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Home for Always
He will sacrifice everything he's gained ... if it means he can win her back.
I never thought I'd see the boy who broke my heart again, especially the day after I poured hot coffeeover his cocky grin and threw him in the trash.
I wish I'd scalded his actual face. Sadly, it was just his picture in a tabloid magazine.
Notorious bachelor Stone Williams shouldn't even qualify as an after-thought. Until he bursts into the childhood home he left behind-where I'm currently staying.
A decade is a long time to be away from someone you once thought you knew better than you knew yourself. I've given up my dreams to stay in our small town as a nurse, while he didn't just surpass his dreams-he exploded them into the atmosphere like fireworks.
Stone makes it clear he hasn't returned to rekindle our relationship and I couldn't agree more. He's here for his mother, a woman I care for, and she doesn't have much time before her illness takes over.
When her dying wish is for Stone and me to live together and help her in her final days, I can't say no. I could have fought harder against her demands that Stone and I both stay in the same house to help her in her final days. And I definitely could have argued against sharing a bedroom.
But when our grudges turn into explosive lust, we begin losing sight of why we hate each other.
I've rewritten my dreams once to remove Stone Williams. He can't expect me to rewrite them again.
... until an unexpected tragedy forces us to rewrite our reality.
Home for Always is a steamy, angst-filled emotional romance with a happy ending and is a complete standalone.
I never thought I'd see the boy who broke my heart again, especially the day after I poured hot coffeeover his cocky grin and threw him in the trash.
I wish I'd scalded his actual face. Sadly, it was just his picture in a tabloid magazine.
Notorious bachelor Stone Williams shouldn't even qualify as an after-thought. Until he bursts into the childhood home he left behind-where I'm currently staying.
A decade is a long time to be away from someone you once thought you knew better than you knew yourself. I've given up my dreams to stay in our small town as a nurse, while he didn't just surpass his dreams-he exploded them into the atmosphere like fireworks.
Stone makes it clear he hasn't returned to rekindle our relationship and I couldn't agree more. He's here for his mother, a woman I care for, and she doesn't have much time before her illness takes over.
When her dying wish is for Stone and me to live together and help her in her final days, I can't say no. I could have fought harder against her demands that Stone and I both stay in the same house to help her in her final days. And I definitely could have argued against sharing a bedroom.
But when our grudges turn into explosive lust, we begin losing sight of why we hate each other.
I've rewritten my dreams once to remove Stone Williams. He can't expect me to rewrite them again.
... until an unexpected tragedy forces us to rewrite our reality.
Home for Always is a steamy, angst-filled emotional romance with a happy ending and is a complete standalone.
344 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2023
672 people are currently reading
1169 people want to read
About the author
Ketley Allison
88 books885 followersAuthor of Romantic Suspense, New Adult, and mature YA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
December 13, 2022
*Look up trigger warning: cancer, mention of miscarriage.
First off, I just wanted to express my thanks and appreciation to Ketley for sending me an ARC of, “Home For Always”. This book definitely delivered on the Holiday romance, but also packed a punch with the heartfelt romance, little bit of angst, second chance romance, small town, and of course Noa and Stone’s rekindling of their romance.
Living in the small town of Falcon Haven, Noa had always lived there, grew up there, and once upon a time long ago was in love with Stone Williams. Fast forward to the present where the story takes place, and Noa is a nurse and very much single as it turns out that she and Stone aren’t together… they haven’t been together for a long time since he broke up with her many years ago. Now, Noa can’t stand Stone and is just glad he no longer lives in the same town as her. Meanwhile, Stone is off living the high and glamorous life of being an actor and partying the nights away until one night things get out of hand, the tabloids are running the story, and at Stone’s agent’s behest (more like insistence) he go back to Falcon Haven to lie low or else there won’t be a career in Hollywood anymore.
With Noa and Stone being back in the same place, it caused some friction between them, and Noa wasn’t all too happy to see Stone again. I liked that despite the initial shock and surprise at seeing each other after so many years that Stone couldn’t help, but remember things about her like, Stone remembering the way Noa looked, missed her cooking, his alpha male tendencies coming out more with Noa. Say what you will, but I believe that Stone was low key happy to see Noa after all the past years. In a way, kind of reminded me of those moments you see in Christmas movies where one of the main characters comes back to their small town and of course they accidentally stumble into their past love a.k.a. Stone and Noa.
At the center of the story, it was about reconnecting and having a second chance at love such as, Noa and Stone being back in Falcon Haven. With Noa taking care of Stone’s mom, Noa and Stone were in constant contact, forced proximity since Noa was staying in the guest room. Although Noa and Stone had their initial conversations resulting in some arguments, there were also other moments that were sweet. From Stone going to the cooking classes with Noa because, he knew how much learning to cook by a professional chef meant a lot to her, he wanted to make her happy in any way possible. Underneath all the possessive, alpha male ways that Stone had when it came to Noa, he truly just wanted to make life easier on her as well as be able to make her smile or hear her laughter like when they were teenagers.
This story had a little bit of everything from romance, spice, holidays, family, forced proximity, he’s a celebrity, and of course some sad, heartbreaking moments. With Stone being back in town, Noa was filled with remembering parts of their past that truly felt like heartbreak all over again, especially when talking about the miscarriage she had many years ago. Both Stone and Noa needed to communicate and figure out what truly happened between them. Poor Noa, with all that she experienced with the miscarriage, she also revealed to Stone the truth behind her mother, and how that played a role in why Noa didn’t go to LA with Stone. With Noa’s mom also having Cancer, Noa stayed behind to care for her mother, and eventually she passed away. The truth behind why Noa stayed in Falcon Haven highlighted such a key detail in why Noa became a nurse and why she didn’t follow Stone to LA. The part of the story when Noa and Stone talk about the miscarriage, Noa’s mom, and essentially how they each felt during that time in their lives was heartbreaking, sad, and my heart broke seeing the devastation on Noa’s expression as she recounted the whole truth to Stone. So fair warning, while this may have some lighthearted moments, there were equally sad and angst in the story as well.
GIRLLLLLLLLLL! OMG! I may have seen a TikTok that Ketley posted about a specific scene in this book, and let me just say when I got to that scene when Noa gives Stone a… magical good morning, I WAS LIKE, “YASS GIRL GET YOUR MORNING DELIGHT!” The spice in this book was great! Stone was every bit of a possessive alpha male in the bedroom as he was outside of it. Not to mention, the way Stone was so dominant and Noa loved being told what to do by Stone, OMG! So Hot! I genuinely could feel the steamy chemistry flowing between Noa and Stone. Despite the many years apart from each other, it was like rediscovering each other’s body’s, their pleasures, and remembering what they loved. Initially it was just all lust and desires, but beneath that was the true emotional pull that Stone and Noa always had for each other. All the said, I feel like you’ll all enjoy the spice and all the fun, sexy stuff that Noa and Stone got up to in this story.
This story was so heartfelt, lovely, a bit sad, emotional, and oh so wonderful! I loved Noa and Stone together, their chemistry was fantastic! There was a little bit of everything that I loved and adored from the small town of Falcon Haven, second chance romance, Stone being a possessive/ dominant alpha male yet couldn’t help being protective over his lady love. Noa was sweet and endearing yet had a spark of fire in her that meant she wouldn’t back down. Stone and Noa had their share of tragedy which was unfortunate, but being back together in Falcon Haven was a great way to bring them back together. Judy, Stone’s mom was loveable and I adored how much of a spitfire she was despite being very ill. The community within Falcon Haven were also kind and funny. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and with everything that occurred in this story it was perfect. The ending and epilogue were absolutely perfect and a great way to mark Noa and Stone’s happily ever after. I would recommend this book, and now I’m curious to read more of Ketley’s books. Once again, thank you Ketley for kindly sending me a ARC, I had fun reading your book.
First off, I just wanted to express my thanks and appreciation to Ketley for sending me an ARC of, “Home For Always”. This book definitely delivered on the Holiday romance, but also packed a punch with the heartfelt romance, little bit of angst, second chance romance, small town, and of course Noa and Stone’s rekindling of their romance.
Living in the small town of Falcon Haven, Noa had always lived there, grew up there, and once upon a time long ago was in love with Stone Williams. Fast forward to the present where the story takes place, and Noa is a nurse and very much single as it turns out that she and Stone aren’t together… they haven’t been together for a long time since he broke up with her many years ago. Now, Noa can’t stand Stone and is just glad he no longer lives in the same town as her. Meanwhile, Stone is off living the high and glamorous life of being an actor and partying the nights away until one night things get out of hand, the tabloids are running the story, and at Stone’s agent’s behest (more like insistence) he go back to Falcon Haven to lie low or else there won’t be a career in Hollywood anymore.
With Noa and Stone being back in the same place, it caused some friction between them, and Noa wasn’t all too happy to see Stone again. I liked that despite the initial shock and surprise at seeing each other after so many years that Stone couldn’t help, but remember things about her like, Stone remembering the way Noa looked, missed her cooking, his alpha male tendencies coming out more with Noa. Say what you will, but I believe that Stone was low key happy to see Noa after all the past years. In a way, kind of reminded me of those moments you see in Christmas movies where one of the main characters comes back to their small town and of course they accidentally stumble into their past love a.k.a. Stone and Noa.
At the center of the story, it was about reconnecting and having a second chance at love such as, Noa and Stone being back in Falcon Haven. With Noa taking care of Stone’s mom, Noa and Stone were in constant contact, forced proximity since Noa was staying in the guest room. Although Noa and Stone had their initial conversations resulting in some arguments, there were also other moments that were sweet. From Stone going to the cooking classes with Noa because, he knew how much learning to cook by a professional chef meant a lot to her, he wanted to make her happy in any way possible. Underneath all the possessive, alpha male ways that Stone had when it came to Noa, he truly just wanted to make life easier on her as well as be able to make her smile or hear her laughter like when they were teenagers.
This story had a little bit of everything from romance, spice, holidays, family, forced proximity, he’s a celebrity, and of course some sad, heartbreaking moments. With Stone being back in town, Noa was filled with remembering parts of their past that truly felt like heartbreak all over again, especially when talking about the miscarriage she had many years ago. Both Stone and Noa needed to communicate and figure out what truly happened between them. Poor Noa, with all that she experienced with the miscarriage, she also revealed to Stone the truth behind her mother, and how that played a role in why Noa didn’t go to LA with Stone. With Noa’s mom also having Cancer, Noa stayed behind to care for her mother, and eventually she passed away. The truth behind why Noa stayed in Falcon Haven highlighted such a key detail in why Noa became a nurse and why she didn’t follow Stone to LA. The part of the story when Noa and Stone talk about the miscarriage, Noa’s mom, and essentially how they each felt during that time in their lives was heartbreaking, sad, and my heart broke seeing the devastation on Noa’s expression as she recounted the whole truth to Stone. So fair warning, while this may have some lighthearted moments, there were equally sad and angst in the story as well.
GIRLLLLLLLLLL! OMG! I may have seen a TikTok that Ketley posted about a specific scene in this book, and let me just say when I got to that scene when Noa gives Stone a… magical good morning, I WAS LIKE, “YASS GIRL GET YOUR MORNING DELIGHT!” The spice in this book was great! Stone was every bit of a possessive alpha male in the bedroom as he was outside of it. Not to mention, the way Stone was so dominant and Noa loved being told what to do by Stone, OMG! So Hot! I genuinely could feel the steamy chemistry flowing between Noa and Stone. Despite the many years apart from each other, it was like rediscovering each other’s body’s, their pleasures, and remembering what they loved. Initially it was just all lust and desires, but beneath that was the true emotional pull that Stone and Noa always had for each other. All the said, I feel like you’ll all enjoy the spice and all the fun, sexy stuff that Noa and Stone got up to in this story.
This story was so heartfelt, lovely, a bit sad, emotional, and oh so wonderful! I loved Noa and Stone together, their chemistry was fantastic! There was a little bit of everything that I loved and adored from the small town of Falcon Haven, second chance romance, Stone being a possessive/ dominant alpha male yet couldn’t help being protective over his lady love. Noa was sweet and endearing yet had a spark of fire in her that meant she wouldn’t back down. Stone and Noa had their share of tragedy which was unfortunate, but being back together in Falcon Haven was a great way to bring them back together. Judy, Stone’s mom was loveable and I adored how much of a spitfire she was despite being very ill. The community within Falcon Haven were also kind and funny. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and with everything that occurred in this story it was perfect. The ending and epilogue were absolutely perfect and a great way to mark Noa and Stone’s happily ever after. I would recommend this book, and now I’m curious to read more of Ketley’s books. Once again, thank you Ketley for kindly sending me a ARC, I had fun reading your book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2023
⭐⭐⭐🌙 3.5 stars
"Stone is the most addictive drug I've ever come across."
Stone Williams has reached success in Hollywood but now the gorgeous movie star is back in his hometown of Falcon Haven, the one he left ten years earlier, now trying to find redemption and restore his reputation following an incident in LA. What he doesn't expect is the irresistible force pulling him to his first love, Noa-Lynn Shaw, the girl that got away when he left to pursue his dreams while she remained behind and gave up on her own. And to further complicate things, Stone learns of his mother's terminal cancer and discovers just how far her illness has progressed.
Noa and Stone are different people now, essentially strangers, but sharing a history of pain and loss and regrets. There's a lot of unresolved feelings underneath the surface with both Stone and Noa affected by each other more than they want to admit. Is this their second chance? Can they help each other get through their pain and fix what's broken between them? Or is the past simply too much to overcome?
I loved Stone and I felt his emotions deeply. He was sexy and brash, full of star power, but he adored Noa beyond words. Intense and buried with emotions, filled with grief, guilt and self-blame as he came to terms with his mother's condition, he broke my heart in so many ways through his anger and distress. He was ashamed of his past, thinking he was unworthy and undeserving of Noa, and that often led to reckless behavior.
"I'm not sure I can be that kind of light for him."
I didn't like Noa initially as she seemed immature in her stubbornness and so unsure of herself. She had experienced epic loss but I found her character weak ten years later, almost as if she was feeling sorry for herself instead of trying to move on, sacrificing her life and happiness for everyone else's. I was glad to see her finally take charge of her future but it was a long time coming.
"She's stained glass up close, fragile and painstakingly put together, and all I can think about is shattering her in the best of ways."
The writing was filled with beautiful metaphors, but overly so, and it took something away from my enjoyment of this book. The story moved slowly for me at least through the first half or so but a number of twists increased my anticipation of more layers to uncover as the angst began to build. I loved watching Stone and the evolution in his character as he became the man I wanted him to be. The steamy scenes reflected everything Stone and Noa were unable to express with words. I loved how Stone was dominant in the bedroom at times, a way to take control but never pushing things too far.
This story was filled with heavy emotions, trigger alerts for cancer, miscarriage and death of a loved one, but it was worth the journey to get to the HEA as Stone and Noa found home in each other. Ultimately, this was a story filled with hope and healing, a way to move forward from the past. It was a look at the choices and decisions we make to chase dreams or find love or perhaps it was more about the revelation that we don't actually have to choose at all.
"We made something together, she and I, and that glow, that gorgeous shot of lightning, will never be forgotten."
** Special thanks to author Ketley Allison for gifting me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available January 6, 2023. **
"Stone is the most addictive drug I've ever come across."
Stone Williams has reached success in Hollywood but now the gorgeous movie star is back in his hometown of Falcon Haven, the one he left ten years earlier, now trying to find redemption and restore his reputation following an incident in LA. What he doesn't expect is the irresistible force pulling him to his first love, Noa-Lynn Shaw, the girl that got away when he left to pursue his dreams while she remained behind and gave up on her own. And to further complicate things, Stone learns of his mother's terminal cancer and discovers just how far her illness has progressed.
Noa and Stone are different people now, essentially strangers, but sharing a history of pain and loss and regrets. There's a lot of unresolved feelings underneath the surface with both Stone and Noa affected by each other more than they want to admit. Is this their second chance? Can they help each other get through their pain and fix what's broken between them? Or is the past simply too much to overcome?
I loved Stone and I felt his emotions deeply. He was sexy and brash, full of star power, but he adored Noa beyond words. Intense and buried with emotions, filled with grief, guilt and self-blame as he came to terms with his mother's condition, he broke my heart in so many ways through his anger and distress. He was ashamed of his past, thinking he was unworthy and undeserving of Noa, and that often led to reckless behavior.
"I'm not sure I can be that kind of light for him."
I didn't like Noa initially as she seemed immature in her stubbornness and so unsure of herself. She had experienced epic loss but I found her character weak ten years later, almost as if she was feeling sorry for herself instead of trying to move on, sacrificing her life and happiness for everyone else's. I was glad to see her finally take charge of her future but it was a long time coming.
"She's stained glass up close, fragile and painstakingly put together, and all I can think about is shattering her in the best of ways."
The writing was filled with beautiful metaphors, but overly so, and it took something away from my enjoyment of this book. The story moved slowly for me at least through the first half or so but a number of twists increased my anticipation of more layers to uncover as the angst began to build. I loved watching Stone and the evolution in his character as he became the man I wanted him to be. The steamy scenes reflected everything Stone and Noa were unable to express with words. I loved how Stone was dominant in the bedroom at times, a way to take control but never pushing things too far.
This story was filled with heavy emotions, trigger alerts for cancer, miscarriage and death of a loved one, but it was worth the journey to get to the HEA as Stone and Noa found home in each other. Ultimately, this was a story filled with hope and healing, a way to move forward from the past. It was a look at the choices and decisions we make to chase dreams or find love or perhaps it was more about the revelation that we don't actually have to choose at all.
"We made something together, she and I, and that glow, that gorgeous shot of lightning, will never be forgotten."
** Special thanks to author Ketley Allison for gifting me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available January 6, 2023. **
January 11, 2023
This book was frustrating. Stone was quite frankly a wanka who acted like an entitled prick for most of the book. Noa was weak. Honestly what woman with a pinch of self respect would accept being treated so poorly.
I don't understand how authors who write romance continue to give us doormat h's. Do they ever ask themselves if they would accept the treatment of the H's if it was from their partner.
A good romance does not involve a h who will roll over and take all the H's shit cause you make my body tingle. Bloody hell! Most women are not that fickle or desperate and it's about time some authors realised this.
As for all the high stars, well they are of course from ARC readers. I never trust a review from an ARC, they are mostly just suck up to the author reviews.
I love a second chance romance but this one is a big dud.
I don't understand how authors who write romance continue to give us doormat h's. Do they ever ask themselves if they would accept the treatment of the H's if it was from their partner.
A good romance does not involve a h who will roll over and take all the H's shit cause you make my body tingle. Bloody hell! Most women are not that fickle or desperate and it's about time some authors realised this.
As for all the high stars, well they are of course from ARC readers. I never trust a review from an ARC, they are mostly just suck up to the author reviews.
I love a second chance romance but this one is a big dud.
December 16, 2022
4/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 🌶
Tropes:
• Second chance
• Small town romance
• Forced proximity
• Groveling
***I received an ARC of Home For Always in exchange for an honest review***
I was not expecting this level of emotional damage from a holiday romance, but here we are.
After a devastating break up, Noa and Stone live separate lives over the course of 10 years. Noa is living in their small town as a registered nurse providing at home care for her high school sweetheart’s mother, unbeknownst to him. Stone is a big time actor with more than his fair share of bad publicity. Due to his recent unrefined behavior with another male co-star, Stone’s agent advises him to go back to his hometown until the dust settles back in Hollywood. Begrudgingly, Stone complies, but is unprepared for the shattering truth, regarding his ailing mother, waiting for him at home.
I enjoyed the forced proximity element to the story. Mainly because Stone’s mother was trying to reconcile their relationship, or at least their friendship, by any means necessary. We love a plotting queen!
I don’t think I’ve ever read a small town romance before, or at least I don’t recall having ever read one, but it wasn’t what I was expecting it to be. In a good way, of course. For some reason, I think that small town love stories read as cringy Hallmark romances (no offense to small town romance lovers!), but that was not the case with this book at all. There was real tension, earth shattering revelations, and an all consuming love story.
I do have to admit, I think something that would’ve enhanced the story for me is a past and present timeline. A ten year gap between the main character’s breakup is a really long time so, of course their encounters are going to be guarded and even hostile at times. I just wish I could have experienced Noa and Stone as a couple leading up to the life changing decisions they had to make that ultimately cased them to go and live their lives separately. I think that little bit of extra plot would’ve made me more attached to the characters.
Regardless, it was still a wonderful read. Having some spicy scenes sprinkled in there was a nice treat as well, considering all the tears I shed. I have found yet another author whose other work I can’t wait to dive into.
3.5/5 🌶
Tropes:
• Second chance
• Small town romance
• Forced proximity
• Groveling
***I received an ARC of Home For Always in exchange for an honest review***
I was not expecting this level of emotional damage from a holiday romance, but here we are.
After a devastating break up, Noa and Stone live separate lives over the course of 10 years. Noa is living in their small town as a registered nurse providing at home care for her high school sweetheart’s mother, unbeknownst to him. Stone is a big time actor with more than his fair share of bad publicity. Due to his recent unrefined behavior with another male co-star, Stone’s agent advises him to go back to his hometown until the dust settles back in Hollywood. Begrudgingly, Stone complies, but is unprepared for the shattering truth, regarding his ailing mother, waiting for him at home.
I enjoyed the forced proximity element to the story. Mainly because Stone’s mother was trying to reconcile their relationship, or at least their friendship, by any means necessary. We love a plotting queen!
I don’t think I’ve ever read a small town romance before, or at least I don’t recall having ever read one, but it wasn’t what I was expecting it to be. In a good way, of course. For some reason, I think that small town love stories read as cringy Hallmark romances (no offense to small town romance lovers!), but that was not the case with this book at all. There was real tension, earth shattering revelations, and an all consuming love story.
I do have to admit, I think something that would’ve enhanced the story for me is a past and present timeline. A ten year gap between the main character’s breakup is a really long time so, of course their encounters are going to be guarded and even hostile at times. I just wish I could have experienced Noa and Stone as a couple leading up to the life changing decisions they had to make that ultimately cased them to go and live their lives separately. I think that little bit of extra plot would’ve made me more attached to the characters.
Regardless, it was still a wonderful read. Having some spicy scenes sprinkled in there was a nice treat as well, considering all the tears I shed. I have found yet another author whose other work I can’t wait to dive into.
not-my-kind-of-romance
December 29, 2022So according to reviews, this is yet another second chance romance with a celibate heroine while the hero is not 🙄
Not my kind of romance.
Not my kind of romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2022
A huge thank you to the Ketley for an ARC!
The way I adored this adorable and heartbreaking (yes, grab the tissues) book – literally ate it up. I mean a second chance, small town, childhood exes to lovers romance??? Sold. Absolutely.
Also, honorable mention goes to Judy Stalinski, who literally carried the entire plot and characters throughout the book ;)
The way I adored this adorable and heartbreaking (yes, grab the tissues) book – literally ate it up. I mean a second chance, small town, childhood exes to lovers romance??? Sold. Absolutely.
Also, honorable mention goes to Judy Stalinski, who literally carried the entire plot and characters throughout the book ;)
December 15, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from the author. Thank you Ketley ❤️
These are the tropes:
-second chance romance
-famous mmc
-small town
-forced proximity
The story starts when Stone, a famous Hollywood actor, needs to return to his hometown after some bad press he has received. Only to find out his mother is sick. Who is his mothers nurse you may ask? Noa, his school sweetheart that he left behind when moving to Hollywood.
I absolutely loved the story progression. It was such a well developed plot that pulls strong emotions out of the reader. I am an absolute lover is second chance romance tropes but a lot of the time the reason the main characters broke it off is something silly. When we learn the reason Stone and Noa are no longer together it makes sense and it’s heart breaking. I cried!!
I loved Noa as a main character. She’s selfless, caring, warm, and feisty. But through all that she is one of the most determined women when it comes to pursuing her dreams.
Stone has a great character arch. When he first moves back to his hometown he is arrogant. By the end of the book he’s taken in some of Noa’s traits- caring, warm, and considerate.
The side characters are so lovable as well! Chef Saint can yell at me all he wants. Judy can boss me around. I would happily help out Rome on the farm.
Stone and Noa as a pair are so cute. The TENSION and buildup of their relationship was sooo worth it. And the sexy scenes 🥵 (the kitchen scene especially).
This was an great 4 stars read and if you’re looking for something emotional with any of the tropes listed above then look no further!!
These are the tropes:
-second chance romance
-famous mmc
-small town
-forced proximity
The story starts when Stone, a famous Hollywood actor, needs to return to his hometown after some bad press he has received. Only to find out his mother is sick. Who is his mothers nurse you may ask? Noa, his school sweetheart that he left behind when moving to Hollywood.
I absolutely loved the story progression. It was such a well developed plot that pulls strong emotions out of the reader. I am an absolute lover is second chance romance tropes but a lot of the time the reason the main characters broke it off is something silly. When we learn the reason Stone and Noa are no longer together it makes sense and it’s heart breaking. I cried!!
I loved Noa as a main character. She’s selfless, caring, warm, and feisty. But through all that she is one of the most determined women when it comes to pursuing her dreams.
Stone has a great character arch. When he first moves back to his hometown he is arrogant. By the end of the book he’s taken in some of Noa’s traits- caring, warm, and considerate.
The side characters are so lovable as well! Chef Saint can yell at me all he wants. Judy can boss me around. I would happily help out Rome on the farm.
Stone and Noa as a pair are so cute. The TENSION and buildup of their relationship was sooo worth it. And the sexy scenes 🥵 (the kitchen scene especially).
This was an great 4 stars read and if you’re looking for something emotional with any of the tropes listed above then look no further!!
January 6, 2023
I have read some books of this author and I liked them. But this is my favorite book of her. I just love the second chance romance and that bit o misunderstanding you could say. I liked that the book have some sad parts that made all of sad fell so sorry for the main characters.
I gave it 4 stars because I really enjoyed it. I read it so fast because I couldn’t wait to know more.
I gave it 4 stars because I really enjoyed it. I read it so fast because I couldn’t wait to know more.
January 16, 2023
DNF @37%
Story was not holding my attention.
Story was not holding my attention.
December 18, 2022
4.5 ⭐️ So beautifully written! Everything between Noa and Stone was just the right person wrong time. So much hurt and conflict happened between these two. But watching them grow after a decade apart was heartwarming and emotional all at the same time. So honored to have received this ARC and can honestly say I’m absolutely in love with this story.
nope-nope-nope
December 28, 2022Celibate heroine 🙄
November 29, 2025
This asshole never even thought about her in over the ten years they spent apart, he said she was a scar that he hid. She thought about him always cause she was heartbroken and still wanted him, he didn’t give her a single thought.
“It’s safe to assume she had all the time in the world to hate me. To wish me dead for the callous way I brushed her off when she told me she was pregnant, or for my utter silence when I learned she’d miscarried while getting my first real merger.”
“I texted you when I lost my mom,” I say. “I called you and got no answer. I told you I’d…” An audible crack sounds in my ears as my heart breaks open wider. “But that was a few years after you left. What about when I sent news about the miscarriage? I never heard from you then, either.” Stone shakes his head, disbelieving. “You didn’t talk to me for months. I wasn’t just going to pick up the phone when I saw your number. I was mad at you, Noa. Angry, so angry, because you’d left me on that platform without so much as a goodbye.”
She lost their daughter and he ignored her calls because he was angry? Despite anger, if you truly loved her, you would’ve answered the phone. Like how immature are you? Put aside your anger for what she did and be there for her, the baby was yours too. Did he not care about the baby and only cared about his career? He didn’t even say if he cared that they lost their daughter, not once! Asshole.
“She lost our baby, and I left her to deal with it alone. I never contacted her because I thought she hated me and wanted nothing more to do with me.” Obviously she didn’t hate you asshole or otherwise she wouldn’t have tried to contact you when she lost her daughter. Stupid.
Noa made excuses for him and his actions of why he didn’t call or check on her when she lost her daughter. She said he became emotionless and buried himself in work, married someone and surrounded himself by people who wanted his money. Stop making excuses for him. He did not want to be apart of his daughter’s life or otherwise he would’ve reached out before she lost her despite him believing Noa hated him, if he loved his daughter, he would’ve done differently. He didn’t reach out once in the five months she was pregnant and not even after. So disgusted. He didn’t even acknowledged if he loved the baby or not.
He was soooo mean to her towards the end. He said she was a debt that had to be paid. Like excuse you, how can you say that.
Overall, the mother, Carly, Rome and Saint were the best part of this story. The whole ex wife thing wasn’t really necessary at all cause like where was that even going? The never cleared up what the truth was of how Noas pregnancy ended. Stone and Noa were an awful couple. She was fine at the beginning but towards the middle she became a doormat. Stoke tried to redeem himself in the end by coming to Paris and giving her lines but I didn’t believe any of it.
“It’s safe to assume she had all the time in the world to hate me. To wish me dead for the callous way I brushed her off when she told me she was pregnant, or for my utter silence when I learned she’d miscarried while getting my first real merger.”
“I texted you when I lost my mom,” I say. “I called you and got no answer. I told you I’d…” An audible crack sounds in my ears as my heart breaks open wider. “But that was a few years after you left. What about when I sent news about the miscarriage? I never heard from you then, either.” Stone shakes his head, disbelieving. “You didn’t talk to me for months. I wasn’t just going to pick up the phone when I saw your number. I was mad at you, Noa. Angry, so angry, because you’d left me on that platform without so much as a goodbye.”
She lost their daughter and he ignored her calls because he was angry? Despite anger, if you truly loved her, you would’ve answered the phone. Like how immature are you? Put aside your anger for what she did and be there for her, the baby was yours too. Did he not care about the baby and only cared about his career? He didn’t even say if he cared that they lost their daughter, not once! Asshole.
“She lost our baby, and I left her to deal with it alone. I never contacted her because I thought she hated me and wanted nothing more to do with me.” Obviously she didn’t hate you asshole or otherwise she wouldn’t have tried to contact you when she lost her daughter. Stupid.
Noa made excuses for him and his actions of why he didn’t call or check on her when she lost her daughter. She said he became emotionless and buried himself in work, married someone and surrounded himself by people who wanted his money. Stop making excuses for him. He did not want to be apart of his daughter’s life or otherwise he would’ve reached out before she lost her despite him believing Noa hated him, if he loved his daughter, he would’ve done differently. He didn’t reach out once in the five months she was pregnant and not even after. So disgusted. He didn’t even acknowledged if he loved the baby or not.
He was soooo mean to her towards the end. He said she was a debt that had to be paid. Like excuse you, how can you say that.
Overall, the mother, Carly, Rome and Saint were the best part of this story. The whole ex wife thing wasn’t really necessary at all cause like where was that even going? The never cleared up what the truth was of how Noas pregnancy ended. Stone and Noa were an awful couple. She was fine at the beginning but towards the middle she became a doormat. Stoke tried to redeem himself in the end by coming to Paris and giving her lines but I didn’t believe any of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2023
I will be in minority but fuck this shit.
I'm so seak and tired to read same book over and over again from baiest sexist authors.
Why do you all feel the need to cover your female lead in "innocent and hard past " just to mask all their selfish hypocrite judgemental manipulative narcissistic behaviour?
Writhing a full book about how a guy choose what was best for him at that age, and going for it it's absolutely wrong in your opinion but the female lead doing just that or being all self absorbed is just normal?
She gived up on her dreams just to get the best victim card not for him.but just to manipulate him back to her. Im 120% that she got pregnant the first time same as she got pregnant the second time. That means, she used his love for her to get pregnant and manipulate him into what she wanted.
He give her the best solution for that time...as she will still would have had to put her dreams on hold while being pregnant but she couldn't have went with him because what? Her exact words were " I'm not giving up on my dreams for you" but he should have given up his dreams for her? She loved him soooo much that we had to read in every chapter about how her exs ( she even lost count.. but hey she's not a slut because that's slut shaming, but he is a manwhore and hurt her seeing him with other woman)? Make it make sense.
And using him again at his lowest whit sex and raoe at first thing in the morning? How supportive of her.
And domestic violence and verbal abuse is so important to be written when it comes from a woman.... sexist much? Acting all hur and heartbroken over someone at 18 but never loved any of any other man that went trow her? Only this one broke her heart because he didn't give up everything for her? Self absorbed entitled much?
What should we think about the others? Did she used them as sex toy or try to manipulate them as well but didn't worked? She was such a "sweetheart " but put him down at every giving opportunity for what? Double standards are not the female writers strongest point, is it? Trying to add more shit about him in there without any explanation for what? You almost made him a serial killer and then let it go because you didn't know were to go with that?
I'm so seak and tired to read same book over and over again from baiest sexist authors.
Why do you all feel the need to cover your female lead in "innocent and hard past " just to mask all their selfish hypocrite judgemental manipulative narcissistic behaviour?
Writhing a full book about how a guy choose what was best for him at that age, and going for it it's absolutely wrong in your opinion but the female lead doing just that or being all self absorbed is just normal?
She gived up on her dreams just to get the best victim card not for him.but just to manipulate him back to her. Im 120% that she got pregnant the first time same as she got pregnant the second time. That means, she used his love for her to get pregnant and manipulate him into what she wanted.
He give her the best solution for that time...as she will still would have had to put her dreams on hold while being pregnant but she couldn't have went with him because what? Her exact words were " I'm not giving up on my dreams for you" but he should have given up his dreams for her? She loved him soooo much that we had to read in every chapter about how her exs ( she even lost count.. but hey she's not a slut because that's slut shaming, but he is a manwhore and hurt her seeing him with other woman)? Make it make sense.
And using him again at his lowest whit sex and raoe at first thing in the morning? How supportive of her.
And domestic violence and verbal abuse is so important to be written when it comes from a woman.... sexist much? Acting all hur and heartbroken over someone at 18 but never loved any of any other man that went trow her? Only this one broke her heart because he didn't give up everything for her? Self absorbed entitled much?
What should we think about the others? Did she used them as sex toy or try to manipulate them as well but didn't worked? She was such a "sweetheart " but put him down at every giving opportunity for what? Double standards are not the female writers strongest point, is it? Trying to add more shit about him in there without any explanation for what? You almost made him a serial killer and then let it go because you didn't know were to go with that?
November 23, 2023
4.75
I really enjoyed this book it made a bit emotional with stone mum having cancer and noa losing her baby and I really love the small town of Falcon Haven and I really enjoyed Ketley Allison writing as well and I love the spicy scenes between stone aka William and noa his ex girlfriend and I love that noa is a nurse for William's mum who is dieing and I really like that stone came back to his hometown of falcon haven to see his mum and get away from his acting life with all the drama from stone beating up someone and his ex wife and I just love all the characters in falcon haven so much and the community they have and I teared up at the end with stone mum Judy passing away and I really like the back story of stone aka William and noa from when they were childhood sweethearts to losing a baby and I love the seasons shown in this book like Halloween, thanksgiving and Christmas and I also like that stone wanted noa to follow her dream to being a chef and at the end opening her own restaurant with stones help and naming it after her mum and stones mum as well but overall I really enjoyed this book and love that it is set during the holidays and I love that it's about family and I just love that stone and noa got a second chance and I read this book in a day and half and I really loved stone mum judy so much even though she has cancer she still wanted everything to be normal and I just love noah and judy relationship like mother and daughter since noa lost her mum to cancer as well a few years back and noa loves taking care of people and I love that the cover gives the Christmassy snowy vibe with romance added in
TW: mention of death and miscarried baby
Spicy
Small town holiday romance
Dual pov
Set in falcon haven
Second chance romance
Holiday, family, forced proximity
Some heartbreaking moments
Under 350 pages
I really enjoyed this book it made a bit emotional with stone mum having cancer and noa losing her baby and I really love the small town of Falcon Haven and I really enjoyed Ketley Allison writing as well and I love the spicy scenes between stone aka William and noa his ex girlfriend and I love that noa is a nurse for William's mum who is dieing and I really like that stone came back to his hometown of falcon haven to see his mum and get away from his acting life with all the drama from stone beating up someone and his ex wife and I just love all the characters in falcon haven so much and the community they have and I teared up at the end with stone mum Judy passing away and I really like the back story of stone aka William and noa from when they were childhood sweethearts to losing a baby and I love the seasons shown in this book like Halloween, thanksgiving and Christmas and I also like that stone wanted noa to follow her dream to being a chef and at the end opening her own restaurant with stones help and naming it after her mum and stones mum as well but overall I really enjoyed this book and love that it is set during the holidays and I love that it's about family and I just love that stone and noa got a second chance and I read this book in a day and half and I really loved stone mum judy so much even though she has cancer she still wanted everything to be normal and I just love noah and judy relationship like mother and daughter since noa lost her mum to cancer as well a few years back and noa loves taking care of people and I love that the cover gives the Christmassy snowy vibe with romance added in
TW: mention of death and miscarried baby
Spicy
Small town holiday romance
Dual pov
Set in falcon haven
Second chance romance
Holiday, family, forced proximity
Some heartbreaking moments
Under 350 pages
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2023
KU*
This book pulled so many emotions from me especially that ending.
Stone (aka William) and Noa were high school sweethearts who didn’t end on the happiest of notes; now ten years later, they are in the same town, unfortunately, not for the best circumstances. There is not I can say without ruining the book, but I will say Stone got in my last nerves most of the time and if I’m being honest so did Noa. Stone was big celebrity jerk and Noa was sweet girl who has doormat tendencies but wasn’t a doormat.
I liked how Noa didn’t just give into Stone because he finally apologized, she made him work for it not because she was petty, but because she needed to know he was being true. I loved her relationship with Judy, Stone’s mom, even though the circumstances were not the best, you could feel the love between them.
Stone was batter version of himself in his hometown and his mama knew it. It was heartbreaking to read the moment when Stone learned the truth about his mom’s diagnosis and what it meant. Stone did end up bettering himself, but that stunt he pulled with Noa in the parking lot, made me want to windmill punch him multiple times.
The extra scene when you sign up for Ketley’s newsletter was so sweet, I wish we had gotten a better glimpse into Stone and Noa as a true couple.
Saint was such a sassy pants, but for a chef of his caliber I guess that is to be expected, I wonder what lies ahead for him.
This book pulled so many emotions from me especially that ending.
Stone (aka William) and Noa were high school sweethearts who didn’t end on the happiest of notes; now ten years later, they are in the same town, unfortunately, not for the best circumstances. There is not I can say without ruining the book, but I will say Stone got in my last nerves most of the time and if I’m being honest so did Noa. Stone was big celebrity jerk and Noa was sweet girl who has doormat tendencies but wasn’t a doormat.
I liked how Noa didn’t just give into Stone because he finally apologized, she made him work for it not because she was petty, but because she needed to know he was being true. I loved her relationship with Judy, Stone’s mom, even though the circumstances were not the best, you could feel the love between them.
Stone was batter version of himself in his hometown and his mama knew it. It was heartbreaking to read the moment when Stone learned the truth about his mom’s diagnosis and what it meant. Stone did end up bettering himself, but that stunt he pulled with Noa in the parking lot, made me want to windmill punch him multiple times.
The extra scene when you sign up for Ketley’s newsletter was so sweet, I wish we had gotten a better glimpse into Stone and Noa as a true couple.
Saint was such a sassy pants, but for a chef of his caliber I guess that is to be expected, I wonder what lies ahead for him.
January 17, 2023
Noa and Stone are completely different people in the present but in the past, their love for one another was epic. This story deals with tons of heartbreaks and regrets which causes problems for both of these characters based upon their unresolved feelings.
Noa was indeed stubborn, but I believe that her stubbornness was to be justified. From her point of view, you can tell that she has suffered and with the man, who was her entire world, returning, it hit her. She still loves him no matter what but that hurt was strong.
In the beginning, I found Stone to be just as stubborn as Noa as well as arrogant. As we got on with the story though, Stone’s actions and feelings became understandable. The self-blame and guilt he felt for leaving his mom behind and not knowing she had a harsh condition really hit. Also, the regret of leaving the one that he loved, such as Noa, behind was intense.
I liked the ending, because Noa finally became selfish enough to do what she loves, which is becoming a chef. She went to Paris, and even though she didn’t want to leave Stone behind she had to because she had to follow her dream. Stone encouraged her to do so, so they both went their separate ways but at the end they came together because they knew that when they were together, they were at their best.
- I’m writing this review half asleep so please ignore the grammar errors!!
Noa was indeed stubborn, but I believe that her stubbornness was to be justified. From her point of view, you can tell that she has suffered and with the man, who was her entire world, returning, it hit her. She still loves him no matter what but that hurt was strong.
In the beginning, I found Stone to be just as stubborn as Noa as well as arrogant. As we got on with the story though, Stone’s actions and feelings became understandable. The self-blame and guilt he felt for leaving his mom behind and not knowing she had a harsh condition really hit. Also, the regret of leaving the one that he loved, such as Noa, behind was intense.
I liked the ending, because Noa finally became selfish enough to do what she loves, which is becoming a chef. She went to Paris, and even though she didn’t want to leave Stone behind she had to because she had to follow her dream. Stone encouraged her to do so, so they both went their separate ways but at the end they came together because they knew that when they were together, they were at their best.
- I’m writing this review half asleep so please ignore the grammar errors!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2022
3.5/5
Noa and Stone’s second chance romance was an emotional rollercoaster packed will loads of angst. Stone after many years decides to seek refuge and lie low after bad press in his hometown. He’s definitely not expecting to find his first love at his mother’s house as her caretaker or to have all those old feelings come rushing back after 10 yrs.
Needless to say, Noa never anticipated Stone, or William as she knew him before his fame on screen, to drive back into town. He left her in the dust during a very trying time and every time she sees his face on magazines it’s another slap to the face. All she has for him now is hate.
They never spoke or texted each other over 10 yrs and he just walks back into her life as if everything is alright. Fate may have brought them back together under the same roof and his mother may be eager to matchmake but will this time be for always?
Enjoyed their highs and when he steps in to help her get one step closer to her dreams by even giving up his own. Stone did however frustrate me at times. But he did own up to his mistakes and make grand gestures to show his love. She’s 100% his home.
Tropes: second chance, small town, Christmas, loss, spice, first love, jealousy
Noa and Stone’s second chance romance was an emotional rollercoaster packed will loads of angst. Stone after many years decides to seek refuge and lie low after bad press in his hometown. He’s definitely not expecting to find his first love at his mother’s house as her caretaker or to have all those old feelings come rushing back after 10 yrs.
Needless to say, Noa never anticipated Stone, or William as she knew him before his fame on screen, to drive back into town. He left her in the dust during a very trying time and every time she sees his face on magazines it’s another slap to the face. All she has for him now is hate.
They never spoke or texted each other over 10 yrs and he just walks back into her life as if everything is alright. Fate may have brought them back together under the same roof and his mother may be eager to matchmake but will this time be for always?
Enjoyed their highs and when he steps in to help her get one step closer to her dreams by even giving up his own. Stone did however frustrate me at times. But he did own up to his mistakes and make grand gestures to show his love. She’s 100% his home.
Tropes: second chance, small town, Christmas, loss, spice, first love, jealousy
January 6, 2023
I absolutely loved this book!
I felt very connected to Noa as a character and was rooting for her. She'd been through a lot since Stone walked away from her 10 years ago and her dislike for his actions was warranted.
Stone didn't regret leaving his small town to gain fame as an actor in Hollywood and was living the high life until a scandal concerning his aggression threatens his latest movie role and his agent forces him back to his home town to lie low. Once home he discovers his Mum is terminally ill and her nurse is his ex high school sweetheart Noa.
There was a lot of sexual tension between these two and also a love/hate type banter between them.
Stone had a lot he had to make amends for, but there was also a lot of Noa's secrets he didn't know.
I cried a lot during certain moments of this book and I also smiled. Mrs Stalinksi was a brilliant side character to their story and I really like Roman and Maisy.
As well as the emotional moments, there was also lots of steam and the spicy moments were really hot! The chemistry between these two felt so real and was believable.
I'm new to Ketley Allison's books, but this definitely won't be the last I read. I'm now secretly hoping for a book about Saint, the new grumpy chef in the future.
I felt very connected to Noa as a character and was rooting for her. She'd been through a lot since Stone walked away from her 10 years ago and her dislike for his actions was warranted.
Stone didn't regret leaving his small town to gain fame as an actor in Hollywood and was living the high life until a scandal concerning his aggression threatens his latest movie role and his agent forces him back to his home town to lie low. Once home he discovers his Mum is terminally ill and her nurse is his ex high school sweetheart Noa.
There was a lot of sexual tension between these two and also a love/hate type banter between them.
Stone had a lot he had to make amends for, but there was also a lot of Noa's secrets he didn't know.
I cried a lot during certain moments of this book and I also smiled. Mrs Stalinksi was a brilliant side character to their story and I really like Roman and Maisy.
As well as the emotional moments, there was also lots of steam and the spicy moments were really hot! The chemistry between these two felt so real and was believable.
I'm new to Ketley Allison's books, but this definitely won't be the last I read. I'm now secretly hoping for a book about Saint, the new grumpy chef in the future.
January 26, 2023
touching story
I’ve only read Ketley’s dark bully/secret society books so I was intrigued with how she would be writing small town and I was pleasantly surprised.
This is a story about a famous actor, Stone, coming back home after 10 years and realizing how things changed without him. Let’s say he is more than surprised to return home to find out that his ex girlfriend is caring for his mother as a nurse.
This leaves him a little more than confused because he knew Noa’s dreams were to study and become a chef so why the change In career.
Once he is given more information as to his mother’s health it is decided that he will be staying in town and living with his mother and Noa who is moving in to provide round the clock care.
As you go through their journey, you find out exactly what happened in the past and the miscommunication that was between them. There was a lot of hurt caused by both of them and they have a find a way to exist peacefully.
This story definitely got more emotional then I thought it would and some ugly tears were shed. If you are looking for a bit of an angsty read with a well deserved HEA, please read this book.
And here is hoping that we get a little more Saint in the future.
I’ve only read Ketley’s dark bully/secret society books so I was intrigued with how she would be writing small town and I was pleasantly surprised.
This is a story about a famous actor, Stone, coming back home after 10 years and realizing how things changed without him. Let’s say he is more than surprised to return home to find out that his ex girlfriend is caring for his mother as a nurse.
This leaves him a little more than confused because he knew Noa’s dreams were to study and become a chef so why the change In career.
Once he is given more information as to his mother’s health it is decided that he will be staying in town and living with his mother and Noa who is moving in to provide round the clock care.
As you go through their journey, you find out exactly what happened in the past and the miscommunication that was between them. There was a lot of hurt caused by both of them and they have a find a way to exist peacefully.
This story definitely got more emotional then I thought it would and some ugly tears were shed. If you are looking for a bit of an angsty read with a well deserved HEA, please read this book.
And here is hoping that we get a little more Saint in the future.
February 19, 2023
Heroes That Adore Idoltry Except The Negatives Are Never Brave.
This Man Is Still Making Decisions For Her At 90% Of This Book.
The author already demonstrated how impulsive he was.
What the author failed to demonstrate was dedication.
The hard bit.
So I knew at the start of the book he had feelings for her and controlled both of their pains narcissistically and I knew at the end of the book he was doing it too.
Meanwhile self sacrificing Noa is still the wet blanket that lacks any authenticity at the end of the book.
She is not a character.
She is merely a soundboard, that has an interest in cooking and cannot be assertive just compliant.
You need both.
Its abusive and self abusive to deny both.
Imagine if Stone was made to work for it, long term, once.
Instead we have to believe hes good because hes popular.
Yeah, as always, the heroine must feed on the brief anecdotes of being TOLD she matters but must forgive him really fast and not have consequences.
Imagine if there was growth.
Love is an Experience, Not Just An Expression...or a Time Jump of "Trust Me Bro, after he made a promise and revoked it, again, this time is different but I don't want to show it because women are trained to feed on solely being the thoughts of mens narcissistic actions."
This Man Is Still Making Decisions For Her At 90% Of This Book.
The author already demonstrated how impulsive he was.
What the author failed to demonstrate was dedication.
The hard bit.
So I knew at the start of the book he had feelings for her and controlled both of their pains narcissistically and I knew at the end of the book he was doing it too.
Meanwhile self sacrificing Noa is still the wet blanket that lacks any authenticity at the end of the book.
She is not a character.
She is merely a soundboard, that has an interest in cooking and cannot be assertive just compliant.
You need both.
Its abusive and self abusive to deny both.
Imagine if Stone was made to work for it, long term, once.
Instead we have to believe hes good because hes popular.
Yeah, as always, the heroine must feed on the brief anecdotes of being TOLD she matters but must forgive him really fast and not have consequences.
Imagine if there was growth.
Love is an Experience, Not Just An Expression...or a Time Jump of "Trust Me Bro, after he made a promise and revoked it, again, this time is different but I don't want to show it because women are trained to feed on solely being the thoughts of mens narcissistic actions."
December 30, 2022
3.5⭐️
1-2🌶️
*I received this as an ARC for an honest review*
I’ll be honest the first half of the book had me hooked. Mrs. Stalinski reminded me of my grandmas. Stubborn. Hard header. Tough. A little but if a meddler. And I fell in love with her instantly and she’s one of my favorite parts of this book. I connect with Noa. I am a nurse. I have worked with oncology/palliative patients before, so I loved seeing that role/job in this book—it’s not one I feel like I see often for a main character.
However the second half slowed for me. The first half was the build up of this couple second chance. But then I feel like the second half fizzled out a little. I feel like we never got to see these two just be a couple and I know they were high school sweetheart so there’s history there, but it has been ten years. They were different. They’d grown up. They’d gone through stuff. So I just wanted more of them as a couple in the second half.
Overall, it was a cute story with a hint of spice. It’s giving very much hallmark vibes with a second chance romance. There is discussion of miscarriage and terminally I’ll patients, so please check TW and beware.
1-2🌶️
*I received this as an ARC for an honest review*
I’ll be honest the first half of the book had me hooked. Mrs. Stalinski reminded me of my grandmas. Stubborn. Hard header. Tough. A little but if a meddler. And I fell in love with her instantly and she’s one of my favorite parts of this book. I connect with Noa. I am a nurse. I have worked with oncology/palliative patients before, so I loved seeing that role/job in this book—it’s not one I feel like I see often for a main character.
However the second half slowed for me. The first half was the build up of this couple second chance. But then I feel like the second half fizzled out a little. I feel like we never got to see these two just be a couple and I know they were high school sweetheart so there’s history there, but it has been ten years. They were different. They’d grown up. They’d gone through stuff. So I just wanted more of them as a couple in the second half.
Overall, it was a cute story with a hint of spice. It’s giving very much hallmark vibes with a second chance romance. There is discussion of miscarriage and terminally I’ll patients, so please check TW and beware.
January 7, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: dual 1st person
(TW/CWs listed at the very bottom of post ❤️)
Review:
This was such a wonderful story. Full of angst and emotion, you will be on a roller coaster with Noa and Stone. I love a second chance story and this one definitely lived up to it.
I’ve seen it marked as a holiday/Christmas read but I don’t feel like it falls in with other Christmas/holiday reads. While it is set around the holidays, we don’t reach Thanksgiving until like 60% of the book and a significant event occurs on Christmas Eve/Day.
Definitely don’t wait to check this one out on account of that. This was the first time I’ve read one of Ketley Allison’s books but it definitely won’t be the last ❤️
If you like books that bring you all the feels, have you fall in love with the characters, and love a little angst on your road to HEA, give this book a try.
I received an ARC which did not impact anything I’ve written in this post - these are my honest opinions.
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TW/CW include: cancer (not MMC/FMC), death, discussion of past miscarriage, mention of drug/alcohol abuse
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: dual 1st person
(TW/CWs listed at the very bottom of post ❤️)
Review:
This was such a wonderful story. Full of angst and emotion, you will be on a roller coaster with Noa and Stone. I love a second chance story and this one definitely lived up to it.
I’ve seen it marked as a holiday/Christmas read but I don’t feel like it falls in with other Christmas/holiday reads. While it is set around the holidays, we don’t reach Thanksgiving until like 60% of the book and a significant event occurs on Christmas Eve/Day.
Definitely don’t wait to check this one out on account of that. This was the first time I’ve read one of Ketley Allison’s books but it definitely won’t be the last ❤️
If you like books that bring you all the feels, have you fall in love with the characters, and love a little angst on your road to HEA, give this book a try.
I received an ARC which did not impact anything I’ve written in this post - these are my honest opinions.
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TW/CW include: cancer (not MMC/FMC), death, discussion of past miscarriage, mention of drug/alcohol abuse
January 9, 2023
Stone & Noa were high school sweethearts, and then he broke her heart when he left in his rearview mirror to achieve his dreams. These days he's a famous Hollywood actor with a terrible reputation, and finally, there's been one too many scandals so he's told to lie low for a while sending him back home to his small town. Noa is a nurse these days who has gone through the fire, and she would be happy if she never saw Stone again, so when he shows up, well, she's not happy about it. It's more complicated since she's taking care of his sick mother (he knew nothing about it), and now they're stuck in the same house since his mother got involved. Home For Always was an emotional second chance story set in a small town with tons of character. I have to say that I was a big fan of Noa, who is really selfless, and what life handed her wasn't nice that's for sure. Stone, on the other hand, well, wasn't a big fan because he didn't make the greatest decisions, but he grew on me slowly, however I will say the supporting cast was fantastic! Anyway, that's enough out of me, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
January 12, 2023
Stone Williams left home and never looked back. Suddenly, he's forced to return due to his mother's health and the need to stay under the radar thanks to some bad publicity he's found himself the subject of. When he crashes back into town, he runs smack into his past when he discovers that Noa, his former girlfriend, is now the person who is his mother's live in nurse.
They are both clear that they are here to make sure that his mother is well cared for. There will be no rekindling of the relationship that they had before. But sharing a bedroom and spending time together shows that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Can they find their way past the pain of the past to a brighter future or is there just too much hurt to try again?
I loved the character development, especially for Stone in this story. While you first see him as his Hollywood persona, it soon becomes clear that there is much more to him that that. He is brash, yes, but he also has a deep love and commitment to his mother. Noa is such a caretaker, even when it hurts her own feelings. She is warm and giving and it's lovely when you finally see Stone giving that back to her as well.
They are both clear that they are here to make sure that his mother is well cared for. There will be no rekindling of the relationship that they had before. But sharing a bedroom and spending time together shows that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Can they find their way past the pain of the past to a brighter future or is there just too much hurt to try again?
I loved the character development, especially for Stone in this story. While you first see him as his Hollywood persona, it soon becomes clear that there is much more to him that that. He is brash, yes, but he also has a deep love and commitment to his mother. Noa is such a caretaker, even when it hurts her own feelings. She is warm and giving and it's lovely when you finally see Stone giving that back to her as well.
December 10, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this book from the beautiful author.
Wow, so many emotions - this was such a beautiful, heartbreaking story.
When Stone, a now famous Hollywood star is back in his home town after 10 years to find his ex girlfriend and high school sweetheart has been looking after his mother who has cancer and didn’t tell you but now you’re back and she wants you both to stay in her home to help her out during her final months.
I absolutely adored Noa she was so selfless and I could relate to her character a lot. I was rooting for her the whole time and couldn’t wait to see a redemption for her.
This book had me hooked, I loved seeing Stone and Noa’s story unfold and finding out what happened all those years ago.
What a beautiful but bittersweet journey to be on during this book. It had me in all the feels of heartbreak, loss, love and chasing your dreams!
If you want:
- famous MMC
- second chance romance
- small town
- forced proximity
This is your next read 😏💗
Wow, so many emotions - this was such a beautiful, heartbreaking story.
When Stone, a now famous Hollywood star is back in his home town after 10 years to find his ex girlfriend and high school sweetheart has been looking after his mother who has cancer and didn’t tell you but now you’re back and she wants you both to stay in her home to help her out during her final months.
I absolutely adored Noa she was so selfless and I could relate to her character a lot. I was rooting for her the whole time and couldn’t wait to see a redemption for her.
This book had me hooked, I loved seeing Stone and Noa’s story unfold and finding out what happened all those years ago.
What a beautiful but bittersweet journey to be on during this book. It had me in all the feels of heartbreak, loss, love and chasing your dreams!
If you want:
- famous MMC
- second chance romance
- small town
- forced proximity
This is your next read 😏💗
January 17, 2023
The story of Noa and Stone. Fairly typical second chance small town story. This one’s added drama is cancer and pregnancy loss.
They dated for a few years in high school, he left to become a famous actor, and she got left behind. They reconnect 10 years later, after he gets some bad press and needs to lay low. Turns out he has literally no idea what’s been going on in his small home town.
His mom is sick, and he didn’t know. Noa didn’t pursue her dream of being a chef and became a home health nurse instead. She moves in to take care of his mom, so there’s some forced proximity there.
He finds out Noa has lost basically everything since the last time he saw her. He falls in love with her again, but then the paparazzi find out where he is and all the details of their past, which causes him to tell Noa to get away from their town while he does damage control.
Big things happen, he tells her to pursue her dreams now, without him. They’re both miserable. They reconnect and happily ever after.
They dated for a few years in high school, he left to become a famous actor, and she got left behind. They reconnect 10 years later, after he gets some bad press and needs to lay low. Turns out he has literally no idea what’s been going on in his small home town.
His mom is sick, and he didn’t know. Noa didn’t pursue her dream of being a chef and became a home health nurse instead. She moves in to take care of his mom, so there’s some forced proximity there.
He finds out Noa has lost basically everything since the last time he saw her. He falls in love with her again, but then the paparazzi find out where he is and all the details of their past, which causes him to tell Noa to get away from their town while he does damage control.
Big things happen, he tells her to pursue her dreams now, without him. They’re both miserable. They reconnect and happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2023
goddamn this was a heartbreaking story.
i can go on for hours on end on how much i love the two of them.
my first impression of stone (or william if we want to be technical) is that he’s arrogant & i just know damn well he did something stupid to break our girl, noa’s heart. but after their heart to heart, i felt for them.
at 18, it must’ve been pressuring for the both of them to make such large decisions on their own. they were practically kids. i don’t blame any of them for the shitty takes, for their stupid coping mechanisms.
& i appreciate the character development. the fact that stone is self aware of how badly he fucked up & that noa doesn’t allow herself to give in so easily in the beginning, giving him insult after insult that he rightfully deserves is refreshing.
i also appreciate that the author doesn’t fully place the blame on the characters’ childhood trauma & instead really written them as real humans who are selfish sometimes & overthink & make shitty decisions.
i can go on for hours on end on how much i love the two of them.
my first impression of stone (or william if we want to be technical) is that he’s arrogant & i just know damn well he did something stupid to break our girl, noa’s heart. but after their heart to heart, i felt for them.
at 18, it must’ve been pressuring for the both of them to make such large decisions on their own. they were practically kids. i don’t blame any of them for the shitty takes, for their stupid coping mechanisms.
& i appreciate the character development. the fact that stone is self aware of how badly he fucked up & that noa doesn’t allow herself to give in so easily in the beginning, giving him insult after insult that he rightfully deserves is refreshing.
i also appreciate that the author doesn’t fully place the blame on the characters’ childhood trauma & instead really written them as real humans who are selfish sometimes & overthink & make shitty decisions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2023
Home for Always ARC Review
Couple: Noa & Stone
Author: Ketley Allison
Tropes: Second chance, Enemies to Lovers, Forced proximity
Review: This book is for all you enemy to lover’s fans. It has the perfect themes for this trope from scorned love to not understanding and miscommunication.
Noa and Stone are imperfectly perfect for one another and both are hard-headed and willfully ignorant of what is in front of them. Neither wants to compromise but both want the other to do what they want.
The couple learns though from each other and Stone’s mom. For me, his mother was my favorite sub-character and her humor and strength was what made parts of the book. She guided them back to one another and made Stone realize how hard headed he was.
If anyone needs an angsty read this is for you!
Rating: This was a 4/5 read for me. I really loved the storylines but felt like I needed more redemption from Stone and felt like there was not enough from his POV.
Couple: Noa & Stone
Author: Ketley Allison
Tropes: Second chance, Enemies to Lovers, Forced proximity
Review: This book is for all you enemy to lover’s fans. It has the perfect themes for this trope from scorned love to not understanding and miscommunication.
Noa and Stone are imperfectly perfect for one another and both are hard-headed and willfully ignorant of what is in front of them. Neither wants to compromise but both want the other to do what they want.
The couple learns though from each other and Stone’s mom. For me, his mother was my favorite sub-character and her humor and strength was what made parts of the book. She guided them back to one another and made Stone realize how hard headed he was.
If anyone needs an angsty read this is for you!
Rating: This was a 4/5 read for me. I really loved the storylines but felt like I needed more redemption from Stone and felt like there was not enough from his POV.
January 9, 2023
I loved this story of Stone (William) and Noa. They were a couple when they were 18 and Stone left Falcon Haven to move to L.A to make it as an actor. Due to misunderstandings and life events, they never got back to each other. Noa becomes a nurse and helps cancer patients though her first calling was to be a chef though it never came to be. She is stunned while caring for Mrs. Stalanski when Stone turns up back home out of the blue. He is stunned to see her too. After ten years apart he's not here to rekindle anything but look after his mom when he finds out what's been going on. But will they lapse and fall for each other again? Ketley gives you all the feels too in this book so have the tissues handy.
I received an arc to do my honest review for NNBB. If you love a second-chance romance with some hotness and all the feels you will love this read.
I received an arc to do my honest review for NNBB. If you love a second-chance romance with some hotness and all the feels you will love this read.
January 9, 2023
Stone and Noa’s angsty second chance romance was everything I didn’t know I needed!!! When famous actor Stone Williams finds himself back in his small hometown, he doesn’t expect to run into his high school sweetheart, Noa-Lynn Shaw, and especially not as his sick mother’s caretaker. Stone and Noa’s relationship was agonizingly angsty and wonderfully complex, and I loved every second of it. They’ve both been through a lot, and they’re not the same people they were in high school. But somehow, their connection is as strong as it was back then. Stone’s anger and fire are complimented perfectly by Noa’s quiet strength and compassion. I thought this book was really well written, and there are some triggers, but if you decide to read this, I promise you won’t regret it. 5 freaking stars!!!
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