Take You Back

Spring Hills Ten Year High School Reunion #2

by Mel Walker

Jada

Friends with Benefits in a small town is a dangerous game.

When a new to town gorgeous man like Kai Daniels arrives like a gift from above to your small middle-of-nowhere town you only have one choice. Act quickly.
Or in my case, too fast.
My no-strings proposal is out of my lips before I’ve thought it through.
He’s not a one-and-done man. He’s moved to Spring Hills and is here to stay.
Now I’m attempting to do the impossible. Is it even possible to go from lovers to friends to a future?


Kai

I stumbled into the smallest of small towns in search of something completely different. My frustrating history forced me to shake things up in ways I had never considered before.
This time it will be different. It has to be.
Then Jada happened.
A mesmerizing bold beauty who knocks me on my heels before I’ve unpacked.
I thought I’d put impulsive decisions in my rearview. But her irresistible proposal is too enticing to pass.
I’m familiar with no strings, no attachments.
But in a small town, the devil is in the details. I’ve been assigned as the faculty coordinator for the Ten-Year High School Reunion. A position that must work closely with the alumni volunteer. You already know who it is, it’s Jada. The best worst best decision I’ve ever made. Send help.

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2023

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

[Mrs. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely

The story felt like a labor of love. I enjoyed getting to know Jada better, and Kai was a delight. Male writers tend to tell their story slightly different, and I can see the difference. That is not a slight, its just an observation. Male authors aren't always as descriptive as I want. Anyway, I was so happy when Jada got out of her head and let Kia love her. Now, I need Lincoln's book.

[Mel Walker]

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[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jada had left Spring Hills after she had returned home from college to find her parents had moved south to enjoy their retirement years and her brother had moved to New York to follow his dreams of being a romance novelist. After several months of boredom being by herself, she soon followed Elijah to New York to do his PR work and build a client base of other authors.

She had returned to Spring Hills as her brother's plus-one when she had coordinated a book signing event during his ten-year class reunion. The second she met eyes with the new high school counselor she immediately volunteered to organize the ten-year reunion for the next year. It was a win/win for her... making her friend Lincoln's reunion the reunion of the ages and working side-by-side with the sexy Kia Matthews.

Jada wanted to find THE man, but she learned the hard way that everyone leaves eventually. Kia had left Chicago where children were just lost in the system. His goal was to get the certification that would guarantee him a job at a prestigious private school.

Another heartwarming story from Mel Walker. We meet the feisty Jada in the series prequel Watch Your Back and her sass continued throughout her brother's story, Kiss You Back. Jada is a take-no-prisoners type of girl. She knows what she wants and won't accept anything else. And someone who doesn't intend to stay is not on her list...no matter how much she wants him to stay.

This book will keep you turning the pages as Jada and Kia plan the class reunion and not only is Jada introducing the town to Kia with the reunion in mind she is sharing herself and what Spring Hills means to her.

This is a closed-door romance full of emotion. All of the books in the series revolve around separate Spring Hills ten-year high school reunions which are celebrated by the whole town and not just those returning for the reunion. I love the friendships and sense of community. I have enjoyed this whole series and am hoping that Lincoln's story is up next. Highly recommend!

[Ana Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cherish the day Mel Walker came into my life. His stories are so down to earth, so realistic, you get to walk into someone else's life, however you feel like you could be friends or co/workers with his characters.

Jada and Kai meet during a high school reunion they attend, she as a guest and he as a school counselor, and are teamed up to work on the following year's reunion. They spend a few days together in a no-strings attached arrangement, and as you can guess, they both end up wanting more.

The story develops at a nice pace, there is some conflict (as expected in a romance and in life) however like other Mel's books, it is resolved promptly, saving the characters - and us - of unnecessary heartache.

There are some phrases that I saved as they are so deep in meaning, in understanding, in caring for the other and of self-knowledge.

I disliked Kai's brother; I get people trying to help, but to me, he was meddling.

There is no doubt in my mind that I will read anything and everything Mel writes.

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

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series which is just as great as the first one if not more. I have enjoyed reading this author from the first book I picked up by him. His writing style is such that he brings a story to life on every page. This book is no different. If you haven't read the first one I highly suggest doing so, you won't regret it. This is a well written story about two people in a small town who make an agreement that no strings attached to their relationship. Will they break their own rule? I enjoyed what these characters bring to the story. They are connectable and pulled you into their world with ease. I enjoyed watching their growth and chemistry throughout the story which made it easy to read. This is a great story that you don't want to miss. I highly recommend this book.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m still a little misty-eyed over how sweet this was. Sure, Jada and Kai have plenty of angst and passion, but the foundation of their story was this incredible sweetness that their friendship got built on. I think we all gravitate to the people who “see” us. And those are the ones that we’re always on the lookout to bring into our inner circles. Those are the best friends that are always up for our shenanigans and the partners that lift and support us in good times and bad. It was amazing to watch as that kind of emotional, spiritual, connection developed between Jada and Kai, particularly since they’d started with only a physical connection. There were so many precious moments that had me reaching for the tissues. I’m hopelessly in love with these characters and I can’t wait to discover what comes next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Vilma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jada Stevensen and Kai Daniels had a long weekend fling during the HS reunion for Jada’s brother Elijah, the romance writer.

Kai who is the new HS counselor and was recruited by the principal to work with Jada on the current years reunion, has a plan… get his counseling certification and move on to a larger school system. But the chance to get to really know Jada draws Kai in and they truly develop a friendship before becoming intimate this time around.

A misunderstanding almost causes an unrecoverable rift between Kai and Jada, but in the end, the couple get their happy ending.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books by Mel Walker. This is a charming book about love and learning to stay. Jada and Kai start off with an understanding and yet both want something more. They have to navigate refocusing their relationship to create a stronger foundation. Jada is direct with her needs and wants and Kai is determined and mature enough to fulfill that for her. The maturity and awareness of Kai is refreshing for an MMC.

If you love small town and charming romance then this is a must read.

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

[Kiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s refreshing to see a Black,male, ROMANCE author. While I typically dislike the miscommunications and breakups in stories—especially when everything seems to be going well—I understand they’re part of the drama that makes books compelling. Overall, his writing is truly amazing. I’m grateful for the thoughtful and beautiful stories he shares with us, and I always look forward to reading his work!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book of second chances. This book has it all, romance, friendship, family and vulnerability. I loved this small town romance. The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story. Once you start this book you won't want to put it down, the pages will just call you right back!

[Isabel Debono · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a 4.5⭐️ read
This. Book was a wonderfully written second chance read.
Meeting up with some characters we met in the first book made it easier to relate.
This book really showed the importance of friends and family.
There was plenty of romance and a feeling of it was meant to be.
Another great read from Mel.

I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take You Back was sweet, romantic, and a delightful story of second chances. It’s extremely well written, the characters are great, well developed and easy to relate to. I absolutely adored Kai and I was happy when Jada stopped being so darn stubborn. I loved this story! Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Highly recommend.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written book with Kai and Jada having a second chance when they connect for the high school reunion. The author does a great job developing the story and building their relationship. I enjoyed watching them come together.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[BeLinda P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to Beginnings

The story of Jada and Kai speaks to just because you do things out of order, you can reset. They both thought they could manage a no strings attached relationship but found out that your heart can make void best made stances. The backdrop them supporting other their journey was endearing.

[Danielle Melo · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rating.
I loved reading Jada and Kai's story. A great second chance romance. The chemistry was undeniable and the sweet moments between them were beautiful. I'm so happy that I was able to read Jada's story.

[Sarah DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kai and Jada's story was a delight to read. A beautifully written book with relatable characters and small town quirkiness. I loved the storyline and the attention to detail, the depth of the main characters and supporting cast.

[Denise Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the town and people the author has created ! Jada meets Kai when she goes back to their hometown for his class reunion in the previous book . She then offers to help with her best friends class reunion the next year . The story has sweetness caring which shine through.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town. Big heart. Unforgettable characters. Irresistible romance. Take you Back is a warm hug on a winter's day. Walker keeps it simple and that goes a long way. Kai and Jada give emotions a workout. From fun and flirty to heartaching, love is the air.

[Stacy Mahon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable book. It had very little spice and such a great storyline which I won’t give away. I always enjoy reading Mel Walker’s books because they never disappoint

[JLBBM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take You Back by Mel Walker is book 2 in the Ten Year High School Reunion series. The story centers around Jada Stevenson, the sister of Elijah from book 1, and Kai Daniels, the high school’s guidance counselor and faculty advisor for the ten year reunion. After meeting at the prior year’s reunion, they had a connection but Jada went back to New York. Now she’s back and they’re planning the next reunion and the sparks are flying.

There’s a great story, sweet moments, drama and of course a happily ever after. Can’t wait for the next book in this series.