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Hope Falls #4

Home Sweet Home

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Lauren Harrison is used to being the top dog. A high-powered real estate agent dealing exclusively in high-end homes, she is at the top of a very competitive field. That’s why she doesn’t appreciate being talked down to by Ben Stevens, even if he does do it in the most maddeningly charming way ever! Lauren has had about enough of his nonsense, that’s for sure. She wishes he’d just pack up and go right back where he came from. But a small, niggling question in the back of her mind keeps asking her – if that’s all true, why is your stomach full of butterflies every time you see him?

Ben Stevens grew up in circumstances that could most kindly be called “humble.” He hasn’t been handed a single thing in life, he’s had to fight and scrape for every bit of success he’s been granted. Not like Lauren Harrison. He recognizes her type, he saw women like her all the time growing up. Graceful, beautiful, elegant – it was easy to pull off when you had money. Lauren only sees him now as the successful and polished real estate reality show host that he has turned himself into. What would this regal beauty say if she knew the truth about where he came from?

252 pages, ebook

First published March 28, 2013

192 people are currently reading
709 people want to read

About the author

Melanie Shawn

134 books1,851 followers
NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn writes HEAs filled with sweet and sassy heroines, heroes who are cinnamon rolls in the streets alpho-holes in the sheets, casts of supportive *cough: meddling* friends and family who put the fun in funny, toe-curling combustible heat, and sugary sweet “aww” moments that will have your hearts and e-readers melting.

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5 stars
540 (45%)
4 stars
419 (35%)
3 stars
187 (15%)
2 stars
33 (2%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Dani.
178 reviews39 followers
June 26, 2014
Finally! THIS is what I have been waiting for. Yes, I liked the first 3 stories but Home Sweet Home is by far the best for me.
The flirting and banter between Lauren and Ben is off the charts. And damn, you can feel it through the pages. They are lots of fun to read about and I really liked the way their relationship progressed.

Definetely my favorite Hope Falls book from the series so far!
Profile Image for Dotti Elrick.
1,373 reviews17 followers
August 18, 2022
3.5 Stars
Home to Me
Ben and Lauren
Book 4
Enemies to lovers

This was an OK read. I loved Ben, but Lauren drove me crazy.
There’s a lot to be said about not getting a second chance to make a first impression. Or better yet, don’t judge a book by its cover. Ben makes a terrible first impression, and Lauren assumes the type of man he is by his looks. Both are wrong.

Lauren. The serious, uptight, focused, straightforward mother figure of the Fabulous Four. High end realtor. She grew up with a former model turned alcoholic mother. And a father who was too handsome for his own good. His looks, charm and a sly smile was all that was needed to find a woman to warm his bed. The only “family” she claims are the three best friends she’s had since childhood.
Ben. Raised by his single mother. Started taking care of her and his infant sister when he was ten years old and his mother was diagnosed with Lupus. Would, and has done anything to support his family. Also a high end realtor. Turned that into a successful reality show that he hosts.
Ben and Lauren do not get off to the best of starts when he is late to shoot an episode of his show in Hope Falls. He’s over eight hours late due to unforeseen circumstances. Lauren is beyond angry being held up by the superstar. She was asked to show him around her besties home since she was the one who brokered the sale.
When he finally shows, she’s both shocked by her reaction to him and annoyed by his lack of concern to others scheduling.
It’s not long before they realize they are attracted to each other. And it just intensifies when she’s chosen to work along side him for a spin-off to his series.
She soon sees another side to Ben. The warm caring man she’s falling for.
I loved Ben. He was truly a good guy. Kind, generous, thoughtful. Loved his mother and sister beyond all else. Fell hard and fast for Lauren even though she ran so hot and cold towards him. But he was focused on being what she needed. Even if she didn’t know what she wanted. He was beyond patient and understanding with her.
I loved the small glimpses of the Fab Four. I would have liked even more.
I really do love this little town the author has created.
Lauren I just didn’t get. I understand the way she was raised might have screwed with her perspective on relationships, but I just didn’t get why it was so extreme. She was so closed off, even with her best friends. To take every good looking man and compare him to her father and his actions was ridiculous. She obviously had feelings for Ben, and it scared her. But instead of talking about it, she shut down and put the ice walls back in place. Hot, then cold. Hot then cold…. Too much.
I was a quick easy read. Not a bad book, I just didn’t connect with Lauren. I didn’t see the chemistry between the two.
Like the previous books, I wanted an epilogue. Especially since this one just ended so abruptly. So many unresolved things. They work out their issues, she pulls her head out of her backside and get back together. But no HEA, but more of a HFN?




Profile Image for Marissa Chavez.
1,383 reviews4 followers
July 9, 2017
It always good to back to Hope Falls! Getting to catch up with everyone is one of my favorite things to do. I was happy to finally read about Lauren. I love how she likes to have control but once she meets Ben she totally is thrown for a loop. Ben is so sure of himself that he doesn't know how to act around Lauren. They always this fun tension around them you can't help but root for them. I really enjoyed about their story. Lauren and Ben are perfect together!
Profile Image for Iluvbooks44.
2,234 reviews16 followers
July 1, 2019
Phenomenal book!!!

I love, love this series.

I loved this book from start to finish.

I love the characters and the story.
Profile Image for Jennifer Gallagher.
301 reviews14 followers
March 18, 2014
I thought the writing Duo of Melanie and Shawna had surpassed themselves with book 3 of the series... oh boy how wrong was I ?? the Story of Lauren and Luke made me laugh.. scream.. heart hit the floor.. and the irony of the things Luke said to Lauren...Loved when he whispered in her ear " Take the stick out of your *** and relax.. I was crying with laughing..And I shouted WTG because I agreed with him...he put his foot in his mouth every time he met her.. yet he secretly was falling in love with her... I know Lauren loved the other fabulous 4 but I did so want to smack her with more than a cushion at times.. I will not give the story away I detest spoilers.. If you want to know the end of the story Go get your own copy.. you cannot go wrong reading this series.. I loved them all.. now to read the next book in the hope falls series by these awesome authors...
Profile Image for Sjoukje.
225 reviews
December 12, 2013
Sooooo sweet! I loved it!

It is great to see Lauren loose some of that control over a guy - she´s adorable!

I love the Fab four and how they always stick together... I can almost hear Karina´s voice in my head myself at times hehe

Ben is great, especially once he gets over his initial fear... the way he is with his mum and sis... *sigh*

Another great story that just makes you wish the book never ends!

Can´t wait to read the next!!
148 reviews
August 23, 2013
Cute story, great way to end the series :)
Profile Image for Bette Stanek.
2,158 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2017
3.5 bumped to 4 because, Hope Falls! OK, if I had to live on the west coast, namely in CA, I'd definitely have to live in Hope Falls. I love small towns that are close enough to get to a larger city quickly. I love the character, and characters, the "everybody knows everybody" and their business, but most of all the camaraderie and love that is so present in a small town. Hope Falls has it all.

This one is about Ben and Lauren. The day they met was ugly. Very ugly. It didn't get much better for the first week, maybe even the second week. Ben kept putting his foot in his mouth, realized it, but couldn't seem to stop. Lauren couldn't get the stick Ben so eloquently told her she had up her butt out of said butt. She knew she was bitchy every time he was around, she knew she shouldn't be, but she just couldn't seem to stop. Then they have to go out of town together for the weekend and end up having to share the same hotel room..... It's the weekend they realize what they think they know about the other maybe ain't so.

This one is as fun and entertaining as the rest of the series has been. It's pure brain candy that you can't seem to put down.
1,676 reviews43 followers
July 28, 2017
Lauren being my least favorite of the Fabulous Four I went into this final book on the girls with modest expectations despite all the glowing reviews I'd read on Goodreads. Much to my pleasant surprise this was a truly enjoyable book. This was a well told romance with plenty of every emotion. I came to understand the Lauren character and what made her tick much better. Amanda, Karina and Sam as with all the earlier stories played major if secondary roles in this story. There weren't any "that could never happen in real life" moments other than Karina throwing her considerable star power and wealth around to help her friend at the auction. And that just made me love Karina more. Of course you have to believe in insta-love and an overpowering physical and emotional attraction to enjoy the story but if you can't do that you're reading the wrong book genre anyway. Nope, this was just a great little romance to bring the final member of the Fabulous Four her H.E.A.
668 reviews
December 16, 2023
Lauren and Ben

Ben was supposed to be at Karina's home to start the shoot over 7 hours ago. Where was he? Lauren, who was supposed to go over her friend Karina's house specs with him, is livid. How could this man, no matter how big a star he is, have kept them all waiting? Then, when he finally shows up, does he apologize? Not really! He just breezes in like no one's business and starts acting like nothing is wrong. Then, a few days later, Bernie, Karina's manager, tells Lauren that there's going to be a spin-off "Home Sweet Vacation Home," and he got her an audition! Then the unthinkable happens, and she gets the job to co-host with Ben! What happens when the two of them have to work closely together and even travel? How will Lauren handle it? Will she find out what Ben's secret is? How will it make her feel? Only one way to find out is to read this great story by Melanie Shawn! It will keep you on your toes with all the ups and downs.
2,546 reviews
March 13, 2023
free ebook
also called home to me
hate it when its the same book, 2 different titles

she is a real estate agent and so is he, but he is also on a tv show. she took a instant dislike to him when he kept the film crew waiting hours with no explanation. he was helping a family member with medical problems but didnt tell anyone

but they had a instant attraction and during flight problems spent the night together
then they had to be with each other on the tv show

they fight and make up and are in love with each other
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kelly Cook.
146 reviews
July 5, 2018
Ben and Lauren meet when they co-host a TV show.

Lauren doesn’t like Ben at first but with time love starts to grow.

The story was easy to read but I did find it a little hard to connect with Ben and Lauren. It wasn’t until the final two chapters that I fully got on board with their story.

I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.

This is book 4 of the Hopes Fall series





Profile Image for Angie.
2,461 reviews3 followers
February 28, 2023
I really enjoyed Lauren finally getting her own story. Lauren holds everyone back a little except for the Fab Four. When Ben breaks down Lauren's walls she doesn't know what to do, so she turns to the Fab Four for advice. Ben is off his game when Lauren is around. These two are shocked at their chemistry together. These two are both trying to figure out what is happening and if they can make it work. Really enjoying this series!
Profile Image for Chessela Helm.
Author 7 books26 followers
October 22, 2018
Lauren and Ben meet ugly, and then fall for each other when they realize they didn't see the best of each other. The pace of discovering each other's real personalities is good. I liked both characters. This book wasn't as good as 2 and 3 in the series, but it's still fun and spicy.
Profile Image for Patti.
1,464 reviews10 followers
February 17, 2020
Love this series and this book!! The last of the fab four gets her HEA!! Lauren and Ben are perfect for each other but they both have a hard time believing it!! Don't hesitate to read this fab love story!! Stand alone no cliff hanger!!
622 reviews8 followers
April 23, 2025
Cute story

So I enjoyed their story but they never said whether or not their show got picked up and how his mom was doing. So I feel like I'm missing some of the wrap up of their story. :(
Profile Image for Jeanette montgomery.
2,167 reviews14 followers
July 1, 2019
Phenomenal book!!!

I love, love this series.

I loved this book from start to finish.

I love the characters and the story.
Profile Image for D.J. Minshall.
Author 4 books14 followers
July 12, 2020
So happy to see Lauren get her happily ever after. It was fun to see Lauren lose her cool over a guy, and Ben just egged her on. Love it! Can't wait to read the next one.
1,440 reviews5 followers
October 20, 2020
Home Sweet Home

Another good story by this talented author. I have enjoyed reading her other stories and look forward to reading more.
Profile Image for Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams.
2,705 reviews5 followers
June 29, 2023
Home to Me (Hope Falls Book 4)

The love story of Laure and Ben. Laure and Ben are real estate agent and TV stars. Ok story and characters. This book can be as a stand alone.
Profile Image for Donna Morrison.
340 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2017
Lauren is the more reserved of the fabulous-four. She is not quick to trust or let people in. When people see her she comes off as more of a person who thinks she is better than anyone else but that is not her at all. She has just had a rough past that has caused her to not trust her feelings or anyone else except those closest to her.

She moved back to Hope Falls to get in touch with those who are closest to her and she started her own real estate business. Her business is doing very well, then comes this reality show that is stared by a realtor. They show homes and this time they are showing Karina's home and since she was her realtor they want her there.

Well, her and the star do not hit it off at all, far from it as a matter of fact. He is late the first day and then just says the most outrageous things to her. But, Ben (the star) can't seem to help himself where she is concerned. He is so blown away by her beauty and the electricity they have between them. He can not figure it out because she is not his type at all.

The production company decides they want to start a spin-off show that showcases vacation homes and they need a co-star next to Ben. Lauren is talked into trying out for it. At first she freezes up when the red light on the camera comes on. Then Ben gets her to relax and they screen test goes off great. They decide to make Laura the co-star and start shooting a pilot. Well, at first things are great. The chemistry shows on the screen. Then something happens and it is the cold shoulder and that shows on the screen as well. Especially after the explosive night they had together.

Things go back and forth between them as they are on different locations for their shoots. Hot and cold. Then very hot in the bedroom. On the final night of shooting though Ben tells her that he is in love with her and she tells him that it was fun while it lasted but it was just a hook-up. He doesn't believe her but she runs out of the party in tears.He is more than hurt. He put himself out there and was shot down.

Now this is where I am going to stop there and let you read the ending to see what happens when Lauren is confronted by her friends.

Will her and Ben make up?

Will Ben take her back?

Will Lauren get over her fears of the past and give their love a chance?

Those are answers you will find when you read the book. Go get your copy today.

Thanks for reading my review.

Until Next Time: Happy Reading.

Profile Image for Donna Morrison.
340 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2017
Lauren is the more reserved of the fabulous-four. She is not quick to trust or let people in. When people see her she comes off as more of a person who thinks she is better than anyone else but that is not her at all. She has just had a rough past that has caused her to not trust her feelings or anyone else except those closest to her.

She moved back to Hope Falls to get in touch with those who are closest to her and she started her own real estate business. Her business is doing very well, then comes this reality show that is stared by a realtor. They show homes and this time they are showing Karina's home and since she was her realtor they want her there.

Well, her and the star do not hit it off at all, far from it as a matter of fact. He is late the first day and then just says the most outrageous things to her. But, Ben (the star) can't seem to help himself where she is concerned. He is so blown away by her beauty and the electricity they have between them. He can not figure it out because she is not his type at all.

The production company decides they want to start a spin-off show that showcases vacation homes and they need a co-star next to Ben. Lauren is talked into trying out for it. At first she freezes up when the red light on the camera comes on. Then Ben gets her to relax and they screen test goes off great. They decide to make Laura the co-star and start shooting a pilot. Well, at first things are great. The chemistry shows on the screen. Then something happens and it is the cold shoulder and that shows on the screen as well. Especially after the explosive night they had together.

Things go back and forth between them as they are on different locations for their shoots. Hot and cold. Then very hot in the bedroom. On the final night of shooting though Ben tells her that he is in love with her and she tells him that it was fun while it lasted but it was just a hook-up. He doesn't believe her but she runs out of the party in tears.He is more than hurt. He put himself out there and was shot down.

Now this is where I am going to stop there and let you read the ending to see what happens when Lauren is confronted by her friends.

Will her and Ben make up?

Will Ben take her back?

Will Lauren get over her fears of the past and give their love a chance?

Those are answers you will find when you read the book. Go get your copy today.

Thanks for reading my review.

Until Next Time: Happy Reading.

Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,331 reviews38 followers
February 13, 2015
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland

Home Sweet Home is the last of the Fabulous Four books, but the second one I have read. I wasn't really looking forward to this one that much as I am not really a fan of famous people in books, but it was better than I expected.

Lauren is this super organized control freak lady. She likes everything to go smoothly and have everything in its place and then everything is fine. She is a real estate agent and is all about being a professional. When Ben is super late to the filming of his show, the filming where Lauren has been to go over the details of the home with him, well that was not the best start for the two of them. Since he obviously doesn't care about anyone else or their time and whatnot he is some stuck up selfish star. She gets so easily frustrated by everything Ben does it is kind of hilarious.

Ben isn't really all that bad. He is not the person Lauren thinks he is. He has not just been handed everything in life, he has worked hard to get to where he is. He is usually great at winning people over, but when Lauren is around his brain just doesn't work as well as it should. He comes across as kind of an idiot. He really likes Lauren, but he can't seem to get his act together around her.

When Ben and Lauren get paired up to cohost a new show, he is so sweet and kind to her. Ben tries to help Lauren figure everything out, helps her to relax and create a great show. They have to travel all over for work and it was really sweet watching the two of them grow closer. It was not easy, but in the end it all works out. A great read.
Profile Image for Coral Mitchell.
3,189 reviews
June 30, 2016
Lauren Harrison didn’t have time for games. But the gorgeous, high-powered real estate agent was about to find out that when it comes to love, there were some things she couldn’t control. Nothing in life comes easy. Ben Stevens knew this to be true from an early age. The handsome host of a successful real estate reality show knew all too well that he had what he had because he worked hard for it. His charming demeanor radiated from the screen, but behind the camera, he kept his real life out of the spotlight. After becoming co-hosts for a new real estate reality show, Lauren and Ben will both find out that sometimes there is more to someone than meets eye.

Lauren keeps everything in her control- her business, her appearance, and her emotions. She never experienced or expected the visceral reactions she had toward Ben. He was good-looking and knew it. A spoiled celebrity. Ben wanted and had relationships with no work and no substance. His total focus was on his family and being in character for his fans. Meeting Lauren has changed all of that and he is fighting how to handle himself around her. Ben and Lauren have a problem many people do, they are not good at communicating what they are thinking or feeling to the other person.
Profile Image for Moira.
1,262 reviews11 followers
January 3, 2015
Ben is just the right person for Lauren - it takes her a little while to figure this out and that makes this book a fun read! We all have many sides to our personalities and this story shows how that benefits everybody. Lauren's had a tough upbringing but so has Ben-no one could imagine what he's been through as a caretaker of his mom and sister since he was 10 years old. He overcomes adversity and goes on to be a man who's not jaded by the world at large even when he could be. Lauren's strength is what makes her realize that she must overcome her misgivings about men based on her father's actions so she can achieve true happiness with the man of her dreams. You can read this as a stand alone but it's fun to see the progression of life in Hope Falls through this series.
Profile Image for Darcie.
1,060 reviews11 followers
January 6, 2015
Cute fun series!

The stories in this series are so easy to love and the characters are always fun to watch. I loved watching the banter between Lauren and Ben. Her push-pull with him drive me crazy but she was so lovable throughout the book it never went too far. I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
Profile Image for Pamela Lunder.
1,743 reviews
January 8, 2015
Great story I had a hard time relating to Lauren. She is a very stuffy person but Ben being the sweet, funny guy he is brought her out of her shell. A great love story. Can't wait for the next one in this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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