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Lost Boys #2
When You Come Back to Me
At Santa Cruz Central High School, they called them the misfits, the outcasts, the weirdos. But most of us knew them as the Lost Boys...
Holden Parish survived his parents' horrific attempts to make him "the perfect son." After a year's stint in a Swiss sanitarium to recover, he has vowed to never let anything--or anyone--trap him again. Brilliant but broken, he seeks refuge behind alcohol, meaningless sex, and uses his wicked sense of humor to keep people away. He only has to ride out one year in the coastal town of Santa Cruz with his aunt and uncle before he inherits his billions and can make his escape. Disappear.
Falling in love is not in the plans.
River Whitmore. Star quarterback of the Central High football team, Prom King, Mr. Popular, ladies' man. He leads the perfect life...except it's all a lie. His father has River's future in the NFL all planned out, while River's dream is to run the family business in the town that he loves. But his mother's illness is tearing the family apart and River is becoming the glue that holds them together. How can he break his father's heart when it's already shattering?
River's carefully-crafted façade explodes when he meets Holden Parish. A guy who dresses in coats and scarves year-round, drinks expensive vodka, and spends his free time breaking into houses for the fun of it. They're complete opposites. River seeks a quiet life, away from the spotlight. Holden would rather have dental surgery than settle down.
Holden's demons and River's responsibilities threaten to keep them apart, while their undeniable attraction crashes them together again and again, growing into something deep and real no matter how they resist.
Until one terrible night changes everything.
#MMromance This book CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE
Please note, this book contains spoilers for The Girl in the Love Song
Holden Parish survived his parents' horrific attempts to make him "the perfect son." After a year's stint in a Swiss sanitarium to recover, he has vowed to never let anything--or anyone--trap him again. Brilliant but broken, he seeks refuge behind alcohol, meaningless sex, and uses his wicked sense of humor to keep people away. He only has to ride out one year in the coastal town of Santa Cruz with his aunt and uncle before he inherits his billions and can make his escape. Disappear.
Falling in love is not in the plans.
River Whitmore. Star quarterback of the Central High football team, Prom King, Mr. Popular, ladies' man. He leads the perfect life...except it's all a lie. His father has River's future in the NFL all planned out, while River's dream is to run the family business in the town that he loves. But his mother's illness is tearing the family apart and River is becoming the glue that holds them together. How can he break his father's heart when it's already shattering?
River's carefully-crafted façade explodes when he meets Holden Parish. A guy who dresses in coats and scarves year-round, drinks expensive vodka, and spends his free time breaking into houses for the fun of it. They're complete opposites. River seeks a quiet life, away from the spotlight. Holden would rather have dental surgery than settle down.
Holden's demons and River's responsibilities threaten to keep them apart, while their undeniable attraction crashes them together again and again, growing into something deep and real no matter how they resist.
Until one terrible night changes everything.
#MMromance This book CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE
Please note, this book contains spoilers for The Girl in the Love Song
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2020
About the author
Emma Scott
34 books8,056 followersEmma Scott is a USA Today and Wall St. Journal bestselling author whose books have been translated in seven languages and featured in Buzzfeed, Huffington Post, New York Daily News and USA Today’s Happy Ever After. Her first MM romance, Someday, Someday won the Utopia Con Award for LGBTQ Book of the Year. Emma writes emotional, character-driven romances in which art and love intertwine to heal, and in which love always wins. If you enjoy emotionally-charged stories that rip your heart out and put it back together again, with diverse characters and heroes who treat their heroines like gold, you will enjoy her novels.
RECENT RELEASES all available now and FREE with KU
The Muse an MM romance
Between Hello & Goodbye
The Sinner, a paranormal angels and demons romance
The Lost Boys, a three-book series of interconnected standalones
The Girl in the Love Song
When You Come Back to Me
The Last Piece of His Heart
Someday, Someday M/M romance (Winner! LGBTQ Book of the Year, Utopia Con)
A Five-Minute Life
UPCOMING RELEASES:
The Muse 2022
You can follow me on all the places...
emmascottwrites.com
Super-cute NON SPAMMY newsletter: http://bit.ly/2nTGLf6
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2fqUULx
author page: https://www.facebook.com/EmmaScottwri...
Reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/90674...
Email: emmascottpromo@gmail.com
RECENT RELEASES all available now and FREE with KU
The Muse an MM romance
Between Hello & Goodbye
The Sinner, a paranormal angels and demons romance
The Lost Boys, a three-book series of interconnected standalones
The Girl in the Love Song
When You Come Back to Me
The Last Piece of His Heart
Someday, Someday M/M romance (Winner! LGBTQ Book of the Year, Utopia Con)
A Five-Minute Life
UPCOMING RELEASES:
The Muse 2022
You can follow me on all the places...
emmascottwrites.com
Super-cute NON SPAMMY newsletter: http://bit.ly/2nTGLf6
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2fqUULx
author page: https://www.facebook.com/EmmaScottwri...
Reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/90674...
Email: emmascottpromo@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 937 reviews
September 27, 2020
5 stars
Emma Scott never ceases to amaze me with her talent. When You Come Back to Me was a phenomenal and emotional romance. This will definitely be on my top 2020 list.
When I read ‘The Girl in the Love Song’ I was so curious about all the lost boys, but honestly, I wanted River’s story more than anyones. There was just something about him that made me want to know more. It’s no surprise to me that he’s my favorite character of this series thus far. He’s such an amazing hero and the type of guy Holden needed.
River meets Holden when he starts at his high school during his senior year. Holden is unlike anyone River has ever met. He’s enigmatic, captivating, and no matter how hard he tries, River can’t stay away from him. These two couldn’t be more different but they are exactly what the other needs.
Holden has an unimaginably difficult past that causes him to drink and sometimes act out. River is trying to be someone he’s not for his family. His life isn’t easy, but it’s a different kind of hard. Either way, these boys need each other desperately and the comfort and support they give one another is insurmountable. My heart broke for these two and all I wanted was to find their happy together. But that couldn’t happen until Holden could find and love himself.
This story was hard to read at times and Holden made some questionable choices but my goodness- that boy had been through so much you couldn’t even fault him for having cloudy judgment at times. River is the hero we all need. He’s supportive, loving, kind, and nonjudgmental. He’s loyal to a fault and was the absolute best. The end had me in tears. I was so happy I cried. I cry a lot because of sad things in books, but this book had me in the best kind of happy tears and I loved that ending so much.
This story is moving, evokes so much emotion, and though it had some heavy issues, it left me feeling happy and hopeful. Emma always writes the most epic romances and this was no exception. I loved it so much and I can’t wait to get to the final ‘Lost Boy’s’ romance!
Emma Scott never ceases to amaze me with her talent. When You Come Back to Me was a phenomenal and emotional romance. This will definitely be on my top 2020 list.
When I read ‘The Girl in the Love Song’ I was so curious about all the lost boys, but honestly, I wanted River’s story more than anyones. There was just something about him that made me want to know more. It’s no surprise to me that he’s my favorite character of this series thus far. He’s such an amazing hero and the type of guy Holden needed.
River meets Holden when he starts at his high school during his senior year. Holden is unlike anyone River has ever met. He’s enigmatic, captivating, and no matter how hard he tries, River can’t stay away from him. These two couldn’t be more different but they are exactly what the other needs.
“What if we need each other? Maybe how fucking different we are works. Maybe we fill in the missing parts for each other. Ever think of that?”
Holden has an unimaginably difficult past that causes him to drink and sometimes act out. River is trying to be someone he’s not for his family. His life isn’t easy, but it’s a different kind of hard. Either way, these boys need each other desperately and the comfort and support they give one another is insurmountable. My heart broke for these two and all I wanted was to find their happy together. But that couldn’t happen until Holden could find and love himself.
This story was hard to read at times and Holden made some questionable choices but my goodness- that boy had been through so much you couldn’t even fault him for having cloudy judgment at times. River is the hero we all need. He’s supportive, loving, kind, and nonjudgmental. He’s loyal to a fault and was the absolute best. The end had me in tears. I was so happy I cried. I cry a lot because of sad things in books, but this book had me in the best kind of happy tears and I loved that ending so much.
This story is moving, evokes so much emotion, and though it had some heavy issues, it left me feeling happy and hopeful. Emma always writes the most epic romances and this was no exception. I loved it so much and I can’t wait to get to the final ‘Lost Boy’s’ romance!
“You deserve to be loved out loud.”
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September 29, 2020LIVE NOW! and FREE in KU
September 25, 2020
Emma Scott didn’t hold back telling Holden and River’s story. I felt her flawless prose. I was a sobbing mess during most of the story and that’s a testament to Scott’s storytelling. Holden and River’s journey is difficult and heartbreaking. As it should be given the trauma Holden has been through and still is fighting. The expectations and impending loss River has looming over his head has him struggling too. What these two young men has in common is they’re both wearing masks. In front of others. In front of each other is another matter.
The foundation for Holden’s story is laid in the prologue and I knew I’d only scratched the surface of Holden. As the story progressed he shed more layers revealing new sides of him. Poignantly honest. A broken and lost soul.
The guy who fought himself and others became the constant for Holden in his darkest times. His solace. That’s River.
They complemented each other beautifully and the connection was electrifying. They saw something in one another and it was real. An escape. Love!
These two well developed character arcs are executed to perfection thanks to a story that gave them room to make mistakes, to learn from them and grow. Holden and River do that and come full circle with a beautiful and fitting epilogue.
The cameo from a certain character didn’t go unnoticed and was just right. Brilliant!
When You Come Back To Me has me shouting for the rooftop. READ IT! Emma Scott has never been better.
Love is not impossible. Holden and River go through obstacles and fight themselves and others but they make it through. They’re survivors.
What a book. Bravo!
5+ Hope and Acceptance Stars
*I received an ARC from Valentine PR publishing*
The foundation for Holden’s story is laid in the prologue and I knew I’d only scratched the surface of Holden. As the story progressed he shed more layers revealing new sides of him. Poignantly honest. A broken and lost soul.
The guy who fought himself and others became the constant for Holden in his darkest times. His solace. That’s River.
They complemented each other beautifully and the connection was electrifying. They saw something in one another and it was real. An escape. Love!
These two well developed character arcs are executed to perfection thanks to a story that gave them room to make mistakes, to learn from them and grow. Holden and River do that and come full circle with a beautiful and fitting epilogue.
The cameo from a certain character didn’t go unnoticed and was just right. Brilliant!
When You Come Back To Me has me shouting for the rooftop. READ IT! Emma Scott has never been better.
Love is not impossible. Holden and River go through obstacles and fight themselves and others but they make it through. They’re survivors.
What a book. Bravo!
5+ Hope and Acceptance Stars
*I received an ARC from Valentine PR publishing*
September 30, 2020
Emma Scott is simply remarkable! She pours everything she has into her books but I feel like she purged every last emotion into When You Come Back to Me. It’s packed front to back with heart pounding intensity and gut wrenching sensations that will keep you turning the pages.
My love for River and Holden started in The Girl in the Love Song. It was not their book but my intrigue was so strong, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on their story. River, the insecure boy hiding behind a facade of false bravado and surrounded by toxic masculinity. He needed someone to see him! And Holden, hiding his tender heart desperate for someone to truly love him, behind this aloof sharp tongue and icy demeanor. Both so inexplicably hurting in their own ways and so very much what the other needed. Like moths to a flame they were drawn to the other and then caught in each other’s heat. My anticipation for how they navigated their emotional landmines was intense.
Emma brought everything I needed and then some to When You Come Back to Me. What these boys endured in their youth, shaped who they became as young men. That journey into adulthood of self discovery and self love is the cornerstone of this book. Yes, absolutely, there��s a gorgeous love story in these pages, one of my favorites of Emma’s to date but it’s so much more than that. It’s the bonds of family; the shattering of ties to the ones we’re born with and the gathering of misfit members of the family we make. It’s the harrowing struggle of finding that what damaged you doesn’t need to destroy you. It’s the power of letting others in so you can trust again and lean into them even when you can’t bring yourself to ask. It’s discovering the irreplaceable footprints someone leaves on your heart and knowing if you love yourself, you don’t have to let them go but you can truly let them in forever. The beauty of friendship, the kindness of strangers and above all else slaying your own dragons. It’s all there in When You Come Back to Me. Emma Scott lays it all at our feet, asking us to accept others for who they are and to let love win! Everyone deserves “to be loved out loud.”
It was truly an honor to receive a beta copy and although Emma likes to say I slogged through the early stuff, so others didn’t have to, I’m telling you there wasn’t a single slog...it was all a privilege. Pick up The Girl in the Love Song cause it’s amazing but also so you can fully embrace River and Holden and the magic that is When You Come Back to Me.
Beta copy
My love for River and Holden started in The Girl in the Love Song. It was not their book but my intrigue was so strong, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on their story. River, the insecure boy hiding behind a facade of false bravado and surrounded by toxic masculinity. He needed someone to see him! And Holden, hiding his tender heart desperate for someone to truly love him, behind this aloof sharp tongue and icy demeanor. Both so inexplicably hurting in their own ways and so very much what the other needed. Like moths to a flame they were drawn to the other and then caught in each other’s heat. My anticipation for how they navigated their emotional landmines was intense.
Emma brought everything I needed and then some to When You Come Back to Me. What these boys endured in their youth, shaped who they became as young men. That journey into adulthood of self discovery and self love is the cornerstone of this book. Yes, absolutely, there��s a gorgeous love story in these pages, one of my favorites of Emma’s to date but it’s so much more than that. It’s the bonds of family; the shattering of ties to the ones we’re born with and the gathering of misfit members of the family we make. It’s the harrowing struggle of finding that what damaged you doesn’t need to destroy you. It’s the power of letting others in so you can trust again and lean into them even when you can’t bring yourself to ask. It’s discovering the irreplaceable footprints someone leaves on your heart and knowing if you love yourself, you don’t have to let them go but you can truly let them in forever. The beauty of friendship, the kindness of strangers and above all else slaying your own dragons. It’s all there in When You Come Back to Me. Emma Scott lays it all at our feet, asking us to accept others for who they are and to let love win! Everyone deserves “to be loved out loud.”
It was truly an honor to receive a beta copy and although Emma likes to say I slogged through the early stuff, so others didn’t have to, I’m telling you there wasn’t a single slog...it was all a privilege. Pick up The Girl in the Love Song cause it’s amazing but also so you can fully embrace River and Holden and the magic that is When You Come Back to Me.
Beta copy
September 24, 2020
MY REVIEW AND OTHERS: can also be found on my blog:
➽ KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
'WHEN YOU COME BACK TO ME' is the second full length MM romance book in Emma Scott's 'Lost Boys' series. This is Holden and River's story. We met them both briefly in 'The Girl in the Love Song, Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.'
I adored this book! It reminded me exactly why I’m obsessed with this author's words.
Generally I don’t tend to read this genre, only a select few authors have pulled me in without so much as a second thought, after reading and loving the first book in this series there was no way I wasn’t going to read this, Holden intrigued me right back then and I couldn’t wait to read his story. Emma Scott did not disappoint, god this book was beyond amazing, my heart was full to bursting, this story, their journey was so poignant, the heartbreak and everything in between gave me such a heartfelt rush, this was so beautifully done, a gripping and highly emotional story, words cannot convey how much I truly loved this book!
Holden’s backstory which we glimpse in the 'Prologue' was definitely not an easy feat to get through, but it lays precedence to who he is underneath his couldn't care less bravado. His story gutted me to the core, I loved him even more with what he'd endured. 'He was worthy' my heart broke to smithereens. The boy with the pale white porcelain skin, dressed to kill, with the green piercing eyes, nicknamed 'Vampire' who was filled with so much self doubt.
There was more to him than he revealed on the surface. He was smarter than probably anyone knew. Humble and kind. My stupid, shriveled heart felt like it was reaching for everything he was...and that I was not.
And River, the good looking jock, king of the school, the boy who wanted to feel, who above all else wanted to make his father proud, even if it mean't putting his own happiness on the line, even if it mean't not pursuing his own dreams. I'd been playing a role, lying to myself for so long that I had no idea who I was. A mother who was dying, a family falling apart at the seams, all River craves is to be seen, to feel, to love.
He reminded me of the vampire, Lestat, from the Ann Rice Books I'd stolen from my mom's bookshelf and secretly read as a kid. Lestat moved across centuries, always elegant, always making the era conform to him.
And that all comes in the form of a new boy starting school, stolen glances, unwanted thoughts, like moths to a flame they can't help but be drawn to each other. Two souls crying out. Two hearts beating as one.
September 26, 2020
TOP PICK OF 2020
How do write a review for a book that was so consuming? I’m going to try my best, nothing I say will justify this book! It was pure PERFECTION! I’m screaming from the rooftop....Please Read This Book!!
When You Come Back To Me is the second MM romance book in Emma Scott’s “Lost Boys Series.” This is Holden and River’s story. We met them both in The Girl In The Love Song. I absolutely loved this book! Emma Scott amazes me with each book she writes. She pours her heart and soul into everything she writes. When You Come Back To Me is beautiful, poignant and a masterpiece. My heart felt like I was on a rollercoaster, my emotions were all over the place. I laughed, I cried, repeat!
We get a glimpse for Holden’s story in the prologue, definitely not an easy one to get through. It tells you who he is under all his armor. His couldn’t care less attitude. His story gutted me. A broken and lost soul. What he endured in his childhood and the trauma he suffered. I wanted to reach into my kindle and give him the biggest hug. My poor “lost boy!” Holden is mentally damaged, he’s lost the ability to feel and trust. Causing him to make careless choices and use poor coping mechanisms. Holden’s parents are pure evil and despicable human beings. Parents are supposed to love their children unconditionally.
“You deserved to be loved out loud”
River the all American high school senior quarterback. His future has already been mapped out for him. Attend the best college, play football, then drafted by the NFL. Except this isn’t River’s dreams, they are his father’s. He has his own dreams, but he keeps them locked away. He makes everyone else a top priority placing himself last. River is a fixer always wanting to help others.....he never stops to fix himself. He’s afraid of disappointing people and being judged. River’s mother’s health is declining, his family is slowly falling apart. He feels hopeless he just wants to be seen, to feel and to love. I loved River immensely!
A forbidden, secret affair. Two lost souls who want to be together, but are destined to be kept apart. Holden and River’s journey to happily ever after was not an easy one. It was a long and painful one. A journey they both needed to go through. Complete opposites in all ways, but they just clicked. They had this undeniable connection from the start. A connection that continued to grow and blossomed into an ever lasting love. An ending and epilogue that had me crying to the point I literally couldn’t see the words in front of me. I’m so looking forward to the next book in the series... Ronan. The Lost Boys.....Miller, Holden and Ronan will forever hold a special place in my heart. They share a special friendship and bond that can never be broken.
How do write a review for a book that was so consuming? I’m going to try my best, nothing I say will justify this book! It was pure PERFECTION! I’m screaming from the rooftop....Please Read This Book!!
When You Come Back To Me is the second MM romance book in Emma Scott’s “Lost Boys Series.” This is Holden and River’s story. We met them both in The Girl In The Love Song. I absolutely loved this book! Emma Scott amazes me with each book she writes. She pours her heart and soul into everything she writes. When You Come Back To Me is beautiful, poignant and a masterpiece. My heart felt like I was on a rollercoaster, my emotions were all over the place. I laughed, I cried, repeat!
We get a glimpse for Holden’s story in the prologue, definitely not an easy one to get through. It tells you who he is under all his armor. His couldn’t care less attitude. His story gutted me. A broken and lost soul. What he endured in his childhood and the trauma he suffered. I wanted to reach into my kindle and give him the biggest hug. My poor “lost boy!” Holden is mentally damaged, he’s lost the ability to feel and trust. Causing him to make careless choices and use poor coping mechanisms. Holden’s parents are pure evil and despicable human beings. Parents are supposed to love their children unconditionally.
“You deserved to be loved out loud”
River the all American high school senior quarterback. His future has already been mapped out for him. Attend the best college, play football, then drafted by the NFL. Except this isn’t River’s dreams, they are his father’s. He has his own dreams, but he keeps them locked away. He makes everyone else a top priority placing himself last. River is a fixer always wanting to help others.....he never stops to fix himself. He’s afraid of disappointing people and being judged. River’s mother’s health is declining, his family is slowly falling apart. He feels hopeless he just wants to be seen, to feel and to love. I loved River immensely!
A forbidden, secret affair. Two lost souls who want to be together, but are destined to be kept apart. Holden and River’s journey to happily ever after was not an easy one. It was a long and painful one. A journey they both needed to go through. Complete opposites in all ways, but they just clicked. They had this undeniable connection from the start. A connection that continued to grow and blossomed into an ever lasting love. An ending and epilogue that had me crying to the point I literally couldn’t see the words in front of me. I’m so looking forward to the next book in the series... Ronan. The Lost Boys.....Miller, Holden and Ronan will forever hold a special place in my heart. They share a special friendship and bond that can never be broken.
October 10, 2020
I am gonna be honest and say that this book actually managed to make me nervous... while reading.
I could not stop fidgeting and there were times I just wanted to skip right to the ending and spoiler myself :P So yeah... definitely an emotional and angsty read!!
I was expecting it going in, but it still took me by surprise... go figure.
Anyways, so much hurt and sorrow... so much pain, but also so much love and a beautiful warm light at the end of the tunnel...
I am not gonna go into the whole plot and ruin things, just be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster. Keep your tissues nearby and forget about going to sleep before you reach the final page ;)
For those of you who don't read mf book, this one can be read as a stand alone :)
I could not stop fidgeting and there were times I just wanted to skip right to the ending and spoiler myself :P So yeah... definitely an emotional and angsty read!!
I was expecting it going in, but it still took me by surprise... go figure.
Anyways, so much hurt and sorrow... so much pain, but also so much love and a beautiful warm light at the end of the tunnel...
I am not gonna go into the whole plot and ruin things, just be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster. Keep your tissues nearby and forget about going to sleep before you reach the final page ;)
For those of you who don't read mf book, this one can be read as a stand alone :)
September 25, 2020
Have you ever read a book that makes your heart want to fly out of your chest and go live between the pages? A book that makes you ache with despair, frustration, hope and love all at the same time? That makes you feel everything, everywhere? This is that book.
To follow Holden and River's journey was an experience of a lifetime. It was raw, it was sweet, heartfelt and devastating and everything in between. It was a beautiful storm that I wanted to dance in. It was a story about self-discovery and self-love and the struggles that lie therein. About finding love in a world where there seemed to be none. But love always wins. As it always does in Emma's books.
I believe Emma was put on this earth to impact our lives. To teach us a valuable lesson. A lesson about humanity and love and how we even in our darkest hour are able to find that flicker of light somewhere. Even if it's faint, it's there. And it has the potential to shine like a thousand suns. This book is a testament to that. And it's a reminder that no matter who you are, love is love and love is beautiful.
To follow Holden and River's journey was an experience of a lifetime. It was raw, it was sweet, heartfelt and devastating and everything in between. It was a beautiful storm that I wanted to dance in. It was a story about self-discovery and self-love and the struggles that lie therein. About finding love in a world where there seemed to be none. But love always wins. As it always does in Emma's books.
I believe Emma was put on this earth to impact our lives. To teach us a valuable lesson. A lesson about humanity and love and how we even in our darkest hour are able to find that flicker of light somewhere. Even if it's faint, it's there. And it has the potential to shine like a thousand suns. This book is a testament to that. And it's a reminder that no matter who you are, love is love and love is beautiful.
September 22, 2020
Holden and River tore my heart to shreds then pieced it back together.
This story was a beautiful tale of love and angst. A tale of trying to find yourself and being happy with what you find. And being true to what you find.
Of course it was sexy but Scott poured so much into weaving an epic love story for the ages for our boys. And you could cut the tension with a knife. Holden and River are such deep, multifaceted characters, and the storyline of opposites attract was perfect. Jock. Wild, pretty boy billionaire. 2 beautiful minds with hearts to match. The struggles they endure have you rooting for them from day 1.
10 stars. Highly recommended.
This story was a beautiful tale of love and angst. A tale of trying to find yourself and being happy with what you find. And being true to what you find.
Of course it was sexy but Scott poured so much into weaving an epic love story for the ages for our boys. And you could cut the tension with a knife. Holden and River are such deep, multifaceted characters, and the storyline of opposites attract was perfect. Jock. Wild, pretty boy billionaire. 2 beautiful minds with hearts to match. The struggles they endure have you rooting for them from day 1.
10 stars. Highly recommended.
September 23, 2020
This is the second book in the series about the Lost Boys, which started with The Girl in The Love Song (TGiTLS), and tells the beautiful story of River Whitmore and his Holden Parish. This book is very interconnected with TGiTLS, and I strongly recommend you read that first, just to gain the full experience. Having said that River and Holden share a love that transcends time, and the horrifying experiences they both suffer through.
Every once in a while, a book captures you from the very beginning. This is how I felt about When You Come Back to Me by Emma Scott. I felt the first emotional punch at roughly four percent, and from there the hits just kept coming. I had to put it away several times simply cause I didn’t want it to end, and when it did, I was left with a feeling that could only be summed up with one word “wow”. Emma Scott is simply put a story telling wonder. When you Come Back to Me is another beautiful, poignant and powerful masterpiece from a writer who manages to grip hold of your heart, and never letting it go. In her own words “You deserve to be loved out loud” which is also the case with this book, and it is definitely my #TopRead of 2020, and deserves nothing less than 5.5 stars.
Every once in a while, a book captures you from the very beginning. This is how I felt about When You Come Back to Me by Emma Scott. I felt the first emotional punch at roughly four percent, and from there the hits just kept coming. I had to put it away several times simply cause I didn’t want it to end, and when it did, I was left with a feeling that could only be summed up with one word “wow”. Emma Scott is simply put a story telling wonder. When you Come Back to Me is another beautiful, poignant and powerful masterpiece from a writer who manages to grip hold of your heart, and never letting it go. In her own words “You deserve to be loved out loud” which is also the case with this book, and it is definitely my #TopRead of 2020, and deserves nothing less than 5.5 stars.
May 21, 2022
DNF at 82% and I don't even care...
This audiobook made me so exasperated. It was trying so hard to be emo and angsty and teenage drama, and I just had enough by the end.
I also have to say this, but I found Holden's character to be insufferable. I'm going to be *that* person, but an IQ in the 150s isn't that impressive, and there is zero chance that his teachers would tell him that he was "too advanced for their classes." Source: my IQ is 155 (thanks, gifted and talented classes throughout public school that required IQ tests through the years). I can tell you that other than being an unusually fast reader, I'm just as boring and mediocre as the next person.
Holden's constant insistence that he was smarter than everyone and that his poetry/creative writing was brilliant was eye-roll worthy. Yes, he went through lots of stuff at the hands of his monster parents but he didn't have to be such a toxic person the rest of his life.
River was just... fine.
I enjoyed the narrators, especially the one for Holden, who was phenomenal. Still, it wasn't enough to get me to finish the story.
My first Emma Scott and no, I'm not picking up the rest of this series.
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This audiobook made me so exasperated. It was trying so hard to be emo and angsty and teenage drama, and I just had enough by the end.
I also have to say this, but I found Holden's character to be insufferable. I'm going to be *that* person, but an IQ in the 150s isn't that impressive, and there is zero chance that his teachers would tell him that he was "too advanced for their classes." Source: my IQ is 155 (thanks, gifted and talented classes throughout public school that required IQ tests through the years). I can tell you that other than being an unusually fast reader, I'm just as boring and mediocre as the next person.
Holden's constant insistence that he was smarter than everyone and that his poetry/creative writing was brilliant was eye-roll worthy. Yes, he went through lots of stuff at the hands of his monster parents but he didn't have to be such a toxic person the rest of his life.
River was just... fine.
I enjoyed the narrators, especially the one for Holden, who was phenomenal. Still, it wasn't enough to get me to finish the story.
My first Emma Scott and no, I'm not picking up the rest of this series.
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October 29, 2020
4.5 “You deserve to be loved out loud” stars 🌠
“I need you.”
Holden held me tight, his lips on my neck, softly kissing.
“I’m not going anywhere.”
➡️ Angsty
➡️ Beautiful
➡️ Heart-breaking
➡️ Intense
➡️ Emotionally exhausting
This is the story of Holden and River, and damn if this book didn't make me cry my eyes out!!
Holden comes from a family which is rolling in riches. He is a smart, wise and kind boy. But all this means nothing to his parents because Holden is also gay. They send him to a conversion therapy in Alaska and those six months are all that take to destroy his inner light forever. He is so scarred and broken that even a year in a sanitarium does nothing to cure him.
At such a young age Holden has already suffered a lifetime of pain. He turns to alcohol to numb it all, and he does a good job of it until he transfers to Santa Cruz and meets River.
After all we’d been through together, I couldn’t allow my heart even the slightest injury. That it was still pumping was asking enough. But goddamn, the second I laid eyes on River Whitmore, my pulse kicked up a notch and a little thrill zipped down my spine. Like a tiny reminder of what it meant to be alive.
River is the star quarterback of his high school. On the outside his life looks perfect: great in academics as well as sports. But he's slowly breaking inside. His mother is dying of cancer, and he has no desire of pursuing football after high school (that's his father's dream). He is also confused and frustrated about his sexuality because try as he might, no girl ever makes him feel anything at all; and then he meets Holden.
“We both want something we can never have.
A normal life.”
River has always been selfless, but what he feels for Holden scares him. He thinks that if he acts on those feelings, everything could come crashing around him. However, he can't bear to be apart from Holden, and the kind boy falls for the broken one.
I shook my head. “I ruin everything I touch. You can’t love me—”
“I can and I do.” River’s jaw clenched. “Please don’t go.”
But Holden has been so damaged by the words he's been made to believe in Alaska, that he thinks himself worthless and completely undeserving of love. River refuses to give up him though.
“I can’t make you believe me when I say that I love you, but I do. I think you love me too, and when you come back to me, I’ll be waiting.”
My heart broke for these two boys.
Visceral and heart-wrenching, this story spanning almost six years is tragic yet beautiful. I'm sure it's not going to leave my mind, or my heart, anytime soon.
“I need you.”
Holden held me tight, his lips on my neck, softly kissing.
“I’m not going anywhere.”
➡️ Angsty
➡️ Beautiful
➡️ Heart-breaking
➡️ Intense
➡️ Emotionally exhausting
This is the story of Holden and River, and damn if this book didn't make me cry my eyes out!!
Holden comes from a family which is rolling in riches. He is a smart, wise and kind boy. But all this means nothing to his parents because Holden is also gay. They send him to a conversion therapy in Alaska and those six months are all that take to destroy his inner light forever. He is so scarred and broken that even a year in a sanitarium does nothing to cure him.
At such a young age Holden has already suffered a lifetime of pain. He turns to alcohol to numb it all, and he does a good job of it until he transfers to Santa Cruz and meets River.
After all we’d been through together, I couldn’t allow my heart even the slightest injury. That it was still pumping was asking enough. But goddamn, the second I laid eyes on River Whitmore, my pulse kicked up a notch and a little thrill zipped down my spine. Like a tiny reminder of what it meant to be alive.
River is the star quarterback of his high school. On the outside his life looks perfect: great in academics as well as sports. But he's slowly breaking inside. His mother is dying of cancer, and he has no desire of pursuing football after high school (that's his father's dream). He is also confused and frustrated about his sexuality because try as he might, no girl ever makes him feel anything at all; and then he meets Holden.
“We both want something we can never have.
A normal life.”
River has always been selfless, but what he feels for Holden scares him. He thinks that if he acts on those feelings, everything could come crashing around him. However, he can't bear to be apart from Holden, and the kind boy falls for the broken one.
I shook my head. “I ruin everything I touch. You can’t love me—”
“I can and I do.” River’s jaw clenched. “Please don’t go.”
But Holden has been so damaged by the words he's been made to believe in Alaska, that he thinks himself worthless and completely undeserving of love. River refuses to give up him though.
“I can’t make you believe me when I say that I love you, but I do. I think you love me too, and when you come back to me, I’ll be waiting.”
My heart broke for these two boys.
Visceral and heart-wrenching, this story spanning almost six years is tragic yet beautiful. I'm sure it's not going to leave my mind, or my heart, anytime soon.
July 22, 2023
Mit diesem Buch hat mich Emma Scott erneut von ihrer Qualität als Autorin überzeugt😍! Ein Buch voller tiefgreifender Emotionen und extrem sensibler Themen, die in meinen Augen feinfühlig aufgearbeitet wurden. Holden und River waren authentische Charaktere mitsamt ihren Macken und Problemen. Selbst wenn ich ihre Handlungen nicht immer nachvollziehen konnte, so sorgte der wunderschöne Schreibstil dafür, dass ich mit ihnen fühlte und auch litt. Gegen Ende zog es sich für meinen Geschmack leider etwas, was das Gefühl in mir auslöste, die Beziehung/ Handlung drehe sich etwas im Kreis. Die Entscheidung, die Geschichte mit Zeitsprüngen zu beenden, ist nachvollziehbar, brachte jedoch Distanz mit, vor allem was einige ihrer Entscheidungen betrifft. Insgesamt konnte ich die Charaktere zwar im einzelnen und ihren Schmerz unfassbar fühlen, ihre Beziehung war für mich jedoch nicht immer 100%ig greifbar. Nichtsdestotrotz wieder ein tolles Buch von einer Autorin, in die ich mittlerweile vertrauen kann🥰!
October 5, 2020
When You Come Back To Me is the second book in the Lost Boys series and can be read as a standalone, but Holden and River were characters introduced in the first book The Girl in the Love Song.
A short preview on what you'll get if you decide to embark on the journey that is Holden and River's love story:
Emma Scott masterfully crafted another story that managed to make you laugh on second and then rips your heart out the next, because just reading the prologue managed to do that to me.
↳ ✧THE PLOT ✧
After experiencing something very traumatizing Holden goes to live with his aunt and uncle in Santa Cruz to navigate his senior year where he meets River, the star quarterback and captain of the football team. Upon their first meeting both of them feel a connection, but River is more afraid to act on it, because he's still struggling with his sexuality and his home life is a mess that prevents him to explore this attraction by starting something with another guy.
↳ ✧HOLDEN PARISH ✧
Oh boy, did I wanted to give Holden a huge from the first page. What he had to endure is pretty tragic, I was already very familiar with the conversion therapy because I've read Someday, Someday which dealt with the same topic, but that didn't make any of this any less heartbreaking.
Feeling like he's not worthy enough for anything, Holden goes through life pretending to be carefree when it fact his problem is that he cares TOO MUCH. I loved this broken boy since TGITLS, because of his fuck it attitude and how funny he is, but you could see that deep down he's super lonely. I wanted to give him a hug so badly, cause Holden had so many demons, but he didn't know how to fight them, so he turned to alcohol to give him a momentary relief.
His parents are garbage. Literally garbage of human beings. WHERE IS NATURAL SELECTION WHEN YOU NEED IT THE MOST?! I swear sometimes the universe really failed me. Holden deserves so much better and I'm happy he found it in River, cause River is the kindest soul and could mend all the broken pieces back together 🥺 Holden has so much love to give to the people he loves and it was breaking my heart to see how he thinks he's too damaged, cause what his parents did to him.
↳ ✧ RIVER WHITMORE ✧
River was character that wasn't really on my radar. While I was feeling very indifferent towards him in the first book, he really won me over in this one.
As the king of the school, it may seem that he has a perfect life, but that's just a facade. All River does is pretend. Pretending to love football, Pretending to want to make a career out of that sport, Pretending he is straight, Pretending he is okay. Pretending like his life is not falling apart.
River is one of the sweetest, most gentle and selfless human being. He's the rock of his family and carries so much responsibilities. I really came to adore River. Despite all his struggles, he never let that affect how he treated other people. He always puts the need of other people without thinking about himself to the point that I wanted to shake him and scream in his face to be a little more selfless.
Thank god there is Holden who takes one look at River and sees beyond the facade. Holden gives him a space where River can be selfish and doesn't have to pretend. He gives him a place to be safe.
↳ ✧THE ROMANCE ✧
If you have read any of Emma's other book then you'll see a pattern that the romance is always super soft and pure. River and Holden's love story is no different. They were adorable together. They also made me laugh, cry and smile a lot.
Both of them go through a lot of hardships and their road is not smooth or easy one. Even though I don't always agree with some of their coping mechanism when they are not together, I never doubt for one second how much they care about each other.
Holden or River's timing is never right. Most of the time there is something blocking their path to happiness or sometimes you have to love yourself first before you can love another person, but when they finally get to the end of the road it's so worth it. When I closed the book I had happy tears, because they finally made it and no one deserves more happiness than Holden and River.
↳ ✧THE FRIENDSHIPS ✧
I'm a sucker for a good friend group in books. When I heard Emma would write a series about a group of 'lost boys'. The outcasts of the school, I immediately knew I had to read it and their little friend group didn't disappoint me, cause Holden, Ronan & Miller gave each other a place where the other could be safe. You can't decide in which family to be born into, but friends are the family you can choose! ✨
Additionally to the trio's friendship, I also enjoyed seing River and Violet's (h of The Girl in The Love Song) friendship. While I couldn't appreciate their friendship in the first book, I could see it more clearly in WYCBTM. Violet gave River a shoulder to cry on when he was going through one of the hardest times of his life.
If I can make one wish then I hope that we get a reunion between the three lost boys in the last book with evereyone getting together at their shack reminiscing about old times and looking back at how far they have all come since the beginning.
**
#1 The Girl in the Love Song – 4 stars
#2 When You Come Back To Me – 4 stars
#3 The Last Piece of His Heart – tbr
A short preview on what you'll get if you decide to embark on the journey that is Holden and River's love story:
❄️ M/M romance
❄️ Second Chance
❄️ Opposites Attracts
❄️ Billionaire romance
❄️ Coming out, love, loss and angst
Emma Scott masterfully crafted another story that managed to make you laugh on second and then rips your heart out the next, because just reading the prologue managed to do that to me.
"Cassandra lived in ancient times and was like me: so extraordinarily good-looking that gods were falling out of the sky to try to hook up."
Milo snorted. "Give me a break. You're not that good-lucking."
"I beg you pardon. Have you seen me?"
"Parents are people who care for children. Not sociopaths who torture their only son because he happens to be gay."
↳ ✧THE PLOT ✧
After experiencing something very traumatizing Holden goes to live with his aunt and uncle in Santa Cruz to navigate his senior year where he meets River, the star quarterback and captain of the football team. Upon their first meeting both of them feel a connection, but River is more afraid to act on it, because he's still struggling with his sexuality and his home life is a mess that prevents him to explore this attraction by starting something with another guy.
↳ ✧HOLDEN PARISH ✧
He covered it up with elegant clothes, a fuck-the-world attitude, and a sense of humor that reassured everyone he was fine. But underneath…
Oh boy, did I wanted to give Holden a huge from the first page. What he had to endure is pretty tragic, I was already very familiar with the conversion therapy because I've read Someday, Someday which dealt with the same topic, but that didn't make any of this any less heartbreaking.
Feeling like he's not worthy enough for anything, Holden goes through life pretending to be carefree when it fact his problem is that he cares TOO MUCH. I loved this broken boy since TGITLS, because of his fuck it attitude and how funny he is, but you could see that deep down he's super lonely. I wanted to give him a hug so badly, cause Holden had so many demons, but he didn't know how to fight them, so he turned to alcohol to give him a momentary relief.
His parents are garbage. Literally garbage of human beings. WHERE IS NATURAL SELECTION WHEN YOU NEED IT THE MOST?! I swear sometimes the universe really failed me. Holden deserves so much better and I'm happy he found it in River, cause River is the kindest soul and could mend all the broken pieces back together 🥺 Holden has so much love to give to the people he loves and it was breaking my heart to see how he thinks he's too damaged, cause what his parents did to him.
I started to go but the girl touched my arm, her eyes raking me up and down unapologetically. "Hey, hold up. You're new right? I'm Leah. Do you want to–?"
"Nope, I'm gay thanks." Her brow wrinkled. "Sorry, I didn't catch that…?"
"I said, I'm good, thanks. Appreciate the help."
↳ ✧ RIVER WHITMORE ✧
Holden said and our lips brushed. "You're a softy. A pillow. A grilled cheese sandwich."
River was character that wasn't really on my radar. While I was feeling very indifferent towards him in the first book, he really won me over in this one.
As the king of the school, it may seem that he has a perfect life, but that's just a facade. All River does is pretend. Pretending to love football, Pretending to want to make a career out of that sport, Pretending he is straight, Pretending he is okay. Pretending like his life is not falling apart.
River is one of the sweetest, most gentle and selfless human being. He's the rock of his family and carries so much responsibilities. I really came to adore River. Despite all his struggles, he never let that affect how he treated other people. He always puts the need of other people without thinking about himself to the point that I wanted to shake him and scream in his face to be a little more selfless.
Thank god there is Holden who takes one look at River and sees beyond the facade. Holden gives him a space where River can be selfish and doesn't have to pretend. He gives him a place to be safe.
His green eyes dilated in the dimness. "Cop a feel." Everything with Holden was a come-on, an insuation, or a dare. I touched. The cuff of his coat–wool and cashmere–that probably cost more than all the clothes in my closet. "Nice."
"You like it? It's made out of boyfriend material."
↳ ✧THE ROMANCE ✧
"Is this real?" he asked.
I nodded, pressing my forehead to his. "It's real," I said, our lips brushing with each word. "Finally, I know what's real." I inhaled sharply against the swell of emotion rising in me.
"I love you, Holden. That's real. It's the most fucking real thing I'll ever know."
If you have read any of Emma's other book then you'll see a pattern that the romance is always super soft and pure. River and Holden's love story is no different. They were adorable together. They also made me laugh, cry and smile a lot.
Both of them go through a lot of hardships and their road is not smooth or easy one. Even though I don't always agree with some of their coping mechanism when they are not together, I never doubt for one second how much they care about each other.
Holden or River's timing is never right. Most of the time there is something blocking their path to happiness or sometimes you have to love yourself first before you can love another person, but when they finally get to the end of the road it's so worth it. When I closed the book I had happy tears, because they finally made it and no one deserves more happiness than Holden and River.
↳ ✧THE FRIENDSHIPS ✧
"Good" Ronan gripped his shoulder for a moment, then looked to me, questioningly. I nooded to show I'd heard him and understnading passed between us. We'd burned it all down for Miller.
I'm a sucker for a good friend group in books. When I heard Emma would write a series about a group of 'lost boys'. The outcasts of the school, I immediately knew I had to read it and their little friend group didn't disappoint me, cause Holden, Ronan & Miller gave each other a place where the other could be safe. You can't decide in which family to be born into, but friends are the family you can choose! ✨
Additionally to the trio's friendship, I also enjoyed seing River and Violet's (h of The Girl in The Love Song) friendship. While I couldn't appreciate their friendship in the first book, I could see it more clearly in WYCBTM. Violet gave River a shoulder to cry on when he was going through one of the hardest times of his life.
If I can make one wish then I hope that we get a reunion between the three lost boys in the last book with evereyone getting together at their shack reminiscing about old times and looking back at how far they have all come since the beginning.
**
#1 The Girl in the Love Song – 4 stars
#2 When You Come Back To Me – 4 stars
#3 The Last Piece of His Heart – tbr
March 4, 2023
|| 1.5 stars ||
This book honestly sucked the life right out of me. It was so depressing, gloomy and dramatic; there was just never a moment resembling any kind of happiness. Everything was difficult and painful, and I simply hated reading it.
Also, I never really understood why River and Holden were so obsessed with each other in the first place. When exactly did they become so attached? It seemed like their connection happened instantly, and then immediately all the drama followed, while, for some reason, they were desperate to be together, but couldn’t. It never worked for me, and I couldn’t feel their ‘love’.
I was just so over their angst and push-and-pull. It was very repetitive and draining. If I were River, I’d be so done with Holden’s bullshit. The whole thing gave me a headache.
I mean, the separation thing really was the nail in the coffin for me. I would never forgive Holden for that: not for leaving me right after my mother died, or for sleeping around with uncountable other people while he was gone. I’d honestly tell him to go fuck himself. And I was furious River did the exact opposite of that. The man seriously waited for him for years, pathetically so.
And really, this book was okay at first, but I was quickly feeling very much done with it, and even started skimming near the end. It was just not for me whatsoever.
If you want to read a book with the same themes as this one, such as conversion therapy, suicidal thoughts, PTSD, addiction, and being in the closet, then I’d recommend this author’s other book: Someday, Someday. It did what this book was trying to do, but better.
This book honestly sucked the life right out of me. It was so depressing, gloomy and dramatic; there was just never a moment resembling any kind of happiness. Everything was difficult and painful, and I simply hated reading it.
Also, I never really understood why River and Holden were so obsessed with each other in the first place. When exactly did they become so attached? It seemed like their connection happened instantly, and then immediately all the drama followed, while, for some reason, they were desperate to be together, but couldn’t. It never worked for me, and I couldn’t feel their ‘love’.
I was just so over their angst and push-and-pull. It was very repetitive and draining. If I were River, I’d be so done with Holden’s bullshit. The whole thing gave me a headache.
I mean, the separation thing really was the nail in the coffin for me. I would never forgive Holden for that: not for leaving me right after my mother died, or for sleeping around with uncountable other people while he was gone. I’d honestly tell him to go fuck himself. And I was furious River did the exact opposite of that. The man seriously waited for him for years, pathetically so.
And really, this book was okay at first, but I was quickly feeling very much done with it, and even started skimming near the end. It was just not for me whatsoever.
If you want to read a book with the same themes as this one, such as conversion therapy, suicidal thoughts, PTSD, addiction, and being in the closet, then I’d recommend this author’s other book: Someday, Someday. It did what this book was trying to do, but better.
August 1, 2021
I didn’t want to be anywhere. The urge came over me again, to run out the door and not stop. No destination, just away.
“I’ll still be me wherever I go.”
Such a beautiful and heartbreaking book that was also brimming with so much hope. So much strength from these two boys, these warriors masquerading as a couple of high schoolers. I got heavy Shameless vibes from their dynamic. Very much ”Ian, what you and I have makes me free.” Holden and River were opposites or so they thought. Sometimes someone is completely unlike you in every possible way until you get to know them. It was both their collective pain and hope for happiness that brought them together.
I really appreciated the conversations held between the characters. They felt real. Raw. Urgent and important. Holden and River discussed how people assume the default is straight and how that was never the setting for either of them. Even though River tried to trick his internal wiring, he always had an inkling he was different. One of my favorite moments was when River cleaned himself and Holden up after their first time having sex. It was filled with such reverence and love, I found myself getting emotional. Such a seemingly small moment but it really stood out to me. The friendship between the three lost boys was also something to behold. They were so protective and supportive of each other. If someone dared to hurt one of them, they would have to answer to the other two.
I loved that this book said it was a stand alone and it actually was one! I wasn’t confused about any previous events and I didn’t feel like I was left in the dark without a flashlight. Stellar writing with fully realized main and side characters. They didn’t feel like unidentifiable blobs!
Sooo why two stars? Well...my love for this book was strong in the beginning and then it wavered. It kept going in and out. I would lose interest, gain interest and then lose interest again. My interest was gone completely at 60%. No longer wavering. (I did finish it though.) The two stars are reflective of my personal enjoyment. I don’t think it was bad, just not a story I personally enjoyed that much. I often found myself to be super bored, constantly checking the page count and being disappointed that I still had *so* much more to read.
I feel like the characters kept getting punched in the face without reprieve. Once again, very reminiscent of Shameless. It felt relentless. Tiresome. Exhausting. ”Make the queer characters suffer as much as possible,” is what I feel like too many “media makers” (for lack of better term because my brain is goop) make happen time and time again. I love angst but at some point I want to see these characters have the tiniest modicum of happiness with said angst. When the characters did get moments of happiness, they were off page or fade to black. How depressing is that? Let’s show them going through the most traumatic moments of their young lives but God forbid we see them laughing over dinner or going bowling or something!!!!
Am I glad I read it? For all of it’s good qualities, I’m not sure. I really don’t know if the answer to that is a yes or no.
When you go down into the abyss, you come back with something to say.
“I’ll still be me wherever I go.”
Such a beautiful and heartbreaking book that was also brimming with so much hope. So much strength from these two boys, these warriors masquerading as a couple of high schoolers. I got heavy Shameless vibes from their dynamic. Very much ”Ian, what you and I have makes me free.” Holden and River were opposites or so they thought. Sometimes someone is completely unlike you in every possible way until you get to know them. It was both their collective pain and hope for happiness that brought them together.
I really appreciated the conversations held between the characters. They felt real. Raw. Urgent and important. Holden and River discussed how people assume the default is straight and how that was never the setting for either of them. Even though River tried to trick his internal wiring, he always had an inkling he was different. One of my favorite moments was when River cleaned himself and Holden up after their first time having sex. It was filled with such reverence and love, I found myself getting emotional. Such a seemingly small moment but it really stood out to me. The friendship between the three lost boys was also something to behold. They were so protective and supportive of each other. If someone dared to hurt one of them, they would have to answer to the other two.
I loved that this book said it was a stand alone and it actually was one! I wasn’t confused about any previous events and I didn’t feel like I was left in the dark without a flashlight. Stellar writing with fully realized main and side characters. They didn’t feel like unidentifiable blobs!
Sooo why two stars? Well...my love for this book was strong in the beginning and then it wavered. It kept going in and out. I would lose interest, gain interest and then lose interest again. My interest was gone completely at 60%. No longer wavering. (I did finish it though.) The two stars are reflective of my personal enjoyment. I don’t think it was bad, just not a story I personally enjoyed that much. I often found myself to be super bored, constantly checking the page count and being disappointed that I still had *so* much more to read.
I feel like the characters kept getting punched in the face without reprieve. Once again, very reminiscent of Shameless. It felt relentless. Tiresome. Exhausting. ”Make the queer characters suffer as much as possible,” is what I feel like too many “media makers” (for lack of better term because my brain is goop) make happen time and time again. I love angst but at some point I want to see these characters have the tiniest modicum of happiness with said angst. When the characters did get moments of happiness, they were off page or fade to black. How depressing is that? Let’s show them going through the most traumatic moments of their young lives but God forbid we see them laughing over dinner or going bowling or something!!!!
Am I glad I read it? For all of it’s good qualities, I’m not sure. I really don’t know if the answer to that is a yes or no.
When you go down into the abyss, you come back with something to say.
Want to read
September 25, 2020ngl, the cover is giving me draco malfoy vibes and im all for it ✨
September 4, 2022
This novel was one of the most beautiful and moving love stories I have ever read. I was fully invested in the character arcs of both main characters and rooting for their happiness throughout.
This book touches on many difficult subjects, which I think it did an honest and realistic job of depicting the traumatic aftermath of conversion therapy. The consequences of this form of "therapy" were heartbreaking to read and I commend the author for its authentic portrayal.
The necessary healing process for the main character to go through was wonderfully written and it had me in tears while he was processing all of his experiences.
Overall I loved this story and cannot recommend it highly enough, it was emotionally touching and affected me greatly.
This book touches on many difficult subjects, which I think it did an honest and realistic job of depicting the traumatic aftermath of conversion therapy. The consequences of this form of "therapy" were heartbreaking to read and I commend the author for its authentic portrayal.
The necessary healing process for the main character to go through was wonderfully written and it had me in tears while he was processing all of his experiences.
Overall I loved this story and cannot recommend it highly enough, it was emotionally touching and affected me greatly.
September 27, 2020
Can I give it more than 5 stars??? Emma Scott has a way with words. Her writing draws the reader into another world, and captures them until the last word. This story was an emotional, angsty read filled with happiness, sadness, loss, love, betrayal and recovery. There were so many underlying themes and each one will pull at your heart strings leaving you a wreck.
Holden is one of the lost boys, fans of Emma will have met him previously. He is a lost soul, wanting to be loved and be enough for someone as he is. River is a star football player with aspirations to play in the NFL to satisfy his dad. River's mom is dying and he is trying to find a way to live his life and come to terms with his truth. Together they have a tumultuous relationship with a magnetic pull to each other. They both have growing and healing, but together they are stronger.
They are so many parts to their story. Each one will make you feel so many emotions. It is a wonderful story that will require many sniffles, tears and smiles!
This is book 2, When You Come Back To Me, of the Lost Boys series. I highly recommend this book and book 1 in the series. Emma Scott's writing is such a gift that we are all lucky to be able to enjoy!
Holden is one of the lost boys, fans of Emma will have met him previously. He is a lost soul, wanting to be loved and be enough for someone as he is. River is a star football player with aspirations to play in the NFL to satisfy his dad. River's mom is dying and he is trying to find a way to live his life and come to terms with his truth. Together they have a tumultuous relationship with a magnetic pull to each other. They both have growing and healing, but together they are stronger.
They are so many parts to their story. Each one will make you feel so many emotions. It is a wonderful story that will require many sniffles, tears and smiles!
This is book 2, When You Come Back To Me, of the Lost Boys series. I highly recommend this book and book 1 in the series. Emma Scott's writing is such a gift that we are all lucky to be able to enjoy!
September 16, 2022
I cannot anymore with minor scenes.
I am still going to give my two cents about the plot which I also did not enjoy that much but let me explain.
Holden was a very interesting character that went through so much pain I was getting emotional. His back story was not only gruesome and traumatising but it changed him forever and over the course of the book we were able to see all that happen.
Now the plot was messy to say the least. I mean the amount of times they were broken apart at such random times it didn't even feel like it was part of the plot but more of a way to make the book longer.
However River... Now I knew in the first book that he was going to be important for this series but he wow did some things and said some things that made me so angry I cannot even explain.
Do not get me wrong he was in a horrible situation but I could not excuse how he just continued to say and do those things when he knew how Holden (who btw told River what he went through so River knows) would be affected by them.
I am still going to give my two cents about the plot which I also did not enjoy that much but let me explain.
Holden was a very interesting character that went through so much pain I was getting emotional. His back story was not only gruesome and traumatising but it changed him forever and over the course of the book we were able to see all that happen.
Now the plot was messy to say the least. I mean the amount of times they were broken apart at such random times it didn't even feel like it was part of the plot but more of a way to make the book longer.
However River... Now I knew in the first book that he was going to be important for this series but he wow did some things and said some things that made me so angry I cannot even explain.
Do not get me wrong he was in a horrible situation but I could not excuse how he just continued to say and do those things when he knew how Holden (who btw told River what he went through so River knows) would be affected by them.
February 21, 2022
Audiobook - 4 stars
Story 3.5 stars
Story 3.5 stars
April 29, 2021
Audio - 5 Stars
Story 3 Stars
Exhausting...mostly the annoying kind.
Story 3 Stars
Exhausting...mostly the annoying kind.
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November 7, 2022
4.5 stars ☆
“It's real. Finally, I know what's real. I love you, Holden. That's real. It's the most fucking real thing I'll ever know.”
Holden and River had my heart and soul. I loved them so much. Holden's witty humor and River's kindness just made both mcs lovable in my eyes. My heart was hurting for Holden so many times throughout this book. The way he used humor to cover up his pain but once you get an insight to what happened to him in the past... just WHY? As for River, I wanted to hug him. The situation with his mom was heartbreaking but their relationship was wholesome af. This book knows how to make me laugh and cry all at once. It was written so beautifully (I'm not surprised because it's Emma Scott lol) and I loved being back with everyone (I need Ronan/Shiloh's story now please 🥺). <3
why not full 5 stars?
✧ The second half was honestly frustrating.
✧ The time skips.
“It's real. Finally, I know what's real. I love you, Holden. That's real. It's the most fucking real thing I'll ever know.”
Holden and River had my heart and soul. I loved them so much. Holden's witty humor and River's kindness just made both mcs lovable in my eyes. My heart was hurting for Holden so many times throughout this book. The way he used humor to cover up his pain but once you get an insight to what happened to him in the past... just WHY? As for River, I wanted to hug him. The situation with his mom was heartbreaking but their relationship was wholesome af. This book knows how to make me laugh and cry all at once. It was written so beautifully (I'm not surprised because it's Emma Scott lol) and I loved being back with everyone (I need Ronan/Shiloh's story now please 🥺). <3
why not full 5 stars?
✧ The second half was honestly frustrating.
✧ The time skips.
October 12, 2020
"i kiss holden parrish, my love for him pulsing through me with fierce pride. because he made it. he's here. he's finally home."
oh my. why do i have tears streaming down my face?!?!?!
miss emma scott did it again. she didn't come here to play with her latest mm romance novel within the lost boys series. this book won me over for her. i was quite hesitant at first with my left eyebrow going up because after reading the first part (book is divided into 5 parts) i thought this is going to be some tropey and formulaic romance novel.
two troubled boys meet under troubling circumstances. they fall in love. yada yada blah blah
and part two through part five made me feel things. scott's writing is so excellent in this one wherein as a reader I could feel the emotions-the longing, sadness, anger, love-through her writing. no dull moments for our boys holden parrish and river whitmore. it got intense and very yearning especially when important things started to happen.
October 9, 2020
5 stars
song: gone by blake rose
Emma Scott just never disappoints! (The Girl in the Love Song was a fluke) I loved (almost) everything about When You Come Back to Me! It was a wonderful romance, full of angst and pain but also with an amazing pay-off, and I loved BOTH of the main characters, dare I even say that I loved them EQUALLY!
The Characters
Holden
The one thing I still remember from the first book is how much I loved Holden from the little time we got to spend with him there. Now, having finished his book my adoration for him has just 📈 📈 📈
Where do I even begin with my sweet summer child Holden Parish. He was extremely damaged, had been through literal hell and was hanging onto life by a thread. He belived himself to be unworthy of any kindness or love, and fought against them and everyone who tried to help him every step of the way. He copes with everything through alchohol, cynical humor and exceptional fashion, so if you've read my reviews before, you'll know..
My sunshine boy deserves the world and reading about his journey brought me to tears mutiple times. Seeing him self-sabtage again and again and again was frustrating, painful and so real. His issues weren't glossed over, him being loved didn't magically heal him, but in time, he grew, he got better and it was fucking beautiful.
River
I'll say it - a better male character has never existed and will probably never exist.
Homeboy had NO flaws. River had an extremely difficult time in the book - his mom was dying of cancer, he was following his dad's dream of becoming a football star, even though he didn't want that for himself, and it was on him to keep their entire family together. On top of that, he had to deal with his sexuality and Holden, who, as we estabished above, was just *a lot*.
River went through so much pain, fear and hopelessness, and yet he never allowed them to take over him. He gave every piece of himself to those he loved, and even when he was barely keeping it together, he was still SO good, loving and accepting.
The Romance
If I had to describe the romance in just one gif, it would be the iconic:
What I loved about this story is that both characters were going through extremely difficult times, so the focus wasn't on just one of them, and their love, while instrumental in their healing, wasn't what ultimately made them get better. No, it was each of them, with the help of the other, facing their demons and fighting for themselves.
Their chemistry was PALPABLE from the very first moment they met. You could just see that they were soulmates, and creating that from page 1 is extremely hard. The author didn't need to convince me to root for Holden and River, I read about them being in the same room and was immediately on board.
Their story was so tragic because every time they got together and seemed to be doing well, something appeared in their way and separated them. They could just never be on the same page, no matter how much they loved each other.
Upon reflection, however, all these set-backs were needed, because without them Holden and River finally being together for good wouldn't have felt as good. Also I loved having a slow dramatic cry every time they talked to each other. :'))))
In conclusion, When You Come Back to Me is an amazing romance with complex characters and a heart-wrenching story, that is sure to leave you a bit emotionally drained, but extremely satisfied at the same time.
"I'm still here for you. I can't make you believe me when I say I love you, but I do. I think you love me too, and when you come back to me, I'll be waiting"
song: gone by blake rose
Emma Scott just never disappoints! (The Girl in the Love Song was a fluke) I loved (almost) everything about When You Come Back to Me! It was a wonderful romance, full of angst and pain but also with an amazing pay-off, and I loved BOTH of the main characters, dare I even say that I loved them EQUALLY!
The Characters
Holden
"You can be okay and completely fucked up at the same time."
The one thing I still remember from the first book is how much I loved Holden from the little time we got to spend with him there. Now, having finished his book my adoration for him has just 📈 📈 📈
Where do I even begin with my sweet summer child Holden Parish. He was extremely damaged, had been through literal hell and was hanging onto life by a thread. He belived himself to be unworthy of any kindness or love, and fought against them and everyone who tried to help him every step of the way. He copes with everything through alchohol, cynical humor and exceptional fashion, so if you've read my reviews before, you'll know..
"Me?" I snorted. "I'm a paragon of good life choices."
My sunshine boy deserves the world and reading about his journey brought me to tears mutiple times. Seeing him self-sabtage again and again and again was frustrating, painful and so real. His issues weren't glossed over, him being loved didn't magically heal him, but in time, he grew, he got better and it was fucking beautiful.
River
"River Whitmore is one big warning sign."
I'll say it - a better male character has never existed and will probably never exist.
Homeboy had NO flaws. River had an extremely difficult time in the book - his mom was dying of cancer, he was following his dad's dream of becoming a football star, even though he didn't want that for himself, and it was on him to keep their entire family together. On top of that, he had to deal with his sexuality and Holden, who, as we estabished above, was just *a lot*.
River went through so much pain, fear and hopelessness, and yet he never allowed them to take over him. He gave every piece of himself to those he loved, and even when he was barely keeping it together, he was still SO good, loving and accepting.
The Romance
"I could feel him all over me - in my mouth and lungs and heart - his kiss a resuscitation. He pulled me out of the lake and breathed life into me."
If I had to describe the romance in just one gif, it would be the iconic:
What I loved about this story is that both characters were going through extremely difficult times, so the focus wasn't on just one of them, and their love, while instrumental in their healing, wasn't what ultimately made them get better. No, it was each of them, with the help of the other, facing their demons and fighting for themselves.
"Secret friends with benefits. Isn't that what you want?" No. I want you. All of you.
Their chemistry was PALPABLE from the very first moment they met. You could just see that they were soulmates, and creating that from page 1 is extremely hard. The author didn't need to convince me to root for Holden and River, I read about them being in the same room and was immediately on board.
Their story was so tragic because every time they got together and seemed to be doing well, something appeared in their way and separated them. They could just never be on the same page, no matter how much they loved each other.
"Because I fucking can't stop thinking about you, okay? Every day, all day, every goddamn night."
Upon reflection, however, all these set-backs were needed, because without them Holden and River finally being together for good wouldn't have felt as good. Also I loved having a slow dramatic cry every time they talked to each other. :'))))
"You deserve to be loved out loud."
In conclusion, When You Come Back to Me is an amazing romance with complex characters and a heart-wrenching story, that is sure to leave you a bit emotionally drained, but extremely satisfied at the same time.
September 25, 2020
5 “I”ll Wait” Stars
Sweet Baby James......what an EMOTIONALLY EXQUISITE story with deep angst, compelling struggles, mental health issues wrapped around a traumatic event, and an awakening of ones sexual identity, did I just finish!!! Holden Parish and River Whitmore will forever be the Lost Boys that stole my heart with their gut wrenching, soul searching, hurtful, and touching love journey to discovering their best self. It is not an easy path by any means. But life itself isn’t always easy. The trials and tribulations can be so painful and traumatic that your life seems hopeless and out of your hands. But sometimes meeting one person can change everything, and though the road is thorny with twists and turns and heartbreaking moments, that person can be the very difference in survival.
I loved the vulnerability that this author showed in her characters. Both Holden and River each had their internal issues while trying to be someone else for the outside world to see. Navigating their senior year of high school and what their future was suppose to be was both worrisome and exhausting. And not to mention that the thought of them together seemed unlikely and illogical. They were also dealing with emotional family issues that compounded the discovery of them. It was such a well rounded read and I loved that the story went 4 years beyond high school.
In the end, Emma Scott is the Queen of Feels!!! This story ripped me to shreds but it also put me back together with an endearing sense of hope, love, and an all around sense of happiness. I cried, I held my breath, I screamed, I hoped, I smiled and I most definitely loved everything about this story.
I highly recommend and it’s most definitely a best of 2020!!
I would like to add.....Emma Scott’s writing is like jumping into the deep end of a pool. You take a deep breath as you jump in, while you are trying to swim to the surface, you start to panic that you may not make it to the top, you feel like you can’t breath and may drown and then you reach the surface and feel elated and joyful that you made it. And you can’t wait till you get to jump into a new pool and do it all over again. Her writing gives you all those feelings and more.
Sweet Baby James......what an EMOTIONALLY EXQUISITE story with deep angst, compelling struggles, mental health issues wrapped around a traumatic event, and an awakening of ones sexual identity, did I just finish!!! Holden Parish and River Whitmore will forever be the Lost Boys that stole my heart with their gut wrenching, soul searching, hurtful, and touching love journey to discovering their best self. It is not an easy path by any means. But life itself isn’t always easy. The trials and tribulations can be so painful and traumatic that your life seems hopeless and out of your hands. But sometimes meeting one person can change everything, and though the road is thorny with twists and turns and heartbreaking moments, that person can be the very difference in survival.
I loved the vulnerability that this author showed in her characters. Both Holden and River each had their internal issues while trying to be someone else for the outside world to see. Navigating their senior year of high school and what their future was suppose to be was both worrisome and exhausting. And not to mention that the thought of them together seemed unlikely and illogical. They were also dealing with emotional family issues that compounded the discovery of them. It was such a well rounded read and I loved that the story went 4 years beyond high school.
In the end, Emma Scott is the Queen of Feels!!! This story ripped me to shreds but it also put me back together with an endearing sense of hope, love, and an all around sense of happiness. I cried, I held my breath, I screamed, I hoped, I smiled and I most definitely loved everything about this story.
I highly recommend and it’s most definitely a best of 2020!!
I would like to add.....Emma Scott’s writing is like jumping into the deep end of a pool. You take a deep breath as you jump in, while you are trying to swim to the surface, you start to panic that you may not make it to the top, you feel like you can’t breath and may drown and then you reach the surface and feel elated and joyful that you made it. And you can’t wait till you get to jump into a new pool and do it all over again. Her writing gives you all those feelings and more.
September 27, 2020
Holden and River.
We already met those two in the first book.
Holden is the new beautiful, mysterious, weird guy in school and River is the prom king, quarterback, pride of the town sunny boy.
But they both have their secrets and pains. And dreams or nightmares about the past and the future.
Falling in love with each other was definitely not on the menu.
What will happen with Holden & River?
Will there be a Happily Ever After???
BUY THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺
══════════════════
What do you expect when you start reading an Emma Scott romance?
ALL THE FEELS!
And we got that.
I already adored the first book and I couldn't wait to get my hands on Holden and River!
I loved those two. Not only them - Miller and Ronan too, of course! Can't wait to read Ronan's book.
But back to Holden and River.
Perfect names for those two beautiful souls.
Ugh. You just want to jump into the book and hug them and shake the heck out of some parents for not seeing what perfect boys they are!
This book was so sweet and funny and highschooly. But also soo very heartbreaking and sad and ugh. I cried a LOT!
We so hope that we'll get our happily ever after!
But we have a long way to go until that might happen.
And that's just perfect for us readers. Lots and lots of pages for us to fall even more in love with those boys!
Even though we're a little bit scared what the title of the book might mean! We don't want anyone to leave! GIVE US THE HAPPY END RIGHT THE EFF NOW!!! ☺
WHEN YOU COME BACK TO ME was such a beautiful and emotional Young-Adult-New-Adult-M/M-Love-Story-Drama! Please run to your nearest amazon for your own Holden & River, because these 2 are MINE!!!
💜
💜
November 30, 2020
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Might Contain Spoilers*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
The second book in this series centers around Holden Parish (17, turns 18) and River Whitmore (17, turns 18). We met them both in book one, and the timeline - while in school - here is the same as there, just different POV. While this book is much better than the first book, the first book kinda took my excitement for this book out. Why, you ask? Well, I had wanted more alpha male characters and meeting them in book one, they were not that. They were hiding and scared and, not exactly weak, but held themselves back for others. I wanted more from them both. I wanted more possessiveness, more "comandingness" (if that's a word), more alpha male. Overall, the book itself was nice, I guess, but we kinda knew what would happen, nothing took me by surprise, and while I didn't skim a thing, I don't think I would've missed much had I. I liked the book, it was enjoyable, but I had just wanted way more that overshadowed the excitement for the book. Nothing in this review makes sense but hopefully it'll make sense to me. And while I like Ronan, I'm not interested in his book as I don't like his love interest.
“I was thirteen when Dad gave me the sex talk. Mostly warning me that if I got a girl pregnant, it would derail our plans. But he never asked me if I was interested in girls in the first place. It never occurred to him, so I didn’t know it could occur to me.” I hunched over the beer bottle, peeling. “It’s like everyone assumes we’re all built the same way—as if we have a default setting. If you’re different, you start to believe something’s wrong with you.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Upper YA/NA) Contemporary Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series, Book Two.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - River Whitmore.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 3 stars.
September 27, 2020
Genre: M/M New Adult Romance
Type: Book 2 of 3 from Lost Boys series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Holden Parish had a solid plan - graduate high school and disappear. With a past he desperately needed to forget, the first day of school was supposed to be an insignificant new beginning. But crossing River Whitmore’s past might end up as a distraction he didn’t need.
I knew Holden and River well in book 1, so the transition to this book was an easy one. I loved that both of them had a seemingly insurmountable burden to carry at such a young age. Holden was my favorite, though not just because he stood out personality-wise, but also his psychological struggles.
The story started with a strong prologue that set the tone of the book. However, the first half of the book was a challenge to my attention due to numerous repeated scenes from book 1. I understand the story is interconnected, but there wasn’t much new info to learn from it. Thankfully, the second half made the book. It was emotional and sexy where needed.
When You Come Back to Me is a story overcoming adversities and finding oneself. It would appeal to readers who enjoy an emotive MM Romance.
Books in the series:
🔹➕🔹 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . 🔹➕🔹
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
Type: Book 2 of 3 from Lost Boys series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Holden Parish had a solid plan - graduate high school and disappear. With a past he desperately needed to forget, the first day of school was supposed to be an insignificant new beginning. But crossing River Whitmore’s past might end up as a distraction he didn’t need.
I knew Holden and River well in book 1, so the transition to this book was an easy one. I loved that both of them had a seemingly insurmountable burden to carry at such a young age. Holden was my favorite, though not just because he stood out personality-wise, but also his psychological struggles.
His very existence was a challenge to my willpower.
The story started with a strong prologue that set the tone of the book. However, the first half of the book was a challenge to my attention due to numerous repeated scenes from book 1. I understand the story is interconnected, but there wasn’t much new info to learn from it. Thankfully, the second half made the book. It was emotional and sexy where needed.
When You Come Back to Me is a story overcoming adversities and finding oneself. It would appeal to readers who enjoy an emotive MM Romance.
Books in the series:
🔹➕🔹 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . 🔹➕🔹
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
October 19, 2020
3.75- 4 stars
I want to kick myself because
a) This was my first Emma Scott book and I fell in love with her writing
(I'll definitely add her entire back list to my tbr 🙈)
b) I should have read the Girl in the love song first. This book can work as a Standalone for the Romance department, not for the whole Lost Boys Group.
I really felt like I was missing out A LOT of things.
This book wasn't perfect.. I didn't like the Insta connection, I didn't like the push & push pull (they spent more time avoiding each other than building their relationship) , I didn't like MANY character's decisions (especially Holden in the last 30%) and I didn't like the almost absent grovelling
BUT I LOVED
❤️ the characters (main and secondary)
🧡 the plot
💛 The writing
💚 Holden and River were idiot but had a fabulous chemistry
💙 the friendship and family bonds
💜 And this book made me cry. Many times. My heart broke for Holden and River and I'm so happy they get their HEA.
So yes I wish many things were different but I still enjoyed it and I'll definitely read the other books in the Series.
I want to kick myself because
a) This was my first Emma Scott book and I fell in love with her writing
(I'll definitely add her entire back list to my tbr 🙈)
b) I should have read the Girl in the love song first. This book can work as a Standalone for the Romance department, not for the whole Lost Boys Group.
I really felt like I was missing out A LOT of things.
This book wasn't perfect.. I didn't like the Insta connection, I didn't like the push &
BUT I LOVED
❤️ the characters (main and secondary)
🧡 the plot
💛 The writing
💚 Holden and River were idiot but had a fabulous chemistry
💙 the friendship and family bonds
💜 And this book made me cry. Many times. My heart broke for Holden and River and I'm so happy they get their HEA.
So yes I wish many things were different but I still enjoyed it and I'll definitely read the other books in the Series.
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