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The Home Grown

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This could be it. This could be my career over.

Mike “Bettsy” Betts has a shot at Team GB—or so he thinks. His ex has other ideas: forum posts, online slander, and gossip he can’t shake. The last thing he needs is more drama. All he has to do is keep his head down, focus on hockey, and stay out of trouble.
Then she shows up.
The one who got away. The one he’s never really forgotten.

…before I can talk myself out of it—I slide right into the DMs of Mike Betts.

Ellie Kitchener isn’t looking for trouble. She’s too busy juggling beauty appointments, salon politics, and a sister who treats her life like a fixer-upper. She’s even managed to forget the boy next door…
But when a late-night search unearths something she can’t ignore, Ellie knows she has to get in touch. And when he doesn’t reply … she finds herself standing outside his building, heart pounding, wondering what the hell she’s doing.

What if the biggest mistake of your life … wasn’t a mistake at all?

414 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2025

41 people want to read

About the author

Alys J. Clarke

7 books81 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Minnie.
913 reviews
August 1, 2025
ARC review

4.5⭐|2🌶|6% frequency

I can't say how long I waited for this book, but it's a while 😎 Not just after the last book. Bettsy is a character who was present in all the other books a lot. He is a "difficult" character. It may be because of his golden retriever mentality. He is a very good friend and teammate. But when it comes to women, yeah... As I said... difficult. He definitely wants to he loved. Needs to be loved. But he picks the wrong women. Especially the one wrong one... Rochelle. God, I hated her from the first appearance. Was it in book 1 already? I honestly don't know anymore, but I just HATE this B! Yes, definitely a capital B! And what she did in this book now 🤬🤬🤬

I so love the "accidental marriage" trope. Especially because they never know, is it real or not 🙈 And the anticipation to get to the point of the resolution. And I definitely couldn't stop reading. I so needed to know it 😁

I always wished for a sibling, but when I see poor Ellie with her 🐉 of a sister... That's when I'm happy to be an only child 😎 Really, if you have a sibling like Kathryn, you don't need enemies 😱

I can't say it often enough, if you love hockey, you need to read this series. It's not like other hockey romance books I've read. Not just because it's British hockey (even with tiny differences to the NHL, it's still ice hockey), but you can read in the books how much Alys loves it. And even as someone who knows NOTHING about this sport, I can see Alys knows what she is writing about 😁

I'm now waiting for more. Even though this is the last book in this series, there are more coming and they will be about Team GB (the national hockey team of Great Britain) 🤩

Thanks to the author for trusting me with an ARC 🩷


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Profile Image for Madz.
286 reviews36 followers
September 5, 2025
Thank you @alysjclarke for the ARC! ❤️

I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't stop reading from the moment I started.

I fell in love with Bettsy in book 1 but I just fell head over heels for him in this book.

Him and Ellie were friends growing up and fell for each other but things happened and they never really got the chance to see where I would go... until now.

I loved the way that Bettsy fell hard and fast for Ellie and the way that Ellie stuck up for Bettsy when something was happening to him.

So sad this series is now finished - an amazing book to end on ❤️
Profile Image for Lemonnyyy.
181 reviews4 followers
August 4, 2025
🏒The Home Grown by Alys J. Clarke🏒

The Elite Hockey Series 4th and Final Book

Wow... wow... wow... where do I even begin, been patiently waiting for Bettsy's books for what felt like forever and damn. He was a whole package! And a perfect way to end this amazing series!

Bettsy is just wanting a spot on the Team GB team, but his ex has other plans, after a few not so savoury posts start gaining too much negative traction in surfaces the one who got away, Ellie Kitchener. I won't say any more without giving it all away!

Just when you think this series couldn't get any better, in enters Michael Betts, he is such an awkward over talker but my god he is the cutest human being on this earth! And add in Eleanor Kitchener or should I say re-add and you have perfection.

Bettsy and Ellie are the most perfect couple, I may or may not have said that about all the couples in this series but damn Bettsy made me melt in the best ways. I loved seeing everyone's favourites return, this story is absolute gift that keeps on giving and will have you hooked from page one.

This series has a special place in my head and heart and to see it come to an end was an emotional trip that I wasn't quite ready for. Alys this book has bought me not only a favourite series based in England (which never happens) but also a lifelong friend, I live for your voice notes, and random ramblings! I honestly cried when I reached the end of this book and then it wouldn't stop once I saw my name in the acknowledgments, Thank you for having me on your Beta Team.

I would highly recommend this entire series and you will fall in love over and over again, for fans of Hockey Romance, Grumpy X Golden Retriever, He Falls First, The One That Got Away, Found Family and some delicious Spicy Content.
Profile Image for Sophie Hutchins.
240 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2025
“Because the meaning of life and my universe isn’t ‘42’, it’s Eleanor Kitchner.”

Bettsy and Kitch. Alys did such a good job of these two, they were literally made for each other and I love how everything unfolds for them.

Bettsy is the cheeky one of the group, always in trouble. I knew I was going to love Bettsy after reading the previous books, but it surpassed expectations. He was funny, sweet and also spicy. Definitely the spiciest one of this series. I love how after rekindling with Ellie that’s all he can think about. I love how quickly he becomes obsessed with her, it’s adorable. And the way he always puts himself down is gut wrenching how he believes he’s nothing much to look at.

But I love how Ellie changes that mindset a little. Or at least how she sees him shows he’s beautiful. Ellie goes through so much in this book, they both do, but primarily with her sister. Her sister is horrible to her yet she always comes out on top and being the nicer person. Even if she lets Bettsy influence her a little bit with one thing she does to get back at her sister 🤭 and the way she supports Bettsy is just perfect, she’s always there for him even if it’s online against bullies.

I love how their life’s have always been intertwined but it’s taken them years to get where they are now.

I love the surprise of accidental marriage too, honestly seeing them be married is fun and works for how they collide again.

My favourite of the series so far

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

“It’s rare that anyone calls me Mike or Michael day-to-day, but I sort of like the way she does.”
Profile Image for Karissa Dykstra.
7 reviews
August 10, 2025
4.75 ⭐️

What a great end to one of my favorite interconnected standalone series! Throughout the whole series we get snippets of Bettsy (Mike) and I’ve been waiting for the day we get to read his book!

This book follows Bettsy (Mike) and Ellie, who were once neighbors. They had one great day together almost a decade before that ended in some miscommunication where they never spoke again. Years later, Ellie makes a revelation that forces her to reach out to Mike after all these years.

Ellie works with her sister at a beauty shop they started together, but really it’s her sister’s and she has a lot of opinions about the choices Ellie makes. Ellie is trying to make something of herself and Mike is just trying to get a permanent spot on the team and prove everyone that he’s more than his past mistakes.

This one was even more than I expected and had some wild revelations, crazy characters, and wholesome moments. There are bitter exes, jealous family members, and a whole lot of drama! Although there is some miscommunication initially, both Ellie and Mike try to support one another and work through their past. We get to see bits of all the other characters and where their lives and relationships have ended up. This book has you rooting for two characters that most people in their lives have discounted.

The Home Grown felt like a wild ride and warm hug, with a big scoop of found family all at one. Amazing ending to a fantastic series!
Profile Image for jenniferlea.
365 reviews12 followers
August 9, 2025
#justiceforbettsy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5


Mike Betts lived life by the seat of his pants….do now & worry about the consequences later….much much later….some of those poor choices got him into some boiling hot water….while others worked out great…eventually

Then you have Ellie….I would say life dealt her a bad hand but more like bad older sister….Kathryn tried to sabotage her baby sister every chance she got….but you know what they say….Karma catches up with you sooner or later

In a weird turn of events Ellie comes across some paperwork that links her back up with the childhood boy next door…yeah you guessed…said boy is now hockey player Mike Betts….remember the choices from earlier….well theirs was a doozie….to find out what choice they randomly made at 18 & how it all works out give Home Grown a read….the drama between Ellie & Kathryn was top tier….Kathryn is definitely an entitled brat but once Ellie & Bettsy put their heads together they figure her out
I’m going to miss this series of characters….they were all a fun read….there were moments they all wanted to make you pull your hair out but you get invested in their lives quickly…it was hard not to
13 reviews
July 16, 2025
Oh bettsy 😍 just when I thought the elite series couldn't get any better Alys brought out Bettsys story.

Firstly if your a fan of ice hockey romances and the elite league (uk league) this is a must a MUST read. It captures a home grown player and his story along with alot of great hockey talk and team bonding.

absolutely ADORED Bettsy from the get go and couldn't wait to read his book but my god I didnt think id love him this much! What a golden retriever energy Bettsy holds.

I couldn't put this down i was so invested in Bettsy and Ellie.

Kathryn though what a bitch she is. The showdown 👏 perfect!

Theres unexpected twists and turns in the story you dont see coming. I was rooting for them from the beginning.

Johnny and Bettsys relationship really shines through as brotherhood and is such a feel good read. Love that characters from the previous books all still play a large part in the book.

This was my favourite book in the series and I wish it was double the length I just couldn't get enough of Bettsy.

#justiceforBettsy - if you don't know. Find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Katie Owen.
39 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2025
Alys J Clarke has done it again - another phenomenal book. 5/5 stars from me!

I'm sad to see this series end with The Home Grown being the last one, but I'm thrilled to finally hear Our Bettsy's story.

We were first introduced to Bettsy as a fun loving party animal, but this book takes us through his journey of love, hardship and growth as he falls for his friend Ellie and turns his life around. Bettsy's transformation is truly inspiring - he's like a golden retriever, full of goodness, but life keeps throwing him curveballs.

This slow burn friends to lovers story has it all - spice, hockey and lots of heart.

Bettsy has definitely become my favourite character in Alys J Clarke's books and I connected with him on a deeper level through this story. #justiceforbettsy
Profile Image for Hannah McKay.
7 reviews
August 12, 2025
ARC Review 📚

I had a feeling Mike Betts had something special in store and this was my absolute favourite of the series!

This had a little less on ice action which I did miss but the twists of the story kept me locked in. The way that Bettsy’s charming humour stole the show and won hearts (Ellie’s and mine!) was something I expected but I hadnt anticipated how much I’d be invested in his happily ever after! We had glimpses in the previous books of how his character would develop but Alys has truely outdone herself with getting those shining personalities from the words on the page to now being ingrained in my memory like someone I’ve known forever! Also pleased to see the equipment cupboard making a return 🌶️😂
And finally #justiceforbettsy 🖤🏒
Profile Image for Jessica.
75 reviews4 followers
August 3, 2025
Once again Alys gives us a book which deserves an easy 5 star rating.
Throughout the whole Elite Hockey series we've been given glimpses of Bettsy. But nothing prepared me for the level of love I feel for him after reading this book.
Bettsy and Ellie are easily one of my favourite couples, not only in this series but in my reading history as a whole.
This book made me laugh, get angry at certain characters (iykyk), swoon in the sweetest moments but mainly it made me fall in love with their story.
I can't recommend this book enough! Just read it, you won't be disappointed 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Amy.
57 reviews11 followers
August 4, 2025
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2🌶️🌶️

We asked for #JusticeForBettsy and my goodness did Alys give us Justice!

This was all the childhood sweetheart, cinnamon roll goodness we’ve waited for.

Ellie’s character gave us a side to Bettsy we’ve all wanted to see; the protective caregiver. With her own story and issues to overcome along the way, and my god did I want to see Kathryn get a taste of her own medicine though.

Bettsy will forever be my favourite character of this series for every single ounce of side character to main character energy he has given us!

#JusticeIsServed
Profile Image for Mrs Rachel.
343 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2025
i'm so so sad this series is over..... Alys really gives you a unique look into the British hockey league its definitely different compared to other places.

Finally Bettsy gets his own book he is so much trouble and is so cheeky, always in trouble. Who doesn't love a sweet and hot mmc. He is obsessed with her and i'm so here for it. Though his negativity towards himself made me want to give him the biggest cuddle.

its funny how sometimes someone is in you life and it takes you on different paths to get to the final journey.

They are so cute together. She is so perfect for him.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,851 reviews20 followers
August 16, 2025
loved every story in this series and this one was no different.
I wanted to jump in the pages and hug Bettsy so tightly at some parts.. he actually made my heart hurt for him!
When Ellie comes back into his life he has no idea just how much its going to change, but will it be for the better?
When a childhood day goes wrong.. or right they have no choice but to find answers to the secret!
Absolutely felt for Ellie when it came down to her evil sister and how she was treated too!
Would love more from this series but think this was the last one unfortunately 😭
Profile Image for Lucy.
43 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2025
The Home Grown is the fourth book in the Elite Hockey series and easily my favourite. I loved how authentic the British ice hockey setting felt, it added a unique charm and made the story stand out. The team dynamics and sense of found family gave the book a warmth that perfectly balanced the high-stakes, emotional moments.

Bettsy and Ellie’s love story was both sweet and spicy, with just the right amount of heat without ever feeling overdone. Their chemistry was natural, their character development satisfying, and their journey both funny and heartfelt. As a conclusion to the series, this book hit all the right notes and left me smiling. A perfect 5/5 stars.
Profile Image for Deeq81reads.
181 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2025
I had the absolute pleasure of reading this as an ARC reader and this is my honest review with no spoilers.

It took me longer than I would have liked to read The Home Grown with the kids being off school.

But omg 😱 I need more.
I want to know the rest of Kathryn’s story.

What comes next for Bettsy and Ellie?

I didn't want it to end. I was literally sat staring at my iPad for a good few minutes just not knowing what to do with myself.

It's amazing I loved it so much. X
Profile Image for Amanda M.
98 reviews8 followers
August 3, 2025
Bettsy! I have been waiting for his book and it did not disappoint! He is the story we’ve needed and been waiting for (#justiceforBettsy). Slow burn, friends to lovers,and hockey! The slow burn was perfect for this book.

Alys has done it again by combining romance and hockey (with actual hockey). I couldn’t put it down! The spice, the romance, everything was beautiful.

10/10 recommend

Thank you to Alys for this ARC! This is my honest and voluntary review

Profile Image for Renee Hughes.
372 reviews12 followers
August 20, 2025
I have loved every book in this series, but, I think this story is my favorite. Brilliant writing! There was always something about Bettsy that tugged at my heart. A driven teddy bear of a man with a rather messy life. He has known Ellie since he was a kid, and when she comes back into his life, it’s electric. Their love journey is beautiful. This story will capture your heart and warm your soul. A perfect finale to a sensational series.
92 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2025
ARC review- I can't believe this is the last book of the series.
Alys has done it again, mixing british hockey with romance that is so gripping.
Bettsy is just so lovable and it is great to see a FMC that gets herself out of a bad situation workwise.
Looking forward to seeing what this author does next!
Profile Image for GemsEpicReadingJourney.
13 reviews4 followers
July 28, 2025
Oh my gosh! this is the best one in the series for me. I absolutely fell in love with Betsy & Ellie as a couple and separately. I have been completely converted into a Betsy girl.
Yet another fabulous book, and I would 100% rate higher if I could.
Thank you so much, Alys, for yet another amazing read. Can not wait to see what is to come from you next 😍.
Profile Image for Nat.
52 reviews6 followers
August 3, 2025
#justiceforbettsy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I FUCKING CRIED!

Mike Betts aka Bettsy is the perfect 10, brings the golden retriever energy to the book!

I’ve wanted to read his story from the first time he was mentioned in book one and it was just perfect. He finally found his happy ending, it captures the story of being a home grown ice hockey player and what comes with it.

I can’t believe that this is the last book in the elite hockey series. This series actually talks about UK ice hockey which I absolutely adore!

spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

I adore the cover too (I mean I adore all the covers in the series)
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,760 reviews21 followers
August 7, 2025
Ellie & Bettsy
Hockey Romance
He Falls First
The One That Got Away
Found Family

#justiceforbettsy

Ahhhh I loved this one!! It's the 4th and final book in the Elite Hockey series!

These two are oddly perfect for each other! They're so cute together!!!

I love seeing more of the other characters too, this whole family is incredible and I'm so sad this series is over!

An incredible book and definitely recommend you dive into the series now if you haven't already!
Profile Image for Fozza13.
35 reviews
August 6, 2025
ARC review!

Never have I enjoyed a hockey romance more. Reading it on call with my boyfriend I looked absolutely mental because I kept giggling and gasping to myself😂

Alys J. Clarke. The woman you are!! You’ve really outdone yourself with Bettsy’s story and I already want more scenes of our No. 6 diva!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Caitlin.
7 reviews
July 26, 2025
Arc Review-

I could not put this book down. I absolutely loved Alys’ writing and how she has the ability to make you love and hate characters. I love the story between Bettsy and Ellie and how they both grew together throughout the story. I’m so sad that this series is now done.
#justiceforbettsy
Profile Image for KJ Pointer.
Author 1 book8 followers
August 3, 2025
I can’t believe this is the final book in the series and it was amazing to see Bettsy get his happy ending. I really loved that we got to see a completely different side to him whilst also keeping the Bettsy we all know and love. I really loved Ellie as well she’s absolutely perfect for him but her sister needs to get in the bin! It was a slow burn with a good amount of spice and is British ice hockey which I haven’t read before this series or since actually. Highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a hockey romance!
Profile Image for Amy Sykes.
236 reviews16 followers
July 22, 2025
nothing but love for my boy Michael Betts, my fave since day one and he deserved his happy ending #justiceforbettsy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
48 reviews
August 1, 2025
Bettsy. I enjoyed this book. I read it very quickly. I only wish there was more smut in it. The storyline was great.
Profile Image for AJ.
14 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. Was an easy 5 stars to give, betsy is my favourite always has been. Just loved this book. Definitely a book worth reading #justiceforBetsy
Profile Image for Laura Trott.
33 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2025
My favourite book of the whole series - read in less than 48 hours!
Absolutely hated Kathryn! Loved Ellie and really glad to see more of Bettsy's Character - big softy really..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Carys Elaine Taylor .
89 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2025
ARC review


I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't stop reading from the moment I started.

I fell in love with bettsy in book 1 but I just fell head over heels for him in this book.

bettsy and ellie was friends growing up fell for each other but somethings happened and they never really got there chance untill now.

what I will say is you should definitely read the trigger warning beforehand.

the way bettsy fell hard and fast for ellie was just so swoon worthy, in my opinion.

the way ellie stuck up for bettsy when something was happening to him was chef kiss.

there are some spicy scenes which id rate 🌶🌶🌶 out of 5

I really enjoyed this book

#justiceforbettsy
Profile Image for Natalie.
737 reviews
August 17, 2025
This friends to lovers, slow burn, hockey romance has all the heart and heat and justice for Bettsy that I was after. If you haven’t read the other books in the Elite Hockey series, don’t worry. You’ll still fall for Mike Betts.

He’s known as the party animal but there’s so much more to him than meets the eye. As he falls for his friend, his life takes a few more turns and together they grow through it all. He has real golden retriever energy and he’s probably my favourite character in this series.

Thank you @alysjclarke for the e-ARC of this book. I’m sad this series is over but I can’t wait to see what adventures you take us on next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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