Back to You by Priscilla Glenn

source: purchased

title: Back to You
published: October 20, 2012
author: Priscilla Glenn
rated: 4 out of 5 stars

Blurb:
When Lauren Monroe first laid eyes on Michael Delaney back in high school, she had every reason to stay away from him; within minutes of their first encounter, his volatile actions confirmed his notorious reputation. But Lauren saw something in him that caused her to question his bad-boy persona, and against her better judgment, she took a chance. She had no way of knowing that the unlikely friendship they formed would become so important to her.

Or that it would end so painfully.

Eight years later, when Lauren begins her new job at Learn and Grow Day Care, Michael is the last person she expects to see. Refusing to revisit the hurt and confusion of their past, Lauren vows to keep her distance from him. But staying away from Michael proves to be more difficult than she thought, despite her lingering grief and her instincts for self-preservation.

As Lauren and Michael recall the friendship that changed them forever and the events that tore them apart, will they finally be able to heal? Or will the ghosts of Michael’s past prove to be too much to overcome?

My thoughts:
Back to You is nice contemporary romance. The story takes place in current day and is told from each Lauren and Michael’s POV’s. The storyline flashbacks to when the two were in high school as well as to Michael’s troubled childhood.

Lauren and Michael were friends in high school who eventually fell in love. Michael had a mysterious past and was the topic of much gossip. He is your classic ‘bad boy’ type; stand-offish and intense. When he meets Lauren, who is instantly drawn to him, the two become friends. Michael feels like Lauren looks past his bad boy demeanor and sees the real him. As the years go by, they remain close friends, but there is always that attraction just beneath the surface. Michael becomes very protective over Lauren, he places her on somewhat of a pedestal. Lauren is the one who finally speaks up to him about her feelings, I won’t say anything else so not to give too much away other than they lose contact. Finally, eight years pass before the two find each other by chance again.

Lauren is working as a pre-k teacher while going to night school for her masters degree in child psychology. On her first day at work, Michael walks in to drop off his young daughter, one of Lauren’s new pupils.

I just love a good romantic reunion, and that is what happens here. I always enjoy romance that blossoms from friendship as well. Author Priscilla Glenn gives plenty of background story to these characters to make them feel real and to make you care about their story.
I really enjoyed how the story was slowly revealed with the flashbacks and I just had to know what would become of these two. Michael is a good hero because he puts Lauren’s feelings first and does not smother her. Lauren is a strong heroine, and as the story flows, you see how she’s always missed Michael, but moved on with her life and followed her goals.

Now, believe it or not, I have one single qualm with this book. I toyed with whether to mention this or let it go, since it was literally one word that bothered me, but it did bother me. During one of the flashback scenes, Michael says this to Lauren:

“Quit being such a bitch and just get in the car,” he said through his smile, opening his door.
p.67, Back to You by Priscilla Glenn

Now, it is not said in anger, it is said in jest, which in my opinion still does not make it right. A guy calling a female a bitch is a big no-no for me. I just find it so very offensive. Anyone, male or female, calling anyone the “B” word is offensive, but it bothered me here that he calls her that and she just laughs it off. Michael could have easily called her any other name in jest, a jerk, a dork…etc.

In Back to You it really felt out of character for Michael to be saying this and I was shocked when I read it. It immediately pulled me out of the story. Lauren’s character doesn’t even bat an eyelash at the name he called her and she just gets in the car and laughs it off.

What do you all think of this? Do you think I’m being too picky in mentioning it?

So, even with my issue about the “B” word, I still enjoyed this book very much. I recommend this one to fans of contemporary romance and to those looking to get swept away in a romantic story for a little while.

About the author:
Priscilla Glenn lives in New York with her husband and three children. Back to You is her debut novel.

Disclaimer: This review is my honest opinion. I did not receive any kind of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. I purchased my e-copy of Back to You by Priscilla Glenn.