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Come Back to Me #4
Everything We Feel
From the author of Come Back to Me comes a striking new novel about a young woman— desperately trying to protect her family from their violent father—who finds safety, and a passionate romance, with an ex-Marine.
Ever since Zoey was a kid she’s been caring for her mom and her little sister, defending them from her violent father. She’s been the strong one, the responsible one as she sacrificed her wants and dreams to keep her family together.
Now the life they’ve built for themselves in California is about to be upended. Her father, just released from prison, has discovered where they’re hiding and has come looking for them.
Enter Tristan. A former Marine and now member of the Coast Guard, Tristian promises his best friend, and Zoey’s Marine brother, that he will take care of Zoey and her family. Protect them, watch over them, and be the rock they need in their lives.
And as Tristan starts to help Zoey deal with the emotional fall out of her childhood, their relationship turns from protector to something more. The two grow closer as a romance blooms into a heart-pounding and powerful relationship that Zoey hopes will be strong enough to fight off the damage her father has done to her and her family.
But not everyone can be kept safe forever, and when Zoey’s father does show up, a confrontation ensues that will change Zoey’s world forever.
Ever since Zoey was a kid she’s been caring for her mom and her little sister, defending them from her violent father. She’s been the strong one, the responsible one as she sacrificed her wants and dreams to keep her family together.
Now the life they’ve built for themselves in California is about to be upended. Her father, just released from prison, has discovered where they’re hiding and has come looking for them.
Enter Tristan. A former Marine and now member of the Coast Guard, Tristian promises his best friend, and Zoey’s Marine brother, that he will take care of Zoey and her family. Protect them, watch over them, and be the rock they need in their lives.
And as Tristan starts to help Zoey deal with the emotional fall out of her childhood, their relationship turns from protector to something more. The two grow closer as a romance blooms into a heart-pounding and powerful relationship that Zoey hopes will be strong enough to fight off the damage her father has done to her and her family.
But not everyone can be kept safe forever, and when Zoey’s father does show up, a confrontation ensues that will change Zoey’s world forever.
449 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2019
158 people are currently reading
9002 people want to read
About the author
Mila Gray
12 books1,372 followersMila Gray is the pen name for Sarah Alderson, author of Hunting Lila, Losing Lila, The Sound, Fated and Out of Control.
Originally from London she has lived in Bali for the last four years with her husband and daughter.
As well as writing young adult fiction under the name Sarah Alderson and adult fiction under the name Mila Gray, she also writes screenplays.
You can find out more at www.milagray.com and on facebook: www.facebook.com/sarahjalderson
Originally from London she has lived in Bali for the last four years with her husband and daughter.
As well as writing young adult fiction under the name Sarah Alderson and adult fiction under the name Mila Gray, she also writes screenplays.
You can find out more at www.milagray.com and on facebook: www.facebook.com/sarahjalderson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
December 1, 2019
Watch Over Me was beautifully emotional and gripped me from that first page. There was a thriller element to this story that kept me terrified with what was to come next. And even though I'm not a thriller girl, it fit perfectly into this story and I loved every minute of it. Especially since the characters leaped off of the pages, the relationships burrowed deep into my heart and the story made me turn the pages faster. I absolutely loved Watch Over Me and I can't recommend this book enough!
One of the many things I love about a Mila Gray book is that the prologue gives us a brief glimpse of the future. I'm riveted every single time. But once the story starts, I get so caught up in what is happening that I forget we're going to run into that moment. And the moment in this prologue? It was horrific.
Zoey was almost 19 years old and had the weight of the world on her shoulders. She always sacrificed what she wanted so she could take care of her mom, eight year old brother and younger teenage sister. They were trying to make a life on their own, since Zoey put her father in jail for almost killing her mother. But her father got out of jail early. And it looked like he was terrorizing them again. The tension ran so thick at times that I had chills racing down my spine.
Tristan promised to watch over them. He was Zoey's older brother's best friend. And her brother was being deployed overseas. Tristan knew them from when they were kids and was someone the family could trust. I loved Tristan. He was an Officer in the Coast Guard and was such a good man. Tristan had a kind heart, was protective and tried his best to do good by others. He was also open, honest and had the worst jokes ever. Tristan always made Zoey and I smile and laugh.
I loved Zoey. She worked so hard to take care of those she loved. But she could be bitter and cynical, because of her past. Zoey also had problems accepting help from others. So I loved watching her and Tristan butt heads. Because every single time they did, it seemed to intensify whatever was between them. And since we got to hear both of their thoughts, I just wanted to push them together. For them both to find their happiness with one another. But darkness was looming, and you could feel the unsaid threats from her father lingering in the air.
This is easily one of my favorite brother's best friends romance story! And while it was amazing seeing all of the characters we loved from Come Back to Me and Stay With Me, you don't have to read those books to follow along with this story. But I highly recommend you do because you'll feel so many more emotions. And those characters played pivotal moments throughout this story.
Mila Gray's books always make me cry more than any other book does. I looked back and realized I cried six different times while reading this story. From heart to hearts, to being terrified, to happy tears, she made me feel it all. So if you love romance stories about family, friendships, finding your way in life and true love, then you'll want to pickup Watch Over Me. I've fallen for another Mila Gray book. Watch Over Me is definitely going on my favorites list!
PS The emotional development between Zoey and her mom and sister was absolutely beautiful.
PPS The table crush scene had me laughing so hard I couldn't breathe, best thing ever. Kit, Walker, Didi, Jessa oh my gosh it was perfection! I love those characters and have missed them so much!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
I grab the phone.
“Yes?” I say.
Silence greets me.
“Who is this?” I whisper, heart hammering furiously.
There’s another second’s silence, and then I hear the click as whoever is on the other end hangs up. As I stare at the phone, there’s an enormous BOOM. The window shatters, and glass flies across the room. A wall of heat rushes toward me as a crackle and a deafening roar fill my ears.
One of the many things I love about a Mila Gray book is that the prologue gives us a brief glimpse of the future. I'm riveted every single time. But once the story starts, I get so caught up in what is happening that I forget we're going to run into that moment. And the moment in this prologue? It was horrific.
He’s so different now, so grown-up in a way that makes me feel weirdly uncomfortable and also makes me want to keep staring.
Zoey was almost 19 years old and had the weight of the world on her shoulders. She always sacrificed what she wanted so she could take care of her mom, eight year old brother and younger teenage sister. They were trying to make a life on their own, since Zoey put her father in jail for almost killing her mother. But her father got out of jail early. And it looked like he was terrorizing them again. The tension ran so thick at times that I had chills racing down my spine.
“I’m sorry,” Tristan says, and it riles me because the last thing I want or need is his pity. “You shouldn’t have had to deal with that all by yourself. It must have been hard.”
That’s an understatement. But something catches in my chest. I think he might be the first person who’s ever recognized how hard it was.
Tristan promised to watch over them. He was Zoey's older brother's best friend. And her brother was being deployed overseas. Tristan knew them from when they were kids and was someone the family could trust. I loved Tristan. He was an Officer in the Coast Guard and was such a good man. Tristan had a kind heart, was protective and tried his best to do good by others. He was also open, honest and had the worst jokes ever. Tristan always made Zoey and I smile and laugh.
I know I should probably pull away because I’m no longer crying, but I don’t want to. I feel safe in his arms.
I loved Zoey. She worked so hard to take care of those she loved. But she could be bitter and cynical, because of her past. Zoey also had problems accepting help from others. So I loved watching her and Tristan butt heads. Because every single time they did, it seemed to intensify whatever was between them. And since we got to hear both of their thoughts, I just wanted to push them together. For them both to find their happiness with one another. But darkness was looming, and you could feel the unsaid threats from her father lingering in the air.
I stare into her eyes . She looks at me , her face so open , like she’s standing, holding her heart in her hands and offering it to me. The vulnerability gives me pause. But then she does something unexpected: she pushes up on tiptoe and presses her lips to mine.
This is easily one of my favorite brother's best friends romance story! And while it was amazing seeing all of the characters we loved from Come Back to Me and Stay With Me, you don't have to read those books to follow along with this story. But I highly recommend you do because you'll feel so many more emotions. And those characters played pivotal moments throughout this story.
Tristan wraps his arms around my waist from behind.
“I won’t ever let him hurt you,” he tells me, whispering the words into my ear before kissing me on the jaw.
I shiver against his body and lean into him, closing my eyes, wishing I could believe him.
Mila Gray's books always make me cry more than any other book does. I looked back and realized I cried six different times while reading this story. From heart to hearts, to being terrified, to happy tears, she made me feel it all. So if you love romance stories about family, friendships, finding your way in life and true love, then you'll want to pickup Watch Over Me. I've fallen for another Mila Gray book. Watch Over Me is definitely going on my favorites list!
PS The emotional development between Zoey and her mom and sister was absolutely beautiful.
PPS The table crush scene had me laughing so hard I couldn't breathe, best thing ever. Kit, Walker, Didi, Jessa oh my gosh it was perfection! I love those characters and have missed them so much!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
January 1, 2020
I absolutely adore this series and was highly anticipating this book. When I read the synopsis, I was prepared for another angsty, emotional romance that tackled some serious issues.
When this book started, I was loving it. Zoey and her family are running from an abusive father who just got released from prison and they turn to Zoey's brother's best friend for help. Zoey's brother is leaving for the military, so he can't help when he's really needed. I enjoyed the development of Zoey and Tristan's relationship and how they both thought it was forbidden and that they had some more serious issues to deal with than a romance with one another. It was so fun watching them fall for each other, especially when Tristan's friends and family realize his feelings and joke with him about them.
Once we hit about the 25% mark, though, things didn't really work for me. The development of Zoey and Tristan's relationship took off and the pacing became awkward. Then, the other characters, specifically Zoey's family, all seemed very negatively exaggerated and had nothing really fleshed out about them other than that exaggerated characteristic about them. It also felt like we were waiting and waiting for some big showdown and when it finally happened near the end, it was just...over. I wasn't a fan of how this book turned out and was just left disappointed and missing the super emotional romances we got at the beginning of this series.
When this book started, I was loving it. Zoey and her family are running from an abusive father who just got released from prison and they turn to Zoey's brother's best friend for help. Zoey's brother is leaving for the military, so he can't help when he's really needed. I enjoyed the development of Zoey and Tristan's relationship and how they both thought it was forbidden and that they had some more serious issues to deal with than a romance with one another. It was so fun watching them fall for each other, especially when Tristan's friends and family realize his feelings and joke with him about them.
Once we hit about the 25% mark, though, things didn't really work for me. The development of Zoey and Tristan's relationship took off and the pacing became awkward. Then, the other characters, specifically Zoey's family, all seemed very negatively exaggerated and had nothing really fleshed out about them other than that exaggerated characteristic about them. It also felt like we were waiting and waiting for some big showdown and when it finally happened near the end, it was just...over. I wasn't a fan of how this book turned out and was just left disappointed and missing the super emotional romances we got at the beginning of this series.
September 30, 2021
! ! ! Butterflies to the max ! ! !
You know a book is good when you hate being pulled out of the story only to return to the real world.
With other romance books, I usually love the romance and hate the couple. But something about this book hit me differently. Especially the first half, thanks to a certain someone...
The male lead, Tristan, had me wrapped around his finger. He did all the little things perfectly: went out of his way to make sure Zoey's comfortable and safe, always held the door open, matched her pace to walk beside her, and he’s a good listener. It's even more than that. Every response of his is literally what I want to hear.
In short: someone wrote a novel with my biggest wish-fulfillment in a guy. The kind of guy I dream up in my daily fantasies. Even the tropes were all ones I loved: childhood friends, brother's best friend, the protecting but respecting type... I was fawning all over Tristan.
I’m pressed against his chest, my head resting just below his chin. I can’t even remember the last time someone held me like this. And then it dawns on me. It was him. Back when I was eleven. My hands are flat against his stomach, and I can feel the topography of muscle beneath his T-shirt. With my ear pressed to his chest, I can hear his heart beating, strong and steady beneath my ear. I can feel the warmth and strength of his arms, and his hands, one on the center of my back and the other on my shoulder, holding me tight, pulling me closer.
Over my sobs I can hear him saying, “Shhhh,” and his lips brushing the top of my head, sending a shiver down my spine that I don’t fully understand. It’s not a shiver that ends when it reaches the soles of my feet, but rather it turns and travels all the way back up my spine.
Eventually, my breathing starts to calm down, to fall into sync with his, and I become acutely aware of other things, like how good he smells. I breathe in deeper, a great heaving breath that manages to calm me even further. I know I should probably pull away because I’m no longer crying, but I don’t want to. I feel safe in his arms.
My notes are all "I love him," repeated over and over.
After one chapter, I'm like, where’s the ring? I’m getting married. He’s the dream guy, doing everything right. He’s the whole package. Oh, he's fictional? Ouch.
“Are you cold?” Tristan asks.
I shake my head.
“You’re shivering,” he says, and he pulls off his sweater and gives it to me.
This had me like in GTA: BOOM WASTED.
“It’s too big on me, of course, but it’s so warm that I feel cocooned and, for a split second, even safe. It also smells of him, of citrus and something muskier, too, that makes me want to bury my nose in the fabric and breathe in deeply.”
I had to physically hold myself back from screaming. This is why I need to read these kinds of books at night when my facial expressions are hidden in the dark and no one to observe me. I want to like jump with excitement at this book. It’s so good.
It was starting to become dangerous territory. Like, I'll never be able to look at a man the same and not have him fall flat in comparison to Tristan's manners at the start of this book.
I even wrote, unfollow me now this is about to take over my day. I was right. I devoured this without even stopping.
I also loved the attention to detail in the writing, like the many phrases on looking at each other across the room or wanting to touch each other casually... This is what makes up a romance, noticing their eyes on you while sneaking a look.
And for once I didn't even hate the main character. I could feel for Zoey. I understood her wholeheartedly. She's so used to carrying the world's problems on her shoulders that when Tristan, this kind, broad-shouldered guy shows up telling her she's doesn't have to face everything on her own, I was swooning. The first half of this book, i.e. the thrill of the chase, I would give five stars because it had everything I wanted. Butterflies to the max.
The second half, however, after the thrill of the chase, when the plot focused on everything but the romance is when the book started going a bit off track, for me. This is a romance! Please, don't let side drama take over the majority of the story. This had so much potential in the second half had the side plot been dropped. Instead, it felt like another mindless episode of NCIS. Not what we're here for...
Still, I'd recommend this book for the first half without hesitation. One of the best romance couples I've read in ages, if not The Best™. That's saying a lot coming from someone who usually doesn't like the couple at all in romance books.
R E A D I T:
This review and more can be found on my blog.
You know a book is good when you hate being pulled out of the story only to return to the real world.
With other romance books, I usually love the romance and hate the couple. But something about this book hit me differently. Especially the first half, thanks to a certain someone...
The male lead, Tristan, had me wrapped around his finger. He did all the little things perfectly: went out of his way to make sure Zoey's comfortable and safe, always held the door open, matched her pace to walk beside her, and he’s a good listener. It's even more than that. Every response of his is literally what I want to hear.
In short: someone wrote a novel with my biggest wish-fulfillment in a guy. The kind of guy I dream up in my daily fantasies. Even the tropes were all ones I loved: childhood friends, brother's best friend, the protecting but respecting type... I was fawning all over Tristan.
I’m pressed against his chest, my head resting just below his chin. I can’t even remember the last time someone held me like this. And then it dawns on me. It was him. Back when I was eleven. My hands are flat against his stomach, and I can feel the topography of muscle beneath his T-shirt. With my ear pressed to his chest, I can hear his heart beating, strong and steady beneath my ear. I can feel the warmth and strength of his arms, and his hands, one on the center of my back and the other on my shoulder, holding me tight, pulling me closer.
Over my sobs I can hear him saying, “Shhhh,” and his lips brushing the top of my head, sending a shiver down my spine that I don’t fully understand. It’s not a shiver that ends when it reaches the soles of my feet, but rather it turns and travels all the way back up my spine.
Eventually, my breathing starts to calm down, to fall into sync with his, and I become acutely aware of other things, like how good he smells. I breathe in deeper, a great heaving breath that manages to calm me even further. I know I should probably pull away because I’m no longer crying, but I don’t want to. I feel safe in his arms.
My notes are all "I love him," repeated over and over.
After one chapter, I'm like, where’s the ring? I’m getting married. He’s the dream guy, doing everything right. He’s the whole package. Oh, he's fictional? Ouch.
“Are you cold?” Tristan asks.
I shake my head.
“You’re shivering,” he says, and he pulls off his sweater and gives it to me.
This had me like in GTA: BOOM WASTED.
“It’s too big on me, of course, but it’s so warm that I feel cocooned and, for a split second, even safe. It also smells of him, of citrus and something muskier, too, that makes me want to bury my nose in the fabric and breathe in deeply.”
I had to physically hold myself back from screaming. This is why I need to read these kinds of books at night when my facial expressions are hidden in the dark and no one to observe me. I want to like jump with excitement at this book. It’s so good.
It was starting to become dangerous territory. Like, I'll never be able to look at a man the same and not have him fall flat in comparison to Tristan's manners at the start of this book.
I even wrote, unfollow me now this is about to take over my day. I was right. I devoured this without even stopping.
I also loved the attention to detail in the writing, like the many phrases on looking at each other across the room or wanting to touch each other casually... This is what makes up a romance, noticing their eyes on you while sneaking a look.
And for once I didn't even hate the main character. I could feel for Zoey. I understood her wholeheartedly. She's so used to carrying the world's problems on her shoulders that when Tristan, this kind, broad-shouldered guy shows up telling her she's doesn't have to face everything on her own, I was swooning. The first half of this book, i.e. the thrill of the chase, I would give five stars because it had everything I wanted. Butterflies to the max.
The second half, however, after the thrill of the chase, when the plot focused on everything but the romance is when the book started going a bit off track, for me. This is a romance! Please, don't let side drama take over the majority of the story. This had so much potential in the second half had the side plot been dropped. Instead, it felt like another mindless episode of NCIS. Not what we're here for...
Still, I'd recommend this book for the first half without hesitation. One of the best romance couples I've read in ages, if not The Best™. That's saying a lot coming from someone who usually doesn't like the couple at all in romance books.
R E A D I T:
This review and more can be found on my blog.
July 13, 2025
4⭑
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This was pretty insta love but it was written very well that it didn’t actually feel that rushed if that makes sense lol.
I loved the connection between both characters and I’m glad our heroine finally got a happy ending!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This was pretty insta love but it was written very well that it didn’t actually feel that rushed if that makes sense lol.
I loved the connection between both characters and I’m glad our heroine finally got a happy ending!!
December 26, 2019
Hi okay this was probably my most anticipated release for the whole yet, and I’m sad to say I’m a little disappointed.
This book jumped around a lot. A lot of things happened in this book that didn’t necessarily add anything to story...(can’t tell y’all specifics bc of spoilers)
I did love the couple in this book. But we didn’t really get to see a lot of them. Time jumps quite frequently in this book. They get together and all of a sudden it jumps 2 or 3 weeks and we are told they are a couple now. Well I wanted to see what happened in those weeks. I felt like we were told a lot of things in their relationship instead of shown them
A big problem I had was the communication within the family. Zoey and her mother are both adults. They should have been able to talk to the younger siblings about serious things. They should have had a talk with these kids if they thought something was going on with them, instead of ignoring them or letting the kids ignore them.
I will say I loved how previous characters from this comparison series popped up!! I absolutely love Jess and Didi, so it was a nice surprise to read about their lives in this book as well.
While this book is not my favorite in the series, I did have an enjoyable time reading it.
This book jumped around a lot. A lot of things happened in this book that didn’t necessarily add anything to story...(can’t tell y’all specifics bc of spoilers)
I did love the couple in this book. But we didn’t really get to see a lot of them. Time jumps quite frequently in this book. They get together and all of a sudden it jumps 2 or 3 weeks and we are told they are a couple now. Well I wanted to see what happened in those weeks. I felt like we were told a lot of things in their relationship instead of shown them
A big problem I had was the communication within the family. Zoey and her mother are both adults. They should have been able to talk to the younger siblings about serious things. They should have had a talk with these kids if they thought something was going on with them, instead of ignoring them or letting the kids ignore them.
I will say I loved how previous characters from this comparison series popped up!! I absolutely love Jess and Didi, so it was a nice surprise to read about their lives in this book as well.
While this book is not my favorite in the series, I did have an enjoyable time reading it.
December 12, 2021
Dieses Buch wollte ich schon beim Erscheinen lesen, aber irgendwie hab ich es mir nicht gekauft. Hab da dann ein paar Monate später günstig bei Rebuy gekauft. Es hat mir wieder gut gefallen, auch wenn ich nach dem Cover nicht mit so einer Geschichte gerechnet habe. Dennoch fand ich es total spannend und aufregend. Die letzten 100 Seiten habe ich es komplett verschlingen. Die nächsten Bücher von dieser Autorin werden auf jeden Fall auch in mein Bücherregal wandern. Sie hat einen sehr angenehmen Schreibstil, denn man auch wenn man müde ist konzentriert folgen kann. Tolle Geschichte mit einem heftigen Grundthema.
4 Sterne
4 Sterne
January 15, 2020
*4.5 Stars*
I absolutely enjoyed Mila Gray's watch over me series and I had been waiting to get to this book!! I really loved the thriller element that she brought to this book. Not only did I love the main characters Zoey and Tristan but I loved the side characters that were Zoey's family. I also liked how past characters from previous books popped up throughout the book and you got a small update about them. One thing I also enjoyed about Zoey's character was how strong and determined she was by the end of the book.
I absolutely enjoyed Mila Gray's watch over me series and I had been waiting to get to this book!! I really loved the thriller element that she brought to this book. Not only did I love the main characters Zoey and Tristan but I loved the side characters that were Zoey's family. I also liked how past characters from previous books popped up throughout the book and you got a small update about them. One thing I also enjoyed about Zoey's character was how strong and determined she was by the end of the book.
August 23, 2022
4.5 Stars
Ok, this one was my favorite in the series so far!! I was really happy to see connecting characters again. I LOVED Tristan and Zoey immediately. They both were such good people and deserved their perfect match. I also really loved the suspense in this. It was well done and kept perfect pacing for the storyline. I wasn’t planning on reading the next one but then I realized that it was Will’s story, so I’m jumping in head first on that!
Ok, this one was my favorite in the series so far!! I was really happy to see connecting characters again. I LOVED Tristan and Zoey immediately. They both were such good people and deserved their perfect match. I also really loved the suspense in this. It was well done and kept perfect pacing for the storyline. I wasn’t planning on reading the next one but then I realized that it was Will’s story, so I’m jumping in head first on that!
February 7, 2022
I loved that old characters appeared in this book. Kit and Jessa wil always be my favourites. Mila’s books are so easy to read and they are so good. She deserves more recognition
August 6, 2021
4.5 stars! Not only is this series very quickly becoming a comfort series of mine, but I can gladly say that each book in this series gets better. To keep it short, I loved this book, and the romance was incredibly cute, but Watch Over Me also dealt with some serious issues really well (and it included trigger warnings for them - I love to see it). This book touched on abuse, how it both mentally and physical affects victims, trauma, how young boys can become indoctrinated in misogyny, the flaws of the judicial system, and honestly so much more. I am so incredibly impressed by Mila Gray's ability to balance swoon worthy romance with such heavy topics. I also liked that this book felt reconnected to the series by bringing back old characters (especially since book 3 had a new setting and cast of characters entirely). To summarize, I found the romance, and overall writing of this book to be the best of the series so far. I will say, to try to seem at least a bit objective, that the romance was a bit cliche and fast at times, and the father character's actions towards the end of this book seemed a little far fetched (not that I am doubting people can be so cruel and abusive, more so how dramatic his plans and speeches were), but still, for me at least, this book was near perfect. Objectively it might be a 4 star book, but I refuse to let that stop me from giving it five stars.
January 9, 2022
Absolutely 5 ⭐️. Such a quick read, and could pull anyone out of a reading slump. Brother’s best friend trope, and was such a powerful story, as well as romance. Tristan was so protective😩, and he loved Zoey so much. Would 10000% recommend, a new favorite for sure.
September 13, 2020
Rating: 2.5/5
Warning: review might contain mild spoilers
While I did not exactly dislike this book, I can't say I liked it. At some point I kept pushing my kindle away because I didn't feel like finishing it.
This is the third book by Mila Gray that I read, and just like with the others, I can't get over the poor emotional evolution (or emotional portrayal) of the characters.
The story has a good premise, there's so much room to explore the topic of domestic violence, of the psychological scars of a child that has been emotionally abused by a parent, to show the journey of how these characters overcome their past (with support from loved ones). But these are all treated superficially, they're the layer buried under the romance.
There is not much of a mother-daughter relationship in the story, or if there is one, it is as if all's happening behind closed doors. As a reader, it's like you only get brief updates ever now and then like "oh, they're talking now" and "oh, the mother decided at some point to pay attention to her daughter's life". But you don't get a clue of these changes of attitude from the characters' actions. The whole family is painted in a negative light, but as a reader you don't get to see the gradual changes, at least this is how it felt for me.
And, sadly, this falls under "the magic of romance heals all".
Some mild spoilers, but, for a girl with self-esteem and body-image issues (thanks to her father), Zoey overcomes them incredibly easily. There is literally a moment when, in the span of a couple sentences, she goes from being uncomfortable in her own skin to "I don't give a crap, I feel good about myself, screw everyone". For someone who hid under baggy clothes for years, feeling uncomfortable wearing body-fitting clothes around other people, it seem unrealistic that she overcomes everything in the span of a few minutes and feels totally comfortable, no tension, no mental fight with herself, just like a switch flipped.
The relationship between Zoey and Tristan also doesn't evolve gradually. Everything is sudden, the moment he sees her he feels the need to protect her and keep her safe. And, after they get together, everything is in perfect sync, they don't even need to speak, they know exactly what the other is feeling and what the other needs without words (this sets toxic expectations for relationships, because communication needs work, it doesn't magically happen; if the other person is not "reading your mind", that doesn't mean they're wrong for you, it means you just might need to get to know each other, duh!).
And, just like with the self-esteem issues I mentioned above, Zoey's trust-issues resolve in a couple sentences, with her telling herself she should trust Tristan, and after that no second-thoughts, no reluctance. It all magically disappears and everything is perfect (with the exception of a little screw-up from Tristan, which is also kind of gets an instant-fix).
And what bothered me is the main characters' obsession with sleeping with each other and the mental-speeches they have alongside (at times it felt like reading a teenager's diary). It's like they are trying to convince the reader (and maybe themselves) that they like the other person for features other than their body, but the physical attributes are their main focus. Even amidst all the chaos and tension and drama and threatening situations, this seems to remain the main focus.
It is not a bad book (despite all my ramblings), it has sweet moments, and Zoey is a determined character, devoted to her family, but I just wish it had a bit more depth, especially given the subject it was built on. If mental setbacks get resolved by "I just told myself to stop thinking that way and it was fixed", the world would've been a much better place. It takes time to heal :)
Warning: review might contain mild spoilers
While I did not exactly dislike this book, I can't say I liked it. At some point I kept pushing my kindle away because I didn't feel like finishing it.
This is the third book by Mila Gray that I read, and just like with the others, I can't get over the poor emotional evolution (or emotional portrayal) of the characters.
The story has a good premise, there's so much room to explore the topic of domestic violence, of the psychological scars of a child that has been emotionally abused by a parent, to show the journey of how these characters overcome their past (with support from loved ones). But these are all treated superficially, they're the layer buried under the romance.
There is not much of a mother-daughter relationship in the story, or if there is one, it is as if all's happening behind closed doors. As a reader, it's like you only get brief updates ever now and then like "oh, they're talking now" and "oh, the mother decided at some point to pay attention to her daughter's life". But you don't get a clue of these changes of attitude from the characters' actions. The whole family is painted in a negative light, but as a reader you don't get to see the gradual changes, at least this is how it felt for me.
And, sadly, this falls under "the magic of romance heals all".
Some mild spoilers, but, for a girl with self-esteem and body-image issues (thanks to her father), Zoey overcomes them incredibly easily. There is literally a moment when, in the span of a couple sentences, she goes from being uncomfortable in her own skin to "I don't give a crap, I feel good about myself, screw everyone". For someone who hid under baggy clothes for years, feeling uncomfortable wearing body-fitting clothes around other people, it seem unrealistic that she overcomes everything in the span of a few minutes and feels totally comfortable, no tension, no mental fight with herself, just like a switch flipped.
The relationship between Zoey and Tristan also doesn't evolve gradually. Everything is sudden, the moment he sees her he feels the need to protect her and keep her safe. And, after they get together, everything is in perfect sync, they don't even need to speak, they know exactly what the other is feeling and what the other needs without words (this sets toxic expectations for relationships, because communication needs work, it doesn't magically happen; if the other person is not "reading your mind", that doesn't mean they're wrong for you, it means you just might need to get to know each other, duh!).
And, just like with the self-esteem issues I mentioned above, Zoey's trust-issues resolve in a couple sentences, with her telling herself she should trust Tristan, and after that no second-thoughts, no reluctance. It all magically disappears and everything is perfect (with the exception of a little screw-up from Tristan, which is also kind of gets an instant-fix).
And what bothered me is the main characters' obsession with sleeping with each other and the mental-speeches they have alongside (at times it felt like reading a teenager's diary). It's like they are trying to convince the reader (and maybe themselves) that they like the other person for features other than their body, but the physical attributes are their main focus. Even amidst all the chaos and tension and drama and threatening situations, this seems to remain the main focus.
It is not a bad book (despite all my ramblings), it has sweet moments, and Zoey is a determined character, devoted to her family, but I just wish it had a bit more depth, especially given the subject it was built on. If mental setbacks get resolved by "I just told myself to stop thinking that way and it was fixed", the world would've been a much better place. It takes time to heal :)
November 24, 2021
You know a book is good when I finish a chapter then immediately open a dating app.
January 24, 2020
3.5 stars.
Watch Over Me follows Zoey, who has been caring for her mom and little sister since she was a kid, defending them from her violent father. She’s been the strong one, the responsible one as she sacrificed her wants and dreams to keep her family together. Now the life they’ve built for themselves in California is about to be upended. Her father, just released from prison, has discovered where they’re hiding and has come looking for them. Enter Tristan. A former Marine and now member of the Coast Guard, Tristan promises his best friend, and Zoey’s Marine brother, that he will take care of Zoey and her family. And as Tristan starts to help Zoey deal with the emotional fall out of her childhood, their relationship turns from protector to something more. The two grow closer as a romance blooms into a heart-pounding and powerful relationship that Zoey hopes will be strong enough to fight off the damage her father has done to her and her family.
I did really enjoy Watch Over Me and Mila Gray’s writing. Zoey was a great main character and she’s incredibly strong and caring. I liked Tristan, too, and thought he was really good for Zoey. I did like their romance, but it seemed a little bit rushed to me. I liked them together and thought their relationship was really sweet, but there wasn’t as much development as I would have liked. On top of that, I’m not a huge fan of how Gray handled Zoey’s family dynamic or her father in general. I thought there was a lot of promise on that regard and it didn’t really live up to what I was hoping for. Overall, though, this was a really enjoyable story and I’d still recommend it!
“I’m sorry,” Tristan says, and it riles me because the last thing I want or need is his pity. “You shouldn’t have had to deal with that all by yourself. It must have been hard.” But something catches in my chest. I think he might be the first person who’s ever recognized how hard it was.”
Watch Over Me follows Zoey, who has been caring for her mom and little sister since she was a kid, defending them from her violent father. She’s been the strong one, the responsible one as she sacrificed her wants and dreams to keep her family together. Now the life they’ve built for themselves in California is about to be upended. Her father, just released from prison, has discovered where they’re hiding and has come looking for them. Enter Tristan. A former Marine and now member of the Coast Guard, Tristan promises his best friend, and Zoey’s Marine brother, that he will take care of Zoey and her family. And as Tristan starts to help Zoey deal with the emotional fall out of her childhood, their relationship turns from protector to something more. The two grow closer as a romance blooms into a heart-pounding and powerful relationship that Zoey hopes will be strong enough to fight off the damage her father has done to her and her family.
I did really enjoy Watch Over Me and Mila Gray’s writing. Zoey was a great main character and she’s incredibly strong and caring. I liked Tristan, too, and thought he was really good for Zoey. I did like their romance, but it seemed a little bit rushed to me. I liked them together and thought their relationship was really sweet, but there wasn’t as much development as I would have liked. On top of that, I’m not a huge fan of how Gray handled Zoey’s family dynamic or her father in general. I thought there was a lot of promise on that regard and it didn’t really live up to what I was hoping for. Overall, though, this was a really enjoyable story and I’d still recommend it!
August 25, 2022
I think this is a 2.5 for me. I can’t give it a 3 for goodreads because I didn’t fully enjoy reading this unfortunately so a harsh 2 will have to be the rating. The first 50% of this book, is Tristan and Zoey dancing around one another, not doing anything about their feelings for one reason or another. And I just didn’t like it. Despite the knowing each other when they were younger, I feel like this was kind of an insta love situation, which isn’t something I particularly like. There was no real development or substantial interaction or bond between them before they were suddenly attracted to each other and had these all consuming feelings. And because the story was quite jumpy, when they did get together, it was glossed over in little time jumps and we didn’t really see anything. We are just told they have been together for a month and basically love one another but I didn’t feel any of that. I didn’t connect with or root for this couple at all. Tristan and Zoey themselves were fine, I didn’t have any strong feelings for them either way, they were just there. The second half of the book is where the whole psycho dad plot point starts picking up, (it was a part of the first half, but it moved to the forefront a little bit more in the second half). And something with it just didn’t click for me. I don’t know if it felt bit dramatic and far fetched or if it just felt very rushed when the climax happened, despite the whole book basically leading up to it. Or maybe it was the fact that Zoey, still 18 years old, was the one to figure out where her dad and brother was, found them before the police despite the police apparently checking every hotel, and then storming into a situation with no back up, resulting in Tristan also following her in. The slowness of the police in this really pissed me off. But I don’t know, overall I just felt like it was all a little naive. Juvenile. It didn’t feel like a strong YA novel to me. Not compare to the other books in the series. Something didn’t work and was missing for me. The only good thing was the little snippets we saw of the other characters from the first two books.
April 25, 2021
Bei diesem Buch teilt sich meine Meinung etwas.
Einerseits haben mir die Storyidee und die Charaktere gefallen. Auch zog sich die Spannung durch das ganze Buch.
🌊Storyidee: Zoey übernimmt die Mutterrolle für ihre beiden jüngeren Geschwister, während ihre Mutter sich von ihrer Depression erholt. Ausgelöst wurden diese durch den gewalttätigen Vater der Kinder, der beinahe die Mutter zu Tode geprügelt hatte, und seit Zoeys Aussage im Gefängnis sitzt. Doch plötzlich geschehen schreckliche Dinge und die Familie muss in ein kleines Küstenörtchen fliehen. Dort verliebt sich Zoey in ihren Nachbarn Tristan, obwohl dies ihn in große Gefahr bringen kann.
🌊Charaktere: Zoey stellt ihre eigenen Bedürfnisse hintenan, denkt immer zuerst an andere und kann sehr schlecht Geschenke annehmen. Tristan ist fürsorglich, hilfsbereit und reißt einen schlechten Witz nach den anderen, nur um Zoey zum Lachen zu bringen.
Andererseits wiedersprachen sich manche Dinge (z.B. traf Tristan sich mit sehr vielen Frauen, jedoch nicht mehr als ein Mal, und dann hieß es später jedoch, wenn er etwas mit einer Frau anfängt, dann nur für längere Zeit?! 🤨) und die Szenen hatten keinen klaren Zeitverlauf. Teilweise waren mehrere Tage oder Wochen vergangen, was aber nicht gesagt wurde, sodass ich manchmal echt verwirrt war, wann verschiedene Dinge passiert waren und was ich verpasst habe.
➡️ Alles in einem war das Buch kein Highlight, aber es hat mich gut unterhalten (wenn ich über die Unstimmigkeiten hinwegsehe) und könnte dem einen oder anderen bestimmt auch besser gefallen als mir ☺️
(Es ist übrigens YA, also ohne explizite Szenen, und daher würde ich es ab ca. 13 Jahren empfehlen.)
Einerseits haben mir die Storyidee und die Charaktere gefallen. Auch zog sich die Spannung durch das ganze Buch.
🌊Storyidee: Zoey übernimmt die Mutterrolle für ihre beiden jüngeren Geschwister, während ihre Mutter sich von ihrer Depression erholt. Ausgelöst wurden diese durch den gewalttätigen Vater der Kinder, der beinahe die Mutter zu Tode geprügelt hatte, und seit Zoeys Aussage im Gefängnis sitzt. Doch plötzlich geschehen schreckliche Dinge und die Familie muss in ein kleines Küstenörtchen fliehen. Dort verliebt sich Zoey in ihren Nachbarn Tristan, obwohl dies ihn in große Gefahr bringen kann.
🌊Charaktere: Zoey stellt ihre eigenen Bedürfnisse hintenan, denkt immer zuerst an andere und kann sehr schlecht Geschenke annehmen. Tristan ist fürsorglich, hilfsbereit und reißt einen schlechten Witz nach den anderen, nur um Zoey zum Lachen zu bringen.
Andererseits wiedersprachen sich manche Dinge (z.B. traf Tristan sich mit sehr vielen Frauen, jedoch nicht mehr als ein Mal, und dann hieß es später jedoch, wenn er etwas mit einer Frau anfängt, dann nur für längere Zeit?! 🤨) und die Szenen hatten keinen klaren Zeitverlauf. Teilweise waren mehrere Tage oder Wochen vergangen, was aber nicht gesagt wurde, sodass ich manchmal echt verwirrt war, wann verschiedene Dinge passiert waren und was ich verpasst habe.
➡️ Alles in einem war das Buch kein Highlight, aber es hat mich gut unterhalten (wenn ich über die Unstimmigkeiten hinwegsehe) und könnte dem einen oder anderen bestimmt auch besser gefallen als mir ☺️
(Es ist übrigens YA, also ohne explizite Szenen, und daher würde ich es ab ca. 13 Jahren empfehlen.)
December 3, 2019
This is the 4th book in a series but they can all be read as standalones.
Brother’s best friend, suspense, family and love. This book was just as emotional as the rest of the books in this series. This story follows Zoey and Tristian. Zoey is a caring person, while she takes care of her brother and basically her mother too, she is always putting everyone first. Tristian becomes the perfect fit and match for Zoey. He helps her out and becomes the person she needs in life, he helps Zoey lift that weight off of her shoulders a little bit and Zoey becomes less afraid and stressed about her abusive father. Zoey and Tristian create such a beautiful connection between each other.
*this story may contain triggers (abuse)*
Brother’s best friend, suspense, family and love. This book was just as emotional as the rest of the books in this series. This story follows Zoey and Tristian. Zoey is a caring person, while she takes care of her brother and basically her mother too, she is always putting everyone first. Tristian becomes the perfect fit and match for Zoey. He helps her out and becomes the person she needs in life, he helps Zoey lift that weight off of her shoulders a little bit and Zoey becomes less afraid and stressed about her abusive father. Zoey and Tristian create such a beautiful connection between each other.
*this story may contain triggers (abuse)*
January 3, 2020
So, in terms of how this was written, this book wouldn't be a five star, but the reason I gave it a five star is because it was so freaking fun to read. I would be reading this for HOURS and it would feel like only 30 minutes. I loved the romance and the suspense of Zoey's dad. It was an amazing thriller romance and a great book to start off this new decade.
Also, I'm convinced that if there were to be a movie adaption, Cole Sprouse would need to play Tristan. I kept picturing him as Tristan lol.
Also, I'm convinced that if there were to be a movie adaption, Cole Sprouse would need to play Tristan. I kept picturing him as Tristan lol.
April 1, 2020
Zoey Ward and her family have gone through so much trauma. From their house fire to her dad getting put in prison for almost killing her mother has brought her life to what seems like a horror story. Her father got out of prison early and Zoey couldn't help herself but suspect her father had something to do with the fire that ruined Zoey and her families life forever. After Zoeys suspicious findings she knew her family wasn't safe. Zoey, her mom, siblings Kate and Cole and her older brother Will went into hiding from their brutal father in California with the help of Will's best friend Tristan. Zoeys horror story of a life becomes as normal as its ever been, but the return of her father still surrounds her mind and she doesn't know if she can focus on her increasing love for Tristan.
As Zoeys older brother Will was being deported overseas Tristan stood up to be the protector of Wills family while he was away. Tristan was a former Marine and currently a member of the coast guard so Will had no problem entrusting his best friend to watch over his family and protect them when time came. With Tristan watching over Zoeys family their relationship turned into more then just being a protector but a lover. She became terrified that her past with her father would crowd her head and her love for Tristan wouldn't be enough to fight what happened to her. As time went on Zoey opens up and explains to Tristan her horrific story. After all she finally feels like someone understands, someone is going to be there if those moments of horror ever come back. Tristan and Zoeys relationship turns into fantasy of butterfly's and rainbows. She felt safe in Tristan's arms. A kind of safe she hasn't felt her whole life. As much as she doesn't want Tristan in a terrible situation that could end in death she knows Tristan will forever protect Zoey and her family no matter the cost. After time goes by and still no sign of her father Zoey still can not let the thought of her fathers return leave the back of her head. Zoey describing it made me feel like his presents, threats, his evil was rooming the air. It was like a virus that would never go away... until Zoeys nightmares came to life. After all it wasn't Tristan she had to be worried about, it was herself.
After so much time her greatest fear became alive only her fear was the love of her life dieing at the cause of her hands until Zoey steps in front of Tristan and all goes black. In that moment, even though Zoey knew she was just shot, the only thing she cared about is if Tristan was okay. Zoey and Tristan both knew that no matter what happened in those next few moments their love would not end, neither in life nor death.
As Zoeys older brother Will was being deported overseas Tristan stood up to be the protector of Wills family while he was away. Tristan was a former Marine and currently a member of the coast guard so Will had no problem entrusting his best friend to watch over his family and protect them when time came. With Tristan watching over Zoeys family their relationship turned into more then just being a protector but a lover. She became terrified that her past with her father would crowd her head and her love for Tristan wouldn't be enough to fight what happened to her. As time went on Zoey opens up and explains to Tristan her horrific story. After all she finally feels like someone understands, someone is going to be there if those moments of horror ever come back. Tristan and Zoeys relationship turns into fantasy of butterfly's and rainbows. She felt safe in Tristan's arms. A kind of safe she hasn't felt her whole life. As much as she doesn't want Tristan in a terrible situation that could end in death she knows Tristan will forever protect Zoey and her family no matter the cost. After time goes by and still no sign of her father Zoey still can not let the thought of her fathers return leave the back of her head. Zoey describing it made me feel like his presents, threats, his evil was rooming the air. It was like a virus that would never go away... until Zoeys nightmares came to life. After all it wasn't Tristan she had to be worried about, it was herself.
After so much time her greatest fear became alive only her fear was the love of her life dieing at the cause of her hands until Zoey steps in front of Tristan and all goes black. In that moment, even though Zoey knew she was just shot, the only thing she cared about is if Tristan was okay. Zoey and Tristan both knew that no matter what happened in those next few moments their love would not end, neither in life nor death.
April 14, 2021
Oh boy was this book amazing. I think this might be my favorite one out of the series. Tristan is as swoon worthy (if not more) than all the other guys in the series. The romance was top tier and butterfly inducing!
If you love a coast guard protecting the woman he loves them you’ll love this book!
TW gun violence and domestic violence with some decently graphic scenes. (This is the first book that actually put a warning in the front as well!)
If you love a coast guard protecting the woman he loves them you’ll love this book!
TW gun violence and domestic violence with some decently graphic scenes. (This is the first book that actually put a warning in the front as well!)
August 20, 2021
It was such an interesting read tbh, a lot was happening and it was brother’s best friend/ friends to lovers trope so I couldn’t liked it more because of it! I loved that zoey after everything she has been through found happiness with tristan and that towards the end they both fulfilled their dreams together, it was such a cute ending.
4/5
4/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2020
3.5 so round up to...⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ever since I have read Come Back to Me, I have been a major fan for Mila Gray and all the characters she has introduced me to. Now while I wasn't really hung up on Tristian or Zoey i was very happy to have been able to know how Jessa and Kit were doing along with Didi and Walker. I always loved them and how they are incorporated into each story. Now don't get me wrong I did love Tristan and Zoey and believed they were great together it just all felt a little too rushed for me and the ending seemed hurried that left me feeling uneasy. I'm hoping with Fall Into Me that is to be released this year helps hold up this story a little better.
Ever since I have read Come Back to Me, I have been a major fan for Mila Gray and all the characters she has introduced me to. Now while I wasn't really hung up on Tristian or Zoey i was very happy to have been able to know how Jessa and Kit were doing along with Didi and Walker. I always loved them and how they are incorporated into each story. Now don't get me wrong I did love Tristan and Zoey and believed they were great together it just all felt a little too rushed for me and the ending seemed hurried that left me feeling uneasy. I'm hoping with Fall Into Me that is to be released this year helps hold up this story a little better.
January 24, 2021
Wow just wow, so very powerful. This is a book that brings up domestic violence but shows growth of those characters through tough times. I love how thoughtful and protective Tristan is and I just love Zoeys development throughout this whole book.
February 16, 2020
I have read this author before but this was definitely not my favorite book of hers. Too angsty for my liking. Every 2nd page there were tears from a character.
February 25, 2020
3.5 stars
November 20, 2020
Definitely cheesy but not too bad!
January 6, 2021
Absolutely loved this! Mila Gray always delivers on a good ya romance 👏🏻
March 13, 2022
Wow, that ending. Tristan and Zoey story was spectacular. I just couldn't get enough of them. I'm sad to see it end, but I'm so happy they both got the ending they deserved. 💜
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