My first read by this author. I generally despise 2nd chance at love books but this one worked well and I think it was because of the strategically placed flashbacks. Flashbacks can be book killers if they interrupt the flow of the book but here they were in just the right place and were just the right length. I liked to see the highlights of their teenage relationship in addition to the way they were reconnecting. The prologue of the book was touching and set the tone well for the rest of the book. The relationship picked up well and fairly realistically and I liked that the hero was not antagonistic to her but was totally all in from the beginning and really didn't mind letting her see that. I did think that they let circumstances keep them apart a little too unrealistically at the end. I mean come on you're grown ups. Still that didn't last too long. All in all I really enjoyed it and will look for the next in the series. ( )

4.5 stars.

Complimentary ARC Provided by Publisher in Exchange for an Unbiased Review

Return to Me by Kelly Moran is an enchanting second chance at love romance that tugs at the heartstrings as Cole Covington and Mia Galdon heal the wounds of the past. This first installment in the Covington Cove series is an emotional, poignant and uplifting novel that I highly recommend to fans of contemporary romances.

Mia has worked hard to escape the poverty of her childhood. In the ten years since the terrible break up with Cole, she achieved her goal of attending college to become a registered nurse. Currently unemployed after her position was eliminated, she is struggling to pay the bills when Lacey Covington offers her a job as Cole's private nurse. Despite the heartache of their past, Mia accepts the position and hopes that by helping Cole, she will find answers to her lingering questions about the abrupt end to the their relationship.

Mia is a warm and caring woman and it is impossible not to like her. She is a little shocked at Cole's condition but she takes a tough love approach to his care. Mia is pragmatic, resourceful and refuses to back down no matter how much Cole fights her.

Cole is stubborn and he has refused to do anything to aid his recovery from his injuries. In addition to his physical injures, he is suffering from post traumatic stress and he has isolated himself from friends and family. Mia leaves him no choice but to comply with her treatment plan, and he slowly begins to heal. Although Cole is beginning to recover from his battle injuries, he continues to be haunted by the unresolved issues in his past.

Events from the past are revealed through brief flashbacks that detail Cole and Mia's relationship from their first meetings through their disastrous breakup. In spite of their vastly different backgrounds, they formed a close friendship that eventually turned to love. Although the odds were against them, their romance was flourishing right up until Cole inexplicably broke up with Mia.

In the present, Mia and Cole's relationship is at first professional, but they quickly resume their previous friendship. Once Cole confesses why he broke things off, he and Mia are finally free to explore their continued attraction to one another. But once again, interference from outside sources threatens their burgeoning romance.

Return to Me is an engaging novel with an appealing cast of characters and a unique storyline. Kelly Moran expertly weaves past and present into a compelling story of love and healing that is realistic and quite moving. It is an absolutely delightful beginning to the Covington Cove series that will leave readers impatiently awaiting the next installment.

Reviewed for Book Reviews & More by Kathy ( )

Soooooo freakin good! This is a new to me author but after reading this book I will definitely be wanting more from her! She definitely has a new stalker...er...follower! Her writing style is clear, concise, and the story has a great pace. The characters are feel real with flaws and goodness that jumps from the page.

In this book is a story of young love that through no fault of their own isn't given a chance. Through several years and a lot of living those feelings are still there but so are the obstacles that tore them apart originally. Cole and Mia's story is beautiful and tragic and one you don't want to miss. I definitely recommend it. ( )