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Headed for Home: A single mom small town standalone

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From USA Today & Amazon Top 5 bestselling author Harloe Rae comes a witty and heartfelt romance about a former baseball pro determined to head straight for home with the sassy single mom he was destined to reconnect with.

I’m willing to admit that I shouldn’t read spicy scenes in public.
But in my defense, the opportunity rarely rises elsewhere.
As a single mom and farm owner, my time is stretched thinner than horse hair.
Besides, I’d reached a pivotal peak in the story and couldn’t put it down.

That is until someone bumps into me.
My phone launches into the air like a base hit, but the device is caught before smashing into the ground.
It comes as no surprise considering the guy is a professional baseball star.

Drake Granger isn’t the boy I remember, but I could still pick him out of the roster while blindfolded.
This charming man doesn’t hesitate to tease me about what he spies on my screen.
He also doesn’t break stride before asking me out on a date.

But as previously mentioned, spare time isn’t a luxury I possess…

Drake claims that whatever I’m willing to give is plenty.
It doesn’t take long to prove that’s not the game he’s playing.
This pro is done striking out, and headed straight for home.

384 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2024

2900 people are currently reading
6198 people want to read

About the author

Harloe Rae

44 books6,241 followers
Harloe Rae is a USA Today & Amazon Top 10 bestselling author. Her passion for writing and reading has taken on a whole new meaning. Each day is an unforgettable adventure.

She's a Minnesota gal with a serious addiction to romance. She’s always chasing an epic happily ever after. When she’s not buried in the writing cave, Harloe can be found hanging with her hubby and son. If the weather permits, she loves being lakeside or out in the country with her horses.

She writes emotional, heartfelt romance with swoony heroes and sassy leading ladies. Her titles are available on Amazon.

Find all the latest on her site www.harloe-rae.blog
Subscribe to her newsletter at http://bit.ly/HarloesList
Join her reader group, Harloe’s Hotties, at http://www.facebook.com/harloehotties

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5 stars
809 (36%)
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610 (27%)
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504 (22%)
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189 (8%)
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100 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,078 reviews207 followers
October 16, 2024
This gifted wordsmith's work will always be on my auto-read list. She has a way of crafting warm, inviting small towns that feel like home and creating characters who are flawed, authentic, and so relatable. But Drake and Cassidy's story is something extra. Maybe it's the adorable five-year-old twins or the sweet second chance romance, but Rae dug extra deep into her bag of tricks and sprinkled this one with pure romance magic.

Drake Granger never forgot Cassidy Brooks despite moving away from Knox Creek and the fame and fortune of his professional baseball career. He's been back in town, running Roosters bar and restaurant with his best friends. Friends who have all been bitten by the love bug.

Fate smiles on Drake when he bumps in to Cassidy at the local coffee shop, knocking her phone out of her hand. A phone he retrieves. And catches a glimpse of the steamy scene from the ebook Cassidy is reading. At that moment, Drake seizes his second chance with the girl of his dreams, and he's all in.

Cassidy isn’t so easily swayed, which is awesome from the reader’s perspective. We get to meet her two hilarious, free-range kids who she's raising on the ranch her grandmother left her. They take to Drake quickly and become co-conspirators in getting their mom and Drake together. I love the dimension kids add to romance, but Charlie and Kenzie took things over the top to make this a outrageously hilarious and epically heartfelt read.

This one has a little of everything to please the romance lover in all of us. Strong friendships, found family, and small-town charm set the stage for a fun, heartwarming, fated second chance. Full of laughter, love, heat, and heart, you’ll love everything about this enchanting, extraordinary romance.
Profile Image for niki_reads_romance.
883 reviews9 followers
October 11, 2024
I literally could not love this story more. Drake and Cassidy are absolutely hilarious, Mac and Cheese are too cute, and the side characters (and animals!) were absolutely on point. The banter between the MCs, and with their friends, had me actually laughing out loud, and there were so many moments that just stood out. Drake is the most sweet of sweet gooey cinnamon rolls, Cassidy is a total bada$$, the fair scene, the office scene, the t-ball game, the amicability between exes, Drake getting angry… this book was chock full of perfection.
Profile Image for The_reading_redhead_sc tabitha.
210 reviews3 followers
October 18, 2024
This book was so sweet and cute! I loved it. Once again we are back in Knox creek.

Tropes:
Baseball Prayer
Small Town
Single Man
Sunshine x Sunshine
Obsessive & relentless hero
Cowgirl Heroine
Fast burn

Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

Cassidy and Drake went to middle school together. Cassidy was Drake first kiss and he never got over her. He transferred to different school to help him get a baseball scholarship. But he never forgot her.

Fast forward to present day, Drake runs into Cassidy in town one afternoon. He asks her what she is doing in Knox creek. She lets him know she lives in the Knoxcreek now and is taking care of her late grandmothers horse farm. Once Drake finds this out he makes it’s his mission to make Cassidy fall in love with him.

Drake shows up one day at Cassidy’s farm to ask her on a date. While there Drake meets one of Cassidy’s kids Charlie. He tells Cassidy that just made his day better. He has always wanted a family. Cassidy has all her guards up when it comes to Drake. Drake convinces Cassidy to go on date with him. Reluctantly she agrees to go one date with him so he will leave her alone.

Drake is determined to make Cassidy fall in love with him and be step dad to her two twins.

To find out Cassidy and Drake full story go read headed for home today.


** I want to thank Harloe Ray for giving me the chance to read Headed for Home as an ARC. In exchange for my honest review and thoughts.****
Profile Image for Jen ♥.
1,756 reviews968 followers
did-not-finish
October 20, 2024
DNF @ 25%


I like insta-love stories, and most of the time I enjoy them. But this one? I can't do it. It's super cringey, everything went down so quickly, and there's no freaking chemistry between the MCs. 🤦‍♀️

They haven't seen each other for years, and yet they bumped into a cafe, and for some reason the guy decided she's it for him and he's going to pursue her until she gives in. If you're hoping for a long wooing, then you're not gonna find that here.

Despite saying she can't do casual, she's busy with the farm and her twins. Add in the impression that she knows his reputation, saying she's not gonna be his latest conquest; she still went from 0-100 with him. Gaaawd, that was some serious whiplash. 🤦‍♀️

When they went on their first date, they ended up sleeping together pretty quickly. They didn't even talk about protection because, as he put it, "he's never gone bare with anyone," like that was supposed to make her feel completely safe and assured that she wouldn't catch anything from him. Gross! 🤮

Even though it wasn't spelled out, it's pretty clear from the hints and reading between the lines that he definitely got around. But, of course, nothing sticks with him because he knows deep down that the FMC, his childhood crush, is the one for him. 🥴🤡

Yet, even after all these years (they're both 30), he never once tried to look for his so-called "the one". If they hadn't met in that cafe, I really don't think any of this would have happened at all. He's just all talk and nothing else. He kept saying he was waiting for the FMC, but he never actually tried to reach out to her. What's up with that? 😒

So, yeah, it's just not really working out for me. The MCs are getting on my nerves. But maybe this could be enjoyable for someone else. 🤷‍♀️
Profile Image for Sarah.
581 reviews10 followers
October 16, 2024
Headed For Home is a fun and spicy small town romance with beautifully written characters. Drake & Cassidy have a history after sharing their first kiss back in middle school. Drake is a former professional baseball player, and part owner of Roosters bar, but he has never forgotten his teenage crush and the girl who stole his heart. So when years later they bump into each other, Drake knows that now is his chance to show Cassidy that he is the man for her. Cassidy has no time for romance. She is busy running her grandmothers farm/stables, and is a single mum to twins Kenzie and Charlie. The relationship Drake builds with Mac & Cheese (his nickname for the twins) was adorable and easily melts Cassidy’s heart. The spicy puns and banter between this couple was hilarious, while their chemistry was off the charts! This is a highly addictive read that will keep you hooked throughout.
Profile Image for Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) .
2,828 reviews116 followers
October 19, 2024
Nothing like an innocent kiss to spark forever!!

Drake and Cassidy have history. A history that’s inconsequential or so Cassidy thought! When she runs into the baseball star after years of not seeing each other, he makes it clear that he’s not letting her out of sight again!!

This is the perfect romantic read because it’s filled with steamy innuendos (and the man delivers), hilarious banter and two cute kids that have you rolling with laughter. The love written in the pages is felt and you instantly fall for Drake and root for him winning Cassidy!
Profile Image for Hope .
339 reviews1 follower
dnf
October 22, 2024
dnf - couldn't stomach the cringe fest
Profile Image for Payton Box.
1,462 reviews22 followers
October 16, 2024
I’m not gonna lie, I did not expect the spice in this book, and honestly that’s my fault after reading Mine for Yours and the other books in this series, because Harloe Rae is stepping it up each and every time. I don’t usually start my reviews off with spice, but this book deserves a whole paragraph and the focus of this review to be on it, as I am not a huge spice lover to begin with.

Drake has been obsessed with Cassidy since they had their first kiss in middle school, and many years later, Drake finally gets a chance with his middle school obsession. If you love a man obsessed, this book is for you, Drake only sees Cassidy from the moment the book beings to the very end. Cassidy is more hesitant, she doesn’t see how a former pro sports player could want to attached themselves to her and all her baggage, but Drake loves every part of her, and only wants her to succeed in what ever she tries.

So many grand gestures, small cute moments, friendship and more, this book is a wonderful small town spicy romance!
Profile Image for Bibliophile  Chloe .
1,256 reviews106 followers
October 18, 2024
I was so looking forward to reading this story, I fell in love hard with the fellas of Knox Creek, and this story is no exception!

This is the story of the final owner of Roosters, Drake and Cassidy.

Cassidy is the girl crush, the first kiss, and the woman that Drake had been waiting for and didn't even know it.

Drake falls hard and fast and comes into Cassidy's life like a whirlwind, and I loved the fast pace of their relationship.

You get to see past characters make their appearances known, but it doesn't take away from the main story; it just adds to it.

I really love a story that is low angst, high swooniness, and when the man falls first, I love to read about how hard Drake chases after Cassidy and really embraces her whole world.

If you are looking for an insta-love, single-mom, swoony, steamy romance, get your hands on this story, you won't regret it!


Profile Image for it.sgottabethebooks.
1,864 reviews88 followers
October 18, 2024
This author never ceases to amaze me with her writing. She has honed her craft and always delivers heartfelt romances that keeps hearts in my eyes and fire in my belly. I loved the dynamic between this couple. The mmc”s perseverance was swoony. He knew what he wanted and waited for the mfc to be on the same page. It. Was. Perfection. I just love the characters in this small-town, I ate this book up. It was delicious and left the best after taste. The secondary characters (especially if you have met them from previous books) made this story extra special. You get to see them even if just a little. It felt like catching up with old friends. The characters are just that likeable and their journeys are super enjoyable. Grab this book and fall in love with me!
Profile Image for Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads.
2,278 reviews20 followers
October 11, 2024
The wait Cassidy and Drake pulled me in from the beginning and never let me go. “Headed for Home” is a steamy, romantic and oh so sweet single Mom, he falls fast and hard romance that was a great story.

Drake is a former baseball player, he’s back home and has one goal, to reconnect with the girl that got away. Cassidy is a single mom to twins, Charlie and Kenzie. She runs the ranch that was her grandmother and has no time for dating. But Drake is ready to knock her expectations out of the ballpark and prove that he’s all in.

This was such a fun and steamy story and once I started, I could not put it down. Drake is fun and flirty, but when his protective side comes out… the hotness level goes up one. He knew what he wanted and that was Cassidy. He did all the things to show her he was serious and his acts of service are all the green flags. Cassidy is a certified baddie and I loved her so much. She’s an amazing mom to her twins and loves them so deeply. Cassidy is the ultimate cowgirl and I loved her connection with her horses. Cassidy and Drake had fantastic banter and the chemistry they had was sizzling hot. Some of those scenes are going to live rent free in my mind for a long time. Kenzie and Charlie are hilarious and the sweetest kids. The ending was perfect and I can’t wait to read the next release from Harloe Rae.
Profile Image for Theresa.
655 reviews11 followers
October 16, 2024
Drake is determined to get Cassidy to fall in love with him and he makes it so easy. He dotes on not only Cassidy, but her adorable twins, Kenzie and Charlie, whom Drake nicknames Mac and Cheese.

This book is filled with so much banter between Drake and Cassidy and also with their friends. Drake is so obsessed with Cassidy, and he is the most cinnamon roll hero I’ve ever read about! He’s extremely supportive of Cassidy and her dreams, did all the things to show Cassidy he was serious about her and their relationship. I loved him! Cassidy is the ultimate cowgirl and an amazing mom. Mac and Cheese are so adorable and funny and I loved the relationship Drake builds with them. The chemistry between Cassidy and Drake is off the charts, I feel like Harloe Rae definitely stepped up with the spice!! 🥵🥵

Headed for Home is such a fun, an extremely steamy story and a must read!
2,906 reviews9 followers
October 18, 2024
Man on a mission
Drake knows what he wants and is intent on making sure Cassidy, his old school crush, is part of his life.
I love a “he falls first” romance they are guaranteed to give all the feels, swoons and grand gestures you could want. Add in the fact that these characters had a “moment” as kids, which makes this a second chance, and I’m all in.
The characters are warm, relatable and realistic with flaws and doubts to balance the fun and flirtations.
This has so much humour, heart and charm. It’s sweet, flirty and steamy, full of banter and innuendo, family, friendships, a little drama and lots of small town beauty.
I adored the way Drake connected with Cassidy’s twins and the way his love expanded to make them part of his “home”.
Profile Image for Candy Habin.
477 reviews22 followers
October 18, 2024
Okay, well, I definitely have a new favorite by this author! Drake and Cassidy's story was everything and so much more than I could ask for. Oh, and let's not forget Mac and Cheese! The wit and banter are definitely the best I have read in a while. Seriously, I would have devoured an entire book with just this! The chemistry explodes off the pages from the moment they first meet again, and the spice was absolutely delicious. The twins added to the story, making it adorable, sweet, and so precious. Then we get some time with some of our other favorite characters, and honestly, I don't think it could get any better! Trust me, you want this book adap!
Profile Image for Norma .
383 reviews6 followers
October 22, 2024
"𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐'𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴."

Every single time I think I have a favorite, Harloe comes out with another book that literally takes the top spot.

Headed for Home was everything I didn’t know I needed, especially with all that’s going on in my life. This book made me feel all the feels, had me laughing, and just wanting it to never end.

Drake and Cassidy are beautiful and amazing and all the things that make a romance book a true romance. The steam was steaming, the banter was bantering, and the love was loving. Add in the kids and I just… swooned HARD.

If you’re looking for a feel good romance that will literally have you wishing for your own Drake, then look no further. This is the book you need.

Five stars. And if I could give it more, I would.
Profile Image for Sandie Chraponski.
1,739 reviews17 followers
October 18, 2024
Such a great read!

There is one thing that I can always count on when I pick up a book by Harloe and that’s a great story. Harloe takes this single mom, second chance (sort of), he falls first romance, and sprinkles her special sort of magic on it and you will find yourself falling right along with Drake and Cassidy.

We are returning to Knox Creek, and this is the place to be for sure. This story has plenty of laughs, a lot of blushworthy moments, and just a great way to spend the day. Don’t miss out on this one!
Profile Image for Stephanie  Dazzo.
410 reviews8 followers
October 10, 2024
Drake Cassidy Mac and Cheese stole my heart. I loved how determined Drake was to win Cassidy over. His determination didn’t go unnoticed and his love for her babies was top notch. This was Harloe’s entrance into her cowgirl era and I’m absolutely here for it.
Profile Image for Bobbie.
253 reviews49 followers
October 12, 2024
Laugh out loud funny. Romcom with all the feels, sexy and so romantic. A must read for any adult romance reader.
Profile Image for Nikky.
105 reviews
October 21, 2024
The love bombing was just…. No.

The only thing I truly enjoyed was that the FMC and the baby daddy were true co parents and that the mmc and the baby daddy were friends not enemies.

I couldn’t even enjoy the smut it as just… ugh. Idk. Did not enjoy this and only didn’t dnf because I was on page 200 of 300.
Profile Image for Karina.
32 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2024
So cringy and just really bad. Got to 35% but I just couldn’t continue
Profile Image for Jenn .
749 reviews16 followers
October 13, 2024
I may be a happily married woman but what I wouldn't do if a Drake Granger appeared in my life 😍

Headed for Home is finally giving us the Knox Creek last bachelor standing at Roosters, aka Drake's story, and the man finally finds his insta-family and HEA with none other than his first kiss and middle school crush, Cassidy Brooks.

Everything about this book was phenomenal and I had to force myself to put it down and sleep at 2am! I was legitimately laughing out loud, absolutely swooning and the spice between these two was enough to scorch with it's heat.

It's been no secret that Drake Granger- former baseball player and one-third owner in Roosters- has been on the lookout for a wife. The poor man has watched all of his friends find the loves of their lives and fall into domestic bliss but all that changes now when he runs into the first girl he ever kissed and the spark between them was even more electric than it was when they were kids. Cassidy Brooks has no time for romance though- as a busy single mom of twins and owner of Greener Pastures, her late grandmothers horse farm- the only boyfriends she can entertain are of the book variety. And she definitely wasn't prepared for a book boyfriend come to life when she ran into Drake- quite literally- at their small town coffee shop.

This story is highly addicting. I was absolutely enthralled with Drake and every ounce of his charm, his utter sweetness when it came to Mac & Cheese- Cassidy's twins Makenzie and Charlie- and of course his devotion to wrecking Cassidy's heart... and panties. And while Cassidy may have been the one to hold out and avoid the labels and commitment in the relationship she also wasn't over the top in her avoidance of it either.

I am so here for the way that Harloe crafted these two characters. The way that they fit together almost seamlessly, the teasing banter and how Cassidy just kind of rolled with Drake and his mixed up sayings or his habit of agreeing to the whims of her children. Even Drake's friends all instantly recognized that this wasn't another one of his terrible dating choices but his "unfinished love story" and I love how they supported him while also teasing him just as he did when they found their one.

Can't say enough good things about this book- it's such a perfect feel good story with little drama and no third act break up! Definite must read!!
Profile Image for Court.
899 reviews48 followers
October 19, 2024
Headed for Home is such a fun, extremely flirty, bantered filled adventure that will have you wishing for your very own Drake. Drake is a retired baseball player and runs into the girl that got away. Cassidy is a single mom and runs a farm, all of which consumes her time. When she runs into Drake, that connection those two had is still there, but she’s determined shut anything down that Drake tries for with her, even though she doesn’t want to. Drake is determined to do everything and anything to win Cassidy over, so let the swooning begin. These two take us on a wild ride that will have you laughing out loud and smiling nonstop. I devoured this book and it just leaves you feeling happy by the time you finish. Then add in Drake’s friends we know and love and Cassidy’s adorable kids.
Profile Image for Amy Reierson.
1,354 reviews18 followers
October 19, 2024
Amazing! Drake remembers the exact moment he knew Cassidy was going to be his forever.
This book was so so much fun. I am almost positive I laughed or giggled in 80% of the chapters.
There is face painting with ponies, there is an original tattoo drawing by five year olds, plenty of cheeky, steamy, silly, romantic banter.
Drake is over the top right away and it was wonderful. The story had very little drama which was so welcome.
Cassidy is also the sweetest character fierce and protective, yet underneath she is a hopeless romantic.
Get ready for a bit of hilarity and fun.
I have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews163 followers
October 17, 2024
Prepare to laugh, prepare to swoon and prepare to fall in love. Your poor heart just doesn't stand a chance against this delightful romance. Drake and Cassidy are complex characters with earth shaking chemistry. Trust me when I say that they are impossible not to love. There is a such a beautifully rich underlying sweetness to this story that is funny, emotional, hot, dramatic, clever, cute and filled to overflowing with heart that you are going to be left a blissfully happy pile of sappy mush.
Profile Image for Jessi.
760 reviews24 followers
October 15, 2024
Headed for Home is an extremely sweet and spicy romance with lovable characters, swoony moments, and lots of heart.

Drake is super swoony and falls in love with Cassidy immediately. I love that they were each other's first kiss as young teens! When they reconnect, Drake is all in but Cassidy needs some convincing. She has a farm to run and adorable twins to raise. Drake shows her that he's serious about her and her kids by continuing to show up and following through. I love how he bonds with her little ones! So cute!! The spice in this is on point! Be prepared to fan yourself! I loved this sweet, low angst romcom! I smiled so much!

ARC review.
Profile Image for K Webz.
1,892 reviews
October 18, 2024
Fell in love with this heartfelt romance. It has humorous and flirty banter. And Cassidy and Drake are characters you just fall in love with.

Cassidy is a single mom to twins. She has no time for dating, so when Drake comes back to town and is determined to win back the girl who has had his heart since they were young. This man is protective and determined, Cassidy never stood a chance. And the slice in this book was off the charts!
Profile Image for Dawn Hurst.
456 reviews13 followers
October 18, 2024
I have been waiting on Drake's book for about a year now lol! I am so happy we got to see him in a relationship. Drake gave his first kiss to Cassidy and just knew she was going to be his. Cassidy however... Well, she needed a bit more convincing. These two together are fun and they made me smile throughout the pages!
Profile Image for Heather.
1,878 reviews24 followers
October 15, 2024
You'll fall in love with Drake and Cassidy. Their story is easy to read. I liked the way their relationship developed. Drake is so amazing. I loved how he loved her from the start. The story has steam and emotion. Overall a good read.
Profile Image for Rachel.
389 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2024
DNF @13%.
She lost me a “you sucked me into your dicksand.”

Also could your MMC be any more desperate?
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,204 reviews221 followers
October 15, 2024
5 Star Review Headed For Home by Harloe Rae

Headed For Home on You is Drake Granger and single mum to twins Cassidy Brooks’ story and one that held me invested from the first chapter to the last.

From the moment their eyes met Drake knew she he wanted Cassidy. This book ticked all the boxes for me.

I fell hard and fast for Drake, such a swoon worthy, caring man who fell hard and fast for Cassidy who I admired.

There was so much happening and it made for such an entertaining read that I read it in one go well into the night.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews

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