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San Diego Marines #1
Back to You
Biggest mistake I’ve ever made? Kissing my best friend.
I’ve never been a relationship guy. Sure, I have Ellie—my best friend since middle school who’s been by my side through the good and the very bad—but with girls who aren’t Ellie? One date is enough.
Then when I get back from boot camp, one kiss changes everything. But also, nothing’s changed. Ellie still wants to settle down with a picket fence and kids, and she knows I don’t.
And now there’s heat when she looks at me in my new uniform. It makes me wonder if I didn’t want that kind of life, or if I didn’t want it with anyone but her.
But I’ve made one mistake after another with Ellie, so now I have to convince her that it’s okay to want me too.
Back to You is a sweet romance told from alternating POVs, set in the world of The San Diego Marines. Each book can be read as a standalone but are fun to read in order.
334 pages, ebook
First published July 13, 2019
1181 people are currently reading
1129 people want to read
About the author
Jess Mastorakos
55 books707 followersJess Mastorakos writes sweet military romance books that feature heroes with heart and the strong women they love. She is a proud Marine wife and mama of four. She loves her coffee in a glitter tumbler and planning with an erasable pen.
Get a free novella from her San Diego Marines series, Forever with You, at the link below!
www.jessmastorakos.com/forever-with-you
Get a free novella from her San Diego Marines series, Forever with You, at the link below!
www.jessmastorakos.com/forever-with-you
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
June 6, 2021
Ellie and spencer
I liked this book. It was a bit slow in the story line. I wished they had expressed their true feelings sooner.. I enjoyed all the info on the military and how the Marines worked. I'd love to read more about their future
I liked this book. It was a bit slow in the story line. I wished they had expressed their true feelings sooner.. I enjoyed all the info on the military and how the Marines worked. I'd love to read more about their future
January 26, 2022
This was a nice read and a good (not great) story overall. But since I had great expectations, I was disappointed with this one.
THINGS I LIKED:
(1) Spencer - He was the average playboy who happened to fall in love with his best friend, tried to ignore his feelings and pretended he was happy for her and her boyfriend/s. (The usual)...Although 18/19 Spencer was a lot more mature than one would expect for a teenager. He dealt with a lot in the past and for those reasons I understood some of his choices. But I did love him because he was sweet.
(2) Mills & Olivia - They were such a cute couple and I loved their friendship with Spencer and Ellie. They made the story much more enjoyable and honestly if not for them, Ellie and Spencer would be lost in the dark most of the time.
(3) The premise was interesting. I liked the whole idea of a marine going off to boot camp and training, leaving behind the love of his life. And I was looking forward to see how things would have worked out for them.
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:
(1) YA - I wished the MCs were older. Although this is not marketed as a YA it is written like one so I lost some interest when I figured that out. Not that I have anything against YAs the setting just seemed more suited to actual adults.
(2) Marine Overload - While it was nice to get a behind the scenes view of a marine’s life, I wished so many chapters weren’t dedicated to detailing their daily activities. This caused me to skim a lot. For a romance, we barely get to see Spencer & Ellie connect romantically which was disappointing. There were more scenes with Spencer and Mills but I actually loved their bromance.
(3) Ellie - She was incredibly annoying. I gave her a few allowances for being a teenager but some of her choices just grated on my nerves. She was so flighty and the fact that she bounced between boyfriends so quickly did not sit well with me. She took way too long to figure out what she wanted and by the time she did, I was just glad the story ended. I really liked Eric, he was sweet and understanding and I was so upset that Ellie led him on when she should have taken his advice and figured out her feelings first.
Content: Clean, Kissing
THINGS I LIKED:
(1) Spencer - He was the average playboy who happened to fall in love with his best friend, tried to ignore his feelings and pretended he was happy for her and her boyfriend/s. (The usual)...Although 18/19 Spencer was a lot more mature than one would expect for a teenager. He dealt with a lot in the past and for those reasons I understood some of his choices. But I did love him because he was sweet.
(2) Mills & Olivia - They were such a cute couple and I loved their friendship with Spencer and Ellie. They made the story much more enjoyable and honestly if not for them, Ellie and Spencer would be lost in the dark most of the time.
(3) The premise was interesting. I liked the whole idea of a marine going off to boot camp and training, leaving behind the love of his life. And I was looking forward to see how things would have worked out for them.
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:
(1) YA - I wished the MCs were older. Although this is not marketed as a YA it is written like one so I lost some interest when I figured that out. Not that I have anything against YAs the setting just seemed more suited to actual adults.
(2) Marine Overload - While it was nice to get a behind the scenes view of a marine’s life, I wished so many chapters weren’t dedicated to detailing their daily activities. This caused me to skim a lot. For a romance, we barely get to see Spencer & Ellie connect romantically which was disappointing. There were more scenes with Spencer and Mills but I actually loved their bromance.
(3) Ellie - She was incredibly annoying. I gave her a few allowances for being a teenager but some of her choices just grated on my nerves. She was so flighty and the fact that she bounced between boyfriends so quickly did not sit well with me. She took way too long to figure out what she wanted and by the time she did, I was just glad the story ended. I really liked Eric, he was sweet and understanding and I was so upset that Ellie led him on when she should have taken his advice and figured out her feelings first.
Content: Clean, Kissing
October 24, 2020
Y'all. I am not a fan of books that are full of angst and drama. It's one of the reasons I stay away from YA books. I get so frustrated that I want to throw my kindle across the room. And I may or may not be mentally Gibbs slapping the characters until they get their act together.
So. Why am I bringing this up? Well, this book is all about the angst and the drama. One of my favorite book buddies had to listen to me vent my frustration last night. BUT. This morning, I had to eat my words. The moment I finished the book I sent her the following message: "Ok... so she has this way of making all the angst and the drama worth it. I ended up loving it!" And, if you're wondering, yes.. she totally laughed at me. 😉
This was a true friends to lovers story. Ellie and Spencer have been best friends since the 6th grade. They've been through everything together and are by each other's sides no matter what. The night before Spencer leaves for boot camp, things start to change. But because Spencer is stubborn and Ellie has a boyfriend, neither were ready for the rollercoaster ride they were about to embark on.
Oh. My. The feels y'all! The feels! You will experience every single one of them. Every. Single. One. You better hold on tight for this upside down, full of loops, twisty ride! I loved every frustrating, dreamy sighing moment of it!
As far as the swoon factor goes, let me just say... oh my holy swooniness Batman! Y'all the chemistry in this book is off the charts! I thoroughly enjoyed watching it knock Spencer of his feet! WOWZERS! That's just one of the reasons it made all the angst and drama worth it. 😉
I am loving this series! I can't wait to start Olivia and Matt's book. I love that they were a big part of this book and that I'll get more of Ellie and Spencer in their book. Seeing all the couples throughout the series is a definite plus for me.
If you haven't read anything by Ms. Mastorakos yet, then I highly recommend checking out her books. I've read 3 of them so far and have NOT been disappointed. She's definitely been added to my favorites and auto-buy lists.
And of course I can't forget my casting. I. Am. In. Love! What do you think?!
So. Why am I bringing this up? Well, this book is all about the angst and the drama. One of my favorite book buddies had to listen to me vent my frustration last night. BUT. This morning, I had to eat my words. The moment I finished the book I sent her the following message: "Ok... so she has this way of making all the angst and the drama worth it. I ended up loving it!" And, if you're wondering, yes.. she totally laughed at me. 😉
This was a true friends to lovers story. Ellie and Spencer have been best friends since the 6th grade. They've been through everything together and are by each other's sides no matter what. The night before Spencer leaves for boot camp, things start to change. But because Spencer is stubborn and Ellie has a boyfriend, neither were ready for the rollercoaster ride they were about to embark on.
Oh. My. The feels y'all! The feels! You will experience every single one of them. Every. Single. One. You better hold on tight for this upside down, full of loops, twisty ride! I loved every frustrating, dreamy sighing moment of it!
As far as the swoon factor goes, let me just say... oh my holy swooniness Batman! Y'all the chemistry in this book is off the charts! I thoroughly enjoyed watching it knock Spencer of his feet! WOWZERS! That's just one of the reasons it made all the angst and drama worth it. 😉
I am loving this series! I can't wait to start Olivia and Matt's book. I love that they were a big part of this book and that I'll get more of Ellie and Spencer in their book. Seeing all the couples throughout the series is a definite plus for me.
If you haven't read anything by Ms. Mastorakos yet, then I highly recommend checking out her books. I've read 3 of them so far and have NOT been disappointed. She's definitely been added to my favorites and auto-buy lists.
And of course I can't forget my casting. I. Am. In. Love! What do you think?!
June 7, 2021
DNF
I was enjoying this story about Spencer and Ellie, except for the scene at the beginning where a bunch of girls in bikinis and guys without shirts are at the beach, and then there were some kisses. Nothing too descriptive at first, so I thought it would be fine. Then we came to a scene where two couples–none of them married–decide to all share a hotel room together. The one engaged couple is going to sleep in one queen bed together and the other “couple” who are just friends decided not to sleep together, but they are still in the same room. And then the kissing goes way beyond just a kiss. I was feeling dirty so I started skimming. Then they go back to the beach and there are more bikini clad women and shirtless men. I stopped then. Yes, I would have liked to see Spencer and Ellie get together and such, but I wasn’t willing to risk having to wade through more descriptions.
I may try another book by this author since I’ve heard other stories are cleaner.
I was enjoying this story about Spencer and Ellie, except for the scene at the beginning where a bunch of girls in bikinis and guys without shirts are at the beach, and then there were some kisses. Nothing too descriptive at first, so I thought it would be fine. Then we came to a scene where two couples–none of them married–decide to all share a hotel room together. The one engaged couple is going to sleep in one queen bed together and the other “couple” who are just friends decided not to sleep together, but they are still in the same room. And then the kissing goes way beyond just a kiss. I was feeling dirty so I started skimming. Then they go back to the beach and there are more bikini clad women and shirtless men. I stopped then. Yes, I would have liked to see Spencer and Ellie get together and such, but I wasn’t willing to risk having to wade through more descriptions.
I may try another book by this author since I’ve heard other stories are cleaner.
December 2, 2020
I am a daughter of a Marine and am grateful
Beyond measure for those who serve our country and their selfless families(looking at you, Kath!).
I loved the Marine angle and even thought the couple was cute. It was just missing something for me. I will probably still read more in this series.
Beyond measure for those who serve our country and their selfless families(looking at you, Kath!).
I loved the Marine angle and even thought the couple was cute. It was just missing something for me. I will probably still read more in this series.
August 7, 2020
Friends to More is my favorite trope in romance novels and Back to You is a perfect example of why. Readers were introduced to Spencer and Ellie in Forever With You and I really enjoyed reading the rest of their story. As a wife to a retired Marine, I really enjoyed the descriptions of Spencer's experiences in boot camp. She made the reader feel like she was right there with him. Jess Mastorakos is a master at writing about all aspects of Marines including their physical and mental strength and a brotherhood found nowhere else.
This author can definitely write about a swoonworthy hero and Spencer is no exception. Now, don't get me wrong I wanted to strangle him a few times and give him a piece of my mind when he would distance himself from Ellie. However, I understood the hesitation on both of their parts because they were both afraid of losing the friendship they both cherished for so long and didn't want to risk losing that. That was what made the story so much more realistic.
This is a well-written clean romance about characters with great chemistry. I look forward to updates about Spencer and Ellie in future books in the series.
This author can definitely write about a swoonworthy hero and Spencer is no exception. Now, don't get me wrong I wanted to strangle him a few times and give him a piece of my mind when he would distance himself from Ellie. However, I understood the hesitation on both of their parts because they were both afraid of losing the friendship they both cherished for so long and didn't want to risk losing that. That was what made the story so much more realistic.
This is a well-written clean romance about characters with great chemistry. I look forward to updates about Spencer and Ellie in future books in the series.
August 20, 2023
NO.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I just didn’t love this one at all. I went in with hope and came out wondering if I’d give this author another go.
Most of the story just involved drama. Drama over here, drama over there. Not actually building the plot or developing the characters just DRAMA. It was kind of like a formulaic hallmark movie, but not the kind you enjoy reading.
Things got off to a fine start. I liked the friends to lovers idea and the kiss scenes were great too.
I wanted to love this and wish it had worked out better for me. I don’t want to sit here and bash though so I’ll leave this as strike in the miss column and move on to the next.
Overall audience notes:
- New Adult Contemporary Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: make-outs
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a parent recounted
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I just didn’t love this one at all. I went in with hope and came out wondering if I’d give this author another go.
Most of the story just involved drama. Drama over here, drama over there. Not actually building the plot or developing the characters just DRAMA. It was kind of like a formulaic hallmark movie, but not the kind you enjoy reading.
Things got off to a fine start. I liked the friends to lovers idea and the kiss scenes were great too.
I wanted to love this and wish it had worked out better for me. I don’t want to sit here and bash though so I’ll leave this as strike in the miss column and move on to the next.
Overall audience notes:
- New Adult Contemporary Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: make-outs
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a parent recounted
October 7, 2020
The classic friends to lovers troupe, you'll just adore Spencer and Ellie's story. I really like reading romance books, but don't like ones that get too hot and steamy. This is definitely a sweet romance with a happy ending. The main characters are awfully young when you think about it as they're fresh out of high school, but I don't really think it hinders the story because of how it's told. Also, knowing the author's husband is a Marine helped me feel like there wasn't a ton of made up Marine stuff that may or may not have been true. It really helped make it feel authentic. I am excitedly awaiting the next book in the series and I read the prequel novella as well. All great so far.
April 30, 2021
Man, I keep finding books I’m inclined to like already. Here, Back to You deals with a topic near and dear to me—the Marines. My dad was a twenty year Marine and retired Master Gunnery Sergeant and he’s damn proud of it. As he should. So when I saw a whole series based solely around Marines, well, I couldn’t resist.
Let me start out by saying that I loved the relationship between Spenser and Ellie. The progression from comfortable friends that move into the uncharted territory of love felt very real and natural. It was all kinds of angsty in a good way because it’s about taking the chance of ruining a working relationship to explore something new. The story came with all the awkward moments, unspoken questions and misunderstandings that come with transitioning from friends to lovers.
Parent Focus: 16+ Clean as can be as promised by the author, not any real swearing that I recall and there was a couple of mild kissing scenes.
Go to my website for the full review -- I gave it 4 1/2 stars there because I really did like it with one exception but I didn't want to have go all the way to a 4 star review here.
https://wsdeming.com/2021/04/19/back-...
Let me start out by saying that I loved the relationship between Spenser and Ellie. The progression from comfortable friends that move into the uncharted territory of love felt very real and natural. It was all kinds of angsty in a good way because it’s about taking the chance of ruining a working relationship to explore something new. The story came with all the awkward moments, unspoken questions and misunderstandings that come with transitioning from friends to lovers.
Parent Focus: 16+ Clean as can be as promised by the author, not any real swearing that I recall and there was a couple of mild kissing scenes.
Go to my website for the full review -- I gave it 4 1/2 stars there because I really did like it with one exception but I didn't want to have go all the way to a 4 star review here.
https://wsdeming.com/2021/04/19/back-...
September 19, 2021
This book is so good. I actually read this a while ago and forgot to post my review. I really enjoyed the Ellie and Spencer in this novel. One of my favorite things about this novel is that it talks about the harsh reality of being in the military, especially, the marines. The bond between Spencer and Ellie is awesome. They really care for each other. Even though Spencer acted like a jerk at times, Ellie never took his crap and always stood up. However, actions always spoke louder and Spencer really redeemed himself.
The romance is really good. I loved the pacing and the actual letters that Ellie and Spencer had. The phone calls between them was real. I also liked how realistic the romance was portrayed in terms of finding your identity. Ellie and Spencer had to do a lot of compromise and I appreciated that. The kissing scenes were also really hot. I loved the pacing and how they really cared. Additionally, the bonds and the side characters are awesome. Seeing the future characters in the books is always awesome.
In summary, I highly recommend this awesome friends to lovers novel.
The romance is really good. I loved the pacing and the actual letters that Ellie and Spencer had. The phone calls between them was real. I also liked how realistic the romance was portrayed in terms of finding your identity. Ellie and Spencer had to do a lot of compromise and I appreciated that. The kissing scenes were also really hot. I loved the pacing and how they really cared. Additionally, the bonds and the side characters are awesome. Seeing the future characters in the books is always awesome.
In summary, I highly recommend this awesome friends to lovers novel.
July 3, 2024
This is a very sweet book. I almost want to say it's more young adult and would definitely fall under the nice and very innocent romance genre. The storytelling was great if you like this nice simple style! I definitely like it a little crazier, funner, spicier, banter, chemistry and all that jazz!!
December 28, 2021
I really like the way this author tells a story. Feels like I’m watching it play out on the big screen. The hero’s POV is so rich and satisfying. I feel it’s even better than the female POV in this book as well as the others I’ve read by Mastorakos. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
Disclaimer- This is not Christian fiction. It is a sweet, clean romance.
Disclaimer- This is not Christian fiction. It is a sweet, clean romance.
September 19, 2022
Such an amazing story. Ellie and Spencer really made sense from the beginning. I was glad to see Spencer finally had the courage to be with his best friend. I loved everything about this book. 💛
May 28, 2021
New Adult G/PG romance with protagonists separated most of the book
I received access to this book through Amazon Prime Library.
Spencer and Ellie have been best friends since they were in sixth grade. They are 18 years old at the start of the story, which takes place in San Diego, and have just graduated from high school. Spencer has signed up to enter the Marines, and Ellie is not yet entering college, but is working in her father's law office as a receptionist. Spencer has dated many many girls over the years, but it is never made clear if he had sex with all of them, most of them, some of them, or none of them.
Ellie has had several boyfriends over the years and has been with her current boyfriend, Tim, for one year. He is planning to become a doctor and she is convinced until 43% of the book that she is going to marry him because he checks all the boxes of her life plan for a conventional, secure marriage and family.
A good deal of the book is spent on scenes with Spencer in Marine boot camp and other military training. Perhaps 20% of the book involves Spencer and Ellie actually connecting romantically. There is no more physical contact between them beyond a few minutes of kissing a couple of times in the book.
It is clear that this author, as the wife of a Marine, is extremely well informed and authentic with everything she writes about the Marines. If this were a book strictly about a young man's experiences on joining the Marines, all the many scenes about the Marines would be terrific to read about. However, this book is marketed as a romance and not a slice of life of what it's like to join the Marines. Therefore, as a romance fan, I found myself skimming over virtually all of the Marine scenes in order to get to scenes in which Spencer and Ellie are actually together on stage and connecting romantically.
I personally am not a fan of romantic triangles, and at least 60% of the story, Ellie is dating first Tim and then later a young, handsome, charming attorney. Unfortunately, I actually liked the cute attorney better than Spencer.
However, many readers may enjoy hearing primarily about Spencer's life as a Marine, and if they are not overtly fans of the romance genre, they also may not mind that there's relatively little time spent on the romance between Spencer and Ellie on stage, compared to a typical romance novel.
Overall, this indie romance is well edited and the writing itself is smooth.
I received access to this book through Amazon Prime Library.
Spencer and Ellie have been best friends since they were in sixth grade. They are 18 years old at the start of the story, which takes place in San Diego, and have just graduated from high school. Spencer has signed up to enter the Marines, and Ellie is not yet entering college, but is working in her father's law office as a receptionist. Spencer has dated many many girls over the years, but it is never made clear if he had sex with all of them, most of them, some of them, or none of them.
Ellie has had several boyfriends over the years and has been with her current boyfriend, Tim, for one year. He is planning to become a doctor and she is convinced until 43% of the book that she is going to marry him because he checks all the boxes of her life plan for a conventional, secure marriage and family.
A good deal of the book is spent on scenes with Spencer in Marine boot camp and other military training. Perhaps 20% of the book involves Spencer and Ellie actually connecting romantically. There is no more physical contact between them beyond a few minutes of kissing a couple of times in the book.
It is clear that this author, as the wife of a Marine, is extremely well informed and authentic with everything she writes about the Marines. If this were a book strictly about a young man's experiences on joining the Marines, all the many scenes about the Marines would be terrific to read about. However, this book is marketed as a romance and not a slice of life of what it's like to join the Marines. Therefore, as a romance fan, I found myself skimming over virtually all of the Marine scenes in order to get to scenes in which Spencer and Ellie are actually together on stage and connecting romantically.
I personally am not a fan of romantic triangles, and at least 60% of the story, Ellie is dating first Tim and then later a young, handsome, charming attorney. Unfortunately, I actually liked the cute attorney better than Spencer.
However, many readers may enjoy hearing primarily about Spencer's life as a Marine, and if they are not overtly fans of the romance genre, they also may not mind that there's relatively little time spent on the romance between Spencer and Ellie on stage, compared to a typical romance novel.
Overall, this indie romance is well edited and the writing itself is smooth.
August 27, 2021
Fast paced, dual POV, sweet/clean romance. It was not marketed as YA but read that way because of the age of the main characters. I learned a lot about the Marine Corps, which was fascinating, and I liked the way the author set up the next book in this book's epilogue. I don't read a lot of books that are strictly romance (I usually like a little more to the plot), but this was a nice brain break and I will read others in the series.
January 7, 2022
Cute pero estaba esperando algo más mature, parecía que a veces no avanzaba más y todo se podría haber solucionado mucho antes. Mucho drama adolescente al re pedo but cute ending I guess
January 15, 2020
Holy angst
If you're looking for an angsty best friend to lovers, this is it. Ellie and Spencer finally figured their business out, but it was a bumpy journey.
They both had visions of their lives and how they'd look, and neither was wrong (which makes it more painful). But the visions couldn't merge without major sacrifice. One of them was willing to make it. The other was willing to sacrifice the relationship instead.
There were definitely moments of heartbreak and frustration. For a bit there, Ellie felt like a mindless, kept girl. It took awhile to get her fire. (Flitting from guy to guy was obnoxious.) Spencer's growth started from the get go. He went through so much. He really needed that conversation with his dad so much sooner. His world was shaped on false/lacking info. He wouldn't have made the choices he did with a better perspective.
I LOVED all of the military detail this story provides. As someone who isn't in the military or close with someone that is, I appreciated the guys' journey.
I do hope to see more of Spencer and Ellie I future books. They got a HEA, but I would have liked more time with them as a couple.
If you're looking for an angsty best friend to lovers, this is it. Ellie and Spencer finally figured their business out, but it was a bumpy journey.
They both had visions of their lives and how they'd look, and neither was wrong (which makes it more painful). But the visions couldn't merge without major sacrifice. One of them was willing to make it. The other was willing to sacrifice the relationship instead.
There were definitely moments of heartbreak and frustration. For a bit there, Ellie felt like a mindless, kept girl. It took awhile to get her fire. (Flitting from guy to guy was obnoxious.) Spencer's growth started from the get go. He went through so much. He really needed that conversation with his dad so much sooner. His world was shaped on false/lacking info. He wouldn't have made the choices he did with a better perspective.
I LOVED all of the military detail this story provides. As someone who isn't in the military or close with someone that is, I appreciated the guys' journey.
I do hope to see more of Spencer and Ellie I future books. They got a HEA, but I would have liked more time with them as a couple.
November 1, 2025
I loved hating it lol
August 3, 2020
This is a romance book that came out as a recruiting brochure, it reminded of an old magazine called _True Story_ that used to be released during WWII and it was filled with these romantic stories of military men and their ladies. The romance is sweet and clean but detailing the journey of becoming a marine has dominated the plot, making the romance seems like an afterthought. It was nice though, and I enjoyed it.
March 10, 2021
I had kind of mixed feelings about this book but in the end I had to give it 4 stars.
I honestly kept forgetting the characters Ellie and Spencer were only 18 or 19. At the beginning of the book they seemed more mature. I gotta be honest I usually stay away from books with characters so young. Especially romance ones, they just aren’t for me. The characters are usually really immature and obnoxious. That’s where this book gets a little tricky for me. As I said I kept forgetting how old they were until it was mentioned. Then Ellie and Spencer got together for a hot minute and their age definitely showed. If the characters had been in there mid 20s or older I would have had an issue with the drama but I kept reminding myself of their age. Because of this their immaturity with relationships made sense. It was hard to have an issue with this when I think the characters acted appropriate for their age (even as annoying as it was at points).
I liked the other characters Olivia, Mills and even Eric. They added I the story rather then detracting. I also really appreciated the military view. It seems like many of the military romances I have read in the past it has all been about the sex and the alpha male. This was not. It gave you an insight into what the new recruit might look forward to (even if it was a brief glimpse). I appreciated that and it brought more to the story for me.
“There we were—sweaty, covered in mud, sleep deprived, and absolutely starving—being awarded the right to call ourselves Marines. That was one of my proudest moments... ever.”
***SPOILERS***
Spencer had some stupid, scared moments that make sense for a 19 year old to go through. It took him a little bit to work out his crap but once he did he knew what he wanted and he was going after it. Even when she rejected him
“But just so you know, I’ll always be here if you change your mind. There is no one else for me. I’m going to spend the rest of my life proving we’re supposed to be together. It’s you, or no one. Understand?”
This is why the book dropped a star for me. Even thought I recognize Ellie was young the way she handled Spencer dumping her bothered me. She was heartbroken, upset that he rejected her. However within a blink of an eye she had a boyfriend. A boyfriend she FLAUNTED in front of Spencer when he came home. That bugged me. A lot. If she truly loved him I just don’t know how she could turn around and kiss another guy within weeks and then sit there and tell Spencer she can’t trust him. I honestly think Spencer was the much more mature and steady of the two.
Overall it was a good book and I’m excited to read more military romances from this author.
I honestly kept forgetting the characters Ellie and Spencer were only 18 or 19. At the beginning of the book they seemed more mature. I gotta be honest I usually stay away from books with characters so young. Especially romance ones, they just aren’t for me. The characters are usually really immature and obnoxious. That’s where this book gets a little tricky for me. As I said I kept forgetting how old they were until it was mentioned. Then Ellie and Spencer got together for a hot minute and their age definitely showed. If the characters had been in there mid 20s or older I would have had an issue with the drama but I kept reminding myself of their age. Because of this their immaturity with relationships made sense. It was hard to have an issue with this when I think the characters acted appropriate for their age (even as annoying as it was at points).
I liked the other characters Olivia, Mills and even Eric. They added I the story rather then detracting. I also really appreciated the military view. It seems like many of the military romances I have read in the past it has all been about the sex and the alpha male. This was not. It gave you an insight into what the new recruit might look forward to (even if it was a brief glimpse). I appreciated that and it brought more to the story for me.
“There we were—sweaty, covered in mud, sleep deprived, and absolutely starving—being awarded the right to call ourselves Marines. That was one of my proudest moments... ever.”
***SPOILERS***
Spencer had some stupid, scared moments that make sense for a 19 year old to go through. It took him a little bit to work out his crap but once he did he knew what he wanted and he was going after it. Even when she rejected him
“But just so you know, I’ll always be here if you change your mind. There is no one else for me. I’m going to spend the rest of my life proving we’re supposed to be together. It’s you, or no one. Understand?”
This is why the book dropped a star for me. Even thought I recognize Ellie was young the way she handled Spencer dumping her bothered me. She was heartbroken, upset that he rejected her. However within a blink of an eye she had a boyfriend. A boyfriend she FLAUNTED in front of Spencer when he came home. That bugged me. A lot. If she truly loved him I just don’t know how she could turn around and kiss another guy within weeks and then sit there and tell Spencer she can’t trust him. I honestly think Spencer was the much more mature and steady of the two.
Overall it was a good book and I’m excited to read more military romances from this author.
May 16, 2024
Review # 4
3.75 ⭐
I'm not gonna lie the only reason I started this book was because I wanted to read the second book but I was like why not start at the beginning you know what I mean?
This book in the beginning was quite slow at least in my opinion it took me almost 2 weeks to read this book 😭not in a bad way just that I struggled to get into it, it was so frustrating but then by chapter 8 I gave it a chance
Honestly, I loved II until maybe 52% of the book after that I was so frustrated with Spencer (don't get me wrong he's amazing), he was being soo stubborn that he waited until she got a boyfriend to decide that he wanted her like I just wanted them to date already. I don't care if one of the MCs has partners but when they decided to cheat on their current partner with their main love interest that was not good and I didn't like that she cheated on her partner for him from 55% to 78% it dragged all they were doing was questioning why they broke up Spencer was in deep deep denial it was soo frustrating but the angst and drama pulled through in that 23% of the book
By the time Ellie & Eric broke up and Spencer decided he wanted her then it picked up again and I loved it so that redeemed it
I loved the side characters when the book was dragging they carried the book I loved Oliva and Matt's love story(I can't wait to read their story). Oliva was my favorite character i have never related to a character as much as her. She's amazing
In the end, the main characters pulled through I just wish there was more romance would have given it 3 stars but now it's 3.75 cause the ending made it worth it
I loved learning about Marie's life it was so fascinating and entertaining This is a YA romance and might I just say the jokes in this book are HILARIOUS especially since it's YA you don't expect such jokes (they are appropriate just unexpected)
I can't wait to read more from Jess I'm so interested and intrigued I'm already loving the series
Read if you like :
🤎childhood friends to lovers
🤎Marie life
🤎Ya
🤎 Drama-filled pages
🤎Amazing side characters
🤎Comedy
#friendstolovers
3.75 ⭐
I'm not gonna lie the only reason I started this book was because I wanted to read the second book but I was like why not start at the beginning you know what I mean?
This book in the beginning was quite slow at least in my opinion it took me almost 2 weeks to read this book 😭not in a bad way just that I struggled to get into it, it was so frustrating but then by chapter 8 I gave it a chance
Honestly, I loved II until maybe 52% of the book after that I was so frustrated with Spencer (don't get me wrong he's amazing), he was being soo stubborn that he waited until she got a boyfriend to decide that he wanted her like I just wanted them to date already. I don't care if one of the MCs has partners but when they decided to cheat on their current partner with their main love interest that was not good and I didn't like that she cheated on her partner for him from 55% to 78% it dragged all they were doing was questioning why they broke up Spencer was in deep deep denial it was soo frustrating but the angst and drama pulled through in that 23% of the book
By the time Ellie & Eric broke up and Spencer decided he wanted her then it picked up again and I loved it so that redeemed it
I loved the side characters when the book was dragging they carried the book I loved Oliva and Matt's love story(I can't wait to read their story). Oliva was my favorite character i have never related to a character as much as her. She's amazing
In the end, the main characters pulled through I just wish there was more romance would have given it 3 stars but now it's 3.75 cause the ending made it worth it
I loved learning about Marie's life it was so fascinating and entertaining This is a YA romance and might I just say the jokes in this book are HILARIOUS especially since it's YA you don't expect such jokes (they are appropriate just unexpected)
I can't wait to read more from Jess I'm so interested and intrigued I'm already loving the series
Read if you like :
🤎childhood friends to lovers
🤎Marie life
🤎Ya
🤎 Drama-filled pages
🤎Amazing side characters
🤎Comedy
#friendstolovers
January 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this book.
Ellie and Spencer have been best friends for years. She's been there for him during some really tough times. They definitely see romance and marriage differently and maybe that's why they can stay being friends and not more. But as Spencer prepares to leave for Marine training he realizes how much he'll miss Ellie and it doesn't feel like missing "just a friend". But he doesn't want her "white picket fence, marriage and kids" life. Military life isn't like that and he doesn't want to kill Ellie's dream. But dreams can change. And maybe Ellie and Spencer's dreams are more similar than they initially thought.
Spencer and Ellie are so cute. I love a friends-to-lovers trope. When eyes are open and feelings finally creep up to the surface. These two are pretty young. So there's lots of pining and not sharing feelings or doing silly things because of those feelings. Making decisions for the other without keeping them in the loop of your thought process. So that was a little annoying, but I got over it because they were young and Spencer was kind of figuring out the dating/relationship thing for the first time. It didn't bog down the story. The story and romance still flowed well. And luckily they had some great friends and family around them. I loved Mills and Olivia. And all ends well with Spencer and Ellie. I look forward to seeing more of them in future books.
Ellie and Spencer have been best friends for years. She's been there for him during some really tough times. They definitely see romance and marriage differently and maybe that's why they can stay being friends and not more. But as Spencer prepares to leave for Marine training he realizes how much he'll miss Ellie and it doesn't feel like missing "just a friend". But he doesn't want her "white picket fence, marriage and kids" life. Military life isn't like that and he doesn't want to kill Ellie's dream. But dreams can change. And maybe Ellie and Spencer's dreams are more similar than they initially thought.
Spencer and Ellie are so cute. I love a friends-to-lovers trope. When eyes are open and feelings finally creep up to the surface. These two are pretty young. So there's lots of pining and not sharing feelings or doing silly things because of those feelings. Making decisions for the other without keeping them in the loop of your thought process. So that was a little annoying, but I got over it because they were young and Spencer was kind of figuring out the dating/relationship thing for the first time. It didn't bog down the story. The story and romance still flowed well. And luckily they had some great friends and family around them. I loved Mills and Olivia. And all ends well with Spencer and Ellie. I look forward to seeing more of them in future books.
September 22, 2020
*I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review*
Story: 3.5
The story was pretty good, although the angst was just about to the point that I had had it, when things finally resolved and I was able to enjoy the rest of the story. To her credit, the author allowed us plenty of time with the newly in-love couple, so that was good.
I really enjoyed the descriptions of boot camp and the terminology and descriptions of some of the experience. This author definitely knows her stuff and she's obviously comfortable writing about the military. I liked her mastery of the terminology and knowledge of the lifestyle, etc. it made her writing more authentic.
Narrators: 3.5 stars
The idea of double narrators to voice the two view-points worked really well and I loved the idea. I've only heard this in one other book and it worked there, as well. That said, these two more read it, than acted it. They definitely acted the dialogue, but I felt that the in-between stuff was simply read. That's not 100% the case in this book, but that is the overall feeling. I think that both narrators have great potential!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
Story: 3.5
The story was pretty good, although the angst was just about to the point that I had had it, when things finally resolved and I was able to enjoy the rest of the story. To her credit, the author allowed us plenty of time with the newly in-love couple, so that was good.
I really enjoyed the descriptions of boot camp and the terminology and descriptions of some of the experience. This author definitely knows her stuff and she's obviously comfortable writing about the military. I liked her mastery of the terminology and knowledge of the lifestyle, etc. it made her writing more authentic.
Narrators: 3.5 stars
The idea of double narrators to voice the two view-points worked really well and I loved the idea. I've only heard this in one other book and it worked there, as well. That said, these two more read it, than acted it. They definitely acted the dialogue, but I felt that the in-between stuff was simply read. That's not 100% the case in this book, but that is the overall feeling. I think that both narrators have great potential!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
February 21, 2025
This book is definitely better than book #2 (Away From You), but it’s not outstanding. I was left wanting way more romance….
Most of this book was enjoyable, but I felt that it was a bit too redundant and definitely could’ve been shorter, what with Spencer being a cry baby about how he has to let Ellie go because the “mArInE LiFe” would be too hard for them and would ruin their relationship (that’s not only HIS decision to make, it’s hers too)!
I liked the information about Spencer going through boot camp (I thought they were just going to skip past that part of the timeline and just say “3 months later” or something), and his friendship with Matt was cool.
There were many cute scenes between Ellie and Spencer, but honestly there were too many annoying parts!
Spencer being her best friend forever and then realizing that Ellie was the one for him and that he hated her current boyfriend was a good trope! I kind of feel like they escalated into kissing a lot too soon, which made their breakup after that fun weekend really weird. It felt like all the goodness was thrown in too soon, if you know what I mean… because then when they got back together in the end there wasn’t anything new..
Also it was wildin’ near the end... Ellie got a new boyfriend (not the BF she had in the beginning of the story, Tim)! What the heck. I mean, weird that it wasn’t her trying to get back with Tim, but whatever. All I know is that Spencer was tweakin’! Get your girl, dude. Don’t take 8 years.
TLDR:
This book isn’t too bad! I was left wanting more romance and felt Spencer was too whiny and emotional about Ellie not being able to handle the “mArInE LiFe”, but overall the story was nice.
November 11, 2020
I did not really finish this book I feel bad rating it. I just could not get engage and struggled to finish. Although, I feel other people will enjoy it seeing the other reviews on here.
There are things I did like such as the heroine struggled with deciding what she wanted to do as a career but she knew it wasn’t law, I totally could relate to that part of the story.
Things I did not like, I am not a fan of love triangles or any third party involvement with the romance of the story. Especially if one of the main characters is in a relationship already. Of course you can have friendships with men it the 21st century and I have even wrote to my platonic male friend, when he joined the army when we left school for the same reasons. The issue I had is it was very clear that both had feelings for one another from the start and how much the writer tried depict Tim the boyfriend as he probably going to cheat on her so doesn’t matter and he was jealous of their friendship. It just annoyed me it was clear the heroine wasn’t in love with the man and in love with another she could easily broken up with him. No, the excuse was he was stable. It kind of annoyed me that both main characters did not know what they wanted. I am sorry the story just wasn’t for me.
There are things I did like such as the heroine struggled with deciding what she wanted to do as a career but she knew it wasn’t law, I totally could relate to that part of the story.
Things I did not like, I am not a fan of love triangles or any third party involvement with the romance of the story. Especially if one of the main characters is in a relationship already. Of course you can have friendships with men it the 21st century and I have even wrote to my platonic male friend, when he joined the army when we left school for the same reasons. The issue I had is it was very clear that both had feelings for one another from the start and how much the writer tried depict Tim the boyfriend as he probably going to cheat on her so doesn’t matter and he was jealous of their friendship. It just annoyed me it was clear the heroine wasn’t in love with the man and in love with another she could easily broken up with him. No, the excuse was he was stable. It kind of annoyed me that both main characters did not know what they wanted. I am sorry the story just wasn’t for me.
April 6, 2021
Perfect
As a navy spouse with a husband who has been stationed with marines multiple times, I was drawn to this. I admit, I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I absolutely fell in love with Spencer and Ellie. He's your typical scared young guy afraid of emotions while Ellie is very sure of herself until reality comes blazing in. It's a story that will make you laugh, maybe she'd a tear or two, and yell at them for being young and dumb before they wise up and connect the dots in order instead of chaos.
Let's face it - being in a military relationship isn't always easy but it is what you make it too. It's worth it and I wouldn't change a thing. Amazing story. I'm looking forward to reading more. I need more Spencer and Ellie. I want to see Spencer return. I want to see the wedding, big or small, and I want to see Spencer freak out when Ellie finds out she's pregnant because you know it's gotta happen.
As a navy spouse with a husband who has been stationed with marines multiple times, I was drawn to this. I admit, I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I absolutely fell in love with Spencer and Ellie. He's your typical scared young guy afraid of emotions while Ellie is very sure of herself until reality comes blazing in. It's a story that will make you laugh, maybe she'd a tear or two, and yell at them for being young and dumb before they wise up and connect the dots in order instead of chaos.
Let's face it - being in a military relationship isn't always easy but it is what you make it too. It's worth it and I wouldn't change a thing. Amazing story. I'm looking forward to reading more. I need more Spencer and Ellie. I want to see Spencer return. I want to see the wedding, big or small, and I want to see Spencer freak out when Ellie finds out she's pregnant because you know it's gotta happen.
May 23, 2022
What I read: Back to You by Jess Mastorakos
Why I picked it up: I liked a previous series by this author so I’m trying another.
How I read it: On audio at 2x.
What it’s about: Spencer has wanted to be a marine since he was a kid. Ellie has wanted a house with a white picket fence whose husband comes home every night for just as long. When he enlists after high school and discovers he has feelings for his best friend things get confusing.
What I liked: I appreciated the deep dive into what happens when you enlist and some of the small rules about that. Some reviewers disliked it because of that, but because I have no experience with that, it was a great addition for me.
What I disliked: The main characters are just kids, 18/19, so it’s a bit odd to think that when they’re my age (twenty years later) they’ll be retired from this job.
Genre: Chaste romance, military.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and it’s okay, a fine listen, but not amazing.
Why I picked it up: I liked a previous series by this author so I’m trying another.
How I read it: On audio at 2x.
What it’s about: Spencer has wanted to be a marine since he was a kid. Ellie has wanted a house with a white picket fence whose husband comes home every night for just as long. When he enlists after high school and discovers he has feelings for his best friend things get confusing.
What I liked: I appreciated the deep dive into what happens when you enlist and some of the small rules about that. Some reviewers disliked it because of that, but because I have no experience with that, it was a great addition for me.
What I disliked: The main characters are just kids, 18/19, so it’s a bit odd to think that when they’re my age (twenty years later) they’ll be retired from this job.
Genre: Chaste romance, military.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and it’s okay, a fine listen, but not amazing.
May 7, 2020
To Spencer, Ellie has always been his best friend. Since 6th grade, when he lost his mother, Spencer has been kind of adopted by Ellie's parents and she and Spencer had no secrets. He knew what Ellie wanted, stability, kids, white picket fence. Ellie knew what Spencer wanted: the marines. That had been their plan for years.
Then it was time for Spencer to leave for boot camp. Ellie had no idea how much she would miss him. Spencer had no idea how much he would miss Ellie. It seemed their friendship had turned deeper.
What was going to happen? Did they let each other go? What became of their friendship. Read this book. I promise it will keep you turning the pages. You get a good taste of Marine boot Camp and also of a young woman trying not to miss what she wanted.
Then it was time for Spencer to leave for boot camp. Ellie had no idea how much she would miss him. Spencer had no idea how much he would miss Ellie. It seemed their friendship had turned deeper.
What was going to happen? Did they let each other go? What became of their friendship. Read this book. I promise it will keep you turning the pages. You get a good taste of Marine boot Camp and also of a young woman trying not to miss what she wanted.
March 25, 2022
"There's no one else for me...It's you or no one." -Spencer
Cue all of the feels! This best friends to more romance had me hooked! I absolutely loved Spencer and Ellie. Their story was such a good one and a perfect introduction to the San Diego Marines series!
One of my favorite parts of this novel (other than Spencer & Ellie) was the detail Jess went into in describing bootcamp and Spencer's new life as a Marine. I had no idea everything they go through to earn their spot and it was fascinating to read about!
If you love military love stories and are looking for an authentic story, written by a real Marine wife, I highly recommend Jess's books! I cannot wait to read the next novel in this series!
Cue all of the feels! This best friends to more romance had me hooked! I absolutely loved Spencer and Ellie. Their story was such a good one and a perfect introduction to the San Diego Marines series!
One of my favorite parts of this novel (other than Spencer & Ellie) was the detail Jess went into in describing bootcamp and Spencer's new life as a Marine. I had no idea everything they go through to earn their spot and it was fascinating to read about!
If you love military love stories and are looking for an authentic story, written by a real Marine wife, I highly recommend Jess's books! I cannot wait to read the next novel in this series!
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