Family Home

Coming Home #2

by Blake Allwood

Facing the past is never fun, especially when it involves seeing the man you still love. When their lives are once again intertwined, is a second chance possible?

Ash once stabbed his heart when he broke up with him, who cares if it was high school, pain is still pain. And speaking of pain, this broken foot has done nothing but keep him stuck in Crawford City.

Ash is now the town doctor after his dad retired, which means when the incredibly handsome and totally pissed off Todd comes in, Ash is the only person in town who can treat him.

Like it or not, when Ash and Todd’s dads drop a major bomb on them, the two men are forced to deal with one another.

Will they find a way around teenage misunderstandings and bad choices to rekindle a love that’s never stopped boiling, or will their pride forever keep them apart?

A Long Road Home is a low-heat (no explicit sex scenes,) sweet, high drama romance.

Genres: M M Contemporary, M M Romance

342 pages, Paperback

Published March 20, 2023

About the author

Blake Allwood was born in west TN, then moved to Kansas City MO after attending college in Lamoni, Iowa. He met his husband in 1995 and they officially married in 2015, once gay marriage was legalized. In 2017, he and his husband sold their home, purchased an RV and began traveling the country with their two dogs. Their travels provide the inspiration and settings for many of his novels.

Typically, Blake can be found relaxing in the RV or by the fire with his laptop and their Jack Russell Terrier, Buddy, curled up between his legs demanding attention. Denver, their Siberian Husky mix is often asleep at his feet or playing tug of war with Blake’s husband.

Aiden Inspired (Apr 2019) is his first published novel, featuring two disparate characters from New York and Washington State who meet and develop an unlikely bond. His second novel, Suzie Empowered (Feb 2020), is a followup featuring Aiden’s sister Suzie as she overcomes her fear of relationships with straight men due to a sexual assault in high school. In March, Blake returned to gay romance with his release of Bobby Transformed about an Iowa farm boy and a big city publisher. His first three novels share characters and can be read in order or randomly.

Reviews

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure what I feel about this book. The characters (especially the supporting ones), location and story over a number of years are great. I am enjoying this series because of these. I can pretty much understand Todd although he took a long time to get over them being teenagers, but I'm less enamoured of Ash. Both were rather irritating in their relationship, if they didn't have a number of people to correct them they'd never have gotten anywhere together. Still a very enjoyable read.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The past is not easy to face but he is about to face it as he has broken his foot. They are the only doctor who can treat him but they broke his heart in high school and it is not easy to face them. Will love come again for him? How will he deal with it if it does not? See if life will give them both a second chance of love

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ash and Todd have come a long way in their professional lives since they last saw each other, but not so far in their personal lives with neither having moved on from their teenage romance nor letting go and forgiving the other for how things ended.

I found Todd was a bit over-the-top with his behaviour towards Ash to start with, but liked how they both started to calm down a bit and re-get to know each other as they are forced to spend time together.

Their small families were very close-knit and became even closer once their dad's both came out with a secret they'd been keeping their whole lives. I liked the small close-knit family unit that had grown by the end of the book, adding a few more people who became very important to them.

The issues around homophobia they have to deal with made me both angry and sad, hopefully, these sorts of things one day become a thing of the past, though America seems to be going backwards, so only time will tell.

An enjoyable slow-burn, second-chance romance, with very low heat.

[Brit_ta_ny · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars (rounded up because I’ve always been more of a Paula than a Simon 💁🏼‍♀️)

I struggled with this book at times, not the story itself but the writing style was not necessarily my thing. In the end I enjoyed the journey the MCs were on and I so so appreciated the HEA.

The characters were hard for me to like at first, they’ve both got issues and it seems like they’re never going to get their heads out their arses. Fortunately, the other characters in the book are all happy to give them very firm nudges in the right direction. I think it’s the supporting characters that I like the most. Especially the bossy baby sister and sassy best friend.

I think this book needed a lil edit to cut back on some wordiness and fluff, but all in all it was an enjoyable easy read with happy endings for everyone.

[Jo Atkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was different to what I expected it to be. An interesting taken on southern values and how they effect everyone. The main characters were okay but not compelling, some of the supporting characters were much more interesting. Very readable and I loved that they wanted to maintain the historical aspects of the house and the town

[Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine) · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 15%

Warnings: From the content warnings page, "Estranged Family Member, Homophobia, Loss of Parent, Mental Illness, Trauma"

Please accept my honesty in a DNF review. I stopped reading at about 15%. I've just totally bounced off this. It is not a bad book just not for me. I can definitely see where the appeal would be for some readers but I am not the right reader for this. I can see potential, things may have been different if I hadn't come from a book with such beautiful souls that I'm struggling to let go of, alas here we are.

I appreciate the concept but I'm not a fan of the characters. Todd Thompson is, I feel, an overly frustrated man and that definitely isn't my thing. Ashton Nash is hurt, highly intelligent and wants the love of his life back. I can see where their potential is but I can't get engaged with it. Emanual 'Doc' Nash and Amos Thompson, their fathers have this sweetness to them, Emanual has done a brilliant job of rehabilitating Amos and helping recognise that he needs to be a better father to Todd. The characters have potential but I'm not a fan of the way the communicate with the reader, the voice they use. I can see the healing coming, the way that writing will change as the character does but I'm not a fan of that voice. Sorry, it's a no from me.

I know I'm reading an ARC but I've already seen quite a few editing errors. The sort that pulls you out of emersion, something that a book that focuses this heavily on emotion needs to sell to work properly. I'm not sure about anyone else but I think that editing errors are somewhat acceptable to a level but not to the extent of MC names being spelt wrong. I've never read anything by Blake Allwood (including A Long Way Home the first book in this series) and likely would not look at any other by him.

“He still pissed off?” I asked in greeting.
“Less than he will be tomorrow,” Amos said.
“Is he ever gonna stop hating me?” I asked, not in the mood to beat around the bush.
“Well, that depends on if he ever stops loving you or not,” my father replied.
I stared at him a long moment, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. “You’re getting senile in your old age,” I said. “Todd Amos Thompson does not feel anything less than pure hatred for me.” — Ashton Nash, Amos Thompson and Emanual Nash

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think what I really liked about this story is how steeped in family relationships Ash and Todd were, their own and each other's, even during their post high school estrangement. Each man is very close to the other's family and also holding on to the hurt that came with their high school romance not making it. Each blamed the other for the end and each was suffering from misunderstandings. When Todd returns and is injured in a fall, he has to seek treatment and the doctor is not Ash. This gives them a chance to get on the road to reunification. Their love is still there or the feelings would not be so strong and bitter. And as they find their way back the family finds itself transforming in many different ways, including some expansion. This was lovely.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one more and more as I got deeper into it. I think the author captured something right about how for some people, the pain of a rejection in high school combined with other family issues can linger well into adulthood. Todd and Ash have some deep unresolved feelings that they've worked very hard to bury and in this book, when that becomes impossible we get to see them deal with those feelings. I also enjoyed the surprises with some other characters as well. The detailed work on the house provided a nice metaphor for the detailed work going on in the characters' emotional lives, almost like in the gothics I used to devour where the couple's relationship is reflected in changes in what starts as the old, creepy castle.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started well with a reunion and discovering a family secret. I feel the two main characters were rather flat and I couldn't feel their emotions on the page. The older men had more sparks going on and may have made a more intimate read. Just when things are falling into place we find out that the men are still not convinced themselves of the relationship. There is very little romance and no intimacy on page. I like the setting of the story in the town with the locals rallying together, it always adds good narrative. The secondary characters in this story shone and added a lot to the story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family secrets, long held pain, teenage misunderstandings and so much more bring the angst and drama to Family Home, a second chance romance that doesn't rush to a HEA...

Once again, the world building and secondary characters make reading this story deeper than most romances, and it can get a little confusing in places, but the end result is worth it!

Please note this is a low heat romance that focuses on the relationship and the family story, so if you're looking for steam, this won't be your jam... but if you love a well crafted slow build, low heat story, you'll love diving into Family Home.

[Janice Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Coming Home series but can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed reading this book. It was a very sweet, low-angst, and low steam romance. Ash and Todd had a high school romance that ended, but still simmered underneath it all. Once Todd and Ash cleared up their misunderstandings left over from their high school break-up, they realized how much they still cared for each other. They were really sweet together. The characters were all lovely and likable. It could have used a little more heat, but it was still a good story and an enjoyable read.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, we just need time. Todd feels Ash, broke up with Todd back when they were in high school. They are grown men now Todd is still broken hearted and Ash took over his Dad's medical practice. Ash, feels Todd broke up with him. He still feels the pinch of pain since he felt Todd was his 'one'. Will these two ever get over what seems to be a massive misunderstanding 13 years ago? Lots of secrets and new beginnings. Ash and Todd are absolutely likeable and so are their Dads. Great story, nice flow, funny town characters. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Enirehtak Melas · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the most part, I would say I enjoyed the story. There were some aspects to it that I found to be wanting, I guess. Certain parts felt like it was missing something. I didn't feel like I bought their romance entirely, but in the end I did--it just took sometime for me to get in sync with the pacing and the writing style. I liked the premise, but I wanted a bit more development from the characters both individually and within their relationship.

*ARC provided by GRR, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.*

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Home is the second book in the Coming Home series by Blake Allwood .
Ash and Todd were high school boyfriends but through misunderstandings they broke up .
Both families have also been extremely close and always having each others backs.

After High School Ash and Todd went their separate ways …. But their feelings for each other hidden in their hearts were strong silently yearning for each other .
They meet again under different circumstances, can they let their feelings show?
Could they have a second chance ?
Beautifully written with every character showing their strengths.

[Malia Winger · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite part of this series is the family and community building aspects. Todd and Ash are childhood sweethearts that burned a little too hot. As a result they have been avoiding each other for years. But when Todd falls from the roof of his fathers house, he and Ash are forced back together. Then they have to face their past issues when their fathers reveal a secret that insures that they will be around each other permanently. I did respect that there was no instant solution for this couple. There were missteps and a lot of work that they both did to earn their HEA.

[kadairh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Liked the writing on this and was sweet as promised, but did seem to take a while to get anywhere. E.g. weeks passed while in the house together but didn’t get a clear idea how the relationship was progressing. However recommend the author and interested in trying other books by him.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Home is the second in the Coming Home series. Todd and Ash were once teenage sweethearts. Neither man really moved on in their personal life. When Todd is injured and their dad’s make an announcement, they are forced to deal with the misunderstandings of the past. Overall, loved it. Well written with nice pacing!

[Sandy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful heartwarming story. Ash and Todd has known each other since they were kids and they are so sweet coming back together after many years apart. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet down to earth romance with all the feels. High schools sweethearts finding their way back to eachother.

[Geboyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has been so much fun. I enjoyed Todd and Ash's story . I was not quite sure what I was going to get but I did not want to put this one down.

[John Gilchrist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

As always, Blake's characters are so well written and come to life in your minds eye. Wonderful gripping and, most of all, a heartwarming story

[Lady Macbeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars
Sadly, this book didn't entirely work for me and I struggled to finish it.
Ash and Todd are nice characters and I wanted to read their story since they first appeared on the first book of this series, A Long Way Home.
They grew up together, being their dads very close, they started dating and then they broke up at 16 over a silly argument. Todd left town at 18 after graduation and they didn't see each other again, despite they kept being close with Amos and Doc (their dads).
My first issue with this book is that there are so many characters that it's difficult to follow the story: besides the aforementioned men, we have sister, nurses, best friends, construction crews, secretaries, foreman, various people from Crawford and Nashville. Too many names to remember.
My second issue: too many relationships and family revelations to follow. Ash and Todd's, of course, then Amos and Doc's and, lastly, Amos and Todd's (and I still cannot understand why Amos resented his own son). And also the revelations about their mothers: not leaving spoilers, but Doc and Amos' wives situations seemed too convenient for the development of their story.
In my opinion, this book has a rythm too, there are way too detailes (all the renovations!) that kept on distracting me from the main theme.
Third issue: Ash is lovely but he's got the emotional maturity of a teenager: it's difficult to express myself well without leaving spoilers and maybe I'll edit my review later, so for now I'll just say that despite all the changes Todd makes in his life, Ash still doesn't trust him and keeps him at arm's lenght. Honestly I don't believe he's the right man for Todd.
During a very heartbreaking confrontation, Todd says things to Ash that made me feel so very sorry for him.
The last chapters are very beautiful, but they are also quite rushed: for example, through all the book, Ash and Todd make a huge deal about the house and then it's just finished and we know almost nothing about how was for the people (I'm using this generic words to not leave spoilers) living there.
My 3 stars rating is all about Todd and Doc's characters, I really liked them and they deserved their happy ending.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review