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Covington Cove #1
Return to Me
With every beat of the heart comes a memory of what could have been…
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.
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.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 3, 2015
37 people are currently reading
4486 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Moran
58 books1,328 followersKelly Moran is an international bestselling author of enchanting ever-afters. She gets her ideas from everyone and everything around her and there's always a book playing out in her head. No one who knows her bats an eyelash when she talks to herself.
She is a RITA® Finalist, RONE Award-Winner, Catherine Award-Winner, Reader's Choice Finalist, Holt Medallion Finalist, Book Excellence Award Finalist, Amor Book Award-Winner, and landed on the "Must Read" & "10 Best Reads" lists in USA Today's Lifestyle section. She is a former Romance Writers of America® member, where she was an Award of Excellence Finalist. Her books have foreign translation rights in Germany (where she is a Spiegel Bestseller), France, the Czech Republic, Romania, Russia, and the Netherlands. She also writes horror as Kelly Covic. In 2024, she founded her own publishing company for fiction called Rowan Prose Publishing.
Her interests include: scary movies, all kinds of art, driving others insane, and sleeping when she can. She is a closet coffee junkie and chocoholic. Tell no one. She's originally from Wisconsin, but she resides in South Carolina with her significant other, her three sons, their wily dogs, a bearded dragon, tree frogs, and their sassy cats. She loves hearing from her readers.
Visit her website for up-to-date book news and where to follow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
November 5, 2014
"ARC given by publisher for an honest review."
Cole Covington. Just thinking back to reading about him make my insides quiver!
The Covington's are high up on the social ladder, the mother, Kathryn, is against ANYTHING her children want to do. They have to be socially proper.
But along comes little Mia, who's mother's their help at the Covington Estate. Without doing anything wrong, Kathryn despises her. Calls her trash...
I'm not going to go on and on about the what's written, you have to read that yourself. This was so well written I stayed up 2 nights on the trot to read it, I found it hard put down...like REALLY hard.
I love little Mia, I love grown up Mia. Her character screams sincerity even though she's shown disrespect and hatred from where she comes from.
She grows up into a fantastic woman who gets thrown head first straight back into her past. I can vividly picture her walking along the beach. With everything she does, that's how well this book was written.
Cole. Cole. Cole.
I don't know where to begin with him. He's not your typical alpha, yet he is, if you catch my drift. He's a hero. A brave and caring man, considering the family he comes from. Again I can picture in my head everything he does, from eating pancakes covered in syrup to shaving off his facial hair.
Young Cole was arrogant, did everything to save his face.......and the past gets shoved in his face without warning 10 years later.
A beautiful and heartfelt story. It warms your heart and invades your dreams.
This isn't a book I'm going to forget, ever.
"Reviewed for Book-Lover book blog."
Cole Covington. Just thinking back to reading about him make my insides quiver!
The Covington's are high up on the social ladder, the mother, Kathryn, is against ANYTHING her children want to do. They have to be socially proper.
But along comes little Mia, who's mother's their help at the Covington Estate. Without doing anything wrong, Kathryn despises her. Calls her trash...
I'm not going to go on and on about the what's written, you have to read that yourself. This was so well written I stayed up 2 nights on the trot to read it, I found it hard put down...like REALLY hard.
I love little Mia, I love grown up Mia. Her character screams sincerity even though she's shown disrespect and hatred from where she comes from.
She grows up into a fantastic woman who gets thrown head first straight back into her past. I can vividly picture her walking along the beach. With everything she does, that's how well this book was written.
Cole. Cole. Cole.
I don't know where to begin with him. He's not your typical alpha, yet he is, if you catch my drift. He's a hero. A brave and caring man, considering the family he comes from. Again I can picture in my head everything he does, from eating pancakes covered in syrup to shaving off his facial hair.
Young Cole was arrogant, did everything to save his face.......and the past gets shoved in his face without warning 10 years later.
A beautiful and heartfelt story. It warms your heart and invades your dreams.
This isn't a book I'm going to forget, ever.
"Reviewed for Book-Lover book blog."
March 9, 2015
Was Given An ARC of The Book From The Publisher For An Honest Review
Return to Me (Covington Cove, #1) by Kelly Moran is an OMG! OMG! OMG! HAVE to read. Once you sit down and open the book those pages will just turn and turn and turn some more until the end. It doesn't need any twists and turns to keep your attention it just does. It is about Cole and Mia. They met when they were young. It was a summer romance that turned into love. Since Mia was from the "other side of the track", Cole's mother threatens Cole that she will ruin Mia, her mother and have her sister, Ginny (who has Downs Syndrome) taken away if he doesn't stop seeing Mia. He does what his mother says, not because he wants to but because he needs to. Mia leaves to college. Cole joins the Army. Ten years later they come together again. Mia is a nurse and Cole has been medically discharged from the Army. Mia is hired as his caregiver to help him get better from the wounds he sustained while overseas. This story is written in present day and 10 years in the past. It is done in a way that you are drawn in and become part of the story. Will Mia and Cole find each other's love again? Is it still there after 10 years? The ending is one you need to read to believe. You have never read a love story like this before. This is a read again and read again book. I gave this book 5 stars but it really deserves more than 10+. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Kelly Moran hit it out of the ballpark with this one. Can't wait for #2.
Reviewed for the blog www.facebook.com/cocosbookreviews
Return to Me (Covington Cove, #1) by Kelly Moran is an OMG! OMG! OMG! HAVE to read. Once you sit down and open the book those pages will just turn and turn and turn some more until the end. It doesn't need any twists and turns to keep your attention it just does. It is about Cole and Mia. They met when they were young. It was a summer romance that turned into love. Since Mia was from the "other side of the track", Cole's mother threatens Cole that she will ruin Mia, her mother and have her sister, Ginny (who has Downs Syndrome) taken away if he doesn't stop seeing Mia. He does what his mother says, not because he wants to but because he needs to. Mia leaves to college. Cole joins the Army. Ten years later they come together again. Mia is a nurse and Cole has been medically discharged from the Army. Mia is hired as his caregiver to help him get better from the wounds he sustained while overseas. This story is written in present day and 10 years in the past. It is done in a way that you are drawn in and become part of the story. Will Mia and Cole find each other's love again? Is it still there after 10 years? The ending is one you need to read to believe. You have never read a love story like this before. This is a read again and read again book. I gave this book 5 stars but it really deserves more than 10+. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Kelly Moran hit it out of the ballpark with this one. Can't wait for #2.
Reviewed for the blog www.facebook.com/cocosbookreviews
July 5, 2016
Return to me by Kelly Moran
This book was received as an ARC see from the publisher for an honest review.
With two sons in the armed services and a family history of military service this book hit close to home more than once. Many tears were shed during the reading of this book as it was an emotional read.
Return to me is more than just a love story. It's a story of self-sacrifice, perseverance, healing, and so much more. The story has taken me on an emotional ride that has left me with a book hangover. (That is a very good thing). The characters Cole & Mia were high school sweethearts but circumstances ripped them apart. Now they are reunited, but it won't be all sunshine and roses.
I'm not going to tell you what the story is about because Kelly Moran does it so much better with her words than I could ever do. Just know that this is one of the best stories that I have read in years. I will be recommending it to all of my friends and readers.
This review was done for the Literature Litehouse Blog.
This book was received as an ARC see from the publisher for an honest review.
With two sons in the armed services and a family history of military service this book hit close to home more than once. Many tears were shed during the reading of this book as it was an emotional read.
Return to me is more than just a love story. It's a story of self-sacrifice, perseverance, healing, and so much more. The story has taken me on an emotional ride that has left me with a book hangover. (That is a very good thing). The characters Cole & Mia were high school sweethearts but circumstances ripped them apart. Now they are reunited, but it won't be all sunshine and roses.
I'm not going to tell you what the story is about because Kelly Moran does it so much better with her words than I could ever do. Just know that this is one of the best stories that I have read in years. I will be recommending it to all of my friends and readers.
This review was done for the Literature Litehouse Blog.
November 24, 2014
"Was given an ARC of this book from the publisher for an honest review."
Return to Me is Book #1 A Covington Cove Novel
Return to Me is a heart-tugging tale of shattered trust, growing faith and a love the endures and heals all wounds. Kelly Moran has written a delightful book filled with wonderful characters. Mia and Cole will make you laugh and cry. A true page-turner, this book is hard to put down. This story is sure to touch your heart and put a smile on your face. It will not disappoint. I am so looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
"Reviewed for A Closet Full of Books"
http://www.aclosetfullofbooks.com/201...
Return to Me is Book #1 A Covington Cove Novel
Return to Me is a heart-tugging tale of shattered trust, growing faith and a love the endures and heals all wounds. Kelly Moran has written a delightful book filled with wonderful characters. Mia and Cole will make you laugh and cry. A true page-turner, this book is hard to put down. This story is sure to touch your heart and put a smile on your face. It will not disappoint. I am so looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
"Reviewed for A Closet Full of Books"
http://www.aclosetfullofbooks.com/201...
March 3, 2015
I was given an arc of this book from the publisher for a honest review. Return to me is written by Kelly Moran. Kelly did a great job from beginning to end. The characters in this book are the Covington's and Mia and her sister Ginny, who has downs syndrome. Their mom, who is a maid for the Covington's, drinks a lot, so Mia takes care of Ginny most of the time. Dean and Lacy are Cole's brother and sister. The book starts out with Cole, he is on active duty and his life is flashing before him. He is hurt badly, but he thinks about Mia, and carries a picture of her in his wallet. He thinks what would have happen, had his parents not interfered with his life. Now, ten years later, Lacy is helping him and he fires every nurse she hires. So, she begs Mia to be his nurse because he will listen to Mia. After alot of thought, Mia agrees, this is where the book really starts .Once you start reading, you won't want to put it down now all the characters I mentioned are involved in the book one way or another. When you are reading Return to me you feel like you are living Cole and Mia's life, when they cry, you want to cry. What happens you ask, well you will need to wait until the book comes out. I can say you will want to pre-order this book. This is definitely a five star read. This book has been reviewed by Ann for Mommy's Naughty Playground.
March 10, 2015
Cole and Mia met at Cole’s family summer house as teenagers and fell deeply and irrevocably in love. Mia was the daughter of the help, and Cole was the son of the very rich and powerful Covingtons. They were from two very different worlds, and unfortunately their love ended with both their hearts shredded.
Both Cole and Mia have been unable to move on from their first love, but ten years later they’re about to be thrown together again. Cole is back home from the army after an enemy attack left two of his squad mates dead, and Cole severely injured. Cole is depressed and uninterested in getting better, turning away any who come to visit, and firing any nurses his sister, Lacey, hires to care for him. In desperation, Lacey goes to the only person she thinks can bring Cole back from despair, Mia.
Mia doesn’t want to return to Covington Cove, but her finances make the decision for her. The night Cole and Mia parted still brings up anger and hurt, but she’s the sole provider for her disabled sister so she must put her feelings aside and take the job.
Cole blames himself for how things ended with Mia, and doesn’t feel worthy to have a second chance with her. That doesn’t stop the same burning attraction and deep connection they shared so many years ago from emerging again when she comes back to care for him. Mia doesn’t want to allow Cole in again after he shattered her heart. She tries to keep their relationship professional, but seeing Cole in his broken and vulnerable state makes it impossible to shut him out completely.
The story flashes back and forth from past to present so that the reader gets a glimpse of Cole and Mia first meeting, forming a bond and then falling hopelessly in love. I appreciated experiencing that because it made me understand their profound connection. I longed for Cole and Mia to work things out and finally have the future together they both deserved.
Second chance romances are a favorite of mine, because it makes me so sad when two people who should be together part ways, and never forget the love they once had. I want a happy ending for them! Cole and Mia’s romance was a beautiful, emotional example of that, one I thoroughly enjoyed.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at The Readers Den.
Both Cole and Mia have been unable to move on from their first love, but ten years later they’re about to be thrown together again. Cole is back home from the army after an enemy attack left two of his squad mates dead, and Cole severely injured. Cole is depressed and uninterested in getting better, turning away any who come to visit, and firing any nurses his sister, Lacey, hires to care for him. In desperation, Lacey goes to the only person she thinks can bring Cole back from despair, Mia.
Mia doesn’t want to return to Covington Cove, but her finances make the decision for her. The night Cole and Mia parted still brings up anger and hurt, but she’s the sole provider for her disabled sister so she must put her feelings aside and take the job.
Cole blames himself for how things ended with Mia, and doesn’t feel worthy to have a second chance with her. That doesn’t stop the same burning attraction and deep connection they shared so many years ago from emerging again when she comes back to care for him. Mia doesn’t want to allow Cole in again after he shattered her heart. She tries to keep their relationship professional, but seeing Cole in his broken and vulnerable state makes it impossible to shut him out completely.
The story flashes back and forth from past to present so that the reader gets a glimpse of Cole and Mia first meeting, forming a bond and then falling hopelessly in love. I appreciated experiencing that because it made me understand their profound connection. I longed for Cole and Mia to work things out and finally have the future together they both deserved.
Second chance romances are a favorite of mine, because it makes me so sad when two people who should be together part ways, and never forget the love they once had. I want a happy ending for them! Cole and Mia’s romance was a beautiful, emotional example of that, one I thoroughly enjoyed.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at The Readers Den.
January 5, 2015
Originally posted on http://mikkysworldofbooks.blogspot.fr...
**I was given an ARC from the publisher for an honest review**
What can I say? I loved this book. Return To Me is the story of a boy and a girl who loved and lost each other, of a man and a woman trying to find closure and forgiveness.
Cole and Mia met when they were just teenagers and, even if they had different life styles, they fell in love only to be ripped apart when they were ready to start a life together.
Fast forward ten years.
Mia has never forgotten him and never forgiven him either, but now her life revolves around her younger sister who needs special care and all the love she can give her.
Cole has never forgiven himself. Not only for letting Mia go but for what had happened to his brother too.
He’s chosen the army as an escape and now he’s trapped in a nightmare and wishes he had been the one to die.
If you’re familiar with Kelly’s books, you know that she writes beautifully. What I like the most is the fact that her stories are so “real”. The focus is not on how beautiful the characters are or how rich or what they wear or drive.
Instead, we get to learn their story. We see them interact, make mistakes, laugh, cry, love, suffer and be happy.
From the beginning, I was so caught up in the novel that it was difficult to put it down.
In many books, the story is lost among all those details you realize, in the end, they were completely useless. To be honest, I could do without knowing the guy drives a high speed vehicle and likes a certain color of ties or that their showers are so sophisticated and they have to pull various levers for this and that.
Boring.
There are no such things in Kelly’s books. Or, even if it happens to stumble upon something like that, it’s only there to complete the story.
Return To Me is full of emotion. All the time while reading I could feel Mia and Cole’s sadness, their pain. My heart broke for them over and over again because they were nothing more than the victims of circumstances and of a high society that forgives nothing.
I don’t know what else I could say and not get into too many details. Just trust me and put this book on pre-order. It’s so worth it.
Thank you, Kelly and Berkley, for this opportunity!
**I was given an ARC from the publisher for an honest review**
What can I say? I loved this book. Return To Me is the story of a boy and a girl who loved and lost each other, of a man and a woman trying to find closure and forgiveness.
Cole and Mia met when they were just teenagers and, even if they had different life styles, they fell in love only to be ripped apart when they were ready to start a life together.
Fast forward ten years.
Mia has never forgotten him and never forgiven him either, but now her life revolves around her younger sister who needs special care and all the love she can give her.
Cole has never forgiven himself. Not only for letting Mia go but for what had happened to his brother too.
He’s chosen the army as an escape and now he’s trapped in a nightmare and wishes he had been the one to die.
If you’re familiar with Kelly’s books, you know that she writes beautifully. What I like the most is the fact that her stories are so “real”. The focus is not on how beautiful the characters are or how rich or what they wear or drive.
Instead, we get to learn their story. We see them interact, make mistakes, laugh, cry, love, suffer and be happy.
From the beginning, I was so caught up in the novel that it was difficult to put it down.
In many books, the story is lost among all those details you realize, in the end, they were completely useless. To be honest, I could do without knowing the guy drives a high speed vehicle and likes a certain color of ties or that their showers are so sophisticated and they have to pull various levers for this and that.
Boring.
There are no such things in Kelly’s books. Or, even if it happens to stumble upon something like that, it’s only there to complete the story.
Return To Me is full of emotion. All the time while reading I could feel Mia and Cole’s sadness, their pain. My heart broke for them over and over again because they were nothing more than the victims of circumstances and of a high society that forgives nothing.
I don’t know what else I could say and not get into too many details. Just trust me and put this book on pre-order. It’s so worth it.
Thank you, Kelly and Berkley, for this opportunity!
March 3, 2015
This is one of those stories that just sucks you in. Little by little, piece by piece, and it wraps itself around your heart. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. Cole Covington is a wounded war veteran, injured while on tour in Iraq, and he’s come back with demons. He’s ornery and stubborn and tormented. In short, he’s a mess, emotionally and physically, and he’s having trouble coping, but he’s refusing any and all help. He’s a man determined to sit in his misery. Mia Galdon has been sent to help pull him out of it. Mia is the perfect woman for the job. She’s sweet, with a heart as big as Texas, but she’s every bit as strong as he is, and she’s the only one who can reach him.
This is a story of star-crossed lovers. The rich boy and the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Mia and Cole have a history, and he has a secret. The reason he pushed her out of his life ten years before isn’t what she thinks it is. And his reason? Yeah. *sigh* Makes him such a sigh-worthy hero.
Such a wonderful book. I’m an emotion girl. I want to be tugged around by my heartstrings and Kelly Moran does that and then some. She sets you into a lush setting that comes alive and she makes you care. This is one of those books that takes a while to let go of you.
This is a story of star-crossed lovers. The rich boy and the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Mia and Cole have a history, and he has a secret. The reason he pushed her out of his life ten years before isn’t what she thinks it is. And his reason? Yeah. *sigh* Makes him such a sigh-worthy hero.
Such a wonderful book. I’m an emotion girl. I want to be tugged around by my heartstrings and Kelly Moran does that and then some. She sets you into a lush setting that comes alive and she makes you care. This is one of those books that takes a while to let go of you.
December 13, 2014
Return to Me
Book One of the Covington Cove Series
By
Kelly Moran
A heartfelt, gut churning, Read that will draw you in quick and keep your interest until the very end!
I was gifted a printed copy of this book to read for an honest review. It was a very generous gift which I will treasure, especially since it was such a great read.
Return to Me is the first in a new series by Kelly Moran. The Covington’s are the upper crust of North Carolina society. The family of Senator Covington must keep up appearances. His wife, the mother of the three Covington children, demands perfection from her children, and that they keep up appearances.
Colton “Cole” Covington was a teenager when he met a girl who had the most beautiful blue eyes that he had ever seen. The struck up a friendship while his family spent summers at their vacation home. He starts to develop feelings for her, but how can a relationship with the daughter of the family’s maid survive, when she does not meet with the expectations of the Covington Family matriarch.
One night of passion between two people from very different walks of life, ends with heartbreak and tragedy. The two young lovers to never be the same.
Mia Galdon never had it easy growing up. Her mother was a chronic alcoholic. She never knew her father. Her younger sister Ginny was born with down syndrome, and her receiving proper care always has fallen on Mia. None of these obstacles held Mia down though. A true survivor, Mia realized her goal of becoming a nurse and building a life for her and her sister. Out of work and with the bills for her sister’s care hanging on her shoulders, Mia agrees to care for the person who broke her heart, Cole Covington, who has returned from the Army injured both physically and mentally. Will the close contact draw them together, or further rip them apart?
This book is like all of my favorite tearjerker movies rolled into one. At times you will want to kiss the characters and at other times you’ll be so frustrated with them you’ll want to choke them, but regardless, they draw you in and keep you riveted to the very end.
For fans of Nora Roberts and Nicholas Sparks, Kelly Moran is definitely an author you will want to know and read her works. Loved it and happy to highly recommend it.
Book One of the Covington Cove Series
By
Kelly Moran
A heartfelt, gut churning, Read that will draw you in quick and keep your interest until the very end!
I was gifted a printed copy of this book to read for an honest review. It was a very generous gift which I will treasure, especially since it was such a great read.
Return to Me is the first in a new series by Kelly Moran. The Covington’s are the upper crust of North Carolina society. The family of Senator Covington must keep up appearances. His wife, the mother of the three Covington children, demands perfection from her children, and that they keep up appearances.
Colton “Cole” Covington was a teenager when he met a girl who had the most beautiful blue eyes that he had ever seen. The struck up a friendship while his family spent summers at their vacation home. He starts to develop feelings for her, but how can a relationship with the daughter of the family’s maid survive, when she does not meet with the expectations of the Covington Family matriarch.
One night of passion between two people from very different walks of life, ends with heartbreak and tragedy. The two young lovers to never be the same.
Mia Galdon never had it easy growing up. Her mother was a chronic alcoholic. She never knew her father. Her younger sister Ginny was born with down syndrome, and her receiving proper care always has fallen on Mia. None of these obstacles held Mia down though. A true survivor, Mia realized her goal of becoming a nurse and building a life for her and her sister. Out of work and with the bills for her sister’s care hanging on her shoulders, Mia agrees to care for the person who broke her heart, Cole Covington, who has returned from the Army injured both physically and mentally. Will the close contact draw them together, or further rip them apart?
This book is like all of my favorite tearjerker movies rolled into one. At times you will want to kiss the characters and at other times you’ll be so frustrated with them you’ll want to choke them, but regardless, they draw you in and keep you riveted to the very end.
For fans of Nora Roberts and Nicholas Sparks, Kelly Moran is definitely an author you will want to know and read her works. Loved it and happy to highly recommend it.
March 9, 2015
Coffee dates with Return to Me
First date: We meet Mia at a rough time in her life. Alone, and solely responsible for her sister’s wellbeing I immediately identified with her. At the same time, we learn about Cole and his last tour overseas. Right away, I am hooked and need to know more. Moran made them feel genuine and hinted at their prior relationship. We know something went terribly wrong and through flashback chapters, we see their first relationship unfold. It was brilliantly done even if I wanted to stay in the present.
Second date: Despite protests, Mia has arrived at Cole’s home ,the former Coventry coastal home in Wilmington, now owned by Cole. She will be his private nurse and help him deal with his injuries and PTSD. Ooo, when these two meet again the tension and emotions are electric. Cole is overwhelmed, but tries to push her away. Mia is tenacious and refuses to bend. I am flipping the pages eager for more. Moran did her homework regarding PTSD and I was impressed with several scenes. Secondary characters from the housekeeper to Cole’s sister and Mia’s sister added humor, grounded the story and proved to be interesting threads.
Third date: Obstacles, forgiveness, a storm and oh so much more had me fully engaged and swooning. We see character growth in both characters and in a secondary character that at this point I have come to adore. Cole is so sweet and swoon-worthy, I really felt for him and Mia poor Mia, I just wanted to hug her. There is angst, but it helped the characters move forward, was not overdone, and delivered all the feels. The end of my date had me wiping a tear and smiling like a fool.
Return to Me had everything I love in a second chance romance and secondary characters gave it a small town feel. Moran delivered heat, but it felt genuine and will appeal to a larger audience.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
First date: We meet Mia at a rough time in her life. Alone, and solely responsible for her sister’s wellbeing I immediately identified with her. At the same time, we learn about Cole and his last tour overseas. Right away, I am hooked and need to know more. Moran made them feel genuine and hinted at their prior relationship. We know something went terribly wrong and through flashback chapters, we see their first relationship unfold. It was brilliantly done even if I wanted to stay in the present.
Second date: Despite protests, Mia has arrived at Cole’s home ,the former Coventry coastal home in Wilmington, now owned by Cole. She will be his private nurse and help him deal with his injuries and PTSD. Ooo, when these two meet again the tension and emotions are electric. Cole is overwhelmed, but tries to push her away. Mia is tenacious and refuses to bend. I am flipping the pages eager for more. Moran did her homework regarding PTSD and I was impressed with several scenes. Secondary characters from the housekeeper to Cole’s sister and Mia’s sister added humor, grounded the story and proved to be interesting threads.
Third date: Obstacles, forgiveness, a storm and oh so much more had me fully engaged and swooning. We see character growth in both characters and in a secondary character that at this point I have come to adore. Cole is so sweet and swoon-worthy, I really felt for him and Mia poor Mia, I just wanted to hug her. There is angst, but it helped the characters move forward, was not overdone, and delivered all the feels. The end of my date had me wiping a tear and smiling like a fool.
Return to Me had everything I love in a second chance romance and secondary characters gave it a small town feel. Moran delivered heat, but it felt genuine and will appeal to a larger audience.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
December 10, 2014
Was Given An ARC of The Book From The Publisher For An Honest Review
Return to Me (Covington Cove, #1) by Kelly Moran
Return To Me isn't just story about one thing, it’s a story of many things. It’s about family, friends, happiness, loss, self-sacrifice, redemption, second chances, and yes it’s about love.
Kelly Moran has written wonderful characters with depth and feeling; you will get sucked in from the very first page until the last. This story will pull at your heart strings. You will laugh, you will cry, you will hope but most importantly you will love just as they do; without cause, without reason, without constraint.
Beautifully
If I could give more than five stars I would, believe me once it’s in your hands you will want to as well. The only disappointment you will feel, is when you reached the end and that will be just because it's over. I cannot wait until the next chapter
This review was done by Carmen for Beautifully Broken Book Blog
Return to Me (Covington Cove, #1) by Kelly Moran
Return To Me isn't just story about one thing, it’s a story of many things. It’s about family, friends, happiness, loss, self-sacrifice, redemption, second chances, and yes it’s about love.
Kelly Moran has written wonderful characters with depth and feeling; you will get sucked in from the very first page until the last. This story will pull at your heart strings. You will laugh, you will cry, you will hope but most importantly you will love just as they do; without cause, without reason, without constraint.
Beautifully
If I could give more than five stars I would, believe me once it’s in your hands you will want to as well. The only disappointment you will feel, is when you reached the end and that will be just because it's over. I cannot wait until the next chapter
This review was done by Carmen for Beautifully Broken Book Blog
March 4, 2015
Return to Me by Kelly Moran has all the makings of a romantic classic. I've been in a binge of fluffy, quirky romantic novellas so I decided to switch gears and dig into the heart wrenching drama of Moran's newest release. This was my first book by her and she's a fantastic writer. Moran has a gift for creating scenes and imagery. In this one, I especially liked how the beach of Wilmington almost became it's own character and mirrored the emotions and struggles of the characters.
The book evokes so many fantastic themes that remind me of some of my romance favorites. There's the Cinderella aspect, where Mia's family is the hired help to Cole's family. Also aspects of the Notebook, where his family interferes to end their relationship because Mia isn't "good enough". And a good splash of Jane Eyre when Mia returns to care for the injured Cole. Each of these classics is near and dear to me heart, so a flash here and there is guaranteed to make me swoon.
I liked Mia the entire novel, but toward the end Cole really evolved. The complexity Moran brought to his character hooked me. While this could have been a typical tale of First Love, Moran's novel is unique in the way she fully develops her characters and deals with very realistic conflicts. I especially liked how her characters discovered their personal identities, especially in the shadow of their families. On a personal note, I feel that Moran absolutely nails the complexities of forever with your first love. Neither character was crippled by the past and both changed and learned to accept and appreciate each other over nearly two decades.
The book evokes so many fantastic themes that remind me of some of my romance favorites. There's the Cinderella aspect, where Mia's family is the hired help to Cole's family. Also aspects of the Notebook, where his family interferes to end their relationship because Mia isn't "good enough". And a good splash of Jane Eyre when Mia returns to care for the injured Cole. Each of these classics is near and dear to me heart, so a flash here and there is guaranteed to make me swoon.
I liked Mia the entire novel, but toward the end Cole really evolved. The complexity Moran brought to his character hooked me. While this could have been a typical tale of First Love, Moran's novel is unique in the way she fully develops her characters and deals with very realistic conflicts. I especially liked how her characters discovered their personal identities, especially in the shadow of their families. On a personal note, I feel that Moran absolutely nails the complexities of forever with your first love. Neither character was crippled by the past and both changed and learned to accept and appreciate each other over nearly two decades.
Want to read
December 4, 2014 A second chance romance with a hero who was in the military... and has a secret! I love the sound of this!
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.
Release date: MARCH 2015
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.
Release date: MARCH 2015
January 25, 2015
*I was provided a pre-publication copy of this book in exchange for sharing my fair and honest opinion*
Mia and Cole have a history, but it didn't end pretty. In fact, Mia doesn't want a thing to do with Cole, and after his accident in the military Cole doesn't want anything to do with, well, anybody. This book was my first by Kelly Moran, but it won't be my last. She crafted the characters into wonderfully written, complex individuals, and left you wondering what happened all those years ago that had these two, who obviously once loved each other, become so estranged. It also had me wondering if whatever happened once upon a time could be forgiven, and if maybe, just maybe, they could learn to love each other again.
Kelly Moran is a serious rock star when it comes to a good romance novel, I now know this and have The Dysfunctional Test ready to go on my Kindle because I just need more from her! This book is set to release in March 2015 from Berkley and I definitely recommend you grab it as soon as you can. Kelly knows how to do romance, like I said, but she also knows that a great book isn't just made up of two people. It's the other characters that really made me fall in love with the book, the way that Mia and Cole interacted with them. Kelly Moran writes happily ever afters, but it's the getting there that makes me proud to put her on my list of favorite authors. Definitely a must read!
Mia and Cole have a history, but it didn't end pretty. In fact, Mia doesn't want a thing to do with Cole, and after his accident in the military Cole doesn't want anything to do with, well, anybody. This book was my first by Kelly Moran, but it won't be my last. She crafted the characters into wonderfully written, complex individuals, and left you wondering what happened all those years ago that had these two, who obviously once loved each other, become so estranged. It also had me wondering if whatever happened once upon a time could be forgiven, and if maybe, just maybe, they could learn to love each other again.
Kelly Moran is a serious rock star when it comes to a good romance novel, I now know this and have The Dysfunctional Test ready to go on my Kindle because I just need more from her! This book is set to release in March 2015 from Berkley and I definitely recommend you grab it as soon as you can. Kelly knows how to do romance, like I said, but she also knows that a great book isn't just made up of two people. It's the other characters that really made me fall in love with the book, the way that Mia and Cole interacted with them. Kelly Moran writes happily ever afters, but it's the getting there that makes me proud to put her on my list of favorite authors. Definitely a must read!
November 29, 2015
Review to come closer to release :)
March 3, 2015
Read my review on RomanceJunkies.com by clicking on the link below:
http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/...
http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/...
December 11, 2014
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
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
February 2, 2015
I really enjoyed this one.
Mia’s mother worked for the Covington family since she was a little girl. The Covington’s son, Cole, and Mia became good friends, but at 16 something happens and Mia never returns. The Covington’s always thought of Mia and her family as trash. Years later, Mia is a nurse gets a call from Cole’s sister asking her to come and work at the Covington House and take care of Cole. Cole just back from the servicing in the war. He came injured physical and emotionally. He had not seen Mia in ten years. At first Mia does not want to agree. The last time she saw Cole, he broke her and she does not want to relive the pain. However, Mia has no job and is taking care of her sister. Cole’s sister makes Mia an offer she cannot refuse.
First I love Mia. She had a huge heart and I always worried that people were going to take advantage of her. There were parts in the story that did bother me. I felt like Cole would say hurtful things and Mia would get upset and then immediately forgive him. I felt that Cole did not do enough groveling for me to accept to forgive everything. In my opinion, his hurtful words would be forgiven without much of an apology.
I was very nervous reading this book at first. Sometimes when authors write a story about second chances with flashbacks, the flashbacks tend to drag. The author did an amazing job with this book. The flashbacks were done in perfect timing. The switch in POVs was done in perfect timing. There was just enough given to keep me satisfied and yet enough suspense that I wanted to read through the night.
I felt all the emotions that the characters experienced.
A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Mia’s mother worked for the Covington family since she was a little girl. The Covington’s son, Cole, and Mia became good friends, but at 16 something happens and Mia never returns. The Covington’s always thought of Mia and her family as trash. Years later, Mia is a nurse gets a call from Cole’s sister asking her to come and work at the Covington House and take care of Cole. Cole just back from the servicing in the war. He came injured physical and emotionally. He had not seen Mia in ten years. At first Mia does not want to agree. The last time she saw Cole, he broke her and she does not want to relive the pain. However, Mia has no job and is taking care of her sister. Cole’s sister makes Mia an offer she cannot refuse.
First I love Mia. She had a huge heart and I always worried that people were going to take advantage of her. There were parts in the story that did bother me. I felt like Cole would say hurtful things and Mia would get upset and then immediately forgive him. I felt that Cole did not do enough groveling for me to accept to forgive everything. In my opinion, his hurtful words would be forgiven without much of an apology.
I was very nervous reading this book at first. Sometimes when authors write a story about second chances with flashbacks, the flashbacks tend to drag. The author did an amazing job with this book. The flashbacks were done in perfect timing. The switch in POVs was done in perfect timing. There was just enough given to keep me satisfied and yet enough suspense that I wanted to read through the night.
I felt all the emotions that the characters experienced.
A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2015
What happens when you let the love of your life go because you think your protecting them, when really you set them up for years of heartache?
I absolutely loved this story of about lost love and finding your way back to the person who is meant for you.
Mia Galdon hasn't had the best life growing up. With an alcoholic mother and a little sister with down syndrome, she has never has a normal life. So when she meets Cole Covington one summer at the estate where her mom works, she finally finds someone she can be normal around.
Cole Covington comes from a wealthy family. A family where what people think about them is important. Cole's mother isn't happy about his friend he has become close with over the summer. And one fateful night everything changes between Mia and Cole - sending both in a spiral of guilt.
Now 10 years later, Mia is contacted by Cole's sister, begging her to help her brother Cole. Cole is back home from war - emotionally and physically damaged.
Mia needs the job although she doesn't think her heart can take being in Cole's presence anymore.
The two get off to a rocky start but as secrets from the past are revealed and emotions are put out into the open, the two start to feel the connection they once have. The only problem is, will the secrets that have had a hold on them be able to set them free or will they cause the two of them to pull further apart?
Cole and Mia are emotional and raw, characters you won't soon forget. A powerful story about how one lie can transform the lives of those around you into a hurricane of pain and emotion. Can't wait for more stories in the Covington Series.
I absolutely loved this story of about lost love and finding your way back to the person who is meant for you.
Mia Galdon hasn't had the best life growing up. With an alcoholic mother and a little sister with down syndrome, she has never has a normal life. So when she meets Cole Covington one summer at the estate where her mom works, she finally finds someone she can be normal around.
Cole Covington comes from a wealthy family. A family where what people think about them is important. Cole's mother isn't happy about his friend he has become close with over the summer. And one fateful night everything changes between Mia and Cole - sending both in a spiral of guilt.
Now 10 years later, Mia is contacted by Cole's sister, begging her to help her brother Cole. Cole is back home from war - emotionally and physically damaged.
Mia needs the job although she doesn't think her heart can take being in Cole's presence anymore.
The two get off to a rocky start but as secrets from the past are revealed and emotions are put out into the open, the two start to feel the connection they once have. The only problem is, will the secrets that have had a hold on them be able to set them free or will they cause the two of them to pull further apart?
Cole and Mia are emotional and raw, characters you won't soon forget. A powerful story about how one lie can transform the lives of those around you into a hurricane of pain and emotion. Can't wait for more stories in the Covington Series.
February 23, 2015
Cole Covington has lost so much. He lost Mia ten years ago. During that decade, he enlisted in the military and recently he was severely wounded. He won't allow anyone close to help him, except for his house keeper. He is depressed, in need of physical therapy and he's dealing with PTSD too.
Mia Galdon has lost her job. She is a nurse and she is the sole provider for her sister with Down Syndrome. When Cole's sister offers her a job taking care of him, she really can't say no. Mia loved Cole from a very young age. Seeing Cole after so many years brings all those feelings back. She promises herself to help him heal and when he's healed she'll walk away.
I love second chance love stories. I felt so bad for what Cole had to endure after getting hurt. I wanted him to get well. He made mistakes with Mia but he's desperate to atone for them. Mia was sweet. She was full of love for her sibling and for Cole. I love the tough love she used on him at the beginning. She was there every step of the way to help him heal physically and emotionally. I liked Cole's sister too. With Cole's help she blossomed as well.
"I will wait forever for you if I have to, Mia."
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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Mia Galdon has lost her job. She is a nurse and she is the sole provider for her sister with Down Syndrome. When Cole's sister offers her a job taking care of him, she really can't say no. Mia loved Cole from a very young age. Seeing Cole after so many years brings all those feelings back. She promises herself to help him heal and when he's healed she'll walk away.
I love second chance love stories. I felt so bad for what Cole had to endure after getting hurt. I wanted him to get well. He made mistakes with Mia but he's desperate to atone for them. Mia was sweet. She was full of love for her sibling and for Cole. I love the tough love she used on him at the beginning. She was there every step of the way to help him heal physically and emotionally. I liked Cole's sister too. With Cole's help she blossomed as well.
"I will wait forever for you if I have to, Mia."
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
February 17, 2015
Cole Covington is an injured war vet who is empty, angry, and becoming a recluse. His sister Lacey enlists the help of the one woman he never got over, Mia Galdon. She is now a nurse and in need of a job due to her own obligations. And she could use closure as to why Cole destroyed her ten years before.
Needless to say Cole is shocked and surprised. He has big issues that can't be easily fixed physically or emotionally. But Mia is feisty, strong and demanding. She has a take charge attitude and also a big heart. They fuss, fight, worry and reject. All along there is some mystery about what truly transpired in the past and we are slowly let in on the details as each chapter starts with a flashback to build the back story. Guilt, loss, betrayal, and secrets are a constant reminder of their past pain.
Cole has been happy to wallow in self pity, anger, and regret. He is not really living and does not care about anything. Each hour is a struggle to escape what he has been through. He is terrified of life and of letting anyone in. He might have money, but it does not buy happiness.
But sassy, stubborn Mia takes no prisoners and starts to break down his walls as she tries to help him cope with his flashbacks and nightmares and heal. She has been fighting to protect those she cares about her whole life and is used to working hard for what she wants.
Although their connection is still strong and they have a second chance, there are sill so many issues, challenges, and demons to face. Cole has a lot of healing to do before he can try to move on without guilt. He has to find his own new purpose for life and just not rely on Mia or his sister as crutches. And they both still have wounds from their shared history. But their memories don't always match up to their feelings or beliefs. Neither of them know the full story and they have kept their secrets for over ten years.
I enjoyed the dynamic between Cole and Mia. We saw them through young love and a myriad of emotions good and bad. But their rapport also has humor and honesty, even when it is tinged by misunderstanding or pain. I really liked his sister Lacey and brother Dean, her sister Ginny, and his housekeeper Rose. They added more depth to the story. I really hated the antagonists, one in particular. But the scenery of Covington Cove made a nice backdrop for their story to emerge from.
This story had complex, likable characters that had been through many heartbreaking situations and had never found true stable happiness. It was told in flashbacks then dual point of view intermixed. It built a little slowly for me and at times. I got frustrated with their miscommunication and issues. But overall, it was a moving story of loss, second chances, and healing. It had heartbreak, tragedy, drama, betrayal, love, humor, and hope. It truly was a long journey for both of them to navigate their past and present to determine if they could possibly have a real future.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Needless to say Cole is shocked and surprised. He has big issues that can't be easily fixed physically or emotionally. But Mia is feisty, strong and demanding. She has a take charge attitude and also a big heart. They fuss, fight, worry and reject. All along there is some mystery about what truly transpired in the past and we are slowly let in on the details as each chapter starts with a flashback to build the back story. Guilt, loss, betrayal, and secrets are a constant reminder of their past pain.
Cole has been happy to wallow in self pity, anger, and regret. He is not really living and does not care about anything. Each hour is a struggle to escape what he has been through. He is terrified of life and of letting anyone in. He might have money, but it does not buy happiness.
But sassy, stubborn Mia takes no prisoners and starts to break down his walls as she tries to help him cope with his flashbacks and nightmares and heal. She has been fighting to protect those she cares about her whole life and is used to working hard for what she wants.
Although their connection is still strong and they have a second chance, there are sill so many issues, challenges, and demons to face. Cole has a lot of healing to do before he can try to move on without guilt. He has to find his own new purpose for life and just not rely on Mia or his sister as crutches. And they both still have wounds from their shared history. But their memories don't always match up to their feelings or beliefs. Neither of them know the full story and they have kept their secrets for over ten years.
I enjoyed the dynamic between Cole and Mia. We saw them through young love and a myriad of emotions good and bad. But their rapport also has humor and honesty, even when it is tinged by misunderstanding or pain. I really liked his sister Lacey and brother Dean, her sister Ginny, and his housekeeper Rose. They added more depth to the story. I really hated the antagonists, one in particular. But the scenery of Covington Cove made a nice backdrop for their story to emerge from.
This story had complex, likable characters that had been through many heartbreaking situations and had never found true stable happiness. It was told in flashbacks then dual point of view intermixed. It built a little slowly for me and at times. I got frustrated with their miscommunication and issues. But overall, it was a moving story of loss, second chances, and healing. It had heartbreak, tragedy, drama, betrayal, love, humor, and hope. It truly was a long journey for both of them to navigate their past and present to determine if they could possibly have a real future.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2015
Return to Me is a heartwarming, beautiful second chance love story that is sure to stay with me for quite some time. It took me on a roller coaster ride of epic proportions and left me with so many feels I had a hard time processing them all.
To say I was sucked in from the beginning would be a huge understatement. The book starts off with Cole, our hero, close to death in Iraq and his last thoughts before he succumbs to the darkness are of his long lost love, Mia. Seriously, I was heartbroken and it was only the first chapter!
Luckily, Cole makes it out alive but he's only a shell of a man with no will to live. He's scarred, in more ways than one, and is suffering from PTSD. He's refused all the help his sister has tried to hire for him and this is where Mia steps in.
I absolutely adored Mia from the very beginning. She was hurt by Cole in the past but was still willing to help him through this. She's such a strong, selfless person... From taking care of her sister, to taking care of Cole, and even trying to help Cole's sister, Lacey... She's the type of heroine others should aspire to be.
Watching Mia and Cole find their way back to each other after all the pain and heartbreak they've been through was bittersweet. We get flashbacks into their teenage years to see how their relationship started out then how it ended but then we get to watch them fall back in love with each other while letting go of the hurt.
Return to Me is so much more than your typical second chance romance. It's about the sacrifices people make for the people they love. It's about finding the will to live again when life has knocked you down. It's about overcoming guilt over things you can't control. It's raw and gritty and it's sweet and endearing. Basically, it's a book you absolutely must read... And then read again... And again!
This was the first book I've read by Kelly Moran but it definitely won't be my last... Especially after reading the preview for All of Me, the next book in this series, in the back of Return to Me.
*Print copy kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
To say I was sucked in from the beginning would be a huge understatement. The book starts off with Cole, our hero, close to death in Iraq and his last thoughts before he succumbs to the darkness are of his long lost love, Mia. Seriously, I was heartbroken and it was only the first chapter!
Luckily, Cole makes it out alive but he's only a shell of a man with no will to live. He's scarred, in more ways than one, and is suffering from PTSD. He's refused all the help his sister has tried to hire for him and this is where Mia steps in.
I absolutely adored Mia from the very beginning. She was hurt by Cole in the past but was still willing to help him through this. She's such a strong, selfless person... From taking care of her sister, to taking care of Cole, and even trying to help Cole's sister, Lacey... She's the type of heroine others should aspire to be.
Watching Mia and Cole find their way back to each other after all the pain and heartbreak they've been through was bittersweet. We get flashbacks into their teenage years to see how their relationship started out then how it ended but then we get to watch them fall back in love with each other while letting go of the hurt.
Return to Me is so much more than your typical second chance romance. It's about the sacrifices people make for the people they love. It's about finding the will to live again when life has knocked you down. It's about overcoming guilt over things you can't control. It's raw and gritty and it's sweet and endearing. Basically, it's a book you absolutely must read... And then read again... And again!
This was the first book I've read by Kelly Moran but it definitely won't be my last... Especially after reading the preview for All of Me, the next book in this series, in the back of Return to Me.
*Print copy kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2015
Read and reviewed for Talk Books to Me.
January 27, 2015
I asked for and received an ARC for this novel. While I don't read romance all that much, I've become Kelly Moran's fan. Here she returns to a familiar theme of two broken people coming together and learning to trust each other.
Ten years after Cole Covington and Mia Galdon fall in love and are torn apart by Cole’s mother, they meet again. Cole returns from the war in the Middle East with post traumatic stress disorder. When he was severely wounded, his rescuers find him holding a picture of Mia. So broken is he by the loss of some of his men in combat and by nearly losing his life that he refuses to leave his coastal home near Wilmington.
Cole’s sister contacts Mia and asks her to care for Cole in his home. Unsure if she wants to see the man who broke her heart, she finally agrees to nurse Cole back to health. Her job is to get him well enough to care for himself, leave the house and return to a functional life.
Romance readers will enjoy the journey of the two main characters as they try to deny they still love each other. Moran renders familiar tropes with intensity and a fresh voice.
Ten years after Cole Covington and Mia Galdon fall in love and are torn apart by Cole’s mother, they meet again. Cole returns from the war in the Middle East with post traumatic stress disorder. When he was severely wounded, his rescuers find him holding a picture of Mia. So broken is he by the loss of some of his men in combat and by nearly losing his life that he refuses to leave his coastal home near Wilmington.
Cole’s sister contacts Mia and asks her to care for Cole in his home. Unsure if she wants to see the man who broke her heart, she finally agrees to nurse Cole back to health. Her job is to get him well enough to care for himself, leave the house and return to a functional life.
Romance readers will enjoy the journey of the two main characters as they try to deny they still love each other. Moran renders familiar tropes with intensity and a fresh voice.
Read
January 21, 2015COVER QUOTE:
"An emotional roller coaster ride. Don't miss it!"
~CARLY PHILLIPS, New York Times Bestselling Author
"An emotional roller coaster ride. Don't miss it!"
~CARLY PHILLIPS, New York Times Bestselling Author
January 18, 2015
Early Review:
Heart-warming story that will suck you in. It's well-written and very good.
Heart-warming story that will suck you in. It's well-written and very good.
March 5, 2015
A bittersweet story of love, loss, and second chances.
Originally posted at Smexybooks
http://smexybooks.com/2015/03/review-...
Favorite Quote: “You were worth losing everything for.”
The first in the Covington Cove series, Return To Me is a poignant romantic contemporary of lost love and second chances. A classic trope of star-crossed lovers who tried to overcome their social/economic barriers only to be forced apart by the manipulations of family, misunderstandings, and lies. Simmering chemistry and heartbreaking reveals will leave you smiling and sniffling as you watch two former lovers try to find away to forgive each other and themselves for decisions made in the past. Engaging dialogue keeps the story flowing along at a steady pace as a young woman braves her demons to help her first love come to grips with his pain and guilt over the past.
Heavily character driven, the story places a majority of its focus on Cole Covington. Mia fell in love with Cole as a teenager. Her mother was his family’s maid and even though she was repeatedly warned not to engage with the Covington’s, Cole in particular, she was powerless to stay away from him and soon their attraction blossomed to love. When Cole and Mia make plans to run away, Cole’s family interferes and threats are made to Mia. Cole uses lies to push her away in an effort to save her and in a series of tragic circumstances, Cole not only loses Mia but also his older brother. Cole’s guilt pushes him to join the military; not to return until he is injured and receives a medical discharge. In an effort to avoid his family and the world, he purchases the family estate at Covington Cove and disappears inside, refusing to speak or see anyone. Cole’s sister Lacey is determined to bring him back into the world and calls on the one person who may be able to break through the shell Cole has erected.
When Cole sent Mia away, she did everything possible to forget the boy she loved and heal the heart he shattered. When his sister calls her for help, she can’t resist the money she is offered or the chance to see Cole again. Even if for only a little while. But Cole is different. Angry, bitter, and riddled with guilt. Scarred from an IAD and suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, Cole is not the boy she knew from the past. Seeing Cole again causing cracks in her own shell, bringing back all the pain, sorrow, and anger, especially when new information comes to light and Mia realizes just how much she and Cole lost that fateful night.
Though touted as a romance, there is much more involved than simply rediscovering a lost love. Moran juggles quite a few popular tropes, expertly blending them into the story with hardly a blip. A journey of self discovery, sacrifice, and revelations as Cole learns to forgive himself for the difficult choices he made and the consequences that resulted. Emotionally structured with a strong vein of realism and dry humor, it’s easy to submerge yourself into Cole’s story and feel for everything he has had to deal with then and now. His parents not only took away his choice, they tried to take away his life and replace it with a version of their own. When Mia appears back in his life, Cole is at a loss. His walls start crumbling and no amount of shoring will bring them back to their previous strength. He never thought to see her again and he can’t help but remember how she left…and why.
Moran does a fabulous job of revealing the layers of Cole and Mia, presenting their story in the past and present and letting us see the changes that have been wrought. As I stated earlier, I do feel this is more Cole’s story and the bulk of the flashbacks and emotional catharsis is on his part. I enjoyed Mia and Cole as individuals and as a couple. Mia is a pragmatic, compassionate woman who uses humor and some tough love approach to help Cole through his recovery. Cole has years of self loathing and conditioning to overcome. Though he is initially resistant, he eventually opens up and allows for the changes Mia brings into his life. The friendship and love that was apparent in their past never left and slowly begins to resurface, deepening and maturing due to the time that has passed.
Moran doesn’t give us an easy fix to Cole and Mia’s relationship. The characters have to work hard to repair the damage to their lives and hearts. You can feel the anger, resentment, confusion, and hurt rolling off both of them. Moran slowly addresses what happened in their past though she does so in a way that moves them forward. It’s painful as you watch these two struggle to cope with being in each others space again; especially when certain events come to light.
The main conflict resolves in a predictable fashion though the path is an intriguing journey as we watch Cole and Mia reacquaint themselves with the adults they have become. Various subplots also wrap up, giving Cole the closure he desperately needed.
Return To Me is an emotionally moving contemporary that addresses life, love, loss and the power of forgiveness. While this was my first time reading Moran, it won’t be my last. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, All Of Me, which is set to release September 1, 2015 through Berkley.
RATING: B
Originally posted at Smexybooks
http://smexybooks.com/2015/03/review-...
Favorite Quote: “You were worth losing everything for.”
The first in the Covington Cove series, Return To Me is a poignant romantic contemporary of lost love and second chances. A classic trope of star-crossed lovers who tried to overcome their social/economic barriers only to be forced apart by the manipulations of family, misunderstandings, and lies. Simmering chemistry and heartbreaking reveals will leave you smiling and sniffling as you watch two former lovers try to find away to forgive each other and themselves for decisions made in the past. Engaging dialogue keeps the story flowing along at a steady pace as a young woman braves her demons to help her first love come to grips with his pain and guilt over the past.
Heavily character driven, the story places a majority of its focus on Cole Covington. Mia fell in love with Cole as a teenager. Her mother was his family’s maid and even though she was repeatedly warned not to engage with the Covington’s, Cole in particular, she was powerless to stay away from him and soon their attraction blossomed to love. When Cole and Mia make plans to run away, Cole’s family interferes and threats are made to Mia. Cole uses lies to push her away in an effort to save her and in a series of tragic circumstances, Cole not only loses Mia but also his older brother. Cole’s guilt pushes him to join the military; not to return until he is injured and receives a medical discharge. In an effort to avoid his family and the world, he purchases the family estate at Covington Cove and disappears inside, refusing to speak or see anyone. Cole’s sister Lacey is determined to bring him back into the world and calls on the one person who may be able to break through the shell Cole has erected.
When Cole sent Mia away, she did everything possible to forget the boy she loved and heal the heart he shattered. When his sister calls her for help, she can’t resist the money she is offered or the chance to see Cole again. Even if for only a little while. But Cole is different. Angry, bitter, and riddled with guilt. Scarred from an IAD and suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, Cole is not the boy she knew from the past. Seeing Cole again causing cracks in her own shell, bringing back all the pain, sorrow, and anger, especially when new information comes to light and Mia realizes just how much she and Cole lost that fateful night.
Though touted as a romance, there is much more involved than simply rediscovering a lost love. Moran juggles quite a few popular tropes, expertly blending them into the story with hardly a blip. A journey of self discovery, sacrifice, and revelations as Cole learns to forgive himself for the difficult choices he made and the consequences that resulted. Emotionally structured with a strong vein of realism and dry humor, it’s easy to submerge yourself into Cole’s story and feel for everything he has had to deal with then and now. His parents not only took away his choice, they tried to take away his life and replace it with a version of their own. When Mia appears back in his life, Cole is at a loss. His walls start crumbling and no amount of shoring will bring them back to their previous strength. He never thought to see her again and he can’t help but remember how she left…and why.
Moran does a fabulous job of revealing the layers of Cole and Mia, presenting their story in the past and present and letting us see the changes that have been wrought. As I stated earlier, I do feel this is more Cole’s story and the bulk of the flashbacks and emotional catharsis is on his part. I enjoyed Mia and Cole as individuals and as a couple. Mia is a pragmatic, compassionate woman who uses humor and some tough love approach to help Cole through his recovery. Cole has years of self loathing and conditioning to overcome. Though he is initially resistant, he eventually opens up and allows for the changes Mia brings into his life. The friendship and love that was apparent in their past never left and slowly begins to resurface, deepening and maturing due to the time that has passed.
Moran doesn’t give us an easy fix to Cole and Mia’s relationship. The characters have to work hard to repair the damage to their lives and hearts. You can feel the anger, resentment, confusion, and hurt rolling off both of them. Moran slowly addresses what happened in their past though she does so in a way that moves them forward. It’s painful as you watch these two struggle to cope with being in each others space again; especially when certain events come to light.
The main conflict resolves in a predictable fashion though the path is an intriguing journey as we watch Cole and Mia reacquaint themselves with the adults they have become. Various subplots also wrap up, giving Cole the closure he desperately needed.
Return To Me is an emotionally moving contemporary that addresses life, love, loss and the power of forgiveness. While this was my first time reading Moran, it won’t be my last. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, All Of Me, which is set to release September 1, 2015 through Berkley.
RATING: B
January 11, 2016
This was a real page turner for me. It's the story of Colton Covington, rich very privileged son of a would be politician and social climbing mother. His life is changed forever when he is badly injured in Iraq, the only survivor of a land mine.
Mia Galdon, sister and carer to Ginny who has Downs Syndrome. Daughter to an alcoholic mother. They live in a trailer park and money is very tight, the only income is the job her mother has working for the Covingtons. This is where Mia meets Cole for the first time. Both in their early teens and they strike up a strong friendship overcoming the class difference. Friendship turns to deep love, but one fateful night something happens that tears their world apart and they do not see each other until ten years later when she becomes Colton's nurse.
Their is a lot of inner dialogue in this book but I felt it fitted into the story and gave it deeper meaning. If you want to read a beautiful love story this is the book for you.
Mia Galdon, sister and carer to Ginny who has Downs Syndrome. Daughter to an alcoholic mother. They live in a trailer park and money is very tight, the only income is the job her mother has working for the Covingtons. This is where Mia meets Cole for the first time. Both in their early teens and they strike up a strong friendship overcoming the class difference. Friendship turns to deep love, but one fateful night something happens that tears their world apart and they do not see each other until ten years later when she becomes Colton's nurse.
Their is a lot of inner dialogue in this book but I felt it fitted into the story and gave it deeper meaning. If you want to read a beautiful love story this is the book for you.
February 25, 2015
This book was originally reviewed on The Book Hookup.
**I received an advance copy from the publisher, but that did not influence the review**
4 sweet stars This book drew me in immediately, the scene with Cole took my breath away and I knew this book was full of raw and gritty emotion. Mia was just flat out desperate to take care of herself and her sister. Cole just wanted life to go away. Together I watched their journey as they became whole.
Cole was closed off and broken, totally consumed with guilt. Mia was pushed and pushed and pushed, but even though she was down she kept going and did it with her head held high.
The romance held so much history, and even though ten years had gone by, the same chemistry was there. The second the two were reunited I saw all the old sparks and flames roar to life…they had never been extinguished. All that time and chemistry led to a lot of push and pull, which I love.
Told in 3rd person we got to experience both Cole and Mia, but I would have much rather had dual 1st person to truly feel like I was in their heads… feeling their emotions, their struggles, their joy and pain. That of course is a personal preference. I just love 1st person stories.
So while this book was rich in emotion, what did I still want more of? Deeper feels. I wanted to experience everything just a little bit more. Cole seemed to heal very quickly and it’s like I was touching the edge of gritty, but never fully grasping it. Even scenes dripping with emotions ended up feeling just a tad lighter than I wanted. Is that bad? No, I just happened to love having my heart torn to shreds and then mended back up. This was just a little fluffier than I expected, especially after reading the scene where Cole gets injured. But I still got my romance, my HEA, and my swoons in so I was very happy.
Rec this? YES! I will definitely read more books by Ms. Moran, especially if I am looking for a very lovely, happy and fluffy HEA.
Happy Reading!
**I received an advance copy from the publisher, but that did not influence the review**
4 sweet stars This book drew me in immediately, the scene with Cole took my breath away and I knew this book was full of raw and gritty emotion. Mia was just flat out desperate to take care of herself and her sister. Cole just wanted life to go away. Together I watched their journey as they became whole.
Cole was closed off and broken, totally consumed with guilt. Mia was pushed and pushed and pushed, but even though she was down she kept going and did it with her head held high.
The romance held so much history, and even though ten years had gone by, the same chemistry was there. The second the two were reunited I saw all the old sparks and flames roar to life…they had never been extinguished. All that time and chemistry led to a lot of push and pull, which I love.
Told in 3rd person we got to experience both Cole and Mia, but I would have much rather had dual 1st person to truly feel like I was in their heads… feeling their emotions, their struggles, their joy and pain. That of course is a personal preference. I just love 1st person stories.
So while this book was rich in emotion, what did I still want more of? Deeper feels. I wanted to experience everything just a little bit more. Cole seemed to heal very quickly and it’s like I was touching the edge of gritty, but never fully grasping it. Even scenes dripping with emotions ended up feeling just a tad lighter than I wanted. Is that bad? No, I just happened to love having my heart torn to shreds and then mended back up. This was just a little fluffier than I expected, especially after reading the scene where Cole gets injured. But I still got my romance, my HEA, and my swoons in so I was very happy.
Rec this? YES! I will definitely read more books by Ms. Moran, especially if I am looking for a very lovely, happy and fluffy HEA.
Happy Reading!
March 2, 2015
I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. This book is amazingly sweet & romantic and even a little mysterious. From the beginning the author tells the story, with little bits & pieces of the past, telling the story of Cole & Mia's past and how they came to where they are now. If you love a good book that will make you laugh and even cry, then this book is for you! This is a story about a veteran's recovery after being injured in the military and how it takes a past unresolved love to help him recover while learning to get past his demons, Cole realizes his life isn't over. Will he make up for things that happened in the past? Will he win Mia back & prove that he still loves her?
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