BLOG TOUR STOP~ LOVE ME BACK by Michelle Lynn
TITLE – Love Me Back
AUTHOR – Michelle Lynn
GENRE – New Adult Romance
GOODREADS - http://tiny.cc/1l150w
HOSTED BY – Love Between the Sheets
SYNOPSIS –
Growing up in small town Belcrest, Maddy Jennings thought she was destined to be with her childhood love Trent Basso. Their friendship blossomed into love as they weaved in and out of each other’s lives, from school aged to young adulthood. During her complicated path with Trent, another love interest seems to be her constant. The problem is the other love interest is Trent’s older brother. Trent’s brother is bound to keep a promise to him even if it means keeping his distance from Maddy, but it doesn’t stop him from being a friend she can count on.
When Maddy returns to her hometown after two years for her brother’s wedding, she will have to face not only Trent but his brother as well. As the two Basso brothers fight to win her heart, she struggles to forgive her mom and accept her apology, in order to mend their relationship?
She must decide to either forfeit her happiness or tear a family apart.
EXCERPT
We pull down my street and I automatically feel like I'm going to throw up. Ian must notice because he reaches over, putting a hand on my leg. I look over at him and he smiles, letting me know he is there for me. I never told Ian the whole story of why I hate this town now. He never pushes me for details, always waiting until I am ready to tell him. That’s one of the reasons why I love him.
My house is the same brown, ranch-style brick that I remember. I assume Jack is keeping up the landscaping for her. Appearances are everything in this town.
There are no cars in the driveway so I don’t pull all the way up, instead stopping at the walkway to the house. I don’t get the warm welcome Gabe does; no one is coming out to see me. I put the car in park and put my hands in my lap, sighing. I look at the house and more memories flood my mind, all of them bad. They are the reason I hate this town, the reason I ran away from it.
Ian is already out of the car, banging on the back door and telling me to unlock it. I shake off my thoughts, looking for the unlock button. After I click it, the back door opens and Ian starts pulling out the bags.
“It’s like a band-aid, Maddy. You've just gotta tear it off,” he says from the back.
“I’m fine, Ian, but thank you.” Lying to people has become second nature lately.
“Let’s go, it’s hot. Please tell me your mom has air conditioning. I think my hair is already falling,” Ian complains. There is no way his hair could fall with all of the gel, mousse, and hair spray he has in it, but I don't bother telling him this.
“Of course we have air conditioning. I know you aren’t used to the country, but we do have modern conveniences,” I say, reaching around to grab my one bag.
“I’m just saying. It’s hard looking this good, Madeline.” He has three bags hanging from his arms and pulling one behind him, and is out of breath by the time we reach my doorstep. He only uses my full name when he is agitated with me.
I ring the doorbell since I don’t have a key anymore. No one answers. I should have known she wouldn’t be home when I got here. I told her three times when I would be arriving. God knows what is more important than me this time. I search the front steps, looking for the fake rock she has used for years to hide the key. Bingo! I grab the key, inserting it in the lock and open the door.
“Wow,” Ian says behind me.
I am speechless, unable to believe my eyes. The house has been completely remodeled from floor to ceiling. All of our furniture has been replaced with new modern furniture. The light oak tables are now glass. Our plaid couch is now a soft gray sofa with yellow armchairs on either side.
“Go,” Ian pushes me into the house, “it’s like 103 degrees out here.”
I fumble my way into the house that is now unrecognizable to me, and drop my bags by the door. I love my mom for doing this. It helps keep the bad memories at bay, but I assure myself it wasn’t done for my benefit. I wonder where she got the money; being in the designing world, I know these pieces cost a small fortune and aren't something an office assistant can afford.
“Your house is beautiful,” Ian says, shutting the front door and looking around the house, I assume for a vent to cool down. It’s hard to believe that Wisconsin summers can get so hot.
“This isn’t my house,” I say flatly, “not the one I grew up in.”
“I see where you get your style,” he says.
“I can assure you this is not my mother's doing. She must have hired someone. She has always been partial to more of a country theme,” I respond, still in awe over the changes to the interior of the house. Every aspect has been redone. Even the pictures from when Jack and I were little are now in modern frames.
“Whoever did it, it’s really nice,” he says.
I put Ian in Jack’s old room, which actually looks pretty much the same. His football trophies line the bookshelves with ribbons hanging below. The only difference I notice is that the twin-sized bed has been replaced with a queen. I am surprised the bedding has been washed, ready for Ian. I assumed I would be taking care of that when I got here.
I am happy to see my room has been redone. My daybed is gone, replaced by a queen as well. The walls are thankfully not still purple, but now a light blue with a chic new bedspread. All of my old furniture is gone and white furniture is now in its place. I throw myself on the bed, closing my eyes. Even with all new furniture, I can still feel the fear when I close my eyes and I am instantly transported back to that night. I open them quickly, not wanting to remember.
REVIEW
Holy Shit! This book is absolutely amazing! Plus might I add, Jealous!!
Two brothers, one girl and the ball is all over the field. Maddy's family is anything, but functional. She has a dad that is never home and a mother that uses that as her excuse to enjoy her life and forget all responsibility. The only family still by her side is her older brother Jack. She isn't alone though. The Basso family takes her and her brother in as if they were truly related.
Which brings us to the brothers. Maddy has always been in love with Trent, but she never believed those feelings to be mutual. Until the day Trent admits he wanted her to be jealous of the thought that he might like her best friend Mackenna. Ever since then they were an on and off couple, but always by Trent's choice.
"Once in the car, my heart starts beating faster and my breathing becomes erratic. Why is Gabe having this effect on me? I don't know what happened in the last twenty-four hours, but somehow he weaseled his way into my thoughts and I can't seem to shake them."
That brings us to Gabe. It only took one night and a scary situation to realize he may just like Maddy as more than he should. To him, even when they are broken up, she is still his brother's girl. That is until his brother continues to show just how much Maddy does not mean to him.
"We both smile at one another. How do I tell this man that I have loved since I was six years old that his brother has snuck in and took his spot in my heart?"
Maddy knows she loves Trent, but is that really enough? When it comes to Gabe, she knows she wants him. He is everything his brother is not, but do they really stand a chance at a relationship?
Wow! The author, Michelle Lynn, has truly gone all out in this book. Not only does she display the characters struggles so well, she has truly drawn the reader in to the story. This entire book is written in Maddy's poimt if view. I do wish I had more to go off of with Trent and Gabe's side because they both experienced crazy struggles. I love how the author switches back to the past, but makes it where it is told as if it is in the present and not being reiterated. She knows just how to keep the reader engaged and guessing. I love, love, love this book!
5 star
Alyssa Williams
Two brothers, one girl and the ball is all over the field. Maddy's family is anything, but functional. She has a dad that is never home and a mother that uses that as her excuse to enjoy her life and forget all responsibility. The only family still by her side is her older brother Jack. She isn't alone though. The Basso family takes her and her brother in as if they were truly related.
Which brings us to the brothers. Maddy has always been in love with Trent, but she never believed those feelings to be mutual. Until the day Trent admits he wanted her to be jealous of the thought that he might like her best friend Mackenna. Ever since then they were an on and off couple, but always by Trent's choice.
"Once in the car, my heart starts beating faster and my breathing becomes erratic. Why is Gabe having this effect on me? I don't know what happened in the last twenty-four hours, but somehow he weaseled his way into my thoughts and I can't seem to shake them."
That brings us to Gabe. It only took one night and a scary situation to realize he may just like Maddy as more than he should. To him, even when they are broken up, she is still his brother's girl. That is until his brother continues to show just how much Maddy does not mean to him.
"We both smile at one another. How do I tell this man that I have loved since I was six years old that his brother has snuck in and took his spot in my heart?"
Maddy knows she loves Trent, but is that really enough? When it comes to Gabe, she knows she wants him. He is everything his brother is not, but do they really stand a chance at a relationship?
Wow! The author, Michelle Lynn, has truly gone all out in this book. Not only does she display the characters struggles so well, she has truly drawn the reader in to the story. This entire book is written in Maddy's poimt if view. I do wish I had more to go off of with Trent and Gabe's side because they both experienced crazy struggles. I love how the author switches back to the past, but makes it where it is told as if it is in the present and not being reiterated. She knows just how to keep the reader engaged and guessing. I love, love, love this book!
5 star
Alyssa Williams
BUY LINKS –
Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/
Barnes & Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-me-back-michelle-lynn/1115197462?ean=2940016551449
ABOUT THE AUTHOR -
Michelle Lynn has always been a reader, but her passion has become a full-blown addiction since her husband bought her a Kindle for Mother's Day. She's pretty sure that he regrets this on a regular basis. Especially when she has it propped up next to the stove while she cooks, which often results in a burnt dinner. Or when he loses sleep because the glow from the screen wakes him up when he rolls over at three in the morning. He does agree, however, that she uses this gift more than any other he has ever gotten her. She joking counters that, because of some of the steamy novels she reads, he also benefits more from this gift than any other he has gotten her. ;)
Michelle moved around the Midwest most of her life, transferring from school to school before settling down in the outskirts of Chicago ten years ago, where she now resides with her husband and two kids. She developed a love of reading at a young age, which helped lay the foundation for her passion to write. With the encouragement of her family, she finally sat down and wrote one of the many stories that have been floating around in her head. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can be found playing with her kids, talking to her mom on the phone, or hanging out with her family and friends. But after chasing around twin preschoolers all day, she always cherishes her relaxation time after putting the kids to bed.
Author Social Media Links:
Website: http://www.michellelynnbooks.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/michellelynnbks
PLAYLIST
CHARACTER INTERVIEW
SBB~Welcome Gabe and Maddy, thank you both so much for joining me today.
BOTH~Our pleasure!
SBB~you both have been on quite a journey. Which I thoroughly enjoyed. @Gabe, when did you first developed feelings for Madgirl?
G~I guess I've always been attracted to her, but she came to visit me at college once and I knew there was something there, that I shouldn't feel!
SBB @Maddy~I think you had feelings for Gabe since the day at the pool, is my assumptions right if not please correct me.
M~I lusted after him...Yes! (she's blushing) but at that point, I was still had my heart set on Trent. Sorry, Gabe!
Gabe - That's okay, we got where we belong eventually.
SBB~awww did you both think you would get your happily ever after?
Gabe and Maddy - NO.
Gabe - I had hoped she would eventually come around but I had my own struggles too.
Maddy - Let's remember who walked away from who in Cancun. (she laughs)
SBB~ Yes Gabe why did you walk away after the girl you over was willing to be with you. I know you made a promise to your brother but I still...
Gabe~I had to make sure her and Trent were over completely and at that point, I knew it truly wasn't done between them. I wanted her to be a hundred percent sure. Not to mention she was only a freshman in college and I was already graduating. We were in different times in my life.
(He turns to Maddy) That doesn't mean I don't regret it.
SBB~Maddy time and time again Trent let you down why in God's earth did you give him so many chances. Especially with your developing feelings for Gabe.
Maddy - I probably ask myself that question more than you did reading my story. I like to chalk it up to being young and stupid. I was naïve and a little too trusting. Trent has a lot of growing up to do but he really is a good guy deep down. I guess he was young and stupid too. a little selfish. But he really does care about...us (she looks at Gabe and he smiles back to her).
A life with Gabe seemed unrealistic to me at the time. (Gabe reaches over and squeezes her hand and they share a look between them)
SBB~Do you think things would have ended differently if the events that took place with the man your mom brought home never had taken place?
Honestly, No...I think we would have ended up just where are eventually. The baby would have brought Trent and I together again but I'm pretty sure it would have ended the same. Trent wants very different things out of life than me. It would have made it harder for Gabe and I, yes. But I think (she shakes her head), I hope it wouldn't have changed the outcome.
SBB~I had hoped so too I was rooting for you two to find a way to make it
work. Gabe, how did your Mom react to the two of you getting together.
Gabe - It was a long road but we made it!
(They share a smirk)
She loves Maddy. She just wanted her to choose one of us. My family is extremely close and it was hard for to see her two sons fighting.
At first though , oh man...she was not for it (to say the least)
See in our town, Maddy and Trent's marriage certificate was already signed. It was hard for our family and friends to see outside that box.
SBB~How is the MASH family coming along **Smiles at Maddy**
Maddy - Very well, actually... (Gabe places his hand on her stomach and she giggles). We just found out we're due in February.
SBB~Ohhh wow Congratulations. You both deserve all the happiness in the world. I do hope you have put a ring on it Gabe
Maddy - (brings her hand up) We eloped four months ago.
Gabe - I wasn't about to wait any longer for her to be completely mine.
SBB~Well well well I'm really happy for both of you.
Gabe and Maddy in unison- Thank you! It's nice to have our happily ever after.
SBB~How is Ian, Alyssa and I both loved him.
(Gabe looks at Maddy and she laughs)
Maddy - He's great actually. Him and his boyfriend just moved down to Florida. They only live a town over and we see them often.
Ian couldn't stay away from me I guess.
Gabe - More like the other way around. Maddy begged him to move down and eventually he just relented!
SBB~Wonderful. Thank you both for joining me today and all re best of luck with your happily ever after.
Gabe - Thank you for having us Natasha. This was fun.
Maddy - Yes Natasha, thank you asking us. It was a pleasure.
GIVEAWAY
Thank you for participating in the blog tour. The interview was fun and turned out great!
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