I hoped this book would be more enjoyable than book 2 which was the first book I read by this author. That’s why I decided to give this try. But unfortunately, that didn’t happen. I mean, it had its moments and the romance was the saving grace of this book.

For Gavin, Dani Winters was the one for him. But one day without any goodbye she disappears from his life leaving him shattered. After years, they come face to face with each other and realises their feelings for each other are still buried within. But Dani is still running from her demons. This might be their last chance to build something together or let go forever.

The thing is, the plot was waaay too common. I have read a number of books where the heroine is facing some extreme danger yet some simple communication would uncomplicate the matter but she decides to stay silent throughout the whole book until the end where a solution magically appears. *sighs* This plot has been overused so many times, it simply has lost its charm.

Though I have to say I didn’t see the plot twist coming just before it got revealed. But everything was too anti-climactic. I mean, it the story was following a certain pace but I felt the ending was too rushed and everything just happened all at once. It just didn’t make much sense to leave it like that, it would definitely have been better if some more explanations would have been given for the reason it happened and why it happened. I really wanted the backstory.

Anyway, the characters were the ones who did not let me put the book down. Gavin never got over Dani, for him she was everything and after she suddenly disappeared from his life, he stopped believing in love. A cliche, I know. Though I felt bad for the guy. He never gave up. Dani was a mysterious woman but everything could have been solved as a team but she chose to run away instead. But there were moments which made everything perfectly clear how much she still cared for him. The chemistry between them was electric but I wished there was more plot development.

Overall, The Way Back to Us was an okay read. Although the plot was cliched, I enjoyed the characters and the romance. The writing was smooth and easy to read.

Recommend it?

Maybe.

Gavin thought he found the one while in college, but one day found the love of his life vanished without a trace. Now ten years later, Gavin is reunited with Dani who has been on the run for most of her life. The two reconnect, but know that at any moment Dani might leave again.

This was a great read. I love all of this author's books and this one did not disappoint.

I seriously loved the mystery that was slow rolled in this, as others in the series also had. Jamie really has a genuine talent for characters you will love and situations that are really interesting to read while still meshing well.

Gavin and Dani were great both together and apart. I appreciated how it didn't take long for Gavin to allow himself to be vulnerable, and how hard Dani fought to do what she felt she needed to.

The tight-knit friends group is so wonderful and realistic that I wish I could hang out with these people! This is a really wonderful series!

You've got to feel for poor Gavin. He may be an award-winning rock star, but his heart remains broken years after Dani abanoned their love, leaving only a two-word note. He thinks he will never love again, but come on. This is a romance novel! Of COURSE he will love again.

Aaannnd ... of course he will love Dani again.

Their "chance" encounter gives them the opportunity to rediscover each other. She has some 'splaining to do, and he has to listen and let her in. The problem is that the reasons why Dani left in the first place are still there. Jamie Howard makes the most of this mystery, letting you wonder if it's a witness protection sort of thing or a on-the-run-from-the-law sort of thing, or something even more nefarious. The payoff, though, is a bit far-fetched. For a girl who understands the importance of observation, Dani has been woefully unobservant on this particular matter.

The romance is equal parts sweet and angsty, with a healthy amount of sexy times. I liked Gavin quite a bit. I liked his friendships (I have not read the other Love Unplugged books and didn't feel as if I was missing important information, so this one is a stand alone), and I liked his devotion to his career. I even liked his devotion to Dani, although I felt he could do better. She's underwritten, as compared to him, and too often she comes across as weak rather than strong.

Howard's story doesn't break any new ground, but it keeps you turning the pages. Gavin is a good guy, and he deserves the chance to make you a fan.

This was a good second chance romance. I haven't read the previous books in the series, but now I am definitely interested in doing so. I enjoyed Gavin and Dani's journey.

3.5 stars

The Way Back to Us by Jamie Howard is a good second chance romance.

Gavin and Dani were likable characters and I enjoyed reading their love story.
They both had issues that kept coming up but together they were able to overcome them to be together.

Overall The Way Back to Us is an emotional, heartfelt second chance romance and a good addition to the Love Unplugged series.

*A big thank you to the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts*

Gavin MacCormack found the one. He fell in love. Hard. Until one night he ran out for some ice cream and came back to an empty dorm room, closets bare and nothing but a quick hand-written note saying, I’m sorry. Those two words taught Gavin the meaning of heartbreak. A feeling he never wants to encounter again. And as the lead singer of a Grammy award-winning band he's had plenty of opportunities for casual, no-strings fun, which is just the way he likes it.

Dani Winters has had more names than birthdays. On the run with her father for nearly as long as she can remember, she’s lived her life by three rules—always plan for the worst, maintain a low profile at all costs, and never let anyone get too close. Except she broke that last rule once and her heart has never forgiven her.

One chance encounter changes everything. Seeing Dani resurrects feelings in Gavin he thought were long buried, and this time he’s not letting her disappear without getting some answers. But Dani’s life is the definition of complicated and she’s playing with fire by letting Gavin back in. When the time comes to run again, Dani needs to decide if a life without love is worth living, or if it’s time to stop running and fight.

Gavin has been heartbroken for years. He thought he was over his one true love, who suddenly left him without a word when he was in college. When he sees her again he thinks he’s angry but really he just can’t believe that she’s back in his life.
Dani Winters has been running most of her life. When she was in college the last thing she wanted to do was leave Gavin, as she loved him so much, but her life is unpredictable. When she reappears in Gavin’s life she lets him know that it’s only for a short time. He agrees they’ll be together as long as they can and when they have to part it will be fine. They’re each lying to the other, however, because they both know that when they part the last thing it will be is “fine”.

The Way Back to Us was a wonderful reunion story. With Dani coming back into Gavin’s life we didn’t quite know what to think. The author was quite closed-mouthed about what was going on with Dani until further along in the book. We knew that Dani’d been on the run for years but we didn’t know why until near the end of the book. Because I didn’t know the facts it was hard for me to get too attached to Dani. Sure, I knew that all would work out in the end (I mean, come on, it’s a romance novel!) but while I felt for her and her situation I felt more attached to Gavin and didn’t want him to get hurt.

I loved Gavin to pieces. He was an incredible anchor for his (all female) family and a great friend. The last think I wanted for him was to lose Dani again. I was happy when he made the decision he did in the end I was truly happy when all worked out. Howard had me on the edge of my seat there for a while – good on her as normally figure those things out ahead of time. I never would have guessed the ending of this book.

Overall I’ve really enjoyed the Love Unplugged series and I’m looking forward to Ben’s story. If you haven’t picked up the series yet, you should do that as the books are wonderful.

Rating: 4 out of 5

This will post as a guest review on Book Binge.
http://bookbinge.com/

I came across this book on Netgalley, having never heard of the author before. The cover and title intrigued me, and the synopsis was interesting. Realizing quickly in chapter one that it was a part of a series, I went and found the other books on Goodreads and then purchased the kindle copies on Amazon when they, too, sounded interesting. I absolutely loved book one. It had a great backstory for both characters, and you genuinely wanted them to find happiness. Book two did not disappoint either. A mysterious stalker, and Felix finding someone to look past the chair, just golden. So I had high hopes for this book three.

Let me start with, I loved Gavin. His infectious personality and love of all things edible, especially Pie, and his protective instincts with his friends, especially Felix, and his family, makes him a fun character to read about. Dani didn't quite rate the same. It was hard to believe a nearly 30 yr old woman hadn't googled her name, didn't know current events. Book one was not a mystery. Book two was, and a good one, so I wasn't prepared for another suspense style story. I thought the author would vary the formula. The intrigue was good. Just who is Dani? But I needed more. What was their backstory? We are told how they met, but nothing about their relationship then that showed why he loved her so much for so many years. And nothing new is really given to explain his intense love for her now either. She's thoughtful, but that's about it. All her secrets grow boring, and I wanted to know them earlier on and to have the group use their money and influence to help her get her own HEA. Instead, the ending fell flat. Very quickly and tidily summed up, but left with a Whoopie Goldberg-esque "Dani, you in danger girl" vibe at the end. Still, an enjoyable read, fast-paced, and a great group of characters, so thoroughly enjoyable. And still with Ben and Rachel! I need their story, and with this much angst, and the fact that their relationship has been about 15 years in the making, it better be a good one!

Full disclaimer...I didn't realize there were two previous books in this series...but, you honestly don't need them to jump right into this one!

Nice quick, light read. Fun story. I want to go back and read the previous two books as this feels like a great little series.
What I liked: I didn't need to read the other two books to get into this one.
What I loved: Can't say I really LOVED this book, but I loved that it had some different elements to the story and some twists you didn't really see coming.
What I hated: The main character didn't pick Autumn as her name.

dnf at 30% the MC where just really annoying

Having read the previous books of this series and loved those books I was really excited when I found out that I had an eARC for The Way Back to Us. I can tell you that this one didn't disappoint a bit. It's not my favorite book in the series but I still loved it a lot, especially because it's a second chance romance and who doesn't love second chance romances?? I know I do... A LOT.

Having read the past few books I already kind of knew Gavin but this book made me love him. He was such a great guy. He really cares about his family and friends and does anything he can for them. I didn't like Dani as much but mostly because she was a little bit closed off. Even if this book is partially told from her POV she still hides a lot of things and you only get to really know her halfway through the book. She was still a great girl and I loved how kickass she was. I did enjoy their relationship a lot even if I wanted to know more about their past and how they met.

However, and just as the previous books, one of my favorite things in this book is the band's dynamics and the friendships. I love how much those boys and girls support each other in the most difficult times and how they are not only friends but basically a family. Can I have Ben and Rachel's story now?? I really need to know what's happening between those two and I've been waiting way too long for that book.

With this being my third Jamie Howard book I already knew how much I would love the writing style. I love that her books are told in dual POV and her writing flows really easily. I just love to read her books.

Overall, this was another amazing book by Jamie Howard and I loved everything about it. Once again, I'm pretty sure this won't be my last book she has written... especially because Ben's book will come out soon-ish (at least I hope so).  You should definitely give this one a try if you love contemporary romances and amazing bands that are more like a family than a  normal band.

I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

4 stars — I had a bit of a harder time getting sucked into this one, but I can’t figure out if that had more to do with me and my frazzled mind, or the book… That’s always the kicker eh? Which, obviously if I still gave it 4 stars, does not mean the book wasn’t great! I just wish I had been more immersed in it.

After reading The Feeling of Forever, I was super excited for Gavin’s book. I had so many questions, and I really wanted to dive more deeply into him…I felt like we got hints of perhaps some drug abuse in that book, and other struggles. So it was kind of odd that we never really learned about any of that stuff. I mean, we know Gavin was heartbroken, but I guess I expected to see the change in him. If I’d not read TFOF, I definitely wouldn’t have noticed any of this though, so that is only a quirk when reading the series in order.

BUT! Gavin was amazing. Other than that little bit of missing depth, Gavin was everything I was hoping for and more. He was sweet, and hilarious, and quirky, and sexy as all get out. And he did break my heart, b/c he broke his own heart again and again, but yet was unable to stop himself from loving. I was totally expecting the same old resistance and denial, and was pleasantly surprised by Gavin’s openness. And it wasn’t just his love for Dani, which was inspiring… He also loved his family and his friends FIERCELY. And that is a beautiful quality to have, you know?

I loved Dani too, but my love was a bit more subdued for her. I just found it so hard not to want to smack her sometimes…I think I had a hard time wrapping my head around how long it took her to realize that a life always on the run really wasn’t a life at all. But I had to keep reminding myself that that was all she really knew, and she was so conditioned to that lifestyle that it wouldn’t be that easy to just accept that perhaps that wasn’t the only choice. I was also expecting her to behave in certain ways, and was pleasantly surprised when we did get to see her put her heart on the line as well.

I think I’ve discovered something about myself while reading these books…I don’t think I like mysteries. I have the kind of personality that NEEDS ALL THE ANSWERS and gets very impatient when things are hinted at but the reader is not told until much later. I’m just too fucking impatient. Seriously. It drives me insane that we would just get sprinkles of Dani’s past here and there throughout the story. I’m not talking about the part where Dani didn’t know everything until the end…I’m OK with that mystery (and even had my own theories about some of that, and was kind of close on a few parts). I’m talking about me, as a reader, not knowing what Dani knows when she hints at it (like what happened to have them on the run). It just ends up frustrating me. Even getting to know about Gavin and Dani’s past took a bit longer than I’d hoped. ALL THE IMPATIENCE! Again, this is not a failing in the writing, it’s just not a match for my personality.

You know what was a match for me?? That this book just expands upon the friendship of the four boys, and we get to see them all interacting quite a bit. And we get more pieces of Jules and Felix (and if I’d read Ian and Bianca yet, we get more of them too). AND I’m even more excited to figure out what’s up Ben’s butt, and see how his story will play out with Rachel. I also LOVED that we get to see the girl’s friendships develop as well, and I loved how Dani fit in with them.

So despite my little rant about impatience, I really did thoroughly enjoy this book!! Honestly, I think I just like to hear myself talk. Gavin alone makes this book worth it, I just can’t get over how well Ms. Howard writes book boyfriends for me…because you know he’s mine right? “Is this *the* Gavin MacCormack?? OMG!!!”

2.5 Stars
The Way Back to Us was a disappointment for me. I was really curious about this second chance romance from reading the synopsis, so I decided to give it a try. I personally didn’t feel the chemistry between Gavin and Dani and had trouble connecting with the story. I need to feel something when I read a book, and most of this one the only emotion I felt was boredom. This read wasn’t all bad, but I found myself struggling to keep reading. However, on a better note I enjoyed the suspense surrounding Dani’ life on the run. I was interested about the reason behind it. I also liked the sense of family between the band members and their girlfriends. In conclusion, The Way Back to Us wasn’t exactly what I was expecting and left me unconvinced.

** Review copy received from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review **

This is a really intense love story, full of suspense and mystery. Dani is on the run but the memory of Chicago and Gavin are still strong and that is why she risks it all just to see him again. Gavin was devastated when Dani left and now that she is again in his life he wants to make every second count. Their chemistry is still of the charts hot but secrets are still there. It is a great story I loved it that was unpredictable with amazing characters and a great plot. Gavin was for me very unique and I must say I didn't get him always but this makes him special. Dani is also great and her story heartbreaking. Together they make a great unusual couple.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

I did things the other way round-I read this book first before I read the first two.
The way back to us wasn’t my favourite second chance romance- I’m not saying that it was bad, I actually quite enjoyed it. But to tell you the truth, the entire time I was reading this book I had the greatest sense of pity for Gavin; his undying love for Dani even after all this time.

On a lighter note, this book was written beautifully, with just the right amount of angst and suspense. I liked Dani but for me, the star of the show was Gavin, his tenderness, love and dedication towards Dani was beautiful!
All in all, a wonderful second chance romance, if not a tad ‘unfinished’ (atleast for me). Maybe an epilogue would have sealed the deal for me because after that last chapter, it felt anti-climactic and unfinished for me. Sorry!

3.5 stars

This is the first book I've read by this author. I didn't really know what to expect, but the blurb sounded interesting and I love second chance glances so I couldn't resist requesting it. What I got was a pleasant surprise.

I will admit when I started this book I was kind of in a funk. Nothing was holding my attention and I wasn't getting anything done during the day. Therefore, when I started this book and it also didn't make me feel better I put it to one side. And I'm so glad I did because when I returned to it I could appreciate it fully. My mood had completely overshadowed this story and once I got into it a second time I couldn't put it down

Gavin and Dani's story was interesting. I liked the mystery and I believed in the emotions between them. I felt their angst and they love. While I would have liked to witness a few of their past moments, their story held my attention well and I rooted for them. I liked Gavin's tight-knit group of friends as well and thought it created an intriguing and comical addition to the story.

The only criticisms I have are: one,the cover doesn't fit the story for me. It misled my expectations a bit. Second, I would have liked a bit more finality about the ending. It gave satisfaction in terms of the relationship, however, other strands were left open and I felt they should have been tied up. Unless there's going to be another book on Gavin and Dani, I had one too many questions left.

Nevertheless, overall, I enjoyed this book and I'm I intrigued to back read about other characters.

book 3 in the love unplugged series, the way back to us, finds singer gavin maccormack coming face to face with the one who got away. dani didn't just get away, she disappeared completely, and when gavin sees her catering an event he's stunned.

when he runs into her again at the blackbird, the bar he co-owns and regularly hangs out in, he begins to think that maybe it's not such a coincidence. dani knows better. she knows she shouldn't let gavin get too close. she's been on the run her whole life, and there's no end to the running. she doesn't even know for sure what danger she is facing. she's just always followed her father's lead.

even knowing that she won't stay, gavin falls headlong back in love with the woman he's never forgotten. because heartbreak will be worth it for a few more seconds of happiness with her. and as she allows herself to become entwined with his life, she starts to wish for the impossible too.

we get updates on all the band members, ian and bianca and felix and jules are still going strong. and ben and rachel are still super messed up. and i can't wait to see what book 4 of this series has in store for him.

as for gavin and dani, the shoe eventually drops. but all hell breaks loose when dani is confronted with evidence that the life she's been forced to lead may not be necessary. and on a pindrop everything changes. except for one thing. the fact that she's hopelessly in love with gavin.

**the way back to us published on december 12, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/st. martin's press (swerve) in exchange for my honest review.

***ARC Provided by the Author/Publisher via NetGalley***

3.5 Stars

Gavin and Dani were together years ago, and then she disappeared. No contact, no emails, nothing for years until they run into one another at an event and then at a bar.

Dani is running from somethikng, and she is not able/willing to tell Gavin what and she is afraid that being with him will get him (or her) hurt or killed.

So, there are reasons for her feeling that they should not be together. And, Gavin doesn't care. He wants Dani, and he really isn't all that concerned about her reasons for telling him no, and for pulling away from any sort of serious relationship with him.

I liked the set up of this title, and the idea that there was a reason that Dani was not able to stay, and, up until the end of the book, I was really on board with this. But, I didn't really buy the resolution of the book. I guess it could happen this way, I have little to no experience with being on the run from anyone, but it just didn't totally work for me. Not enough for me to dislike the book as a whole, but enough for me to be pulled a little out of it right at the end.

I do recommend this title overall.

3.5 “Second chances” Stars

ARC via NetGalley

Thank you, Swerve.

This is my fifth (?) book by Jamie Howard, and I'm ready for the next one, especially since I hope (please, please) it'll be about Ben and Rachel and all the angst of loving someone for years without moving it past friendship.

But while The Way Back to Us wasn't my favorite book by this go-to author, it was still entertaining.

Let me just pause for a second and say I'm still in love with Juliet, the heroine from the last book in this series. She kept pulling my attention toward her whenever she showed up in a scene in this new book, and she was consistent in how she kept seeing the good in people and giving them a chance. I also loved to see her get closer to her happy ever after with Felix. <3 font="">

Now, as to Dani and Gavin, the couple we get to focus on this time around, I wish I had connected more with their story. My main problem here wasn't Gavin. He was still as carefree and funny as I remembered him to be. Dani, on the other hand, took a little longer to warm up to.

I have to be fair and say I have a hard time connecting with the second chance romance trope. There's something about the characters already knowing each other and being in love and then breaking up for some reason or other than usually doesn't work for me. Though Dani's motive for running away and breaking Gavin's heart was strong, I guess not knowing the truth about it until much later in the story made it a little harder for me to understand and forgive her for what she did. Half the time I felt like Ben--ready to confront Dani about what she did and why she was back.

Maybe seeing her more reluctant about walking back into Gavin's life when she knew she'd have to leave again, or fighting the attraction between them harder or suffering a little more would've helped. I don't know. Maybe. I just didn't fall in love with Dani as hard and as fast as I wished.

Now, Gavin was another story. I felt sorry for the poor guy because he was so in love with Dani even after all those years. And even though she she had hurt him that bad, he was still willing to give her another chance because he didn't want to miss out on the opportunity to be with her. The whole Howgarts thing made sense because it was such a Gavin thing to think and say. Part of the reason I tried so hard to like Dani, despite her doing some things that made me cringe was because of how much Gavin loved her. That's how much I liked him.

I also LOVED, LOVED the beach house part of this book because I got to see all the characters from the series together. I loved the girls cooking, the girls and guys playing in the pool, the dinner conversation with them sharing secrets (I'm still in shock because I didn't remember the Gavin/Felix threesome thing. o.O). My absolute favorite parts of this book were when all the characters were together doing things. I want more of that.

So while The Way Back to Us didn't hook me the way the previous book in this series did, I still loved to read more about Gavin and get to see that great cast of characters interacting again. Also, there was a lot of Rachel and Ben, and do I need to say once again how excited about their love story I am?!

Wow! The Way Back to Us is seriously good! Dani and Gavin had a serious relationship in college and one day she just vanished. When they meet again it becomes clear that neither of them has fallen out of love with the other. Their reconnection is rendered by a host of obstacles, but love is a battle worth the fight, right? Not to mention, there are a few surprises here that I didn't see coming that take this from nice second chance romance to captivating romance mystery/thriller.

So good. I dare you to start reading and then try to put it back down.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.