Return to MeAuthor: Kelly Moran
Published by: Berkley
Publication Date: March 3, 2015
Format: eARC
Pages: 304
Source: Publisher
Ten years ago, Cole Covington was just another rich kid who got everything he wanted—including young and trusting Mia Galdon. Then one night everything changed, and two hearts were shattered. Cole buried his guilt in the military, where love was just part of the past. Now Cole has come back home, emotionally damaged, guarded, and unprepared for what’s waiting for him…
At the urging of Cole’s sister, Mia has returned to the Covington family’s coastal home in Wilmington as a private nurse to help Cole recover. With her uncertain personal life at a crossroad, Mia doesn’t have the luxury of saying no to the job. And she soon finds out that the attraction is still alive. So are memories of betrayal. But Mia will discover more than the power of resilience. She’ll discover a secret Cole has held for years, one that will force them to confront the past and give new meaning to letting go, forgiveness, and a future worth fighting for.
Aww, you guys! Return to Me is beautiful story with lots of feels.
It’s been ten years since Mia and Cole saw each other, but that changes when Cole’s sister contacts Mia and wants her to be his private nurse. Cole recently returned from serving in the military, but has suffered greatly – physically and mentally. He’s thrown every other nurse out and has locked himself away, but Lacey believes Mia will be the one to pull him out of the darkness.
Mia definitely has her work cut out for her, but the woman is patient, stern and stubborn. She’s also incredibly kind and sweet, always looking for the good in people. Her sister Ginny has Down syndrome, and Mia is so good to her! I absolutely love how much she cares for her.
Cole is an easy guy to love too, even though he’s difficult at times and can’t make his own sandwich (haha, but true). He really is a good man, so watching him struggle with the injuries, PTSD, his past with Mia, and his feelings now … yeah, there were some painful moments. Damn, that makes him sound like such a downer, huh? I promise he’s not. He’s actually charming and funny too!
This is a second-chance romance for the two, but we aren’t privy to what went down between them ten years ago. Just that it was ugly. But through flashbacks from when they first met to their split, we get to see their friendship grow and blossom into something more. I really love how it all unfolded. It had me dying to know what went down, and my heart killing me from the feels.
The Mia and Cole of the present are just as good. Watching them grow closer again and come to terms with the past is both heart-melting and heart-wrenching at times. They both need closure and to heal in different ways. Mia does a wonderful job with bringing Cole back into the light and helping him recover from his injuries. I’m also really happy with the use of cognitive therapy for his PTSD.
The secondary characters are wonderful too. Ginny isn’t the only sister in the book. Lacey, Cole’s sister, plays a significant role, as well. She had considered Mia a friend when they were younger, so it was really nice how they kind of got their second-chance friendship. Ugh, but Cole’s mother is a cold-hearted bitch. I could not stand her. Usually I like those types of characters, but she can jump off a cliff.
Return to Me really is a very pleasant read. It took me on an emotional roller coaster, but didn’t feel angsty or overly dramatic. And it definitely left me with a smile!
Wow, this book sounds really strong in so many ways, the handling of the PTSD, the second chance romance, the characters’ healing. Wonderful review Christy!
I really enjoyed this one too and yep it had the feels without the drama. My review goes up next Monday.
I need these type of reads every now and then (okay more than every now and then). I am so getting this one!
This sounds like a delightful book, Christy. I love second chance romances and books that deal with PTSD. I’m going to have to give this a shot.
Great review!
Well I need this in my life asap Christy! I’m such a sucker for a military hero, particularly one who’s struggling to return to civilian life. Add that in with a second chance romance and I couldn’t be more excited to pick this up. *runs away to Amazon*
This sounds perfect! Emotional but not angsty!!
Oh, this sounds like a second-chance romance that I would love! I like that it’s the first in the series!
Well it sounds sweet and nice without a bunch of angst. I could handle this one.
I love when books hit the mark. A book that’s an emotional rollercoaster but doesn’t feel over the top or too dramatic is a definite winner Christy and now I’m dying to read Cole and Mia’s story!
Oh you had me wanting this one but totally sold me with it left you smiling. I need more books like this! I might have to try this author not just the book. 🙂
10 years! That’s a lot of time in between. I can tell this was an emotional one not just because of the PtSD but the second chance in romance thing. I love that trope!
Oh I like the sound of this one, Christy. Second chance romances are kinda my thing. 🙂
You had me at “lots of feels,” and I love that it left you smiling. This review has me adding to my TBR! Thanks for sharing 😀
I’m really intrigued by this book, thanks for sharing your thoughts with this lovely review. And that cover is gorgeous!
Ooo feels are good. I’ve not tried her. Don’t remember seeing this one so thank ya for the heads up. Looks like one I might need to check out 😀
I like the sound of characters. This one is emotional for sure.
Oh dear, books about ex-military men give me the feels! This book sounds really good. Will definitely add it to my TBR. Great review, Christy! 🙂
Cole and Mia’s story sounds like it was a hard one, a few emotional obstacles to over come. The mother sounds like a real cow, glad you liked the other characters though!