Kiss You Back

Spring Hills Ten Year High School Reunion #1

by Mel Walker

Love Doesn’t Come with an Expiration Date

Kennedy Myers was the queen of Spring Hills High School: beauty pageant champ, head cheerleader, and the most popular girl in school. She only made one mistake—she said yes to the wrong boy.

Elijah Stevenson was the resident nerd at Spring Hills High. Convention said he should have never been friends with someone like Kennedy Myers. He hid in the shadows and avoided the spotlight, where she thrived. Not wanting to risk their friendship, Elijah watched as she ran off with the boy he knew wouldn't love her the way he did.

The Spring Hills Ten-Year High School reunion gives them both an opportunity to revisit the point in their life that they both hold with regret. Will the reunion allow them a second chance or will it be just another missed connection?

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Fiction, Friends To Lovers, Small Town Romance

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2022

About the author

Mel Walker is an award-winning rare bird, the male romance author. Specializing in heartfelt small-town romance, he enjoys telling compelling romances with all the feels. A native New Yorker and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan, he enjoys baseball, reading, bike rides, and writing outdoors where he absorbs the energy of the city.


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Reviews

[Isabel Debono · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a 4.5⭐️ read
Another great read by Mel Walker.
I really enjoyed Elijah and Kennedy story
The banter was good and their was just enough sexual tension and angst.
This friends to lovers romance is perfect and leaves you smiling.

I was given an ARC but voluntarily chose to review

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elijah was the nerd who became a huge success after school. Kennedy was the queen bee that life forced to grow up fast in the last ten years. They were friends that fumbled their chances to be more to each other back then; will this reunion be their chance to finally make things right or will it only blow up in their faces? Oh gosh, that was such an emotional journey. I adored Kennedy and Elijah’s story, but there were a lot of times I wondered if they were going to make it. Heck, I wondered if I was going to make it. Elijah was pretty close to perfect in this book, but we witnessed Kennedy transform. I don’t exactly know what the future is going to bring, but I can’t wait to see what else these reunions are going to inspire.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Amy Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introverted and unassuming, Elijah was the nerd in high school, but has grown into a bestselling author of romance novels, as well as a very handsome man. Kennedy, on the other hand, was the queen. Elijah loved her, worshiped her even, but she kept him firmly planted in the friend zone. At their ten year reunion, they are thrust together, and their friendship is rekindled. Sort of. It's hot and it's cold, until it all boils over. I don't want to give it all away, so I'll just add that their HEA is guaranteed.

This story is so well written. It alternates between heartwarming and heartbreaking, and is sometimes both at the same time. I empathized with both main characters, neither of whom had an easy time. Beautifully done, this is well worth the one click.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Donna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elijah Stevenson is a man who is not looking forward to his ten year reunion. Kennedy Myers is the reason. She's the girl who was never his to let go but it feels like it to him. I loved this story. It is the classic head cheerleader and nerd friendship in high school that had the potential to be so much more. The Elijah of now is more confident and can speak his mind. Well, sort of. He is still the introvert he always was but he now knows he has to put everything out there to get what he wants and deserves. I was rooting for him like the head cheerleader would. Kennedy's life hasn't been what she expected. Returning to her home town after a divorce, she's embarrassed. Her ex isn't what he appeared to be but him being the quarterback doesn't lend her to tell the truth. The reunion that she dreads is coming quickly. Elijah and Kennedy reconnect with no one else around. And the fall into the same ish pattern from before. This time Elijah isn't leaving without Kennedy knowing how he feels. I think this is the best he from Mel Walker. I had a hard time putting this book down since I connected so well with both characters.

[Deb Moncrief · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiss You Back is another great read by Mel Walker. This book was so much more than I expected. Elijah and Kennedy were high school friends and reconnect during their 10th year high school reunion. Mel Walker does a great job of blending drama, angst, and sexual tension that kept me engaged as a reader. I thoroughly enjoyed Kiss You Back.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elijah & Kennedy’s romance is great! I love how the story is told in dual POV, and seeing the incredibly intelligent Elijah grow into the confident man who will go after Kennedy is excellent. The second chance, friends to lovers vibe is enjoyable, too.

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good second chance romance for Kennedy and Elijah. I loved how Elijah described dad as being a Yoga loving surfer and mom avid bird-watcher. Lol
When Elijah comes back for reunion he is not the same person who left 10 years ago. Kennedy was his dream girl but of course that didn’t happen. Now years later will they have a chance?

I received this copy and my review is voluntary

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love second chance romances. This one was no exception. Kiss You Back is a sweet yet angsty second chance romance involving Elijah and Kennedy. They were secret best friends in high school. Now back at their 10 year reunion, and they are living completely different lives. I did love this couple. I loved the sneak peeks into their high school relationship. I wish I had a guy like that when I was in high school. They were so right for each other. Too bad Kennedy couldn't see it back then. There was some angst in the story, but it wasn't overbearing. I thought Kennedy had a lot of growth. The ending was very sweet. I would definitely recommend this one. I'd love to see Lincoln and Jada each get their own stories.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of the FEELS with this one! I fell quick. I fell hard. I absolutely LOVED this romance! Truly an excellent read from the beginning to the end. This novel is worthy of more than 5 stars, I believe. Kiss You Back has the perfect amount of sexual tension, angst and undeniable heat - this friends to lovers story is utter perfection. The conflicts and struggles encounter here, however, lend a feeling of "will they make it" which is something Mel Walker does masterfully. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[JLBBM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiss You Back is definitely a 5 star book. It started strong and kept me interested right to the end. The book has everything you want in a romance story, great characters and story line, angst and drama, swoon and love plus a happily ever after. I didn’t want it to end.

[Sharing My Book Boyfriends · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! I loved Elijah and Kennedy! Elijah missed his chance with Kennedy ten years ago, but now ten years later he is hopeful for a second chance. Will she give him a chance, or will history repeat itself? I loved Jada too, and hope she gets her happy ever after.

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elijah looked up from the book he is autographing as a woman squeals in excitement. It is hard to keep the grin off his face. This is the sixth and final book in his only series and he is still blown away when someone buys one of his books, but as much as he appreciates his fans he hates book signings. He would much rather be writing. Thankfully his extroverted sister was here to make sure everything went smoothly.

Jada had stepped in and taken over all the organizational things about being a writer that he had no clue about and kept things running smoothly so he could focus on writing. Now she wants him to schedule a book signing at when he returns home for his ten-year class reunion. Something the Principal can crow about...high school nerd turned famous author.

As his sister excitedly tells him how all the girls in high school will be swooning after ignoring him, but there is only one girl who he was nervous to see. The last time he saw her was the worst day of his life.

Kennedy was hoping Lincoln drops it. He is trying to get her out to network and meet people since moving back to Spring Hills. Something she always enjoyed before coming back home. But, things have changed since high school where she was the head cheerleader and Prom Queen wearing all the latest designs.

But soon all her secrets will be public knowledge because their ten-year class reunion is a whole-town experience, but that's not what has her so nervous. The class reunion is always hosted by the senior king and queen and she was not looking forward to seeing the king...or the man who she had wronged.

I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This is a story of regrets and missed chances. The introverted nerd coming back home a confident man and a major success. The beautiful, popular and rich Prom Queen barely holding it together.

This book is action-packed from page one and takes you back to your own high school reunion as you return home and feel all the familiarity even though everything has changed. I totally enjoyed Elijah and Kennedy's story. Highly recommend!

[Andra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nerdy and shy Elijah and popular cheerleader Kennedy form an unexpected friendship in high school but despite the tentative wishes for more, graduation day means completely different life paths for both of them. Until 10-year high school reunion brings them back together, but is it too late?
This is a book full on emotions, drama and more emotions! While a lot of the book is flashbacks to the protagonists’ high school era, the real time part of it takes place basically over a weekend but my, is it a packed one. Not having attended high school in small town USA, some of the plot and attitudes of locals felt excessive and like wtf? but I’m guessing Mel Walker knows what he is writing about, which made it at times hard to read. Mostly the parts about how someone’s life would be affected by town gossip and attitudes and how someone might shape their whole life because of these things voluntarily. I liked the way the book emphasized that there are often no black and white truths and things aren’t always what they look like, that is, Elijah and Kennedy were both equally responsible for their lives turning out the way they did. Lovely second chance romance that touches also upon several deeper issues.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mel Walker gives us a wonderful romance without explicit sex, which is enjoyable for a change. Our Queen, Kennedy, ran from a bad marriage back to her hometown. It is time for her high school reunion, which seems to be this town's event of the century. She is excited and afraid to see the man she rejected at graduation. Elijah has become a successful romance author and is now a hot cutie, not the shy nerd from school. Elijah has suffered from unrequited love all these years. The hope of a happy ending takes the whole week to play out. There is interference from all sides, but they return to each other each time. The story explores the difference between good guys and not-so-good guys. Why women marry handsome jocks from high school remains a mystery. Why women think they have to please their parents remains a mystery too. Another question is why parents push their children into bad situations and deny them support. How the author could quickly solve all these messes is a bit unbelievable. The author also writes a world in which race seems irrelevant. But this is a love fantasy, which gives me somewhere else to go in this negative world.
I received an ARC from the publisher and left this review voluntarily.

[Ashley Cummins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elijah and Kennedy have always had a close relationship that pulls them to one another, even though it's unexpected. Kennedy is a cheerleader and runs in completely different circles to Elijah's nerdy little groups. She spends a lot of time filling that role of queen of the school and due to that she ends up losing out on a lot of opportunities, people, and even healthy relationships around her. When everyone reconnects at the 10 year high school reunion, both Elijah and Kennedy find themselves thrown back into the fear that stopped them from once becoming a thing.

What worked for me: great familial relationship between Jada and Elijah/the support system that Elijah had, watching Elijah's confidence grow throughout the book even though he had a lot of reasons to just "give up, Lincoln as a character in full.

What didn't work for me: I wish I saw a little more growth in Kennedy, not just her letting go of her old beliefs and fear. She was a lot of the reason that her and Elijah's relationship didn't work out previously, and while she did come to understand and admit that I wanted her to give Elijah a big gesture that really made her vulnerable as well, also I wish someone beat up Brett really bad, but I'll deal.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gorgeous, sweet, and angsty book! Kennedy and Elijah are super cute together - it's clear they've always had a strong connection when it's just been the two of them. Their little in jokes and ease of communication make them such a good couple with a lot of history, and I loved them together.

Unfortunately, when the rest of the world is around, Elijah's insecurities return and Kennedy finds herself falling back into the role everyone expects of her. Being forced to confront their feelings (and each other) is exactly what they need. Thankfully, there's a whole lot of supporting characters and situations there to push them together! While Elijah's sister Jada is the real MVP, there's this moment of Kennedy and her cheer friends that stands out as it reminds us that the 'popular airhead cheerleaders' were also hardworking girls with their own lives and ambitions.

I have mixed feelings about school reunions but none about this book. It's such a good time!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Indie Pen PR, all opinions are my own. For more reviews, check out my blog!

[Tammy - · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite tropes is second chances and what's better than a second chance that's ten years in the making?

It's the Spring Hills Tenth High School Reunion and a lot has changed in the ten years since graduation. Back in high school, Kennedy was the queen...head cheerleader, most popular, dated the quarterback. Elijah was the nerd who stayed in the background. Somehow, these two became friends, but only in private. Maybe they could have been more, but Elijah was afraid to confess his feelings and Kennedy chose the wrong boy. Now, ten years later, it seems that the tables have turned.

I'm probably showing my age here, but this story gave me 80's movie vibes. The flashbacks to high school with the popular crowd, the mean girls, the football heroes, and the nerds. There is the small town gossip, a little comedy relief, some family drama and a grand gesture or two. This story has it all and I could easily see it playing out on a big screen. As a reader who loves LOVE, well, I couldn't help but fall in love with this book.

[A Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

Uggghhh my goodness this is awful. I have 40 minutes left in the book. I wanted to finish. But I can’t! There is nothing happening. There is no secret. Back in HS Nerdy Elijah was and still is in love with Kennedy, she somewhat liked him too but she ended up choosing and marrying popular Jock Brett. She’s 28 now with nothing going for herself, she still makes bad decisions, and I can’t tell you any reason why Elijah would still be in love with her. She’s not a prize!. Elijah is an author and more great things are in store for him. Kennedy is divorced, living in her parents basement, and not showing equal interests for Elijah, so why would he still want her TEN years later and she is still the same girl who was undeserving of him. Not interested in an HEA for the two. Elijah deserves better. Not reading any more of her books. Wasted my time and I could’ve have read something much better.

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kennedy was the popular cheerleader type who knew everyone she was destined to run the world with her football boyfriend turned husbands Brett…. Who we all know the type, will he really succeed? Brett definitely did not hold up his hand of the situation. Then we have the smart book nerd-Elijah that Kennedy still has an amazing connection with. He is quickly becoming a best selling author and he fully understands the situation that Kennedy has gotten herself into. He wants to do anything he can to help her and keep her safe. The characters all had strong personalities and wanted the situations handled quickly. I believed Brett’s world needed be be Shucked up a little so he could have taste of his own medicine. I enjoyed the teamwork of the friendship helping each other out to make this work.

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story gives you all the feels. Elijah and Kennedy were friends in high school and Elijah never had the courage to tell her how he truly felt, but now years later they are thrown back together with so much unspoken between them. When the outside world disappears, they fall back into their same routine and their connection is just as strong as it was back then, but when others re around things just aren’t the same. Elijah has a closet full of insecurities that have always gotten the best of him, and Kennedy seems to fall back into the high school role she used to, but now that their older will she finally see what’s in front of her and will Elijah finally lay it all out there for her? This sweet story is full of amazing characters and real emotions that leaves your heart happy.

[Stephannie Tolitsky- Seppyreadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephannie's 4-Star Review:

This was a great second-chance romance. Kennedy married her high school boyfriend and their marriage turned back and she ran back to her hometown. Now the reunion is days away and she is nervous and excited to see Elijah. He was the guy always there for her but she rejected him then. What will happen now? Elijah has always had feelings for Kennedy. Will now be his second chance to get the girl? or will he be rejected again?
I really enjoyed this one. There was some drama and twists and turns but I love a good second-chance romance and this one doesn't disappoint. These two have one heck of a week with many hurdles and obstacles to go through. But what a good book. 

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elijah Stevenson was a nerd back in high school, lost his heart to the most popular girl in school. Now he is a well known romance writer. The reunion committee wants him to do a book signing during the upcoming ten year reunion.

Kennedy was head cheerleader and married the star football player. Now ten years later she is back in her hometown, living in an apartment over parents garage and broke.

Elijah and Kennedy were friends, he was her comfort but someone else asked her out, Elijah did not fight for her. This is an emotional journey for both characters, I felt more compassion for Elijah than Kennedy. The story is sweet and clean no bedroom scenes.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[T.A. Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiss You Back is about a ten-year high school reunion that brings two friends back together but their lives are totally different and the things they couldn’t say to each back in high school, may not get in the way now as adults.

I enjoyed this second chance romance that had me frustrated with the two main characters. Elijah and Kennedy’s back and forth instead of explaining how they felt drove me crazy. Kennedy's ex, Brett and his crew were awful.

My favorite character in the book was Jada, Elijah’s little sister. She was about her business, didn’t pull punches and always told him like it is, but overall she had his back no matter what the circumstance.

I'm glad I gave Mel Walker's a chance and I'm definitely picking up book two and three is this series.

[Vilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kennedy Myers and Elijah Stevensen are unlikely high school friends. Elijah is the bookish nerd and Kennedy is the beloved head cheerleader.

When Elijah misses his opportunity, out of fear of rejection, Kennedy accepts the invitation from the…. Wait for it….. football team quarterback.

Kennedy and Elijah meet up again at their ten year reunion, but things are not always as they seem. Elijah is now a best selling author and Kennedy’s life is a big secret slowly unraveling via a string of lies as told by her ex-husband, the football star.

Once truths are revealed and barriers are removed, Elijah and Kennedy can move forwards with a romance that has been 10+ years in the making.

[Shari Jahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who really wants to go to their 10 year reunion? The Cheerleader queen married the star quarterback but it didn’t work out. She definitely doesn’t want to go but she is talked into going by her friend that needs her help.

The class nerd turned romance writer and grew into a handsome man. He really doesn’t want to go back to his hometown. He lives in NYC now and is an up an coming writer. His younger sister and his agent have other plans for him. What could be better than a book signing at the reunion? Elijah would rather do anything else!

This book is a sweet second chance romance that will have you cheering at the end!

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this second chance romance story. This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. I enjoy his writing style as well as his attention to details that bring life to his stories. This book is no different. This is the first book in a new series for this author. It is a great start and I look forward to seeing what is next in this series. This is a well written story where the characters pop off the pages and are written with alot of emotion. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. I really enjoyed this story and the growth throughout is great. I highly recommend this book.

[Marilyn Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book an the second chance genre. Kennedy Myers’s comes home with her tail tucked after her marriage ends with former jock an Quarterback to the Stare Champions football team. Kennedy ends up living in the apartment above her parents garage. The ten year reunion of Spring Jill’s High School arrives. The school nerd Elijah Stevenson returns home more confident an full of swag. The reunion has a time capsule which unknown to Elijah is his long held love letter. Fast paced, little angst, small sexual tension, fun page turner. Can’t wait until the twenty year reunion. This novel was read for a ARC honest review.

[Ewunik Mccarthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good storyline

The story was ok but there were just moments that I was annoyed with both Kennedy and Elijah, their lack of communication was such a big problem and I get that the book is sort of built around misunderstandings and missed opportunities but it just felt a little too much to the point of annoyance. 10 years after graduating high school and so many of the characters were still behaving like high schoolers and that was also a but annoying because while I expected reminiscence I didn’t expect the still high school mentality and that just took away from the story for me.

[Alicia Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE an amazing second chance romance! Then Mel had to toss in a 10 year High School reunion and it made it that much better.

Kiss you back was absolutely amazing! The bond these characters had in school and the instant connection they had after 10 years was amazing. This is a story that has all the feels!! After everything has been revealed about the past and getting to know the adult version of each other they finally have a chance at what was hidden years ago.

Amazing story by an amazing author!

[Sue Chambers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a year high school reunion. Whilst st school Elijah and Kennedy were friends but Elijah had feelings for Kennedy.
During the time apart Kennedy married her high school boyfriend. Also Elijah had become a successful author. Kennedy had returned to her home town alone so the tables were turned on their fortunes. They eventually see their true feelings for each other.
Nice love story no spice but a lovely afternoon read.
Received this via from voracious reader to review and the opinions are my own.