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Take Me Home
Road Trip No bad music. No detours. No falling in love.
Hazel Elliot doesn’t look back. If the universe closes a door, she burns the whole house down. But when she’s summoned home for her father’s wedding, she’s forced to return to small-town Lockett Prairie, Texas, for the first time since she fled for college.
Ash Campbell has been in love with Hazel since they were teenagers, when she dated his best friend. Now, Ash works at Hazel’s favorite coffee shop, where they feud over the best chair, and his sizzling attraction to the prickly girl from home has only gained steam.
When Ash’s car breaks down just as family obligations pull him home, there’s only one person who can get him there on time. But Hazel has one everything between them must stay the same. And if he fails to oblige? She gets the coffee shop. So the frenemies endure bad music, inclement weather, and B&Bs with only one bed—and that’s just the drive across Texas. When they finally arrive, Hazel must face the bridges she’s burned, because there’s nowhere in a small town to hide, not even from herself. And, right where she least expects it, she might just find a man worth changing everything for . . .
Hazel Elliot doesn’t look back. If the universe closes a door, she burns the whole house down. But when she’s summoned home for her father’s wedding, she’s forced to return to small-town Lockett Prairie, Texas, for the first time since she fled for college.
Ash Campbell has been in love with Hazel since they were teenagers, when she dated his best friend. Now, Ash works at Hazel’s favorite coffee shop, where they feud over the best chair, and his sizzling attraction to the prickly girl from home has only gained steam.
When Ash’s car breaks down just as family obligations pull him home, there’s only one person who can get him there on time. But Hazel has one everything between them must stay the same. And if he fails to oblige? She gets the coffee shop. So the frenemies endure bad music, inclement weather, and B&Bs with only one bed—and that’s just the drive across Texas. When they finally arrive, Hazel must face the bridges she’s burned, because there’s nowhere in a small town to hide, not even from herself. And, right where she least expects it, she might just find a man worth changing everything for . . .
11 pages, Audiobook
First published July 9, 2024
245 people are currently reading
19115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 901 reviews
August 14, 2024
This book captured my attention from the beginning and yanked every emotion from me along the way. Searingly hot, beautiful writing, characters I felt existing off the page. My favorite sort of romance.
August 13, 2024
The audiobook: spectacular
Zachary Webber and Brittany Pressley’s narration: spectacular
The tension and angst and tenderness that Melanie Sweeney wove: spectacular
Give me 14 of ‘em!!!! (and by that I mean, 14 more books written by you, Melanie)
Zachary Webber and Brittany Pressley’s narration: spectacular
The tension and angst and tenderness that Melanie Sweeney wove: spectacular
Give me 14 of ‘em!!!! (and by that I mean, 14 more books written by you, Melanie)
June 3, 2024
2.5⭐️ Take Me Home follows Hazel and Ash, along the ride of their acquaintances to enemies to friends to lovers path. The novel touches heavily on family themes, including child’s outcome of divorce, family dynamics, and injury/illness of a loved one.
The novel is set during Christmas time, which begs the question as to why the publisher decided to release this in the middle of summer… while it’s not inherently a Christmas novel, I could’ve seen myself enjoying this much more with a mug of hot chocolate on a cold day in.
This novel sat at a solid 4-4.5 stars for me for the first 50% or so of the story, however the 2nd half took a serious downturn for me for a couple of reasons.
There were at least 10 different miscommunications, not only between the love interests but also with other family characters. The miscommunication trope can work in some (very rare) instances, but it was completely over the top in this novel. I mean even the simplest things such as Ash not wanting Hazel to know a family members medical history seemed completely unnecessary and did not add at all to the characterization- if anything it made me distrust the growth of the characters.
The third act breakup was COMPLETELY frustrating and irritating. I was very close to DNFing at the 82% mark simply for the fact that I could not believe the immaturity level of this FMC. She’s supposed to be this highly intellectual and mature PHD candidate, who can’t work through small issues with a couple of minutes of sincere communication? All the choices she made did not at all line up with the rest of her character arc and portrayed personality. And it didn’t stop there, no. Even after she asks Ash for “space” she gets mad when that’s exactly what he gives her. I mean, are we in middle school? The spicy scenes also felt like two high schoolers going at it for the first time.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me but I could definitely see it resonating with others. The familial themes were plotted in a relatable way and the overall writing was great. This debut author has a lot of talent, I just wish we could stay away from falling into using tropes that make the reader disconnect with the characters.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to read this eARC!
The novel is set during Christmas time, which begs the question as to why the publisher decided to release this in the middle of summer… while it’s not inherently a Christmas novel, I could’ve seen myself enjoying this much more with a mug of hot chocolate on a cold day in.
This novel sat at a solid 4-4.5 stars for me for the first 50% or so of the story, however the 2nd half took a serious downturn for me for a couple of reasons.
There were at least 10 different miscommunications, not only between the love interests but also with other family characters. The miscommunication trope can work in some (very rare) instances, but it was completely over the top in this novel. I mean even the simplest things such as Ash not wanting Hazel to know a family members medical history seemed completely unnecessary and did not add at all to the characterization- if anything it made me distrust the growth of the characters.
The third act breakup was COMPLETELY frustrating and irritating. I was very close to DNFing at the 82% mark simply for the fact that I could not believe the immaturity level of this FMC. She’s supposed to be this highly intellectual and mature PHD candidate, who can’t work through small issues with a couple of minutes of sincere communication? All the choices she made did not at all line up with the rest of her character arc and portrayed personality. And it didn’t stop there, no. Even after she asks Ash for “space” she gets mad when that’s exactly what he gives her. I mean, are we in middle school? The spicy scenes also felt like two high schoolers going at it for the first time.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me but I could definitely see it resonating with others. The familial themes were plotted in a relatable way and the overall writing was great. This debut author has a lot of talent, I just wish we could stay away from falling into using tropes that make the reader disconnect with the characters.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to read this eARC!
March 22, 2025
**4.5-stars rounded up**
Take Me Home follows Hazel and Ash. Ash has been in love with Hazel since high school when she was dating his best friend, but of course, he's never told her that.
Even years later, Hazel acts like Ash only exists to annoy her. He works at her favorite coffee shop, where he's constantly battling her for her favorite chair. Just why?
With the holidays approaching, Hazel gets a summons from her father to return home to their small-town of Lockett Prairie, Texas, to attend his wedding.
Hazel hasn't been back there since she fled for college. It's the last thing she wants to do, and even though she and her Dad aren't that close, she feels obligated.
Coincidentally, at the same time, Ash needs to get home as soon as possible to deal with a pressing family issue. Of course, his junker car breaks down just prior to him wanting to leave and he doesn't have the funds to repair it.
Watching him struggle trying to figure out a way home, Hazel eventually succumbs and offers to give him a ride, but there will be rules.
I'm not gonna tell you the rules, just know the stage is set for a wonderfully-adorable road trip, which includes cute car banter, inclement weather, strange diner experiences and a B&B stay with only one bed.
All this is just the start though. Once they hit Lockett Prairie, the gloves come off, and these frenemies begin to rely on each other for a lot more than an impromptu ride home.
Y'all, I can't believe how much I enjoyed this. It was so unexpected. I mean, I shouldn't say it that way, I thought I would enjoy it, but like, I loved this.
It pulled me in so quickly. I read it in less than 24-hours, absolutely flying through it, just eating it up. Both Ash and Hazel brought so much to the story. I loved watching them really get to know one another.
This book does feature a lot of my favorite tropes, so that def worked in my favor. The road trip, the witty banter, the forced proximity, frenemies to lovers; it had it all.
My only small gripe would be how much these characters went through emotionally in such a small frame of time. We're talking mere days. That felt a little unbelievable to me, but that was such a minor thing, it didn't impact my overall experience too much.
Also, with this being said, I did truly appreciate how the author balanced all the difficult real world family issues, with the cuter romantic bits. I felt that was well executed.
One small side note, even though this is categorized as Adult, I would point out that it is more specific to call in New Adult. I feel like that's an important distinction to make, because some Adult Readers may feel like this reads a little young, even though the characters are technically adults.
Thank you to the publisher, G.P. Putnam's Sons, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I need more Melanie Sweeney in my life!!!
Take Me Home follows Hazel and Ash. Ash has been in love with Hazel since high school when she was dating his best friend, but of course, he's never told her that.
Even years later, Hazel acts like Ash only exists to annoy her. He works at her favorite coffee shop, where he's constantly battling her for her favorite chair. Just why?
With the holidays approaching, Hazel gets a summons from her father to return home to their small-town of Lockett Prairie, Texas, to attend his wedding.
Hazel hasn't been back there since she fled for college. It's the last thing she wants to do, and even though she and her Dad aren't that close, she feels obligated.
Coincidentally, at the same time, Ash needs to get home as soon as possible to deal with a pressing family issue. Of course, his junker car breaks down just prior to him wanting to leave and he doesn't have the funds to repair it.
Watching him struggle trying to figure out a way home, Hazel eventually succumbs and offers to give him a ride, but there will be rules.
I'm not gonna tell you the rules, just know the stage is set for a wonderfully-adorable road trip, which includes cute car banter, inclement weather, strange diner experiences and a B&B stay with only one bed.
All this is just the start though. Once they hit Lockett Prairie, the gloves come off, and these frenemies begin to rely on each other for a lot more than an impromptu ride home.
Y'all, I can't believe how much I enjoyed this. It was so unexpected. I mean, I shouldn't say it that way, I thought I would enjoy it, but like, I loved this.
It pulled me in so quickly. I read it in less than 24-hours, absolutely flying through it, just eating it up. Both Ash and Hazel brought so much to the story. I loved watching them really get to know one another.
This book does feature a lot of my favorite tropes, so that def worked in my favor. The road trip, the witty banter, the forced proximity, frenemies to lovers; it had it all.
My only small gripe would be how much these characters went through emotionally in such a small frame of time. We're talking mere days. That felt a little unbelievable to me, but that was such a minor thing, it didn't impact my overall experience too much.
Also, with this being said, I did truly appreciate how the author balanced all the difficult real world family issues, with the cuter romantic bits. I felt that was well executed.
One small side note, even though this is categorized as Adult, I would point out that it is more specific to call in New Adult. I feel like that's an important distinction to make, because some Adult Readers may feel like this reads a little young, even though the characters are technically adults.
Thank you to the publisher, G.P. Putnam's Sons, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I need more Melanie Sweeney in my life!!!
May 26, 2025
DNF
Take Me Home is not taking ne anywhere near finish. The writing is not interesting. The characters are not engaging enough.
2 stars
Take Me Home is not taking ne anywhere near finish. The writing is not interesting. The characters are not engaging enough.
2 stars
July 9, 2024
Take Me Home by Melanie Sweeney has the perfect blend of tropes! You get a road trip with frenemies, unrequited love, and a small town where you truly cannot hide. Oh, don’t forget the “one bed” trope either. It’s one of my favorites! Set during Christmas, this is the perfect book to cozy up with right in front of the fire. And it works for July too because Christmas in July is a thing.
If you enjoy any of these tropes and are looking for a truly enjoyable romance, then I recommend reading this one. I’m very much looking forward to reading more from the author in the future.
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you enjoy any of these tropes and are looking for a truly enjoyable romance, then I recommend reading this one. I’m very much looking forward to reading more from the author in the future.
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 6, 2024
I’ll never get over the fact that Christmas is involved in this book. No one said anything about Christmas. I couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that this road trip book was actually about daddy issues and Christmas
October 31, 2023
This was just what I needed in my life coming home from my weekend in Florida! It was a great enemies to lovers, it’s always been you book. I felt such a range of emotions in this one- laughter, joy, content and of course the ANGST. The angst was bearable though which I appreciated.
Hazel Elliot is perfectly content with her life on campus. She doesn’t have a life though if she really thinks about it. She is a TA and is destined to serve her turd of a professor for the foreseeable future. Her one solace is the green chair at the local cafe where she gets her best work done. Of course though her only enemy, Ash Campbell, is in the chair 9 times out of 10. He works at the cafe, and they actually went to high school together but they don’t really talk. They just tease from afar.
Hazel does not want to go home for the holidays. It’s too hard to deal with her feelings and allll that entails, but her dad is getting remarried. So she is going to do what the perfectly fine daughter is expected to do and go. She happens to hear that Ash is needing a ride home to see his whole family. She decides to drop the enemies act and extend an olive branch. The only caveat she states is that nothing can change between them and if it does, she gets the cafe.
Well what a statement folks because in fact the very first night of the roadtrip they end up in the lovebird suite of a hotel with one bed. Things progress between them from there. Ash recognizes that he is Hazel’s buffer between her and her family but he is ok with that because he gets to be with the woman he has been pining over since before he cares to admit. And so the montage from all of our fav rom coms starts. They start to get close and open up to each other. They have a hot make out session in a bar. Ash is wondering when Hazel is going to get scared and ditch but this time she is invested. This time she has started to lower the drawbridge to her heart.
That is of course until our third act comes around. I appreciated how much Ash just wanted Hazel to open up. He wanted to protect her and help better her which of corse she didn’t see…right away. Ash was soo patient with our girl. He was just a stand up gentleman and worth the wait for Hazel. I liked how the different family dynamics were highlighted and how much it affected each of them and how they grew from it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I hope that you enjoy this book too 🤩
Hazel Elliot is perfectly content with her life on campus. She doesn’t have a life though if she really thinks about it. She is a TA and is destined to serve her turd of a professor for the foreseeable future. Her one solace is the green chair at the local cafe where she gets her best work done. Of course though her only enemy, Ash Campbell, is in the chair 9 times out of 10. He works at the cafe, and they actually went to high school together but they don’t really talk. They just tease from afar.
Hazel does not want to go home for the holidays. It’s too hard to deal with her feelings and allll that entails, but her dad is getting remarried. So she is going to do what the perfectly fine daughter is expected to do and go. She happens to hear that Ash is needing a ride home to see his whole family. She decides to drop the enemies act and extend an olive branch. The only caveat she states is that nothing can change between them and if it does, she gets the cafe.
Well what a statement folks because in fact the very first night of the roadtrip they end up in the lovebird suite of a hotel with one bed. Things progress between them from there. Ash recognizes that he is Hazel’s buffer between her and her family but he is ok with that because he gets to be with the woman he has been pining over since before he cares to admit. And so the montage from all of our fav rom coms starts. They start to get close and open up to each other. They have a hot make out session in a bar. Ash is wondering when Hazel is going to get scared and ditch but this time she is invested. This time she has started to lower the drawbridge to her heart.
That is of course until our third act comes around. I appreciated how much Ash just wanted Hazel to open up. He wanted to protect her and help better her which of corse she didn’t see…right away. Ash was soo patient with our girl. He was just a stand up gentleman and worth the wait for Hazel. I liked how the different family dynamics were highlighted and how much it affected each of them and how they grew from it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I hope that you enjoy this book too 🤩
January 9, 2024
4.75/5
what an excellent debut!!!
as someone who applies for so many ARC's just because of frenemies being in the synopsis, i am happy to report that this one is so amazingly cute and you must have it on your list for july releases!! this book had just the cutest, and realest, "meet cute." these characters already knew each other but in college they fight over this one chair in a coffee shop and that is adorable but so, so true. coffee spot seats are sacred. even though i requested this it was such a happy surprise, there are just so many good books that would probably get passed over by me if it wasn't for NetGalley, so thanks for that.
ash and hazel were just the cutest, ash especially. if you're someone who looooves a cinnamon roll hero then you must pick this book up. ash is just the sweetest and he's so understanding and funny and lovable and if you can't tell ihave a bit of an obsession with him. the way he acts with his sisters and nieces is lovely, he's so thoughtful and once again I'm obsessed. hazel shares some family struggles with me and they were dealt with so well. seeing her and her father heal was so satisfying. hazel is just the definition of tough on the outside but soft on the inside and it was so nice to get to see her open up to ash and see the relationship progress. honorable mention to the excellent tension that was in this book, we had a mini road trip in the beginning which gave such good forced proximity scenes and started the great small town vibes, and overall the tension was so good. it lasted throughout the book and then turned into really good angst. the scene where ash talks about her breaking his heart the morning after the "surprise" party made me feel pain.
this is a wonderful debut and even though it's wishful thinking, i want books for the rest of ash's family. or just some bonus epilogues. anything will do. I ADORE THEM SO MUCH!!!!!
*Thank you NetGalley for the ARC*
what an excellent debut!!!
as someone who applies for so many ARC's just because of frenemies being in the synopsis, i am happy to report that this one is so amazingly cute and you must have it on your list for july releases!! this book had just the cutest, and realest, "meet cute." these characters already knew each other but in college they fight over this one chair in a coffee shop and that is adorable but so, so true. coffee spot seats are sacred. even though i requested this it was such a happy surprise, there are just so many good books that would probably get passed over by me if it wasn't for NetGalley, so thanks for that.
ash and hazel were just the cutest, ash especially. if you're someone who looooves a cinnamon roll hero then you must pick this book up. ash is just the sweetest and he's so understanding and funny and lovable and if you can't tell ihave a bit of an obsession with him. the way he acts with his sisters and nieces is lovely, he's so thoughtful and once again I'm obsessed. hazel shares some family struggles with me and they were dealt with so well. seeing her and her father heal was so satisfying. hazel is just the definition of tough on the outside but soft on the inside and it was so nice to get to see her open up to ash and see the relationship progress. honorable mention to the excellent tension that was in this book, we had a mini road trip in the beginning which gave such good forced proximity scenes and started the great small town vibes, and overall the tension was so good. it lasted throughout the book and then turned into really good angst. the scene where ash talks about her breaking his heart the morning after the "surprise" party made me feel pain.
this is a wonderful debut and even though it's wishful thinking, i want books for the rest of ash's family. or just some bonus epilogues. anything will do. I ADORE THEM SO MUCH!!!!!
*Thank you NetGalley for the ARC*
December 23, 2023
3 ⭐️
2 🌶️
Tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, small town
If you enjoy a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance, this book is for you. Hazel and Ash are both grad students with a long history from growing up in the same small town. The story dove into both of their struggles with their families while visiting home for Christmas; divorce, remarriage, illness, financial hardship. I would be lying if I said I didn’t cry a few times throughout this book!
Personally, I wanted the story to focus more on Hazel and Ash and less with their families, which is why I gave this book three stars. I found the middle of the book a little bit boring and just need something that grips me and holds my attention more at this point in my life.
📚Thank you NetGalley and Melanie Sweeney for the ARC of Take Me Home.
2 🌶️
Tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, small town
If you enjoy a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance, this book is for you. Hazel and Ash are both grad students with a long history from growing up in the same small town. The story dove into both of their struggles with their families while visiting home for Christmas; divorce, remarriage, illness, financial hardship. I would be lying if I said I didn’t cry a few times throughout this book!
Personally, I wanted the story to focus more on Hazel and Ash and less with their families, which is why I gave this book three stars. I found the middle of the book a little bit boring and just need something that grips me and holds my attention more at this point in my life.
📚Thank you NetGalley and Melanie Sweeney for the ARC of Take Me Home.
January 23, 2024
4.5 stars 🌟 FIRST ARC OF THE YEAR AND IT WAS PERFECTION 😚💖 i loveeeeeee a frenemies to lovers vibe and this was executed wonderfully!!! ashhazel were so funny and cute i just loved their dynamic SO MUCH ☕️🧣🫂 also this being a debut novel ???? insanely good start and i’m so excited to see what this author comes up with in her upcoming novels 🔥
a special thank you to netgalley and g.p putnam’s sons for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
a special thank you to netgalley and g.p putnam’s sons for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
November 28, 2024
Great concept, dull execution. The writing style drained the life out of it, and the meh characters didn’t help either. I really wanted to love this, but it just fell flat.
September 16, 2024
Solid debut
I've been hearing good things about this debut, and I can see why - it was very solid, and I'm definitely intrigued to see what the author writes next. Interestingly enough, the blurb/marketing really did it a disservice, because I had no idea that I was digging into a romance revolving around two college students getting home for Christmas. I did not get that from the blurb, lol, and the book released in July. So I had a bit of recalibrating to do when I started reading, but it didn't take long before I became invested. I loved the "he falls first" vibes and the way our hero has been hiding his crush for a long time. It's dual perspective, so we know that the hero is nothing like the grump he appears to be. He's actually SUPER sweet, such a cinnamon roll with a marshmallow heart. He's just had a lot going on in his life. The black cat/golden retriever vibes worked for the most part, though I did find the heroine to be incredibly immature. I liked them together though, and the short timeline made everything feel immersive. There were a few slow patches and I wish it was in first person POV, but I really did enjoy this overall.
The story follows Hazel, a grad student who has been summoned home for her father's wedding. While their relationship has become more and more strained over the years, Hazel feels like she has to attend - especially since it's taking place over the holidays. To make matters worse, Hazel discovers that a classmate from her hometown is in desperate need of a ride, and it's the last person she wants to spend any time with. Ash is Hazel's ex-boyfriend's former best friend, and he grumpily gave the two of them car rides back in high school. Though they've been attending the same college, Hazel has done her best to avoid Ash. At least, until recently. The years have softened the edges of Hazel's irritation with the man. As the two embark on the road trip home, they finally have a chance to clear up some old issues... and possibly pave the way for something new.
It always takes me a while to adjust to reading third person POV since I encounter it so infrequently these days, but I loved the bones of this book. Not only is Ash adorable (my favorite part), but the story isn't afraid to tackle some heavy subjects. There's an emotional undercurrent throughout, as both Hazel and Ash grapple with, well, their daddy issues. They've both got a lot going on with their families, and they find a sense of support and stability in each other. Though they've never spent any real time together, they do have a history that goes back years, and they're both familiar with their hometown and college. Once they start opening up, they just understand each other in a way that few others would. Hazel loves to run from her issues, and I appreciated how well Ash figured her out. That's where her immaturity comes in - for a woman who is in a grad program for psychology, she certainly can't see how destructive she's been to herself. That was definitely frustrating, lol. Ash steals the show here, because he is such a genuinely good guy, and his love shone throughout. Every time the story would start to lose me, he would do something absolutely swoony to win me over again. In the end, the good far outweighed the bad, and I'd definitely check out more from the author.
Audio note: The audio is great! I do think the audio experience helped me get into the story more, because both narrators were excellent. I love Zachary Webber's voice and Brittany Pressley always does a fantastic job, so the combination was perfect. No complaints there. The runtime (10-11 hours) meant that I listened over the course of a few days. There's some spice and a few heated moments sprinkled throughout, so maybe not the best choice for a workday listen, but it's certainly not overly spicy. I recommend it in the format for sure.
I've been hearing good things about this debut, and I can see why - it was very solid, and I'm definitely intrigued to see what the author writes next. Interestingly enough, the blurb/marketing really did it a disservice, because I had no idea that I was digging into a romance revolving around two college students getting home for Christmas. I did not get that from the blurb, lol, and the book released in July. So I had a bit of recalibrating to do when I started reading, but it didn't take long before I became invested. I loved the "he falls first" vibes and the way our hero has been hiding his crush for a long time. It's dual perspective, so we know that the hero is nothing like the grump he appears to be. He's actually SUPER sweet, such a cinnamon roll with a marshmallow heart. He's just had a lot going on in his life. The black cat/golden retriever vibes worked for the most part, though I did find the heroine to be incredibly immature. I liked them together though, and the short timeline made everything feel immersive. There were a few slow patches and I wish it was in first person POV, but I really did enjoy this overall.
The story follows Hazel, a grad student who has been summoned home for her father's wedding. While their relationship has become more and more strained over the years, Hazel feels like she has to attend - especially since it's taking place over the holidays. To make matters worse, Hazel discovers that a classmate from her hometown is in desperate need of a ride, and it's the last person she wants to spend any time with. Ash is Hazel's ex-boyfriend's former best friend, and he grumpily gave the two of them car rides back in high school. Though they've been attending the same college, Hazel has done her best to avoid Ash. At least, until recently. The years have softened the edges of Hazel's irritation with the man. As the two embark on the road trip home, they finally have a chance to clear up some old issues... and possibly pave the way for something new.
It always takes me a while to adjust to reading third person POV since I encounter it so infrequently these days, but I loved the bones of this book. Not only is Ash adorable (my favorite part), but the story isn't afraid to tackle some heavy subjects. There's an emotional undercurrent throughout, as both Hazel and Ash grapple with, well, their daddy issues. They've both got a lot going on with their families, and they find a sense of support and stability in each other. Though they've never spent any real time together, they do have a history that goes back years, and they're both familiar with their hometown and college. Once they start opening up, they just understand each other in a way that few others would. Hazel loves to run from her issues, and I appreciated how well Ash figured her out. That's where her immaturity comes in - for a woman who is in a grad program for psychology, she certainly can't see how destructive she's been to herself. That was definitely frustrating, lol. Ash steals the show here, because he is such a genuinely good guy, and his love shone throughout. Every time the story would start to lose me, he would do something absolutely swoony to win me over again. In the end, the good far outweighed the bad, and I'd definitely check out more from the author.
Audio note: The audio is great! I do think the audio experience helped me get into the story more, because both narrators were excellent. I love Zachary Webber's voice and Brittany Pressley always does a fantastic job, so the combination was perfect. No complaints there. The runtime (10-11 hours) meant that I listened over the course of a few days. There's some spice and a few heated moments sprinkled throughout, so maybe not the best choice for a workday listen, but it's certainly not overly spicy. I recommend it in the format for sure.
November 3, 2024
Take Me Home is Melanie Sweeney's debut novel, and I can already say I will be there for anything else she writes. This was a funny and adventurous romance filled with tropes like only-one-bed, forced proximity, he falls first, and frenemies-to-lovers. I loved Ash and Hazel despite their flaws, and this is the type of couple I was rooting for even when they weren’t on the same page at all. The family elements of the book were very relatable as well, and I enjoyed the way our MCs grew by the end of the story.
The audiobook was lovely as well, and I definitely enjoyed Zachary Webber’s narration more than other books I have listened to with him as of late. Brittany Pressley was perfection as the voice of Hazel, and I especially loved the parts with texting between the two MCs being a back and forth with both narrators. Take Me Home is set around Christmas, so it also managed to bring a certain air of holiday cheer with it. Very solid and funny debut novel!
Thank you to the publishers for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
The audiobook was lovely as well, and I definitely enjoyed Zachary Webber’s narration more than other books I have listened to with him as of late. Brittany Pressley was perfection as the voice of Hazel, and I especially loved the parts with texting between the two MCs being a back and forth with both narrators. Take Me Home is set around Christmas, so it also managed to bring a certain air of holiday cheer with it. Very solid and funny debut novel!
Thank you to the publishers for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
July 13, 2024
This was a heartfelt and sexy romance. It featured some of my favorite tropes and balanced the more serious topics well with humor (please see CW’s). The “it’s always been you” trope hooked me right away and I fell in love with Ash pretty much from page one. It took longer for me to understand and get a feel for Hazel, but my heart definitely hurt for her as she struggled to find her place and mend her relationship with her father.
I loved how Ash truly saw Hazel and knew when to push and when to hold back. Ash’s longing throughout was palpable and made the sexy times even hotter! I wasn’t a big fan of the third act drama, but I can understand how this helped the characters grow and move forward (though I would have loved to see more groveling lol) The angst is high at times in this one, but it made the end result so satisfying. The secondary characters were wonderful and I especially loved Ash’s family. The ending wrapped up quickly, but the epilogue was so sweet.
I mainly listened to the audiobook and loved the narration by Brittany Pressley and Zachary Webber. Both are so talented and voiced each character with ease. Their voices complemented each other well and I definitely recommend this audiobook.
Audiobook Review
Overall 4.5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars
CW: Multiple Sclerosis, parental accident (past), grief, financial concerns, cheating ex (past), parental abandonment (past)
*I voluntarily read and listened to an advance review copy of this book*
I loved how Ash truly saw Hazel and knew when to push and when to hold back. Ash’s longing throughout was palpable and made the sexy times even hotter! I wasn’t a big fan of the third act drama, but I can understand how this helped the characters grow and move forward (though I would have loved to see more groveling lol) The angst is high at times in this one, but it made the end result so satisfying. The secondary characters were wonderful and I especially loved Ash’s family. The ending wrapped up quickly, but the epilogue was so sweet.
I mainly listened to the audiobook and loved the narration by Brittany Pressley and Zachary Webber. Both are so talented and voiced each character with ease. Their voices complemented each other well and I definitely recommend this audiobook.
Audiobook Review
Overall 4.5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars
CW: Multiple Sclerosis, parental accident (past), grief, financial concerns, cheating ex (past), parental abandonment (past)
*I voluntarily read and listened to an advance review copy of this book*
July 3, 2024
Thanks to @prhaudio for the free audiobook! As a reader, there's nothing quite like the thrill of diving into a book with no expectations and stumbling upon something truly extraordinary. That's exactly what happened to me with this book.
Ash has been Hazel's frenemy since she dated his best friend in high school, and despite attending the same college, she successfully gave him the cold shoulder all of undergrad. Now a grad school TA, Hazel has found the perfect study spot at a coffee shop not filled with undergrads. The only problem? Ash works there. Now she has to verbally spar with him daily, which is ok with Ash - he's been in love with her since high school. When Ash's car breaks down, hitching a ride with Hazel is his only way home for the holidays. A chaotic road trip causes Hazel to question everything she thought she knew about Ash, and by the time they arrive in their hometown, things aren't so icy. While home, they begin to lean on each other as they both tackle very different problems and while Ash tries his hardest not to show how down bad he is for Hazel, she can't seem to resist her growing attraction to the man she realizes she might have misunderstood entirely for years.
I love that this started as enemies-to-lovers for Hazel while it was always a second chance book for Ash. There's so much slow burn to this story as they navigate unspoken feelings, but the story's core is about families. Ash is carrying the weight of a parent with long-term health issues, while Hazel holds the pain of feeling unwanted when her parents built new lives post-divorce. There are some highly emotional scenes with parents that hit close to home for me. It is just a beautifully written book. Read if you like: Forced proximity, one bed, banter, road trips, he falls first, tender hearts, and family drama.
Ok, the audiobook. It is a duet narration by my two favorites, Brittany Pressley and Zachary Webber. If you read audiobooks, you know it was fantastic just from that.
Ash has been Hazel's frenemy since she dated his best friend in high school, and despite attending the same college, she successfully gave him the cold shoulder all of undergrad. Now a grad school TA, Hazel has found the perfect study spot at a coffee shop not filled with undergrads. The only problem? Ash works there. Now she has to verbally spar with him daily, which is ok with Ash - he's been in love with her since high school. When Ash's car breaks down, hitching a ride with Hazel is his only way home for the holidays. A chaotic road trip causes Hazel to question everything she thought she knew about Ash, and by the time they arrive in their hometown, things aren't so icy. While home, they begin to lean on each other as they both tackle very different problems and while Ash tries his hardest not to show how down bad he is for Hazel, she can't seem to resist her growing attraction to the man she realizes she might have misunderstood entirely for years.
I love that this started as enemies-to-lovers for Hazel while it was always a second chance book for Ash. There's so much slow burn to this story as they navigate unspoken feelings, but the story's core is about families. Ash is carrying the weight of a parent with long-term health issues, while Hazel holds the pain of feeling unwanted when her parents built new lives post-divorce. There are some highly emotional scenes with parents that hit close to home for me. It is just a beautifully written book. Read if you like: Forced proximity, one bed, banter, road trips, he falls first, tender hearts, and family drama.
Ok, the audiobook. It is a duet narration by my two favorites, Brittany Pressley and Zachary Webber. If you read audiobooks, you know it was fantastic just from that.
July 4, 2024
Forced proximity is one of my top three favorite tropes so this road trip romance was a must read for me! Melanie Sweeney’s heartwarming debut about friendship, family, forgiveness, and second chances will take your breath away with its tenderness, humor, heart, and hope … and it may have you shedding a tear (or several, in my case). Take Me Home is such a touching and heartfelt story of finding your people. The ones who will love you unconditionally and wholeheartedly, who you feel safe with to lower the drawbridge to your heart and then allow them to support, fight for, and love you without reservation. The romance that blossomed between Hazel and Ash was beautiful, tender, and so deeply intimate. I appreciated how their intimacy grew from a friendship and deepened their emotional connection.
While Hazel and Ash might be in their early twenties, these two felt much older due to experiences that forced them to become independent and take on more responsibilities from a younger age. Both have had to navigate challenging family dynamics and hardships. Hazel’s mother abandoned her when she was young and her father has been emotionally and physically absent through her adulthood. Ash’s family is warm and close knit, but he shoulders a lot of responsibility (some self imposed) and tries to financially support his parents and siblings, while juggling school and multiple jobs. Sweeney handles topics of divorce, chronic disease, and complicated family dynamics with so much care and I know many readers will relate to Hazel and Ash’s lived experiences and journeys.
To say my heart ached over Hazel’s story is an understatement. My heart truly yearned to wrap her in a hug. Seeing the people in Hazel’s life who saw beyond her knee jerk reaction to move on and avoid attachment, who fought for a place in her life and by her side, and who continually reminded her she was incredible and valued, brought me to tears. I loved bearing witness to the healing that took place within Hazel’s heart and how she gathered the courage to voice and share her hurt and hopes. I was so grateful Hazel’s father pushed aside his own discomfort and shame to finally acknowledge the rift in their relationship and pain he cause, while asking for forgiveness and making strides to build trust and remind Hazel of her worth.
This book is so special and the story is so important. I cannot wait to read what Sweeney pens next!
While Hazel and Ash might be in their early twenties, these two felt much older due to experiences that forced them to become independent and take on more responsibilities from a younger age. Both have had to navigate challenging family dynamics and hardships. Hazel’s mother abandoned her when she was young and her father has been emotionally and physically absent through her adulthood. Ash’s family is warm and close knit, but he shoulders a lot of responsibility (some self imposed) and tries to financially support his parents and siblings, while juggling school and multiple jobs. Sweeney handles topics of divorce, chronic disease, and complicated family dynamics with so much care and I know many readers will relate to Hazel and Ash’s lived experiences and journeys.
To say my heart ached over Hazel’s story is an understatement. My heart truly yearned to wrap her in a hug. Seeing the people in Hazel’s life who saw beyond her knee jerk reaction to move on and avoid attachment, who fought for a place in her life and by her side, and who continually reminded her she was incredible and valued, brought me to tears. I loved bearing witness to the healing that took place within Hazel’s heart and how she gathered the courage to voice and share her hurt and hopes. I was so grateful Hazel’s father pushed aside his own discomfort and shame to finally acknowledge the rift in their relationship and pain he cause, while asking for forgiveness and making strides to build trust and remind Hazel of her worth.
This book is so special and the story is so important. I cannot wait to read what Sweeney pens next!
July 8, 2024
Take Me Home
By Melanie Sweeney
Thank you so much partner @putnambooks @prhaudio for the gifted copy and free audiobook.
About the book 👇🏽
Road Trip Rules: No bad music. No detours. No falling in love.
Hazel never looks back. But when she’s invited to her father’s wedding, she’s forced to return to Lockett Prairie, Texas, for the first time since she fled for college. Ash has been in love with Hazel since she dated his best friend in high school. When Ash’s car breaks down just as family obligations pull him home, only one person can get him there on time. But Hazel has a condition: Everything between them must stay the same. And if it doesn’t? She gets the coffee shop.
✨ My thoughts:
Five whole stars, I loved it!! Way more than a romance, I fell in love with this story. While this is a mix between frenemies to lovers and maybe second chance romance, it leans heavy into family themes and I loved it. My heart really fell apart and then was put back together again while reading and listening to this story, all while making me feel a wide range of emotions. The hard conversations, the relationships, the experiences were written so well that this story was awfully tender. I couldn’t help by want to give and receive hugs and I’m not even a hugger. If I was t reading it, I was listening to it, and it was always the right book for bed read. Brittany Pressley and Zachary Webber were the perfect Hazel and Ash. Take Me Home is out 7/9/24… you’ll want to grab yourself a copy!
Happy reading 📖
By Melanie Sweeney
Thank you so much partner @putnambooks @prhaudio for the gifted copy and free audiobook.
About the book 👇🏽
Road Trip Rules: No bad music. No detours. No falling in love.
Hazel never looks back. But when she’s invited to her father’s wedding, she’s forced to return to Lockett Prairie, Texas, for the first time since she fled for college. Ash has been in love with Hazel since she dated his best friend in high school. When Ash’s car breaks down just as family obligations pull him home, only one person can get him there on time. But Hazel has a condition: Everything between them must stay the same. And if it doesn’t? She gets the coffee shop.
✨ My thoughts:
Five whole stars, I loved it!! Way more than a romance, I fell in love with this story. While this is a mix between frenemies to lovers and maybe second chance romance, it leans heavy into family themes and I loved it. My heart really fell apart and then was put back together again while reading and listening to this story, all while making me feel a wide range of emotions. The hard conversations, the relationships, the experiences were written so well that this story was awfully tender. I couldn’t help by want to give and receive hugs and I’m not even a hugger. If I was t reading it, I was listening to it, and it was always the right book for bed read. Brittany Pressley and Zachary Webber were the perfect Hazel and Ash. Take Me Home is out 7/9/24… you’ll want to grab yourself a copy!
Happy reading 📖
December 4, 2024
4.25* Take Me Home has everything you could want from a winter romance. It’s got angst, tension, humour, sarcasm, frenemies to lovers, road trip, family drama, emotional turmoil, forced proximity, small town, he falls first and did I mention, there’s only one bed?
The romance in this was a delight. The chemistry was sweet and vulnerable and really fun.
It wasn’t overly Christmassy but that made it the perfect read to ease me into the festive reading season. I absolutely adored the characters, story and relationships Melanie crafted in this and I am already eagerly awaiting reading whatever she writes next.
The romance in this was a delight. The chemistry was sweet and vulnerable and really fun.
It wasn’t overly Christmassy but that made it the perfect read to ease me into the festive reading season. I absolutely adored the characters, story and relationships Melanie crafted in this and I am already eagerly awaiting reading whatever she writes next.
November 25, 2025
This was really great for a debute novel!
July 23, 2025
This was fine. I didn’t really see their connection and I had a hard time connected with Ash and Hazel.
August 14, 2024
I need this to be a Netflix romcom IMMEDIATELY. It’s got it all, a road trip, only one bed, unrequited love, christmas, an embarrassing table flip at a holiday party/wedding celebration…it would be a great Xmas movie.
Ash is my favorite kind of romance hero. He’s loved her from afar. Always paid attention to her and stood up for her in the ways he knew how. Gave her space but still found ways to be in her space. He’s kind and compassionate and also a little broody. He’s solid and real. He loves his family and takes care of his sisters and nieces. He wears the clothes his sisters buy him. He helps his parents. He is patient with our heroine, Hazel, and moves slow with her, always there, at her pace. He has feelings and shares them. God, he’s wonderful. SWOOOOOOONING!!!!
Hazel, girl, I want to just hug you so hard and fix all the ways the world has hurt you. Hazel needed an Ash in her life but I love that the story isn’t just him swooping in and saving her. She ain’t no damsel. She had to do her own growing and she had to be the one to step up and grow some confidence and find her worthiness. Part of that growth is learning how to be loved physically. Girl, you’re worth it. Let him worship that body!!!
Being from Texas, the way Texas was written was SPOT ON. I have been on that drive through West Texas with the unexpected ice storm and the weird hotel stay. I was with my parents though so I much prefer the way Melanie Sweeney took us there. Also, WHY does every small town in Texas has the most delightfully weird diner in it??? It’s a real thing y’all. She is not telling any lies.
I’m so happy I got to read an ARC of this book!! I can’t wait to hear the audio version!! And also see the movie 😜
Ash is my favorite kind of romance hero. He’s loved her from afar. Always paid attention to her and stood up for her in the ways he knew how. Gave her space but still found ways to be in her space. He’s kind and compassionate and also a little broody. He’s solid and real. He loves his family and takes care of his sisters and nieces. He wears the clothes his sisters buy him. He helps his parents. He is patient with our heroine, Hazel, and moves slow with her, always there, at her pace. He has feelings and shares them. God, he’s wonderful. SWOOOOOOONING!!!!
Hazel, girl, I want to just hug you so hard and fix all the ways the world has hurt you. Hazel needed an Ash in her life but I love that the story isn’t just him swooping in and saving her. She ain’t no damsel. She had to do her own growing and she had to be the one to step up and grow some confidence and find her worthiness. Part of that growth is learning how to be loved physically. Girl, you’re worth it. Let him worship that body!!!
Being from Texas, the way Texas was written was SPOT ON. I have been on that drive through West Texas with the unexpected ice storm and the weird hotel stay. I was with my parents though so I much prefer the way Melanie Sweeney took us there. Also, WHY does every small town in Texas has the most delightfully weird diner in it??? It’s a real thing y’all. She is not telling any lies.
I’m so happy I got to read an ARC of this book!! I can’t wait to hear the audio version!! And also see the movie 😜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2025
Nice, touching romance. The main characters and their relationship are very sweet and definitely brought out all the emotions. It’s silly and funny with engaging supporting characters but so much more. There are storylines that cover dealing with the outfall of divorce and accepting new families as well dealing with serious illness of a family member. The topics are handled well and balance the romance to create a serious tone without being overwhelming. The relationships between the main characters and their family members through their challenges are given as much time and attention as the romance.
I listened to this on Audiobook and the narration is fantastic. Zachary Webber is always the best and Brittany Pressley did an equally terrific job. They brought the characters and the emotions of the story to life. Really enjoyed listening to it!
I listened to this on Audiobook and the narration is fantastic. Zachary Webber is always the best and Brittany Pressley did an equally terrific job. They brought the characters and the emotions of the story to life. Really enjoyed listening to it!
November 9, 2023
Melanie Sweeney debut novel is my new all time favorite book. This book did something to me, I cannot explain it. But let me back up first. To be honest, at first I wasn’t sure if this book was for me, the first few chapters were intriguing. But I assumed it was just going to be another holiday romance. And boy was I wrong. This book made me laugh, cry, feel heartache, etc.
This book follows Hazel who is focused on the future. Never looking back at her past, including never going back to her home town. And Ash, who went to high school with Bazel, and also attends her college. The story starts with Ash and Hazel bickering over a specific chair in a coffee shop that Ash works in. Ash needs a ride home for the holidays because his car is not currently operating and in his desperate state he posts on message boards. Once Hazel finds out she forces him to let her drive him, because it’s better than him getting murdered. This start their back and forth bickering and flirtation, and the story takes off from there.
These characters are so real, there romance, is so similar to my own, and it just made me feel so many things.
Spoiler alert:The first kiss had me on🔥immediately followed by 🥺.
Highly highly recommend this book, can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy when it releases!
Thank you for the ARC!
This book follows Hazel who is focused on the future. Never looking back at her past, including never going back to her home town. And Ash, who went to high school with Bazel, and also attends her college. The story starts with Ash and Hazel bickering over a specific chair in a coffee shop that Ash works in. Ash needs a ride home for the holidays because his car is not currently operating and in his desperate state he posts on message boards. Once Hazel finds out she forces him to let her drive him, because it’s better than him getting murdered. This start their back and forth bickering and flirtation, and the story takes off from there.
These characters are so real, there romance, is so similar to my own, and it just made me feel so many things.
Spoiler alert:The first kiss had me on🔥immediately followed by 🥺.
Highly highly recommend this book, can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy when it releases!
Thank you for the ARC!
April 7, 2024
I really enjoyed author Melanie Sweeney's debut novel, Take Me Home. This book had me hooked from the first few chapters through the very end. It was such a sweet romance read and I can't wait to recommend it for my book club later this year.
This book begins with main characters Hazel and Ash bickering in a cafe. We learn Hazel and Ash knew each other in the past and Hazel likes to keep the past in the past. The two end up traveling to their shared hometown for the holidays and their friendship/flirtation blossoms from there. I would not consider this a holiday romance, but it did fit in nicely with reading it this holiday season. This book had some laugh out loud moments and even made me tear up a few times.
This book was heavily character based. I really loved the character development for Hazel and Ash and adored their families. I enjoyed this fresh story that melted my heart. It definitely has a Hallmarky vibe to it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Check out this book in July 2024! You won't be disappointed.
This book begins with main characters Hazel and Ash bickering in a cafe. We learn Hazel and Ash knew each other in the past and Hazel likes to keep the past in the past. The two end up traveling to their shared hometown for the holidays and their friendship/flirtation blossoms from there. I would not consider this a holiday romance, but it did fit in nicely with reading it this holiday season. This book had some laugh out loud moments and even made me tear up a few times.
This book was heavily character based. I really loved the character development for Hazel and Ash and adored their families. I enjoyed this fresh story that melted my heart. It definitely has a Hallmarky vibe to it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Check out this book in July 2024! You won't be disappointed.
July 12, 2024
When I tell you that the new rom-coms just keep flooding in from the library, I mean it. I’m just planning to OD on them until I can’t take it anymore. Which basically means once I hit 2 bad ones in a row. So basically I need to stop now. (Except I can’t because I literally have another one I can’t snooze so I have to read it now. FML.)
Two grad students who kind-of-knew each other in high school drive home together for the holidays. The plot is literally: they drive home, they hang out. There is no plot. Like, it’s not ‘all vibes, no plot’ it’s ‘no vibes, no plot.’ There are no vibes. There is nothing here at all. It’s all just surface-level nothingness. It’s a too-long book that takes place over, like, a month total, with zero substance or emotion or rom or com. What was this even supposed to be?
Once again, I read it because it was blurbed and reviewed by authors I love… I really need to stop doing that.
Two grad students who kind-of-knew each other in high school drive home together for the holidays. The plot is literally: they drive home, they hang out. There is no plot. Like, it’s not ‘all vibes, no plot’ it’s ‘no vibes, no plot.’ There are no vibes. There is nothing here at all. It’s all just surface-level nothingness. It’s a too-long book that takes place over, like, a month total, with zero substance or emotion or rom or com. What was this even supposed to be?
Once again, I read it because it was blurbed and reviewed by authors I love… I really need to stop doing that.
March 29, 2024
TAKE ME HOME (Pub 07.09) is a solid, light lift rom-com debut from Melanie Sweeney. Thank you to Putnam Books and NetGalley for the early copy.
PAST: Hazel Elliot & Ash Campbell knew each other from their small-town high school.
PRESENT: Enemies in the same college town who regularly fight over the best coffee shop chair.
TODAY: Hazel reluctantly decides to give Ash a ride to their town for the holiday break.
Add to your TBR if you like:
College aged characters (20's)
Forced proximity.
He falls first & harder.
Roadtrip
Small town
Family dynamics
Dual POV
Medium angst
PAST: Hazel Elliot & Ash Campbell knew each other from their small-town high school.
PRESENT: Enemies in the same college town who regularly fight over the best coffee shop chair.
TODAY: Hazel reluctantly decides to give Ash a ride to their town for the holiday break.
Add to your TBR if you like:
College aged characters (20's)
Forced proximity.
He falls first & harder.
Roadtrip
Small town
Family dynamics
Dual POV
Medium angst
August 13, 2024
ARC READ
Take Me Home by Melanie Sweeney beautifully weaves together an array of engaging tropes!
It features a road trip with frenemies, unrequited love, and a small town where nothing stays hidden. Plus, the "one bed" trope adds an extra layer of charm—definitely one of my favorites! This book is perfect for curling up with on a cozy evening.
If you enjoy these themes and are looking for a delightful romance, I highly recommend this read. I’m excited to discover more from this author in the future!
Such
Take Me Home by Melanie Sweeney beautifully weaves together an array of engaging tropes!
It features a road trip with frenemies, unrequited love, and a small town where nothing stays hidden. Plus, the "one bed" trope adds an extra layer of charm—definitely one of my favorites! This book is perfect for curling up with on a cozy evening.
If you enjoy these themes and are looking for a delightful romance, I highly recommend this read. I’m excited to discover more from this author in the future!
Such
June 19, 2025
4.75✨
love the story and as always Zachary Webber & Brittany Pressley killed the narration
love the story and as always Zachary Webber & Brittany Pressley killed the narration
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