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You Were Almost Home
Two years. Zero closure. One explosive reunion.
Riley Benson, DC, has done everything to move therapy, journaling, the long, lonely work of healing.
BG’s tried everything else—crystals, cord-cutting rituals, reiki, even late-night tarot spreads that always point back to Riley.
When a chance run-in at their friends’ engagement party shatters two years of distance, old feelings come roaring back. Riley’s determined not to fall apart again. BG swears she’s not still in love. Not in this lifetime, anyway.
But every glance cuts deep. Every room feels smaller. And the pull between them feels less like coincidence, more like fate refusing to let go.
Told in sharp, emotionally charged dual POV, You Were Almost Home is a slow-burn, second-chance sapphic romance about heartbreak, healing, and the kind of soul-deep love that doesn’t care how much time has passed when exes still want, still need, and still love each other, even when they swear they shouldn’t.
You Were Almost Home is a companion book to String Theory.
Riley Benson, DC, has done everything to move therapy, journaling, the long, lonely work of healing.
BG’s tried everything else—crystals, cord-cutting rituals, reiki, even late-night tarot spreads that always point back to Riley.
When a chance run-in at their friends’ engagement party shatters two years of distance, old feelings come roaring back. Riley’s determined not to fall apart again. BG swears she’s not still in love. Not in this lifetime, anyway.
But every glance cuts deep. Every room feels smaller. And the pull between them feels less like coincidence, more like fate refusing to let go.
Told in sharp, emotionally charged dual POV, You Were Almost Home is a slow-burn, second-chance sapphic romance about heartbreak, healing, and the kind of soul-deep love that doesn’t care how much time has passed when exes still want, still need, and still love each other, even when they swear they shouldn’t.
You Were Almost Home is a companion book to String Theory.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2025
11 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 3, 2025
3.5 stars; It’s my first from LM Benett and I was impressed by her ability to make us feel with the characters. It’s probably the use of the first person POV that enables to really put characters feeling on the first level and it was truly immersive. It was both really emotional and sometimes humorous. In second chance romance, I love to see characters work on their issues to make it work in the present. In this book, Benett made sure to put them on the same path, but I felt like them weren’t moving forward with each encounter, but are stuck avoiding each other, and suffering is silence, while fighting their obvious love and chemistry. Until they can’t at some point. It’s definitely rich in angst, but a bit frustrating. I wanted to see their growth and blooming, especially BG. Benett didn’t use the angle I am used to look for with this trope, but it definitely made me read more of this author.
July 29, 2025
I’m not usually one for a slow burn, but this one totally had me hooked! The tension between Riley and BG was palpable—you could really feel their history, and let me tell you, the payoff is so worth the wait.
The storyline was super easy to follow and flowed naturally from start to finish. I also loved the side characters—they added so much personality and really helped bring Riley and BG’s story together. Honestly, who doesn’t love a few meddling friends stirring things up?
I highly recommend this book! Out of all the ones I’ve read by L.M. Bennett, this might just be one of my favourites. I’m so excited to see what she’s got coming next!
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥 2 scenes (Worth the wait 🥵)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
The storyline was super easy to follow and flowed naturally from start to finish. I also loved the side characters—they added so much personality and really helped bring Riley and BG’s story together. Honestly, who doesn’t love a few meddling friends stirring things up?
I highly recommend this book! Out of all the ones I’ve read by L.M. Bennett, this might just be one of my favourites. I’m so excited to see what she’s got coming next!
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥 2 scenes (Worth the wait 🥵)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
September 18, 2025
Oh the feels in this book! LM Bennett shatters us readers and finds better ways to put us back together. The tension (and love!) between Riley and BG was palpable! Their past added depth to each character as well as a better understanding of how they are presenting themselves in the present. I really enjoyed their story and highly recommend reading!!
August 6, 2025
📚 ARC Review 📚 Thanks to the author for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This sapphic romance follows the dual perspectives of Riley and BG, two women who were once in a relationship but broke up due to wanting different things and some self-doubt. Two years have passed and they're exes who’ve moved on and left their feelings behind… right?
Well, not quite.
When Riley and BG cross paths again at a mutual friend’s engagement party, old sparks begin to fly ✨️ What follows is a magnetic, slow-burn journey that asks: could a second chance be worth the risk?
They’re portrayed primarily by the author as opposites who want different things. Riley takes on more of an ice queen persona - detached, reserved, but ever the gentlewoman. In contrast, BG is vivacious and carefree, at least on the surface. Beneath it all, both are quietly harbouring fear and doubt - one hiding behind charm, the other behind silence and avoidance.
I sometimes struggle with a second-chance/ ex trope as there's angst, internal processing and evaluating the past - and in this plot, the characters were thinking of their ex even when they were with other people (🍆👀) - and that's when I knew they had it baaaad.
But once Riley and BG are drawn back into each other’s orbits, the tension steadily builds and when they do communicate, the author crafts a passionate, emotional, and very sexy reunion - full of longing, intensity, and deliciously direct imperatives (which I love) - 🔥🌶!
If you’re in the mood for emotional angst, forced proximity, and a sexy slow burn, this is the one! With both an epilogue and a bonus steamy epilogue, this sapphic romance offers a second-chance story between two characters who never quite let each other go 💞
This sapphic romance follows the dual perspectives of Riley and BG, two women who were once in a relationship but broke up due to wanting different things and some self-doubt. Two years have passed and they're exes who’ve moved on and left their feelings behind… right?
Well, not quite.
When Riley and BG cross paths again at a mutual friend’s engagement party, old sparks begin to fly ✨️ What follows is a magnetic, slow-burn journey that asks: could a second chance be worth the risk?
They’re portrayed primarily by the author as opposites who want different things. Riley takes on more of an ice queen persona - detached, reserved, but ever the gentlewoman. In contrast, BG is vivacious and carefree, at least on the surface. Beneath it all, both are quietly harbouring fear and doubt - one hiding behind charm, the other behind silence and avoidance.
I sometimes struggle with a second-chance/ ex trope as there's angst, internal processing and evaluating the past - and in this plot, the characters were thinking of their ex even when they were with other people (🍆👀) - and that's when I knew they had it baaaad.
But once Riley and BG are drawn back into each other’s orbits, the tension steadily builds and when they do communicate, the author crafts a passionate, emotional, and very sexy reunion - full of longing, intensity, and deliciously direct imperatives (which I love) - 🔥🌶!
If you’re in the mood for emotional angst, forced proximity, and a sexy slow burn, this is the one! With both an epilogue and a bonus steamy epilogue, this sapphic romance offers a second-chance story between two characters who never quite let each other go 💞
August 9, 2025
You Were Almost Home pulls readers into an emotional fallout between Riley and BG. Friends turned lovers, turned exes. The consistent and logical, Riley and the extroverted, lively BG. Opposites that should've never been together, right?
First things first, I felt an emotional attachment towards BG throughout this whole book. Both women were suffering after the breakup, but BG trying to process things broke my heart. She loves with her whole being but is afraid of not being enough or worthy, so she leaves first. I know that their song is stated to be Stevie Wonder’s AS, but to me their song should be Still Into You by Paramore.
With every glance, thought and action these two radiated towards one another. Their friends were mostly supportive of them individually and it seemed they were waiting for the tension in the air to dissipate.
I also felt like close friends of BG couldn’t quite see past the mask she wears since the breakup. They mainly see the lively, bubbly and happy BG that isn't phased by anything. If anything, they seemed to be more careful of Riley's feelings after the split.
While separated, BG and Riley rethink their faults during the relationship and are forced to do some slow-goes-it changes emotionally in order to move on with their lives.
And here we are, two years post break-up Riley and BG are forced back into each other's orbits due to their friends getting married. In the middle of wedding planning and arrangements, these two slow track their way through the obstacles of their break-up. Can they start again?
You Were Almost Home is perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burns and second chances with angst, longing and emotional growth.
First things first, I felt an emotional attachment towards BG throughout this whole book. Both women were suffering after the breakup, but BG trying to process things broke my heart. She loves with her whole being but is afraid of not being enough or worthy, so she leaves first. I know that their song is stated to be Stevie Wonder’s AS, but to me their song should be Still Into You by Paramore.
With every glance, thought and action these two radiated towards one another. Their friends were mostly supportive of them individually and it seemed they were waiting for the tension in the air to dissipate.
I also felt like close friends of BG couldn’t quite see past the mask she wears since the breakup. They mainly see the lively, bubbly and happy BG that isn't phased by anything. If anything, they seemed to be more careful of Riley's feelings after the split.
While separated, BG and Riley rethink their faults during the relationship and are forced to do some slow-goes-it changes emotionally in order to move on with their lives.
And here we are, two years post break-up Riley and BG are forced back into each other's orbits due to their friends getting married. In the middle of wedding planning and arrangements, these two slow track their way through the obstacles of their break-up. Can they start again?
You Were Almost Home is perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burns and second chances with angst, longing and emotional growth.
August 7, 2025
This was a really good read. I stayed up until 2 AM to finish it after promising myself I could just wait until the morning lol. Reading String Theory first really made me invested in Riley’s side of the story. I just had a hunch there was way more going on and I was right.
I feel for Becks; I’m a fellow self-sabotager because I get real suspicious when things are going too well. It’s something we both work on and I love that for us. I’m also like Riley in how quickly I pull back into a safer, more professional manner with things get messy. Both characters taught me a lot about how I can still improve my communication and responses to my own knee jerk reactions.
I love a second chance love story, and this one is so beautifully written. The side characters are lovely! There’s so much representation in this book and it’s done gracefully. I respect the bravery and courage it takes to give a past love a second chance, to act on that second chance, and for the friend group to patiently allow their hurt friends to find their way back to each other (heals the group dynamic as a bonus).
I received a copy of this book directly from the author and this is my honest review. 4.75 stars, I really did enjoy it and even appreciate String Theory more.
I feel for Becks; I’m a fellow self-sabotager because I get real suspicious when things are going too well. It’s something we both work on and I love that for us. I’m also like Riley in how quickly I pull back into a safer, more professional manner with things get messy. Both characters taught me a lot about how I can still improve my communication and responses to my own knee jerk reactions.
I love a second chance love story, and this one is so beautifully written. The side characters are lovely! There’s so much representation in this book and it’s done gracefully. I respect the bravery and courage it takes to give a past love a second chance, to act on that second chance, and for the friend group to patiently allow their hurt friends to find their way back to each other (heals the group dynamic as a bonus).
I received a copy of this book directly from the author and this is my honest review. 4.75 stars, I really did enjoy it and even appreciate String Theory more.
August 6, 2025
This was such a great read! I adore a second chance romance, and this one gave me everything I was hoping for, lingering looks, awkward run ins, quiet pining, and that irresistible magnetic pull that never really goes away.
Becks and Riley broke up two years ago and have been expertly avoiding each other ever since, ducking out of group hangouts before the other arrives, ghosting any chance of real closure. But now? Their best friends are getting married, and suddenly they’re forced into the same orbit again, planning, partying, and pretending everything's fine.
What I loved most was how real this felt, the awkwardness, the unresolved hurt, the push and pull of wanting to move on but not quite being able to. The shared friend group dynamic was so well done too, supportive but not pushy, just friends trying to help these two figure their way back to each other (or not).
It’s emotional, a little messy, and totally addictive. If you love second chance romances, especially sapphic ones with a Brooklyn backdrop and a close knit group of friends, you’ll want to add this to your TBR immediately.
Becks and Riley broke up two years ago and have been expertly avoiding each other ever since, ducking out of group hangouts before the other arrives, ghosting any chance of real closure. But now? Their best friends are getting married, and suddenly they’re forced into the same orbit again, planning, partying, and pretending everything's fine.
What I loved most was how real this felt, the awkwardness, the unresolved hurt, the push and pull of wanting to move on but not quite being able to. The shared friend group dynamic was so well done too, supportive but not pushy, just friends trying to help these two figure their way back to each other (or not).
It’s emotional, a little messy, and totally addictive. If you love second chance romances, especially sapphic ones with a Brooklyn backdrop and a close knit group of friends, you’ll want to add this to your TBR immediately.
July 10, 2025
Two years apart hasn’t dulled the chemistry; it’s made it volatile. Tense glances? Check. Accidental brushes of skin that light a fire deep inside? Double check. Every conversation between BG and Ry feels like a tug-of-war between love and self-protection.
This book knows heartbreak. It chronicles the pain of loving someone you can’t make it work with… until maybe, just maybe, you can. And when that moment comes? The tension breaks. And so do you. The payoff is earned. Slow-burn? Try slow-scorch. When Riley and BG finally give in, it’s not just sex… it’s release.
And let’s talk found family. The supporting cast? Flawless. There’s laughter, meddling in love lives, ride-or-die best friends, and a wedding backdrop that brings everyone too close for comfort.
Overall, an amazing story depicting what it looks like when you choose to heal, to choose love after loss, and to stay after leaving.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book knows heartbreak. It chronicles the pain of loving someone you can’t make it work with… until maybe, just maybe, you can. And when that moment comes? The tension breaks. And so do you. The payoff is earned. Slow-burn? Try slow-scorch. When Riley and BG finally give in, it’s not just sex… it’s release.
And let’s talk found family. The supporting cast? Flawless. There’s laughter, meddling in love lives, ride-or-die best friends, and a wedding backdrop that brings everyone too close for comfort.
Overall, an amazing story depicting what it looks like when you choose to heal, to choose love after loss, and to stay after leaving.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2025
This book was so good. Im usually not a fan of slow burn. But it also didn’t feel slow to me. The story flowed so well. The depth of both characters felt almost therapeutic to me. I found myself feeling seen by both of them. Both characters were deeply guarded. Riley was guarded because she didn’t want to get her heart broken again for being too trusting. BG was guarded because she struggled with thinking her love would be enough to keep someone long term. I completely identified with both characters. Their friends (aka the brides), felt like nosey aunties in the best way. There were so many moments in the book, where I would read a line, and feel child. For example the line of “You let me burn and now you want credit for noticing the ashes” and “ loving someone loudly not being the same as loving someone well”. While I would suggest this book to any black sapphic, I think this is simply a book of anyone on their journey of being prepared for their person should read.
September 5, 2025
Loved it!
L.M. Bennett has a way with words! BG and Riley were the messiest, sexiest, self-sabotaging couple I've read in a long time. They each couldn't get out of their own way. Thankfully, they had a friend group extraordinaire who supported them until they got themselves together.
There are so many highlights...slow dancing in the rain, wonderful friends, and comical scenes in "You Were Almost Home."
L.M. Bennett has a way with words! BG and Riley were the messiest, sexiest, self-sabotaging couple I've read in a long time. They each couldn't get out of their own way. Thankfully, they had a friend group extraordinaire who supported them until they got themselves together.
There are so many highlights...slow dancing in the rain, wonderful friends, and comical scenes in "You Were Almost Home."
August 26, 2025
My Favorite!
This has become my favorite book by L.M Bennett thus far!!! And it does hurt that BG is a Pisces, which made me happy for the confirmation AND grown that you wrote us so well.
This has become my favorite book by L.M Bennett thus far!!! And it does hurt that BG is a Pisces, which made me happy for the confirmation AND grown that you wrote us so well.
August 18, 2025
Worth It
This is the poster child book for a slow burn romance, but when it finally hits and the 2 protagonists get it together, so worth the read. It's proof that if love is meant to be, it will be despite your best efforts of isolation.
This is the poster child book for a slow burn romance, but when it finally hits and the 2 protagonists get it together, so worth the read. It's proof that if love is meant to be, it will be despite your best efforts of isolation.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews