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Sanctuary Island #6
Home at Last
Home is where the heart is…
In Lily Everett's Home at Last , Marcus Beckett left Sanctuary Island after his mother’s funeral, and he hasn’t been back since. Until now. Needing a change from the high-risk, high-stakes life of a bodyguard, Marcus makes a solitary life for himself running the neighborhood bar in his hometown. His only mistake? Seducing and then dumping the town’s sweetheart, Quinn Harper. Marcus knows he did the right thing―a good girl like Quinn has no business with a broken man like him. But now no one will come to his bar, and he’s watching his last chance at a peaceful life go up in smoke. So when Quinn proposes a fake four-week courtship, he can’t refuse…even though he knows it’s a bad idea.
It’s a romantic charade that will buy Quinn time to distract her mother and father from their own marital problems―and will help Marcus welcome back some paying customers besides. But what begins as an engagement of convenience slowly transforms into a deeper connection, one that heals both of their hearts. . .and ignites the simmering passion between them. Could it be that pretending to be together is just what Quinn and Marcus needed to give their real love a second chance?
"Heartwarming, emotional, extremely romantic...Enjoy your trip to Sanctuary Island! I guarantee you won't want to leave."―Bella Andre, New York Times bestselling author
In Lily Everett's Home at Last , Marcus Beckett left Sanctuary Island after his mother’s funeral, and he hasn’t been back since. Until now. Needing a change from the high-risk, high-stakes life of a bodyguard, Marcus makes a solitary life for himself running the neighborhood bar in his hometown. His only mistake? Seducing and then dumping the town’s sweetheart, Quinn Harper. Marcus knows he did the right thing―a good girl like Quinn has no business with a broken man like him. But now no one will come to his bar, and he’s watching his last chance at a peaceful life go up in smoke. So when Quinn proposes a fake four-week courtship, he can’t refuse…even though he knows it’s a bad idea.
It’s a romantic charade that will buy Quinn time to distract her mother and father from their own marital problems―and will help Marcus welcome back some paying customers besides. But what begins as an engagement of convenience slowly transforms into a deeper connection, one that heals both of their hearts. . .and ignites the simmering passion between them. Could it be that pretending to be together is just what Quinn and Marcus needed to give their real love a second chance?
"Heartwarming, emotional, extremely romantic...Enjoy your trip to Sanctuary Island! I guarantee you won't want to leave."―Bella Andre, New York Times bestselling author
303 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 7, 2017
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800 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
February 13, 2017
3 - "Only with you..." Stars.
Lily Everett takes her readers back to Sanctuary Island for the sixth book in the series Home at Last. This is Marcus and Quinn’s book and I was eagerly looking forward to reading their story.
Unfortunately, the story the author delivered fell way short of the expectations I had, especially after the way this couple were with each other in the previous book from the series Close to Home, it was made very clear that Marcus is a man with a number of personal demons that he wasn’t really dealing with, and Quinn was the woman that helped calm, stormy waters. So to have everything that was implied in the small amount you see of them in the previous book almost brushed under the carpet in this one left me really disappointed.
"Face it. You’re in a pickle."
The other thing that really bugs me is when an author gives you a secondary character in a book, and you get to know them, then when they get their own book, completely acts out of the character that you have already got a general impression of. That was 100% the case with this one, and the things Marcus agreed to in an effort to help Quinn out with her family issues were totally out of character for the guy I had previously got to know.
"I may be an optimistic idiot when it comes to romance, but even I have my limits…!
And that is where we hit the motherlode of my issues, the whole ridiculous situation with Quinn’s parents, and Dastardly Doctor Ron, the marriage guru/con-man. It was beyond ridiculous, and took what could have been a sweet, poignant second chance romance between her and Marcus, and turned it into a bit of a farce.
"What a mess."
I’ll be honest, I had high expectations for this book, the author gave me them and they were built on the couple and their budding relationship that she teased me with in the previous book, so to take that story-line make it secondary, and to put everything Quinn’s flaky mother, and spineless father were bumbling through in the forefront felt like a huge let-down to the story that this couple could have had if the author had kept the focus on them. The parts when they were together (and there weren’t a huge amount, sadly) took me to the place I wanted to be with them, but it just kept being overshadowed by the unnecessary familial drama between her parents.
"You’re my hero…"
"I’m nobody’s hero."
"If you want me to buy that… You’re going to have to stop being there for me when I need you the most."
I love visiting Sanctuary Island, and my disappointment on this occasion won’t stop me visiting again in the future, I just wish the author had stayed true to the couple that deserved to have the focus on them and their story in this one, rather than being put on the back burner for what quite frankly was a ridiculous and childish level of unnecessary drama.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Lily Everett takes her readers back to Sanctuary Island for the sixth book in the series Home at Last. This is Marcus and Quinn’s book and I was eagerly looking forward to reading their story.
Unfortunately, the story the author delivered fell way short of the expectations I had, especially after the way this couple were with each other in the previous book from the series Close to Home, it was made very clear that Marcus is a man with a number of personal demons that he wasn’t really dealing with, and Quinn was the woman that helped calm, stormy waters. So to have everything that was implied in the small amount you see of them in the previous book almost brushed under the carpet in this one left me really disappointed.
"Face it. You’re in a pickle."
The other thing that really bugs me is when an author gives you a secondary character in a book, and you get to know them, then when they get their own book, completely acts out of the character that you have already got a general impression of. That was 100% the case with this one, and the things Marcus agreed to in an effort to help Quinn out with her family issues were totally out of character for the guy I had previously got to know.
"I may be an optimistic idiot when it comes to romance, but even I have my limits…!
And that is where we hit the motherlode of my issues, the whole ridiculous situation with Quinn’s parents, and Dastardly Doctor Ron, the marriage guru/con-man. It was beyond ridiculous, and took what could have been a sweet, poignant second chance romance between her and Marcus, and turned it into a bit of a farce.
"What a mess."
I’ll be honest, I had high expectations for this book, the author gave me them and they were built on the couple and their budding relationship that she teased me with in the previous book, so to take that story-line make it secondary, and to put everything Quinn’s flaky mother, and spineless father were bumbling through in the forefront felt like a huge let-down to the story that this couple could have had if the author had kept the focus on them. The parts when they were together (and there weren’t a huge amount, sadly) took me to the place I wanted to be with them, but it just kept being overshadowed by the unnecessary familial drama between her parents.
"You’re my hero…"
"I’m nobody’s hero."
"If you want me to buy that… You’re going to have to stop being there for me when I need you the most."
I love visiting Sanctuary Island, and my disappointment on this occasion won’t stop me visiting again in the future, I just wish the author had stayed true to the couple that deserved to have the focus on them and their story in this one, rather than being put on the back burner for what quite frankly was a ridiculous and childish level of unnecessary drama.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
January 7, 2017
I love that phrase, “Home is where the heart is…” as it fits HOME AT LASTby Lily Everett like Cupid and Hearts. Two people grow up together, neighbors, but when life bears down on Marcus, he leaves for parts unknown, leaving Quinn behind with her quirky style and crush on him. Their brief fling was only enough to hurt Marcus’s rep around town and Quinn has an offer he cannot believe to help him out. Should her take her crazy challenge? Can he take being so close to her for one whole month? He is everything she doesn’t need, but he is also everything she wants.
Life has brought Marcus back home and he is trying to re-plant the roots he tore out. Meanwhile, Quinn is caught up in a major family crisis that her mother believes a couples guru can fix. Think Snake Oil Salesmen, here. Is it possible her parents will sell the only home she has ever known because of its negative vibes? Has their marriage really devolved into something so hollow that even this guru sounds believable?
Acting out being a couple in love is torturous for both of them, but could it be a rehearsal for the real thing? Right now, it is the best idea Quinn could come up with to stop her parents from making a huge mistake! (While getting her Marcus fix, along the way)
This time out, Lily Everett has splashed a large dash of humor, fun, and some farfetched marital tips that may have sinister designs underneath. Absolutely wonderful reading that will both make you smile and get your heart racing as love takes center stage on Sanctuary Island.
I received an ARC edition from St Martin's Paperbacks in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (March 7, 2017)
Publication Date: March 7, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 320 pages
Available from:Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Life has brought Marcus back home and he is trying to re-plant the roots he tore out. Meanwhile, Quinn is caught up in a major family crisis that her mother believes a couples guru can fix. Think Snake Oil Salesmen, here. Is it possible her parents will sell the only home she has ever known because of its negative vibes? Has their marriage really devolved into something so hollow that even this guru sounds believable?
Acting out being a couple in love is torturous for both of them, but could it be a rehearsal for the real thing? Right now, it is the best idea Quinn could come up with to stop her parents from making a huge mistake! (While getting her Marcus fix, along the way)
This time out, Lily Everett has splashed a large dash of humor, fun, and some farfetched marital tips that may have sinister designs underneath. Absolutely wonderful reading that will both make you smile and get your heart racing as love takes center stage on Sanctuary Island.
I received an ARC edition from St Martin's Paperbacks in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (March 7, 2017)
Publication Date: March 7, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 320 pages
Available from:Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 12, 2017
3.5 stars
Home at Last by Lily Everett was a heartwarming and entertaining read.
I enjoyed watching Marcus and Quinn's relationship unfold. They made me laugh, they frustrated me a little and they made my heart swoon.
These two were perfect for each other and totally deserved their HEA after everything they'd been through.
Home at Last is a lovely addition to the Sanctuary Island series and I highly recommend them all!
*Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy*
Home at Last by Lily Everett was a heartwarming and entertaining read.
I enjoyed watching Marcus and Quinn's relationship unfold. They made me laugh, they frustrated me a little and they made my heart swoon.
These two were perfect for each other and totally deserved their HEA after everything they'd been through.
Home at Last is a lovely addition to the Sanctuary Island series and I highly recommend them all!
*Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy*
April 20, 2017
It’s hard to believe that we’re already at book six in this engaging series. I was anxious for Marcus and Quinn’s story since getting to know them and their undeniable attraction in book five,
CLOSE TO HOME
. Sanctuary Island latches onto your heart and you can’t wait to come back to this quirky island of healing. There are always surprises and this one has some doozies.
Marcus Beckett harbors secrets and is a hard man to love. He has been broken by love, and he has no desire to repeat it. Marcus believes he’s unlovable, and for most of this novel, I believed him. He pushes Quinn away at every turn. Little by little his true nature reveals itself, and when he comes clean in the end, it’s beautiful.
Quinn Harper is the quirkier of the pair. She’s a free spirit who reflects her mother more than she realizes it. This story is as much about Quinn’s parents’ failing marriage as it is about her pretend engagement to Marcus. It’s because of Quinn’s parents’ possible divorce that Marcus gets roped into becoming Quinn’s pretend fiancé.
When both couples must live together and are forced to work with a ridiculous, conniving marriage guru, life gets interesting, volatile, and explosive. I began to believe that none of them would end up in a happily-ever-after relationship. The slime-ball marriage guru is very good at creating havoc for his own gain. He’s the creepy villain you’ll love to hate.
Primarily a relationship novel, it’s not riddled with suspense or multiple subplots to keep the story moving forward. That’s probably why I had a much harder time staying connected to this story during a time of distractions in my own life. It’s a much slower pace than previous books, but it still packs a punch.
This novel is essentially a comfort read with quirky characters who aren’t always easy to love. As always, author Lily Everett pulls out the emotion that choked me up. Ms. Everett is gifted at creating rare characters with numerous flaws, who you can’t resist loving in the end. I cried like a baby over some of the circumstances. Once the emotional roller coaster gets rolling down the hill, it’s a wild ride to the end.
HOME AT LAST closed too quickly, leaving me wanting more, but it was extremely effective in reminding me why I love this author’s style. Start at the beginning with SANCTUARY ISLAND and continue through the series. I’m sure you’ll enjoy them as much as I have.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies. Digital ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review.
Marcus Beckett harbors secrets and is a hard man to love. He has been broken by love, and he has no desire to repeat it. Marcus believes he’s unlovable, and for most of this novel, I believed him. He pushes Quinn away at every turn. Little by little his true nature reveals itself, and when he comes clean in the end, it’s beautiful.
Quinn Harper is the quirkier of the pair. She’s a free spirit who reflects her mother more than she realizes it. This story is as much about Quinn’s parents’ failing marriage as it is about her pretend engagement to Marcus. It’s because of Quinn’s parents’ possible divorce that Marcus gets roped into becoming Quinn’s pretend fiancé.
When both couples must live together and are forced to work with a ridiculous, conniving marriage guru, life gets interesting, volatile, and explosive. I began to believe that none of them would end up in a happily-ever-after relationship. The slime-ball marriage guru is very good at creating havoc for his own gain. He’s the creepy villain you’ll love to hate.
Primarily a relationship novel, it’s not riddled with suspense or multiple subplots to keep the story moving forward. That’s probably why I had a much harder time staying connected to this story during a time of distractions in my own life. It’s a much slower pace than previous books, but it still packs a punch.
This novel is essentially a comfort read with quirky characters who aren’t always easy to love. As always, author Lily Everett pulls out the emotion that choked me up. Ms. Everett is gifted at creating rare characters with numerous flaws, who you can’t resist loving in the end. I cried like a baby over some of the circumstances. Once the emotional roller coaster gets rolling down the hill, it’s a wild ride to the end.
HOME AT LAST closed too quickly, leaving me wanting more, but it was extremely effective in reminding me why I love this author’s style. Start at the beginning with SANCTUARY ISLAND and continue through the series. I’m sure you’ll enjoy them as much as I have.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies. Digital ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review.
February 18, 2017
Home at Last 'Home at Last' by Lily Everett is book Six in the "Sanctuary Island" series. This is the story of Quinn and Marcus. I have read the previous book and I do feel it would be helpful for you to enjoy this book more if you read the previous book "Close to Home". Quinn has been in love with Marcus her former next door neighbor for a long time. But he up and left town never to return until now. Marcus has returned home to try to make a new start and to live a slower, quieter type lifestyle. Quinn is the so called 'town sweetheart' and the town isn't warming up to Marcus due to them being upset that Marcus for 'Seducing and then dumping' Quinn. Quinn is finding out that her parents are having marriage problems when they return from their trip with a third person who is possessively helping them with their marriage. Quinn thinks that if her parents thinks she and Marcus are possibly getting married it may help settle down their marriage some. In addition, this will help Marcus with his bar and the town being more open to him to see that he might be settling down. But as we know all fake engagements seem to lead to true love. Really sweet second chance at love romance. "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1... https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H... https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
February 25, 2017
I briefly got to know Marcus and Quinn in Close to Home. I really liked them and could not wait to read their story. After finishing this book, their story is even better than I hoped.
I recently finished another book where the male lead had a nickname for the female lead. Marcus has one for Quinn as well. It is "Turbo". Knowing the meaning behind it makes it all that more enduring. Despite a 10 year age difference, it was not felt as Quinn and Marcus interacted with each other. In fact, I think it actually helped their relationship as Quinn was so much wiser beyond her young age. There was so many emotions captured in their relationship. Which I connected with them both as people and as a couple. Plus, their story showed that there is more to love than just sex.
While, this book was focused mainly on Quinn and Marcus; the other characters did not just sit by and play second string. Additionally, they had strong presence in this story as well and I enjoyed every one of them. I felt like I had come home with this book. Home at Last is a heart-warming read!
I recently finished another book where the male lead had a nickname for the female lead. Marcus has one for Quinn as well. It is "Turbo". Knowing the meaning behind it makes it all that more enduring. Despite a 10 year age difference, it was not felt as Quinn and Marcus interacted with each other. In fact, I think it actually helped their relationship as Quinn was so much wiser beyond her young age. There was so many emotions captured in their relationship. Which I connected with them both as people and as a couple. Plus, their story showed that there is more to love than just sex.
While, this book was focused mainly on Quinn and Marcus; the other characters did not just sit by and play second string. Additionally, they had strong presence in this story as well and I enjoyed every one of them. I felt like I had come home with this book. Home at Last is a heart-warming read!
February 2, 2017
When it came to Quinn, Marcus always made time for her, “we’re supposed to open up the bar in half an hour,” he said, already reaching for her." I liked this book, Marcus was a good guy.
March 29, 2017
Home was just the feeling that I got as I settled in to read the latest addition to the Sanctuary Island series. Marcus was back but what drove him away the first time has nothing to do with what may send him packing this time around. He done something many of the islands residence cannot accept. On the other hand Quinn the island darling proposes a way to make things right for him and maybe provide some distraction for herself at the same time. This was a fake relationship with the potential for making both their worlds right again but for different reasons. The both were escaping something in their lives and together they found a chance to really turn off the outside world and explore what lay ahead of them together. This was a beautiful second chance romance that was better the second time around. They had time to grow with one another. Learn about each other. And ultimately find that they had more in common than either one of them would have dreamed of.
Warm, caring, beautiful and opening. The characters put you right at home on the island. There are always more sides to the situation than the one presented. Sanctuary Island has yet another side of its beauty revealed with the story of Quinn and Marcus. Put up the latest addition to the series. It’s a good place to start if you are new to it and it will be a great way to continue on if you have already begun.
Warm, caring, beautiful and opening. The characters put you right at home on the island. There are always more sides to the situation than the one presented. Sanctuary Island has yet another side of its beauty revealed with the story of Quinn and Marcus. Put up the latest addition to the series. It’s a good place to start if you are new to it and it will be a great way to continue on if you have already begun.
March 18, 2017
ARC REVIEW
Home at Last is book six in Lily Everett's Sanctuary Island series, after the build up from the previous book I was a little disappointed in the overall story. Quinn and Marcus were amusing with their old married couple bickering but in this book you really don't see much of that in this book. The romance between them seemed very easy, I thought the main focus of the book was more on Quinn's parents their problem and her dealing with them. Marcus also dealing with his past and the baggage he carries.
Quinn and Marcus had a steamy relationship until Marcus' and all his guilt and drama got the better of him and he ended things with Quinn. A little later Quinn's parents come back to town after traveling and staying at home with them would drive her crazy, so she kind of pushes Marcus into letting her stay in the other apartment above Buttercup Inn. Quinn's parents are on the verge of divorce and according to Quinn it's not possible, there have never been two people more in love than her parents. On their travels her parents met a relationship guru who has them doubting their marriage and telling them they need to sell their house. Quinn thinks that if she is in a steady relationship then her parents can stop worrying about her and they won't sell their house. Quinn makes deal with Marcus and he agrees. To make matters worse Quinn's mom invited the guru to stay with them and his schemes have all five of them staying at Quinn's childhood home, which is right next door to Marcus' childhood home; a home he has not returned to since the death of his mother. Quinn and Marcus know there's something fishy going on with the guru and Marcus and Quinn dig into his background to discover the truth. Quinn and Marcus' relationship shifts from fake to real but can it survive the insecurity they both feel when it comes to committing.
Overall, I liked the characters and how they dealt with their problems how everything was resolved but the story all in all just didn't do it for me.
Home at Last is book six in Lily Everett's Sanctuary Island series, after the build up from the previous book I was a little disappointed in the overall story. Quinn and Marcus were amusing with their old married couple bickering but in this book you really don't see much of that in this book. The romance between them seemed very easy, I thought the main focus of the book was more on Quinn's parents their problem and her dealing with them. Marcus also dealing with his past and the baggage he carries.
Quinn and Marcus had a steamy relationship until Marcus' and all his guilt and drama got the better of him and he ended things with Quinn. A little later Quinn's parents come back to town after traveling and staying at home with them would drive her crazy, so she kind of pushes Marcus into letting her stay in the other apartment above Buttercup Inn. Quinn's parents are on the verge of divorce and according to Quinn it's not possible, there have never been two people more in love than her parents. On their travels her parents met a relationship guru who has them doubting their marriage and telling them they need to sell their house. Quinn thinks that if she is in a steady relationship then her parents can stop worrying about her and they won't sell their house. Quinn makes deal with Marcus and he agrees. To make matters worse Quinn's mom invited the guru to stay with them and his schemes have all five of them staying at Quinn's childhood home, which is right next door to Marcus' childhood home; a home he has not returned to since the death of his mother. Quinn and Marcus know there's something fishy going on with the guru and Marcus and Quinn dig into his background to discover the truth. Quinn and Marcus' relationship shifts from fake to real but can it survive the insecurity they both feel when it comes to committing.
Overall, I liked the characters and how they dealt with their problems how everything was resolved but the story all in all just didn't do it for me.
February 8, 2017
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
4.5
This was another book recommended to me by the publisher's representative. I can only say: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! The talent that this author is packin is OMG. I just found this author yesterday and I tore through everything of hers I had on my shelves. I am going to keep a close eye on anything else from her. In the meantime, consider ANYTHING she writes to be recommended. Seriously find out for yourself what the fuss is all about.
4.5
This was another book recommended to me by the publisher's representative. I can only say: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! The talent that this author is packin is OMG. I just found this author yesterday and I tore through everything of hers I had on my shelves. I am going to keep a close eye on anything else from her. In the meantime, consider ANYTHING she writes to be recommended. Seriously find out for yourself what the fuss is all about.
November 1, 2018
Heart lifting romance with a kick…
Quinn is the sweet heart of Sanctuary Island, the town people thought of Quinn as flighty and with good reason. Quinn was out to prove that she has staying power, even when she came head to head with her past and the man who broke her heart.
Marcus Sanctuary Island’s own Bad Boy returns to open his bar, which he is trying to keep it afloat, but as he is finding out it isn’t as easy as he thought in a town who knew all his secrets. After all Marcus and the towns sweetheart have a past.
Past is past is what they say, but can that be true in Quinn and Marcus’s case? Marcus and Quinn have a friend to lover history that ended on a bad note. One thing they had going for them is the chemistry between them. Marcus had a problem with the ten years between them where Quinn did not see any issue. For a man who did not care he made sure Quinn was taken care of.
Supporting characters giving an interesting turn to an already wonderful plot. From Quinn and Marcus’s parents, the town people, to that Rat Ron things were very entertaining. In Home at Last Lily Everett gave us a plot that was superb! Characters that have so many layers I can’ wait to see where Ms. Everett takes the Sanctuary Island Series next.
Rated 4 Stilettos by Deb!
Quinn is the sweet heart of Sanctuary Island, the town people thought of Quinn as flighty and with good reason. Quinn was out to prove that she has staying power, even when she came head to head with her past and the man who broke her heart.
Marcus Sanctuary Island’s own Bad Boy returns to open his bar, which he is trying to keep it afloat, but as he is finding out it isn’t as easy as he thought in a town who knew all his secrets. After all Marcus and the towns sweetheart have a past.
Past is past is what they say, but can that be true in Quinn and Marcus’s case? Marcus and Quinn have a friend to lover history that ended on a bad note. One thing they had going for them is the chemistry between them. Marcus had a problem with the ten years between them where Quinn did not see any issue. For a man who did not care he made sure Quinn was taken care of.
Supporting characters giving an interesting turn to an already wonderful plot. From Quinn and Marcus’s parents, the town people, to that Rat Ron things were very entertaining. In Home at Last Lily Everett gave us a plot that was superb! Characters that have so many layers I can’ wait to see where Ms. Everett takes the Sanctuary Island Series next.
Rated 4 Stilettos by Deb!
September 20, 2018
This is the story of Quinn Harper and Marcus Beckett who are natives of Sanctuary Island. Marcus recently returned and opened a bar while Quinn has never really left. They were together when Marcus first returned but he dumped her and now the town is shunning the bar. However Quinn needs a favor from Marcus - her parents marriage is having problems and she wants Marcus to be her pretend boyfriend. What happens next is that everything gets out of hand and snowballs. The book was a quick easy read.
March 9, 2017
3.5 Stars
I was excited to get the rest of Marcus and Quinn's story, which was introduced in the previous book, 'Close to Home.' I was looking forward to their second chance romance, and finding out all the ways they ticked. Marcus was an especially difficult character to read. When he put up walls, he really went all out. Good thing Quinn is an optimistic, positive person - Marcus's opposite - otherwise, there's no way they would have had a second chance. She was just the sunshine needed to help this relationship grow.
Now this story went in a direction I wasn't expecting, with the introduction of Quinn's parents and their marital problems, and their suspicious marriage guru. With Quinn's approach to helping her parents, and the way she obtained Marcus's help in the situation, I found these side-by-side stories quite interesting and intriguing. Though, truth be told, I wanted to shake sense into both couples after a while. There was a bit more back-and-forth, circling-the-same-issue repetition than I would have liked. But I also liked how so many issues were dealt with and resolved, or resolved-for-now, by the end.
Overall, I enjoyed this sweet romance. Marcus and Quinn, once they got out of their own way, were really a great couple, bringing their strengths into their relationship to help each other, and their personalities balanced out the differences in their approach on life. They became not only a beautiful, loving couple, but also created a wonderful partnership.
'Home at Last' is the sixth book in the Sanctuary Island series, but is really only a continuation of book five, 'Close to Home,' where Quinn and Marcus were introduced, though they were just side characters in that book. Since I gave 'Close to Home' 4 stars, and liked this slightly less, I'm giving it 3.5 stars
I was excited to get the rest of Marcus and Quinn's story, which was introduced in the previous book, 'Close to Home.' I was looking forward to their second chance romance, and finding out all the ways they ticked. Marcus was an especially difficult character to read. When he put up walls, he really went all out. Good thing Quinn is an optimistic, positive person - Marcus's opposite - otherwise, there's no way they would have had a second chance. She was just the sunshine needed to help this relationship grow.
Now this story went in a direction I wasn't expecting, with the introduction of Quinn's parents and their marital problems, and their suspicious marriage guru. With Quinn's approach to helping her parents, and the way she obtained Marcus's help in the situation, I found these side-by-side stories quite interesting and intriguing. Though, truth be told, I wanted to shake sense into both couples after a while. There was a bit more back-and-forth, circling-the-same-issue repetition than I would have liked. But I also liked how so many issues were dealt with and resolved, or resolved-for-now, by the end.
Overall, I enjoyed this sweet romance. Marcus and Quinn, once they got out of their own way, were really a great couple, bringing their strengths into their relationship to help each other, and their personalities balanced out the differences in their approach on life. They became not only a beautiful, loving couple, but also created a wonderful partnership.
'Home at Last' is the sixth book in the Sanctuary Island series, but is really only a continuation of book five, 'Close to Home,' where Quinn and Marcus were introduced, though they were just side characters in that book. Since I gave 'Close to Home' 4 stars, and liked this slightly less, I'm giving it 3.5 stars
March 7, 2017
HOME AT LAST by Lily Everett is a wonderfully heartwarming story of love, loss, and learning to believe in yourself again, set in the stunning community of Sanctuary Island. Quinn Harper is a vibrant and likeable character who has loved Marcus since she was a child, even though he carelessly tossed her to one side after their brief relationship when he returned to the island. Now her parents are back home but they are struggling with their own relationship and Quinn will do anything to stop them from making some rash decisions like selling her childhood home or get a divorce - even make up a fictitious boyfriend. Now all she needs to do is convince Marcus to play the part...
Marcus Beckett is back on Sanctuary Island hoping to make a life for himself with his new bar. But having hurt Quinn, the whole island is avoiding him and his new Inn. When Quinn informs him of her plan to save her family, while at the same time restoring his chances at making his business a success, he foolishly agrees. But as Marcus and Quinn spend more time together, it becomes harder to control the incredible heat between them. But Marcus has shut his heart off from love, as he has always lost those that mattered most, and he believes that Quinn is better off without him.
Throw in a relationship guru with an ulterior motive, some standing stones, and an old relationship that needs to be confronted, and HOME AT LAST by Lily Everett is a story that will melt your heart and make you swoon in all the right places. With strong, relatable characters, magical scenery, and well-paced throughout there is never a dull moment in this story - a top read!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.com
Marcus Beckett is back on Sanctuary Island hoping to make a life for himself with his new bar. But having hurt Quinn, the whole island is avoiding him and his new Inn. When Quinn informs him of her plan to save her family, while at the same time restoring his chances at making his business a success, he foolishly agrees. But as Marcus and Quinn spend more time together, it becomes harder to control the incredible heat between them. But Marcus has shut his heart off from love, as he has always lost those that mattered most, and he believes that Quinn is better off without him.
Throw in a relationship guru with an ulterior motive, some standing stones, and an old relationship that needs to be confronted, and HOME AT LAST by Lily Everett is a story that will melt your heart and make you swoon in all the right places. With strong, relatable characters, magical scenery, and well-paced throughout there is never a dull moment in this story - a top read!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.com
April 6, 2017
Another lovely book in this series. Such real characters, some strong emotional issues, some passion and romance. What more do you need in a romantic novel?
February 25, 2017
Quinn Harper had a childhood crush on her older neighbor, Marcus Beckett. In the previous book of this series the two had been together for a bit and then Marcus broke it off – hurting Quinn deeply. This book is the story of their fake return to dating as a ploy to keep Quinn’s parents from divorcing one another. Little did Quinn know that spending time together would lead to a whole lot more than either expected.
I love Quinn – what a sweetheart she is – even if she is having trouble figuring out what profession she wants forever. She is full of life and just what Marcus needs. Marcus…he is a curmudgeonly sort of guy that made decisions after college that caused his life to do a 180 degree turn. I don’t think he regrets that decision but he lets anger keep him from talking to the one person that he really should have. Quinn’s parents – a flaky mom and a diligent dad now in retirement and struggling as they move forward were easy pickings for a con man – will Quinn be able to take the blinders off her mom’s eyes or will her parents leave one another after thirty years of marriage?
I enjoyed this story and hoped it would all work out for all involved. I believe that Quinn brings out the best in Marcus and that Sanctuary Island is a magical place for second chances and healing.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. This is my honest review.
3.5 Stars
I love Quinn – what a sweetheart she is – even if she is having trouble figuring out what profession she wants forever. She is full of life and just what Marcus needs. Marcus…he is a curmudgeonly sort of guy that made decisions after college that caused his life to do a 180 degree turn. I don’t think he regrets that decision but he lets anger keep him from talking to the one person that he really should have. Quinn’s parents – a flaky mom and a diligent dad now in retirement and struggling as they move forward were easy pickings for a con man – will Quinn be able to take the blinders off her mom’s eyes or will her parents leave one another after thirty years of marriage?
I enjoyed this story and hoped it would all work out for all involved. I believe that Quinn brings out the best in Marcus and that Sanctuary Island is a magical place for second chances and healing.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. This is my honest review.
3.5 Stars
February 20, 2017
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Marcus Beckett left his home town looking for something new. Now he's back running the neighborhood bar. One big mistake made with his life long friend Quinn Harper, and the town of Sanctuary Island shows the error of his ways..
Quinn needs Marcus to help her with her parents. She's desperate so she hopes he agrees.
Emotional to say the least. A lesson about love and loss is learned.
Beautiful in the end.
Marcus Beckett left his home town looking for something new. Now he's back running the neighborhood bar. One big mistake made with his life long friend Quinn Harper, and the town of Sanctuary Island shows the error of his ways..
Quinn needs Marcus to help her with her parents. She's desperate so she hopes he agrees.
Emotional to say the least. A lesson about love and loss is learned.
Beautiful in the end.
March 7, 2017
In the previous book, Close to Home, we met Marcus Beckett and Quinn Harper. They both grew up on Sanctuary Island, next door neighbors, but are 10 years apart in age. Quinn always had a crush on Marcus and used to follow him around like a little puppy dog. While Marcus was away at college, his mom died of cancer. Mad at his dad for not telling him she was dying, he quit college, joined the army, and never looked back. 14 years later Marcus is back on Sanctuary Island.
Quinn is tired of her parents believing her to be flighty and never wanting to grow up. What they don't realize is that Quinn has finally found a job that she really likes and wants to make a career out of it....she just doesn't know how that job came to be!
Quinn and Marcus start dating for a little bit but he quickly breaks it off with her because he feels she deserves better than him. What he didn't understand was that breaking it off with the town's favorite resident was going to bring him nothing but problems....including no one coming to his newly opened bar.
Quinn's parents marriage has hit a brick wall. Quinn thinks that if she can show her parents that she is all grown up and settling down that they won't spend so much time arguing about her. Quinn comes up with a plan....her and Marcus pretend to be back together. This will make her parents happy and it should get the town folks coming into his bar. Marcus reluctantly agrees.
What Marcus didn't count on was that he was really enjoying being with Quinn again. When some marriage guru Quinn's mom has hired suggests that Quinn and Marcus move into her parents home for two weeks so everyone can see how well everyone gets along...that's when the fun begins!
I really liked Quinn. She was just super sweet and fun. I really liked Marcus too. He was a little brooding but based on his background it was understandable. Together they really brought out the best in each other. It was fun watching the two of them go from pretending to real very quickly.
I really enjoyed meeting Marcus father. I wish more of the story had included him...especially after the two of them aired out their grievances. I really loved Quinn and Marcus happy ending as well as Quinn's parents. Overall, another really great book from this author in such a fun, quaint town.
Quinn is tired of her parents believing her to be flighty and never wanting to grow up. What they don't realize is that Quinn has finally found a job that she really likes and wants to make a career out of it....she just doesn't know how that job came to be!
Quinn and Marcus start dating for a little bit but he quickly breaks it off with her because he feels she deserves better than him. What he didn't understand was that breaking it off with the town's favorite resident was going to bring him nothing but problems....including no one coming to his newly opened bar.
Quinn's parents marriage has hit a brick wall. Quinn thinks that if she can show her parents that she is all grown up and settling down that they won't spend so much time arguing about her. Quinn comes up with a plan....her and Marcus pretend to be back together. This will make her parents happy and it should get the town folks coming into his bar. Marcus reluctantly agrees.
What Marcus didn't count on was that he was really enjoying being with Quinn again. When some marriage guru Quinn's mom has hired suggests that Quinn and Marcus move into her parents home for two weeks so everyone can see how well everyone gets along...that's when the fun begins!
I really liked Quinn. She was just super sweet and fun. I really liked Marcus too. He was a little brooding but based on his background it was understandable. Together they really brought out the best in each other. It was fun watching the two of them go from pretending to real very quickly.
I really enjoyed meeting Marcus father. I wish more of the story had included him...especially after the two of them aired out their grievances. I really loved Quinn and Marcus happy ending as well as Quinn's parents. Overall, another really great book from this author in such a fun, quaint town.
March 22, 2017
After his mothers funeral, Marcus Beckett had left Sanctuary Island with the intention of never returning. But now, after living the dangerous job he’d had as a bodyguard for some high value politicians, he was ready to return and enjoy a solitary life as the proprietor of a small neighborhood bar in his hometown.
Unfortunately, Marcus had made a huge mistake. He had seduced and then dumped the town’s sweetheart, Quinn Harper. Marcus actually thought he was doing Quinn a kindness – a great gal like Quinn had no business with a broken man like him! Consequently, his business was taking a hit by the customers who thought his treatment of Quinn was not nice and they were now boycotting his bar.
Quinn was worried sick over her parents as her mother seemed enthralled with her latest marriage counselor who seemed more like he was counseling for a divorce than a reconciliation between her parents. As such Quinn came up with a fake four-week courtship where by she would convince Marcus to play along and pretend they were seriously dating, letting he r parents know that all was well in her life and letting the townspeople know it was all right to come and frequent Marcus’ bar again.
*** In this stand-alone story HOME AT LAST by Lily Everett, we are once again visiting the charming area of Sanctuary Island and some of the marvelous characters that you’ve met in previous books from this SANCTUARY ISLAND series. Marcus and Quinn had began a relationship in the previous book of this series which had ended in a humiliating breakup for Quinn. Wanting desperately to save her parents marriage, Quinn begged Marcus to go along with her scheme and even though Marcus was reluctant he couldn’t deny that he really did want Quinn as much as she wanted him.
The pacing was done very well and this was an easy read. The growth Marcus maintained after he finally opened up about his past and came to terms with his aversion of his father made it easier to be honest with Quinn. Loved the storyline regarding the conman marriage counselor and loved seeing him get his comeuppance. Bottom line: A really fun and heartwarming story that is perfectly enjoyable.
Marilyn Rondeau
Unfortunately, Marcus had made a huge mistake. He had seduced and then dumped the town’s sweetheart, Quinn Harper. Marcus actually thought he was doing Quinn a kindness – a great gal like Quinn had no business with a broken man like him! Consequently, his business was taking a hit by the customers who thought his treatment of Quinn was not nice and they were now boycotting his bar.
Quinn was worried sick over her parents as her mother seemed enthralled with her latest marriage counselor who seemed more like he was counseling for a divorce than a reconciliation between her parents. As such Quinn came up with a fake four-week courtship where by she would convince Marcus to play along and pretend they were seriously dating, letting he r parents know that all was well in her life and letting the townspeople know it was all right to come and frequent Marcus’ bar again.
*** In this stand-alone story HOME AT LAST by Lily Everett, we are once again visiting the charming area of Sanctuary Island and some of the marvelous characters that you’ve met in previous books from this SANCTUARY ISLAND series. Marcus and Quinn had began a relationship in the previous book of this series which had ended in a humiliating breakup for Quinn. Wanting desperately to save her parents marriage, Quinn begged Marcus to go along with her scheme and even though Marcus was reluctant he couldn’t deny that he really did want Quinn as much as she wanted him.
The pacing was done very well and this was an easy read. The growth Marcus maintained after he finally opened up about his past and came to terms with his aversion of his father made it easier to be honest with Quinn. Loved the storyline regarding the conman marriage counselor and loved seeing him get his comeuppance. Bottom line: A really fun and heartwarming story that is perfectly enjoyable.
Marilyn Rondeau
March 14, 2017
I was so ready for this story after reading Close to Home because I really wanted to find out Marcus’s secrets :) And while we do find out a lot, he’s definitely a complicated guy. He's carrying around a lot of weight from his time in the military and as a secret service agent … and even more so from his youth. Lucky for him, Quinn isn’t going to keep to herself. Instead she pokes and prods and makes sure that he looks into some of those areas that he doesn’t want to face. And pushes him to go home again, make things right to give himself a little peace.
Quinn may be young and come across as flighty but she’s got a good heart and good instincts. Both of which she’ll need not only with Marcus but with her parents. It’s a silly idea – pretending to be a couple – that only shows up in romances but that doesn’t stop it from working here. Time spent together forces them to look at themselves and each other a little more closely. And gives Quinn that chance to influence Marcus a little more.
We also get Quinn’s parents rocky marriage here. It’s a nice juxtaposition of an long-standing couple who have hit a rough patch and a potential new love story that’s dealing with a rocky start. Both are full of heart and troubles but with a good amount of hard work and communication they have a good chance of figuring things out.
With her Sanctuary Island series Everett has brought readers well-crafted and wonderfully emotional love stories. Full of small town charm, quirky characters and all the heart you could want, they are the perfect stories for kicking back and just letting it all unfold.
*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
Quinn may be young and come across as flighty but she’s got a good heart and good instincts. Both of which she’ll need not only with Marcus but with her parents. It’s a silly idea – pretending to be a couple – that only shows up in romances but that doesn’t stop it from working here. Time spent together forces them to look at themselves and each other a little more closely. And gives Quinn that chance to influence Marcus a little more.
We also get Quinn’s parents rocky marriage here. It’s a nice juxtaposition of an long-standing couple who have hit a rough patch and a potential new love story that’s dealing with a rocky start. Both are full of heart and troubles but with a good amount of hard work and communication they have a good chance of figuring things out.
With her Sanctuary Island series Everett has brought readers well-crafted and wonderfully emotional love stories. Full of small town charm, quirky characters and all the heart you could want, they are the perfect stories for kicking back and just letting it all unfold.
*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
May 11, 2017
Quinn is in despair over the crumbling of her parents’ marriage and suspects their “marriage guru” Ron is at the foot of all their problems. When talk of their marriage ending in divorce turns to selling their home and property on the secluded Lantern Point of Sanctuary Island Quinn knows she must take action.
When Quinn was 12 years old she had a crush on their only neighbor’s son, Marcus, ten years her senior. After high school she had a brief fling with Marcus before he left to enlist in the Army, followed by (unknown to her) a stint in the Secret Service. His tour with the Secret Service has left deep scars on his soul that he refuses to talk about.
Marcus is home again, running the only bar in town, which is failing due to a lack of customers. Quinn knows why and only she can fix it. The small population on the island blames Marcus for breaking Quinn’s heart, for she is the town darling.
Quinn believes that she can save her parent’s marriage by pretending to have a romantic relationship with Marcus. She convinces him to go along with her scheme by telling him she can bring customers to his bar by making the townspeople believe she has forgiven him for leaving her when he joined the army. What neither of them counts on is the pretense turning into something real. They fight it, give in, turn it into something more, then realizing this is going nowhere, dissolve the pretend/real love affair.
Meanwhile, something smells with her parents’ marriage counselor and his credentials or lack thereof, and his true intentions on Sanctuary Island.
This is a great book and a bit of a suspense story. A wonderful read, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys true romance.
When Quinn was 12 years old she had a crush on their only neighbor’s son, Marcus, ten years her senior. After high school she had a brief fling with Marcus before he left to enlist in the Army, followed by (unknown to her) a stint in the Secret Service. His tour with the Secret Service has left deep scars on his soul that he refuses to talk about.
Marcus is home again, running the only bar in town, which is failing due to a lack of customers. Quinn knows why and only she can fix it. The small population on the island blames Marcus for breaking Quinn’s heart, for she is the town darling.
Quinn believes that she can save her parent’s marriage by pretending to have a romantic relationship with Marcus. She convinces him to go along with her scheme by telling him she can bring customers to his bar by making the townspeople believe she has forgiven him for leaving her when he joined the army. What neither of them counts on is the pretense turning into something real. They fight it, give in, turn it into something more, then realizing this is going nowhere, dissolve the pretend/real love affair.
Meanwhile, something smells with her parents’ marriage counselor and his credentials or lack thereof, and his true intentions on Sanctuary Island.
This is a great book and a bit of a suspense story. A wonderful read, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys true romance.
May 20, 2017
Review can be read at It's About The Book
With an intriguing premise, this romance novel showed that taking a chance on love can be scary but well worth the risk. It takes a huge gamble for Quinn –toying with the man who’d dumped her to try and save her parent’s marriage. That’s the kind of woman she is, though, and maybe this will show Marcus that he can open himself to love again, and he might just deserve it.
Quinn Harper had been in love with her neighbor Marcus Beckett since she was small. He hasn’t been back to Sanctuary Island since the day he’d graduated and found out that worst betrayal–his mother was dying from cancer and they kept it from him until it was too late for him to say goodbye. That was the last time she’d seen and spoken to him for fourteen years. The town gossip said he’d been in the secret service after he’d left the military.
He’d returned, he’d taken up with Quinn, and then he’d broken her heart by dumping her, thereby causing the town to turn against him for hurting their sweetheart. His new bar, Buttercup, was being boycotted. It was dismal the way karma kept kicking his butt.
Quinn has a plan. In order to get her quarreling parents to work on their marriage without their interfering therapist Ron, she’s got to get them out of her business and concentrating on theirs. It involves a fake boyfriend for Quinn and hopefully some butts in seats for Marcus’s bar.
Sweet and sexy, this romance comes with a truly sweet HEA. Read it!
With an intriguing premise, this romance novel showed that taking a chance on love can be scary but well worth the risk. It takes a huge gamble for Quinn –toying with the man who’d dumped her to try and save her parent’s marriage. That’s the kind of woman she is, though, and maybe this will show Marcus that he can open himself to love again, and he might just deserve it.
Quinn Harper had been in love with her neighbor Marcus Beckett since she was small. He hasn’t been back to Sanctuary Island since the day he’d graduated and found out that worst betrayal–his mother was dying from cancer and they kept it from him until it was too late for him to say goodbye. That was the last time she’d seen and spoken to him for fourteen years. The town gossip said he’d been in the secret service after he’d left the military.
He’d returned, he’d taken up with Quinn, and then he’d broken her heart by dumping her, thereby causing the town to turn against him for hurting their sweetheart. His new bar, Buttercup, was being boycotted. It was dismal the way karma kept kicking his butt.
Quinn has a plan. In order to get her quarreling parents to work on their marriage without their interfering therapist Ron, she’s got to get them out of her business and concentrating on theirs. It involves a fake boyfriend for Quinn and hopefully some butts in seats for Marcus’s bar.
Sweet and sexy, this romance comes with a truly sweet HEA. Read it!
January 2, 2017
Home at Last by Lily Everett is a fascinating tale. The emotional journey inside is what really stands out to me. A young man's pain. A past that has held him hostage even now. Then, there's one woman who makes him want more in life. But he's too sacred. Life is complicated, messy, and hard. He wants her to have the best. But what he doesn't know is that he's not only pushing her away forever but the town people as well. They love her. In their eyes, he's the bad guy. Unless he changes...
Home at Last is beautifully written. Engaging, sweet, and knocks readers off their chairs into the to story. Never a dull moment. The intensity is shocking but good. I can feel the characters emotions coming off the pages. Their chemistry is there. But one chooses to ignore it. That only sends them both down a lonely miserable road. Unless fate intervenes...both will be unhappy. Lily Everett has once more sent me on an unforgettable journey. A chance for love. Second chances. A happily ever after is in the air. Only time will tell, if it will happen. I loved characters. A broken man and a strong hearted woman. The plot is exciting. The other characters only add to it. Highly entertaining and suspenseful. When they do open up...readers will fall deeeply in love with this book as much as I did. I can't get enough of Lily Everett's novels. She has talent in creating the perfect worlds where her characters feel so real. Overall, I highly recommend Home at Last to readers worldwide.
Home at Last is beautifully written. Engaging, sweet, and knocks readers off their chairs into the to story. Never a dull moment. The intensity is shocking but good. I can feel the characters emotions coming off the pages. Their chemistry is there. But one chooses to ignore it. That only sends them both down a lonely miserable road. Unless fate intervenes...both will be unhappy. Lily Everett has once more sent me on an unforgettable journey. A chance for love. Second chances. A happily ever after is in the air. Only time will tell, if it will happen. I loved characters. A broken man and a strong hearted woman. The plot is exciting. The other characters only add to it. Highly entertaining and suspenseful. When they do open up...readers will fall deeeply in love with this book as much as I did. I can't get enough of Lily Everett's novels. She has talent in creating the perfect worlds where her characters feel so real. Overall, I highly recommend Home at Last to readers worldwide.
March 4, 2017
Marcus Beckett blew off of Sanctuary Island 14 years ago, without a backwards glance, after his mother died of cancer, a cancer that his parents had hidden from him until it was too late. But now he is back on the island and the first thing he does is screw (literally) the sweetest girl on the island Quinn Harper, who was his childhood neighbor, the kid 10 years younger than him, who he used to call turbo, and the one who rented an apartment from him and now wouldn't talk to him, as he messed it up so badly! But she is not the only one, everyone on the island is boycotting the bar, because of how he behaved with Quinn.
But when Quinn comes up with a plan, not only to save his bar, but save her parents marriage, Marcus is powerless to resist; but will it all end in disaster?
So I'm thrilled to be reading my second Sanctuary Island book, and I should really go back and restart the series, but I have to say that you could totally do what I have done and pick up any of them, as they are stand alone books.
I was thrilled to see Miss Patty back in this book (she really is my favorite charater), and I also loved Marcus and Quinn's characters, in seperate ways. I liked Quinn's sweet nature and Marcus's gruff exterior, but slightly softer heart.
The author has managed to spellbound me with her beautiful writing and enchanting storyline; Lily Everett has quickly become one of my favorite authors of 2017!
I give Home At Last 5 well deserved stars!
But when Quinn comes up with a plan, not only to save his bar, but save her parents marriage, Marcus is powerless to resist; but will it all end in disaster?
So I'm thrilled to be reading my second Sanctuary Island book, and I should really go back and restart the series, but I have to say that you could totally do what I have done and pick up any of them, as they are stand alone books.
I was thrilled to see Miss Patty back in this book (she really is my favorite charater), and I also loved Marcus and Quinn's characters, in seperate ways. I liked Quinn's sweet nature and Marcus's gruff exterior, but slightly softer heart.
The author has managed to spellbound me with her beautiful writing and enchanting storyline; Lily Everett has quickly become one of my favorite authors of 2017!
I give Home At Last 5 well deserved stars!
March 11, 2019
Quinn Harper is in love with Marcus Beckett, she has been in love with him since she was a little girl chasing him around Sanctuary Island. To her, their ten year age difference is not a problem. He left after his mother’s funeral after he finished college and that day she found out that he was enlisting. Now ten years later he is back and he did start things up with Quinn only to end them just as quickly, which has not made him a likable person on the island. Especially now that he has opened a bar and only two people come in. Quinn finds out that her parents are wanting to sell the family home, and also it looks like her mom and dad may be separating this all because of some new guru that her mother has decided to follow. Quinn’s plan is for her and Marcus to start dating again and by doing so will keep her parents around town longer so they won’t sell the house while she figures out how to fix everything. At the same time, it will help his business because he won’t be on the outs with the town people for dumping her. Sounds good and he agrees. What happens next is Marcus finding out that he needs to talk about his past and one of those people is Quinn and the more he shares the more she falls for him and he for her. There are more layers to this story and her parents and for Marcus as well. This turns out to be a very good book, with good characters. I got this book from netgalley.com. I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
February 11, 2019
Quinn has been in love with her next door neighbor Marcus so when he left after his mom died she thought she would never see him again. Marcus can back and opened the Buttercup Inn and she is determined to get him to notice her. Marcus is ten years older than her and he thinks he is too old for her plus he will not love again he has lost his mother and Buttercup so he won't risk his heart again. Quinn was watching her parents house and she needs to not stay there so she convinces Marcus to let her have the other room over the bar. When Quinn goes home she finds out her parents are having marriage problems and her mother has enlisted Dr. Ron to help them. When Dr. Ron shows up and says her parents see her not settling down is the cause of their problem she tells them that she and Marcus are dating. She convinces Marcus to date her for two weeks till her parents anniversary and after meeting Dr. Ron, Marcus asks her to marry him. This helps Quinn and does help his bar get some business even though he didn't do it for that, he is convinced he is not good enough for and too old. Quinn is just such a happy soul and Marcus has so many hurts inside that even Quinn has got her work cut out for her to try to make everybody happy. - Linda
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 7, 2017
Originally posted on lampshadereader.com
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy (Via Netgalley) of this book.
Home at Last by Lily Everett gave us the story of Marcus and Quinn. Their “on again-off again” romance made me hope for a happily ever after. I knew they were meant to be, but stubborn heads and sad pasts get in the way.
I describe it as a sort of “grrr” romance. I grrrd a lot while reading this just because I felt for each character and all they had to do--or should I say Marcus had to do was confide in Quinn. I guess he didn’t trust her enough to do that. We were introduced to these two in the previous book. I wasn’t sure what to think about them, especially Quinn, who practically jumped Marcus’ bones. In this book, their relationship isn’t so shallow.
Marcus was the problem.
UGH--Marcus, you’re a sexy character but totally depressing. I get it, it’s your thing, you have a past. He needs the brightness that is Quinn to balance his character. I realized that after I finished reading this. His character did grow, with Quinn’s help. He realizes it somehow during the course of the story.
There are also elements of sweetness, and this story focused a lot on family structure. Quinn’s parents also suffer a little hiccup in their relationship and I didn’t think it was necessary to know Paul’s (Qunn’s father) POV. But it was still a nice read, a little different than the previous story. I did enjoy the fake boyfriend trope though. It always adds an extra bit of drama.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy (Via Netgalley) of this book.
Home at Last by Lily Everett gave us the story of Marcus and Quinn. Their “on again-off again” romance made me hope for a happily ever after. I knew they were meant to be, but stubborn heads and sad pasts get in the way.
Marcus and Quinn were the types of characters that made me want to slap them each up side the head. And, I say that with the utmost of love and affection.
I describe it as a sort of “grrr” romance. I grrrd a lot while reading this just because I felt for each character and all they had to do--or should I say Marcus had to do was confide in Quinn. I guess he didn’t trust her enough to do that. We were introduced to these two in the previous book. I wasn’t sure what to think about them, especially Quinn, who practically jumped Marcus’ bones. In this book, their relationship isn’t so shallow.
Marcus was the problem.
“The world is full of people who think they know what’s best for you and ‘love’ gives them the right to decide that. You’re better off making your own choices.”
UGH--Marcus, you’re a sexy character but totally depressing. I get it, it’s your thing, you have a past. He needs the brightness that is Quinn to balance his character. I realized that after I finished reading this. His character did grow, with Quinn’s help. He realizes it somehow during the course of the story.
“This-all of this, being close to you. It’s not easy for me. But I want it. I’m trying.”
The love is slow growing, the insta-attraction was on fire!
There are also elements of sweetness, and this story focused a lot on family structure. Quinn’s parents also suffer a little hiccup in their relationship and I didn’t think it was necessary to know Paul’s (Qunn’s father) POV. But it was still a nice read, a little different than the previous story. I did enjoy the fake boyfriend trope though. It always adds an extra bit of drama.
March 5, 2017
There’s so much to love about Sanctuary Island and Lily Everett once again delivers a romance that shows off the quirky, small town personality that sets the stage for her stories. There’s a fake engagement, second chances at love and family ties, a scam artist, and of course all the wonderful personalities that make up this tight-knit town.
Although this was Marcus and Quinn’s story, Quinn’s parents played a big role in everything that goes down – especially when Quinn finds out that she may be one of the contributing factors to her parents’ marriage problems. Asking Marcus to pretend to be her boyfriend seems like the best plan of attack to show her parents that she is settling down…but when Marcus suddenly announces they are engaged and then Quinn’s parents want them to move in with them for a couple weeks for some serious marriage/family counseling, it’s only a matter of time before the act become more real than show.
Marcus and Quinn were seriously hot together. You could always feel the underlying sparks that would fly every time these two would even so much as think about each other. It was fun watching them both try to keep their arrangement in the friend zone – especially when they had to share Quinn’s old room.
But of course those sparks made it near impossible for them to keep their hands off each other – especially when they had to share a bed.
There were several other subplots going on that were nicely woven into Marcus and Quinn’s story and helped set the stage for their shot at a second chance, the two biggest being Quinn’s parent’s marriage problems and Marcus’s estrangement from his father.
Quinn’s parents were struggling to find a new normal now that her dad had retired. Their marriage was hitting some serious bumps and the marriage counselor they have brought in may have more than counseling on his agenda – and he has sucked Marcus and Quinn into his counseling drama. Watching Quinn’s parents struggle was heart-breaking at times and I found myself rooting for them to get their happy ever after as well. You could just feel the love pouring off of her dad and the frustration coming from her mom, and it was so hard to see them both so hurt.
Marcus also has some issues from his past he needs to deal with, namely settling things between himself and his father, a man he hasn’t spoken to since he left home after his mother died. He’s always blamed his dad for not letting him know sooner that his mother was closet to dying, which denied him the chance to come home to say goodbye before she passed. And when Quinn goes to visit Marcus’s dad and we find out there is something important that Marcus needs to know but he’s too bull-headed to go see the man and find out, I couldn’t help but keep hoping that Marcus would man-up and at least see his father and maybe start the healing process.
One of the things I really liked was that when Marcus and Quinn realized that their attraction may have run deeper than the physical, they both agreed to try and see where a relationship may lead – not a lot of angst and drama around it, they both just came to the same conclusion and decided to see where things went. And with the drama surrounding Quinn’s parents, it was nice not to have to deal with too much drama between these two.
Once again I was captivated by all the happenings on Sanctuary Island. The townspeople all play a part in adding color and personality to these books, and as I’ve said before, I think this is a place I’d really like to find on the map. Even though this is a series I think you can easily read this one as a stand-alone. Marcus and Quinn show up in the previous book, but I don’t think their story loses anything if you start here. I would definitely recommend this book and series as one to try
I received an advance reader copy from the publisher via NetGalley which I voluntarily reviewed.
Although this was Marcus and Quinn’s story, Quinn’s parents played a big role in everything that goes down – especially when Quinn finds out that she may be one of the contributing factors to her parents’ marriage problems. Asking Marcus to pretend to be her boyfriend seems like the best plan of attack to show her parents that she is settling down…but when Marcus suddenly announces they are engaged and then Quinn’s parents want them to move in with them for a couple weeks for some serious marriage/family counseling, it’s only a matter of time before the act become more real than show.
Marcus and Quinn were seriously hot together. You could always feel the underlying sparks that would fly every time these two would even so much as think about each other. It was fun watching them both try to keep their arrangement in the friend zone – especially when they had to share Quinn’s old room.
Then she wondered what the hell was the matter with her. It was a bed. They were adults. Sleeping next to each other didn’t mean they were automatically going to cross some invisible, arbitrary line. She wasn’t going to roll over in her sleep and accidentally impale herself on his penis. They’d be fine.
But of course those sparks made it near impossible for them to keep their hands off each other – especially when they had to share a bed.
Quinn, who’d twitched at the sound of her mother’s voice, dropped her hands from Marcus’s neck to throw an arm over her eyes and hide her red face. “Coming, Mother.”
Some devil prompted Marcus to lean down and whisper, “We could be, if she’d waited five minutes.”
Quinn convulsed in shocked giggles under him, which made Marcus grin instead of grimacing while trying to smoothly remove his hand from her underwear. His dick, like most dicks, had no sense of time or place for the inherent unsexiness of nearly getting caught in the act by his girlfriend’s mom like a couple of teenagers.
No, his dick still thought the original morning plan was A-OK, ready for action, go go go. But Marcus was in charge, so instead of following orders from below the belt, he swung off Quinn.
There were several other subplots going on that were nicely woven into Marcus and Quinn’s story and helped set the stage for their shot at a second chance, the two biggest being Quinn’s parent’s marriage problems and Marcus’s estrangement from his father.
Quinn’s parents were struggling to find a new normal now that her dad had retired. Their marriage was hitting some serious bumps and the marriage counselor they have brought in may have more than counseling on his agenda – and he has sucked Marcus and Quinn into his counseling drama. Watching Quinn’s parents struggle was heart-breaking at times and I found myself rooting for them to get their happy ever after as well. You could just feel the love pouring off of her dad and the frustration coming from her mom, and it was so hard to see them both so hurt.
Marcus also has some issues from his past he needs to deal with, namely settling things between himself and his father, a man he hasn’t spoken to since he left home after his mother died. He’s always blamed his dad for not letting him know sooner that his mother was closet to dying, which denied him the chance to come home to say goodbye before she passed. And when Quinn goes to visit Marcus’s dad and we find out there is something important that Marcus needs to know but he’s too bull-headed to go see the man and find out, I couldn’t help but keep hoping that Marcus would man-up and at least see his father and maybe start the healing process.
One of the things I really liked was that when Marcus and Quinn realized that their attraction may have run deeper than the physical, they both agreed to try and see where a relationship may lead – not a lot of angst and drama around it, they both just came to the same conclusion and decided to see where things went. And with the drama surrounding Quinn’s parents, it was nice not to have to deal with too much drama between these two.
Once again I was captivated by all the happenings on Sanctuary Island. The townspeople all play a part in adding color and personality to these books, and as I’ve said before, I think this is a place I’d really like to find on the map. Even though this is a series I think you can easily read this one as a stand-alone. Marcus and Quinn show up in the previous book, but I don’t think their story loses anything if you start here. I would definitely recommend this book and series as one to try
I received an advance reader copy from the publisher via NetGalley which I voluntarily reviewed.
March 11, 2017
Marcus and Quinn's story started in the previous book, CLOSE TO HOME. They were definitely my favorite thing about that book because their relationship had a ton of spark and combustion. At the end of that book they weren't together and I couldn't wait to see which direction this book would take them. I was so pleasantly surprised with what the author did in this book. HOME AT LAST is possibly my favorite book in this series, and that may just be because it has a bit more romance than women's fiction than we've seen in the previous books in the series. That being said, I think you could read this one without having read the previous books.
Quinn was the girl next door, many years younger than Marcus. Her childhood crush turned into very adult attraction when Marcus comes back to town. A bit broken by what his life has made him go through. He comes with a very surly and grumpy attitude, which I weirdly found endearing. Quinn's young spunk is just what he needs to feel re-invigorated about life. She pushes him to be happy and doesn't take no for an answer. I loved that about her character. At the same time she's dealing with figuring out the direction of her life and career and her parents possibly divorcing.
I was expecting something a little darker in Marcus's past to justify some of his thoughts and actions, but it was all a bit simple in my opinion. That was one place I thought this story could go a little deeper, but it goes well with the easier feel of the book and series.
You also get a side story, not really calling it a secondary romance, but dealing with Quinn's parents trying to save their marriage or going for divorce. This was also woven nicely in with the main romance and felt relevant to the story so it was a nice addition.
HOME AT LAST has small town charm and was a fast read. I believe this is the last book in the series, but I'll be sure to be on the lookout for more books by Lily Everett. There's a comfortable warmth to the stories she tells under this pen name and if you like your romance a bit sweeter than this will definitely be a good series to read.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca
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March 14, 2017
We first met Marcus and Quinn in the previous book, Close to Home, and the two finally got together after years of Quinn following Marcus about in a sort of hero worship daze for years. Now they get their story, and I had great hopes for something wonderful.
Marcus is a hometown boy who left after his mother’s death and made a career as a bodyguard. He’s decided he doesn’t want that stress, so he’s back home to run a bar and avoid Quinn at all costs. From finding her a pesky little girl, to letting his guard down and acting on the attraction he now feels, he knows that he isn’t the one for Quinn, no matter how much he may want to be. Even if she does accept him unconditionally, and life always looks brighter with her around.
For her part, Quinn is the ‘girl from town’ a bit flighty, not known for her ability to stick with things, but she is the town’s Little Girl. EVERYONE watches out for her – and when she is totally serious about Marcus and making him see her as all grown up and worth taking a chance on, she doesn’t seem to be able to get anyone to believe her.
When you add in her parents’ marriage difficulties, and the potential of a ‘fake engagement’ playing in to help Quinn get what she wants (Marcus) it seems as if things are ready to roll forward. And this is where I had problems: Marcus very much showed us that he has lots of issues that he hasn’t come face to face with, yet totally out of character he agrees. And Quinn – well, from the ridiculous “marriage counselor’ that her parents were consulting (think a cross between a lounge lizard and the worst Yahoo answers advice ever) the whole opportunity for the ‘tension’ was lost in caricature. I was disappointed as there was such a wonderful introduction for these two in the earlier book, and the full story fell short.
It’s sad, for Everett’s writing is always wonderful, and the characters are well-built, if completely opposite from expectations, and this does fit into the Sanctuary Island series trajectory, I just wanted more.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Marcus is a hometown boy who left after his mother’s death and made a career as a bodyguard. He’s decided he doesn’t want that stress, so he’s back home to run a bar and avoid Quinn at all costs. From finding her a pesky little girl, to letting his guard down and acting on the attraction he now feels, he knows that he isn’t the one for Quinn, no matter how much he may want to be. Even if she does accept him unconditionally, and life always looks brighter with her around.
For her part, Quinn is the ‘girl from town’ a bit flighty, not known for her ability to stick with things, but she is the town’s Little Girl. EVERYONE watches out for her – and when she is totally serious about Marcus and making him see her as all grown up and worth taking a chance on, she doesn’t seem to be able to get anyone to believe her.
When you add in her parents’ marriage difficulties, and the potential of a ‘fake engagement’ playing in to help Quinn get what she wants (Marcus) it seems as if things are ready to roll forward. And this is where I had problems: Marcus very much showed us that he has lots of issues that he hasn’t come face to face with, yet totally out of character he agrees. And Quinn – well, from the ridiculous “marriage counselor’ that her parents were consulting (think a cross between a lounge lizard and the worst Yahoo answers advice ever) the whole opportunity for the ‘tension’ was lost in caricature. I was disappointed as there was such a wonderful introduction for these two in the earlier book, and the full story fell short.
It’s sad, for Everett’s writing is always wonderful, and the characters are well-built, if completely opposite from expectations, and this does fit into the Sanctuary Island series trajectory, I just wanted more.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
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