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retrogirlreads's review
5.0
I didn’t even realize how much I missed Bethany Monaco Smith’s Ida Romance world until I started reading “Running Back to You.” I’ve been waiting for Mike and Steph’s story, and it didn’t disappoint!!! Mike and Steph were both amazingly complex people, and I enjoyed their story. I loved learning more about both their pasts, as well. Mike is such a swoony hero, and I love how protective he was of Steph. As for Steph, I really admire her for her quiet strength and how devoted she was to the people she cared about. 5 freaking stars!!!
readlovereviewblog's review
5.0
These story chapters are dated to help readers follow along on the journey. We begin the book in the past with Steph and Mike. The present-day things are more complicated for Steph. Their relationship is a cluster of miscommunication and no compromise.
Steph has some past issues, and even though she is a fighter, it still affects her future. Mike is patient and genuinely in love with her. I love that we get her back to history little by little with the toxic as she goes home for a visit with Mike. They also have more moments, but it makes more sense.
The steamy scenes are slightly detailed in this romance. Wow, this gets deep, but they make wise choices. I didn’t precisely expect those outcomes, but I love that is where this leads. The characters in this book deal with some weighty subjects that could trigger some. The author does it encouragingly, but it is still quite emotional.
The author makes this less of a fairy tale romance and more of a practical affair, something you could see happening to real people with complicated, messy lives. This book ends amazingly with inspirational reflection, and I love the playlist at the end as if you need more emotional stimulation. I have thoroughly enjoyed the contemporary romance by Bethany Monaco Smith; they are each a bit different but very practical and natural. She brings in your emotions and touches on subjects, morals, and life lessons in her books.
Steph has some past issues, and even though she is a fighter, it still affects her future. Mike is patient and genuinely in love with her. I love that we get her back to history little by little with the toxic as she goes home for a visit with Mike. They also have more moments, but it makes more sense.
The steamy scenes are slightly detailed in this romance. Wow, this gets deep, but they make wise choices. I didn’t precisely expect those outcomes, but I love that is where this leads. The characters in this book deal with some weighty subjects that could trigger some. The author does it encouragingly, but it is still quite emotional.
The author makes this less of a fairy tale romance and more of a practical affair, something you could see happening to real people with complicated, messy lives. This book ends amazingly with inspirational reflection, and I love the playlist at the end as if you need more emotional stimulation. I have thoroughly enjoyed the contemporary romance by Bethany Monaco Smith; they are each a bit different but very practical and natural. She brings in your emotions and touches on subjects, morals, and life lessons in her books.
shamekag1's review
4.0
I like the characters and their background stories. Theo story has some trauma, but it also has a good ending. They had passion for one another and love. They had to learn to navigate love together and learn to stop running away from each other. Instead, run back to each other together. It’s a good story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of the book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of the book.
kiralillyy's review
5.0
Stop right now! This is by far my favorite couple I've read from Bethany! I'm obsessed with this one! I flew through it! Definitely a 5 star read for me!! Can't wait for more!!!
mekag's review
4.0
I like the characters and their background stories. Theo story has some trauma, but it also has a good ending. They had passion for one another and love. They had to learn to navigate love together and learn to stop running away from each other. Instead, run back to each other together. It’s a good story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of the book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of the book.
booknerdy2020's review
4.0
RUNNING BACK TO YOU By Bethany Monaco Smith
Mike and Steph have a hush hush wedding in vegas, but uncertainty and fear drives them apart.
Mike and Steph have a hush hush wedding in vegas, but uncertainty and fear drives them apart.
erickamanning's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
jhassebrook28's review
5.0
Absolutely amazing, this book had me feeling so many different emotions I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride, not to mention all the tears I cried. I absolutely loved Steph and Mike’s story. Their story felt messy but raw from the beginning and it really helped show that love is messy but that’s what makes it real.
tayyreads123's review
4.0
If you love second chance, contemporary romance, then this is the book for you! It is such a good story with some spice thrown in as well. I loved seeing characters and relationships evolve. You can tell by the way the friendships are described that this book emphasizes the importance of found family. Running Back to You took my emotions on a roller coaster ride
staniesmidnightreads's review
It felt too happy if that makes sense. I could not connect to the characters. This was a marriage in "crisis", but there was no angst between the characters just individual angst. Eventhough it felt like there should be based on the characters p.o.v. The main point of contention, in my opinion, was the fmc relationship with her family and not the actually marriage.
Also this line really threw me:
Every Saturday morning, I’d wake up early and skip over here, excited to help Grandma make pancakes. We’d laugh , and she’d tell me stories about growing up on a cotton plantation down south. It was my safe haven, my breath of fresh air— often literally.
Maybe I'm just reading too much into it, but those words were very triggering.
Also this line really threw me:
Every Saturday morning, I’d wake up early and skip over here, excited to help Grandma make pancakes. We’d laugh , and she’d tell me stories about growing up on a cotton plantation down south. It was my safe haven, my breath of fresh air— often literally.
Maybe I'm just reading too much into it, but those words were very triggering.