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Out at Home
When green reporter Taylor Lockwood finally gets a real story, her excitement is short-lived. She's supposed to interview Brady Nolan, a local boy who made it to the big leagues. Unfortunately for Taylor, she has a history with Brady.Brady had been the big man on campus back at high school - leaving a trail of broken hearts behind him. But he'd seemed different with Taylor - more attentive and loving. They'd managed to stay together most of the school year - even attending Senior Prom. But all of that ended the day after Prom when her best friend informed her that she had been part of a bet that Brady had made with his friend, Jason.It took Taylor years to get over it - but she'd managed. Now, however, Brady Nolan is thrust back into her life, and although she's determined to put him and the entire high school incident behind her - he's determined to never let her go again.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 8, 2013
Sad face. If you have to chose just one J.L. Paul book to read, I'd highly recommend All the Wrong Reasons over this.
Because honestly, I was expecting a bit more..
..bow chicka wow wow sexytime, but instead I got..
..which was, you know, cutesy and all, but a bit of a letdown after All the Wrong Reasons.
And the main character's name is Taylor Lockwood. Taylor Lockwood. And she's a girl. I guess I read her name too quickly at first, because I was reminded of a certain smoldering werewolf.
Because honestly, I was expecting a bit more..
..bow chicka wow wow sexytime, but instead I got..
..which was, you know, cutesy and all, but a bit of a letdown after All the Wrong Reasons.
And the main character's name is Taylor Lockwood. Taylor Lockwood. And she's a girl. I guess I read her name too quickly at first, because I was reminded of a certain smoldering werewolf.
November 11, 2011
This one came up short for me. It had the potential of being really good. A hotshot baseball player and a reporter - whose high school history kept the story from progressing. We were just stuck in "I'm sorry, I apologize" all the way through the book. Everything else was just a misunderstanding. Something was missing - depth for one thing. Just too high-schoolish and immaturity rang throughout on both the hero and heroine's parts.
January 7, 2012
There were things I liked about this book and things that sort of ticked me off.
The story was cute. I loved Brady's arrogance and Taylor's sarcastic comments to help combat his ego. Her responses usually caught me off guard and I enjoyed that. I love that she didn't give him the same old lovey dovey responses.
One thing that kind of confused me. They were supposed to be mid twenties I think. 6 years after high school or so. But for some reason I kept picturing them as teenagers or fresh out of high school. I think it was the way they talked or the way Taylor thought. It seemed like she still lacked some maturity or something, which doesn't make sense because she pretty much became an adult the the day before graduation. Her whole world changed and she had to step up for her brother and father's sake.
One thing that ticked me off, was when everyone was telling her that she wasn't trustworthy enough and she liked playing the victim. I think with her past life experiences, her reactions to Brady were completely normal. If not justified. It's not as though Brady had not hurt her pretty bad in the past. I don't believe he should have to keep paying for his mistakes, but he could have been a little more patient with her. He came around at the end, but I couldn't understand how quickly he would give up on her, stop calling her or walk out when she was feeling a little insecure. I hated it when all her friends told her she was playing the victim. Yes maybe she needed to hear Brady out about the pictures, but really, who wouldn't get upset about that? Most people would want to distance themselves from the pain, and at that moment Brady was the cause of that pain, even if it was sort of a misunderstanding. I like that he came to realize at the end that Taylor had suffered a lot in the past years and that he needed to be a little more patient with her.
One thing I wished the book would have mentioned more of, was Brady's time away from Taylor the 6 years after high school. He obviously fell in love with her in high school, he remembered a lot of details about her, he kept mementos. But it jumps from the past to the present with very little explanation for the in between. Did he think about her often? Did he wish he could find her and try again? I guess he did because the first chance he got he took it, but would he have tried to contact her if she wasn't doing a story on her. His team mates knew about her, which made it sound like he was still in love with her 6 years later. He acted like he was still in love with her almost immediately after meeting back up with her, but why didn't he try to contact her again after that first summer after high school? I just assume if you love someone for that long you would try to contact them, or check up on them to see what they're up to. I felt like something was missing... a whole 6 years of something. haha
The story was cute. I loved Brady's arrogance and Taylor's sarcastic comments to help combat his ego. Her responses usually caught me off guard and I enjoyed that. I love that she didn't give him the same old lovey dovey responses.
One thing that kind of confused me. They were supposed to be mid twenties I think. 6 years after high school or so. But for some reason I kept picturing them as teenagers or fresh out of high school. I think it was the way they talked or the way Taylor thought. It seemed like she still lacked some maturity or something, which doesn't make sense because she pretty much became an adult the the day before graduation. Her whole world changed and she had to step up for her brother and father's sake.
One thing that ticked me off, was when everyone was telling her that she wasn't trustworthy enough and she liked playing the victim. I think with her past life experiences, her reactions to Brady were completely normal. If not justified. It's not as though Brady had not hurt her pretty bad in the past. I don't believe he should have to keep paying for his mistakes, but he could have been a little more patient with her. He came around at the end, but I couldn't understand how quickly he would give up on her, stop calling her or walk out when she was feeling a little insecure. I hated it when all her friends told her she was playing the victim. Yes maybe she needed to hear Brady out about the pictures, but really, who wouldn't get upset about that? Most people would want to distance themselves from the pain, and at that moment Brady was the cause of that pain, even if it was sort of a misunderstanding. I like that he came to realize at the end that Taylor had suffered a lot in the past years and that he needed to be a little more patient with her.
One thing I wished the book would have mentioned more of, was Brady's time away from Taylor the 6 years after high school. He obviously fell in love with her in high school, he remembered a lot of details about her, he kept mementos. But it jumps from the past to the present with very little explanation for the in between. Did he think about her often? Did he wish he could find her and try again? I guess he did because the first chance he got he took it, but would he have tried to contact her if she wasn't doing a story on her. His team mates knew about her, which made it sound like he was still in love with her 6 years later. He acted like he was still in love with her almost immediately after meeting back up with her, but why didn't he try to contact her again after that first summer after high school? I just assume if you love someone for that long you would try to contact them, or check up on them to see what they're up to. I felt like something was missing... a whole 6 years of something. haha
May 23, 2012
Man oh man! What's with the disappointing baseball stories? I saw this shortly after reading "All The Wrong Reasons" (which I LIKED), but saved it for when I felt in the mood for sporty flings. Well, I'm in that zone now - that I need a baseball player in my life pronto - and this didn't help.
I couldn't even finish it. I tried. I really tried. I maybe succeeded to half way, maybe. I might have read chapter 5, before flipping to halfway, before flipping like mad to the end. I just couldn't get into it.
I think what really threw me off was the whole idea. First, there isn't a single MLB player out there that would track down his old high school girlfriend to apologize for some stupid bet, and explain how he didn't even win the stupid bet. Second, any and all MLB players, especially young ones just starting out, are going to be DYING to get an interview with any paper with any reporter. They're not going to pick and choose, and they're certainly not going to pick the one who is their old high school girlfriend just so he can explain the stupid bet. Third, everything was just really fake. Buddy Baseball Player was really fake. Lady Reporter was really fake. Everything was just really fake.
If you want a cute read by JL Paul just read All The Wrong Reasons. That was so entertaining! This... not so much.
I couldn't even finish it. I tried. I really tried. I maybe succeeded to half way, maybe. I might have read chapter 5, before flipping to halfway, before flipping like mad to the end. I just couldn't get into it.
I think what really threw me off was the whole idea. First, there isn't a single MLB player out there that would track down his old high school girlfriend to apologize for some stupid bet, and explain how he didn't even win the stupid bet. Second, any and all MLB players, especially young ones just starting out, are going to be DYING to get an interview with any paper with any reporter. They're not going to pick and choose, and they're certainly not going to pick the one who is their old high school girlfriend just so he can explain the stupid bet. Third, everything was just really fake. Buddy Baseball Player was really fake. Lady Reporter was really fake. Everything was just really fake.
If you want a cute read by JL Paul just read All The Wrong Reasons. That was so entertaining! This... not so much.
May 2, 2012
Good story, however, the use of the word "smirk" got on my nerves as did the heroine, Taylor. I guessed her age to be around 24, but she acted like she was still in high school. The hero, Brady, has moments of sports jock arrogance which made his actions come off as insincere. He did have his sincere moments and those were worth reading.
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August 11, 2012Two thoughts while reading this book 1.can this book get any worse, yes it can!
2. if he's calling her love again one more time I stop reading once and for all!
well, still it stirred some emotion in me, even if it was just pure rare anger... so one star from me
2. if he's calling her love again one more time I stop reading once and for all!
well, still it stirred some emotion in me, even if it was just pure rare anger... so one star from me
May 10, 2012
So first i'm a little iffy about putting this int he 'abuse-addiction-issues' bookshelf just cause the issues Taylor faces aren't as big as the other books that i've put in this shelf. But it would make pretty much anyone go into a depression.
Now this one was ok, I think Brady pissed me off a little with how impatient he got with Taylor with rushing things and then pretty much just expecting her to immediately trust him 100%. But at the end when everything happened he told her that that was what he had expected, but he knew that it wasn't fair at all to ask that of her. This book also has a more realistic feel i think since it shows that some men are still threatened by women in the work place and in turn if the woman is also younger they feel twice as threatened because the elder are right and the more wiser.
The whole scene in Ray's at the end with Henry Lake's daughter toooottaaallllllyyyy through me off and wasn't expecting it. I also thought it was a little extreme for the whole situation. The daughter needed to baccckkkk waaayyyy up! That's it.
I loooooved Tabby and Zoey too!! Omg they were super nice and seemed almost to accept Taylor right away into the 'group'. I loved them and then when they got protective and concerned when Brady and Taylor were still figuring everything out. :) They are just good people/characters. I also feel the same about the rest of Brady's teammates.
I was completely surprised also when Jason, Jordan, and Gretchen came back into the picture. Jordan turned out to be a really cool guy and I like him now. But Jason and Gretchen WTF!!! I mean really this is the stereotypical thing that happens with the 'jocks' sorry, but if they don't make it to the big leagues then they end up trying to make life how it was in high school 'the good ole days'.
I liked this book, but it didn't completely knock my socks off. Sooo only three stars.
Now this one was ok, I think Brady pissed me off a little with how impatient he got with Taylor with rushing things and then pretty much just expecting her to immediately trust him 100%. But at the end when everything happened he told her that that was what he had expected, but he knew that it wasn't fair at all to ask that of her. This book also has a more realistic feel i think since it shows that some men are still threatened by women in the work place and in turn if the woman is also younger they feel twice as threatened because the elder are right and the more wiser.
The whole scene in Ray's at the end with Henry Lake's daughter toooottaaallllllyyyy through me off and wasn't expecting it. I also thought it was a little extreme for the whole situation. The daughter needed to baccckkkk waaayyyy up! That's it.
I loooooved Tabby and Zoey too!! Omg they were super nice and seemed almost to accept Taylor right away into the 'group'. I loved them and then when they got protective and concerned when Brady and Taylor were still figuring everything out. :) They are just good people/characters. I also feel the same about the rest of Brady's teammates.
I was completely surprised also when Jason, Jordan, and Gretchen came back into the picture. Jordan turned out to be a really cool guy and I like him now. But Jason and Gretchen WTF!!! I mean really this is the stereotypical thing that happens with the 'jocks' sorry, but if they don't make it to the big leagues then they end up trying to make life how it was in high school 'the good ole days'.
I liked this book, but it didn't completely knock my socks off. Sooo only three stars.
May 11, 2013
This was an ok story. It is about a writer, named Taylor, and she has to interview a baseball player, Brady. The problem is that Brady broke her heart in high school and now he wants her back. I thought the story had too many loose endings. First off, I don't understand how everyone said Brady did everything he could to win back Taylor but I don't remember him doing anything special to try win her back. Sure, he told her how he felt but actions speak louder than words. I also felt like Taylor was the one who had to jump through hoops to get back with Brady. She was the one who always called after her fight. If he really meant what he said that he wasn't letting her go, he should have been the one going after her. I also wished we get to read more about whether or not Taylor got justice from Teresa after what she did to her. I also thought the author was leading towards something happening with Josh. It seemed as if he wanted Taylor for himself and the author went so far as to write that he was having problems with his wife. Then all of a sudden he wasn't having issues with his wife and he thought of Taylor as his little sister. It just left me confused. I did enjoy the beginning of the story but it just got slow after Taylor and Brady had gotten back together the first time. I don't know, I kind of had high hopes for this story but it kind of let me down. I just wish the story had more to it. This was just an average read, nothing special to go out and read.
March 1, 2012
I read this book in one sitting so try it. So even though there are some negative reviews I really like the book. The complaints were valid but I don’t feel that those readers actually understood Taylor perspective. Yes she is whiney and does not fully see Brady for the honest person he is now but that may be because in such a short period of time her world was ripped from her and his betrayal hurt worse because of it. I actually loved them together because they both keep the other in check on their bull. I would have loved a farther perspective of their life but the author leaves it up to the reader’s imagination as to what happens.
I pick songs for my books and this one is no different. “STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU” by the latency is Bradys perspective in the beginning of the book. I think Demi Lovato’s “Here We Go Again” fits Taylor perspective in the book through the first half of the book. “Dear God” by Avenged Sevenfold from Brady perspective. “One More Try” by Timmy T for the explanation. Snow Patrol- “Just Say Yes” for the end.
I pick songs for my books and this one is no different. “STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU” by the latency is Bradys perspective in the beginning of the book. I think Demi Lovato’s “Here We Go Again” fits Taylor perspective in the book through the first half of the book. “Dear God” by Avenged Sevenfold from Brady perspective. “One More Try” by Timmy T for the explanation. Snow Patrol- “Just Say Yes” for the end.
January 21, 2012
Once again i loved J.L.Paul book as i knew i would... Brady and Taylor dated in high school but something happened and it didnt end well so when Taylor is asked by her boss to interview the up and coming Taylor she is not to damm pleased but still does it as she has no choice becuase Brady said no one can interview him but her..But Taylor has not forgotten how hurt she got in the past and what he did and hut Brady wants to explain it all, and he wont stop until she knows exactly what happened even telling her im not letting you go again.. so that is how the rollercoaster ride begin..Loved it great story!!!!
March 6, 2012
A stupid high school bet, a broken heart, and a cocky professional baseball player all collide sending Taylor back to a place she didn't think she wanted to go. Forgiveness, Trust, & Love, are all within her reach if she can just let go and get out if her own way. I really liked this book, a quick and easy read.
January 27, 2012
Cute story. Fun and sexy. I loved the banter between Taylor and Brady. I loved Taylor. Although I think some things about her, like the fact that it's been six years and she hasn't dated since Brady was a little far-fetched. Other than that, cute story, sexy kisses, funny and sweet.
February 12, 2012
although this was similar with playing the game wherein both guys were athletes i liked this better since the male and female character are more entertaining and the chemistry between the two are better. =)
September 15, 2012
1.3 stars. This book was like a teenager had written it. I should know considering I am am one. It was so bad the only thing that even made it worth a 1.3 rating was the ending. And that's only because I love a funny ending.
Do not read.
Do not read.
April 23, 2019
I think the is one of the only books I will ever read that I just could not finish. I was sick of Brady's lack of empathy and his stupid jokes when he should have been understanding and showing her he was different. He didn't change, he was the same person she knew in high school, they both were. She was still naive and immature, he was still cocky and made everything a joke. Instead of being an adult and walking away from him when he made it known he was manipulating her to do what he wanted, she fell right into his trap and played right until his hands. They behaved like teenagers and I was embarrassed for both of them that. I stopped at chapter nine upon seeing that she sought him out and decided to give him a second chance without even trying to be friends first. How can you still have feelings for someone you haven't seen in six years but who also did you wrong and screwed up your trust so much that you haven't even tried dating in general, but also as an adult? All she knows of relationships was him, people change after high school, he didn't and she seemed to be stuck on living in the past, refusing to forgive him so she could move on to give someone else a chance. I would have been all for him getting another chance eventually but he didn't earn it. He broke her heart and trust in the past and expected her to just forget it and move forward. Life doesn't work that way and this is the worst take in this trope I've ever seen.
I don't even want to finish it which normally would bug me leaving a book right in the middle but this was too much and I can only imagine how much worse the ending conflict could possibly be. I got spoilers for my curiosity and am glad I stopped because I would have been pissed for hours after being done with it. I will never read anything by this author again, this book was enough for me to say I'm better off never knowing the characters and their actions that this author has in her head. They're terrible, annoying, idiotic, ungrateful, immature, cringe-inducing, and embarrassing. The spoilers I read have affected me as much as those unfortunate readers that did manage to get through it and I didn't even read it firsthand. The meddling side characters are disgusting, the male lead is despicable, and the female lead is pathetic. This was a disaster and a train wreck. Never again.
I don't even want to finish it which normally would bug me leaving a book right in the middle but this was too much and I can only imagine how much worse the ending conflict could possibly be. I got spoilers for my curiosity and am glad I stopped because I would have been pissed for hours after being done with it. I will never read anything by this author again, this book was enough for me to say I'm better off never knowing the characters and their actions that this author has in her head. They're terrible, annoying, idiotic, ungrateful, immature, cringe-inducing, and embarrassing. The spoilers I read have affected me as much as those unfortunate readers that did manage to get through it and I didn't even read it firsthand. The meddling side characters are disgusting, the male lead is despicable, and the female lead is pathetic. This was a disaster and a train wreck. Never again.
October 10, 2025
This book…was really bad.
I did not like the writing nor the characters.
Sidechicks Tabby and Zoe were annoying af.
And whats it with all the t-names?
Taylor, Tabby, Tia…seriously?
Unfortunately zero stars are not possible so…yeah
I did not like the writing nor the characters.
Sidechicks Tabby and Zoe were annoying af.
And whats it with all the t-names?
Taylor, Tabby, Tia…seriously?
Unfortunately zero stars are not possible so…yeah
September 20, 2017
This book is a must read.
I could not stop reading this story once I started. I recommend this book to anyone that believes in everlasting love.
I could not stop reading this story once I started. I recommend this book to anyone that believes in everlasting love.
July 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 8, 2017
DISCLAIMER TO MY FELLOW GOODREADER
This review is my personal opinion and may contain: spoilers, quotes, rants, cussing (sometimes I cannot help myself) and a possible full on recap. I in no way want to ruin anyone’s book reading experience so please read my words with caution.
24 year old Taylor Lockwood is a brilliant writer for a newspaper company, but she has been stuck writing meaningless articles about garden parties and society events. Her boss Luther just blew up her world a little bit and has assigned her to write a human interest piece on Somersville Indian's very own Brady Nolan - baseball phenom for their professional team The Racers. Brady does not do interviews, but when Luther told his agent that is was Taylor and they went to high school together he immediately agreed. DING DING there is a story there that I cannot wait to unfold. Every Tuesday, Taylor visits her father in a home. He does not recognize her, but she never breaks the date. Flashback to senior year we get to see young Taylor meeting Brady for the first time. We learn that she moved to Somersville right before her senior year from South Bend. She and her brother always wanted to go to Notre Dame.
"It's not an attitude; it's a state of mind."
She has known Josh Parker for seven years and he has helped her navigate everything life has thrown at her. I want to know what in the hell Brady did to Taylor for her to still be upset about it years later. Seeing Brady for the first time shocks her system. She attempts to recover and proceed with the interview but Brady shocks her even more when he says he has no intention of letting her go again. Come again. He basically kidnaps her and takes her to a BBQ with some teammates. The man infuriates her by calling her "love." She meets the guys and Tabby (another journalist) and Zoey. When Brady returns Taylor to her car we get a clue.. Brady lost the bet that humiliated her. I think I know what is going on, and DAMN I was right.
Fuck... Taylor's dad's condition worsened and he passed away. Tabby and Zoey show up at the service and tell Taylor that the boys wanted to come but they had a mandatory meeting. Brady shows up at her house demanding to know why she never told him about her dad. She finally breaks down and mourns her dad. Brady comes over and tells her the truth about what happened and asked for forgiveness. A week later (and after pressure from her friends) she calls Brady and decides to give him another chance. Yikes, a veteran reporter, Henry Lake, is a nasty bastard towards Taylor because Luther assigned her a case and not him.
Not feeling good about Jason and Jordan coming back into the picture. They were involved with the bet and Jason is a bastard bringing it up. Gretchen rubs me the wrong way too. Taylor is already have trust issues with Brady and this WILL NOT help. Oh just fucking lovely.. they are going to follow Brady on the upcoming road trip. Disaster written all over this scenario. I am just waiting for it to happen at this point. Jason just sent Taylor pictures of Gretchen all over Brady. She is flipping the fuck out but I think they are totally staged. I mean yes hurts like hell, but she needs to at least allow Brady to explain. Zoey and Tabby get Taylor to go over and meet Brady to listen to him, and they are ALL there. That is so awkward. After Taylor feels completely gained up on, she goes to a bar and gets drunk. Holy shit, Henry Lake's daughter beats up Taylor and cuts her hair off. The bar owner finds her the next day and gets Josh to come take her home where apparently everyone is - they were out looking for her all night.
The epilogue is sweet. The are all in Hawaii for Tabby and Alex's wedding. Brady proposes to Taylor.
Cliffhanger – no (stand alone)
POV – Taylor
This review is my personal opinion and may contain: spoilers, quotes, rants, cussing (sometimes I cannot help myself) and a possible full on recap. I in no way want to ruin anyone’s book reading experience so please read my words with caution.
24 year old Taylor Lockwood is a brilliant writer for a newspaper company, but she has been stuck writing meaningless articles about garden parties and society events. Her boss Luther just blew up her world a little bit and has assigned her to write a human interest piece on Somersville Indian's very own Brady Nolan - baseball phenom for their professional team The Racers. Brady does not do interviews, but when Luther told his agent that is was Taylor and they went to high school together he immediately agreed. DING DING there is a story there that I cannot wait to unfold. Every Tuesday, Taylor visits her father in a home. He does not recognize her, but she never breaks the date. Flashback to senior year we get to see young Taylor meeting Brady for the first time. We learn that she moved to Somersville right before her senior year from South Bend. She and her brother always wanted to go to Notre Dame.
"It's not an attitude; it's a state of mind."
She has known Josh Parker for seven years and he has helped her navigate everything life has thrown at her. I want to know what in the hell Brady did to Taylor for her to still be upset about it years later. Seeing Brady for the first time shocks her system. She attempts to recover and proceed with the interview but Brady shocks her even more when he says he has no intention of letting her go again. Come again. He basically kidnaps her and takes her to a BBQ with some teammates. The man infuriates her by calling her "love." She meets the guys and Tabby (another journalist) and Zoey. When Brady returns Taylor to her car we get a clue.. Brady lost the bet that humiliated her. I think I know what is going on, and DAMN I was right.
Fuck... Taylor's dad's condition worsened and he passed away. Tabby and Zoey show up at the service and tell Taylor that the boys wanted to come but they had a mandatory meeting. Brady shows up at her house demanding to know why she never told him about her dad. She finally breaks down and mourns her dad. Brady comes over and tells her the truth about what happened and asked for forgiveness. A week later (and after pressure from her friends) she calls Brady and decides to give him another chance. Yikes, a veteran reporter, Henry Lake, is a nasty bastard towards Taylor because Luther assigned her a case and not him.
Not feeling good about Jason and Jordan coming back into the picture. They were involved with the bet and Jason is a bastard bringing it up. Gretchen rubs me the wrong way too. Taylor is already have trust issues with Brady and this WILL NOT help. Oh just fucking lovely.. they are going to follow Brady on the upcoming road trip. Disaster written all over this scenario. I am just waiting for it to happen at this point. Jason just sent Taylor pictures of Gretchen all over Brady. She is flipping the fuck out but I think they are totally staged. I mean yes hurts like hell, but she needs to at least allow Brady to explain. Zoey and Tabby get Taylor to go over and meet Brady to listen to him, and they are ALL there. That is so awkward. After Taylor feels completely gained up on, she goes to a bar and gets drunk. Holy shit, Henry Lake's daughter beats up Taylor and cuts her hair off. The bar owner finds her the next day and gets Josh to come take her home where apparently everyone is - they were out looking for her all night.
The epilogue is sweet. The are all in Hawaii for Tabby and Alex's wedding. Brady proposes to Taylor.
Cliffhanger – no (stand alone)
POV – Taylor
June 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Out at Home by J.L. Paul offers a heartfelt and emotional journey of healing and second chances. Taylor’s struggle to move past high school betrayal feels authentic, and Brady’s efforts to redeem himself add depth to their complicated dynamic. The story captures the tension between past wounds and present hope beautifully, with strong emotional beats and relatable characters. It’s a warm, thoughtful romance about forgiveness, growth, and finding love where you least expect it.
Out at Home by J.L. Paul offers a heartfelt and emotional journey of healing and second chances. Taylor’s struggle to move past high school betrayal feels authentic, and Brady’s efforts to redeem himself add depth to their complicated dynamic. The story captures the tension between past wounds and present hope beautifully, with strong emotional beats and relatable characters. It’s a warm, thoughtful romance about forgiveness, growth, and finding love where you least expect it.
December 14, 2015
First Thoughts:
I've begun re-reading books that I'd initially given four stars, this was one of these books. I could have happily given this one star but I figured that there were good bits in the book and I had given it four stars initially so met it in the middle.
What Is It About:
Taylor is a journalist and has been handed a larger news story. A home town hero has joined the major leagues in baseball. This hero is Brady and unfortunately, she has a history with Brady. Brady was her boyfriend in high school and broke her heart on the night of senior prom. He'll only do an interview for her and her alone. But he uses it as a chance to manipulate and explain himself because they broke up in a complete misunderstanding and he wants to rekindle what they had in high school.
What I Liked and Didn't:
I think that my biggest issue with this book was that there was no original plot aspect. The prom night incident, while I've never heard of it in real life, is a common incident in high school romance books. I wasn't too fond of either character of Taylor or Brady, although Brady was redeemable for the way that he acted with Taylor but they become way to obsessive with each other rather than a relationship.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, it was an okay read but it just annoyed me that there was no plot twist that I didn't see coming. Maybe I just have to high an expectation for romances, especially sports romances that this really wasn't. Would I recommend this? It was okay but I know way better sports romances. Will I be reading any more of J.L. Paul's books? I don't think so.
I've begun re-reading books that I'd initially given four stars, this was one of these books. I could have happily given this one star but I figured that there were good bits in the book and I had given it four stars initially so met it in the middle.
What Is It About:
Taylor is a journalist and has been handed a larger news story. A home town hero has joined the major leagues in baseball. This hero is Brady and unfortunately, she has a history with Brady. Brady was her boyfriend in high school and broke her heart on the night of senior prom. He'll only do an interview for her and her alone. But he uses it as a chance to manipulate and explain himself because they broke up in a complete misunderstanding and he wants to rekindle what they had in high school.
What I Liked and Didn't:
I think that my biggest issue with this book was that there was no original plot aspect. The prom night incident, while I've never heard of it in real life, is a common incident in high school romance books. I wasn't too fond of either character of Taylor or Brady, although Brady was redeemable for the way that he acted with Taylor but they become way to obsessive with each other rather than a relationship.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, it was an okay read but it just annoyed me that there was no plot twist that I didn't see coming. Maybe I just have to high an expectation for romances, especially sports romances that this really wasn't. Would I recommend this? It was okay but I know way better sports romances. Will I be reading any more of J.L. Paul's books? I don't think so.
January 4, 2012
Many books have used the same premise as this book has, and a lot of them successfully made the story their own by telling it in a unique and interesting way. However, for me, this book did not rise up to that challenge.
Do you know the feeling when you watch the trailer of a certain movie, getting you all riled up and excited to watch the whole thing, and then, when you do get to watch it, you realize that the trailer actually showed all the highlights of the movie and that's all there is to it and nothing more? Well, that's how I felt like reading this book. The blurb said it all.
I found the characters flat, a bit too one dimensional, and not fully developed. The conflict (and the conflict resolution) was utterly obvious and simple, it didn't raise much interest for me. The possible angle of a love triangle with one of the other male characters in the book was not exploited and I feel was totally wasted. I kept hoping and hoping for some twist or some added conflict along the way but, as I reached the end, my anticipation proved to be for nothing. Also, the female lead's character did not appeal to me at all, even annoying at times.
True, this book is not vying for some literary award or anything, however, with that so many romance/contemporary romance/chicklit out there, I guess we can be a bit more discerning about how much interest and entertainment value a certain book can give.
I think this rating is leaning more to a 1.5 rather than 2. It's not horrible, but it's a story that's a bit too drab for me.
Do you know the feeling when you watch the trailer of a certain movie, getting you all riled up and excited to watch the whole thing, and then, when you do get to watch it, you realize that the trailer actually showed all the highlights of the movie and that's all there is to it and nothing more? Well, that's how I felt like reading this book. The blurb said it all.
I found the characters flat, a bit too one dimensional, and not fully developed. The conflict (and the conflict resolution) was utterly obvious and simple, it didn't raise much interest for me. The possible angle of a love triangle with one of the other male characters in the book was not exploited and I feel was totally wasted. I kept hoping and hoping for some twist or some added conflict along the way but, as I reached the end, my anticipation proved to be for nothing. Also, the female lead's character did not appeal to me at all, even annoying at times.
True, this book is not vying for some literary award or anything, however, with that so many romance/contemporary romance/chicklit out there, I guess we can be a bit more discerning about how much interest and entertainment value a certain book can give.
I think this rating is leaning more to a 1.5 rather than 2. It's not horrible, but it's a story that's a bit too drab for me.
August 13, 2015
This had been on my TBR list on Goodreads for the longest time. I had actually forgotten why I had put it on there at all. But I picked it up because it was short and because I went into it blindly I enjoyed it a lot more than I think I would have otherwise.
I read this book in almost a day which isn't really that big of an accomplishment because it's only 163 pages long. It was a really fast read that I found I enjoyed not because it was original but because it was a girly, cliché type of book. Which I kind of needed because it's summer...
While it was a little cliché, I think it was supposed to be one of those reads that you are just supposed to fly through and just smile at. The characters were cute, only sometimes infuriating, and so was the plot. Other than that I don't really know what to say about them... although I did love how Brady called Taylor "love". It reminded me a lot of Klaus from The Vampire Diaries which made me happy.
Anyways, I thought the book was a really quick, fun read. And it didn't even feel rushed because the author meticulously added some jumps of 2 or 3 weeks that allowed us to fully understand the story. So, I would suggest this book to anyone looking for a light read!
I read this book in almost a day which isn't really that big of an accomplishment because it's only 163 pages long. It was a really fast read that I found I enjoyed not because it was original but because it was a girly, cliché type of book. Which I kind of needed because it's summer...
While it was a little cliché, I think it was supposed to be one of those reads that you are just supposed to fly through and just smile at. The characters were cute, only sometimes infuriating, and so was the plot. Other than that I don't really know what to say about them... although I did love how Brady called Taylor "love". It reminded me a lot of Klaus from The Vampire Diaries which made me happy.
Anyways, I thought the book was a really quick, fun read. And it didn't even feel rushed because the author meticulously added some jumps of 2 or 3 weeks that allowed us to fully understand the story. So, I would suggest this book to anyone looking for a light read!
September 7, 2016
I liked Out at Home. It was a good, quick sports romance and a nice escape. Taylor was a likeable character and I could relate to her actions and reactions most of the time which helped me to get into the story. Brady was usually frustratingly over-confident but his sensitive side came out when it was needed. I couldn't understand Taylor's attraction to him at first but once his sensitive side peeked out, I got it. Taylor's friends were a little frustrating sometimes. They weren't very good at being supportive though their intentions were good. If I liked it so much, why only three stars then? This book is definitely what I would deem "quick and easy". It's an enjoyable read but it's only 168 pages and the author wasn't able to bring enough depth into so few pages to evoke much real emotion. There were only two times in this whole book were I really felt my heart being touched and that isn't much considering the topics it touched on. Still, it was good and I would recommend it.
November 7, 2011
More like 1.5 or 1.75 stars-- I had a hard time liking this heroine.. She would seem fine and then the littlest thing would change her attitude/mood. Plus The H was really pretty good but his "love" nickname got REALLY old REALLY fast.
Also another thing that really brought the book down for me was how many times the word smirk was used.... I swear if I read it one time I read it three thousand times (only a slight exaggeration by the way) That was the basic expression for most of the characters and the H had a permanent smirk throughout the entire book..
Also another thing that really brought the book down for me was how many times the word smirk was used.... I swear if I read it one time I read it three thousand times (only a slight exaggeration by the way) That was the basic expression for most of the characters and the H had a permanent smirk throughout the entire book..
October 22, 2012
Thanks god, it finally ended. I was really bored ... I nearly stopped reading it a few times. I thought "Out at Home" would be as good as "All The Wrong Reason" which I liked but I was wrong. So I really was disappointed in this book.
(This review I'll focus solely on the story since the characters were not stand out for me.)
When I read the book's description, I thought that I would loved it because it was the kind of story that I liked. However, the story didn't have single thing that could catch my attention. The story was so slow and sleepy. The relationship between Brady and Taylor wasn't as sweet as I thought it would be.
So prepare yourself for huge disappointment before you decide to read it. (I want to say 'DON'T READ IT' but every people have different taste in what they like ,,, so consider yourself a warned.)
(This review I'll focus solely on the story since the characters were not stand out for me.)
When I read the book's description, I thought that I would loved it because it was the kind of story that I liked. However, the story didn't have single thing that could catch my attention. The story was so slow and sleepy. The relationship between Brady and Taylor wasn't as sweet as I thought it would be.
So prepare yourself for huge disappointment before you decide to read it. (I want to say 'DON'T READ IT' but every people have different taste in what they like ,,, so consider yourself a warned.)
December 15, 2013
This was an ok story. I usually like books about guys in sports but this one just didn't do it for me.
Out at Home started out very interesting. It is about Taylor, who has to do a story on her old high school boyfriend who broke her heart.
Baseball player Brady Nolan has wanted a chance to makeup for the mistake he made with Taylor. When she shows up to interview him, he knows it is against her will but he plans to win her back anyway he can.
The the plot just felt forced to me. Plus I just wasn't feeling the love between Brady and Taylor.
It was a fun read and I still enjoyed it, even though I felt like issues were sometimes skipped over and not really examined deep enough.
Out at Home started out very interesting. It is about Taylor, who has to do a story on her old high school boyfriend who broke her heart.
Baseball player Brady Nolan has wanted a chance to makeup for the mistake he made with Taylor. When she shows up to interview him, he knows it is against her will but he plans to win her back anyway he can.
The the plot just felt forced to me. Plus I just wasn't feeling the love between Brady and Taylor.
It was a fun read and I still enjoyed it, even though I felt like issues were sometimes skipped over and not really examined deep enough.
December 22, 2011
This is one of the first stories where I did not really like the main characters. I found Taylor kind of mean, I understand what was done to her but ther were a couple spots in the book when it was too much for my liking. I was confused but how fast they got back together she just says ok I will gives
This a try and then they are already kissing and holding hands, I think that there should have been a least a bit more awkwardness i mean they have really talked in six years and all of a sudden they are able to kiss. And I also did not feel the chemistry for these two . And that scene wher she gets beat up and her hair cut I mean who cuts someone hair in a fight maybe in prison or high school. Do not get me wrong the writing of the author was not bad I just did not enjoy this story.
This a try and then they are already kissing and holding hands, I think that there should have been a least a bit more awkwardness i mean they have really talked in six years and all of a sudden they are able to kiss. And I also did not feel the chemistry for these two . And that scene wher she gets beat up and her hair cut I mean who cuts someone hair in a fight maybe in prison or high school. Do not get me wrong the writing of the author was not bad I just did not enjoy this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2013
For Taylor Lockwood her senior year was everything she dreamed about, she was dating one of the most popular boys in school and she was in love. Should have been perfect, until she found out about the bet he had made with a friend in his pursuit of her.
Baseball player Brady Nolan has wanted a chance to makeup for the mistake he made with Taylor. When she shows up to interview him, he knows it is against her will but he plans to win her back anyway he can.
3.5
I had a little bit of trouble connecting with Taylor. She is pretty hostile towards Brady and although his arrogance has a certain charm, I wasn't sure why she would even go for him. There were parts that were really good, but it didn't click the way I had hoped it would.
Baseball player Brady Nolan has wanted a chance to makeup for the mistake he made with Taylor. When she shows up to interview him, he knows it is against her will but he plans to win her back anyway he can.
3.5
I had a little bit of trouble connecting with Taylor. She is pretty hostile towards Brady and although his arrogance has a certain charm, I wasn't sure why she would even go for him. There were parts that were really good, but it didn't click the way I had hoped it would.
December 10, 2018
Out At Home started out very interesting. It is about a women reporter who has to do a story on her old high school boyfriend who broke her heart. The way he broke her heart was different than most stories you read about, he made a horrible bet with some of his jock friends, and I won't give more away than that but it was really interesting. But I just couldn't FEEL anything from the characters. The writing just seem "cut and dry" no emotion really. And some of the things that happened in the story made me want to bang my head against the wall because of how freaking cheesy it was. I mean seriously! Jeez, anyways This is a 2 out of 5 stars in my opinion. It was rather boring, and dull. This is not the book for me, I did not enjoy reading it. I forced myself to finish it.
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