with Mel Walker who brings all they got charm in abundance with each romance he writes . Great characters that are endearing and real to life ,down to their strife and troubles that brew when all they should be doing is wooing then saying I do. Great story full of heart a beautifully crafted work of art.
November 14, 2025
Mel Walker has created a series that I can't help but to fall in love with! The characters, the challenges, the time capsules....
Nayla has made her way in Spring Hills - she has a job she loves, great friends to support her and a family behind her. She is just missing one thing. Cole is successful, has all that a young man could want and is coming back for his ten year reunion with one hope. As we journey through Nayla and Cole's reunion, is hard to miss what was lost but not hard to feel what wasn't. Mel has taken us back in time and showed us the way forward, the story felt so real, it was definitely relatable and ended PERFECTLY.
Nayla has made her way in Spring Hills - she has a job she loves, great friends to support her and a family behind her. She is just missing one thing. Cole is successful, has all that a young man could want and is coming back for his ten year reunion with one hope. As we journey through Nayla and Cole's reunion, is hard to miss what was lost but not hard to feel what wasn't. Mel has taken us back in time and showed us the way forward, the story felt so real, it was definitely relatable and ended PERFECTLY.
December 29, 2025
Nayla and Cole were once the idolized couple during high school right until he graduated. She broke up with him as he was heading off to college and her in her senior year. She broke their hearts, but you do what you have to for love. Or do you? His parents and best friend all became wildly successful in their next ventures. The guilt and heartache have dragged Nayla down, but she is still an amazing analyst. She lets everyone else shine, but she won’t take credit for much. She joins Cole’s reunion by sheer force, and they head down memory lane where all the secrets come out. These two lost so much time over the years so their HEA is one I was cheering for.
November 15, 2025
Nayla and Cole were high school sweethearts, until she broke his heart without any explanation. 10 years pass and Cole returns from New York City to the small town he and his best friend left behind to attend their High School reunion. Kayla has stayed in the town she few up and started her career. Will Nayla attend the high school reunion and will she reconnect with the love of her life, her High School boyfriend, Cole? Will she keep her secrets or finally explain why she ended their perfect relationship?
November 8, 2025
I love a good second chance romance, and having a redemption arc to the story only adds to the inevitable reunion between Nayla Foster and Cole Hamels after a ten year breakup.
There’s good character development and as a reader you’re definitely anxious to know the cause of the breakup in the first place.
The redemption arc was handled in a classy way and the couple, Cole and Nayla get their happy ending.
There’s good character development and as a reader you’re definitely anxious to know the cause of the breakup in the first place.
The redemption arc was handled in a classy way and the couple, Cole and Nayla get their happy ending.
November 19, 2025
The perfect second chance emotional read that the author writes so beautifully. Nayla has made a life for herself that seems perfect and Cole is successful, but one thing they both can never forget was each other. Nayla doesn’t want to remember and Cole is determined to make things right, but will Nayla let him back in again or walk away from what once was? Truly a great story from start to finish with all the emotions.
October 31, 2025
Back to Perfect was a sweet and a delightful story of second chances. It has heart, feelings, and swoon. It’s extremely well written, the characters are terrific, well developed and easily relatable, and I really enjoyed all the witty banter. I adored Nayla and Cole and they fit together perfectly and made a perfect couple. Great read and highly recommend.
November 15, 2025
Really enjoyed this story. Bit of a heart wrenched but so good! I laughed out loud at the airport scene when Derek tried to get on the plane and had to wait! The confession was absolutely amazing and the confrontations were worth the wait! Especially Derek's! I was quite surprised at how the confrontation went with Cole's mom but I still don't care for her :/ Fantastic book!!
November 20, 2025
Back to Perfect by Mel Walker is Book 4 in the Spring Hills Ten Year High School Reunion Series but each book features a different couple and can be read as a standalone. This book features Cole and Nayla, high school sweethearts who went their separate ways after Cole's graduation. When Cole returns to his hometown for his high school reunion, he has a plan set up to draw Nayla to his reunion. Cole was so sweet and I really liked how determined he was to get Nayla back. This book is perfect for fans of second chance romance.
November 13, 2025
Loved this book! So sorry the series is over!
If you love small town, second chance romances, you’ll love this book! The yearning between Nayla and Cole is so strong that I was rooting for them from the first chapter.
If you love small town, second chance romances, you’ll love this book! The yearning between Nayla and Cole is so strong that I was rooting for them from the first chapter.
November 13, 2025
Walker keeps getting better. From heartache to heartwarming is a winding road of past regrets and present hope that sticks to the soul. Back to Perfect is sweet, simmering story of new beginnings and happy endings.
November 13, 2025
Nayla and Cole's book has it all! Their second chance romance is filled with laughs and banter, steamy chemistry and more. I loved escaping into their world for just a little while.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews