I really really REALLY hope this book gets added to netgalley because I want to read it so much. Marie Meyer's other book Across the Distance is definitely one of my top 10 books for the year so far. ( )

I was provided a copy for review through New Adult Book Club.

Griffin has always had Jillian by his side as his best friend and her leaving for college means things can't be any different, even though the feelings between them are more than just friends. He's determined to throw himself into his band's music and into spending time with his girlfriend, Erin. However, his mind keeps wandering and Griffin may just have to face the music, that he loves Jillian as more than a friend.

There's music, a hot tattooed guy, a best friend, and family, how could I say no? What I missed was that this is another book of Marie Meyer's, "Across the Distance," told from the male perspective of Griffin. If I had known this I might have made sure to read the other first, while it is a standalone I think it lacked information the female perspective would have given. I liked Griffin right away and really felt for him and how he felt he couldn't have Jillian due to their friendship. The push and pull between them has a lot of chemistry that's easy to connect with as the reader. While I didn't like him with Erin, I took more from it than I expected, because it showed how hard Griffin was working to be just a friend to Jillian and dating others. His growth within the band was also interesting and easily could have been explored more by the author. I liked his friendships and family dynamic as well.

Unfortunately, I feel like there was a lot of context missing, particularly related to Jillian, 9/11, and how much Griffin played a part in Jillians life. While we know they are best friends with feelings, not enough history is given to see them together. I didn't feel like they were best friends, especially with how easily both disconnected from one another when apart. I really liked reading from a male perspective, but kind of wish the books had been combined to give you the story from dual POV's.

I enjoyed Can't Go Back by Marie Meyer, the general story is interesting and keeps your attention, I love the friends to lovers story line, unfortunately the filler parts of the story and history between the two was lackluster for me. ( )

This book was just as good as the first that I finished it in a few hours. It gave Griffins POV on all the major things that happened in the first book but also added more to the story so you didn't get bored reading the same story. I love reading these "feel good books"! I am looking forward to reading more from this author. ( )