What do you think?
Rate this book
Golden City #4
The Run Back Home
Not yet published
Expected 23 Sep 26Lenora O'Reilly has many names—Nora, Lenny, Len—but only one major regret: choosing small-town life over true love.
When high school ended, Lenny couldn’t bring herself to leave the safety, security, and familiarity of Mage Hollow—even if it meant walking away from the plans she’d built with her MLB-bound boyfriend.
But what she didn’t realize was that the one thing she truly needed would disappear the moment she made that choice—
Him.
Now Lenny spends her life as a travel nurse—always moving, always leaving—because the place she once called home has never felt like home again.
Jace Holloway was always meant for the big leagues—talented, driven, and able to anticipate the last minute bounce or unpredictable hop. And the pit-stop his family made in Mage Hollow only proved that nothing could derail his dreams.
But there was one curveball Jace never saw coming—
Lenny staying after he left.
Now, six years later, although he's thriving in Golden City with his family back together, he's still living with regrets of his own.
And without the one person he never stopped missing.
When Lenny’s newest nursing assignment lands her in the same city where Jace now starts at shortstop for the Gators, neither of them expects to keep bumping into each other.
But they should have known—the universe has always had a way of putting them together.
Now they’re learning that you can’t outrun your problems.
And that scoring big almost always means heading home.
When high school ended, Lenny couldn’t bring herself to leave the safety, security, and familiarity of Mage Hollow—even if it meant walking away from the plans she’d built with her MLB-bound boyfriend.
But what she didn’t realize was that the one thing she truly needed would disappear the moment she made that choice—
Him.
Now Lenny spends her life as a travel nurse—always moving, always leaving—because the place she once called home has never felt like home again.
Jace Holloway was always meant for the big leagues—talented, driven, and able to anticipate the last minute bounce or unpredictable hop. And the pit-stop his family made in Mage Hollow only proved that nothing could derail his dreams.
But there was one curveball Jace never saw coming—
Lenny staying after he left.
Now, six years later, although he's thriving in Golden City with his family back together, he's still living with regrets of his own.
And without the one person he never stopped missing.
When Lenny’s newest nursing assignment lands her in the same city where Jace now starts at shortstop for the Gators, neither of them expects to keep bumping into each other.
But they should have known—the universe has always had a way of putting them together.
Now they’re learning that you can’t outrun your problems.
And that scoring big almost always means heading home.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 23, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
ARC Review | The Run Back Home by Cassandra Moll
The Run Back Home captivated me from the moment I started reading. I was completely pulled into Jace and Lenny’s story and honestly couldn’t put it down.
College shortstop Jace Holloway had his teenage heart broken when the love of his life, Lenora “Lenny” O’Reilly, changed her mind about the future they had planned together. This story takes us back to where it all started — the first day they met, their first kiss, Jace playing baseball and the memories that shaped their relationship.
Then, six years later, they find themselves face-to-face again.
Six years may have passed, but their connection is still just as strong.
Lenny says, “I don’t necessarily notice him at first… But a subtle change in the energy around us, in my heart.” And I loved how Cassandra captured that feeling of recognising someone who has always held a special place in your heart, even after years apart.
Jace’s life has changed dramatically. He has become an MLB shortstop for Golden City and a big brother to a very special girl who is deaf. Meanwhile, Lenny has built a career as a travel nurse, moving from place to place and never really allowing herself to put down roots.
As they find their way back to each other, they have to confront the past, rebuild their trust and decide whether they are brave enough to give their relationship another chance.
I really enjoyed the dual POV, with the story told in the present from both Jace and Lenny’s perspectives. It allowed me to understand both sides of their story and their emotions, especially the reasons behind the choices they made years ago.
Cassandra has created two characters who feel incredibly real and relatable. Lenny is strong, independent and capable, but underneath that strength is someone who is scared of getting hurt and taking another leap of faith. I loved seeing her slowly realise that protecting herself doesn’t always mean walking away from the things she wants.
Jace is equally easy to connect with. He is strong and successful, but he carries regret, heartbreak and the memories of the life he once imagined with Lenny. His softer side, especially when it comes to his family, added another layer to his character. Watching both of them work through their fears, communicate, rebuild trust and allow themselves to be vulnerable made their journey feel genuine.
Their relationship is a beautiful reminder that sometimes home isn’t a place — it’s a person.
This was such an enjoyable slow-burn childhood-lovers sports romance with plenty of emotion, chemistry and that second-chance feeling I love.
✨ What I loved:
❤️ Childhood sweethearts
⚾ Sports romance
🔥 Slow burn
💞 Second chance
👫 Dual POV
🥹 Emotional connection
❤️ Characters who feel real and relatable
Favourite moments/quotes:
Jace: “Why are you wearing that? That jersey? Take it off.”
Lenny: “They didn’t have your number.”
Jace slips his jersey off and hands it to Lenny.
And of course…
“Lenny Girl.” 🥹❤️
Overall, The Run Back Home was a captivating and emotional read that had me invested in Jace and Lenny from beginning to end. Cassandra Moll has created a romance filled with heart, history, chemistry and characters you genuinely want to see find their way back to each other.
⭐️ ARC review — thank you to Cassandra Moll for the opportunity to read this book
The Run Back Home captivated me from the moment I started reading. I was completely pulled into Jace and Lenny’s story and honestly couldn’t put it down.
College shortstop Jace Holloway had his teenage heart broken when the love of his life, Lenora “Lenny” O’Reilly, changed her mind about the future they had planned together. This story takes us back to where it all started — the first day they met, their first kiss, Jace playing baseball and the memories that shaped their relationship.
Then, six years later, they find themselves face-to-face again.
Six years may have passed, but their connection is still just as strong.
Lenny says, “I don’t necessarily notice him at first… But a subtle change in the energy around us, in my heart.” And I loved how Cassandra captured that feeling of recognising someone who has always held a special place in your heart, even after years apart.
Jace’s life has changed dramatically. He has become an MLB shortstop for Golden City and a big brother to a very special girl who is deaf. Meanwhile, Lenny has built a career as a travel nurse, moving from place to place and never really allowing herself to put down roots.
As they find their way back to each other, they have to confront the past, rebuild their trust and decide whether they are brave enough to give their relationship another chance.
I really enjoyed the dual POV, with the story told in the present from both Jace and Lenny’s perspectives. It allowed me to understand both sides of their story and their emotions, especially the reasons behind the choices they made years ago.
Cassandra has created two characters who feel incredibly real and relatable. Lenny is strong, independent and capable, but underneath that strength is someone who is scared of getting hurt and taking another leap of faith. I loved seeing her slowly realise that protecting herself doesn’t always mean walking away from the things she wants.
Jace is equally easy to connect with. He is strong and successful, but he carries regret, heartbreak and the memories of the life he once imagined with Lenny. His softer side, especially when it comes to his family, added another layer to his character. Watching both of them work through their fears, communicate, rebuild trust and allow themselves to be vulnerable made their journey feel genuine.
Their relationship is a beautiful reminder that sometimes home isn’t a place — it’s a person.
This was such an enjoyable slow-burn childhood-lovers sports romance with plenty of emotion, chemistry and that second-chance feeling I love.
✨ What I loved:
❤️ Childhood sweethearts
⚾ Sports romance
🔥 Slow burn
💞 Second chance
👫 Dual POV
🥹 Emotional connection
❤️ Characters who feel real and relatable
Favourite moments/quotes:
Jace: “Why are you wearing that? That jersey? Take it off.”
Lenny: “They didn’t have your number.”
Jace slips his jersey off and hands it to Lenny.
And of course…
“Lenny Girl.” 🥹❤️
Overall, The Run Back Home was a captivating and emotional read that had me invested in Jace and Lenny from beginning to end. Cassandra Moll has created a romance filled with heart, history, chemistry and characters you genuinely want to see find their way back to each other.
⭐️ ARC review — thank you to Cassandra Moll for the opportunity to read this book
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
THE RUN BACK HOME by CASSANDRA MOLL ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Run Back Home is the fourth (#4) book in the GOLDEN CITY series
College shortstop Jace Holloway’s teenage heart was broken when the love of his life Lenora O’Reilly reneged on on their plans for the future, too afraid to follow her heart and leave her hometown.
Six years later Jace is thriving in Golden City as a MLB shortstop, living his dream and helping care for his young sister. Life would be perfect if it wasn’t for his regrets over the one that got away.
Suffocating in the town that’s saturated with memories of the future she threw away, Lenny eventually left Mage Hollow to work as a travel nurse, moving around, never settling.
When her next assignment has her in Golden City she hopes to work her six weeks and move on to the next job without coming across Jase but fate has a way of intervening and they keep bumping into each other…….
————————————
The Run Back Home is a delightful conclusion to the Golden City series.
With perfect pacing TRBH is told in the present from the dual pov of the MCs but with occasional chapters skipping to the past and reliving the events that led to Jace and Lenny’s parting and animosity.
Lenny is in many ways a strong, independent woman. She travels wherever she’s needed working short nursing contracts yet it was her insecurity, her fear of expanding her boundaries that led to her breaking up with Jace. The irony is that after he left the memories they shared and her proximity to her family was what led her to branch out on her own anyway.
Jace is living his best life,being shortstop in the MLB is everything he dreamed of growing up. He’s reconnected with his family, and absolutely adores his (deaf) sister. He lives with guilt over the time he spent away from his sister, unable to return to Mage Hollow, but now they are living close again and his only remaining regret is that he can’t move on from his memories of Lenny.
When the pair unexpectedly reconnect the tension is palpable. Jace can’t forgive Lenny’s betrayal and is frustrated that the attraction is still there and Lenny has guilt over the way she let her cowardice dictate their lives, she has never been able to move on from the only man she has ever loved.
The Run Back Home highlights the importance of honesty in relationships, of not assuming and of being brave enough to talk.
The couples slow reconnection is perfect and you can’t help but cheer this pair to their hea. The side characters are interesting and I particularly enjoyed Dylan & Vienna.
Inevitably with the growth of their relationship there are open door spicy scenes but these are dealt with tastefully.
I read an ebook version of this book, with around 420 pages, great editing and an illustrated character cover. This book releases on September 23rd 2026.
With thanks to Cassandra Moll for an early chance to read this book. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.
⚾️ Baseball Romance
⚾️ Second Chance
⚾️ ASL/ Deaf Child
⚾️ Small Town Romance
⚾️ Nurse
The Run Back Home is the fourth (#4) book in the GOLDEN CITY series
College shortstop Jace Holloway’s teenage heart was broken when the love of his life Lenora O’Reilly reneged on on their plans for the future, too afraid to follow her heart and leave her hometown.
Six years later Jace is thriving in Golden City as a MLB shortstop, living his dream and helping care for his young sister. Life would be perfect if it wasn’t for his regrets over the one that got away.
Suffocating in the town that’s saturated with memories of the future she threw away, Lenny eventually left Mage Hollow to work as a travel nurse, moving around, never settling.
When her next assignment has her in Golden City she hopes to work her six weeks and move on to the next job without coming across Jase but fate has a way of intervening and they keep bumping into each other…….
————————————
The Run Back Home is a delightful conclusion to the Golden City series.
With perfect pacing TRBH is told in the present from the dual pov of the MCs but with occasional chapters skipping to the past and reliving the events that led to Jace and Lenny’s parting and animosity.
Lenny is in many ways a strong, independent woman. She travels wherever she’s needed working short nursing contracts yet it was her insecurity, her fear of expanding her boundaries that led to her breaking up with Jace. The irony is that after he left the memories they shared and her proximity to her family was what led her to branch out on her own anyway.
Jace is living his best life,being shortstop in the MLB is everything he dreamed of growing up. He’s reconnected with his family, and absolutely adores his (deaf) sister. He lives with guilt over the time he spent away from his sister, unable to return to Mage Hollow, but now they are living close again and his only remaining regret is that he can’t move on from his memories of Lenny.
When the pair unexpectedly reconnect the tension is palpable. Jace can’t forgive Lenny’s betrayal and is frustrated that the attraction is still there and Lenny has guilt over the way she let her cowardice dictate their lives, she has never been able to move on from the only man she has ever loved.
The Run Back Home highlights the importance of honesty in relationships, of not assuming and of being brave enough to talk.
The couples slow reconnection is perfect and you can’t help but cheer this pair to their hea. The side characters are interesting and I particularly enjoyed Dylan & Vienna.
Inevitably with the growth of their relationship there are open door spicy scenes but these are dealt with tastefully.
I read an ebook version of this book, with around 420 pages, great editing and an illustrated character cover. This book releases on September 23rd 2026.
With thanks to Cassandra Moll for an early chance to read this book. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.
⚾️ Baseball Romance
⚾️ Second Chance
⚾️ ASL/ Deaf Child
⚾️ Small Town Romance
⚾️ Nurse
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book grabbed me from the start. The yearning is excellent and the writing kept me reading until late into the night. Although I have read another in the series it truly is a standalone story - it just takes place in the same universe.
Lenny is a travel nurse, who gets sent to various hospitals when they need someone to fill in for a while. She seems to have someone who arranges these placements for her. Lenny gets sent to a hospital in Golden City, not far from her small hometown.
Also in Golden City is Jace, Lenny's MLB-playing ex-boyfriend. He's a shortstop for the team there and from the moment Lenny moves to Golden City, she and Jace keep running into each other. Lenny and Jace were a couple in high school, but broke up after Lenny broke her promise to jace to follow him to university, instead choosing to stay in their hometown.
The book alternates between chapters set in the present day and the past, in first-person POV. This makes for an interesting dynamic, as in the chapters set in the past Lenny and Jace are shown heading towards their inevitable break-up, whereas in the present they're growing towards each other once again.
I liked jace A LOT. He doesn't trust Lenny at first in the present - and who would, given that she never explained properly why she broke her promise to follow him and instead broke up with him after slowly and painfully reducing their contact? He still wants her though and reading his confusion and thoughts really made me sympathise with him. He's angry about how Lenny treated him but still loves her too, after all this time. He has to ask Lenny multiple times to explain why she broke up with him and only gets some sort of answer midway in the book.
More conflicted were my feelings about Lenny. I liked her, but she also frustrated me. She claims to still want Jace, and even goes so far to buy him some products in a store which he didn't ask for only to skulk around his apartment building in the hope he'll turn up. She can't explain clearly to anyone - even six years later - why exactly she broke up with Jace. Her relationship with her mother is also complicated, . Why exactly it's SO complicated never became fully clear to me. The ironic part is that Lenny felt she couldn't follow Jace to university - and couldn't tell him at the time why - but later decided that she could leave to travel as a nurse. She (rightfully) feels guilty about how she treated Jace.
I really loved the build-up to Jace and Lenny getting back together again. The spice is open door and, just like the rest of the book, really well-written. The story as a whole flowed really well and certain characters from other books make a very brief cameo. The side characters, particularly Jace's little sister Vienna, who is Deaf, really added to the story and also helped pace it.
Many thanks to Cassandra Moll for the ARC!
Lenny is a travel nurse, who gets sent to various hospitals when they need someone to fill in for a while. She seems to have someone who arranges these placements for her. Lenny gets sent to a hospital in Golden City, not far from her small hometown.
Also in Golden City is Jace, Lenny's MLB-playing ex-boyfriend. He's a shortstop for the team there and from the moment Lenny moves to Golden City, she and Jace keep running into each other. Lenny and Jace were a couple in high school, but broke up after Lenny broke her promise to jace to follow him to university, instead choosing to stay in their hometown.
The book alternates between chapters set in the present day and the past, in first-person POV. This makes for an interesting dynamic, as in the chapters set in the past Lenny and Jace are shown heading towards their inevitable break-up, whereas in the present they're growing towards each other once again.
I liked jace A LOT. He doesn't trust Lenny at first in the present - and who would, given that she never explained properly why she broke her promise to follow him and instead broke up with him after slowly and painfully reducing their contact? He still wants her though and reading his confusion and thoughts really made me sympathise with him. He's angry about how Lenny treated him but still loves her too, after all this time. He has to ask Lenny multiple times to explain why she broke up with him and only gets some sort of answer midway in the book.
More conflicted were my feelings about Lenny. I liked her, but she also frustrated me. She claims to still want Jace, and even goes so far to buy him some products in a store which he didn't ask for only to skulk around his apartment building in the hope he'll turn up. She can't explain clearly to anyone - even six years later - why exactly she broke up with Jace. Her relationship with her mother is also complicated, . Why exactly it's SO complicated never became fully clear to me. The ironic part is that Lenny felt she couldn't follow Jace to university - and couldn't tell him at the time why - but later decided that she could leave to travel as a nurse. She (rightfully) feels guilty about how she treated Jace.
I really loved the build-up to Jace and Lenny getting back together again. The spice is open door and, just like the rest of the book, really well-written. The story as a whole flowed really well and certain characters from other books make a very brief cameo. The side characters, particularly Jace's little sister Vienna, who is Deaf, really added to the story and also helped pace it.
Many thanks to Cassandra Moll for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Run Back Home by Cassandra Moll
First and foremost, how can this be the end of Golden City? What about JJ? Dylan? JJ AND Dylan?! The ending of this book sounded like it was being perfectly set up for them. We should riot, wail, lament and gnash our teeth until Cassandra Moll gives us more of these Hockey and Baseball Gods and their strong, amazing women. Sigh…or just be thankful for such a fantastic series.
If this has to be the end, this was a great way to go out. Jace and Lenny’s story had all the things. Young love, the heartbreak of losing that love, resentment, guilt, healing and yes, spice. Can’t forget the spice.
Jace and Lenny meet in high school and fall in love. He has big dreams of making it to the MLB, while Lenny had only ever planned to stay in their small hometown near her family. Lenny agrees to follow Jace to college when she graduates so they can begin living the life they planned together. To avoid spoilers, that doesn’t happen, and it is now six years later and Jace and Lenny are about to be running into each other a lot as she accepts a job as a traveling nurse in Golden City, where he is living his dream, playing MLB baseball for the GC Gators. We find out, through a series of very well placed flashbacks, what happened six years ago and how they’ve dealt with the ramifications of it all since.
I laughed, I cried, I grumbled-loudly when they failed to communicate with each other again, which was what got them into their predicament to begin with. But fear not, they get their HEA and we get a chance to visit with some of our other GC friends before the end of the book.
Other highlights for me included Jace’s relationship with his sister, Vienna, who is deaf. The running theme of otters holding hands so they don’t float away from each other was also the perfect analogy for this couple. Finally, it’s not very often I get misty when I come across the title of a book within the story. This one got me, right in the feels.
I highly recommend anything by this author and this series is a great place to start! You’ll soon realize why so many of us want to live in Golden City.
First and foremost, how can this be the end of Golden City? What about JJ? Dylan? JJ AND Dylan?! The ending of this book sounded like it was being perfectly set up for them. We should riot, wail, lament and gnash our teeth until Cassandra Moll gives us more of these Hockey and Baseball Gods and their strong, amazing women. Sigh…or just be thankful for such a fantastic series.
If this has to be the end, this was a great way to go out. Jace and Lenny’s story had all the things. Young love, the heartbreak of losing that love, resentment, guilt, healing and yes, spice. Can’t forget the spice.
Jace and Lenny meet in high school and fall in love. He has big dreams of making it to the MLB, while Lenny had only ever planned to stay in their small hometown near her family. Lenny agrees to follow Jace to college when she graduates so they can begin living the life they planned together. To avoid spoilers, that doesn’t happen, and it is now six years later and Jace and Lenny are about to be running into each other a lot as she accepts a job as a traveling nurse in Golden City, where he is living his dream, playing MLB baseball for the GC Gators. We find out, through a series of very well placed flashbacks, what happened six years ago and how they’ve dealt with the ramifications of it all since.
I laughed, I cried, I grumbled-loudly when they failed to communicate with each other again, which was what got them into their predicament to begin with. But fear not, they get their HEA and we get a chance to visit with some of our other GC friends before the end of the book.
Other highlights for me included Jace’s relationship with his sister, Vienna, who is deaf. The running theme of otters holding hands so they don’t float away from each other was also the perfect analogy for this couple. Finally, it’s not very often I get misty when I come across the title of a book within the story. This one got me, right in the feels.
I highly recommend anything by this author and this series is a great place to start! You’ll soon realize why so many of us want to live in Golden City.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Cassandra Moll for the opportunity to receive, read and review an ARC of The Run Back Home, book 4 in the Golden City Series. As always before jumping into any book, please take care of yourselves and always check the author's socials for any and all trigger warnings. FYI, there might be spoilers ahead.
This is a second chance, slow burn romance between baseball shortstop Jace Holloway and traveling nurse Lenny O'Riley. Right off the bat what I adored was how these two met again after six years of being apart, and I loved how they sort of fell back into their normal rhythm as if no time had passed. To put it simply, Jace is an absolute green flag who yearns for her, and Lenny, she brings a little more black cat energy but at her core is extremely caring and soft natured. I enjoyed the flashbacks to them in the past which were the perfect little insight into them starting out as friends and solidified their little quirks and communication styles as a couple. There were many points throughout the book that I genuinely felt for Jace. I feel like he was left with so many unanswered questions about the way their relationship ended and as a reader, I felt like Lenny could have communicated that better. But I do understand that she was feeling stuck, not with him but just in her life, she felt like she didn't know who she was as an individual and that I think is a feeling we can all to some extent relate to. I think the spice was the perfect amount and definitely added to the slow burn trope of their story. I did find that the ending was a bit rushed and I maybe would have liked an epilogue with a greater time jump to see exactly how the couple evolved.
What solidified this rating for me was Jace and his relationship with his sister who is deaf. The ASL representation was done so well and I adored how she brought out the softer side in all the characters that she interacted with. It was such a beautiful and unique dynamic that added so much warmth to the story.
Overall, this was fun read!
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️ / 5
This is a second chance, slow burn romance between baseball shortstop Jace Holloway and traveling nurse Lenny O'Riley. Right off the bat what I adored was how these two met again after six years of being apart, and I loved how they sort of fell back into their normal rhythm as if no time had passed. To put it simply, Jace is an absolute green flag who yearns for her, and Lenny, she brings a little more black cat energy but at her core is extremely caring and soft natured. I enjoyed the flashbacks to them in the past which were the perfect little insight into them starting out as friends and solidified their little quirks and communication styles as a couple. There were many points throughout the book that I genuinely felt for Jace. I feel like he was left with so many unanswered questions about the way their relationship ended and as a reader, I felt like Lenny could have communicated that better. But I do understand that she was feeling stuck, not with him but just in her life, she felt like she didn't know who she was as an individual and that I think is a feeling we can all to some extent relate to. I think the spice was the perfect amount and definitely added to the slow burn trope of their story. I did find that the ending was a bit rushed and I maybe would have liked an epilogue with a greater time jump to see exactly how the couple evolved.
What solidified this rating for me was Jace and his relationship with his sister who is deaf. The ASL representation was done so well and I adored how she brought out the softer side in all the characters that she interacted with. It was such a beautiful and unique dynamic that added so much warmth to the story.
Overall, this was fun read!
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️ / 5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to the author for an eArc of this book in return for an honest review.
I read this book in less than 24 hours. I loved every single word, moment, sentence, and page of this book.
I absolutely loved Lenny and Jace and how fated mates was tied into a contemporary romance. These two were truly soulmates and the second chance of this felt realistic and exactly what would happen in the real world.
The way the flashbacks were use in this book, may be one of the best I’ve read. They really helped enhance the story as they tied into what was happening in real time. They provided background to their past which had such an emotional impact on what was happening in the present time.
I love a green flag MMC. I loved him in the flashbacks and loved him in real time. The way he loved his sister and championed her and the deaf community was done so well. His love for Lenny was always there and always beautiful and he held on to it so tightly. He was such a vulnerable character which was so refreshing to read.
Lenny is such a relatable character. Her choice and reasoning for the break-up was actually refreshing. I love this choice by the author. Two young adults who love each other but aren’t on the same page regarding their future. I think it was super realistic for them not knowing how to communicate fears and assumptions and 18/19 years old. Her not wanting to live in a shadow of anyone was such an amazing choice by the author - and definitely relatable. I’m a huge fan of the FMC not living in the shadow of the MMC or making their relationship their only personality trait.
The yearning 100/10
The slow burn 100/10
The character development 100/10
The spice 100/10
The romance 100/10
The banter 100/10
As someone who teaches kids with a sensory loss, I really appreciated the ASL/dead rep in this book. The way the CI’s was really well done. It’s so obvious the author took time and care with this.
I’ve found an auto read author and highly recommend!
I read this book in less than 24 hours. I loved every single word, moment, sentence, and page of this book.
I absolutely loved Lenny and Jace and how fated mates was tied into a contemporary romance. These two were truly soulmates and the second chance of this felt realistic and exactly what would happen in the real world.
The way the flashbacks were use in this book, may be one of the best I’ve read. They really helped enhance the story as they tied into what was happening in real time. They provided background to their past which had such an emotional impact on what was happening in the present time.
I love a green flag MMC. I loved him in the flashbacks and loved him in real time. The way he loved his sister and championed her and the deaf community was done so well. His love for Lenny was always there and always beautiful and he held on to it so tightly. He was such a vulnerable character which was so refreshing to read.
Lenny is such a relatable character. Her choice and reasoning for the break-up was actually refreshing. I love this choice by the author. Two young adults who love each other but aren’t on the same page regarding their future. I think it was super realistic for them not knowing how to communicate fears and assumptions and 18/19 years old. Her not wanting to live in a shadow of anyone was such an amazing choice by the author - and definitely relatable. I’m a huge fan of the FMC not living in the shadow of the MMC or making their relationship their only personality trait.
The yearning 100/10
The slow burn 100/10
The character development 100/10
The spice 100/10
The romance 100/10
The banter 100/10
As someone who teaches kids with a sensory loss, I really appreciated the ASL/dead rep in this book. The way the CI’s was really well done. It’s so obvious the author took time and care with this.
I’ve found an auto read author and highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
-ASL Rep
-Baseball Romance
-Shortstop x ER Nurse
-Second Chance Romance
-Fated Mates
-Slow Burn
Be right back while I go cry, I can’t believe this is the end of the series. Cassandra wrote another amazing book that gave me all the feels. Lenny and Jace not only ripped my heart to pieces but truly had me falling in love with them both. Their love story is so heartbreaking and sweet all at the same time.
Oh Lenny girl. I hate how conflicted her life has been. She is such a sweet, strong, amazing girl. She never really got over Jace and it’s safe to say your heart belongs to him. I love the amazing instant connection you have with his sister as well. But she truly let fear get in your way of your happily ever after. That truly breaks my heart for her. But if fate steps in, there is no going back.
Then there is Jace, loyal to a fault, doesn’t let loose, and just is basically moving through the motions of his life. He is so nice, he loves with everything he has, and he is possessive. He never got over the heartbreak of losing Lenny. She is truly his soulmate. But he focuses on being there for his sister/family and truly being the best player he can be. His life is going amazing expect he is still missing one singular peace that is holding him back. But will he find his happy ending ?
The one thing I don’t talk about enough with this whole series is the found family aspect. Her books truly bring you such cozy vibes along with the feeling of so many of these characters protecting their own. She is amazing at making these characters feel wanted and need by their friends that they created. It’s beautiful to read!
Thank you to Casandra for allowing me to read this advanced readers copy! I’m sad this is the end of this series but I’m so excited to see what comes next!
-Baseball Romance
-Shortstop x ER Nurse
-Second Chance Romance
-Fated Mates
-Slow Burn
Be right back while I go cry, I can’t believe this is the end of the series. Cassandra wrote another amazing book that gave me all the feels. Lenny and Jace not only ripped my heart to pieces but truly had me falling in love with them both. Their love story is so heartbreaking and sweet all at the same time.
Oh Lenny girl. I hate how conflicted her life has been. She is such a sweet, strong, amazing girl. She never really got over Jace and it’s safe to say your heart belongs to him. I love the amazing instant connection you have with his sister as well. But she truly let fear get in your way of your happily ever after. That truly breaks my heart for her. But if fate steps in, there is no going back.
Then there is Jace, loyal to a fault, doesn’t let loose, and just is basically moving through the motions of his life. He is so nice, he loves with everything he has, and he is possessive. He never got over the heartbreak of losing Lenny. She is truly his soulmate. But he focuses on being there for his sister/family and truly being the best player he can be. His life is going amazing expect he is still missing one singular peace that is holding him back. But will he find his happy ending ?
The one thing I don’t talk about enough with this whole series is the found family aspect. Her books truly bring you such cozy vibes along with the feeling of so many of these characters protecting their own. She is amazing at making these characters feel wanted and need by their friends that they created. It’s beautiful to read!
Thank you to Casandra for allowing me to read this advanced readers copy! I’m sad this is the end of this series but I’m so excited to see what comes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Run Back Home is book 4 in the Golden City series.
This book was a dual timeline. Going back to their teenage years before going to University/College and present day.
Quiet Jace Holloway falls for Lenora (Lenny) O’Reilly hard and fast as a teenage boy. He had dreams of making the MLB after college and that Lenny was going to join him at the same college the following year. However Lenny never went, she never explained herself to him and left him heartbroken.
Six years later Jace is living his dream playing for the MLB team in Golden City, being an active part of his little(deaf) sister’s life, but still misses what could have been.
Lenny is now working as a travel nurse, moving from city to city, to stay away from her hometown where she felt suffocated by her family but unable to be there without Jace. Having recently moved to Golden City she bumps into Jace in the park. Both shocked at their meet cute and then the next one and the one after. It seems they are destined to keep crossing paths.
The Run Back Home highlights the importance of speaking your truth and being honest with yourself and those you care about.
As a woman in her 50’s . I struggled a bit with the chapters focussing on their teenage years. I would have preferred reading more about their present day lives and relationships.
I was a little confused by Lenny’s family dynamics. It seemed like she had a reasonably good relationship with her immediate family yet she also felt they were too much, a little invasive and suffocating, but then chose to spend a fair amount of time with them.
Although not my favourite of the series (that would be book 2 or 3, I can’t decide!) it was still an enjoyable read.
This book was a dual timeline. Going back to their teenage years before going to University/College and present day.
Quiet Jace Holloway falls for Lenora (Lenny) O’Reilly hard and fast as a teenage boy. He had dreams of making the MLB after college and that Lenny was going to join him at the same college the following year. However Lenny never went, she never explained herself to him and left him heartbroken.
Six years later Jace is living his dream playing for the MLB team in Golden City, being an active part of his little(deaf) sister’s life, but still misses what could have been.
Lenny is now working as a travel nurse, moving from city to city, to stay away from her hometown where she felt suffocated by her family but unable to be there without Jace. Having recently moved to Golden City she bumps into Jace in the park. Both shocked at their meet cute and then the next one and the one after. It seems they are destined to keep crossing paths.
The Run Back Home highlights the importance of speaking your truth and being honest with yourself and those you care about.
As a woman in her 50’s . I struggled a bit with the chapters focussing on their teenage years. I would have preferred reading more about their present day lives and relationships.
I was a little confused by Lenny’s family dynamics. It seemed like she had a reasonably good relationship with her immediate family yet she also felt they were too much, a little invasive and suffocating, but then chose to spend a fair amount of time with them.
Although not my favourite of the series (that would be book 2 or 3, I can’t decide!) it was still an enjoyable read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🅰🆁🅲 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆
⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐥𝐥
"𝑰 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒌𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔... 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏."
Some books feel like a warm hug from beginning to end, and The Run Back Home was exactly that for me🥹❤️
Returning to The Golden City for Jace and Lenny’s story felt like coming home one last time. There’s something so special about two people who have loved each other in their own way for so long, getting the chance to find their way back to each other. No matter how much time has passed or how much life has changed them, there’s still that undeniable feeling of "𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦" vibe.
As the final book in The Golden City Series, this was such a beautiful way to close the door on a city I’ve grown so attached to. And honestly? I’m not emotionally prepared to say goodbye😭 I’m going to miss this little world and the feeling these books gave me.
One of my favorite parts was Jace’s relationship with his deaf sister. The ASL representation was beautifully written into the story, and I loved how her presence brought out such a tender, softer side of the characters around her. Their dynamic added so much heart and warmth, and it was one of those elements that made the story feel even more meaningful and what stayed with me most is the reminder that people grow, life changes, and sometimes our paths take us places we never expected. But some connections have a way of finding their way back to us.
"𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒂 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆. 𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖."
A wholesome, heartwarming second-chance romance that left me smiling, a little emotional, and very much not ready to leave The Golden City behind.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐥𝐥
"𝑰 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒌𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔... 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏."
Some books feel like a warm hug from beginning to end, and The Run Back Home was exactly that for me🥹❤️
Returning to The Golden City for Jace and Lenny’s story felt like coming home one last time. There’s something so special about two people who have loved each other in their own way for so long, getting the chance to find their way back to each other. No matter how much time has passed or how much life has changed them, there’s still that undeniable feeling of "𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦" vibe.
As the final book in The Golden City Series, this was such a beautiful way to close the door on a city I’ve grown so attached to. And honestly? I’m not emotionally prepared to say goodbye😭 I’m going to miss this little world and the feeling these books gave me.
One of my favorite parts was Jace’s relationship with his deaf sister. The ASL representation was beautifully written into the story, and I loved how her presence brought out such a tender, softer side of the characters around her. Their dynamic added so much heart and warmth, and it was one of those elements that made the story feel even more meaningful and what stayed with me most is the reminder that people grow, life changes, and sometimes our paths take us places we never expected. But some connections have a way of finding their way back to us.
"𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒂 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆. 𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖."
A wholesome, heartwarming second-chance romance that left me smiling, a little emotional, and very much not ready to leave The Golden City behind.
September 8, 2026
Advance copy review (provided by Author)
Rating: 2.5 / 3 stars
I really wanted to love this book as much as the first installment in the series, but unfortunately, it was almost a DNF for me. While I enjoyed the male lead, the female protagonist and her surrounding family dynamics missed the mark.
Here are the key reasons for my rating:
1. The Backstory: The initial teenage breakup felt incredibly weak. I kept waiting for a solid, impactful reason to justify it, but the ultimate reveal was highly disappointing.
2.The Timeline: Too much of the book focuses on their teenage years. As someone who isn't a fan of YA romance, I wanted far more time spent building their connection in the present day.
3. The Family Dynamics: The heroine's family felt invasive and baffling. I couldn't wrap my head around how she felt simultaneously trapped and comfortable by them. The cozy small-town scenes fell flat, and the overcrowded cast of side characters made it hard to care about any of them.
4. The Romance Progression: The constant "accidental" run-ins felt forced. Because they were both still deeply in love before even officially reuniting, it erased any sense of a satisfying slow burn.
5. The Conflict: They treated her upcoming 3-month mission like a permanent, insurmountable obstacle rather than a temporary hurdle. Thinking about breaking up over a 12-week separation felt incredibly unrealistic.
Ultimately, it was a mixed bag. I liked the hero, but the combination of an frustrating heroine, confusing family drama, and weak stakes held this one back.
Rating: 2.5 / 3 stars
I really wanted to love this book as much as the first installment in the series, but unfortunately, it was almost a DNF for me. While I enjoyed the male lead, the female protagonist and her surrounding family dynamics missed the mark.
Here are the key reasons for my rating:
1. The Backstory: The initial teenage breakup felt incredibly weak. I kept waiting for a solid, impactful reason to justify it, but the ultimate reveal was highly disappointing.
2.The Timeline: Too much of the book focuses on their teenage years. As someone who isn't a fan of YA romance, I wanted far more time spent building their connection in the present day.
3. The Family Dynamics: The heroine's family felt invasive and baffling. I couldn't wrap my head around how she felt simultaneously trapped and comfortable by them. The cozy small-town scenes fell flat, and the overcrowded cast of side characters made it hard to care about any of them.
4. The Romance Progression: The constant "accidental" run-ins felt forced. Because they were both still deeply in love before even officially reuniting, it erased any sense of a satisfying slow burn.
5. The Conflict: They treated her upcoming 3-month mission like a permanent, insurmountable obstacle rather than a temporary hurdle. Thinking about breaking up over a 12-week separation felt incredibly unrealistic.
Ultimately, it was a mixed bag. I liked the hero, but the combination of an frustrating heroine, confusing family drama, and weak stakes held this one back.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When Jace Holloway goes to college he counts down the days until his girlfriend Lenora “Lenny” O’Reilly joins him on campus but when the time comes she can’t stand the thought of leaving her family and the only home she’s ever known. She’s afraid of not being able to find herself in a place that only exists because of him. So she becomes a travel nurse, never staying in one place for too long.
When she ends up in Golden City she knows there’s a chance she could run into him. But what she didn’t expect was to live in the building by his.
She never moved on from him after their relationship ended. He wants to remind her of everything she walked away from but he can’t seem to bring himself to. He just wants her close like she was always meant to be. This is one of those “If it’s meant to be it will come back to you” kind of stories and it gave me all the feels.
Lenny learns that what she thought she couldn’t handle is the one thing that feels like home now.
I loved that when it came right down to it Jace was willing to put all of his heartache from the past six years aside and let Lenny back in. Even if it meant he might get his heart broken again. Lenny learned that the path she thought she was meant for isn’t the one she wants and now there’s nothing to run away from anymore.
Sometimes the biggest adventure in our life is the one that brings us right back where we started.
When she ends up in Golden City she knows there’s a chance she could run into him. But what she didn’t expect was to live in the building by his.
She never moved on from him after their relationship ended. He wants to remind her of everything she walked away from but he can’t seem to bring himself to. He just wants her close like she was always meant to be. This is one of those “If it’s meant to be it will come back to you” kind of stories and it gave me all the feels.
Lenny learns that what she thought she couldn’t handle is the one thing that feels like home now.
I loved that when it came right down to it Jace was willing to put all of his heartache from the past six years aside and let Lenny back in. Even if it meant he might get his heart broken again. Lenny learned that the path she thought she was meant for isn’t the one she wants and now there’s nothing to run away from anymore.
Sometimes the biggest adventure in our life is the one that brings us right back where we started.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Run Back Home was the perfect ending to the Golden City series.
Jace and Lenny's story was equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking. They were each other's future once, but life took them in different directions. Watching them find their way back to each other six years later was emotional, beautiful, and at times downright painful.
I especially loved how deafness and cochlear implant discussions were woven into the story. It felt authentic, meaningful, and handled with so much care and respect.
The chemistry between Jace and Lenny never faded, and the flashbacks made me feel completely invested in both of them. There were plenty of tears, plenty of laughs, and more than enough swoon-worthy moments.
"I've missed you," Jace whispers.
"All I've done is miss you, Jace," Lenny says.
COME ON, CASSANDRA!!!
And let's not forget the jersey scene... Jace knew exactly what he was doing. Then Chapter 33 completely wrecked me in the best way.
The side characters were wonderful, especially Vienna, who absolutely stole my heart. Getting to revisit familiar faces made saying goodbye to Golden City even harder. I didn't want it to end
This story is a beautiful reminder that people grow, life changes, and sometimes love still finds its way home. I'm so sad this series is over, but I'll definitely be running back to Golden City again and again. I can't wait to see where we go from here.
Thank you, Cassandra for allowing me to read these amazing stories before they are out in the wild :)
Jace and Lenny's story was equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking. They were each other's future once, but life took them in different directions. Watching them find their way back to each other six years later was emotional, beautiful, and at times downright painful.
I especially loved how deafness and cochlear implant discussions were woven into the story. It felt authentic, meaningful, and handled with so much care and respect.
The chemistry between Jace and Lenny never faded, and the flashbacks made me feel completely invested in both of them. There were plenty of tears, plenty of laughs, and more than enough swoon-worthy moments.
"I've missed you," Jace whispers.
"All I've done is miss you, Jace," Lenny says.
COME ON, CASSANDRA!!!
And let's not forget the jersey scene... Jace knew exactly what he was doing. Then Chapter 33 completely wrecked me in the best way.
The side characters were wonderful, especially Vienna, who absolutely stole my heart. Getting to revisit familiar faces made saying goodbye to Golden City even harder. I didn't want it to end
This story is a beautiful reminder that people grow, life changes, and sometimes love still finds its way home. I'm so sad this series is over, but I'll definitely be running back to Golden City again and again. I can't wait to see where we go from here.
Thank you, Cassandra for allowing me to read these amazing stories before they are out in the wild :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Run Back Home is the finale to the Golden City Series and it was such a heartbreakingly beautiful book!
Firstly, I want to comment on the deaf awareness in this book, it was done with such knowledge and care that I was so happy reading it. The feelings that was so relatable to when the opportunity for cochlear implants comes along and how it not only effects the person but the family around. Cassandra Moll absolutely did it justice.
Jace and Lenny have history. Not just a little history but the type where their whole futures have been planned out together. When that didn't work out Jace still achieved his dream of playing in the MLB whilst Lenny becez a travelling nurse that avoids going home to the memories that remind her of all she lost.
Finally back in the same city after six years apart, Penny and Jace have awkward encounter after awkward encounter. The chemistry and connection between the two is still wholelly apparent. Hurt even after all these years Jace can't seem to let the past stay there. So when the confrontation finally happens, it's explosive. But can love be in the cards again? Even knowing they'll only hurt eachother again.
The flashbacks from both characters helped create such a bond that I fully felt connected to both of them. My heart broke and I definitely cried more than usual.
The side character, the epilogue, banter and pure love makes this book my favourite read of the year!
Thank you so much Cassandra Moll for the opportunity to receive an ARC❤️
Firstly, I want to comment on the deaf awareness in this book, it was done with such knowledge and care that I was so happy reading it. The feelings that was so relatable to when the opportunity for cochlear implants comes along and how it not only effects the person but the family around. Cassandra Moll absolutely did it justice.
Jace and Lenny have history. Not just a little history but the type where their whole futures have been planned out together. When that didn't work out Jace still achieved his dream of playing in the MLB whilst Lenny becez a travelling nurse that avoids going home to the memories that remind her of all she lost.
Finally back in the same city after six years apart, Penny and Jace have awkward encounter after awkward encounter. The chemistry and connection between the two is still wholelly apparent. Hurt even after all these years Jace can't seem to let the past stay there. So when the confrontation finally happens, it's explosive. But can love be in the cards again? Even knowing they'll only hurt eachother again.
The flashbacks from both characters helped create such a bond that I fully felt connected to both of them. My heart broke and I definitely cried more than usual.
The side character, the epilogue, banter and pure love makes this book my favourite read of the year!
Thank you so much Cassandra Moll for the opportunity to receive an ARC❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am so sad the Golden City series is completed, they were such fun reads! This book was a wonderfully happy ending to the series.
You will enjoy this book immensely if you are a fan of
-Slow Burn
-Second Chance Romances
-Dual POV and timeline
-Sports Romances
-Disability Representation
Shoutout for the deaf awareness in this book, it was done with knowledge and careful thought. It was a nice second chance romance featuring baseball. The storyline was told in the past and present- focusing on why the relationship failed when they were younger and how it was lining up with the present. I feel like it was an accurate representation of teenage angst, young love, and how people change and grow and can find their way back to each other.
The only reason I did not rate this 5 stars was:
-A lot of the timeline was focused on high school years, and I am no longer into YA
-The Family Dynamics- her side of the family had a lot of conflicting point of views and almost seemed to have bullied her into staying (I loved Jace's sister and mom!)
-The Conflict: I do feel like it fell a little flat with Lenny giving up on her dream of Alaska (I did like she did get to visit in the end!) but a 3 month separation is not that long of a time- especially in comparison to how many away game stretches there are for baseball!
You will enjoy this book immensely if you are a fan of
-Slow Burn
-Second Chance Romances
-Dual POV and timeline
-Sports Romances
-Disability Representation
Shoutout for the deaf awareness in this book, it was done with knowledge and careful thought. It was a nice second chance romance featuring baseball. The storyline was told in the past and present- focusing on why the relationship failed when they were younger and how it was lining up with the present. I feel like it was an accurate representation of teenage angst, young love, and how people change and grow and can find their way back to each other.
The only reason I did not rate this 5 stars was:
-A lot of the timeline was focused on high school years, and I am no longer into YA
-The Family Dynamics- her side of the family had a lot of conflicting point of views and almost seemed to have bullied her into staying (I loved Jace's sister and mom!)
-The Conflict: I do feel like it fell a little flat with Lenny giving up on her dream of Alaska (I did like she did get to visit in the end!) but a 3 month separation is not that long of a time- especially in comparison to how many away game stretches there are for baseball!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't know why I waited so long to pick up a Cassandra Moll book! The Run Back Home is book #4 in the Golden City series, featuring Lenora, an ER travel nurse, and Jace, a professional baseball player. This is a second chance, big city/small town, disability representation, sport romance that really pulls on the heartstrings.
I loved the flashbacks that show how Lenny and Jace's relationship initiated, which really shed light onto their unexpected reunion when Lenny moves back to Golden City for a job. These two truly are fated, as every circumstance throws them back together, whether they want it or not. You can see the depth of emotion between the two, the longing is absolutely there. Cassandra does a great job building the tension, and when it breaks, whew! The spicy is spicy.
This absolutely could be a deal-breaker of a miscommunication trope, but Cassandra does an amazing job having each character explore their emotions. By the end you're kicking your feet in glee as they realize what you've known all along, Lenny and Jace are truly meant for each other.
I love Jace's relationship with Vienna, his deaf little sister. Her disability is portrayed as her strength, which is truly beautiful.
Thank you to Cassandra Moll for allowing me to be a part of her ARC team - I loved this book and can't wait to read her others!
I loved the flashbacks that show how Lenny and Jace's relationship initiated, which really shed light onto their unexpected reunion when Lenny moves back to Golden City for a job. These two truly are fated, as every circumstance throws them back together, whether they want it or not. You can see the depth of emotion between the two, the longing is absolutely there. Cassandra does a great job building the tension, and when it breaks, whew! The spicy is spicy.
This absolutely could be a deal-breaker of a miscommunication trope, but Cassandra does an amazing job having each character explore their emotions. By the end you're kicking your feet in glee as they realize what you've known all along, Lenny and Jace are truly meant for each other.
I love Jace's relationship with Vienna, his deaf little sister. Her disability is portrayed as her strength, which is truly beautiful.
Thank you to Cassandra Moll for allowing me to be a part of her ARC team - I loved this book and can't wait to read her others!
Review of advance copy
I loved the run back home!!! I managed to get an ARC. This is Lenny, and Jace’s story. This is a second chance baseball romance with a hard back story. They are back in the same city having one awkward encounter after the other. It's clear the chemistry, and the love between them is still there, and probably never left. They have this closeness between them that you really feel. They just needed to find their way back to eachother. I love how you see all the flashbacks ad get an understanding of what went on back when they first broke up. I felt like the flashbacks were more in depth. They were just young, and nervous about big changes when they were in high school and early college. I loved Jace’s little sister Vienna, and loved the deaf awareness intertwined with the story. Every character fit well into the story, and it felt complete. It was a good end to the series. It was overall a very emotional, but very healing second chance romance. I highly recommend it. Available September 23rd.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Man I don't even know where to start. I'm just going to have a mumbled review of thoughts, enjoy:
The heartache
The young love
It's always been you
The jersey scene IYKYK
The friends
Mama Mabel coming in clutch with her wisdom
The cider festival that I want to speak into existence
Drippy's cinnamon rolls
JJ's good heart shines through with his ASL
Vienna is a doll
The apartment tour
Lavender candle
The shower scene
Basically this entire book. The way I love Jace and Lenny. 😍🫶🏽
⚾️ Lines:
. . .feeling a lot, saying a little.
I press my mouth to hers, kissing her with the force of moments lost and memories. . .memories nowhere near forgotten.
. . .the more I realize leaving isn't really about freedom. It's about not being forgotten.
I just don't want to spend the rest of my life surviving. 😭
Regret is a nasty thing. It eats at you no matter where you end up. But if I've learned anything, it's that I'd rather regret the time I spent than look back and wish I had.
It's funny. . .Sometimes the only box you're trapped in is the one you built around yourself.
The heartache
The young love
It's always been you
The jersey scene IYKYK
The friends
Mama Mabel coming in clutch with her wisdom
The cider festival that I want to speak into existence
Drippy's cinnamon rolls
JJ's good heart shines through with his ASL
Vienna is a doll
The apartment tour
Lavender candle
The shower scene
Basically this entire book. The way I love Jace and Lenny. 😍🫶🏽
⚾️ Lines:
. . .feeling a lot, saying a little.
I press my mouth to hers, kissing her with the force of moments lost and memories. . .memories nowhere near forgotten.
. . .the more I realize leaving isn't really about freedom. It's about not being forgotten.
I just don't want to spend the rest of my life surviving. 😭
Regret is a nasty thing. It eats at you no matter where you end up. But if I've learned anything, it's that I'd rather regret the time I spent than look back and wish I had.
It's funny. . .Sometimes the only box you're trapped in is the one you built around yourself.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Cassandra Moll for providing an ARC of this book!!!! All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
What a heartbreakingly beautiful finale to the Golden City series! The Run Back Home completely stole my heart, and honestly, I couldn't have asked for a better ending to Jace and Lenny's story.
Their backstory was so painful and tender. Every single flashback chapter had my heart in actual little pieces!!!!! Seeing how much they loved each other, yet how fear and timing kept them apart, made their reunion hit so much harder. The absolute devotion they held for each other during those six years apart made my heart melt, they literally couldn't fall for anyone else because it just didn't feel right. That "it was always you" energy was top tier, and I'm just so obsessed with them together (and separate as well lol!)
I also loved how the author handled all the side relationships. Jace’s bond with his mom and V was so sweet and melted my heart, while Lenny’s family and Dylan had me laughing out loud. And can we talk about that epilogue?! Getting to catch up with all the characters from the previous books was the ultimate full circle moment and the absolute perfect way to close out the series.
If you love second-chance romance, emotional depth, and fate constantly pulling two people back together, you need to read this one!
What a heartbreakingly beautiful finale to the Golden City series! The Run Back Home completely stole my heart, and honestly, I couldn't have asked for a better ending to Jace and Lenny's story.
Their backstory was so painful and tender. Every single flashback chapter had my heart in actual little pieces!!!!! Seeing how much they loved each other, yet how fear and timing kept them apart, made their reunion hit so much harder. The absolute devotion they held for each other during those six years apart made my heart melt, they literally couldn't fall for anyone else because it just didn't feel right. That "it was always you" energy was top tier, and I'm just so obsessed with them together (and separate as well lol!)
I also loved how the author handled all the side relationships. Jace’s bond with his mom and V was so sweet and melted my heart, while Lenny’s family and Dylan had me laughing out loud. And can we talk about that epilogue?! Getting to catch up with all the characters from the previous books was the ultimate full circle moment and the absolute perfect way to close out the series.
If you love second-chance romance, emotional depth, and fate constantly pulling two people back together, you need to read this one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Cassandra Moll for the ARC in exchange for an honest review of The Run Back Home, Book 4 in the Golden City Series. I love being on the Chaos Team, and being a voice for your work.
I was introduced to the Golden City Series in The Last Drive Home, and fell in love with Jace's character in book 3. Jace and Lenny's book did not disappoint, and topped for my favorite book of the series. I love a good second chance romance, add in the sports, and I'm interested. I love the depth of history you gave to the characters, the then and now chapters. I felt the tension, emotional angst, and the love they still had for each other. I loved the details of family you added to bring that found family feel. The emotions of how a young brain can mess with your thoughts, and decisions can be made to alter a path was represented well. The ASL/deaf awareness was an amazing addition to the story. I have been fascinated with sign language for years. That was a big bonus to this story. I loved Vi and Jace's sibling relationship.
Overall, a well rounded must read second chance sport romance that you won't be disappointed in.
The Boards Between Us (Golden City, #1)
The Shots Against Us (Golden City, #2)
The Last Drive Home (Golden City, #3)
The Run Back Home (Golden City, #4) Available on September 23, 2026
Tropes
Second Chance as adults
High School/College Love
Sports (Baseball Player)
Traveling Nurse
ASL Awareness
Small town
2 Spice Level
5 star read
I was introduced to the Golden City Series in The Last Drive Home, and fell in love with Jace's character in book 3. Jace and Lenny's book did not disappoint, and topped for my favorite book of the series. I love a good second chance romance, add in the sports, and I'm interested. I love the depth of history you gave to the characters, the then and now chapters. I felt the tension, emotional angst, and the love they still had for each other. I loved the details of family you added to bring that found family feel. The emotions of how a young brain can mess with your thoughts, and decisions can be made to alter a path was represented well. The ASL/deaf awareness was an amazing addition to the story. I have been fascinated with sign language for years. That was a big bonus to this story. I loved Vi and Jace's sibling relationship.
Overall, a well rounded must read second chance sport romance that you won't be disappointed in.
The Boards Between Us (Golden City, #1)
The Shots Against Us (Golden City, #2)
The Last Drive Home (Golden City, #3)
The Run Back Home (Golden City, #4) Available on September 23, 2026
Tropes
Second Chance as adults
High School/College Love
Sports (Baseball Player)
Traveling Nurse
ASL Awareness
Small town
2 Spice Level
5 star read
Review of advance copy
ARC REVIEW~Thank you to this author for the advanced copy!
I think Cassandra Moll hit this book out of the park! I read it in one day because I was truly captivated by the characters and their story.
This is a second chance romance between Jace and Lenny. High school sweethearts who broke up when Jace went to college and Lenny couldn’t bring herself to leave her family and her home town.
Lenny is a nurse and Jace is a MLB player, but when they find themselves back in the same town, and constantly running into each other, it leaves them no choice but to confront their past.
I absolutely loved how the ending came together, (This book made me cry) I loved how after everything they went through, Jace was still willing to let Lenny live her dream. He gives all the green flags a man could give.
5 ⭐️
2-3🌶️
I think Cassandra Moll hit this book out of the park! I read it in one day because I was truly captivated by the characters and their story.
This is a second chance romance between Jace and Lenny. High school sweethearts who broke up when Jace went to college and Lenny couldn’t bring herself to leave her family and her home town.
Lenny is a nurse and Jace is a MLB player, but when they find themselves back in the same town, and constantly running into each other, it leaves them no choice but to confront their past.
I absolutely loved how the ending came together, (This book made me cry) I loved how after everything they went through, Jace was still willing to let Lenny live her dream. He gives all the green flags a man could give.
5 ⭐️
2-3🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a super emotional story. You can really feel Jace's heartbreak and anger in the flashback scenes. The interactive exhibit was extremely descriptive and I loved it! I wish I had one near me.
Spoilers.......
I really was rooting for Lenny to go to Alaska and redeem herself. It breaks my heart to see her giving up her dream. She says at the end that it was not her dream, but everything points to it was. The way she reacted to the exhibit, talking about the otters, and her conversations.... it all screamed otherwise. And I really hated the maze scene with Lenny's mom. It was very manipulative, the way Mom twisted it back onto Lenny, invalidating Lenny's feelings, and manipulating Lenny into staying.
Oh and what did I miss? What's the meaning of the bright blue compression sleeves that Jace wears??
#ARC
Spoilers.......
I really was rooting for Lenny to go to Alaska and redeem herself. It breaks my heart to see her giving up her dream. She says at the end that it was not her dream, but everything points to it was. The way she reacted to the exhibit, talking about the otters, and her conversations.... it all screamed otherwise. And I really hated the maze scene with Lenny's mom. It was very manipulative, the way Mom twisted it back onto Lenny, invalidating Lenny's feelings, and manipulating Lenny into staying.
Oh and what did I miss? What's the meaning of the bright blue compression sleeves that Jace wears??
#ARC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2026
review of advance copy.
I love books like this. Just such wholesome, heartwarming feels.
Two people who are so clearly meant to be, finding their way back to each other.
There’s this familiarity between Jace and Lenny that I loved. No matter how much time has passed or how much has changed, being together still feels like home.
If this book taught me anything, it’s that people can change. The world around us can change. Life can take us in completely different directions. But love for one another can stay the same 🥹
“I’ve missed you,” Jace whispers.
“All I’ve done is miss you, Jace,” Lenny says.
COME ON 😭
And the jersey scene in chapter 23! 🥵 Jace, you knew exactly what you were doing.
Then chapter 33 😭 The signing moment at the game, and the meaning behind it. I’m saying NOTHING else because you need to experience that one yourself, but it was so special 🥹
Such a beautiful story about love, change, and finding your way back home ❤️
I love books like this. Just such wholesome, heartwarming feels.
Two people who are so clearly meant to be, finding their way back to each other.
There’s this familiarity between Jace and Lenny that I loved. No matter how much time has passed or how much has changed, being together still feels like home.
If this book taught me anything, it’s that people can change. The world around us can change. Life can take us in completely different directions. But love for one another can stay the same 🥹
“I’ve missed you,” Jace whispers.
“All I’ve done is miss you, Jace,” Lenny says.
COME ON 😭
And the jersey scene in chapter 23! 🥵 Jace, you knew exactly what you were doing.
Then chapter 33 😭 The signing moment at the game, and the meaning behind it. I’m saying NOTHING else because you need to experience that one yourself, but it was so special 🥹
Such a beautiful story about love, change, and finding your way back home ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Golden City Series: Jace and Lenora
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
A lovely second-chance romance with plenty of will they, won’t they moments. We know they’ll eventually find their way back to each other, but the question is just how difficult that path will be.
I loved seeing the emotional growth from both Jace and Lenora and watching them work through their regrets. And Vienna, Jace’s sweet little sister, completely stole my heart. Loved her, and her story!
I especially loved how her deafness was incorporated into the story. It felt natural and meaningful, never like a gimmick.
Getting to catch up with characters from the previous books was the perfect way to wrap up the series. Although, with so many wonderful characters introduced along the way, I’m definitely left wanting more!
A sweet, emotional second-chance romance and a lovely ending to the Golden City series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
A lovely second-chance romance with plenty of will they, won’t they moments. We know they’ll eventually find their way back to each other, but the question is just how difficult that path will be.
I loved seeing the emotional growth from both Jace and Lenora and watching them work through their regrets. And Vienna, Jace’s sweet little sister, completely stole my heart. Loved her, and her story!
I especially loved how her deafness was incorporated into the story. It felt natural and meaningful, never like a gimmick.
Getting to catch up with characters from the previous books was the perfect way to wrap up the series. Although, with so many wonderful characters introduced along the way, I’m definitely left wanting more!
A sweet, emotional second-chance romance and a lovely ending to the Golden City series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Run Back Home is a heartfelt, satisfying finale to the Golden City series. ⚾️📚
Six years after fear tore Lenny and Jace apart, fate brings them back together in Golden City. The chemistry, tension and lingering heartbreak are immediate—and their slow journey towards forgiveness is beautifully paced. ❤️🩹
I loved the dual POV, glimpses into their past and the honest reminder that love needs courage, communication and second chances. Jace’s bond with his deaf younger sister was especially touching, while the supporting cast added warmth and humour. 🥹✨
A swoony, emotional baseball romance with tasteful open-door spice and an HEA worth cheering for. 💕⚾️
Thanks to Cassandra Moll for the early copy.
⚾️ Baseball Romance
💞 Second Chance
🤟 ASL/Deaf Representation
🏡 Small-Town Romance
🩺 Nurse FMC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Run Back Home is a heartfelt, satisfying finale to the Golden City series. ⚾️📚
Six years after fear tore Lenny and Jace apart, fate brings them back together in Golden City. The chemistry, tension and lingering heartbreak are immediate—and their slow journey towards forgiveness is beautifully paced. ❤️🩹
I loved the dual POV, glimpses into their past and the honest reminder that love needs courage, communication and second chances. Jace’s bond with his deaf younger sister was especially touching, while the supporting cast added warmth and humour. 🥹✨
A swoony, emotional baseball romance with tasteful open-door spice and an HEA worth cheering for. 💕⚾️
Thanks to Cassandra Moll for the early copy.
⚾️ Baseball Romance
💞 Second Chance
🤟 ASL/Deaf Representation
🏡 Small-Town Romance
🩺 Nurse FMC
September 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️⭐️
This was an amazing baseball romance read. I will own that this is my first Cassandra Moll book (and its book 4 in a series). However I don’t feel that I missed anything by starting here.
Jace and Lenny are small town high school sweethearts Jace has big dreams to make it to the MLB and Lenny……she’s along for the ride and still trying to find her place.
6 years later after a confusing break up they find each other again (or fate continually places them on each others path) and have to navigate years of hurt, anger and love to get to a place where they can be a part of each others life.
This story was beautiful with a small amount of spice that worked for the characters and the story line. I appreciate a good “he falls first” story with a HEA ending. This was a great read for anyone who likes romance, a little spice and a great plot!
(No to go back and read books 1-3)!
This was an amazing baseball romance read. I will own that this is my first Cassandra Moll book (and its book 4 in a series). However I don’t feel that I missed anything by starting here.
Jace and Lenny are small town high school sweethearts Jace has big dreams to make it to the MLB and Lenny……she’s along for the ride and still trying to find her place.
6 years later after a confusing break up they find each other again (or fate continually places them on each others path) and have to navigate years of hurt, anger and love to get to a place where they can be a part of each others life.
This story was beautiful with a small amount of spice that worked for the characters and the story line. I appreciate a good “he falls first” story with a HEA ending. This was a great read for anyone who likes romance, a little spice and a great plot!
(No to go back and read books 1-3)!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2026
*****4.5 stars*****
I have loved every book in the Golden City series, including this one. I really enjoyed the dual POV & dual timeline in this book. It was easy to follow and lent to the story really well. I also love how this series crossed paths with another author’s series. I think it’s really special how they’ve done it and seeing their friendship online is really cool too.
Jace is a great MMC. He’s always been down bad for our girl Lenny and his relationship with his sister Vienna is super special. Lenny was relatable in a lot of ways and I could feel her angst and being torn through the pages… and then her relief and sense of peace when she figured out what home meant.
This book made me feel hopeful and i got teary eyed a couple times too. It’s just really well written!
Thank you for the ARC opportunity! I highly recommended this series!!
I have loved every book in the Golden City series, including this one. I really enjoyed the dual POV & dual timeline in this book. It was easy to follow and lent to the story really well. I also love how this series crossed paths with another author’s series. I think it’s really special how they’ve done it and seeing their friendship online is really cool too.
Jace is a great MMC. He’s always been down bad for our girl Lenny and his relationship with his sister Vienna is super special. Lenny was relatable in a lot of ways and I could feel her angst and being torn through the pages… and then her relief and sense of peace when she figured out what home meant.
This book made me feel hopeful and i got teary eyed a couple times too. It’s just really well written!
Thank you for the ARC opportunity! I highly recommended this series!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Second chance romances aren't usually a fav of mine but this one was written so well and I honestly fell in love with the MCs. They were both so young when they were together and I completely felt for Nora and Jace. It's so hard to be apart from someone you consider your best friend, but it's also so difficult to reach out after time has gone by and you're not sure what the relationship would be like.
Their romance wasn't rushed and I liked that. They got back together slowly and worked through all the things that had separated them in the first place. One of my favorite things was that they realized it wasn't one person's fault that the relationship had failed. They both had a part to play and both worked at being better this time around.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of the book.
Their romance wasn't rushed and I liked that. They got back together slowly and worked through all the things that had separated them in the first place. One of my favorite things was that they realized it wasn't one person's fault that the relationship had failed. They both had a part to play and both worked at being better this time around.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First things first, I loved the deaf awareness in this book. It isn't something I've seen in a lot of in books.
American Sign Language was a second language when I was a kid. We would watch Signing Tome with Alex and Leah, so I could just imagine how happy V and Jace were when it turned out Lenny knew how to sign. And how much it meant to Jace when he discovered Lenny specifically learned for him and V.
I loved the growth of each of the characters. And we got to dive deeper with every flash back of their past. The back and forth of the story was done very well only showing the information we needed at the time. It truly showed how their past formed who they were in the beginning, how it affected their current relationship, and how it helped them grow together as a new couple again.
American Sign Language was a second language when I was a kid. We would watch Signing Tome with Alex and Leah, so I could just imagine how happy V and Jace were when it turned out Lenny knew how to sign. And how much it meant to Jace when he discovered Lenny specifically learned for him and V.
I loved the growth of each of the characters. And we got to dive deeper with every flash back of their past. The back and forth of the story was done very well only showing the information we needed at the time. It truly showed how their past formed who they were in the beginning, how it affected their current relationship, and how it helped them grow together as a new couple again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a really light, fluffy kind of read. There wasn’t a lot of conflict, and no third act breakup. I did find it a little slow because of the lack of conflict. I liked the representation of the deaf community. It was a little disappointing that this is apparently the last book of the series, especially when near the end there is a conversation with another character that some day he’s going to find a girl and make them double date, it just felt like it was the perfect setup for another book.
September 9, 2026
4.75 ⭐️ What a great way to wrap up a series. I enjoyed the dual timeline that showed the decade long relationship of Jace and Lenny. It was easy to relate to both of them, one trying to find themselves and where they belong and the other focused and knows exactly what their future looks like… just sometimes the paths don’t always cross or go the same way. A second chance romance that showed growth and love. Just meant to be. Really great. I recommend reading this series.
Tropes:
⚾️Baseball Romance
🩺Shortstop x Nurse
⏳Second Chance
🤟🏼ASL Rep
🔮Fated Mates
🔥Slow Burn
Tropes:
⚾️Baseball Romance
🩺Shortstop x Nurse
⏳Second Chance
🤟🏼ASL Rep
🔮Fated Mates
🔥Slow Burn
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews