Home Again

by Lisa Emme

They say you can’t go home again. Allie Daniels hopes they are wrong, whoever they are. After a series of misfortunes, she and her small son have come home to the town she thought she had left behind. She’s just looking for a safe place to raise her son. The last thing she wants is any more complications.

Mike Finn didn’t roll into town on his Harley looking for love; he just wants to find a place to call home. Hoping to escape the fast-paced, anonymous life in the city, he’s bought a partnership in the local veterinarian practice. The small town has a lot to offer – especially after a chance encounter with Allie.

When Mike first sets eyes on Allie, sparks fly. He knows there’s something there, but the reluctant, single mom is going to take some convincing. Good thing Mike is a persistent man. When strange things start to happen around town, his protective instinct is sent into high gear. It’s just as well, because when Allie starts playing detective, she may find herself in over her head.

Don't let the sweet cover fool you. This book brings the heat as well. Intended for a mature audience. Graphic sexual content and language.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Childrens

306 pages, Paperback

Published February 29, 2016

About the author

Lisa Emme is a Canadian who proudly ends her ABC’s with ‘zed’. A self-professed book-a-holic, she has spent the last few years trying to stem her book hoarding tendencies by writing her own stories and by avoiding the bargain table at the bookstore like the plague.

A bit of a thrill seeker, Lisa has tried such death defying activities as bungy jumping off a bridge and rappelling down the side of a 17 storey building. She's also single-handedly raising a teenager.

Lisa has worked as a veterinary assistant, playground instructor, bank teller, store clerk, waitress, telephone solicitor, research writer for an environmental think tank, computer programmer, and systems analyst. Her passion however, is writing. What else is she going to do during the long, cold prairie winter?

Reviews

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was like they were meant to be together.

Well, that one hit the spot. As a romance reader, I’m always looking for a good comfort read. The sort of book that makes your heart melt, tummy flutter and head spin. My type of comfort read also has to pack a bit of a punch too. A bed is nice, but give me an up against the wall, grunting and moaning Wham Bam Thankyou Ma’am, and I’m a happy camper. If this comfort read also had a decent story line, lovable characters, and a good flow I’m ecstatic. Home Again definitely ticked all my boxes and gave me the happy buzz I crave in my comfort reads.

Allie is back in town. With her apartment burnt down Allie and her son Dougie, return to her hometown. Originally, she plans for a short stay while waiting for her insurance payout, but as we all know, things don’t always go to plan. This single mother has had it tough. Allie’s parents died when she was young and she was left with her aunt and uncle. Not only having to deal with the grief of her parent’s death, Allie also is treated like the town pariah. Allie’s grandfather Duncan MacAllister, disowned his daughter, Grace because she fell in love with a farm boy. Duncan being the stubborn and prideful idiot moves his resentment to his granddaughter…because she looks like the daughter he lost. Unfortunately, because he’s a big shot in town, his attitude towards Allie, led the town people to treat her the same way because they feared for their jobs. Returning home with her son who has some health issues, she expects to be treated like the pariah again. This time, things go a little differently.

Mike Finn is new in town. He’s a doctor…veterinarian, drives a Harley and is not too hard on the eyes. He has stopped into the bank and while there he meets the beautiful Allie. He is REALLY impressed. So much so, that he can’t get her and her son out of his head. Seeing Allie struggle with a situation that was completely out of her control cemented his belief that she is someone special. He needs to put his wooing and pursuing boots on and head to the farm.

This story takes us on Mike, Allie, and Dougie’s journey. We see the struggles Allie faces dealing with a son with health issues, a farm that she helps run, AND working a couple of jobs to pay her bills. A few times I shed tears at Allie's strength and perseverance. She is strong and determined to make her son as happy and content as possible. Her devotion to Dougie is what every mother hopes to achieve but rarely feel they do. Mike is an absolute sweetheart. He’s almost perfect…almost. He does keep some things from Allie, which weren’t the worst secrets, but because she found out the way she did, made his little secret into something big. There is also some threats and vandalism happening around the farm and Allie lands right in the middle of the drama. Plenty of stuff to keep the story going strong.

I really enjoyed Home Again. The author has captured the small town in all of its beauty…and all of its ugliness. The characters were wonderful with a strong and independent heroine who learns to loosen the reigns enough to let love in. A hero that rode in on his Harley found love and fought to keep it safe. We meet a little boy that you couldn’t help but love. A family gradually becoming whole again, when the stubborn pride is forgotten and efforts are made to fix the problems caused. We also see a community working together when the time is needed, to make sure that a loved one is safe.

This is the first story I have read by Lisa Emme and it will definitely not be my last. Home Again has a little mystery, plenty of steamy scenes and a small town you wouldn’t mind going to for a visit.

I received a complimentary copy of Home Again via the author for an honest review.

Home Again is due out on February 29, 2016. To pre-order your copy through Amazon - http://amzn.to/1Qi4YQj

I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -

[Barbara➰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

***3.5 Stars***

So, this was definitely a different read for me but I really enjoyed it. Initially, I went into this thinking I'd get some sweet time with the hero and a kid. It's really about the heroine, Allie, who comes back home to live with her aunt and uncle after a fire destroyed her apartment. Everything centers around her. She has a special needs son, Dougie, who is such a sweetheart. There is also some much needed family healing and forgiveness.

I absolutely loved Allie. Most all my GR friends know I'm super tough on heroines. Allie was such a terrific mother. She was strong, funny, and stood up to anyone who would do her or her son wrong. She could have held many grudges over the way she was treated for years but didn't. If I rated this purely based on her, it would be 5+ stars.

Honestly, I don't have a lot to say about Mike, the hero. I liked him well enough but we don't get a lot of time with him. He knew he wanted Allie right away and wouldn't take no for an answer. But, I never really connected with him. Like I said, everything really revolves around Allie. There's plenty of hot sex scenes between the two. And I did feel he loved Allie but I wanted more from his perspective. Plus, I really wanted more interaction between him and Dougie.

I really, really hate there was some very unnecessary OW drama. This led to a secret Mike had coming out in a horrible way. I think there could have been a better way for it to come out and the actual secret was very minor anyway. I definitely knocked it down a star for that. It was just an unnecessary device used and to me, lowered my enjoyment a little.

I felt things were a little rushed at the end. You have the "big conflict" and then it's over. There is some slight time jumping that was a bit annoying. It left me feeling like something was missing during those times. I'd have also liked to see more time with her grandfather and part of that healing. There's an epilogue but I would have like to have seen a bit further in the future. Definitely a HFN but I did feel they would get a HEA.

On a side note, the author comments at the end this was her first novel she ever wrote. Kudos to her. It was a really good first novel.

Safety Gang:

Allie has only had one sexual partner, Dougie's father but she's dated. His father was killed I think around the time she found out she was pregnant...don't remember exactly. She did not love him.

Allie and Mike always use condoms.

Mike broke up with Madeline, his gf before he moved into town 6 months prior. He had planned on asking her to marry him but realized it was wrong and he didn't really love her so he broke up with her. She comes to the bar where Allie works and says she's his fiancé but as they talk to her she admits "not yet but he'll change his mind". At this time it also comes out his family is rich and he didn't tell Allie. Naturally, she's upset. Mike comes to the bar and Allie pushes him away. She finds out later that Madeline spent the night at his place. Of course she assumes the worst but Mike sets her straight that he slept on the couch since it was too late to send Madeline on her way back home. They were all at the bar very late. Allie makes him grovel for a while and he doesn't give up on her.

Let me just say to you all, if you go into this reading it as more of a coming home and getting your life together book with a side of romance instead of a romance book, I think you will enjoy it. The romance is there, but I just don't think it was upfront and center.

[Kat Desi · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I LOVE SMALL TOWN ROMANCE! I don’t know why I love them so much, especially when it comes to romance. It’s just so homey and cozy to read, and it makes me want to just up and leave the city every time I read one. So heartwarming.

Lisa Emme is a new-to-me author. I have heard nothing but praises for her Urban Fantasy series (which have been previously reviewed by Veronica in the blog) so I really looked forward to reading Home Again. Can I just say that I really enjoyed this story? To be honest though I can’t really count this as Romantic Suspense as this was more romance focused than on the mystery/suspense part, or that element was not that strong to be counted as Romantic Suspense but this is my own perspective. Other readers might think otherwise.

Highly recommend reading this book for contemporary small town romance lovers like me, especially if you like a bit of suspense in it. You’ll definitely enjoy this book! The characters were endearing, Mike and Allie and their cozy family. This book is more than just romance. This is a story of second chances (family) and taking a risk (love).

This ARC was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Deserie williams]

self note: just not for me. personal triggers.

[Pamela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Home Again. It's a well-developed story with an array of characters, pretty much all of them likeable. As I was reading I thought this was going to be a three-star rating or more but it's because the novel was way too long that it lost a star. I was three-quarters of the way in and kept thinking is this ever going to end. I didn't think the plot (and sub-plot) was well-developed. Perhaps it's because the author spent all her time writing about the heroine as there was so much information about all the jobs she has and what she does day in and day out. Seriously, how many jobs did she really have and where did she find the time to accomplish it all? It was ridiculous. In addition to spending time with her son, she works at a bar till closing. She's such an amazing bartender as she can make any and every drink to perfection, sells her pies and cakes to a shop (when does she bake these?), works on the farm taking care of the horses, picking and growing vegetables and strawberries, makes jams, and of course, breakfast, lunch and dinner. I'm not done yet. She can pitch balls, is comfortable and a good shot with her short gun, she's a terrific mother and is loved by all. Somewhere in between all her jobs and everything else she does she's managed to have sex and get some sleep. If that's isn't enough, she's absolutely beautiful and of course, downplays it. And let's not forget how incredibly talented she is as an artist. She's so talented that she could display her pictures in a gallery in New York and sell-out overnight because they're just so amazing. Don't know about you but I'm about to upchuck from little Miss Fucking Sunshine and all her goodness. Blech! Is it any wonder why I didn't find her to be believable? Why authors create such perfect heroines is beyond me.

One major issue I had was with respect to her special needs son. She works all these jobs trying to make money so she can buy her son's medication which is so expensive, pay the bills and put food on the table. She doesn't know how she's going to be able to pay for all of it. Here's a thought: sell all those amazing pictures you've got laying about. I understand that she doesn't want to part with her pictures; however, a mother would do absolutely anything and everything possible like sell her rings, her car, or ask a family member so she can have some money and pay for the medication and have food on the table instead of having twenty jobs. She'd rather work herself to the point of exhaustion instead of selling all her paintings? She'd rather put her son's health at risk all because she's too proud? What a crock of shit. A mother would cut off her own arm to save her child.
Moving on, with so many key people that make up the novel, I don't understand why the author would introduce them and not make them a part of the story. Case in point, her uncle Randy pays for her prescription drugs, feels bad about how the family treated Allie and yet we're not given any insight to their relationship. Same goes with her grandfather. Not once did they ever talk about their relationship, how he disowned his own daughter and grand-daughter (Allie). We see him try to mend the relationship by babysitting his great-grandson, treating Allie with respect at a party. Allie doesn't know why her grandfather has changed his views, and unfortunately, instead of giving us a developed story about these relationships, we're just told of what each of them did. Not once does Allie have a heart-to-heart conversation with her uncle or grandfather. Instead it's all wrapped up nice and neatly, a little too quickly.

Another aspect that was underdeveloped is when Allie and her son are kidnapped. Instead of delving into this, we're just told what happened. We never get to see Allie confront her kidnappers, or thank her family members for helping in the search to find them or how she moves on from this ordeal. It's simply over and done with.

My last gripe has to do with the so-called "angst" which was so bloody lame. Mike's ex comes to town looking for him and telling everyone she's his fiancée. Automatically Allie jumps to the wrong conclusion and won't listen to Mike. For a 25 year-old, I found her to be quite immature. As for Mike's family money, so he didn't tell her his family is wealthy; so what? Get over it. Once again all of this is wrapped up quickly with his ex leaving town and him telling Allie about his family money. The so-called "angst" was a complete waste of time.

In the end, it's a story that had so much potential had the author spent more time on developing her relationships with family members and her new love interest instead of inundating us with so many Allie's jobs and all the amazing things Allie can do. I'm surprised she wasn't walking on water.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2016/02/review-...

Allie Daniels is a single mom whose maternal family abandoned her when her mother ran away with her father against their wishes. Having left her hometown years ago, Allie is forced back home with her aunt and uncle when her apartment burns down, leaving her and her son with nothing. Having already spent a majority of her life having to pay for her parent’s supposed sins, Allie isn’t interested in rehashing the past. She just wants a safe place to raise her son, Dougie, and make a little money to restart their lives.

Dr. Mike Finn isn’t looking for love…just a place to live out his dream in a small quiet town as a veterinarian. He finds both though when he runs into Allie. Instant attraction blazes but Allie isn’t interested in relationships right now. Mike uses his charm and some help from the town to spend as much time in Allie’s space as he can, slowly breaking down her objections.

When a series of ‘accidents’ around her aunt and uncle’s farm began to evolve from childish pranks to potentially fatal deeds, Allie takes it upon herself to do some investigating. Thankfully for her, she has a protective vet who’s determined to keep her heart and body safe when someone decides to stop Allie permanently.

Home Again is a delightfully humorous and sexy small town romance by debut author Lisa Emme. Light hearted with a steamy romance and a hint of mystery and suspense, Emme will keep you laughing and sighing as she builds an engaging contemporary using the small town dynamics that make these romances so popular. With some updating to the trope and a refreshing lack of internal angst, our heroine Allie is someone readers will easily relate to. Strong willed, intelligent, witty, and very self-reliant, Emme doesn’t make her a martyr to her past. She works hard and enjoys life to the fullest with the help of an adorably portrayed son, a loving family, and some well-meaning friends at her back.

The romance is the focus of the story, playing well with the various elements of coming home, forgiveness, and redemption. Allie and Mike have some potent chemistry that is uplifted with their jocular banter and ardent foreplay. Emme doesn’t make it hard for them-no mind games played or heavy secrets that require a separate storyline all their own. She takes it slow and easy, allowing Allie to find her footing back in the town and her life while subtly weaving in a mystery that engages and opens the door for some much needed familial reconciliation. Combustible sex scenes with a dash of kink should have felt out of place but Emme blends them into the storyline effortlessly, showcasing her skills in characterization.

The supporting characters are portrayed perfectly as nosy, concerned busybodies who all have plenty of advice to give, whether you want it or not. Allie’s best friends and their husbands offer her the support she craves while her aunt and uncle give her the unconditional love she deserves. Allie’s relationship with her grandfather and that branch of the family was interesting to watch play out over the course of the story though I would have enjoyed a little more depth in the resolution. Also, while Mike was a prominent figure, more transparency into his background would have given him a solid base on which to stand. By the end of the story, there was actually very little we knew about him.

The ending is a whirlwind of chilling activity as the secrets of the mystery reveal completely through a series of unfortunate events. Everything wraps up nicely and we are assured that no matter what anyone says-you can indeed come home again.

Grade: B-

[Delanea]

Lisa Emme wrote a wonderful book. Home Again is all about family and forgiveness-- tolerance. Themes are so very much in the spotlight of current events.

Allie has returned home after some years with her son, Dougie who suffers from epilepsy. She is a single mother with a past in her small town, full of gossip, with only her aunt and uncle in her corner. Then she meets Dr. Mike Finn-- a veterinarian.

I found my self smiling a lot reading this book. Even with all of the struggle she has been through and the baggage she carries, Allie allows Mike in. He and Dougie hit it off, making the handsome doctor all the more attractive. For his part, Dougie's presence brings a familial stand back into the limelight. While the small group have some fun times, the suspense and mystery surrounding Allie builds at a steady pace, culminating in a terrific ending to the book.

I give this book 5 stars. Congratulations to you, Lisa Emme, on a job well done!

[Rosanna Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home Again is the first book I've read by Lisa Emme and I have no doubt I'll be looking up this author again. If you love a down home country sort of romance, this should be on your reading radar. To me, this book felt a lot like a warm hug from a friend. It's sweet and full of endearing characters who feel familiar but new, and has lots of sex appeal. Hero Mike is the sort of hero who recognizes what he wants and goes for it. It can be refreshing to read about a character who isn't full of "Should I or shouldn't I?" angst. Heroine Allie provided a bit more angst as she grapples with love and old family resentments. Some nasty villainous types rounded out the cast nicely and provided some great conflict toward the finale.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awwww. Love this sweet, exciting, fun romance

Allie and Mike make me happy. I couldn't help but hate Rowdy, but he might be redeemable later :)

Lots of sweet romance, steam, and mystery. Definitely for those who love a good romance with some mystery. Also, I have a huge aoft spot for Dads that don't have to be dads. Mike won me over in the first scene.

[Catherine Bibby (Rochelle's Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

If you are looking for a romance with an earthy and down home country feel to it then Home Again is what you want. This is Lisa Emme's debut novel in the contemporary romance genre and she took to it like a duck to water! Lisa takes Allie Daniels back to the her small home town with strawberry jam, country fairs, and a hot muscled veterinarian. Home Again is full of funny and amazing characters, criminal mischief, deceit, suspense, and buckets of steam! So grab a hold of your cowboy hat, wiggle into those wranglers and put on those cowboy boots because Allie and Mike take readers on a wild, passionate ride that will leave you with a craving for homemade pie and another helping of romance.

Allie is a single mom that just moved back from the city to a small town filled with home grown traditions and plenty of gossip. While settling in again Allie quickly comes to realize that she still has enemies in this town that plan on persuading her to leave. After meeting the gorgeous Harley riding vet, there is no way her heart will let her leave her home again. I was in awe of this feisty woman who was dealt bad cards in life and still manages to be independent and take care of her “little man” Dougie. I couldn't help but fall in love with this mother and son duo and all that they have endured.

Mike Finn is done with the city life and ready to get some fresh air and see where small town life takes him. Now he has his sights set on the sexy, easy to spook bar tender and he plans on taming her and stealing her heart. From the moment that Mike was introduced, he had me captivated. When it comes to this sweet talking, motorcycle riding, belt buckle wearing hottie, chivalry is not dead. Everything about him speaks to a woman's heart he is all alpha male protector and raw sexuality. He will have you quivering in your boots and melting when he takes charge both in and out of the bedroom and calls Allie “kitten”....sigh! Okay I might have found myself a new favorite book boyfriend, don't judge me.

Lisa Emme delivers her readers the perfect mixture of sweet and spicy romance with plenty of mystery and “who dunnit” intrigue and humor sprinkled in. All of her characters are multifaceted and add depth and laughs to the story. Home Again is her first venture into contemporary romance but hopefully will not be her last. I highly recommend for a love story that proves it is never late to go home and find love again. Despite the beautiful, endearing picture on the cover, Mike and Allie get down and dirty in the sweetest way possible and leave you clamoring for more.

[Qmania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. The characters were so believable and likeable. Allie is great - a real fighter that would do anything for her family. Mike was dreamy - protective and determined but not all alpha male. The spark between the two was evident and I really enjoyed their spicy scenes.

My favourite character though, would have to be Dougie, the young son. He was so cute and I think that Emme really captured the spirit and personality of a young child. The story was very entertaining. There were moments where I laughed, a few where I teared up, and I was glued to the pages at the end wanting to know what was going to happen next. All in all this was a sweet romance and a great read.

[Shawnee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice story with very relatable characters. I enjoyed the read. Their was humor, suspense and romance all wrapped into one. I loved Allie and the story that developed around her and her son. It had great inner dialogue that allowed me to get into the minds of the character. I would recommend this to another reader.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Lisa Emme for providing me a copy of this wonderful story for an honest review! I loved this story. It has all of the things I love in my romance stories; romance, friendships, drama, small town gossip, etc... I've read this book twice and would read it a third time! Lisa Emme is a wonderful writer with lots of talent and creativity.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who doesn't like a small town romance!?
Allie is a single mother who has to move back to her home town with son who has some health issues. While she only plans to be back in town for a short while, she meets a hunky man who rides a motorcycle and a few strange things going on she feels she needs to get to the bottom of.

[Kelly Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet little story in a small town.

Going back to where it all started is hard sometimes. For Allie, it was all that and then some.

In walks the Dr and everything seems to fall into place. it's much easier to fight your battles as a team.

[Norma · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Sweet story. I enjoyed this.