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Coming Home #3
Becoming Bailey
Boys my age don’t do it for me… But my professor, who is all Man, does.
Uncomfortable in my skin since high school. I was waiting for the right person to help me out of my shell. Someone who saw me fully, and not just something to look at. Then it happened, I fell for my professor.
Literally.
Right into his tattoo covered arms.
Now, I want all of him. His looks. His words. Him.
He tries to stay away. Knows he’s no good for me. But then strange things start to happen in my life.
The feeling of eyes on me, always watching. Books flying off the shelves, when no one is seemingly around. And letters being left for me.
And when he finds out, he demands I stay close. At first it seems like it’s out of duty. Yet, when the stolen looks turn into fiery touches… It was only a matter of time before we gave into the flames that burned inside us.
But the professor is holding back. He has a secret hidden behind his eyes, from his past. And it looks to have come back to haunt him, and hunt me.
For as the closer we get the more intense the threat becomes.
One thing is for sure though, if I get out of this alive; I am going to make the professor mine.
Forever.
Uncomfortable in my skin since high school. I was waiting for the right person to help me out of my shell. Someone who saw me fully, and not just something to look at. Then it happened, I fell for my professor.
Literally.
Right into his tattoo covered arms.
Now, I want all of him. His looks. His words. Him.
He tries to stay away. Knows he’s no good for me. But then strange things start to happen in my life.
The feeling of eyes on me, always watching. Books flying off the shelves, when no one is seemingly around. And letters being left for me.
And when he finds out, he demands I stay close. At first it seems like it’s out of duty. Yet, when the stolen looks turn into fiery touches… It was only a matter of time before we gave into the flames that burned inside us.
But the professor is holding back. He has a secret hidden behind his eyes, from his past. And it looks to have come back to haunt him, and hunt me.
For as the closer we get the more intense the threat becomes.
One thing is for sure though, if I get out of this alive; I am going to make the professor mine.
Forever.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2023
About the author
Nicole Abrams
14 books157 followersNicole Abrams is best known for her debut contemporary romance novel, Finding Caroline. Born in Georgia, she moved frequently with her military family, finally settling back into her home state as an adult. Always an avid reader, she eventually started journaling and writing short stories, which led to the creation of her first book. Nicole is a breast cancer survivor, beating her diagnosis in 2021 after undergoing surgery and radiation. She has an unhealthy obsession with the TV show Friends and when she is not writing you can find her spending time with the man of her dreams and their son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
March 29, 2023
Bailey literally bumps into the most gorgeous man and comes to find out he’s her professor Julian McMillian. The chemistry and sexual tension is crazy but Julian is hot and cold with her and she’s confused. As the semester goes on Bailey has strange this happening to her like notes left on her car, the feeling of being watched, and she shares with the news with Julian. He wants to protect but he’s her professor. Can they find out who’s bothering Bailey? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book. Love Bailey she’s a strong beautiful woman and Julian is a strong man they are amazing together. Supporting characters are awesome and it’s nice to see people from previous books. Oh and the spice is very nice.
April 22, 2023
4.5 stars out of 5 (standard rounding rules apply)
*Be kind to yo'self and check your CWs and TWs*
I am a hardcore fan of Nicole Abrams and her Coming Home Series! I have been from the beginning, and will continue to be so. She is one of my favorite authors to recommend, and I don't see that changing any time soon. If you are looking for a a wonderful standalone, interconnected series don't look further.
Becoming Bailey is the third book in the series, and while it can be read by itself it does interconnect (with overlapping timelines) with the other books within the series. With that being said I would absolutely recommend reading the other books in order to have an understanding of some of the characters and the way they interact with each other.
Julian is our main male character who is absolutely swoon worthy. He has a no-nonsense mentality and is what one could consider very regimented in his thoughts and actions. As an ex-detective turned professor, he has his share of issues that he definitely needs to work through; and like most alpha's he can be a major jerk to our main female character... until, of course, he's not. Throughout the novel you can see his development as a person not just with Bailey, but with everyone else as well.
Bailey is our female lead who is sassy knows it and just doesn't care... or does she? She has her insecurities like everyone else and is very relatable; including in the realm of body issues. Even with these Bailey knows who she is and what she wants, and won't take less than that. Julian being the biggest want of her life. Throughout the story you can see her grown into herself, and with those around her - including finding an exceptional friend group (something Nicole Abrams and AMAZING at writing), and repairing her relationship with her sister.
Throughout the novel there were some twists and turns, some you may see coming and others you don't. Julian's past comes back to haunt him and the web catches everyone within it. Pace of the story was really good, though some areas it was slow - particularly in the spicy area of things. The wait, however, is worth it.
On the level of spice, I would give it a two-point-seven-five chili-peppers out of five chili-peppers. (Please keep in mind this is a personal opinion; and this may be more or less for you.) There is definitely some adventurous sexy scenes within the novel, that are so steamy and hot. Julian knows exactly how to play and Bailey is one hundred percent there for it.
There are so many wonderful things that could be said about Becoming Bailey, and the Coming Home Series as a whole, but my favorite is the found-family and strong supportive female friend group that is always present - and this story wasn't any different. While I could have done with the spice showing up a little sooner, it didn't take away from the story.
If you are looking for a story that is dual perspective, some angst, twists and turns, plus that strong support female friend group this is absolutely the book for you. I would recommend this one, and not just because I think Julian would make the best new book boyfriend.
*Be kind to yo'self and check your CWs and TWs*
I am a hardcore fan of Nicole Abrams and her Coming Home Series! I have been from the beginning, and will continue to be so. She is one of my favorite authors to recommend, and I don't see that changing any time soon. If you are looking for a a wonderful standalone, interconnected series don't look further.
Becoming Bailey is the third book in the series, and while it can be read by itself it does interconnect (with overlapping timelines) with the other books within the series. With that being said I would absolutely recommend reading the other books in order to have an understanding of some of the characters and the way they interact with each other.
Julian is our main male character who is absolutely swoon worthy. He has a no-nonsense mentality and is what one could consider very regimented in his thoughts and actions. As an ex-detective turned professor, he has his share of issues that he definitely needs to work through; and like most alpha's he can be a major jerk to our main female character... until, of course, he's not. Throughout the novel you can see his development as a person not just with Bailey, but with everyone else as well.
Bailey is our female lead who is sassy knows it and just doesn't care... or does she? She has her insecurities like everyone else and is very relatable; including in the realm of body issues. Even with these Bailey knows who she is and what she wants, and won't take less than that. Julian being the biggest want of her life. Throughout the story you can see her grown into herself, and with those around her - including finding an exceptional friend group (something Nicole Abrams and AMAZING at writing), and repairing her relationship with her sister.
Throughout the novel there were some twists and turns, some you may see coming and others you don't. Julian's past comes back to haunt him and the web catches everyone within it. Pace of the story was really good, though some areas it was slow - particularly in the spicy area of things. The wait, however, is worth it.
On the level of spice, I would give it a two-point-seven-five chili-peppers out of five chili-peppers. (Please keep in mind this is a personal opinion; and this may be more or less for you.) There is definitely some adventurous sexy scenes within the novel, that are so steamy and hot. Julian knows exactly how to play and Bailey is one hundred percent there for it.
There are so many wonderful things that could be said about Becoming Bailey, and the Coming Home Series as a whole, but my favorite is the found-family and strong supportive female friend group that is always present - and this story wasn't any different. While I could have done with the spice showing up a little sooner, it didn't take away from the story.
If you are looking for a story that is dual perspective, some angst, twists and turns, plus that strong support female friend group this is absolutely the book for you. I would recommend this one, and not just because I think Julian would make the best new book boyfriend.
March 30, 2023
I was lucky enough to have received an ARC for this book. And I’m so thankful that I did. It’s a wonderful read with angst, spice, forbidden relationship, age-gap, and a haunting past. There is so much happening within the book it could be easy to be overwhelmed or confused. However, Nicole Abrams does a wonderful job at making the story flow.
The forbidden romance/age gap trope is sometimes hard to do without going to far in either direction or making it feel wrong. This book doesn’t make it seem like anything but a relationship we all wish we could have. The age gap is 14 years and he is her professor. But there is no manipulation or forcing of the relationship between Bailey and Julian. And the comfort and love they provide for each other is
Their dynamic is perfect. They have a slight rocky start and Julian, used to being closed off, does come off as somewhat of a jerk at times. However, they overcome their obstacles quite quickly and develop a relationship that works for them. I do like that they get into the relationship and work through their obstacles and issues while remaining together. There is no hot/cold and on/off to their relationship.
But they don’t just have to come to terms with the age gap and the professor/student obstacles in their relationship. There is someone stalking Bailey and Julian can’t afford to fail again. His past haunts him and throughout the book you get glimpses of it. But the full story doesn’t come to fruition until the last 20% or so of the book.
The relationship is the focus of the book with just enough going on in the story to throw in intrigue and suspense as you wait for the story to unfold. Julian’s past catches up to him and honestly that may be the best thing. Confronting the pain in his past allows him to open up and move forward to a loving and complete relationship with Bailey.
Definitely would recommend this read. While it is a standalone I would recommend reading the other interconnected books within the series. The other characters are a big part of the story and I think knowing their background would make you, as the reader, even more emotionally connected to the story.
The forbidden romance/age gap trope is sometimes hard to do without going to far in either direction or making it feel wrong. This book doesn’t make it seem like anything but a relationship we all wish we could have. The age gap is 14 years and he is her professor. But there is no manipulation or forcing of the relationship between Bailey and Julian. And the comfort and love they provide for each other is
Their dynamic is perfect. They have a slight rocky start and Julian, used to being closed off, does come off as somewhat of a jerk at times. However, they overcome their obstacles quite quickly and develop a relationship that works for them. I do like that they get into the relationship and work through their obstacles and issues while remaining together. There is no hot/cold and on/off to their relationship.
But they don’t just have to come to terms with the age gap and the professor/student obstacles in their relationship. There is someone stalking Bailey and Julian can’t afford to fail again. His past haunts him and throughout the book you get glimpses of it. But the full story doesn’t come to fruition until the last 20% or so of the book.
The relationship is the focus of the book with just enough going on in the story to throw in intrigue and suspense as you wait for the story to unfold. Julian’s past catches up to him and honestly that may be the best thing. Confronting the pain in his past allows him to open up and move forward to a loving and complete relationship with Bailey.
Definitely would recommend this read. While it is a standalone I would recommend reading the other interconnected books within the series. The other characters are a big part of the story and I think knowing their background would make you, as the reader, even more emotionally connected to the story.
July 17, 2023
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters, better to read in order but not a must
Professor, Age-gap 14 yrs
Book 3 in Coming Home series
*over 18 readers only *
Trigger warnings
Professor/ College student
Attempted SA
Physical violence
Stalker
Bullying
DV
PTSD- Survivor's Guilt
Bailey has to fight off the star quarterback her senior year of high school, literally busting a beer bottle over him to get him off her. Of course, she gets blamed. Fast-forward to college, she knows that a guy her age won't work for her. Her parents had an age gap, so at least she would have support there. And Julian, her professor, is who she sets her sights on. Julian is attracted to her, but he knows he has to stay away. The pull to protect her is so strong, though. Things start getting strange when Bailey feels like someone is watching and following her. Julian finally gives in but plays hot and cold with her until he hears about her stalker. But can he save her?
Bailey (mfc, sister of Caroline)
Julian (mmc, brother of Connor)
Caroline (sister of mfc)
Todd (quarterback from hs)
Tabitha (ex best friend of mfc)
Josh (classmate of mfc)
Connor (brother of mmc)
Bec (wants Connor, friend of Caroline)
Bass/Sebastian (with Caroline)
Liv (friend of Caroline)
Ansley (friend of Caroline)
Lincoln (with Ansley)
Dylan (brother of Ansley, friend with Linc)
Formatting on some chapter title pages is centered instead of left aligned. Some weird punctuation as well.
Standalone, interconnected characters, better to read in order but not a must
Professor, Age-gap 14 yrs
Book 3 in Coming Home series
*over 18 readers only *
Trigger warnings
Professor/ College student
Attempted SA
Physical violence
Stalker
Bullying
DV
PTSD- Survivor's Guilt
Bailey has to fight off the star quarterback her senior year of high school, literally busting a beer bottle over him to get him off her. Of course, she gets blamed. Fast-forward to college, she knows that a guy her age won't work for her. Her parents had an age gap, so at least she would have support there. And Julian, her professor, is who she sets her sights on. Julian is attracted to her, but he knows he has to stay away. The pull to protect her is so strong, though. Things start getting strange when Bailey feels like someone is watching and following her. Julian finally gives in but plays hot and cold with her until he hears about her stalker. But can he save her?
Bailey (mfc, sister of Caroline)
Julian (mmc, brother of Connor)
Caroline (sister of mfc)
Todd (quarterback from hs)
Tabitha (ex best friend of mfc)
Josh (classmate of mfc)
Connor (brother of mmc)
Bec (wants Connor, friend of Caroline)
Bass/Sebastian (with Caroline)
Liv (friend of Caroline)
Ansley (friend of Caroline)
Lincoln (with Ansley)
Dylan (brother of Ansley, friend with Linc)
Formatting on some chapter title pages is centered instead of left aligned. Some weird punctuation as well.
September 8, 2024
While attending college Bailey develops a crush on her professor, and the feeling is mutual. Bailey and Julian will have to navigate the tricky world of a forbidden relationship. All of this while she now has a stalker, and Julian has to face some difficult memories from his past.
Becoming Bailey is the 3rd book in the Coming Home Series. Just like the last three books, it follows a familiar formula and is heavy on spice. If you like the first thee books, you should also enjoy this one. too. Bailey is very young, naive, inexperienced, but very open to expanding her horizons. Julian has a past that comes back to haunt him. They like each other, but they drive each other crazy. There are over the top rude obnoxious characters that don't understand boundaries or social norms. Then finally a HEA. At this point these are all common themes in this series. 4 stars!
Becoming Bailey is the 3rd book in the Coming Home Series. Just like the last three books, it follows a familiar formula and is heavy on spice. If you like the first thee books, you should also enjoy this one. too. Bailey is very young, naive, inexperienced, but very open to expanding her horizons. Julian has a past that comes back to haunt him. They like each other, but they drive each other crazy. There are over the top rude obnoxious characters that don't understand boundaries or social norms. Then finally a HEA. At this point these are all common themes in this series. 4 stars!
March 20, 2023
At first I had a hard time with the age thing but Bailey is 21 so then I was like ok. I didn't realize it was part of a series and I didnt read the other books and I don't feel like I missed out on anything.
The book starts out Bailey's senior year in high school and she was mistreated after a boy wouldn't take no for an answer and then we jump ahead 3 years later while she is in college and has Julian as her professor and they are attracted to each other right off the bat. He stays away though because she is his student. Things start to get steamy between then and then her life seems to be in danger.
Thank you to the author for the chance to read the arc.
The book starts out Bailey's senior year in high school and she was mistreated after a boy wouldn't take no for an answer and then we jump ahead 3 years later while she is in college and has Julian as her professor and they are attracted to each other right off the bat. He stays away though because she is his student. Things start to get steamy between then and then her life seems to be in danger.
Thank you to the author for the chance to read the arc.
March 30, 2023
A hot little professor/student romance with mystery, danger, and a lot of firsts. 😉
Tropes
Professor/student
Age Gap
Grumpy/Sunshine
Sassy Heroine
Exhibition kink
Forbidden romance
Praise kink
Dual POV
Bailey is not into guys her age and is instantly attracted to her much older professor, Julian. But trouble is always lurking around the corner. Will they get caught? Is she being followed?
This is book 3, so you should read Finding Caroline and Losing Ainsley first. I love that the books and characters are all interconnected! I love this group of friends and how they all care about each other!
Tropes
Professor/student
Age Gap
Grumpy/Sunshine
Sassy Heroine
Exhibition kink
Forbidden romance
Praise kink
Dual POV
Bailey is not into guys her age and is instantly attracted to her much older professor, Julian. But trouble is always lurking around the corner. Will they get caught? Is she being followed?
This is book 3, so you should read Finding Caroline and Losing Ainsley first. I love that the books and characters are all interconnected! I love this group of friends and how they all care about each other!
April 2, 2023
Fantastic
This was one of those reads that just warms your heart and gives you the tingles.
Julian never stood a chance against Bailey. That instant attraction was too hard a pull. I loved that he was so thoughtful with Bailey especially when things first start to heat up. Him being protective of her is swoon worthy.
Loved that the spicy scenes were great in detail and that there were plenty of them along with plenty of plot. Well rounded read... spice, drama, sweetness, heartbreak, fear, friendship, and lots of love. So good just what I needed!
This was one of those reads that just warms your heart and gives you the tingles.
Julian never stood a chance against Bailey. That instant attraction was too hard a pull. I loved that he was so thoughtful with Bailey especially when things first start to heat up. Him being protective of her is swoon worthy.
Loved that the spicy scenes were great in detail and that there were plenty of them along with plenty of plot. Well rounded read... spice, drama, sweetness, heartbreak, fear, friendship, and lots of love. So good just what I needed!
Read
April 17, 2023Professor and student trope
What she thought was a crush turns out was more than that it was love and she would do anything to get her chance at her professor. She thinks he doesn’t want anything to do with her however Julian is doing his best to avoid her because he wants her. Eventually he can’t hold back. This is the third book I’m the series based in a small town. Bailey is the sister of Caroline. Julian is Connors brother. It’s a wonderful forbidden relationship, age-gap, spice, angst and troubled pasts
What she thought was a crush turns out was more than that it was love and she would do anything to get her chance at her professor. She thinks he doesn’t want anything to do with her however Julian is doing his best to avoid her because he wants her. Eventually he can’t hold back. This is the third book I’m the series based in a small town. Bailey is the sister of Caroline. Julian is Connors brother. It’s a wonderful forbidden relationship, age-gap, spice, angst and troubled pasts
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2023
I am so grateful to this author for allowing me the opportunity to read this as an ARC. I absolutely loved it and inhaled this story in one night. This is an amazing professor/student, age gap romance complete with spicy scenes and praise. Our FMC Bailey is a feisty and smart young woman who doesn’t just take what’s being thrown at her, and our MMC Julian is a grumpy professor who knows his way around the bedroom. I loved their tension and the way they navigate the obstacles in their relationship. There are tense moments that had me at the edge of my seat in the most perfect way. I was giddy with a smile on my face and blushing for almost all of this read.
April 8, 2023
Love has no age!
Bailey is more mature than many others her age and that is why she catches the eye of her professor. He tries to resist her, but she is so alluring he just can’t. There is an age difference, but that doesn’t seem to bother either of them.
They have some drama that ensues and has a bit of an impact on their lives, but in the end, they find their way and have a happy ending.
Bailey is more mature than many others her age and that is why she catches the eye of her professor. He tries to resist her, but she is so alluring he just can’t. There is an age difference, but that doesn’t seem to bother either of them.
They have some drama that ensues and has a bit of an impact on their lives, but in the end, they find their way and have a happy ending.
April 10, 2023
The anticipation killed me!
This is one of the books where it might be book 3 of a series, but you looked forward to seeing this couples' relationship develope starting in book 1. Hearing the little tidbits of stories in books 1 & 2 compares nothing to finally reading their story. Not so much angst but so much sass & I'm HERE FOR IT! He is broody and she is relentless and they make each other crazy! I laughed so hard because same girl, same!
This is one of the books where it might be book 3 of a series, but you looked forward to seeing this couples' relationship develope starting in book 1. Hearing the little tidbits of stories in books 1 & 2 compares nothing to finally reading their story. Not so much angst but so much sass & I'm HERE FOR IT! He is broody and she is relentless and they make each other crazy! I laughed so hard because same girl, same!
April 2, 2023
So cute!
I love these books and how the work together. I am invested in the characters and enjoy seeing how the relationships build with each. The professor sounds absolutely book boyfriend worthy. There are some great smut scenes. The plot is also great. I hope and can’t wait for a Connor and Bec book!
I love these books and how the work together. I am invested in the characters and enjoy seeing how the relationships build with each. The professor sounds absolutely book boyfriend worthy. There are some great smut scenes. The plot is also great. I hope and can’t wait for a Connor and Bec book!
April 4, 2023
it was good 3.5/5 ⭐️
This is the third book in the coming home series. I’m giving it a 3.5/5. I read the first two of the series and they were great! I wasn’t feeling this one for some reason. I really like age gap and forbidden romance, especially between student and professor. But for reason I wasn’t feeling it.
This is the third book in the coming home series. I’m giving it a 3.5/5. I read the first two of the series and they were great! I wasn’t feeling this one for some reason. I really like age gap and forbidden romance, especially between student and professor. But for reason I wasn’t feeling it.
April 7, 2023
This is the first book that I've read by this author and I picked it up because of tiktok.
I DNF'd this book about halfway through because I found the way they get together unrealistic and there was so much insta lust, to me it read like a badly written wattpad novel. Maybe it's gets better in the 2nd half, because obviously a lot of other people like this book. But it just wasn't it for me.
I DNF'd this book about halfway through because I found the way they get together unrealistic and there was so much insta lust, to me it read like a badly written wattpad novel. Maybe it's gets better in the 2nd half, because obviously a lot of other people like this book. But it just wasn't it for me.
July 25, 2023
my favorite so far
I’ve loved all of the coming home series so far but Becoming Bailey has been my favorite so far. There is something about their chemistry that is just so perfect. I also loved getting more of Bec in this story. She’s hilarious and I can’t wait to see more of her and Connor
I’ve loved all of the coming home series so far but Becoming Bailey has been my favorite so far. There is something about their chemistry that is just so perfect. I also loved getting more of Bec in this story. She’s hilarious and I can’t wait to see more of her and Connor
April 15, 2023
Spicy! 🔥
Becoming Bailey was such an entertaining read that kept my attention for quite a while. It has a forbidden spicy relationship with some mild action. I really enjoyed reading it, and I can't wait to read more in the series.
Becoming Bailey was such an entertaining read that kept my attention for quite a while. It has a forbidden spicy relationship with some mild action. I really enjoyed reading it, and I can't wait to read more in the series.
July 20, 2023
Yes Ansley is my book bestie from this series but Julian is my book husband. The age gap trope just hits the right spots every time. I can not wait for more about Liv and Victor. This is such an underrated series. It has so much to offer.
December 21, 2023
❤️
This was nothing short of amazing! I was totally digging the whole student/professor trope! What a thrill for them to develop their relationship this way. Then add all the little details and pasts and the story was so good!
This was nothing short of amazing! I was totally digging the whole student/professor trope! What a thrill for them to develop their relationship this way. Then add all the little details and pasts and the story was so good!
June 18, 2023
It was certainly…a book.
June 27, 2023
definitely my favorite in the series
July 6, 2023
love it!
I love the protective professor! Nicole has a wonderful writing style! Can’t wait for the next book to be released!
I love the protective professor! Nicole has a wonderful writing style! Can’t wait for the next book to be released!
September 2, 2023
i actually really enjoyed this book! there’s plot that actually keeps you captivated even though you can already tell but it’s good. it’s not that cheesy and it’s very interesting
September 7, 2023
My favorite so far. I love how hard Julian loves. Super cute for an age gap trope
November 30, 2023
Hot and Steamy
February 29, 2024
Booktok failed me again.
September 14, 2024
best one yet
I enjoyed Caroline, very relatable, loved sassy Ansley but this one I could not put down. I read it every second I could and finished it in two days.
I enjoyed Caroline, very relatable, loved sassy Ansley but this one I could not put down. I read it every second I could and finished it in two days.
January 5, 2025
Love this series and this is by far my favourite part
March 4, 2025
Took me a lot longer to read as it slowly lost its pick up factor
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews