Strong Long-Form Romance. You know those romance tales where someone meets on a plane on their way to their (separate) vacations that happen to be in the same place, fall in love on the plane, and are damn near married by the time they get on the plane back home?

Yeah... this isn't that. At all. This one takes more like 15 years, and has a LOT more growth of both of our lead characters between the initial meeting and the proposal. There is a strong coming of age element here, there is a strong sense of destiny here, but more importantly and one of the strongest features of the tale is that there is a strong sense of "[S]he's *right there*! Get your FUCKING act together!"... except that it truly does take both of them the entire time frame to really get to the point where they *can* be together.

And you know what... sometimes... sometimes that happens in real life too. And those real life stories deserve to see their fictional counterparts too. So I'm glad Wiesner wrote this one, so that these types of stories *can* get out more. Because let's face it, these kinds of romances aren't exactly the typical ones in the genre - and that makes them all the more refreshing and interesting when you *do* find one like this. Very much recommended.

The story was beautiful! I do not often read third person point of view novels but this was so well done and thought provoking. My heart broke for Anna and everything she had to face but the healing and character development for both her and Gabe was so well written and such an amazing journey to be on. I would encourage anyone to read this.

First off, I would like to thank Melissa Wiesner and Bookouture for the advanced copy of this book. I have not been compensated for this review and am leaving my own, honest opinion.

I could not put this book down! It is beautifully written and kept me engaged the whole time. Anna and Gabe stole my heart. Well, the whole Weatherall family did. The way Melissa was able to convey the feelings of Anna and how she had been thrust into a family after being on her own for so long was heart-wrenching. I felt like I could feel exactly what the characters were feeling.

The ending for me felt abrupt and it's the only reason I decided to leave a four-star review. I'm not sure if I was just so immersed in the reading or not but I expected just a little bit more between Anna and Gabe. Overall this book is one I will recommend to others.

Gabe has a privileged life. He is intelligent, educated and good looking. He has a happy and positive relationship with his siblings and parents. Anna at age 16 has experienced more hardships then people twice her age. Her family relationships are nearly nonexistent. She is alone. She works two jobs in order survive while attending high school and college.

Anna and Gabe are paired together in class to work on a project. During this time their friendship blossoms and Anna becomes a treasured part of Gabe's family.

Over the following 15 years Gabe and Anna remain in one another's live and when Anna returns back "home" the secrets they keep build between them. Secrets that can make or break them as their friendship turns into romantic love.

Anna and Gabe are characters you cheer for and adore. Characters you want the best especially since you get to know them well as the story unfolds from their point of views. This book has made me a fan of Wiesner and I'll be reading more of her books!

This is my first Melissa Wiesner book and I can’t wait to read more from her!

I absolutely loved this book! At times Anna would frustrate me when she wouldn’t take the help and support offered to her. But as I kept reading I understood more and more her trust issues. Gabe and his family were so kind hearted. This story hit too close to home, as I have been in some similar living situations and I was so blessed to have a “Weatherall” many times in my life.

My favorite part, the part that had me crying the most, was when Anna finally accepted the fact that THEY were her family and described how each and every member was there for her in their own way. We need more people like this in our world, selfless and willing to help someone without expecting anything in return.

I enjoyed both of the main character’s growth and how their relationship shifted from friends to lovers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this advance copy!

It Always Come Back to You kept me entertained, and I definitely enjoyed reading this one. The love story was sweet, and I enjoyed the interactions between Anna and Gabe's family a lot. Sometimes I was frustrated with Anna, and though her actions were understandable for someone who went through the trauma she's endured, I wasn't always invested in her relationship with Gabe. But overall, it's a well-written romance, and fans of friends to lovers tales will eat this one up.

What really got me interested was the tagline marketing of this book "An absolutely unforgettable and heart-shattering romance, perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover, Lucy Score and Carley Fortune, that asks: does keeping secrets destroy true love?" and I'm not sure if my expectations were too high but unfortunately this one did not really work for me. I think I'm in the minority so do take this review with a grain of salt!

The story follows Anna, a sixteen year old genius who is taking a college course for seniors and happens to bump into the man who has it all, Gabe, for a school economics project. Quite the polar opposites in socioeconomic status, family upbringing, and more - they do tend to share commonalities with one of them being secrets. The story spans from past to present and goes through the trials/tribulations both of them go through individually in order to be together.

The first 30% was really working for me and I was quite invested to see where the story was going to develop. I loved the budding relationship between Gabe and Anna (truly they were friends) and the Gabe's family dynamic. Found family is one of my favorite tropes and I loved each Weatherall. Anna's story was heavy and sad and I think Melissa did a great job in fleshing our her character. However, what really lost me was the time jumps. It made me feel so disconnected and choppy that it was hard for me to stay invested. I wish the romance between Gabe and Anna was fleshed out a bit more? It felt very YA and surface level? The angst/tension was there for the slow burn that the author had developed but I just couldn't really believe it. My heart didn't race and I couldn't help but not root for the two until the very very end when they let down their walls and actually communicated.

As well, there was a lot of repetition in rephrasing characteristics or parts that I felt author mentioned two pages before. A lot of "telling" versus showing and it made the story feel longer than it should have. And the ending?!?! So abrupt I was actually shocked because I thought there was 14% more to go!!!! I wish there were a few more chapters to really have a full circle moment between the two characters with all that they went through especially Anna. It would have provided more closure.

If you like:
- dual POV
- slow burn
- friends to lovers
- past to present timeline
- found family
- message about trust

Thank you to Bookouture and Melissa Wiesner for the opportunity to read the book for my honest review!

First things first, I'd like to thank Netgalley, Melissa Wiesner, and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and completely voluntary!

This is the first book I've read by Melissa Wiesner, but I will definitely be reading more. Once I started, I couldn't stop. I completed it in less than 24 hours, only stopping when I had to.

In this book, you'll find...
✔️ Realistic & relatable characters
✔️ Friends to lovers romance
✔️ Slow burn romance
✔️ Strong, independent female main character

➡Triggers include homelessness, domestic abuse, abandonment, drug use

Anna is only 16 when she meets Gabe in a college economics class, randomly paired together for an important project. Gabe comes from the affluent Weatherall family, while Anna's home life is dismal at best. She carries secrets she's afraid to let anyone know, and has learned to rely only on herself. The two strike up an unlikely friendship, and over time, that friendship literally saves Anna's life.

It All Comes Back to You is a story about overcoming circumstances, perseverance, what it means to be a family, and of course, love.

The only reason I rated it 4/5 starts is because there really wasn't any WOW moment for me. The whole story was engrossing and heartwarming, but I found myself waiting for some big turn of events.

All in all, I would definitely recommend this book. A great, easy, and quick read!

A beautifully written book addressing difficult subject matter sensitively. Anna and Gabe are paired up for a project and from there on their lives are forever entwined. Thanks to netgalley for the advance copy, I loved it.

What a good read! Some of my favorite tropes: slow burn (maybe a bit too slow lol… I mean, 15 years is a long time), friends to lovers, second chance, found family… and a strong, badass female main character which is my personal favorite. I truly enjoyed how much Gabe respected and cared for Anna and I was so proud of Anna’s tenacity to make her life better than it started. My favorite character though? Gabe’s grandma. So touching!! Definitely recommend as it had some good twists that you don’t always see in romance. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Loved it. 👌 beautifully written book about relationships and emotions. Anna and Gabe are both sweethearts. Their characters are defined thoroughly and progressively. Gabe's family is truly the best thing that anyone can hope for. Anna's growth throughout the book is amazing, from a neglected but intelligent and independent teenager to a successful doctor. I fell in love with them from the start. Heart warming book with lots of love. Highly recommended.

Pub Date - 8/22

Two broken hearts.. two terrible secrets.

This story follows Anna, an extremely smart 16 year old who is taking college classes at university and gets paired with Mr. Perfect, Gabe for a school project. They couldn’t be anymore more different. He has the perfect family, and well quite frankly she does not.

But something happens. A beautiful friendship and a beautiful romance. But along the way there are secrets, so many secrets. Do they come back together? Can they move on?

This book is beautifully written & was literally pulling at my heart strings. I am not a big romance reader but I really loved this one and I longed for their love.

This is definitely something I could not put down & will think about this story for a while.

What I Liked:
- Slow Burn
- Dual POV
- Best Friends to Lovers
- True Love
- Found Family

Thank you Bookouture & Netgalley for an ARC!!

This is an emotionally charged novel that weaves a compelling tale of growth, trust, and chosen family. The story follows Anna, a remarkably gifted sixteen-year-old navigating the complexities of both high school and university-level courses. When she finds herself partnered with Gabe, a college senior, for an Economics project, Anna's apprehensions about him threaten her dreams of securing a full scholarship. However, beneath Gabe's exterior lies more than just a frat boy, as he and his family become the unexpected pillars of support Anna desperately needs.

This novel, much like the captivating cover art that drew readers in, is impossible to put down. The characters are intricately developed, their struggles and triumphs forming the backbone of a chosen family narrative that is both heartwarming and heartrending. The slow but steady evolution of Anna and Gabriel's relationship, from friends to lovers, is depicted with careful nuance, evoking a rollercoaster of emotions in readers. Even moments of frustration with Anna's decisions are presented in a way that invites empathy, deepening the emotional connection.

This book deftly addresses sensitive topics such as addiction, domestic violence, and poverty, presenting them in a manner that feels relatable and accessible rather than overwhelming. The dual points of view allow readers to delve into the minds of both protagonists, enhancing the depth of the friends-to-lovers narrative. Although the romance is a slow burn, it resonates strongly with the power of genuine connection over instant gratification.

The novel's timeline spans fifteen years, showcasing the enduring growth and transformation of the characters. Throughout the book, the family's unique dynamic resonates, evoking a desire to be part of their world. This is a must-read novel that skillfully navigates the complexities of trust, love, and the lasting impact of chosen family. Melissa Wiesner has crafted a novel that resonates with both its characters' journeys and the readers' hearts, making it a memorable addition to anyone's reading list.

Anna Campbell is a very young person with very big secrets. The sixteen year old prodigy is taking university level courses while attending her sophomore year in high school. When she is partnered with college senior Gabriel Weatherall for an Economics project, she believes that the pampered frat boy might compromise her opportunity to win a full ride scholarship for post-secondary study. Little does she know, Gabe isn’t just a pretty face and a great project partner, he and his family are just what she needs in her life. But Anna’s past makes it difficult for her to trust anyone other than herself, and she puts up a wall that is nearly impossible to overcome.

It All Comes Back To You plays on our emotions at every turn. There’s sympathy for Anna’s unfortunate circumstances, fear that her delicately balanced survival will crash, anger at the people who have let her down, and relief at the restored faith in found family. There is also frustration at Anna’s version of absolutism that prevents her from becoming close to Gabe when it is clearly something that they both want over time. Their story spans about fifteen years, so it is a slow and patient development. The ending brings together sadness and joy, but more joy than sadness. It’s worth the wait.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

Author Melissa Wiesner has a way of writing a story that just pulls you in and won’t let you go. And, this is certainly the case with It All Comes Back to You. I can’t recommend this book enough. Perfect summer, beach reading! But, be ready to shed some tears along the way. With that said, I stayed up ALL NIGHT just to finish reading this book. It is that good!
It All Comes Back to You has so much going on within the story.,
Second chances
Learning to accept what life gives you
Reaching for your dreams no matter what
Showing bravery through adversities given you
Accepting help from others even though its not easy to do
A beautiful heartwarming and emotional read.
(The book cover caught my eye immediately….just beautiful)
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and author, Melissa Wiesner, for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

This book is the epitome of being "impossible to set aside." An absolutely captivating read! The intricate characters, the concept of a chosen family, the journey from friends to lovers, and the gradual development of romance – all come together seamlessly. The stunning cover art initially caught my attention, and I completely agree with another reviewer who mentioned being drawn to it solely based on the cover. This book truly encompasses a myriad of elements. It's a poignant and unfiltered portrayal that moved me deeply. Even though I don't often find myself shedding tears, I found myself becoming emotional multiple times throughout. While there were moments of frustration with Anna, her choices were illuminated by understanding, adding a layer of emotional investment rather than diminishing the book's impact. I yearn to be a part of the Weatherall family; their dynamic is truly something special. It's worth noting that I received this copy from Bookouture and NetGalley as a gift, with no obligation to provide a review.

Once I started this book I couldn't put it down! I feel in love with the story and had to know how it would end!

This was my first from this author but definitely checking out more of her books!

I could see this being a movie!

What a captivating book! The characters were very likable and the storyline really pulled me in. There are multiple triggers in this book (addiction, domestic violence, teen living in poverty/unsafe conditions) but it’s told in a way that most readers would be able to read this book and enjoy it - even if they do struggle with some of these topics. I don’t feel this is written in a way that would be (re)traumatizing, because although subjects are mentioned, they are not overdone with the details. I loved that it was told through two points of view in a friends to lovers relationship. Although it is a very slow burn, there is a romantic theme - this is definitely not a smutty book. Fans of Colleen Hoover don’t skip out on this one! I definitely will look into more books by this author.

I was given an electronic copy of this book by Bookouture and NetGalley, but was under no obligation to post a review. I would however like to thank them for this opportunity. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

We all have differing opinions about ‘the best book ever’ - for me, it’s this one. It’ll definitely be the book of the year for me; I’ve been thinking of the characters since finishing it two weeks ago! I was numb upon finishing. I had tears streaming down my face. I. Couldn’t. Do. Anything. Nothing. For ages. I stared into space…entranced. Affected.

Such a powerful book.

Not only does it have beautiful, captivating and figurative language, but it also has UNFORGETTABLE characters and arcs.

What I loved:
✔️a slow-burn romance
✔️friends to lovers trope
✔️gripping plot
✔️captivating, authentic characters
✔️characters coming to terms with their feelings
✔️forced proximity (Weatherall home)
✔️believable relationship progression
✔️low heat romance
✔️message about the fear of losing control
✔️message about learning to share/hand over burdens
✔️message about letting people ‘in’ and trusting
✔️message about finding a way to make your dream a reality

The author poured her heart into this book for SEVEN years. It shows.

Pre-order/buy it NOW.

You won’t be disappointed.

If you’ve been following me, you know I don’t read many romance books. THIS, though. THIS was AMAZING.

Congratulations on a phenomenal book with a great title and great cover!

I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I loved this book. I don't really like the best friends to lovers trope but this was actually good.

One part I didn't like about the book was when Anna and Gabe were having their differences and instead of talking it out, they first had sex and then Gabe told her that they needed to communicate. Bruh really?

Everything else was okay. Well done to the author.