Trigger warning: domestic violence, attempted murder.

This suspenseful new adult romance starts with a bang and doesn’t let up on the tension until the end. Zoey is a teenager who had to grow up quickly after testifying against her abusive father, landing him in prison. She’s put her own dreams on hold in order to take care of her weak, dispirited mother and younger siblings since her older brother abandoned them for the military. When her car explodes, setting their house on fire, she learns that her father has been paroled and suspects he’s come after her. So, with help from her brother’s best friend Tristan who’s known the family for years, they relocate to CA and start over. It’s not too long before mutual attraction leads to love between them. Tristan is a warm, caring, handsome hero who has flaws he admits to, but his heart is in the right place. With his help, Zoey is able to take the first steps towards independence but at what cost? This is part of a series, but is a standalone. Recommended for older teens.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Simon Pulse through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

I really love Mila Gray and have read all of her books. I liked this book, but I didn't love it. Even though I felt for Zoey and thought she was incredibly brave in this book, parts of the story just felt a little too far fetched for me. I did love Tristen's character. I thought he was sweet and obviously protective of Zoey and her family. I did love how characters from her pervious books made an appearance in Watch Over Me.

I received an e-ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and this has is no way affected my review.

TW// Domestic violence (Descriptions of name calling, physical abuse, stalking, gun violence)

Watch Over Me is my fourth Mila Gray read and the sort of fourth book in the Come Back to Me series. The series isn't a series in terms of it being the same story over several books, but all the books share similar storylines (most being some sort of military romance) and a lot of characters show up in the other books, especially in this one.

The first book I read of Mila's and in the series was Stay With Me and it remains my favorite to this day. These books got me interested in military romance (however I haven't found many YA military romances so if you have a recommendation please let me know!) and I became a Mila Gray fan while reading. I think I first noticed that we were getting a fourth book while casually browsing NetGalley and I was so pumped because even though I didn't enjoy some parts of the three books I read later, I still really liked Gray's writing and the romances she writes. I honestly was kind of shocked that I received an e-ARC from Simon Pulse via NetGalley because I don't see myself as a big blogger and I don't often get many requests approved from bigger publishers like Simon but it was such a pleasant surprise!

Because life (midterm szn pt. 2) got in the way, it took me a little bit to get into this one but once things kind of calmed down and I had some reading days, things improved.

Zoey

Zoey is the main female MC in Watch Over Me. She's a really well written character and a really strong one as well. Zoey deals with a lot: her father and the domestic violence situation, her mother's depression, her siblings and her concern for them, and also just trying to keep herself and her family afloat. She struggles to be vulnerable and accept help because she's so used to doing things on her own, but she keeps it inside because of all that's going on. Seeing her have moments of happiness through all of that was :).

Domestic Violence Storyline

Immediately from the get go, we as the reader get the sense that this book will be darker than the others and that it will deal with violence, which we later learn is specifically domestic violence. I haven't read I don't think any books that have dealt with the subject before so I can't say for certain, but I really got the feeling that it was done really well and realistically.

The Romance

When I was planning this review, I wrote that something that really stood out to me was that the chemistry between the characters was very much there. The chemistry was really well written and it was very obvious that the two main characters fit very well with each other. Except for a few issues I had with their relationship, I think it was a good fit and an enjoyable one to read.

Issue I had with the Romance

My issue found with the romance is that male MC, Tristan admits that Zoey has a lot going on and a relationship may not be what is good for her right now but gets into one with her anyway. Despite the threat of her father looming overhead and the family reeling from their arson experience that is pretty recent and these thoughts in his head, he pursues a relationship. Once it started, I warmed up to it but it still bothered me that he had those reasonable thoughts in his mind and then ignored them.

Final Thoughts + Wrap Up

I'd say this one is probably #2 out of all the Mila Gray books I've read. It was a really enjoyable and deep read that was done really well, but it just didn't beat out Stay With Me. The chemistry showed and seeing the characters grow and deal with their struggles was really enjoyable. I do wish we had seen more of Tristan in the Coast Guard than just a chapter and some brief mentions, but the story does focus more on Zoey and her journey. I'm interested to see if there will be more books in the series and if we'll get to see more of Zoey and Tristan in the future!

Things I liked – I really enjoyed Zoey and Tristan’s characters. I felt they were distinctly individual and well developed. I liked the premise of the book and the way that the story plays out. It never came across as forced or inorganic. It didn’t feel *too* rushed. There were ups and downs and it was just generally very sweet. Zoey’s past is very troubled and Tristan treats her so well. I loved their relationship. One thing I struggle with in romance books is the idea that love fixes everything and everything just magically becomes amazing because you have fallen in love. This story didn’t pander to that trope at all. I was living for it.

I also really loved the relationship between Zoey and her siblings. The author didn’t shy away from real sibling issues. If you have siblings, you totally understand what I mean by that. We really get to see them becoming more comfortable in their new settings and expressing themselves and their personalities more.

Things I didn’t like – I really don’t have anything negative to say about Watch Over Me. I really enjoyed it. I flew through it in a matter of hours. If there was anything I had to say about it that I didn’t like, it would be that the ending felt very short. We build and build and then the conclusion doesn’t last very long. But to be honest, it didn’t really need to.

In conclusion, this is a really sweet story and I enjoyed it immensely. I would recommend this one to basically anyone – except my mom because there are some *steamy* moments.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for an advance copy for review. All opinions are completely my own!

Watch Over Me was beautifully emotional and gripped me from that first page. There was a thriller element to this story that kept me terrified with what was to come next. And even though I'm not a thriller girl, it fit perfectly into this story and I loved every minute of it. Especially since the characters leaped off of the pages, the relationships burrowed deep into my heart and the story made me turn the pages faster. I absolutely loved Watch Over Me and I can't recommend this book enough!

I grab the phone.
“Yes?” I say.
Silence greets me.
“Who is this?” I whisper, heart hammering furiously.
There’s another second’s silence, and then I hear the click as whoever is on the other end hangs up. As I stare at the phone, there’s an enormous BOOM. The window shatters, and glass flies across the room. A wall of heat rushes toward me as a crackle and a deafening roar fill my ears.


One of the many things I love about a Mila Gray book is that the prologue gives us a brief glimpse of the future. I'm riveted every single time. But once the story starts, I get so caught up in what is happening that I forget we're going to run into that moment. And the moment in this prologue? It was horrific.

He’s so different now, so grown-up in a way that makes me feel weirdly uncomfortable and also makes me want to keep staring.


Zoey was almost 19 years old and had the weight of the world on her shoulders. She always sacrificed what she wanted so she could take care of her mom, eight year old brother and younger teenage sister. They were trying to make a life on their own, since Zoey put her father in jail for almost killing her mother. But her father got out of jail early. And it looked like he was terrorizing them again. The tension ran so thick at times that I had chills racing down my spine.

“I’m sorry,” Tristan says, and it riles me because the last thing I want or need is his pity. “You shouldn’t have had to deal with that all by yourself. It must have been hard.”
That’s an understatement. But something catches in my chest. I think he might be the first person who’s ever recognized how hard it was.


Tristan promised to watch over them. He was Zoey's older brother's best friend. And her brother was being deployed overseas. Tristan knew them from when they were kids and was someone the family could trust. I loved Tristan. He was an Officer in the Coast Guard and was such a good man. Tristan had a kind heart, was protective and tried his best to do good by others. He was also open, honest and had the worst jokes ever. Tristan always made Zoey and I smile and laugh.

I know I should probably pull away because I’m no longer crying, but I don’t want to. I feel safe in his arms.


I loved Zoey. She worked so hard to take care of those she loved. But she could be bitter and cynical, because of her past. Zoey also had problems accepting help from others. So I loved watching her and Tristan butt heads. Because every single time they did, it seemed to intensify whatever was between them. And since we got to hear both of their thoughts, I just wanted to push them together. For them both to find their happiness with one another. But darkness was looming, and you could feel the unsaid threats from her father lingering in the air.

I stare into her eyes . She looks at me , her face so open , like she’s standing, holding her heart in her hands and offering it to me. The vulnerability gives me pause. But then she does something unexpected: she pushes up on tiptoe and presses her lips to mine.


This is easily one of my favorite brother's best friends romance story! And while it was amazing seeing all of the characters we loved from Come Back to Me and Stay With Me, you don't have to read those books to follow along with this story. But I highly recommend you do because you'll feel so many more emotions. And those characters played pivotal moments throughout this story.

Tristan wraps his arms around my waist from behind.
“I won’t ever let him hurt you,” he tells me, whispering the words into my ear before kissing me on the jaw.
I shiver against his body and lean into him, closing my eyes, wishing I could believe him.


Mila Gray's books always make me cry more than any other book does. I looked back and realized I cried six different times while reading this story. From heart to hearts, to being terrified, to happy tears, she made me feel it all. So if you love romance stories about family, friendships, finding your way in life and true love, then you'll want to pickup Watch Over Me. I've fallen for another Mila Gray book. Watch Over Me is definitely going on my favorites list!

PS The emotional development between Zoey and her mom and sister was absolutely beautiful.

PPS The table crush scene had me laughing so hard I couldn't breathe, best thing ever. Kit, Walker, Didi, Jessa oh my gosh it was perfection! I love those characters and have missed them so much!

This was a very dark story.
Having read Mila Gray's other works, I would say enter this book with caution, as it goes darker than her other stories.

There's a lot of explicit language, direct mentions of sex and sexual activity, and a huge prevalence of abuse.

That being said, I think that the book is captivating and will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Just enter reading the story with caution for various triggers.

I loved LOVED LOVED Come Back to Me b y Mila Gray. This one was so good too!
A younger Zoey testifies and gets her father put in prison. Years later he's released and back to finish hurting his family.

Zoey is all about her family. She's always saving them and putting herself first. She's used to never doing anything fun or having a life unless it's to support her family.
A family friend Tristan. He steps up to be there for Zoey, even though that could be crossing a line with her brother. Their relationship is blooms and Tristan is determined to be there for Zoey. Protecting her through everything even if she's not ready to believe it.

It is such a sweet story and I loved all the little pieces that kept you hanging on.

Watch Over Me by Mila Gray, 352 pages. LGBTQIA+
Simon Pulse, 2019. $19.
Language: R (140 swears, 17 “f”); Mature Content: R; Violence: PG13
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - NO
AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW
Growing up in an abusive home taught Zoey to be paranoid and defensive all the time to take care of her loved ones. But she let her guard down because they were supposed to be safe – there was no warning that her father got out of jail early on parole. Running from him once more, Zoey wonders if her family will ever be safe and if she’ll ever be free from fear.
Zoey’s story is fine, though a little predictable. Watch Over Me has the tells of being a standalone romance in a series of connected characters with background information alluded to as Easter eggs for those who read the books in order (it is not necessary to read the others to follow along in this one). I’m not a fan of the execution of Zoey’s story because of the unnecessary foul language and the detailed sex scenes, but, even without those parts, this book isn’t one that needs to read. The mature content rating is for sex, other sexual activities, and sexual assault; the violence rating is for domestic violence, gun violence, and attempted murder.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Honestly, this was a good book but it wasn't for me. There is SO MUCH dark content (harassment, abuse, attempted homicide, violence) but it was too much for me. Very much a "it's me, not the book" situation and I'd encourage anyone who is open to more mature topics to read this.

Zoey thought they had escaped her abusive father, but after a suspicious fire, her family was forced to up and move again, in hopes of evading him. Life in California seemed full of promise. A nice home, a good job, and her brother's best friend, Tristian, to watch over them. But, this was just the quiet before the storm.

This story started with a BANG! Literally. And, once the action started, it never really slowed down. I was quite stressed out, but at least I had a white hot romance to ease my pain.

I loved Zoey and Tristian together. Although both had some baggage to unpack, there was an undeniable attraction and a lot of depth to their relationship. I liked that Tristian was very invested in Zoey and her family, and that he encouraged her to go after things she wanted.

A big part of Zoey's story was how all her decisions were not made with her best interest in mind. She was always choosing her family first, which was a beautiful thing to do, but it also caused her to constantly miss out. I may have actually applauded, when she finally chose herself. It may have been a small thing or a big thing, but she finally put herself first.

I always go on about how much I love companion novels, as we get a fresh story, but also spy some familiar faces among the cast. Gray brings back our couples from the previous Come Back to Me books, and I was excited to catch up with them. It was wonderful to see them all in one place, and Gray really made them a part of this story.

Overall: An emotional romantic suspense novel, that had my heart pounding due to the intense action sequences and the fiery romance. Intense, yes, but well worth it for such a wonderful HEA.

This was a more mature romance than I was expecting it to be, however, looking back, it's from Simon Pulse, so that should have been my first clue. Overall, I liked it though, for it's strong willed female lead. Though it's not listed on Goodreads as part of a series, I it includes peeks from characters from the Come Back to Me series.

I'm sure the book would be an enjoyable read because I have read other things from this author and liked it, however, I'm unable to download and use the protected pdf format. I have tried on every device I own and even downloaded new apps to try to read it.

This book was received as an ARC from Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing - Simon Pulse in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I love stories like these when Military men return from duty and find that there is a family in need and in this case it was Zoey's family raising everyone with what they had from the damage their father set for them and after spending years in jail, he finally gets out and starts looking for the rest of the family and Zoey is not longer in hiding. Then there is Tristan who is a former Marine whose best friend was Zoey's brother and after getting killed in combat, he devotes his time in protecting the family and being there for Zoey. After they spend time together, Zoey and Tristan grow more close with each other and fall in love. Now, Zoey has all she ever wants until the father finally finds her and confronts her with all that has been done and now Zoey's world has been turned upside down and Tristan to the rescue. I was in tears almost throughout the whole book and could not stop reading with the desire to know more.

We will consider adding this title to our YFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley but all opinions provided are my own.

Zoey dreams of a time when she can do what she wants, be who she wants, but that’s an impossibility right now: she’s got her siblings and mother to care for & her abusive father to worry about. The latter becomes an even more pressing worry when Zoey’s car explodes outside of their apartment & she learns that her formerly imprisoned father has been released. An abusive man before he was imprisoned, his rage has become directed even more toward Zoey whom he blames for his imprisonment.

Out of options, Zoey and her family turn to her brother’s best friend for help.

Tristan’s long known about Zoey’s abusive father and wants to do anything he can to help, including getting her a job and an apartment where he lives. Before he knows it, his initial attraction toward Zoey, the girl he’s known for years, becomes irresistible, & neither he nor Zoey feels like trying to play it safe anymore.

But their relationship is up against some pretty big odds: her father, whose harassment escalates to dangerous levels, & Zoey’s own feelings of obligation toward her family.

Watch Over Me is a New Adult, sibling’s best friend romance where the stakes are much bigger than Zoey’s brother learning about her relationship with his best friend. Zoey’s father is dangerous & violent, willing to go to any lengths to punish his family. From a plot perspective, the book is dramatic & unpredictable from the first pages, & it’s a tension that Gray maintains & finally brings to a satisfying climax. And from a characterization perspective, I appreciated how sensitively Gray writes about his effect on their family, and how Zoey, her mother, and her siblings, grow throughout Watch Over Me and meet the challenges they’re confronted with.

Most impressive is Zoey herself, who learns to follow her own path & cast off what others have to say. She’s helped by her relationship with Tristan, a lovely hero who makes mistakes but owns up to them, her family’s encouragement, & her own burgeoning sense of self-worth.

The content warnings definitely need to be heeded here (past physical & emotional abuse, harassment, attempted murder), but I think that many readers will find a lot of value in Zoey and Tristan’s story—not to mention a lovely romance between two characters who deserve happiness.

A sweet but sad story. Very well written and a joy to read. Definitely one to add to your must read list. I hope you enjoy it like I did.

another solid romance by Mila Gray! Minus one star because the pacing was a bit off for me and I would have liked to see more peaceful scenes, but I was kept hooked and loved the relationship.

*i review an e-arc of Watch Over Me via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*