Going Home Again

by Abby Cavenaugh

Alyssa Jones's high school crush probably never knew she existed. Twenty years later, when the now-famous pop star returns home to coastal North Carolina, Alyssa gets a second chance to make a first impression on Michael. On sabbatical from his failing marriage, Michael agrees to an interview with Alyssa, a journalist for the local tourist magazine. When the chemistry between them ignites, Alyssa and Michael are hit with the harsh reality that he isn't yet free to love her. With Michael's wife and son still very much in the picture, can Alyssa hold out until he ends his marriage for good? Or will she risk it all for a second chance with the one who got away? GOING HOME AGAIN is contemporary romance novel set in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.

Genres: Romance, Adult Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

338 pages, Paperback

First published August 6, 2013

About the author

Abby Cavenaugh is a writer of romantic women's fiction. She is a newspaper editor by day, but dreams of someday retiring to the North Carolina coast to write books full-time. She lives near Charlotte with her twin sister, also a writer, eight-year-old niece, three cats and a crazy puppy. She is driven by dreams and chocolate.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rock star returning to his home town.

A woman that hadn't gotten over her high school crush, a crush that just happened to become a rock star.

A marriage falling apart.

A paparazzi's dream scandal.

A chance at true happiness.

Going Home Again was a well written romance story. The characters are completely captivating and the story engaging. Being a married woman, I had a hard time relating to Alyssa's and Mike's choices and attitudes toward Mike's marriage. I did enjoy the overall story of the high school crush and rock star finding love. The romance was sweet and sincere and you find yourself hopeful for the happily ever after for everyone in the end.

I received this copy of Going Home Again from Swoon Romance in exchange for a honest review.

[Derna · Rating 4 out of 5]

*******4.5*********

I received this copy of Going Home Again from Swoon Romance in exchange for an honest review.

Alyssa Jones had a big crush on Michael Day at high school, but he never knew, in fact, he never knew she existed. Twenty years later Alyssa, who has never forgotten her high school crush, gets the chance to interview Michael who is now a famous pop star when he returns to their hometown to deal with the fact the his marriage is now over and has been for years. Sparks fly between Alyssa and Michael, and despite their attraction, they have to deal with reality is that Michel is still married.

“It wasn’t as if Mike and I ever had … anything. He was my crush from high school, the guy who’d always held on to a piece of my heart.” ~ Alyssa

“Then I met Alyssa and everything changed. That’s the only way I can explain it. She can in the door and I was a goner. “ ~ Mike

I really enjoyed Going Home Again; it was a lovely contemporary romance about second chances and finding true happiness. It’s deals with the reality of a marriage breaking up, divorce, and the feelings of being the other woman. I found the story engaging, and I really didn’t want to put it down. I like both Alyssa and Michael they had great chemistry together.

“I felt that closeness to him that I’d never felt with anyone else. We were the same we were connected. I could feel the connection surging between us, and we weren’t even touching”. ~ Alyssa.

‘I’d say it was not love at first sight: maybe intense like at first sight? I would say lust at first, but that’s not accurate, either. I felt comfortable with her.” ~ Mike

I really liked how the story was told in 3 parts, the 1st and 3rd was Alyssa POV, and the 2nd was Michael. Dual POV is always a favorite of mine, and I felt this worked really well to do it this way. This gives you a realistic insight into not only Alyssa and Michael’s emotions and feelings for each other, but their feeling about his marriage break-up, about Tina his ex wife to be, and wanting the best for his son Sammy.

“I can down here, and it’s like I’m alive again, for the first time in what feels like twenty years. I feel free. I don’t have that dark cloud hanging over my head”. ~ Mike

“I knew this was the right thing for now. Hell, I’d waited more than twenty years for this; a while longer wouldn’t hurt”~ Alyssa

It was heart warming and sad at times, but also very funny, and I love a book that make me laugh out loud and this one did. It also had some great romantic, and steamy parts too. I liked secondary characters, and some that I felt could get their own story in the future. Even though I was rooting for Alyssa and Michael to get their HAE, I did feel for Tina at times and understand her feelings.

My only complaint is I would have loved an epilogue; I always need an epilogue when a book has a lovely ending without a cliffhanger, as I like to have closure.

Overall I truly enjoy this book, and recommend that you not only add it to your TBR list, but you 1–click it today. Abby Cavenaugh has done such a great job with her debut novel, and I was impressed. I liked her writing style, which I found it engaging, and her characters were such that I cared about. I will definitely read any of the books that Abby is planning to write in the future.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going Home Again is a delightful “what if” styled romance featuring the whirlwind attraction and relationship between aging pop-star Michael Day and his interviewer/old high-school classmate, Alyssa Jones. Though Alyssa remembers Mike as a popular high school senior and, over the years, watched his career blossom as a world-famous pop sensation, Mike didn’t know she existed—that is, until Alyssa scores the interview of a lifetime and reintroduces herself to her childhood crush.

The romance between Alyssa and Mike is not a sugar-sweet fantasy—both characters are grounded in reality. Separated from his wife, Mike realizes his marriage has failed and has been dead for many years. Though he is prepared to find his own happiness, his greatest concern is the emotional well-being of his son. Alyssa understands the consequences of divorce. Her own marriage ended after only three years. And she understands just how risky her new relationship can be—Mike is only separated from his wife and he has a young son. Despite their attraction, Alyssa does not want to be the “other woman.”

The characters’ newfound romance is tested by doubt, guilt, and the ever present public-eye eager for a scandal. Abby Cavenaugh writes a beautiful relationship between two unique characters and weaves passion and desire with the real-world consequences of divorce and family to create a lovely story of Alyssa and Mike’s second chance for happiness.

[Dannie Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

**full disclosure** Abby is a personal friend of mine and I am totally biased about this book.

That said...

IT IS FULL OF WIN. If you like adult contemporary romance, you should already be reading this. I *do not* typically enjoy ACR and I thought it was awesomesauce--objectively and for real. If you write CR, you should love the craft and construction of this novel so hard. It is a fun read. It'll make you laugh, cry, it's better than Cats. And speaking of cats, Abs? Charlie? I got teary, babe. I love that you used her name! And Jor...I mean Mike? OMG. He is a delicious L.I. Even with the fictional grey at the temples. All the characters are really wonderful and I was bummed when the book ended because there were no more words. I'm in total awesome book hangover mode at the moment.

Really and truly I enjoyed this read. The plot is so well done. The romance is more than swoon-worthy. And the sexy times? Gah!

[Kelley Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, to be honest, as I am, often to a fault, GOING HOME AGAIN was a tough read for me, and not because it isn't good, it is. However, it is also very realistic. And, having been on the other side of this coin, it made it difficult to get completely out of my own head. That said, you should know Abby Cavenaugh is a talented author, who is very descriptive, and she can write a love scene that will scorch the hair off of your toes! Not only are her characters realistic, the situations and dialogue are as well, giving GOING HOME AGAIN a trifecta of winning qualities. Great job, Abby!

[Kenya Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael and Alyssa's journey was a good one. I consider this a sweet romance with imperfect characters. Remember folks my favorite heroes and heroines tend to be greatly flawed. These weren't as flawed as I usually like them, but they did have problems--Michael's separation from his wife which creates a sort of "other woman" tag for Alyssa.

Still, this was a delicate walk towards a very sweet romance. The love scenes were magical. The emotions gripped at my heart and wouldn't let go. The author's writing was poetic, concise, and not long-winded.

A Good Ride Overall!!

[Stephanie Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, so good! Very easy read, and seems like the kind of book that would be made into a movie. Yes, that good :) Excited to see where Alyssa ends up!

Just finished reading, and I'm very pleased! She described everything with such detail that it was easy to create the characters/scenes in my mind. I'd definitely read something else by this author!

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enter to WIN one of TEN eCopies!

When Aylssa’s secret high school heartthrob turns up almost twenty years later, now an aging popstar, to say he now knows she exists would be an understatement! The problem? He is unhappily married and a father to boot. Their attraction is pure heaven, but is destined to raise hell both publicly and in the lives of others. Who can say that a rebound love can’t work? Is that what this is? Do they deserve happiness at the expense of others? Is this truly their destiny and their time for real love? Will their love survive the world around them?

Abby Cavenaugh maneuvers a touchy but real topic with grace and sensitivity in Going Home Again. The topic itself is definitely a contemporary issue, and the characters certainly seemed made for each other, but, no matter how much I enjoy Ms. Cavenaugh’s ability as an author, this is a hard book to review. Based on the presentation and flow of the story, I most definitely am an Abby Cavenaugh fan! The moments of humor were light and refreshing, Mike’s love and concern for his son was admirable and as it should be! The reasons for the failure of his marriage were clear, but still, he did things out of order and Alyssa shares in that! Although realistic, their love still needs to stand the test of time and life!

I received a review copy as part of the Going Home Book Tour & Giveaway currently stopping at Tome Tender.

Publication Date: August 6, 2013
Publisher: Swoon Romance
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 243
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
A sweet and seductive love story. My heart was on a roller coaster ride from the start. This story is so different then other romance novels I have read. There is still spice and heat along with some very steamy sex scenes, however there is also realism that reaches in and grabs a hold of your soul. This is not your easy peasy HEA. This is an ugly nasty divorce. He did not just have to sweep her of her feet. Instead Mike and Alyssa became a united front and had to work at their relationship.

I fell in love with Alyssa because she was so kind and caring and really loved Michael with all her heart. But, my heart cried out for Tina because I know what it is like to have the one you love swept away by someone else. I felt that Michael was really a good guy that just did not use good judgement and his son Sammy made my heart break. Divorce is really hard on kids and Sammy was a trooper. The author did an excellent job telling this story and showing how love can blossom even in the worst circumstances. Going home again is a real love story that is gritty and heart wrenching to the core.

[Melinda Dozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet romance! How many of us have thought back to our high school crushes or first loves and wondered what happened? Well, Alyssa's crush turned into a bigtime heartthrob musician. Lucky for her, Michael returns to their NC town in the midst of a "seperation" from his wife and the two find a true love that is hard to ignore -- even when they fight it.

Becoming "the other woman" is not easy for either of them, but they fight through it and realize that what matters most is how they feel.

I truly enjoyed this read and often found myself wanting to pick up my Kindle in the middle of the day instead of working. I also liked how the story is told in three parts -- interchanging the points of views. Both characters were real which is always important to me.

I'll be reading Abby Cavenaugh again. This was a great read!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since this book was written by my sister, I don't think it's fair to write a review as I would for other books. Also I have read every page from first draft to published masterpiece and I love it. So I'm completely biased. You should still read it because the characters are very real, dealing with a real-life situation, not some fantasy world. The heroine also doesn't need a man to save her so I've always loved that about this book. What it is: a "What if" about what could happen if you actually had a chance with the high school crush who never knew you were alive. It's awesome!! Read it!

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I love Alyssa and Mike's relationship and how Abby creates such a realistic atmosphere for it. This story definitely caters to every little girl's fantasy of meeting and falling for the hot celebrity you've always loved. Abby brings that fantasy to life in such a fantastically detailed manner. Can't wait to read more!! Maybe even a Going Home Again sequel ;0)

[Melissa Petreshock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the basic concept of the story and the characters, but found my difficulty in the specific delivery of it, leading to a 4 star rather than a 5 star rating.

*Minor possible spoilers*

As a married woman, I had a hard time connecting at times with Alyssa and Mike due to the fact that him still being married and the affect the separation/divorce had on his soon-to-be ex-wife and their son played so heavily into the entire story line.

I loved the aspect of Alyssa's high school crush becoming a reality and the price of dating someone who's famous, but every time the subject dove too hard into the marital issue, I cringed a little inside and liked Alyssa a bit less, Mike a lot less. Then I had to warm back up to them again.

In the end, I did love the story and the reasoning they came together made its own sense, but I found it hard to swallow. Unlike KNOCK LOVE OUT by Pella Grace (another Swoon Romance author) where infidelity was front and center yet played out in a way that made it feel completely acceptable and even amusing, GOING HOME AGAIN sometimes felt a bit like a guilt trip.

However, I can promise that in the end, it comes together in a way that doesn't feel forced or overly HEA in the imperfect world they live in, which made me finish it feeling satisfied that Abby did an excellent job writing a romance with troublesome subject matter.

But who said love isn't complicated?

I would recommend GOING HOME AGAIN, but would warn that Abby doesn't dance around the pain of infidelity or the realities of a marriage falling apart. Mike is swoonworthy, and this is definitely a romance, but she's not afraid to make it realistic. In the end, that was what won me over. Sometimes it's good to know romance really does exist in all its imperfections in the real world we live in.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alyssa Jones has never forgotten her first high school crush. As a freshman, she was certain that senior Michael Day never knew she existed. But now that high school is twenty years behind her, she has the opportunity to interview Mike for a magazine she works for in Wilmington, NC. Mike hit it big after high school as a musician, and Alyssa has secretly followed his career since graduation. When she agrees to meet Mike at his rented ocean front home for the interview, she learns that he is on the brink of divorcing his wife. Flirty, fun, passionate and real, "Going Home Again" is a great story of two adults who find themselves falling for each other when they least expect it. Alyssa, knowing that Mike is still married, desperately wants to be with him - but doesn't like being the "other woman." Mike doesn't want to jeopardize his relationship with his son by divorcing his wife, even though their marriage has been over for quite some time. He wants to be with Alyssa, but once his wife finds out that he's ready to move forward with divorce and another woman, decides she wants to give their marriage a second chance. Will Mike follow his heart that remains with his son and stay in a loveless marriage, or does he decide to risk it all for a once-in-a-lifetime chance with a woman and love that he never thought even existed?
I enjoyed "Going Home Again" and liked the real emotions that all characters had. Even the secondary characters were good. Although I wanted Alyssa and Mike to end up together, I also felt the sting of how the wife felt - from anger to jealousy to rage. I read it in 2 days, and couldn't wait to see how it would end. Good from page one to the final page!

[Jolie Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, lovely romance!

Who hasn’t had a sweet high school crush? I know I have. And this book allowed me to revisit this love. Le sigh.

Sometimes I can’t help but wonder the question What if?

Well, Alyssa (who had a crush) is thrown into a spiral of emotions when her heartthrob Michael returns to their hometown and then confronted with all the feels. Michael is going through a separation, which makes all of the feelings not always so easy to deal with.

I loved this book and I love how this story is told in alternating perspectives. Both characters were written realistically– which is so important. I hate when I read a book and the characters sound flat or fake. NOT THE CASE HERE. Both Alyssa and Michael are real people, with real emotions, and a beautiful story to tell.

I laughed, I cried, and I enjoyed the schmexy times.

Amazing job Abby! The only complaint I have is that I want more!! (*hint hint)

http://joliehudson.wordpress.com/2013...

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adult Contemporary Romance isn't a genre I usually read, but the romance isn't what made me fall for this book. It's the characters. Characters like Alyssa, who so desperately wants to be with Mike, but hates being the "other woman". And Mike, who's trapped in a broken marriage, but still tried to make it work for the sake of his son. These characters are likable but also imperfect, just like us. They have vulnerabilities and insecurities, needs and wants we can all relate to, and that's why I care about them. That's why I love this book.

I highly recommend Going Home Again. Go buy it now!

[K.L. Hallam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a lot deeper than I thought going in. The beginning started off light, humorous and then it turned and I began to have feelings for all the characters involved, even Tina. While reading, I kept getting interrupted and couldn't wait to get back find out what happened to Alyssa & Mike. Having been in Alyssa's shoes once, a long, long time ago, I found this quite heartwrenching.

The story's ending felt like a new beginning. I expect we'll get more of Alyssa & Mike soon. At least I hope so!

[Cynthia Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should start by saying that this is not the first time I’ve read Alyssa and Mike’s story: I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for Abby over a year ago, and I was excited to see how the story ended up now that it has finally found a home with Swoon Romance.

Going Home Again is not a typical romance novel...

Read the rest of my review here: http://cynthiahillbooks.com/2013/08/2...

[Kyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read this book a while before it was published, and again once the book was for sale, and I fell in love with the characters both times. What girl hasn't dreamed about meeting up with the guy who never noticed her in high school?!

Abby Cavanaugh has written a brilliant tale of romance, and I can't wait to see what she releases next!

[Laura]

A lovely, sweet romance novel that brilliantly deals with marriage falling apart and falling in love again even if the timing isn't very convenient. Simply a beautiful romance.

Disclaimer - I am a publicity intern for the publishers of this novel. I honestly think this book is brilliant but feel free to ignore my opinions if you wish.

[Tranese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It seems I like these kind of plots and I'm not ashamed. Great read!!

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff! Abby writes a great story that drew me in and kept me riveted til the end. The characters are believable, realistic and as perfect as they seem...flawed in just the right ways.