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Lost in Austin #2
The Road Home
Sex and rock & roll are my top priorities. I mean, let’s face it, they’re my only priorities.
As frontman of Austin’s most popular metal band, I have it all. But when a car accident nearly kills my best friend, I’m rocketed back to memories of that horrible night, all those years ago when I lost my family at the hands of a drunk driver.
That’s trauma I’d rather leave buried, so when Nicole, aka Arson Nic, the roller derby dynamo, skates into my bed, I’m more than happy to bury myself in her sweet solace. What I don’t expect is to wake up with feelings.
When a once-in-a-lifetime tour opportunity takes me back to the Cherokee reservation where I grew up, I'll have to face the past I buried long ago if I want to take the road home to a future with Nicole.
Book two of the award-winning Lost in Austin series, The Road Home, is an interracial rockstar/roller derby romance that can be read as a standalone. It was the 2022 winner of the Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal for Romance – Sizzle and a 2022 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist for Multicultural Fiction.
As frontman of Austin’s most popular metal band, I have it all. But when a car accident nearly kills my best friend, I’m rocketed back to memories of that horrible night, all those years ago when I lost my family at the hands of a drunk driver.
That’s trauma I’d rather leave buried, so when Nicole, aka Arson Nic, the roller derby dynamo, skates into my bed, I’m more than happy to bury myself in her sweet solace. What I don’t expect is to wake up with feelings.
When a once-in-a-lifetime tour opportunity takes me back to the Cherokee reservation where I grew up, I'll have to face the past I buried long ago if I want to take the road home to a future with Nicole.
Book two of the award-winning Lost in Austin series, The Road Home, is an interracial rockstar/roller derby romance that can be read as a standalone. It was the 2022 winner of the Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal for Romance – Sizzle and a 2022 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist for Multicultural Fiction.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2021
138 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
About the author
Christina Berry
12 books414 followersChristina Berry is an award-winning author of smart, smutty romance. A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Christina is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and currently resides in Austin, Texas. When not writing, she can be found helping her husband with their never-ending home remodeling adventure or spoiling their amazing dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
October 29, 2022
...The nurse appears at my side with a stool, directing me to sit. I blink at her in thanks.
“Jake, you can go,” Nicole says.
Confused, I ask, “Where do you want me to go?”
Nicole rolls her eyes, then says, “No, I mean, you can leave. You don’t have to stay.”
I frown, still confused. Doesn’t she know I’m the guy who stays?
...
Loc. 3628 Kindle ebook
I loved Christina Berry's THE ROAD HOME. It's gritty, see, like face-in-gravel gritty, and I don't always go for that. But the romance between these two characters, Jake and Nicole, which develops while their individual manifestations of PTSD bump up against each other, feels authentic to me. Charming.
While I wouldn't recommend this book to everyone, and I would tell all potential readers to be wary of the many triggers lurking within, I would say that this book is brave, and doesn't feel squeamish about life's real problems. It's nice to read a romance that develops in a realistic setting, between realistic characters.
Jake and Nicole share moments of vulnerability that I deeply related to, and ones that made me feel sweet and gooey, like can only be found in good romance. Also the spice factor in THE ROAD HOME is very nice, three and a half chilies, yum🌶! I'm looking forward to reading some of the other books in Berry's LOST IN AUSTIN series!
Thank you to KatieandBreyPA and Christina Berry for an ARC of this book!
Rating 4 stars, 3.5 chilies
Finished October 2022
Recommended for fans of dark romance, gritty fiction, gritty romance, redemption stories, second chance trope, enemies to lovers trope
TW omg so many mental illness, drug use, excessive alcohol consumption, toxic relationships, gaslighting, pregnancy, infidelity, DV, rape, violence against women, racism, probably more that I'm missing
“Jake, you can go,” Nicole says.
Confused, I ask, “Where do you want me to go?”
Nicole rolls her eyes, then says, “No, I mean, you can leave. You don’t have to stay.”
I frown, still confused. Doesn’t she know I’m the guy who stays?
...
Loc. 3628 Kindle ebook
I loved Christina Berry's THE ROAD HOME. It's gritty, see, like face-in-gravel gritty, and I don't always go for that. But the romance between these two characters, Jake and Nicole, which develops while their individual manifestations of PTSD bump up against each other, feels authentic to me. Charming.
While I wouldn't recommend this book to everyone, and I would tell all potential readers to be wary of the many triggers lurking within, I would say that this book is brave, and doesn't feel squeamish about life's real problems. It's nice to read a romance that develops in a realistic setting, between realistic characters.
Jake and Nicole share moments of vulnerability that I deeply related to, and ones that made me feel sweet and gooey, like can only be found in good romance. Also the spice factor in THE ROAD HOME is very nice, three and a half chilies, yum🌶! I'm looking forward to reading some of the other books in Berry's LOST IN AUSTIN series!
Thank you to KatieandBreyPA and Christina Berry for an ARC of this book!
Rating 4 stars, 3.5 chilies
Finished October 2022
Recommended for fans of dark romance, gritty fiction, gritty romance, redemption stories, second chance trope, enemies to lovers trope
TW omg so many mental illness, drug use, excessive alcohol consumption, toxic relationships, gaslighting, pregnancy, infidelity, DV, rape, violence against women, racism, probably more that I'm missing
September 8, 2021
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger warnings: mention of alcholism, death, drugs use, rape, fertility issues, smoking, racism.
Okay I have to admit one thing. I had a turbulent relationship with this book. I mean some parts I couldn't believe - you know the sheer baloney of it all happening. Then there were some parts I immensely enjoyed.
I was a heck lot torn between these parts, but regardless I enjoyed the novel. Especially how Sixkiller connects back to his roots, and reaffirms his friendship with his pals - those were wholesome parts and I miss them badly too.
However in terms of his relationship with Nicole, sometimes I had a hard time believing they should be together. But through obstacles, and some personal confessions, I realise they were meant to be regardless of the fact that their love story is not a conventional one.
It was addictive writing, twisted characters, and harsh realities of a rock and roll life as a cherokee Indian (finally a non-white character), that made me enjoy and love this novel so damn much, that I am realllly excited for the next novel. Really. I. AM.
Although one issue I had with the novel was that maybe the chapter length could've been shorter, my progress would've been much faster than what it was. A lot of character dumping plus a lot of useful information that could've been separated in more chapters than 16 chapters would have made it into a better shaped novel.
Until the next read,
-TMR
Trigger warnings: mention of alcholism, death, drugs use, rape, fertility issues, smoking, racism.
Okay I have to admit one thing. I had a turbulent relationship with this book. I mean some parts I couldn't believe - you know the sheer baloney of it all happening. Then there were some parts I immensely enjoyed.
I was a heck lot torn between these parts, but regardless I enjoyed the novel. Especially how Sixkiller connects back to his roots, and reaffirms his friendship with his pals - those were wholesome parts and I miss them badly too.
However in terms of his relationship with Nicole, sometimes I had a hard time believing they should be together. But through obstacles, and some personal confessions, I realise they were meant to be regardless of the fact that their love story is not a conventional one.
It was addictive writing, twisted characters, and harsh realities of a rock and roll life as a cherokee Indian (finally a non-white character), that made me enjoy and love this novel so damn much, that I am realllly excited for the next novel. Really. I. AM.
Although one issue I had with the novel was that maybe the chapter length could've been shorter, my progress would've been much faster than what it was. A lot of character dumping plus a lot of useful information that could've been separated in more chapters than 16 chapters would have made it into a better shaped novel.
Until the next read,
-TMR
October 18, 2021
Read for a reading vlog: https://youtu.be/8edOHAgdCX0
4.5 stars rounded up
This was so good and really came for my feelings by the end! I'm typically the kind of person who prefers romance where the couple develops an emotional connection before beginning a physical relationship. This book does the opposite but it really worked for me! It's a beautiful story about two broken people finally opening up their hearts and finding love. Way to make me cry!
Jake Sixkiller is a Cherokee guy in a heavy metal band with a traumatic past who has never been in love, not to type to do monogamy. Until Arson Nic, a roller derby skater with emotional walls a mile high, changes everything for him. We enter the story at a time with a lot of change for Jake- his best friends have separated in their marriage in a very messy way and he feels caught at the center, not to mention he's been avoiding having to deal with his trauma. I won't say too much more but I really loved this book and would recommend checking it out!
Content warnings include mention of rape, mention of miscarriage, death of family.
4.5 stars rounded up
This was so good and really came for my feelings by the end! I'm typically the kind of person who prefers romance where the couple develops an emotional connection before beginning a physical relationship. This book does the opposite but it really worked for me! It's a beautiful story about two broken people finally opening up their hearts and finding love. Way to make me cry!
Jake Sixkiller is a Cherokee guy in a heavy metal band with a traumatic past who has never been in love, not to type to do monogamy. Until Arson Nic, a roller derby skater with emotional walls a mile high, changes everything for him. We enter the story at a time with a lot of change for Jake- his best friends have separated in their marriage in a very messy way and he feels caught at the center, not to mention he's been avoiding having to deal with his trauma. I won't say too much more but I really loved this book and would recommend checking it out!
Content warnings include mention of rape, mention of miscarriage, death of family.
July 27, 2021
Wowzer, I almost don't know where to start....
Christina Berry was new to me when I met her in an author group on Facebook and she recommended that I give the first book in her series, Up For Air a Try as I was in an "I'm bored" rut with reading.
She jolted me right out of that with that book and I was eager to get my hands on book 2, which promised to give me Jake's story.
As an author I am in awe of Ms. Berry's ability to bring the romance while slightly shifting the rules and regs of the genre in a way that make her books an utter delight. Angsty, internal drama is my jam and so this book gave me even more of what I enjoy, while telling the poignant story of two independent, somewhat volatile souls who kind of bounce off each other (in a super hot way) until they can find their emotional way clear to trust -- not necessarily each other, at first, but themselves.
The story is told with depth, screenplay worthy dialogue, and a sort of emotional energy that only true artists can achieve. I recommend reading Up For Air first, in order to have a grounding in what Jake sees as his connection to the original characters and their conflict(s). But also because both of these book deserve to be read, savored, and held up as examples of excellence in romance fiction.
Christina Berry was new to me when I met her in an author group on Facebook and she recommended that I give the first book in her series, Up For Air a Try as I was in an "I'm bored" rut with reading.
She jolted me right out of that with that book and I was eager to get my hands on book 2, which promised to give me Jake's story.
As an author I am in awe of Ms. Berry's ability to bring the romance while slightly shifting the rules and regs of the genre in a way that make her books an utter delight. Angsty, internal drama is my jam and so this book gave me even more of what I enjoy, while telling the poignant story of two independent, somewhat volatile souls who kind of bounce off each other (in a super hot way) until they can find their emotional way clear to trust -- not necessarily each other, at first, but themselves.
The story is told with depth, screenplay worthy dialogue, and a sort of emotional energy that only true artists can achieve. I recommend reading Up For Air first, in order to have a grounding in what Jake sees as his connection to the original characters and their conflict(s). But also because both of these book deserve to be read, savored, and held up as examples of excellence in romance fiction.
July 25, 2021
The journey Jake, a rock and roll star and Nicole, a roller derby pro went in to find happiness is something else. Watching them find their own way in the world that was creating for them was a pure joy.
Reading Christina Berry for the first time was so fulfilling. I really enjoyed her style of writing of giving just enough to keep you wanting more.
For me this is a must read.
Reading Christina Berry for the first time was so fulfilling. I really enjoyed her style of writing of giving just enough to keep you wanting more.
For me this is a must read.
August 5, 2021
Genre: ADULT romance, contemporary,
Age range: 18+
Spice: 3.5/5
Overall: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Writing and Setting: 5/5
Content warning: *Drinking, sex, rape (mention), death of parents (mentioned), death of family (mentioned), drug use, miscarriage (mentioned), swearing
The gist of my review:
The first book in this series had a profound effect on me from the get go. I was a little bit uncertain about this book, because the focus is delving into the life of a totally different MC, but I’m absolutely delighted to be proven wrong.
This book really drove home the underlying message of being able to find yourself and your own place in a world when big changes are happening all around you. Change can be stressful and it can really make you question your choices and motivations, and this book and the MC only goes to show you that adaptability and a desire to better yourself in the face of adversity will make you a better person in the long run.
Jake, the main character, has previously been seen as the loveable sidekick, so it was really nice to see him have his time in the limelight (both metaphorically and literally). Much like Ari, from the first book, I really admired Jake’s strength and hard work throughout his story. I’m looking forward to the next chapter in the series, which will continue with Greg’s perspective and his challenges moving forward.
We see a lot of character development in this book rather than a great overarching plot as a whole, but that definitely isn’t a reason as to why you shouldn’t read this book. I think Christina Berry is a great author, and she does phenomenally well at hiding little underlying messages and morals to the story.
Characters: 5/5
As I’ve mentioned, Jake is our main character. In the first book he is the best friend of both Ari and Greg and he is the comedic relief throughout their tale.
At the beginning of this book, we really delve into how much the lives of Greg and Ari really affects Jake. There were moments throughout the book where he taps into some very profound and deep emotions. I personally found him, as a character, so much more attractive when he was confronting these emotions. Jake doesn’t hide behind toxic masculinity. He very proudly expresses how he feels towards just about everything.
In the beginning, we see Jake as this really disheveled and chaotic character, but throughout the book he really grows into himself and starts taking charge of his own destiny. This was all helped by the addition of Nicole ( better know around the roller derby rink as Arson Nic) into Jake’s life.
Nicole is a sharp tooth, flirty, bad ass woman with an incredibly deep and harrowing past. At first it’s clear that she struggles with the idea of letting anybody into her life, but we see a huge amount of growth and trust develop within her as a character. Not only does she encourage a sense of independence in Jake, but he encourages a sense of dependence in her towards himself and others.
All in all, I think the two characters really challenged each other in the beginning with this incredible firepower for a romance, but as the book progresses, they both challenge each other to be better versions of themselves.
Plot: 3.5/5
Please don’t take this rating as an indication to not read the book. The plot wasn’t overly important to the progress of the storyline. The main feature of the book is the character development and the character growth, and we see huge amounts of both of those qualities as mentioned above.
Writing and Setting: 5/ 5
The writing is easy enough to read, and I really loved the addition of Cherokee language and traditional elements that really acknowledged Jake’s Native American background.
Jake’s perspective took us across a lot of America and really delved us into brief glimpses of Native Indian culture. The settings really helped solidify the idea that Jake has made this incredible journey toward self-discovery and finding his family.
Thank you so much to Christina Berry and her team for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC copy of your book. I loved this story so much.
Age range: 18+
Spice: 3.5/5
Overall: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Writing and Setting: 5/5
Content warning: *Drinking, sex, rape (mention), death of parents (mentioned), death of family (mentioned), drug use, miscarriage (mentioned), swearing
The gist of my review:
The first book in this series had a profound effect on me from the get go. I was a little bit uncertain about this book, because the focus is delving into the life of a totally different MC, but I’m absolutely delighted to be proven wrong.
This book really drove home the underlying message of being able to find yourself and your own place in a world when big changes are happening all around you. Change can be stressful and it can really make you question your choices and motivations, and this book and the MC only goes to show you that adaptability and a desire to better yourself in the face of adversity will make you a better person in the long run.
Jake, the main character, has previously been seen as the loveable sidekick, so it was really nice to see him have his time in the limelight (both metaphorically and literally). Much like Ari, from the first book, I really admired Jake’s strength and hard work throughout his story. I’m looking forward to the next chapter in the series, which will continue with Greg’s perspective and his challenges moving forward.
We see a lot of character development in this book rather than a great overarching plot as a whole, but that definitely isn’t a reason as to why you shouldn’t read this book. I think Christina Berry is a great author, and she does phenomenally well at hiding little underlying messages and morals to the story.
Characters: 5/5
As I’ve mentioned, Jake is our main character. In the first book he is the best friend of both Ari and Greg and he is the comedic relief throughout their tale.
At the beginning of this book, we really delve into how much the lives of Greg and Ari really affects Jake. There were moments throughout the book where he taps into some very profound and deep emotions. I personally found him, as a character, so much more attractive when he was confronting these emotions. Jake doesn’t hide behind toxic masculinity. He very proudly expresses how he feels towards just about everything.
In the beginning, we see Jake as this really disheveled and chaotic character, but throughout the book he really grows into himself and starts taking charge of his own destiny. This was all helped by the addition of Nicole ( better know around the roller derby rink as Arson Nic) into Jake’s life.
Nicole is a sharp tooth, flirty, bad ass woman with an incredibly deep and harrowing past. At first it’s clear that she struggles with the idea of letting anybody into her life, but we see a huge amount of growth and trust develop within her as a character. Not only does she encourage a sense of independence in Jake, but he encourages a sense of dependence in her towards himself and others.
All in all, I think the two characters really challenged each other in the beginning with this incredible firepower for a romance, but as the book progresses, they both challenge each other to be better versions of themselves.
Plot: 3.5/5
Please don’t take this rating as an indication to not read the book. The plot wasn’t overly important to the progress of the storyline. The main feature of the book is the character development and the character growth, and we see huge amounts of both of those qualities as mentioned above.
Writing and Setting: 5/ 5
The writing is easy enough to read, and I really loved the addition of Cherokee language and traditional elements that really acknowledged Jake’s Native American background.
Jake’s perspective took us across a lot of America and really delved us into brief glimpses of Native Indian culture. The settings really helped solidify the idea that Jake has made this incredible journey toward self-discovery and finding his family.
Thank you so much to Christina Berry and her team for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC copy of your book. I loved this story so much.
August 6, 2021
Jake Sixkiller is a typical ladies’ man: he’s never been in love, and he’s always down for a good time. But when his best friend gets hit by a car, Jake is at a loss, and begins to drown in the memories of his past. And then, he runs into Nicole “Arson Nic” Rollins, a woman who should absolutely be off limits. Nicole is like a breath of fresh air; she’s different from any woman Jake’s ever been with, and he finds himself wanting more from her. But Nicole has scars of her own, and convincing her that they are worth the fight will be the biggest challenge Jake has ever faced.
Berry has stunned me into silence with this book. I didn’t think it was possible, but I think I love Jake and Nicole more than Ari and Alex! Jake plays the snarky jokester, but he has deep wounds underneath that mask. And Nicole, people say that she’s cruel, or heartless, but she’s far from it. I think that Nicole and Jake were lost, and when they found each other… it was just something really beautiful to read. I loved their journey, and I love the way Berry writes. 5. Freaking. Stars!
Berry has stunned me into silence with this book. I didn’t think it was possible, but I think I love Jake and Nicole more than Ari and Alex! Jake plays the snarky jokester, but he has deep wounds underneath that mask. And Nicole, people say that she’s cruel, or heartless, but she’s far from it. I think that Nicole and Jake were lost, and when they found each other… it was just something really beautiful to read. I loved their journey, and I love the way Berry writes. 5. Freaking. Stars!
July 17, 2021
Christina Berry is like the surprise in the Cracker Jack box. When I first read her Up in Air book I was surprised because no one I know had ever mentioned her. This is book two in the series and once again just enthralled me. While in the same world this book has its own feel and is a rock star meets bad to the bone roller derby chick. We see more of the characters in book one and get involved but this one with emotions just got me in the feels. Once I got time in my crazy summer schedule to start I couldn’t put it down and read well into the early morning hours. It’s an emotional rollercoaster with wit and so much heart!
August 3, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- 🔥🔥🔥
This is the second book in the Austin series and it did not disappoint. We follow Jake as he gets a one in a lifetime opportunity and navigates love with a roller derby girl all while going back to his Cherokee roots. This was a fun read with some heat. I will say it wasn’t as spicy 😉 as the first book but it still packs heat. Christina Berry has officially become one of my favorite authors.
Thank you Christina Berry for this ARC! Get your copy Thursday August 5th 2021.
This is the second book in the Austin series and it did not disappoint. We follow Jake as he gets a one in a lifetime opportunity and navigates love with a roller derby girl all while going back to his Cherokee roots. This was a fun read with some heat. I will say it wasn’t as spicy 😉 as the first book but it still packs heat. Christina Berry has officially become one of my favorite authors.
Thank you Christina Berry for this ARC! Get your copy Thursday August 5th 2021.
August 14, 2021
Could not POSSIBLY love this more! This is no cookie cutter rockstar romance, and is instead an interesting portrait of unexpected, quirky, non-idealised love. Jake was inherently loveable, and Nic was legitimately fascinating. And I loved that she was basically the McEnroe of roller derby!
One of the most delightfully original and compelling books I've read this year.
One of the most delightfully original and compelling books I've read this year.
June 7, 2022
Put this on your TBR now!
The Road Home
Christina Berry
.
Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️/5
Steam: 🔥🔥 /5
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Available on: Kindle Unlimited
.
Jake Sixkiller! 😘
.
Oh what a fantastic story! Absolutely loved reading about Jake’s journey. And similar to my last reads by the lovely Swati MH… big YES to non-white main character representation!
.
Jake was complex, so multi-faceted, kind, caring, angsty, and yes at times an asshole. A TW to readers that there is a fair amount of alcohol consumption, descriptions of recreational drug use, and references to past sexual assault incidents. I did not find that any of those detracted from the narrative, and were integral to building out this hard rock/heavy metal world of music and roller derby. Coming from someone whose partner toured in a hardcore band during the late 90s/early 00s, the touring and performance aspects were very well done 👍🏼. Jake’s long road back winds him through where he originally grew up, and seeing him come to terms with his past trauma and estranged relations was so heartfelt and tear-inducing. All the feels!
.
To be honest, after “Up for Air”, I was not a huge fan of Nicole (this book’s FMC). However, as this story progressed, you slowly start to see beyond her prickly defenses. Her walls make sense once you understand all that she’s been through in the past - and how it’s shaped her present. By the end, I was really, really rooting for these two.
.
And HOLY CRAP. When is book 3 coming?! I am now desperate to know all about what happens to Greg!
.
😍 Highly recommend
The Road Home
Christina Berry
.
Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️/5
Steam: 🔥🔥 /5
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Available on: Kindle Unlimited
.
Jake Sixkiller! 😘
.
Oh what a fantastic story! Absolutely loved reading about Jake’s journey. And similar to my last reads by the lovely Swati MH… big YES to non-white main character representation!
.
Jake was complex, so multi-faceted, kind, caring, angsty, and yes at times an asshole. A TW to readers that there is a fair amount of alcohol consumption, descriptions of recreational drug use, and references to past sexual assault incidents. I did not find that any of those detracted from the narrative, and were integral to building out this hard rock/heavy metal world of music and roller derby. Coming from someone whose partner toured in a hardcore band during the late 90s/early 00s, the touring and performance aspects were very well done 👍🏼. Jake’s long road back winds him through where he originally grew up, and seeing him come to terms with his past trauma and estranged relations was so heartfelt and tear-inducing. All the feels!
.
To be honest, after “Up for Air”, I was not a huge fan of Nicole (this book’s FMC). However, as this story progressed, you slowly start to see beyond her prickly defenses. Her walls make sense once you understand all that she’s been through in the past - and how it’s shaped her present. By the end, I was really, really rooting for these two.
.
And HOLY CRAP. When is book 3 coming?! I am now desperate to know all about what happens to Greg!
.
😍 Highly recommend
August 9, 2021
A heartfelt, steamy read.
This book grabbed me from the first page and didn't let me go. It is equal parts rockstar romance and coming of age story.
The story is told entirely from Jake’s POV, which gave such deep insight into his character and it’s evolution. I enjoyed reading about a Native American hero, and Jake’s Cherokee ancestry plays a huge role in his character’s evolution. I found it added so much to his journey. Each and every character is perfectly drawn, from the series regulars to the new bandmates.
I loved the performance scenes, the writer creates a visceral experience for the reader, feeling Jake’s emotions on stage. It was really moving and went far beyond the normal, formulaic rock star narrative. I also fell in love with the setting. 2005 Austin, Texas is a fully realized time and place and although I've never visited Austen, it felt totally authentic.
Although there is plenty of well developed angst, there is still tons of sex, roller derby and rock and roll. Not to mention an epic road trip and some adorable Irish accents. The steam is off the charts and there is plenty of sweet romance layered between hot sex scenes and personal growth. I can’t recommend this highly enough. One of my favorite reads of the year.
This book grabbed me from the first page and didn't let me go. It is equal parts rockstar romance and coming of age story.
The story is told entirely from Jake’s POV, which gave such deep insight into his character and it’s evolution. I enjoyed reading about a Native American hero, and Jake’s Cherokee ancestry plays a huge role in his character’s evolution. I found it added so much to his journey. Each and every character is perfectly drawn, from the series regulars to the new bandmates.
I loved the performance scenes, the writer creates a visceral experience for the reader, feeling Jake’s emotions on stage. It was really moving and went far beyond the normal, formulaic rock star narrative. I also fell in love with the setting. 2005 Austin, Texas is a fully realized time and place and although I've never visited Austen, it felt totally authentic.
Although there is plenty of well developed angst, there is still tons of sex, roller derby and rock and roll. Not to mention an epic road trip and some adorable Irish accents. The steam is off the charts and there is plenty of sweet romance layered between hot sex scenes and personal growth. I can’t recommend this highly enough. One of my favorite reads of the year.
June 1, 2021
The Road Home is the second in the Lost in Austin series, and it's as good as Berry's fabulous debut, Up For Air. This time, we meet Jake Sixkiller, "frontman of one of Austin's most popular bands" who is also quite popular with the ladies. But Jake isn't the stereotypical rock god; he's sensitive, smart, and loves his friends, especially his best friend, Ari. When she's injured in a car accident, Jake is forced to confront a past he thought he long ago buried. And that's when Arson Nic steps in. She's a "roller derby dynamo" with a fiery attitude, someone Jake can't quite seem to forget. Their relationship begins as physical, just two people looking to let off steam, but soon, it's more than that. Once again Berry creates memorable, multifaceted characters that leap from the page, and she places them into relatable circumstances, ones in which the readers ask themselves, what would I do if faced with this same choice? And once again, Berry delivers the heat. If you're looking for a love story that's so much more, this book is for you.
October 13, 2021
Christina Berry has knocked it out of the park with this sequel!
She has a fantastic way of creating stories that are at their core relatable, yet fresh and exciting reads that grip you hard and never let go. This story pulls at heartstrings brutally, laying bare the human conditions and emotions we are all familiar with, even if the details of the scenario are changed. The journey Jake Sixkiller goes on feels personal and intimate, leaving you both raw and exhilarated, wanting for more in so many ways! Much like in the author's previous novel, the realness and familiarity of the characters feels weighty, and I became invested on a surprisingly deep level. Each character feels whole and complex: there are no easy answers or simple caricatures of people - their interactions are just as messy and beautiful as in real life, and no punches are pulled as we watch their stories unfold. I cannot wait to read more stories in this series and from this author!
She has a fantastic way of creating stories that are at their core relatable, yet fresh and exciting reads that grip you hard and never let go. This story pulls at heartstrings brutally, laying bare the human conditions and emotions we are all familiar with, even if the details of the scenario are changed. The journey Jake Sixkiller goes on feels personal and intimate, leaving you both raw and exhilarated, wanting for more in so many ways! Much like in the author's previous novel, the realness and familiarity of the characters feels weighty, and I became invested on a surprisingly deep level. Each character feels whole and complex: there are no easy answers or simple caricatures of people - their interactions are just as messy and beautiful as in real life, and no punches are pulled as we watch their stories unfold. I cannot wait to read more stories in this series and from this author!
August 2, 2021
Christina Berry is a new to me author and I am so happy I stumbled across her name through IG.
I loved how many different things were tied into this story: derby, drugs and rock and roll, finding yourself after heartbreak, finding yourself and your vulnerability after traumatic life events AND of course two characters trying to find their HEA. Christina created two beautiful characters in Jake and Nicole who canted help but root for. It was truly so special to watch them grow and find that love they both want and deserve.
I am excited to check out her other books and see how the rest of this series progresses.
I loved how many different things were tied into this story: derby, drugs and rock and roll, finding yourself after heartbreak, finding yourself and your vulnerability after traumatic life events AND of course two characters trying to find their HEA. Christina created two beautiful characters in Jake and Nicole who canted help but root for. It was truly so special to watch them grow and find that love they both want and deserve.
I am excited to check out her other books and see how the rest of this series progresses.
August 10, 2021
If I didn’t love Jake Sixkiller in the first book, then I certainly do now!
The romance between Jake and Nicole is just 😍
It starts off hot and heavy but morphs into something genuine and beautiful. I was captivated. Honestly, I felt everything reading this. I laughed along with the characters, I smiled when they smiled, my heart broke when they felt pain. Jake’s is such a heartbreaking story but it is such a heartfelt one. What he has been through, how it’s moulded and shaped him and how it inspires him to become the man he wants to be, it’s amazing.
I can’t recommend this book enough!
The romance between Jake and Nicole is just 😍
It starts off hot and heavy but morphs into something genuine and beautiful. I was captivated. Honestly, I felt everything reading this. I laughed along with the characters, I smiled when they smiled, my heart broke when they felt pain. Jake’s is such a heartbreaking story but it is such a heartfelt one. What he has been through, how it’s moulded and shaped him and how it inspires him to become the man he wants to be, it’s amazing.
I can’t recommend this book enough!
August 6, 2021
The Road Home is the 2nd book in the Lost in Austin Series. It takes a deep dive into Jacob Sixkiller and his childhood and what made him, him. We also got to learn more about Nicole, who was dumped by Alex in the first book when he fell for Ari. Nicole was the best heroine and Christina shows why she is so strong willed and was gutted by Ari taking Alex from her. As we learn more about both Jake and Nicole we see how effect they are for each other. I’m so happy they go their HEA and there’s even an epilogue!
August 13, 2022
This might be Berry's best book. It delivers on the weirdness and fun of an Austin setting, has lots of delicious details about music and roller derbies, but most of all, the cultural storyline is incredibly moving and heartfelt. Featuring actual cultural issues and big and small cases of racism, the pain Jake deals with from his past and his circumstances reads as incredibly true. I always cry at a particular point in this book - and I've read it like three times. Cannot recommend it highly enough. This is just delightful.
August 4, 2021
This was the second book by Christina that I’ve read. While I couldn’t relate to this one as much as I could with Ari’s book (Up For Air) it didn’t stop me from being sucked into Jakes life.
I was so excited to get to read from Jakes perspective as I loved him in the first book. I loved his and Nicole’s back and forth, and the over all breaking down of their tough exteriors. I totally recommend this series and can’t wait for book 3💙
I was so excited to get to read from Jakes perspective as I loved him in the first book. I loved his and Nicole’s back and forth, and the over all breaking down of their tough exteriors. I totally recommend this series and can’t wait for book 3💙
August 7, 2021
It looks like Ms. Berry has another hit with this novel featuring Jake Sixkiller, a member of a popular band in Austin, TX, and a favorite among the ladies. He also has a soft heart and takes care of his friends. But he comes up against a new challenge in the form of Nicole, a roller derby star, and he’s not sure how to handle her. This is a fun, raunchy read, not to be missed, taking us on a roller-coaster ride through Austin to Jake’s childhood Cherokee home in North Carolina.
September 6, 2021
This is a near perfect book. Gorgeous characters, fantastic settings, tid bits of Native American history and culture, a super steamy romance, an electric couple and a ton of humour, friendship, family, loyalty and love. It is my absolute favourite read this year and one of my favourites ever. I read on KU but I'm definitely buying the paperback to sit on my shelf so I can re-read all the time. Well done!
June 1, 2021
The Road Home is a sweet, fun, sexy romp of a novel. Underlying all of the rock and roll, the hot sex, the roller derbying, the road trips and more, the main character, Jake, finds his way home--to his Cherokee roots and his newfound family. Pure enjoyment! I have to break it to my husband: I think I’m in love with Jake.
August 5, 2021
I fell in the love with the characters after the first book and I couldn’t wait to read Jakes story!
It did not disappoint 💛 I was hooked on this from the get go. A really fantastic book that has the perfect balance between romance and spice 🔥 Would definitely recommend!
It did not disappoint 💛 I was hooked on this from the get go. A really fantastic book that has the perfect balance between romance and spice 🔥 Would definitely recommend!
June 30, 2023
3.5 🌟
JAKE IS SUCH A CINNAMON ROLL BUT HES ALSO A COCKY BITCH 🥵🥵🥵
Some of it was cheesy. 🤭🤭🤭
But steamy hard hitting contemporaries are one of my favorite genres in romance 😊❤
The author told me that a friend of hers would call Jake a Alpha Roll. Need more of those in my romance reads 👅👅👅👅
JAKE IS SUCH A CINNAMON ROLL BUT HES ALSO A COCKY BITCH 🥵🥵🥵
Some of it was cheesy. 🤭🤭🤭
But steamy hard hitting contemporaries are one of my favorite genres in romance 😊❤
The author told me that a friend of hers would call Jake a Alpha Roll. Need more of those in my romance reads 👅👅👅👅
March 16, 2022
Christina does not disappoint with The Road Home. A beautiful story of two souls that have found themselves and each other. Can tragedy change your perspective on life and love?
Jake Sixkiller is the frontman for a band that is popular in Austin Texas. He is all about sex and rock & roll. He is handsome and sexy so it is no wonder that he has his choice of women to be with but he is not a relationship kind of guy. When his childhood friend, Ari, gets hit by a car, he has to reach out to someone that he really doesn't want to, Nicole. This accident also brought up painful memories of losing his family. When he sees Nicole again he gets a different feeling about her than the group that he is friends with. Could there be something more below the surface with her? Jake decides that he wants to find out and decides that he wants to be with her. Will this be easy? When he gets the offer to join the famous Irish band Mammoth on the last leg of their tour he jumps on the chance. What will this do to the relationship he has built with Nicole?
Nicole is a feisty roller derby girl that has a hard exterior with a tragic past. She puts up a front that keeps people away as she has a hard time letting people in. Meeting Jake again and the way that he doe not hold anything back changes something in her. Can she see how life can be better with the love of another?
I loved the character development of Jake and Nicole. We see Jake become this strong, independent and someone that you can love and it is due to the relationship that he has with Nicole. Nicole becomes a woman that is easy to love and allows those around her to care about her.
Christina's writing always seems to grab your attention and never lets go of it. The storyline was gripping and emotional. You will not be disappointed with the depth of her writing. I would highly recommend adding this book to your TBR list.
Jake Sixkiller is the frontman for a band that is popular in Austin Texas. He is all about sex and rock & roll. He is handsome and sexy so it is no wonder that he has his choice of women to be with but he is not a relationship kind of guy. When his childhood friend, Ari, gets hit by a car, he has to reach out to someone that he really doesn't want to, Nicole. This accident also brought up painful memories of losing his family. When he sees Nicole again he gets a different feeling about her than the group that he is friends with. Could there be something more below the surface with her? Jake decides that he wants to find out and decides that he wants to be with her. Will this be easy? When he gets the offer to join the famous Irish band Mammoth on the last leg of their tour he jumps on the chance. What will this do to the relationship he has built with Nicole?
Nicole is a feisty roller derby girl that has a hard exterior with a tragic past. She puts up a front that keeps people away as she has a hard time letting people in. Meeting Jake again and the way that he doe not hold anything back changes something in her. Can she see how life can be better with the love of another?
I loved the character development of Jake and Nicole. We see Jake become this strong, independent and someone that you can love and it is due to the relationship that he has with Nicole. Nicole becomes a woman that is easy to love and allows those around her to care about her.
Christina's writing always seems to grab your attention and never lets go of it. The storyline was gripping and emotional. You will not be disappointed with the depth of her writing. I would highly recommend adding this book to your TBR list.
August 7, 2021
Okay, I am not an author, nor do I often critique books. I am, however, a bonafide federally recognized citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Consequently, Jake and his story hit close to home.
Jake, for all his open hearted ways, is a deeply complex guy. He has the task of figuring out how to embrace his ancestors, his Cherokee-ness, and how he fits into a modern world, both on and off the Rez. There isn't a Cherokee alive who hasn't navigated this same road home. Christina tells it well. It is refreshing to read a living, breathing, modern Native American with Jake's depth. Plus, you know, he's gorgeous. Jake's relationship with his roller derby sweetie is honest, powerful, and well told.
Don't fret though! Christina Berry's ability to create complicated, lovable characters does not prevent her from turning out a delightfully "hot" romance. From Jake's penchant for performing shirtless, to the fireworks between him and Nicole, there is plenty of sizzle. I enjoyed every aspect of this book.
Jake, for all his open hearted ways, is a deeply complex guy. He has the task of figuring out how to embrace his ancestors, his Cherokee-ness, and how he fits into a modern world, both on and off the Rez. There isn't a Cherokee alive who hasn't navigated this same road home. Christina tells it well. It is refreshing to read a living, breathing, modern Native American with Jake's depth. Plus, you know, he's gorgeous. Jake's relationship with his roller derby sweetie is honest, powerful, and well told.
Don't fret though! Christina Berry's ability to create complicated, lovable characters does not prevent her from turning out a delightfully "hot" romance. From Jake's penchant for performing shirtless, to the fireworks between him and Nicole, there is plenty of sizzle. I enjoyed every aspect of this book.
October 23, 2022
Jake is an aspiring rockstar in a band he started. Playing to decent-sized crowds in local bars, he spends his nights with random women and teaches guitar to children by day. He’s content in his life of no committed relationships until he meets Nicole. She just might be the one to silence the ghosts from his past.
Nicole has suffered from her own past trauma and has erected thick walls around herself to keep from being hurt. She is happy in her role as librarian by day and roller derby babe, Arson Nic, by night. Then Jake sneaks his way into her heart and starts chipping away at those walls. He may be the one she allows herself to be vulnerable with.
Romance novels are not usually my go to read, but I was given the opportunity by @katieandbreypa to receive a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, and I honestly enjoyed it! The plot was great, I cared for the characters, and the book flowed well keeping me hooked until the very end. Oh, and the spicy love scenes…I cannot forget to mention those. They were pretty hot 🔥 Get yourself a copy!
Nicole has suffered from her own past trauma and has erected thick walls around herself to keep from being hurt. She is happy in her role as librarian by day and roller derby babe, Arson Nic, by night. Then Jake sneaks his way into her heart and starts chipping away at those walls. He may be the one she allows herself to be vulnerable with.
Romance novels are not usually my go to read, but I was given the opportunity by @katieandbreypa to receive a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, and I honestly enjoyed it! The plot was great, I cared for the characters, and the book flowed well keeping me hooked until the very end. Oh, and the spicy love scenes…I cannot forget to mention those. They were pretty hot 🔥 Get yourself a copy!
August 8, 2021
My Review 🛼🛼🛼🛼
Wow what can I say about this book, Christina is a new author to me and I so glad I was able to have this author recommend to me. I loved reading the story of Jake and getting the see his growth throughout the book was great. From the very start I could tell that Jake was the tortured soul just looking to find his place and with the help of a bad ass roller derby girl Nicole he's able to find just where he belongs.
These two character grow with one another so much and the events that happen in their past really show how much the needed one another. Nicole may have such a hard exterior but when she finally lets someone in its great to have her character come full circle. An Jake coming to terms with his past and getting closure also rounds him out.
Loved reading this book and can't wait to see what the next one brings.
*I received this book as an ARC from the author for my honest review.
Wow what can I say about this book, Christina is a new author to me and I so glad I was able to have this author recommend to me. I loved reading the story of Jake and getting the see his growth throughout the book was great. From the very start I could tell that Jake was the tortured soul just looking to find his place and with the help of a bad ass roller derby girl Nicole he's able to find just where he belongs.
These two character grow with one another so much and the events that happen in their past really show how much the needed one another. Nicole may have such a hard exterior but when she finally lets someone in its great to have her character come full circle. An Jake coming to terms with his past and getting closure also rounds him out.
Loved reading this book and can't wait to see what the next one brings.
*I received this book as an ARC from the author for my honest review.
October 24, 2022
I received this book in return for an honest review.
This is book 2 in the Lost in Austin Series which I didnt actually realise due to a mix up with Kindle Unlimited on Amazon. After a quick message to the Author this was cleared up.
I plan on reading book 1 and 3 as I loved this book.
Being book 2 in a series, the characters have already been built up (im assuming) but with that being said I dont feel like ive missed anything major that didnt flow.
I really enjoyed this book and I felt a lot of emotion in this book towards some of the characters. I was sat on the edge of my sofa for a few chapters and Nicole and Jake were definitely my favourite characters- something that seemed so unlikely and difficult between the two of them became the most anticipated thing of the whole book. I loved how they made it work and I felt like they completed each other.
Definitely a brilliant read and cannot wait to read the other 2 books.
This is book 2 in the Lost in Austin Series which I didnt actually realise due to a mix up with Kindle Unlimited on Amazon. After a quick message to the Author this was cleared up.
I plan on reading book 1 and 3 as I loved this book.
Being book 2 in a series, the characters have already been built up (im assuming) but with that being said I dont feel like ive missed anything major that didnt flow.
I really enjoyed this book and I felt a lot of emotion in this book towards some of the characters. I was sat on the edge of my sofa for a few chapters and Nicole and Jake were definitely my favourite characters- something that seemed so unlikely and difficult between the two of them became the most anticipated thing of the whole book. I loved how they made it work and I felt like they completed each other.
Definitely a brilliant read and cannot wait to read the other 2 books.
April 9, 2022
Jake 4Ever
I stated in my review of Up For Air that everyone needed a Jake in their life and this book just amplified all the reasons.
I loved Nicole and Jake together, their relationship was believable, especially for Nicole who had to overcome the
fact that her ex is madly in love with Ariana, Jake’s bff. Nicole showed so much growth in this story that I fell a little in love with her and she’s perfect for Jake.
There are many kumbaya moments in this story that this hot blooded Italian may find a little eye rolling but hey, why not.
Does anyone else love Sheryl to pieces? I kinda hope she’s getting a book too.
Can I have Greg now?
I stated in my review of Up For Air that everyone needed a Jake in their life and this book just amplified all the reasons.
I loved Nicole and Jake together, their relationship was believable, especially for Nicole who had to overcome the
fact that her ex is madly in love with Ariana, Jake’s bff. Nicole showed so much growth in this story that I fell a little in love with her and she’s perfect for Jake.
There are many kumbaya moments in this story that this hot blooded Italian may find a little eye rolling but hey, why not.
Does anyone else love Sheryl to pieces? I kinda hope she’s getting a book too.
Can I have Greg now?
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