Back to You by Claudia Burgoa

Chaotic Love, #2

Synopsis:

For the first time in his life, Wes Ahern has encountered something—someone—he can’t fix. Not with his hands, his words, not even with his love.

His head tells him Abby had to get out of Colorado to heal from the nightmare that nearly took her from him. To mend her wounded body, piece her broken spirit back together, and find out who she is behind the mask she felt forced to wear.

His first instinct was always to protect her. Still is. But as he faces his own pain, an agonizing realization dawns: that while he needs her more than his next breath, the best place for her may not be with him. Because while he always had her back, the secrets they kept—even from each other—have the power to destroy them.

When their paths cross again, will their souls still recognize each other?

Note: Back to You is the conclusion of the Chaotic Love Duet. Often dark and sometimes jarring, this book also contains references to childhood trauma, rape, kidnapping, and PTSD.

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

He never plans on settling down with anyone. Sterling should come up with a warning. A tramp stamp, not for sale, samples only.

There’s a part of my heart that’s incomplete. You have it.

My Review:

After the taut suspense and heinous cliffhanger from Begin With You, I was most anxious to dive into Back to You before my tiny cranium deleted the salient details to make room for something else. But… Holy Angst-Fest Batman! I was bitterly disappointed and wanted to throw my precious Kindle against the wall then murder a pint of Ben and Jerry’s. I was in agony and seriously considering a DNF after several hours of reading a story that continued to circle the same painful memories and regrets. The doleful storyline was mired in despair and going nowhere… I know many of my book friends enjoy a good chewy tale of woe, however, for me, listening to someone’s detailed misery on a repetitive loop is just not a palatable form of entertainment. After whining to my fellow readers on FB, I was assured it would be worth my while to continue, and it kinda was, however, the tedium and hefty negative imbalance were too much to overcome. I guess I was just lucky someone answered me… and that my wine rack was empty.

The storylines were laden with insightful observations and emotional tension while tilting heavily to the Land of Distress with over-servings of conflict, debilitating anxiety, chronic waffling, disabling guilt, and self-doubt. The romance was far and away on the back burner with nary a lip-lock until 80% in, but once the obstinate Abby’s ice finally thawed, it was steam heat for the final 20%. I enjoyed Wes’ ten-date plan and marveled at his patience, generosity, and thoughtfulness. The ending was a welcome shot of HEA and I relished the inclusion of therapy dogs. Helpful tip – it is always a smart choice to add in precious animals.

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Begin with You by Claudia Burgoa

Chaotic Love, #1 – Available Now

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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Claudia is an award-winning, international bestselling author. She lives in Colorado working for a small IT company, managing her household filled with three confused dogs, two daughters wrought with fandoms and a son who thinks he’s the boss of the house. And a wonderful husband who shares her love for all things geek. To survive she works continually to find a purpose for the voices flitting through her head, plus she consumes high quantities of chocolate to keep the last threads of sanity intact.