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Phlox Beauty #2
Back to Us
Book 2 in Julia Gabriel’s Phlox Beauty series ...
A new contemporary romance about reunited lovers, being the right person at the wrong time, and what it means to be home ...
The daughter of an actress, Zee Malisewski grew up on movie sets and in boarding schools. As an adult, she’s built a life away from all that—and a successful cosmetics business with her best friend—in New York City. Men? They’ve come and gone. Mostly gone. She’s sworn off the male species anyway, after her latest boyfriend tampers with her company’s new product and nearly destroys everything she and her business partner have spent years working for. Now Zee wants a home of her own and she’s done waiting for Prince Charming to show up and share it with her.
Adventure journalist Colt Buchanan grabbed his own bootstraps and yanked hard—leaving the poverty of his rural hometown behind for a scholarship to a fancy east coast college and then the bright lights of the big city. But when an assignment in the Middle East leaves his interview subject dead and Colt’s memory riddled with holes you can drive a bus through, he comes back to the only place that’s ever felt like home—the Manhattan apartment of a pretty Hollywood princess he never had any business wanting.
You can never forget true love … even when you want to …
Back to Us is the second book in the Phlox Beauty series. It is a standalone book although reading Next to You first is recommended.
A new contemporary romance about reunited lovers, being the right person at the wrong time, and what it means to be home ...
The daughter of an actress, Zee Malisewski grew up on movie sets and in boarding schools. As an adult, she’s built a life away from all that—and a successful cosmetics business with her best friend—in New York City. Men? They’ve come and gone. Mostly gone. She’s sworn off the male species anyway, after her latest boyfriend tampers with her company’s new product and nearly destroys everything she and her business partner have spent years working for. Now Zee wants a home of her own and she’s done waiting for Prince Charming to show up and share it with her.
Adventure journalist Colt Buchanan grabbed his own bootstraps and yanked hard—leaving the poverty of his rural hometown behind for a scholarship to a fancy east coast college and then the bright lights of the big city. But when an assignment in the Middle East leaves his interview subject dead and Colt’s memory riddled with holes you can drive a bus through, he comes back to the only place that’s ever felt like home—the Manhattan apartment of a pretty Hollywood princess he never had any business wanting.
You can never forget true love … even when you want to …
Back to Us is the second book in the Phlox Beauty series. It is a standalone book although reading Next to You first is recommended.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
312 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2016
166 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Julia Gabriel
40 books162 followersJulia Gabriel writes contemporary romance that is smart, sexy, and emotionally-intense (grab the tissues). She lives in New England where she is a full-time mom to a teenager, as well as a sometime writing professor and obsessive quilter (is there any other kind?). If all goes well, she’ll be a Parisienne in her next life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 27, 2020
Do you believe in second chance romance? If yes, then this is a book for you. It is a cute and sweet love story with happily ever after and was a super-fast read. The story telling and writing style of the author is commendable and the plot is quite unique.
Colt Buchanan is an adventure journalist and on his latest assignment in Middle East, which does not go very well leads to a concussion, broken leg and some memory loss after almost seven months of captivity with his interview subject dead. After this incident he comes back to Zelda Maliszewski who is an owner of Phlox Beauty (a successful cosmetics business) and daughter of a Hollywood actress. They broke up 4 years back due to some miscommunication but he does not remember it due to the memory loss. Although Zelda realizes that he is not her responsibility any more but she still cares and cannot let him go. She understands that he needs care which either she or her grandfather will be able to provide. In the process of taking care of him the feeling which she had for him start to resurface and she is unable to suppress them anymore but he still needs to convince her that she can trust him and now he will always be by her side.
After facing a life changing circumstances Colt feels that he understands Zee in a better way and takes her more seriously. He realizes that life is very unpredictable. When we are young and naïve, we do not take things as seriously we must. Isn't this applicable to all of us?
This was my first book by the author and all in all it was a good read and I will definitely recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley and Serif Books for a digital copy in exchange of an honest review.
Colt Buchanan is an adventure journalist and on his latest assignment in Middle East, which does not go very well leads to a concussion, broken leg and some memory loss after almost seven months of captivity with his interview subject dead. After this incident he comes back to Zelda Maliszewski who is an owner of Phlox Beauty (a successful cosmetics business) and daughter of a Hollywood actress. They broke up 4 years back due to some miscommunication but he does not remember it due to the memory loss. Although Zelda realizes that he is not her responsibility any more but she still cares and cannot let him go. She understands that he needs care which either she or her grandfather will be able to provide. In the process of taking care of him the feeling which she had for him start to resurface and she is unable to suppress them anymore but he still needs to convince her that she can trust him and now he will always be by her side.
After facing a life changing circumstances Colt feels that he understands Zee in a better way and takes her more seriously. He realizes that life is very unpredictable. When we are young and naïve, we do not take things as seriously we must. Isn't this applicable to all of us?
This was my first book by the author and all in all it was a good read and I will definitely recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley and Serif Books for a digital copy in exchange of an honest review.
December 2, 2016
Wow. I absolutely loved this book. It has a very engaging story line that unfolds in a believable way. I really like Gabriel's writing voice...it has a comforting rhythm, impressive prose. Excellent pacing, attention to detail, intriguing characters. It hit all my high spots.
Off to buy the other book in this series.
Off to buy the other book in this series.
February 4, 2020
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
“Back to Us”, by author Julia Gabriel (Serif Books), is a sweet second chance romance story, featuring an amnesiac yet smitten hero, afflicted by the anxiety and despair of lost memories after a traumatic captivity, but with a solid sureness of his deep love for the heroine.
After reading the phenomenal Two of Hearts and This Reminds Me of Us , another hit in my opinion, “Back to Us” felt a bit anticlimactic, with a wounded hero not enough developed for me to really connect with his amnesia and trauma issues and a heroine who seemed somehow to embody the little “poor rich girl” syndrome she wanted so much to fight.
Nevertheless, I liked the depiction of the amnesia trauma, the way the author describes how Colt’s damaged mind is working and failing, the anxiety and despair the memory loss provokes, the nightmares and mental issues. But perhaps the resolution was too easy.
Being a journalist with wanderlust and avidity for life were also interesting traits for our hero, who pins unabashedly for the heroine
On a more personal basis, the celebrity/rich people and cosmetic industry universes aren’t my favorite fictional worlds and somehow I found the heroine’s and her best friend names irritating and the repetition of how “tiny” Zee’s body was annoying.
“Back to Us”, by author Julia Gabriel (Serif Books), is a sweet second chance romance story, featuring an amnesiac yet smitten hero, afflicted by the anxiety and despair of lost memories after a traumatic captivity, but with a solid sureness of his deep love for the heroine.
After reading the phenomenal Two of Hearts and This Reminds Me of Us , another hit in my opinion, “Back to Us” felt a bit anticlimactic, with a wounded hero not enough developed for me to really connect with his amnesia and trauma issues and a heroine who seemed somehow to embody the little “poor rich girl” syndrome she wanted so much to fight.
Nevertheless, I liked the depiction of the amnesia trauma, the way the author describes how Colt’s damaged mind is working and failing, the anxiety and despair the memory loss provokes, the nightmares and mental issues. But perhaps the resolution was too easy.
Being a journalist with wanderlust and avidity for life were also interesting traits for our hero, who pins unabashedly for the heroine
On a more personal basis, the celebrity/rich people and cosmetic industry universes aren’t my favorite fictional worlds and somehow I found the heroine’s and her best friend names irritating and the repetition of how “tiny” Zee’s body was annoying.
December 11, 2016
Quick and fun read. The story line reminds me somewhat of What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty. It's interesting to think about how we would view our lives if we were just discovering them for the first time. And while Colt finally remembered how he screwed up, I'm not satisfied with his newfound memory. The unexplained holes or lapses are still that...holes. Maybe that's what amnesia is like? I don't know. So a trip to the doctor would have helped firm that up for the reader.
May 14, 2017
Back to Us, Phlox Beauty Series Book 2, Julia Gabriel
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Women's Fiction
I loved Julia's DRawing Lessons and Chiarascuro, but somehow I missed the first book in this series, featuring Jared and Phlox. They appear in this book too as secondary but important characters and I worked out much of their backstory from that but its a book I'd like to read. sometimes. when the TBR list drops a bit....
So even though this is a second in sereis its a stand alone, and it didn't matter I hadn't read book one.
I really enjoyed this story, felt so much for both characters and as before Julia doesn't just stick to a standard romance of man meets woman, they fall in love, have a hiccup and then a HEA. No, Julia adds more and that's what makes it perfect for me.
Its not just that Colt and Zee were in love four years ago, not that they are perfect for each other, but that they somehow lost their way, had a big breakup but after being captured and tortured Colt had lost huge chunks of his memory, including the fact he doesn't live with Zee now....
Poor Zee comes home after a busy day, crawls into bed, only to find Colt in it. Colt who she's not heard from in four years after living with him for a while and he left!
What a huge shock..and then he explains and she feels for him, but won't open her heart again, it took her too long to recover the first time.
Since then she's had more issues with her love life, when her lover who worked for the company she and best friend Phlox own sabotaged it, and nearly brought it to collapse. Its taken hard work and money to keep things going, and somehow Zee feels all the blame, has lost confidence in her judgement so has sworn off men.
And then Colt comes back, and she can feel him all over again, feel how right for her he is. Still, the reasons the broke up were solid, she can't let herself go that route again.
Colt goes to stay with Max, her grandfather and the man who inadvertently brought them together.
He was Max' writing professor, and there's still a lot of respect between them. Colt has literally just left hospital and doesn't know where he lives, doesn't have access to his bank, which was emptied by his captors, so is in a really hard postition. As well as the memory loss, he's physically weak from being beaten and starved and having a badly broken leg.
The trauma has left him with nightmares and he keeps losing bits of the present, such as forgetting where he is, right now. Its clear he can't live alone so Max takes him in, although he's away for a few days.
The first night he has a terrible nightmare, and in desparation somehow phones Zee, who collects him, takes him home and he ends up staying there for a few days til everything is sorted.
Of course Zee can't stay in bed when she can hear him screaming in terror - who could, and slowly he works his way back into her heart.
She won't tell him why they split up though, still trying to keep him at arms length and like Colt I was desperate to know. And when we did find out I was heartbroken for her, even though knowing Colt's background I can see why he made the decision he did.
We all think time is limitless when we're young, that there's another chance, another time. Carpe Diem is a good motto, who knows what's round the corner?
Trouble is when its two people who have different priorities for right now, different things they want to seize on the day.
Poor Zee, still working long days, trying to assuage her guilt over the sabotage, trying to put things right even though it wasn't her fault, and now she's more pressure with Colt back in her orbit.
He's determined to wear her down, to get her back. he knows that for him she's it,. and now he's a better sense of life priorities.
Zee can't trust he's changed though, and she's her own background issues to contend with. her mother is famous, an award winning actress and for much of Zee's life she was dragged around, tutored privately and following her mother as she worked on yet another film. Her only stability came from her grandparents and after her grandmother died Max is the closest person in her life.
Its a book full of love, full of small and bigger dramas and one I loved. I was so wanting Zee to let Colt in, so understood why she didn't though and was engrossed in seeing how on earth Julia could resolve things for them. And she did, in a perfect way.
Stars: five,a lovely story, sensual romance, with real issues and characters
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Women's Fiction
I loved Julia's DRawing Lessons and Chiarascuro, but somehow I missed the first book in this series, featuring Jared and Phlox. They appear in this book too as secondary but important characters and I worked out much of their backstory from that but its a book I'd like to read. sometimes. when the TBR list drops a bit....
So even though this is a second in sereis its a stand alone, and it didn't matter I hadn't read book one.
I really enjoyed this story, felt so much for both characters and as before Julia doesn't just stick to a standard romance of man meets woman, they fall in love, have a hiccup and then a HEA. No, Julia adds more and that's what makes it perfect for me.
Its not just that Colt and Zee were in love four years ago, not that they are perfect for each other, but that they somehow lost their way, had a big breakup but after being captured and tortured Colt had lost huge chunks of his memory, including the fact he doesn't live with Zee now....
Poor Zee comes home after a busy day, crawls into bed, only to find Colt in it. Colt who she's not heard from in four years after living with him for a while and he left!
What a huge shock..and then he explains and she feels for him, but won't open her heart again, it took her too long to recover the first time.
Since then she's had more issues with her love life, when her lover who worked for the company she and best friend Phlox own sabotaged it, and nearly brought it to collapse. Its taken hard work and money to keep things going, and somehow Zee feels all the blame, has lost confidence in her judgement so has sworn off men.
And then Colt comes back, and she can feel him all over again, feel how right for her he is. Still, the reasons the broke up were solid, she can't let herself go that route again.
Colt goes to stay with Max, her grandfather and the man who inadvertently brought them together.
He was Max' writing professor, and there's still a lot of respect between them. Colt has literally just left hospital and doesn't know where he lives, doesn't have access to his bank, which was emptied by his captors, so is in a really hard postition. As well as the memory loss, he's physically weak from being beaten and starved and having a badly broken leg.
The trauma has left him with nightmares and he keeps losing bits of the present, such as forgetting where he is, right now. Its clear he can't live alone so Max takes him in, although he's away for a few days.
The first night he has a terrible nightmare, and in desparation somehow phones Zee, who collects him, takes him home and he ends up staying there for a few days til everything is sorted.
Of course Zee can't stay in bed when she can hear him screaming in terror - who could, and slowly he works his way back into her heart.
She won't tell him why they split up though, still trying to keep him at arms length and like Colt I was desperate to know. And when we did find out I was heartbroken for her, even though knowing Colt's background I can see why he made the decision he did.
We all think time is limitless when we're young, that there's another chance, another time. Carpe Diem is a good motto, who knows what's round the corner?
Trouble is when its two people who have different priorities for right now, different things they want to seize on the day.
Poor Zee, still working long days, trying to assuage her guilt over the sabotage, trying to put things right even though it wasn't her fault, and now she's more pressure with Colt back in her orbit.
He's determined to wear her down, to get her back. he knows that for him she's it,. and now he's a better sense of life priorities.
Zee can't trust he's changed though, and she's her own background issues to contend with. her mother is famous, an award winning actress and for much of Zee's life she was dragged around, tutored privately and following her mother as she worked on yet another film. Her only stability came from her grandparents and after her grandmother died Max is the closest person in her life.
Its a book full of love, full of small and bigger dramas and one I loved. I was so wanting Zee to let Colt in, so understood why she didn't though and was engrossed in seeing how on earth Julia could resolve things for them. And she did, in a perfect way.
Stars: five,a lovely story, sensual romance, with real issues and characters
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
May 10, 2017
Seriously, I love this book! I was completely hooked from the beginning. Colt and Zee are perfectly flawed, and there wasn’t a minute I wasn’t rooting for them! Ms. Gabriel does a perfect job blending together this story of heartache and love everlasting.
When Colt returns from a journalism assignment with memory loss, he returns to Zee, the love of his life. While he was held captive for months, she is what got him through. Memories of her, of them are what gave him the strength to survive. Only, when he returns, he finds out she is no longer his. He can’t imagine a world in which they no longer love each other. While everything else in his life is up in the air, he knows one thing for sure...he must find his way back to Zee. As the story continues, he manages to find strength and become Zee’s strength, but will they ever really be able to overcome the struggles that forced them apart in the first place? Will he ever even know what those struggles were?
Zee, a successful business woman and child of a celebrity seems to have it all...or does she? This past year has been incredibly hard for Zee both personally and professionally. Her solution? No men. She will focus on her business and that will have to be enough. This plan seems to be working until she returns home to find an unexpected man in her bed. Things continue to get worse when she discovers this man, Colt, thinks she is expecting him and they are still in a relationship that ended poorly years ago. Zee has a heart of gold and can’t send Colt on his way without helping him. As much as she would love to fall back into their relationship, she knows why it ended and why it won’t work again. Unfortunately for Zee, Colt is not the only problem she is currently facing. Her life seems to be spinning out of control. Will Colt really be able to help her through, or is her heart bound to be broken yet again?
The secondary characters in this book add a lot to the story as well. I loved Max even though I was a bit frustrated with him at times. I hated Ginger, Zee’s mom. However, the drama she creates provides a much needed backstory as to why Zee is the way she is. And I have to admit, I’m still a bit undecided on Phlox and Jared. Ms. Gabriel is a new author to me, so I didn’t know this was actually the second book in a series. Luckily for all of us, this is still perfect as a standalone. I, however, am now very curious about Jared and Phlox so I’ve already purchased their story Next to You and downloaded their additional short, Pink Diamonds: A Bonus Scene from Next to You. I can’t wait to read them both!
Overall, this book was a complete success. It included fantastic characters, lots of drama, and a bit of mystery. My only complaint - I want more! I’m not sure who should come next, (perhaps Cherise?) but the story definitely needs to include Colt and Zee so I can see more of them! I would also be thrilled with an additional short for them. Perhaps it could focus on how everyone reacted to the big news?? Either way, we need more, Ms. Gabriel!!
A huge thanks to NetGalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for this honest review. I’ve got a new author to watch!
This was originally posted on www.NovelMomma.com
When Colt returns from a journalism assignment with memory loss, he returns to Zee, the love of his life. While he was held captive for months, she is what got him through. Memories of her, of them are what gave him the strength to survive. Only, when he returns, he finds out she is no longer his. He can’t imagine a world in which they no longer love each other. While everything else in his life is up in the air, he knows one thing for sure...he must find his way back to Zee. As the story continues, he manages to find strength and become Zee’s strength, but will they ever really be able to overcome the struggles that forced them apart in the first place? Will he ever even know what those struggles were?
Zee, a successful business woman and child of a celebrity seems to have it all...or does she? This past year has been incredibly hard for Zee both personally and professionally. Her solution? No men. She will focus on her business and that will have to be enough. This plan seems to be working until she returns home to find an unexpected man in her bed. Things continue to get worse when she discovers this man, Colt, thinks she is expecting him and they are still in a relationship that ended poorly years ago. Zee has a heart of gold and can’t send Colt on his way without helping him. As much as she would love to fall back into their relationship, she knows why it ended and why it won’t work again. Unfortunately for Zee, Colt is not the only problem she is currently facing. Her life seems to be spinning out of control. Will Colt really be able to help her through, or is her heart bound to be broken yet again?
The secondary characters in this book add a lot to the story as well. I loved Max even though I was a bit frustrated with him at times. I hated Ginger, Zee’s mom. However, the drama she creates provides a much needed backstory as to why Zee is the way she is. And I have to admit, I’m still a bit undecided on Phlox and Jared. Ms. Gabriel is a new author to me, so I didn’t know this was actually the second book in a series. Luckily for all of us, this is still perfect as a standalone. I, however, am now very curious about Jared and Phlox so I’ve already purchased their story Next to You and downloaded their additional short, Pink Diamonds: A Bonus Scene from Next to You. I can’t wait to read them both!
Overall, this book was a complete success. It included fantastic characters, lots of drama, and a bit of mystery. My only complaint - I want more! I’m not sure who should come next, (perhaps Cherise?) but the story definitely needs to include Colt and Zee so I can see more of them! I would also be thrilled with an additional short for them. Perhaps it could focus on how everyone reacted to the big news?? Either way, we need more, Ms. Gabriel!!
A huge thanks to NetGalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for this honest review. I’ve got a new author to watch!
This was originally posted on www.NovelMomma.com
November 15, 2017
Hmmm.
I liked the book but was ultimately disappointed in the ending. I believe it was because you can see from early on in the book that the only real reason the hero and heroine aren’t getting back together is because of their break up 4yrs before. But we’re not told what caused their break up until the very end of the book. And it’s a feasible reason, but ultimately kinda lame seeing as their whole relationship, for the whole book, rested on it. And then it’s resolved with a simple ‘I’m sorry, I won’t do it again, I think I’ve paid enough in terms of consequences and now you need to put some faith in me’. And that’s it. Let’s get married next week, book ends.
*spolier*
The reason they broke up 4yrs earlier wasn’t shared until about 15min to the end of the book. Basically the hero kept leaving the heroine on her own, to go off and travel and do his job. Often to dangerous destinations or to do dangerous things. The last straw is when he plans a proposal dinner, then stands her up because he got a last minute work assignment instead. The restaurant workers know, they blab it to reporters and she’s humiliated in the news.
She feels like he doesn’t really love her because she’s not a priority for him, more a convenience. She wants someone who will put her first and not just pop in and out of her life. Okay, makes sense. But then it’s only revealed at the end of the book, and is resolved with a couple of sentences. Honestly. I felt so let down. I thought that the reason must be significant since it’s been hidden from us the whole book. And it’s the whole reason why the heroine hasn’t taken him back! She was even thinking those kind of thoughts the day before they resolved things. But it ended up being just a pat resolution.
I think I wouldn’t have been as disappointed if there had been more to the story. There were a few characters mentioned that looked like they might play a significant role, but they fizzled out as well. For example - her dad. She’s never known who he was. She meets him and I think ‘something’s going to come of this - a confrontation with him, or his family, or even her mother...’. But no. He dies the next day, and her mum reveals who he was to the world and that’s about it. Her ex was another - he shows up to the date auction and bids on her, then disappears. Why would he do that and not even speak to her?
Then there’s the hero’s issues - he’s having significant memory issues and PTSD. Does he see a psychologist? No. He’s worried that he won’t be able to hold down a job because his memory is so unreliable. But at the end of the book, he’s going to be a sort of lecturer. I’d think you’d need a functioning memory for that. There’s no mention that his memory is back to normal or that he’s had counselling or anything. He’s just magically well.
Also, as a smaller issue, how come he’s not closer to his sister? He hasn’t really spoken to her or seen her since he was captured and nearly killed. Why? Why don’t they get on? I don’t think that was clarified.
Gosh this review has become really long! I didn’t mean it to be. I just enjoyed the book but felt there were some issues and I wanted to write them down so I remember them.
I liked the book but was ultimately disappointed in the ending. I believe it was because you can see from early on in the book that the only real reason the hero and heroine aren’t getting back together is because of their break up 4yrs before. But we’re not told what caused their break up until the very end of the book. And it’s a feasible reason, but ultimately kinda lame seeing as their whole relationship, for the whole book, rested on it. And then it’s resolved with a simple ‘I’m sorry, I won’t do it again, I think I’ve paid enough in terms of consequences and now you need to put some faith in me’. And that’s it. Let’s get married next week, book ends.
*spolier*
The reason they broke up 4yrs earlier wasn’t shared until about 15min to the end of the book. Basically the hero kept leaving the heroine on her own, to go off and travel and do his job. Often to dangerous destinations or to do dangerous things. The last straw is when he plans a proposal dinner, then stands her up because he got a last minute work assignment instead. The restaurant workers know, they blab it to reporters and she’s humiliated in the news.
She feels like he doesn’t really love her because she’s not a priority for him, more a convenience. She wants someone who will put her first and not just pop in and out of her life. Okay, makes sense. But then it’s only revealed at the end of the book, and is resolved with a couple of sentences. Honestly. I felt so let down. I thought that the reason must be significant since it’s been hidden from us the whole book. And it’s the whole reason why the heroine hasn’t taken him back! She was even thinking those kind of thoughts the day before they resolved things. But it ended up being just a pat resolution.
I think I wouldn’t have been as disappointed if there had been more to the story. There were a few characters mentioned that looked like they might play a significant role, but they fizzled out as well. For example - her dad. She’s never known who he was. She meets him and I think ‘something’s going to come of this - a confrontation with him, or his family, or even her mother...’. But no. He dies the next day, and her mum reveals who he was to the world and that’s about it. Her ex was another - he shows up to the date auction and bids on her, then disappears. Why would he do that and not even speak to her?
Then there’s the hero’s issues - he’s having significant memory issues and PTSD. Does he see a psychologist? No. He’s worried that he won’t be able to hold down a job because his memory is so unreliable. But at the end of the book, he’s going to be a sort of lecturer. I’d think you’d need a functioning memory for that. There’s no mention that his memory is back to normal or that he’s had counselling or anything. He’s just magically well.
Also, as a smaller issue, how come he’s not closer to his sister? He hasn’t really spoken to her or seen her since he was captured and nearly killed. Why? Why don’t they get on? I don’t think that was clarified.
Gosh this review has become really long! I didn’t mean it to be. I just enjoyed the book but felt there were some issues and I wanted to write them down so I remember them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2017
This heartrending romance was almost too painful to read. Colt returns home with his memory in shreds but with the one constant that he has held onto all the months he was incarcerated by the Taliban, namely Zee. Memories of his love for Zee gave him something to hold onto when he wanted to give up and left him with a sliver of sanity. Returning home, he finds that his memories have lied to him and that he and Zee haven't been together for four years. Reconciling his memories with reality, compounded by nightmares, amnesia and PTSD, leave him broken and exhausted. Zee has had her own demons to deal with and Colt's unannounced presence in her bed leave her floundering as well. However, Zee is faced with the realisation that on his own, Colt is never going to make it, and that he needs all the help she can give him - as a friend! As Colt grapples with the past, trying to piece together the holes in his memory, Zee's past also intrudes bringing unwanted surprises that cut her off at the knees. Colt and Zee find that the magic that drew them together in the first place still exists, but Zee has to learn to trust again before it is possible for healing to take place. Although this book is part of a series, it is nevertheless a standalone. It is well written and kept me engrossed from the opening chapter to the delightfully romantic epilogue. The story moves from distant past to present, bringing up memories both good and bad, as Colt works his way through the dark labyrinth of his mind, which left me feeling heart sore and sad for the dreadful experience he has endured. However, it is an ill wind that blows nobody any good, and through the experience Colt begins to realise what is important in his life and to appreciate those who are most dear to him. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
March 20, 2020
Dull, dull, dull.
Halfway in, I'm giving up. It probably says more about me than about the book that I'm more excited about reading a book on labor law than a romance, but still: labor law v romance. That should never be a question when deciding how to spend your free time.
After being held hostage for seven months Colt returns in the life of Zee with no memories of the fact they broke up four years earlier. He has two basic thoughts: I have war trauma and I want to have sex with that woman. Zee, from her point of view, also has two basic thoughts: I dated a man that sabotaged my company; it's my fault he did that; I must make ammends. And, Colt is still hot. (After seven months of captivity Colt probably looks like a prisoner of war after seven months.)
These thoughts are repeated over and over again. I some times have repetative thoughts. People don't like to talk to me when I do. They like to have progress in a conversation/thought process. Like I like to have progress in a romance. After all, it's the journey that counts.
Perhaps at about 40% of the story, Zee should have told Colt why they broke up, then he could have spent the rest of the book trying to make up for it. Perhaps that would have kept my interest. Or not. Labor law is actually pretty exciting.
I read a copy through NetGalley.
Halfway in, I'm giving up. It probably says more about me than about the book that I'm more excited about reading a book on labor law than a romance, but still: labor law v romance. That should never be a question when deciding how to spend your free time.
After being held hostage for seven months Colt returns in the life of Zee with no memories of the fact they broke up four years earlier. He has two basic thoughts: I have war trauma and I want to have sex with that woman. Zee, from her point of view, also has two basic thoughts: I dated a man that sabotaged my company; it's my fault he did that; I must make ammends. And, Colt is still hot. (After seven months of captivity Colt probably looks like a prisoner of war after seven months.)
These thoughts are repeated over and over again. I some times have repetative thoughts. People don't like to talk to me when I do. They like to have progress in a conversation/thought process. Like I like to have progress in a romance. After all, it's the journey that counts.
Perhaps at about 40% of the story, Zee should have told Colt why they broke up, then he could have spent the rest of the book trying to make up for it. Perhaps that would have kept my interest. Or not. Labor law is actually pretty exciting.
I read a copy through NetGalley.
January 15, 2020
Colt Buchanan took a journalism assignment in the Middle East that ended with his interview subject dead, his own captivity by the Taliban for many months, and a severe memory loss. Only his memories of Zee Malisewski and her apartment in Manhattan kept him the least bit sane, and he returns to her and the feeling of “home” to find healing. Unfortunately, his faulty memories did not remember that he and Zee had broken up 4 years ago!
Zee herself has had issues with an ex-boyfriend messing with her business and almost ruining everything. She has sworn off men. So the surprise visit by Colt, clearly expecting her to welcome him home, is a challenge for her! But she realizes she can’t turn him away; he will need all the help she can give him to come back from his ordeal. Will they have the chance to fall in love all over again? Can Zee stick with him through the bad times his PTSD will put him through? And could having him back in her life again help to heal her wounds as well?
A wide cast of characters helps the reader stay involved in the story and understand a little better about people’s behaviors. Some important life lessons are learned, and working through issues together brings a newfound strength to what is still between them. Where will they take it from here?
Zee herself has had issues with an ex-boyfriend messing with her business and almost ruining everything. She has sworn off men. So the surprise visit by Colt, clearly expecting her to welcome him home, is a challenge for her! But she realizes she can’t turn him away; he will need all the help she can give him to come back from his ordeal. Will they have the chance to fall in love all over again? Can Zee stick with him through the bad times his PTSD will put him through? And could having him back in her life again help to heal her wounds as well?
A wide cast of characters helps the reader stay involved in the story and understand a little better about people’s behaviors. Some important life lessons are learned, and working through issues together brings a newfound strength to what is still between them. Where will they take it from here?
November 22, 2017
Second chance at Love… I love this book. I feel like I really know Zee and Colt. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review. When Colt returns to Zee's apartment, he's glad to be back home to Zee after being held in captivity for 7 months in the Middle East. Thoughts of Zee and their love kept him alive while he was being held prisoner. Zee returns home and is shocked to find Colt in her bed. She never bothered changing the lock when he left 4 years ago. When Zee realizes that he has memory loss and suffers from PTSD, she keeps him close to her to help him Zee, a successful businesswoman, has already had too much drama in her life between her movie star mother and an ex-boyfriend, who almost ruined her business. Zee is not sure that she should trust her feelings for Colt. He can't understand why he would have ever left her. I thought that was an excellent story and I recommend it.
January 15, 2020
I received a copy from BookSprout; this is my honest review.
-Same as the previous book, information keeps repeating itself throughout the book. I stopped counted after 12. One star off.
-Good editing, but still needs another pass; for ex., bead/bid...
-Second chance romance with bits of amnesia and lack of social life. Many flashbacks of a kidnapping incident but not horrifying. We see Jared and Phlox from the first story and their family, friends, and colleagues.
-The funniest part of the book is the auction for the High School. Jared is prominent and all Alpha! The more endearing part was when Colt comes home, hits the code and goes to bed; then the discussion that ensued during the night.
-You can feel the caring and chemistry between Colt and Zee; their friendship and respect. I really liked them together.
-At the end of the book I still wasn't sure about the apartment she chose to buy. Does it truly fit her?
-Same as the previous book, information keeps repeating itself throughout the book. I stopped counted after 12. One star off.
-Good editing, but still needs another pass; for ex., bead/bid...
-Second chance romance with bits of amnesia and lack of social life. Many flashbacks of a kidnapping incident but not horrifying. We see Jared and Phlox from the first story and their family, friends, and colleagues.
-The funniest part of the book is the auction for the High School. Jared is prominent and all Alpha! The more endearing part was when Colt comes home, hits the code and goes to bed; then the discussion that ensued during the night.
-You can feel the caring and chemistry between Colt and Zee; their friendship and respect. I really liked them together.
-At the end of the book I still wasn't sure about the apartment she chose to buy. Does it truly fit her?
January 31, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I overall really enjoyed the book even though i usually hate second chance romances. It didn't really feel second chance with the MC memory loss.
I read this as a standalone so maybe i should have read the first book to like Phlox the best friend but i didn't. She came off judgy and so unsupportive as a best friend! Yes Zee had a terrible ex boyfriend who committed a crime that's not Zee's fault you are not responsible for the crimes of others! Yes she dated him but come on you also hired him so if we are talking about bad character readings it's on everyone at the company not Zee stop throwing it in her face! Sorry mini rant but i would drop Phlox as a best friend regardless of this so good long history of being best friends.
Overall, would recommend and was a quick light read
I overall really enjoyed the book even though i usually hate second chance romances. It didn't really feel second chance with the MC memory loss.
I read this as a standalone so maybe i should have read the first book to like Phlox the best friend but i didn't. She came off judgy and so unsupportive as a best friend! Yes Zee had a terrible ex boyfriend who committed a crime that's not Zee's fault you are not responsible for the crimes of others! Yes she dated him but come on you also hired him so if we are talking about bad character readings it's on everyone at the company not Zee stop throwing it in her face! Sorry mini rant but i would drop Phlox as a best friend regardless of this so good long history of being best friends.
Overall, would recommend and was a quick light read
July 8, 2020
Wont be me last read by this author.
This was my first read by Julia Gabriel and it’s sure not to be my last. I was drawn to Colt from the first page. My heart ached for what he went through and then again when he came home only to find out what he had lived for all these past months didn’t exist any more. I liked Zee, but I wonder if I wouldn’t have connected better with her if I had read the first book in the series first and met her there. Either way, the author did a good job filling in what happened in the first book, so It did truly feel like a stand a lone.
I did feel like the reason the two characters had broken up in the first place was not as monumental as the build up to it lead you to believe. When that was revealed, it made me feel like so many years had been wasted for almost no reason. Overall, it was a great story.
This was my first read by Julia Gabriel and it’s sure not to be my last. I was drawn to Colt from the first page. My heart ached for what he went through and then again when he came home only to find out what he had lived for all these past months didn’t exist any more. I liked Zee, but I wonder if I wouldn’t have connected better with her if I had read the first book in the series first and met her there. Either way, the author did a good job filling in what happened in the first book, so It did truly feel like a stand a lone.
I did feel like the reason the two characters had broken up in the first place was not as monumental as the build up to it lead you to believe. When that was revealed, it made me feel like so many years had been wasted for almost no reason. Overall, it was a great story.
February 19, 2020
The premise of this book seemed really unique to me. A man who has lost parts of his memory shows up at an ex-girlfriend’s apartment, convinced that they are still together. He has gone through something horrific and his memories of her are all that kept him tethered. Meanwhile, his ex has moved on with her life and isn’t sure what to do with his arrival. Zelda and Colt were great characters, and it was interesting to see them work their way back to each other. There was a lot more going on in the book than just their romance, however, and I kind of wished there had been a bit more focus on Zee and Colt. Overall it was a compelling read and I’m going to check out the other book in the series. Recommended.
August 24, 2023
Really good follow up
I really enjoyed this story. The characters, the plot, all of it. Zee is an interesting character. She's the daughter of a movie star, granddaughter of a writer but she has had some lonely times. She grew up in her mother's shadow and didn't know her father. Colt had Bern a student of Zee's grandfather when they first met and when they met again years later became involved. But something happened and in the present time they ate not together and haven't been for 4 years. Colt is on a writing assignment and I'd captured and tortured for months. His memory becomes affected, as well as his physical health, and he reunites with Zee not remembering they broke up.
I really enjoyed this story. The characters, the plot, all of it. Zee is an interesting character. She's the daughter of a movie star, granddaughter of a writer but she has had some lonely times. She grew up in her mother's shadow and didn't know her father. Colt had Bern a student of Zee's grandfather when they first met and when they met again years later became involved. But something happened and in the present time they ate not together and haven't been for 4 years. Colt is on a writing assignment and I'd captured and tortured for months. His memory becomes affected, as well as his physical health, and he reunites with Zee not remembering they broke up.
September 21, 2025
Will Always Come Back To You
Colt and Zee have always been in love, even if one or the other didn't realize it. This book is all about Always Coming Back To You, and believing.
Zee runs Phlox Beauty, and is good at it. Colt is an adventure journalist, but his ambition almost gets him killed. Maybe even worse, he might also lose Zee.
Ms Gabriel's work deals with the stresses in life. The very real stress of torture and it's effect on the mind. She does an excellent job even as part of a romantic novel.
I encourage you to read this book. It was entertaining, but certainly taught me something of the human will to survive.
Colt and Zee have always been in love, even if one or the other didn't realize it. This book is all about Always Coming Back To You, and believing.
Zee runs Phlox Beauty, and is good at it. Colt is an adventure journalist, but his ambition almost gets him killed. Maybe even worse, he might also lose Zee.
Ms Gabriel's work deals with the stresses in life. The very real stress of torture and it's effect on the mind. She does an excellent job even as part of a romantic novel.
I encourage you to read this book. It was entertaining, but certainly taught me something of the human will to survive.
February 26, 2020
Found this one a bit meh throughout as, after he returns to her life with that partial amnesia (which was never really explained, as in why he forgot this but not that - 4 years later, he doesn't remember they've broken up, but he remembers other things that happened in those 4 years. Just felt a little too selective for plot purposes to me) and she tells him where they're at, there wasn't much happening from that point on to take us to the ending, which felt rushed. In that sense, if you were to overlook these aspects, it is a nice tug-along read, a good book to while away the time.
January 14, 2020
I thought this book read a bit slow. Colt is back in the US, with amnesia after surviving a kidnapping. He goes to see Zee, his girl, but realizes soon after that they are no longer together and that he had forgotten the past few years. There was just a lot of Zee just being reluctant to engage in more after being burned by Colt leaving last time. Lots of push and pull, but it just read a bit too slow. I would have liked if it was a bit more dynamic with more plot.
December 23, 2022
Quick Summary: A broken-hearts-to-reconciliation love story
My Review: Back to Us by Julia Gabriel was a true second chance romance. It was filled with trauma, betrayal, forgiveness, passion, conflict, and promise.
My Final Say: This was a beautiful love story. It had an Ice Castles vibe to it, especially in terms of the innocence and the emotion felt by the main characters.
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: Clean
Level: 🍬
#librarywishlist
My Review: Back to Us by Julia Gabriel was a true second chance romance. It was filled with trauma, betrayal, forgiveness, passion, conflict, and promise.
My Final Say: This was a beautiful love story. It had an Ice Castles vibe to it, especially in terms of the innocence and the emotion felt by the main characters.
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: Clean
Level: 🍬
#librarywishlist
November 24, 2017
A great second chance romance novel. This is a beautiful, emotional and touching story that hooks you from the start. The characters are wonderfully written and lovable. The story is sweet and romantic with a ending that won't disappoint you. I received this book as a gift and voluntarily give this review
July 11, 2018
It was very frustrating that Zee would never explain to Cole how and why they broke up. By the time it was finally revealed I was completely fed up with her. Not a big fan of second chance romance, but in this case I found myself wanting it for Cole, and getting increasingly pissed off at Zee. I don't know. Just not a satisfying story.
January 15, 2020
Back to Us is really well written and engaging. The story is told from both Zee’s and Colt’s voice. You can feel the love each had for the other and emotional journeys they were on. The way Julia Gabriel shares Colt’s time in captivity and injuries is heartbreaking. I’m not a big fan of second chance stories, but this one was really good.
January 19, 2020
A story told so well of deep love and commitment and second chances. The characters are so easy to fall in love with and the story line is written and described so well, you'll feel like you're living the story line with the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2021
4/10⭐️
This is another off my #netgalley list. This was fine - it’s a typical romance book. It was a little cheesy and hard to believe. Like the only way that Colt could come back to Zee was to be kidnapped for seven months and have amnesia? I guess I just prefer my romance to be a little more realistic!
This is another off my #netgalley list. This was fine - it’s a typical romance book. It was a little cheesy and hard to believe. Like the only way that Colt could come back to Zee was to be kidnapped for seven months and have amnesia? I guess I just prefer my romance to be a little more realistic!
April 14, 2025
Deeply poignant and fulfilling
I never thought I’d use the word poignant in real life, but it absolutely suits this book. The way it was told with flashbacks and memories as well as two person perspective was just perfection. If ever two people needed each other more than these two I find it hard to believe, and Cole and Zee are phenomenal together.
I never thought I’d use the word poignant in real life, but it absolutely suits this book. The way it was told with flashbacks and memories as well as two person perspective was just perfection. If ever two people needed each other more than these two I find it hard to believe, and Cole and Zee are phenomenal together.
May 5, 2017
3.5
Very nice book, but if you didn't read #1 then you will be mired in all the wedding details.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Very nice book, but if you didn't read #1 then you will be mired in all the wedding details.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 3, 2017
The second novel in the Phlox Beauty series, “Back to Us” is an intimate look at an unforgettable, albeit imperfect love.
Read full review in the 2017 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 12, 2018
Absolutely devoured this book. Can’t wait to read more of her books. The story of lost time between Colt and Zee will have you craving more. This is my honest opinion for this ARC. What a thrill to discover Julia Gabriel
January 19, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to the end. The characters are well developed and engaging and the storyline has a smooth flow.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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