“I could suffer through anything if you were my reward.”
Holy WOW — this book was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G !!!!
Coming Home was a captivating, beautifully written and deeply heartfelt romance that left me with the powerful message that love is stronger than anything. This is the kind of story that grabs a hold of your heart and doesn’t let go. It was a joy to read and I loved every single word — from the first page to the very last.
I honestly can’t even describe how full my heart felt while I was reading this. Throughout the whole story, there was this quiet intensity that kept me breathless, brimming with emotion, and completely connected.
I think it’s a sign of the author’s talent when, at the very beginning of the story — before knowing anything about the characters, or their story, or their personalities, etc — you can genuinely feel that complete connection to them and that was what happened here from the moment I started reading this book.
The story follows Leah who, on a nostalgic visit back to the house she grew up in, meets Danny, a gorgeous and mysterious mechanic. A bad relationship in her past had broken her trust making her prefer to stay away from relationships rather than put her heart out on the line again. Danny was the first guy in two years who made her feel like it was worth the risk, but he was hiding a huge secret …
Ok, even I’ll admit that what I just said there *points above* is probably THE most vague book description I’ve ever given. But there’s a reason. Honestly, this book was perfect to me. I don’t have any complaints at all to make. But I do feel strongly that one of the things that makes reading this book so special is not knowing too much about it going in. Usually, I’m one of those people who kinda likes to know but in this case, I would honestly say that the less you know in advance, the more you’ll enjoy it. Just trust me, okay? 🙂
I could not stop smiling as I was reading. Danny and Leah just the kind of connection that I felt every step of the way. I fell in love as they fell in love and could just see every scene playing out in front of my eyes like a movie.
The pacing was perfect for this story. It was slow building, but in a way that gave you the time to genuinely believe the development of the relationship. They had an instant connection but the love that grew between them was built — moment by moment, scene after scene — and I absolutely loved the way it was portrayed.
Danny was the kind of hero who you can’t help but fall for. I think the best way to describe him was a good guy with streak of bad boy. This man was kind, caring, loyal, sweet, charming, a touch cocky, and very protective of those he loved. He melted my heart from the moment I met him and had me going crazy trying to figure out what his big secret was!!!
“I was kind of hoping I’d hate you. It would have been so much easier if you were a bitch, or an idiot, or someone who annoyed the shit out of it…But of course you weren’t any of those things… You were smart, and sweet… and fucking beautiful… I figured we could just be friends, you know? No harm in that, right?… But every time I talk to you, I like you more and more, and every time I see you, it’s so fucking hard, Leah.”
Leah was such a lovely heroine. Described by Danny as “the perfect mixture of snarky and sweet, confident and shy”, she’d had her trust broken and so giving it to someone new was a huge step for her, especially to someone who was hiding something from her. But the way she handled everything in the story made me respect her, over and over again.
“I can take care of myself.”
“I know you can. You’re one of the strongest people I know, and I really hate that life keeps making you have to prove it.”
One of the things that I loved most in this story was that there was absolutely no ‘drama for drama’s sake’ and the entire story was driven forward by the natural pull of the story. And I especially loved that the beginning of the book took the time to fully connect me with the characters before revealing the secret that would put everything to the test.
I loved watching Danny and Leah slowly open up to each other, and learn to trust each other. It was beautiful, very believable romance – the kind I could see happening in real life.
“What’s a talent you have that not a lot of people know about?”
Danny chuckled suggestively, a low rumbling sound, and Leah felt a surge of heat run through her veins. She kicked her covers off as he said, “Hmm, I’m gonna keep it PG for now and go with that I can sing.”
The writing was absolutely beautiful. It flowed effortlessly and conveyed each emotion so strongly. It was one gorgeous, heartfelt moment after another. Some scenes made me laugh out loud and smile for pages on end, and others had me sitting there with silent tears pouring down my face. I felt everything!!! It was romantic, heart wrenching, uplifting, and just SUCH a beautiful reading experience.
Oh — and the TWIST!!! What a unique idea!! I actually have to say that I’ve never read this particular twist before. It took me by surprise and spun the story in a fantastic direction that had my heart in knots wondering how it could ever get sorted out. My heart was in my throat, pounding. I was overflowing with emotion. I just needed everything to be ok. The best way I can describe it would be ‘deliciously heart wrenching.’
“When you love someone, you don’t bail when it gets hard. That’s when you stay the most.”
I’d say one of the things that struck me the most with this book was that this was genuinely a story I’d never read before. It’s not ‘like’ any other one I’ve read. It was such a treat to be able to read something like that.
There’s a lot more that I want to say but won’t because I really don’t want to give anything about the plot away but I’ll just say that I was really impressed with the way the author wrote a certain part of the ending. The way she conveyed the inner struggle that the character was going through and they way she got us right into their mind was very powerful and compelling.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough. It had amazing dialogue, wonderful character dynamics, a completely original plotline, absolutely beautiful love scenes, and a deeply heartfelt, sexy, and believable romance that filled my heart with every possible emotion.
“I need you,” he said hoarsely. “I need you, Leah.”
“I’m yours,” she promised. “Always.”
Rating: 5 STARS!!! Highly recommended!!
This is a standalone contemporary romance.
Stacy (StacyHgg) says
Ugh… Like I need my TBR any longer Aesta!!! I’ve been hearing great things about this one so I’m going to have to give it a front of the line pass 😉
Great Review!
Aestas Cross says
Thank you!! It’s a wonderful book. I already know it’ll end up on my Best of 2014 list 🙂
JENNY says
I am in love with your blog. You do a wonderful job and are always spot on with your reviews. But I was wondering if you could include the POV the book is wrote in. I personally love reading a book in 1st person. I feel like I am apart of the story but I hate 3rd. Just a thought. Thanks and keep up the amazing work!
Aestas Cross says
Thank you so much!! I will keep that in mind 🙂
Happy reading!