Book Review: When You're Back by Abbi Glines

Title: When You're Back (Rosemary Beach #12)
Author: Abbi Glines
Publisher: Atria
Release Date: June 30, 2015
Pages: 256
Source: Publisher
Format: eARC
Age Group: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance

           

A chance meeting in Rosemary Beach has turned into a fairy-tale romance as Reese prepares to move in with Mase on his family ranch in Texas. With the loving support of the Colts, and her recent discovery that she has family of her own, Reese can finally move on from the dark horrors of her past and into a bright future.
But Aida isn’t going to let that happen. The beautiful blonde has been raised to think of Mase as her cousin, but it’s clear to Reese that Aida doesn’t love Mase like a cousin should.
And then there’s Captain, the inescapable stranger who has connections in Dallas and Rosemary Beach—and who conveniently shows up wherever Reese happens to be. Hot, mysterious, and plain-speaking, Captain isn’t afraid to tell Reese what he thinks about Mase—and how he feels about her.
As the competition for Mase and Reese’s hearts heats up, Reese’s past begins to unravel, illuminating shocking truths that will forever change the lives of the happy couple—and set the final stories of Rosemary Beach in motion.

Yeah…

I know...

I gave it three stars…

Let me explain…

I love Abbi Glines, like LOVE her. I’ve even had the privilege of meeting her in person and she is beyond gracious and dedicated to her fans. Not to mention her Rosemary Beach series is pretty freaking phenomenal.

I was so excited for this book! I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next with Reese and Mase. I felt that Reese had come such a long way in the first book and I was looking forward to seeing her continue to grow and come into her own. Sadly, however, that is where this book fell short for me.

So the first chapter, told from Reese’s POV, kinda pissed me off. Here she is, in Texas to surprise Mase, after spending almost a month in Chicago with her relatives, and she is already on the verge of a complete break down because she overhears Mase talking to a female and she automatically assumes that he is cheating on her! I mean, come on! This already went down in the first book, and that assumption made your life hell. Now you are just going to go and assume the exact same shit! Ugh!

And a month in Chicago...um, can I get some details please? I would have loved for the book to begin with Reese in Chicago, so that we could get her journey without Mase. Like we did in the first book. Especially since her relatives in Chicago, especially her dad, end up playing a pivotal role in this book! I mean pivotal! Which I already know is going to translate into the next book, based on how this one ended.

Mase, oh Mase, how I really don’t like you anymore. Here was my problem with Mase, who I loved in When You’re Gone.

1. Reese was offered a job through Mase and he told them no, that she didn’t want a job, without even discussing it with her first.
2. He brought Reese to a BBQ where she was severely underdressed and embarrassed because of it, but wasn’t honest in telling her how she should dress prior to going.
3. They went to a concert and Reese tied her flannel shirt so that her midriff would show, and he literally shook his head at her and untied it, so she wasn’t showing off even a small amount of stomach.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a man who is aggressive and take charge and knows what he wants and goes after it. What I don’t like is a controlling man, and for me, that is what Mase is. He wants her all to himself and no one else can be around her. If anyone else is, male or female, he’s jealous.

This book’s saving grace was Captain/River. The dynamic between River and Reese is fantastic. I loved when these two were together. He sees what Mase can’t, that Reese doesn't need to be coddled, and that to do so is doing her a disservice.

My favorite parts of the book were when Mase was not in the picture, which is sad, because I already know Reese is going to end up with him.

The book is obviously well written, fast paced, easy to read, and keeps your attention from the start. Classic Abbi Glines style. When You’re Back keeps you reading because you are invested in the lives of the characters and you genuinely want to know what is going to happen next.