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More Than My Hometown

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It was an innocent childhood pact—if we’re not married by thirty-four, we marry each other. Made back when we were inseparable, and our thirties seemed old.

That was until life—and my harsh words—tore us apart.

Maisey wanted to see the world. I chose our sleepy hometown over her. Something I regret every day.

Now she's back.

She hasn't forgotten about our pact like I thought she had. In fact, she's looking to collect.

Except it’s not that easy. Too much time has passed since we made that pact. We aren’t the inseparable friends we once were.

Still, I can’t stop thinking about what might be. Maisey isn’t giving up that easily either.

The more time we spend together, the more she kisses me, the more I never want it to end.

But now we have to decide what’s more important—following our hearts or following our dreams.

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2026

22 people are currently reading
34 people want to read

About the author

Claire Hastings

7 books1 follower

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,989 reviews210 followers
January 16, 2026
This was a cute friends to lovers romance with sort of a chance vibe. And I say this because they were never together before, but made as promise as silly teens do to marry one another later in life, if they aren't already married.

Maisey chooses to leave their hometown at a young age and explore the world, while Ewan chooses to stay. And he holds a grudge for that decision and we learn as the story moves along why.

Now Maisey has returned and she wants to cash in on that pact. However, it's not that easy as many, many years have passed and Ewan has some very unresolved emotions.

Claire did a really great job in writing this story and letting the characters and their decisions carry the weight of how this book went. It is very character-driven and I love that. It's not as cut and dry as one thinks, and that makes the story all the more enjoyable.
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,253 reviews61 followers
January 15, 2026
A beautifully emotional second-chance romance that proves some loves never truly let go.

Book five in the Hayes Family series finally gives Ewan his moment—and More Than My Hometown is everything readers could hope for and more. This story is far more than a romance; it’s mesmerising, heartfelt, and layered with years of longing, regret, and unfinished business.

Ewan and Maisie’s love began as childhood best friends, slowly growing into something deeper and undeniable… until Maisie, his one true love, leaves to travel the world. Should Ewan have taken the leap and gone with her? Probably. But hindsight is a cruel thing, and the pain of her leaving has never truly faded.

Years later, Maisie returns to their hometown carrying hope, secrets, and a pact they made long ago—that if neither of them was married by 34, they would finally give “them” a chance. But time apart has left scars, and Ewan is still grappling with the hurt of being left behind. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear there’s far more beneath the surface than either of them expected, and when those secrets are revealed, everything changes.

The chemistry between Ewan and Maisie is absolutely sizzling—when it explodes, it really explodes—making every charged glance and forbidden moment impossible to ignore. Add to that the unmistakable Hayes family dynamic, which once again forms the emotional backbone of the story, and you have a novel that feels rich, warm, and deeply satisfying.

Claire Hastings proves yet again why this series is not to be missed. More Than My Hometown is a powerful reminder that sometimes love doesn’t fade—it waits.
Profile Image for Kelchickbooklover.
2,069 reviews67 followers
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
January 12, 2026
A wonderful second-chance romance where a pact was made in their teen years about marrying one another if still single at thirty-four, they would marry each other. Miscommunication and years apart now sees them back home and dealing with everything that happened in the past.
Ewan and Maisey were teen sweethearts, making a ketchup pac pact about marrying one another if they were both single at thirty-four. Now with Maisey back home, due to a work issue, although she says it is for the wedding and grandma's birthday, she really wants Ewan back. However, Ewan is still holding a grudge because she left him. We later find out that there is more to the story of her leaving and his staying.
At the beginning of the story, I wanted to dislike Ewan but deep down, I had a feeling there were reasons for his attitude towards the one person he truly loved. As the story progressed, we find out that he was riddled with guilt about what happened all those years ago. Maisey was determined to win Ewan's heart back and she stopped at nothing to get it. I loved her determination to get what she wanted. The lustful looks, the innocent touches and the kisses, oh the kisses that she would not stop giving him.
A wonderful small-town romance that will put a smile on your face.
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,186 reviews72 followers
Review of advance copy
January 3, 2026
Ewan and Maisey have taken quite the long road to get where they are today. And it might be even longer if miscommunications continue between them. But someone is sick of waiting and hoping when they realize that their “dream” isn’t really that anymore. After all, dreams can change as we grow. And trust me, when you’re faced with the love you’ve always wanted, it’s funny how easily the dream can become something else also.

I was angry at Ewan at first. He seemed callous, but then we get into his head and his guilt. And I understood him. He had explaining to do, but Maisey is willing to hear him out. He just has to find the words to tell her his truths. Luckily, Maisey does exactly that first, so it’s clear just how brave she truly is. I mean, he catches up quick, but it’s almost another missed shot at love because of those darn insecurities and doubts.

Now these two have their dream. A new dream mixed with a bit of the old. And Jace is about to reunite with the one woman who apparently defeated him once upon a time. I just hope he takes his own advice when it likely goes sideways!
Profile Image for Fiona.
620 reviews18 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 12, 2026
More Than My Hometown by Claire Hastings is a charming, feel-good small-town romance built on a lifelong friendship. Ewan and Maisey were inseparable as kids until life pulled them in different directions, and years later Maisey returns to town to collect on a pact they made when they were just 13.
Ewan is understandably cautious at first, but it does not take long for them to fall back into their easy friendship. Time apart has not weakened their bond…or their feelings…and watching that connection deepen into love is incredibly satisfying. Ewan is the strong, silent type who makes every word count, while Maisey is a total sweetheart with a talkative, warm personality that balances him perfectly.
Their banter and innuendos are laugh-out-loud fun, their chemistry is undeniable, and quiet Ewan’s unexpectedly dirty mouth is a delightful surprise (especially for Maisey). Add in small-town vibes, close family ties, and plenty of shenanigans, and this book becomes an engaging, entertaining read.
Overall, this is a sweet, steamy, and heartfelt romance that delivers all the cozy small-town feels. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,086 reviews209 followers
January 16, 2026
At this point, the people of Hickory Hills feel like family and this fictional small town feels like home. The entire series is worth a binge, but I’m especially excited about Ewan and Maisey's romance.

Maisey Phillips left town to see the world as quickly as possible. As a travel nurse, she's seen so many beautiful places in the world, but nothing compares to home. Especially since she's still single and the pact she made all those years ago with Ewan Hayes has now come due.

A lot of time has passed and they’re not those impetuous children anymore. They’ve both lived a lifetime separate from each other, and life is never as easy as simply picking up where they left off. But the more time Maisey and Ewan spend together, the more they see pieces of the best friend they were inseparable from.

This has everything I love in a great small-town romance! The setting, the people, the charm of Hickory Hills, Ga. I love this group of friends who've been together for a lifetime and the warm, loving Hayes family. Steamy, humorous, and full of heart, this one is sure to please any small-town romance lover. 
Profile Image for Petra.
1,499 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 12, 2026
More Than My Hometown, the Hayes Family series book #5, is a second chance at love for Ewan and Maisey.

Making the mistake of letting her go once, Ewan is determined to make it work this time, now that Maisey returned to their hometown after a decade of working all over the world. I loved how comfortable they were together so soon after they reunited. But just when they think their future is set, life throws them a curve ball.

An honourable mention goes to Maisey's grandmother and her astute observations of the love lives of her much younger relatives. She made me giggle!
~~”I’d also pass on hanging out with an old lady like me in favor of some rather respectable wienering.”~~

I enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to #6, Jace’s story.

I received an arc of this book from the author and this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
124 reviews6 followers
January 16, 2026
Ketchup & Kisses

We step back into the Hayes world with Ewan and Maisey, once the definition of a perfect friend duo… until they weren’t. As children, they made a pact that quietly shaped everything that came after. When Maisey leaves town, both she and Ewan go through the motions of building “real” lives elsewhere, yet that promise from their past never truly loosens its hold. And in the end, it’s the draw of Ewan who brings her back home, forcing them both to confront what they left behind.

This is a heartfelt small-town romance set in the warm, familiar community of Hickory Hills. The friendships feel genuine, the setting is one you can’t help but fall in love with, and the sense of belonging runs deep. Add in emotional growth, second chances, and a satisfying happy ending, and it’s easy to see why returning to this world feels so good.
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
2,312 reviews20 followers
January 20, 2026
Harsh words tear apart this friendship, even though they both wanted more. But Ewan knew Maisey wanted to discover her dreams, and he wasn't going to stop her. Did he hope she would choose him? Yes, he did, but sometimes you can't take that hurt back. Now she's back, and she's asking him for a pack they made when they were kids. But for Ewan, it's not that simple anymore. These two will have to get to know each other as they are, but can they do that and put the past behind them? Everyone thinks Maisey has made it big, but life wasn't easy, and she's trying to keep that from everyone. But Ewan will always find out the truth. Sometimes going home heals the heart, and sometimes it brings you something new. Can they forgive each other for the harsh words that tore their hearts to shreds? I love watching them grow together.
Profile Image for Rebekah Powers.
279 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 13, 2026
More Than My Hometown is a small town, second chance romance in which Ewan Hayes stays in his hometown after his best friend (whom he’s always had a crush on) invites him to see the world with her. That decision leads to a ton of regret and a wee bit of resentment.

However, Maisey returns to make good on a deal from over a decade ago - if they hit a certain age and still aren’t married, they’ll marry each other. With a ton of guarded feelings and fear of the unknown, these two lead the charge of which Hayes couple can have the most angst.

I absolutely adored Ewan and Maisey’s dynamic - she’s all bubbly chitchat and he’s content to sit back and just listen to everything she has to say. By far one of my favorite couples in this series!
102 reviews
January 16, 2026
When childhood best friends make a pact to get married when they’re 34, then he chooses his hometown & she disappears as an international travel nurse but deep down they are really pining for each other & she comes home, you get a wonderfully swoony love story!!

Ewan & Maisey have been it for each other since the beginning but they both had dreams to chase. But then fate intervenes & she comes home to collect on that pact! This is the story of them finally admitting their love for each other & discovering all the spicy things they never shared together & how dreams evolve when your heart is more influential than your head.

I love a small town romance & especially partial to Hickory Hills. These families & the town dynamics make this series extra special.
1,849 reviews49 followers
January 17, 2026
Claire Hastings books are filled with amazing characters, delightful banter, off the charts chemistry and amazing HEA’s. I love this series and each new book becomes my new favorite!

The childhood pact is fantastic and how they seal the pact is very creative. Love all the tropes in this book - small town, second chance, friends to lovers along with others.

Maisey is determined to make Ewan keep his promise from their childhood. He has some hard feelings he’s held onto from the past that they need to work troughs. Things are not always as they seem.

Love how they work their way back to each other. They have great banter, chemistry and an amazing HEA.

Always love reading about Dr. Galindo too…lol
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,550 reviews134 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 14, 2026

More Than My Hometown is Ewan and Maisey’s second chance at love. It’s book five in the Hayes Family Series and it’s a captivating and entertaining story.
When Maisey returns to her hometown the last person she expects to still be single is the one that got away but she won’t let him win her over without a fight.
Ewan has regretted letting Maisey go and this time he is determined to make the second time around better than the first. But it was never going to be easy and when life throws them a curve ball it seems fate is working against them………
This is a well written, entertaining and engaging story with characters I fell hard and fast for.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
44 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 29, 2025
Ewan and Maisey are the perfect second chance romance! It’s always the quiet ones who have the filthiest mouths! 🥵 I love when you get dual POV and you get to see how much the MMC is and has been pining for her, yet was still surprised when she came back to collect on their deal. And I love when you get to love and grow with the community as each book in the town progresses, it really feels like coming home to a favorite little town and family. Can’t wait for Jace’s story to see how much he has learned from those romance books he loves!
Profile Image for Tiffany Hannick.
756 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 1, 2026
This is part of the Hayes family. It’s Ewan’s story and filled with so much small town and family life that will warm your heart. Maisey and Ewan have tons of chemistry and a past that will have you rooting for their happy ending. When Maisey comes back to her hometown and her first love Ewan after her contract with her job ends she has to figure out what she wants next in life. Can a relationship between Ewan and Maisey work out the second time around or do they still want different things out of life. You don’t want to miss out on what their story had in store for them.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,230 reviews219 followers
January 16, 2026
4 Star Review More Than My Hometown (Hayes Family #5) by Claire Hastings

Set in Hickory Hills this is Maisey and Ewan’s second chance at love story.

This was a well written and entertaining story with characters you cannot help but become invested in.

I love stories set in small towns and this one ticked numerous boxes for me. From the moment they reconnected, the sparks flew.

I enjoyed the development of their relationship as it evolved and found the characters easy to relate to and likeable.
4,265 reviews52 followers
January 18, 2026
Maisey And Ewan made a pact as young folks. But she decided to spread her wings and he decided to stick close to home. While he stayed put he also developed some walls and some pretty intense feelings towards her and in realm of resentment. Massey is now back home and he has no intention on completing the pact but she has other plans. Pretty clear on knocking the walls he has built down and get married. Claire delivered a cozy read.
Profile Image for Torey.
310 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 22, 2025
great read. I started it before bed and had a really hard time putting this down. the Hayes family is absolutely lovely and I've enjoyed being immersed into their world. I loved Ewan and Maisey's story and liked how close they are to the characters from the previous stories in the series. I cannot wait for Jace's story!

I received an advance copy of this book
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,996 reviews173 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 23, 2025
Heaven finds it's voice hidden inside heartache. From shadowboxing emotions to irresistible humor, Hastings charms her way under your skin and into your soul. More Than My Hometown makes love a family affair. Ewan and Maisey turn small town hijinks into haunting romance. Sweet and spicy collide to deliver mouthwatering fun.

Profile Image for Andrea Mehalco.
358 reviews3 followers
January 16, 2026
More Than My Hometown is the fifth book in the Hayes Family series and focuses on Ewan—who, in my opinion, I didn’t feel like I knew all that well going into this book. But that definitely changed! Ewan owns the tackle and bait shop and has never had any desire to leave town. We learn more about his past, including how he dated his best friend Maisey growing up. She wanted to travel the world, which ultimately ended their relationship since Ewan chose to stay home.

Fast forward ten years, and Maisey is back in town to cash in on the pact they made about marrying each other if neither of them had by a certain age. I really enjoyed this book because there was some drama, and I wasn’t expecting Ewan and Maisey to jump right back into things like nothing had changed. It was great reading about their history and watching them try to maybe build a new relationship.

Of course, it wasn’t smooth sailing. Their newly developing relationship was put to the test, and both of them kept secrets while trying to figure out how to move forward. I thought the ending was really cute, especially how they were both willing to make changes for each other.

I really enjoyed getting to read more about Ewan Hayes and his dynamic within the Hayes family. I always love seeing all the family members and their significant others show up in each book. I know there’s only one Hayes left, and I’m not ready for this series to almost be complete. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Profile Image for Kassie.
243 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2026
I have enjoyed the Hayes family and Ewan and Maisey's story was a great addition. This was a sweet, steamy, small town, second chance romance full of family fun and small town drama. I enjoyed their chemistry and how they grew together. Thank you Claire Hastings for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Profile Image for CAH - malphrusc.
706 reviews6 followers
January 21, 2026
🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷 Be still my heart! I LOVED this tale of second chance romance that was meant to be from the very beginning…. I loved how this story unfolded and how the bar was set high early on even though “the pact” almost got them in trouble. It was so sweet how the loose ends wrapped up and special memories from their youth were reimagined and relived as adults. 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
Profile Image for Tiffany Barnett.
669 reviews6 followers
January 23, 2026
I was so excited to finally read this story and it definitely did not disappoint!

Ewan and Maisie were so good together! Once Ewan was on board, I was so excited ro see them finally together!

I thought that maybe they were doomed, but Maisie was awesome and that she understood why Ewan acted that way and I was so glad that she gave him a chance!
Profile Image for Ingrid.
Author 2 books10 followers
January 11, 2026
I love the Hayes family so much! And this book was another winner. The previous books already hinted about Ewan, and I couldn’t wait for his story. I’m so happy I’ve read it now! He and Maisey are amazing, and I loved their bond!

*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
454 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2026
friends to lovers, second chance romance. Maisy was the one who got away and now Ewan will fight to keep her 9(in their hometown) The romance, dynamic characters, small town setting & meddling families add depth, warmth and joy to the over-arcing story. Such a great read.
Profile Image for Jill.
606 reviews60 followers
January 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this story. It definitely held my attention & interest as the reader. I also really enjoyed this author‘s way of storytelling. I enjoyed reading about Ewan & Maisey. Two characters that will stick with me for awhile. I look forward to what thr author writes next.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,221 reviews85 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 20, 2025
Fantastic story! Intensely emotional and heartfelt, with charm and passion.. Amazing family/side characters..
Profile Image for Stacey Bates.
487 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 29, 2025
A Great read! I loved Ewan and Maisy and their second chance, friends to lovers story! Loved diving back in to the Hayes family again! Ewan and Maisy's story was a swoony, quick read!
1,009 reviews59 followers
January 22, 2026
Ewan and Maisey's story was perfect like Hux and Dolly. Well better. It was everything and fit them perfectly. The pact was so them. The chemistry was great and it was well written.
245 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 31, 2025
Ewan and Maisey are absolutely adorable! This childhood pact was so cute and steamy. And a wonderful continuation to the Hayes Family series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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