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Boys of Fall #3
Homecoming
They were the golden boys of fall: Stewart Mills High School's legendary championship football team. Fourteen years later, they're back to relive their glory, save the team-and find themselves again . . . Sam Leavitt has two goals when he returns home to Stewart Mills to fill in for Coach McDonnell: to keep the school from finding a permanent replacement while Coach gets back on his feet, and to reconnect with his mother. As substitute coach for the high school football team, Sam must work hard to keep the boys on track, and that means spending time with the sexy guidance counselor he shared a hot night with months ago. Jen Cooper knows what she's looking for, and it's not Sam-he wasn't even supposed to come back. She wants a cultured, romantic soul, not some rough-around-the-edges guy with calloused hands-and a hard, muscular body. But seeing him every day forces Jen to question what she really wants out of life. And as Sam begins to deal with his past, Jen discovers there's more to him than she imagined. Contains mature themes.
Audio CD
First published August 30, 2016
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About the author
Shannon Stacey
145 books2,640 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shannon Stacey lives with her husband and two sons in New England, where her favorite activities are writing romance and really random tweets when she’s not riding her ATV. She loves mud, books, football & watching way too much TV.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 15, 2016
Homecoming is the third installment in Shannon Stacey's adult contemporary/sports romance series titled: Boys of Fall. I personally had a hard time getting into this story but I think a lot of it was due to a combination of a somewhat slow storyline and a very dull audiobook performance. Regardless, I applaud Ms. Stacey for incorporating some very important themes into this second-chance romance such as alcoholism, overcoming family dysfunction, self-acceptance, and giving back to those who gave so much to you. If you have an interest in this series, then add Homecoming to your list!
My favorite quote:
“A little monkey business never hurt anybody.” “You just want me to text you monkey emojis.” “Hey, life's more fun with monkey emojis. And orgasms.” There really wasn't any denying that.
Shannon Stacey's Boys of Fall series includes the following installments as of September 2016:
#1-Under the Lights
#2-Defending Hearts
#3-Homecoming
My favorite quote:
“A little monkey business never hurt anybody.” “You just want me to text you monkey emojis.” “Hey, life's more fun with monkey emojis. And orgasms.” There really wasn't any denying that.
Shannon Stacey's Boys of Fall series includes the following installments as of September 2016:
#1-Under the Lights
#2-Defending Hearts
#3-Homecoming
September 4, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2blekg3
Homecoming was all about Jen and Sam who had a hot and heavy night months earlier during a town fundraiser. And now he's back in town to help the local football team whose coach is out on medical leave. And all that hot and heavy passion and attraction? Still sparking strong even if it's the last thing either of them thinks they need since he's only there temporarily and she's not looking for a short term fling...
I did really like these two. They give everything they have to the kids at the school. Making sure they're on the right track and have a solid presence in their lives to talk to when they need it or have a babysitter for their "pumpkin-babies" from health class. They're good people and have nice chemistry. It was kinda fun seeing them insisting they were just "having fun" but actually falling in love.
This was more of Sam's journey. Jen's pretty solid on the home front and with her job but Sam's pretty much up in the air with everything. I liked seeing him come home and start to mend the very broken relationship with his mother. It had me tearing up a couple times as they dealt with the pain from the past and tried to move forward as a family.
"Before I go back to Texas, I'm going to get you a better phone so we can talk and do videos and stuff, okay?"
She looked nervous again. "I'm doing okay, but I don't know if I can afford that."
"I'm going to add you to my plan."
"A family plan."
He understood why she said the words in such a quiet voice. It was a stupid thing most people probably took for granted, but for them to share the word family--even if it was just a cell phone plan--was profound. "Yeah. We'll have a family plan."
While I liked a lot of things in this one I did have some trouble. I'm used to the slower speed of the series but this one felt even slower than normal and dragged a bit. My big issue, though, was the drama that was inserted into their relationship towards the end and made out to be an insurmountable issue...when really it wasn't. I didn't buy their meltdown and what was causing it. It never should have been an issue and took this down from a 3.5 to a 3. I just couldn't accept that as an instant break up or real hurtle to overcome.
So. Some issues but not a bad read overall. I do think the series as a whole is well worth the read. I loved watching a town in crisis start to mend itself and the people who call it home. It's not always an easy story to read but it's heartwarming watching them all come together to save their town and heal their relationships. It's a slow moving series but it's very touching and has been a lovely time I think. And it's not all doom and gloom. There are wonderful friendships that add a good bit of laughter and smiles in as well. So worthwhile even if this wasn't the strongest of the series.
~~~~
Oh man. I cannot wait for this book. Again with the cover though. They just so do not match this series. Damn good reads though.
September 2, 2016
I can't help it. I have a love for Shannon Stacey's writing style that I can't and don't want to shake. It's in the way she interweaves her characters. She doesn't just give you a story about a couple—she crafts stories about communities, families, friends. She draws you into their world, and you never want to give it up. The romance is always sweet, always sexy, and always so genuine that it sits in the middle of all those warm fuzzies you already have for the book, and just comforts you like your favorite pair of jammies. The kind of stories you want to curl up with on a cold night to keep you warm. The kind that make you feel safe, secure, and just plain content. Happily ever after’s that feel as if they could happen to you.
The Boys of Fall series has been like so many of her other series in that you get to see adults coming home again, returning to a place where memories are often bittersweet, but where their family is. Not always blood relations, but family can be so much more than relatives. The boys coming home to help their old high-school, their old coach and mentor was heartwarming. The way a person can be so important to the lives of children is inspiring, and so many adults in authority don't realize the impact they have on the youth they interact with. Small things can mean so much, can change lives.
There were a few moments in Sam and Jen's relationship that I didn't understand at first. The determination that they won't work out, that Sam is leaving, and Jen won't follow. Honestly, I didn't understand why a little more of a compromise couldn't have kept them all happy. Then, in what was a few simple yet important moments for me, the author addresses both of my concerns. That turned this into a higher rated read for me. I hate when there is drama just for the sake of drama, and this cleared that up, making it more legitimate.
Sam might be my favorite character so far in the series. Watching him work through his painful childhood and learn that he is not only worth something to so many people, but that he can and IS a mentor to the students—that he can help them and give them the hope his own coach gave him when he was young— was a beautiful thing. He grew so much in such a short time. I didn't feel as much as if he were a bad boy reformed, but more a troubled young man given support and perspective when he needed it the most. His troubled past made me want a happily ever after for him even more than the couples in the earlier books. He just seemed to deserve it, to need it so much.
I love this series, and I love this author so hard. Absolutely 5 stars! ~ George, 5 stars
The Boys of Fall series has been like so many of her other series in that you get to see adults coming home again, returning to a place where memories are often bittersweet, but where their family is. Not always blood relations, but family can be so much more than relatives. The boys coming home to help their old high-school, their old coach and mentor was heartwarming. The way a person can be so important to the lives of children is inspiring, and so many adults in authority don't realize the impact they have on the youth they interact with. Small things can mean so much, can change lives.
There were a few moments in Sam and Jen's relationship that I didn't understand at first. The determination that they won't work out, that Sam is leaving, and Jen won't follow. Honestly, I didn't understand why a little more of a compromise couldn't have kept them all happy. Then, in what was a few simple yet important moments for me, the author addresses both of my concerns. That turned this into a higher rated read for me. I hate when there is drama just for the sake of drama, and this cleared that up, making it more legitimate.
Sam might be my favorite character so far in the series. Watching him work through his painful childhood and learn that he is not only worth something to so many people, but that he can and IS a mentor to the students—that he can help them and give them the hope his own coach gave him when he was young— was a beautiful thing. He grew so much in such a short time. I didn't feel as much as if he were a bad boy reformed, but more a troubled young man given support and perspective when he needed it the most. His troubled past made me want a happily ever after for him even more than the couples in the earlier books. He just seemed to deserve it, to need it so much.
I love this series, and I love this author so hard. Absolutely 5 stars! ~ George, 5 stars
August 30, 2016
3 Stars
You know that show Friday Night Lights? I loved that show. Tim Riggins….Mmmm. Sorry, got a little distracted. Back to the book….This book definitely has a “Friday Night Lights” feel to it. Small Town. High School Football. A coach who comes back home to help out the high school football team.
Sam’s childhood was not the best. Football was the one thing that saved him from a downward spiral. Hearing that his high school football coach had a heart attack and wants him to come home and help coach the team, he decides to head back to his hometown. He doesn’t plan to stay very long, just until Coach can get back on his feet. Sam is the perfect combination of a reformed bad boy. He’s got the look and feel of a bad boy, but he is also a gentleman who wants to do the right thing for his mom, for his coach, for the football players, and for Jen.
My Sam:
My Jen:
Jen is the school guidance counselor. Sam and Jen had a one-time rooty-tooty on the hood of her car a while ago, and now Sam is coming back to town. They both know that Sam is in town temporarily so they don’t want to get involved at first. But they can’t stay away, especially since all of their friends are already hooked-up with each other, it just seems inevitable.
I enjoyed the light-hearted feel to this book. It is an easy read with enjoyable characters. There are definitely some sweeter moments, and if you enjoy the sweet guys in a small town, you will probably 5-star this book. This book was a little too small-towny for me. To be honest, it wasn’t dirty….enough. I usually don’t like too much drama, but this book almost needed a little more drama to keep my attention. I just have a preference for the darker, bad boys, so I enjoyed this book, but it won’t be on my forever-shelf.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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You know that show Friday Night Lights? I loved that show. Tim Riggins….Mmmm. Sorry, got a little distracted. Back to the book….This book definitely has a “Friday Night Lights” feel to it. Small Town. High School Football. A coach who comes back home to help out the high school football team.
Sam’s childhood was not the best. Football was the one thing that saved him from a downward spiral. Hearing that his high school football coach had a heart attack and wants him to come home and help coach the team, he decides to head back to his hometown. He doesn’t plan to stay very long, just until Coach can get back on his feet. Sam is the perfect combination of a reformed bad boy. He’s got the look and feel of a bad boy, but he is also a gentleman who wants to do the right thing for his mom, for his coach, for the football players, and for Jen.
My Sam:
My Jen:
Jen is the school guidance counselor. Sam and Jen had a one-time rooty-tooty on the hood of her car a while ago, and now Sam is coming back to town. They both know that Sam is in town temporarily so they don’t want to get involved at first. But they can’t stay away, especially since all of their friends are already hooked-up with each other, it just seems inevitable.
I enjoyed the light-hearted feel to this book. It is an easy read with enjoyable characters. There are definitely some sweeter moments, and if you enjoy the sweet guys in a small town, you will probably 5-star this book. This book was a little too small-towny for me. To be honest, it wasn’t dirty….enough. I usually don’t like too much drama, but this book almost needed a little more drama to keep my attention. I just have a preference for the darker, bad boys, so I enjoyed this book, but it won’t be on my forever-shelf.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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September 1, 2016
3.5 Stars
Are you ready for some Football?!?!
It's getting so very close to that time of the year when you snuggle up on bleacher seats under the lights on Friday nights, or you tailgate Saturday mornings, or you waste away a Sunday on your couch in front of the TV. Need to get the mood going early with a side of romance? Here's a little read for ya...
The Boys of Fall are back with the third book in the series and this time around, one of the boys is coming back into town again but his plans are not to stay permanently. Sam Leavitt left the small town of Stewart Mills right after High School as fast as he could. He never, ever wanted to go back to the town that had so many horrible memories. But after being back once to help the school's football program, he's being asked again to fill in for the High School Football Coach while "Coach" recuperates from a heart attack. Because the coach meant so much to Sam, its impossible for him to refuse the request and he leaves Texas again for the small town in Northern New Hampshire.
Heading back to Stewart Mills also means Sam is going to run into Jen Cooper. Sam hasn't been able to get the "mind-blowing" hook-up they shared last time he was in town out of his mind. It's such a shame he never said "good-bye" on his way out of town last time (oops!).
Even though Sam was a schmuck for leaving Jen without saying good-bye in the last book, his character wasn't a bad person. Ms. Shannon made sure to give the reader enough background information and insight into how Sam thinks, so you know Sam is good guy who comes from a shitty childhood.
I also really liked Jen's character. Because this story is told in dual POV, you get inside both of their minds and know them both intimately. Jen is very altruistic and ready to save the world, one kid at a time.
It just so happens that quite a few of those kids like to play football. And quite a few of Sam and Jen's friends from the previous books show up to watch, gossip, and help these two hopeless lovebirds any way they can.
This story, a "kind of" second chances story, is quite the slow burn to a final "are we really doing this?" romance. I really enjoyed how these two resolved their future plans to get themselves a their happy ever after! I could completely relate to their ending ;)
For being my first Shannon Stacey read, I'm pretty impressed with her writing. She's great if you're looking for a sweet romance with a side of no funny business. Just a nice, sweet diversion from the heaviness in your everyday life.
Small-town romance lovers looking for a sweet, timely read.
Review appears on
Are you ready for some Football?!?!
It's getting so very close to that time of the year when you snuggle up on bleacher seats under the lights on Friday nights, or you tailgate Saturday mornings, or you waste away a Sunday on your couch in front of the TV. Need to get the mood going early with a side of romance? Here's a little read for ya...
The Boys of Fall are back with the third book in the series and this time around, one of the boys is coming back into town again but his plans are not to stay permanently. Sam Leavitt left the small town of Stewart Mills right after High School as fast as he could. He never, ever wanted to go back to the town that had so many horrible memories. But after being back once to help the school's football program, he's being asked again to fill in for the High School Football Coach while "Coach" recuperates from a heart attack. Because the coach meant so much to Sam, its impossible for him to refuse the request and he leaves Texas again for the small town in Northern New Hampshire.
Heading back to Stewart Mills also means Sam is going to run into Jen Cooper. Sam hasn't been able to get the "mind-blowing" hook-up they shared last time he was in town out of his mind. It's such a shame he never said "good-bye" on his way out of town last time (oops!).
Even though Sam was a schmuck for leaving Jen without saying good-bye in the last book, his character wasn't a bad person. Ms. Shannon made sure to give the reader enough background information and insight into how Sam thinks, so you know Sam is good guy who comes from a shitty childhood.
I also really liked Jen's character. Because this story is told in dual POV, you get inside both of their minds and know them both intimately. Jen is very altruistic and ready to save the world, one kid at a time.
It just so happens that quite a few of those kids like to play football. And quite a few of Sam and Jen's friends from the previous books show up to watch, gossip, and help these two hopeless lovebirds any way they can.
This story, a "kind of" second chances story, is quite the slow burn to a final "are we really doing this?" romance. I really enjoyed how these two resolved their future plans to get themselves a their happy ever after! I could completely relate to their ending ;)
For being my first Shannon Stacey read, I'm pretty impressed with her writing. She's great if you're looking for a sweet romance with a side of no funny business. Just a nice, sweet diversion from the heaviness in your everyday life.
Small-town romance lovers looking for a sweet, timely read.
Review appears on
August 30, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Sometimes a book is just so well rounded that it makes the reader feel at home and makes the story come alive and that's exactly how I feel about Shannon Stacey's Homecoming. I loved that the former bad boy quarterback was asked to come back to the town that he left behind with little regard and found the home he'd never had before with a woman he always felt was way too good for the likes of him. More than that, I loved that despite how he felt about himself, the heroine, his ex-teammates, the kids he came back to coach, and even long time citizens recognized the man he'd become and everything he had to offer their community. This was a story about change, about acceptance, about forgiveness and about opening yourself up to the possibility of having more in your life than you ever expected.
For only the second time in the 14 years since he left Stewart Mills, Sam Leavitt returns only this time he's back to coach the high school football team at the request of the man he feels he owes his life to recovers from a heart attack. Being back isn't easy; the memories of his abusive father, his alcoholic mother and the trouble he got into assail him at every turn as well as the good ones of Coach saving his delinquent self, the state football championship and the night he spent with Jen Cooper wrapped around him on the hood of her car following Eagle Fest.
Working in the same school puts Sam and Jen in close proximity and the fact that as the high school's guidance counselor Jen spends a lot of time with the boys of the football team. It was obvious that while Jen thoroughly enjoyed her tryst with Sam she is thrown having him back in town and around all the time. It was entertaining watching them fight their growing attraction, watching Sam realize that he was more than his past, and watching Jen realize that despite how much she loves her job and her hometown falling in love is the best of all.
I've loved every book in Shannon Stacey's Boys of Fall series, but there was something just a bit more special about Homecoming making it my favorite of the series.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Sometimes a book is just so well rounded that it makes the reader feel at home and makes the story come alive and that's exactly how I feel about Shannon Stacey's Homecoming. I loved that the former bad boy quarterback was asked to come back to the town that he left behind with little regard and found the home he'd never had before with a woman he always felt was way too good for the likes of him. More than that, I loved that despite how he felt about himself, the heroine, his ex-teammates, the kids he came back to coach, and even long time citizens recognized the man he'd become and everything he had to offer their community. This was a story about change, about acceptance, about forgiveness and about opening yourself up to the possibility of having more in your life than you ever expected.
For only the second time in the 14 years since he left Stewart Mills, Sam Leavitt returns only this time he's back to coach the high school football team at the request of the man he feels he owes his life to recovers from a heart attack. Being back isn't easy; the memories of his abusive father, his alcoholic mother and the trouble he got into assail him at every turn as well as the good ones of Coach saving his delinquent self, the state football championship and the night he spent with Jen Cooper wrapped around him on the hood of her car following Eagle Fest.
Working in the same school puts Sam and Jen in close proximity and the fact that as the high school's guidance counselor Jen spends a lot of time with the boys of the football team. It was obvious that while Jen thoroughly enjoyed her tryst with Sam she is thrown having him back in town and around all the time. It was entertaining watching them fight their growing attraction, watching Sam realize that he was more than his past, and watching Jen realize that despite how much she loves her job and her hometown falling in love is the best of all.
I've loved every book in Shannon Stacey's Boys of Fall series, but there was something just a bit more special about Homecoming making it my favorite of the series.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
September 2, 2016
Well, color me pleasantly pleased! I entered the Goodreads contest for this book, WON a copy and was given the opportunity of reading this author for the first time. It definitely won't be my last. The story was fast-paced and had just enough angst to keep me smiling all the way through to the end. The super interesting characters, conversation and plot line had me glued to this book.
I loved Sam Leavitt. A "hunk-a-hunk of burning love", football coach who babysits pumpkins for the players on his team ;) It is adorable and HOT beyond words!
I really, really liked this one! Shannon, you have a new fan!
I loved Sam Leavitt. A "hunk-a-hunk of burning love", football coach who babysits pumpkins for the players on his team ;) It is adorable and HOT beyond words!
I really, really liked this one! Shannon, you have a new fan!
September 21, 2016
Homecoming begins immediately following the conclusion of the previous book, where we find several of the Stewart Mills residents in the hospital following the aftermath of Coach McDonnell’s apparent heart attack on the football field. While recovering, Coach wants Sam Leavitt, former Eagles championship quarterback, to come home from Texas and coach the team. Even though Sam agrees, he does so knowing it is temporary because he will never move back to Stewart Mills, the place of his nightmarish childhood.
Jen Cooper grew up in Stewart Mills and loves her job as the high school guidance counselor. After her amazing one-time hookup with Sam back in the summer when he was home (for the first time in over a decade) for the football team fundraiser, Jen never wanted to see bad boy Sam again. Yet when he shows up in Stewart Mills to stay for a while, Jen isn’t sure she can deny their strong attraction.
Homecoming is the third (and presumably final) chapter in the Boys of Fall series, which features the goings-on of small-town Stewart Mills, NH. The town fell on hard times a while back, and I love how the town finds joy and regains hope through their high school football team. I like that while each book is a standalone, each builds upon the previous as far as character development. By the time we get to this third book, I care about each of the characters. I also like that we see the town mend and grow. The tone of the books progressively become more positive and hopeful because of the changing circumstances.
Overall, I loved Jen and Sam individually and as a couple. Both have their heads on straight and don’t tend to do ridiculous things or make silly relationship mistakes. Jen rocks and has her life together, which I appreciate. I love that she’s smart and caring, which is perfect since she is a respected guidance counselor. What I admire most about her character is that she THINKS like a counselor. She isn't making stupid decisions or letting Sam get away with crap. Ms. Stacey carried her personality through every action and decision.
And Sam is also a good, smart guy. While he does have a rocky past, he’s learned to deal with it like an adult. He takes into consideration others and how his actions will impact those closest to him. And while he still deals with lingering negativities from his youth, he doesn’t let the dark thoughts control his actions. This is SOOOOO refreshing. Homecoming chronicles Sam’s growth as he learns what it means to forgive his alcoholic mother and coach these young, impressionable boys.
Another great aspect of this book is the humor, which felt so much more than what was found in the first book. This is probably because of the football team’s success giving the town hope. Here is one example that made me laugh:
As Jen walked around the truck, she heard Sam talking to [Police Officer] Kelly. “Can you turn the lights and siren on?”
“No, you’re not getting a police escort to O’Rourke’s.”
“If I go first, then it’s more like a police chase than a police escort.”
“Get in your truck before I shoot all your tires out and leave you here while Jen and I go have burgers.”
There were only a few small things that detracted slightly. One very small hang up is what creates a wedge between the pair near the end of the book. I wasn’t happy with how cut and dry Jen was about the issues, apparently unwilling to even consider how to make things work. While I do agree they could have dealt with it by talking it out, I think that the reactions were true for the characters. Change is very hard, and most people's first reaction is to resist it and find reasons why it can't happen.
In the end, Homecoming is another wonderful small-town romance from Shannon Stacey. Ms. Stacey creates lovable, relatable characters and gives them life through her magnificent storytelling. This story is not only a wonderful romance, but also a heartfelt tale of man, and town, healing the wounds of the past.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Review copy provided by publisher
Jen Cooper grew up in Stewart Mills and loves her job as the high school guidance counselor. After her amazing one-time hookup with Sam back in the summer when he was home (for the first time in over a decade) for the football team fundraiser, Jen never wanted to see bad boy Sam again. Yet when he shows up in Stewart Mills to stay for a while, Jen isn’t sure she can deny their strong attraction.
Homecoming is the third (and presumably final) chapter in the Boys of Fall series, which features the goings-on of small-town Stewart Mills, NH. The town fell on hard times a while back, and I love how the town finds joy and regains hope through their high school football team. I like that while each book is a standalone, each builds upon the previous as far as character development. By the time we get to this third book, I care about each of the characters. I also like that we see the town mend and grow. The tone of the books progressively become more positive and hopeful because of the changing circumstances.
Overall, I loved Jen and Sam individually and as a couple. Both have their heads on straight and don’t tend to do ridiculous things or make silly relationship mistakes. Jen rocks and has her life together, which I appreciate. I love that she’s smart and caring, which is perfect since she is a respected guidance counselor. What I admire most about her character is that she THINKS like a counselor. She isn't making stupid decisions or letting Sam get away with crap. Ms. Stacey carried her personality through every action and decision.
And Sam is also a good, smart guy. While he does have a rocky past, he’s learned to deal with it like an adult. He takes into consideration others and how his actions will impact those closest to him. And while he still deals with lingering negativities from his youth, he doesn’t let the dark thoughts control his actions. This is SOOOOO refreshing. Homecoming chronicles Sam’s growth as he learns what it means to forgive his alcoholic mother and coach these young, impressionable boys.
Another great aspect of this book is the humor, which felt so much more than what was found in the first book. This is probably because of the football team’s success giving the town hope. Here is one example that made me laugh:
As Jen walked around the truck, she heard Sam talking to [Police Officer] Kelly. “Can you turn the lights and siren on?”
“No, you’re not getting a police escort to O’Rourke’s.”
“If I go first, then it’s more like a police chase than a police escort.”
“Get in your truck before I shoot all your tires out and leave you here while Jen and I go have burgers.”
There were only a few small things that detracted slightly. One very small hang up is what creates a wedge between the pair near the end of the book. I wasn’t happy with how cut and dry Jen was about the issues, apparently unwilling to even consider how to make things work. While I do agree they could have dealt with it by talking it out, I think that the reactions were true for the characters. Change is very hard, and most people's first reaction is to resist it and find reasons why it can't happen.
In the end, Homecoming is another wonderful small-town romance from Shannon Stacey. Ms. Stacey creates lovable, relatable characters and gives them life through her magnificent storytelling. This story is not only a wonderful romance, but also a heartfelt tale of man, and town, healing the wounds of the past.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Review copy provided by publisher
December 13, 2016
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
Homecoming is more than a romance, it's about finding yourself when you thought you were lost forever...
Both Sam and Jen were a little lost and needed direction, and the fact that both of them had best friends who were engaged to the other's best friends made working together more than a little awkward. Especially because they knew just how much chemistry they had when they let go. Homecoming was tender and sweet, and it made me want it all for Jen and Sam, with all their baggage and the way they saw their future, it would be a rocky road, for sure.
One of the things I loved about Homecoming was the theme of forgiveness. Forgiving oneself, and forgiving others, and then moving forward in life. There was a lot of compromise as well, which I think is an important part of any relationship for it to work. Add into that a new job for Sam, and an important job for Jen, and they definitely had a lot on their plates besides the budding romance between them.
This is the third book in a series, but I didn't feel like I had missed anything important by not reading the first two before this one. The small-town feel and the close friendships both between Jen and her friends, and between Sam and his friends made me a happy reader, and curious enough to want to read the prior books as well.
Written in third person, past tense, the readers got to know both of the main characters and the supporting cast well. That, plus the text messages and dialogues made the story flow at an even pace, and Homecoming was a quite fast read. If you're a fan of small town romances with mature characters, this is one you should pick up and curl up with as soon as possible.
Then there was the fact he'd lived alone since he left Stewart Mills after high school, and he wasn't very good at living his life on somebody else's schedule or remembering to put on pants before coffee in the morning.
There would be no stopping the gossip if she and Sam spent the night together, but there was gossip already and they hadn't even done anything yet. If you were going to do the time, you may as well do the crime, right?
What are you up to right now? Jen felt her pulse kick up a notch when she read the text message from Sam. Telling herself it was her body associating his name with orgasms and not an emotional reaction, she pulled up the on-screen keyboard to respond.
Homecoming is more than a romance, it's about finding yourself when you thought you were lost forever...
Both Sam and Jen were a little lost and needed direction, and the fact that both of them had best friends who were engaged to the other's best friends made working together more than a little awkward. Especially because they knew just how much chemistry they had when they let go. Homecoming was tender and sweet, and it made me want it all for Jen and Sam, with all their baggage and the way they saw their future, it would be a rocky road, for sure.
One of the things I loved about Homecoming was the theme of forgiveness. Forgiving oneself, and forgiving others, and then moving forward in life. There was a lot of compromise as well, which I think is an important part of any relationship for it to work. Add into that a new job for Sam, and an important job for Jen, and they definitely had a lot on their plates besides the budding romance between them.
This is the third book in a series, but I didn't feel like I had missed anything important by not reading the first two before this one. The small-town feel and the close friendships both between Jen and her friends, and between Sam and his friends made me a happy reader, and curious enough to want to read the prior books as well.
Written in third person, past tense, the readers got to know both of the main characters and the supporting cast well. That, plus the text messages and dialogues made the story flow at an even pace, and Homecoming was a quite fast read. If you're a fan of small town romances with mature characters, this is one you should pick up and curl up with as soon as possible.
Then there was the fact he'd lived alone since he left Stewart Mills after high school, and he wasn't very good at living his life on somebody else's schedule or remembering to put on pants before coffee in the morning.
There would be no stopping the gossip if she and Sam spent the night together, but there was gossip already and they hadn't even done anything yet. If you were going to do the time, you may as well do the crime, right?
What are you up to right now? Jen felt her pulse kick up a notch when she read the text message from Sam. Telling herself it was her body associating his name with orgasms and not an emotional reaction, she pulled up the on-screen keyboard to respond.
August 23, 2016
This review was originally posted on Latte Nights Reviews.
I love sport romances! When Berkley messaged me about reading and reviewing Homecoming, I immediately jumped at the chance. It was also my first time reading a book by Shannon Stacey, and it won't be my last!
Sam and Jen had a night when they give in to their desires. Unfortunately Sam left and Jen ended up heart-broken. Now, Sam is back to fill in for a coach. When he sees Jen, he can't help but wanting to hang out with her. Sam took a little getting used to. He was so very hard on himself when he shouldn't have been. He's an amazing and down-to-earth man who doesn't want to stay at Stewart Mills because he doesn't have fond memories there. Being surrounded by friends who are like family, by his former coach, and Jen, makes him realize that this town has his back no matter what.
Jen is a school counselor and she's so passionate about her job. She cares deeply for the students and wants what's best for them. I could feel how much she loved helping these kids through their school stuff and personal stuff. Jen is a great character. She's a driven woman with a strong head on her shoulders. Living in a small town doesn't help in finding a new guy. Besides, her heart's already been taking by Sam. Their connection was beautiful. Jen and Sam were very mature when it came to their relationship and they gave me everything I love in a romance: the cute date, their playfulness, and also how they can count on each other as if they were best friends.
The friendships in this story were a hilarious treat. The two couples from the previous books make an appearance and they gave so much to the story. The friendship Jen has with the two other girls is a very close one. Their conversations were the funniest ones of the story, as well as Sam's and coach's conversations. I loved that all these supporting characters made a presence throughout the entire novel.
Homecoming takes the reader on an exploration of forgiveness, love, friendship, and family. All of those combined with a small-town filled with people that is there for each other no matter what made for a very entertaining and heart-felt story.
I received a finished copy for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.This review was originally posted on Latte Nights Reviews.
I love sport romances! When Berkley messaged me about reading and reviewing Homecoming, I immediately jumped at the chance. It was also my first time reading a book by Shannon Stacey, and it won't be my last!
Sam and Jen had a night when they give in to their desires. Unfortunately Sam left and Jen ended up heart-broken. Now, Sam is back to fill in for a coach. When he sees Jen, he can't help but wanting to hang out with her. Sam took a little getting used to. He was so very hard on himself when he shouldn't have been. He's an amazing and down-to-earth man who doesn't want to stay at Stewart Mills because he doesn't have fond memories there. Being surrounded by friends who are like family, by his former coach, and Jen, makes him realize that this town has his back no matter what.
Jen is a school counselor and she's so passionate about her job. She cares deeply for the students and wants what's best for them. I could feel how much she loved helping these kids through their school stuff and personal stuff. Jen is a great character. She's a driven woman with a strong head on her shoulders. Living in a small town doesn't help in finding a new guy. Besides, her heart's already been taking by Sam. Their connection was beautiful. Jen and Sam were very mature when it came to their relationship and they gave me everything I love in a romance: the cute date, their playfulness, and also how they can count on each other as if they were best friends.
The friendships in this story were a hilarious treat. The two couples from the previous books make an appearance and they gave so much to the story. The friendship Jen has with the two other girls is a very close one. Their conversations were the funniest ones of the story, as well as Sam's and coach's conversations. I loved that all these supporting characters made a presence throughout the entire novel.
Homecoming takes the reader on an exploration of forgiveness, love, friendship, and family. All of those combined with a small-town filled with people that is there for each other no matter what made for a very entertaining and heart-felt story.
I received a finished copy for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.This review was originally posted on Latte Nights Reviews.
August 30, 2016
***ARC Provided by the Publisher and NetGalley***
Sam and Jen were an interesting couple. I liked that they had history, that there was an attraction there that neither of them were sure it was a good idea to pursue.
I liked that they were both in places in their lives where they were questioning if what they had was enough or if they needed to maybe look for other opportunities. Jen was valued, she received her validation from the work she does...but she is lonely. Sam is still running from his past, from growing up in a less than perfect home environment with a town who knew all about his struggles.
So, when Coach has a heart-attack, both of them are forced to see things a little differently and to consider maybe making some changes in their priorities.
This is a pretty standard "one of the couple is leaving in x amount of days" story. It is well written. However, I did not buy into the reason, at the end, that was insurmountable. Without spoilers, splitting the distance solved the problem 100%...people drive farther than that all the time...and this seemed like a really weak test of their relationship and less than believable drama.
Overall, I recommend this...with the caveat that some of the plot needs a little work, IMO
***This and other reviews also featured on “I’m A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore” http://www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com***
Sam and Jen were an interesting couple. I liked that they had history, that there was an attraction there that neither of them were sure it was a good idea to pursue.
I liked that they were both in places in their lives where they were questioning if what they had was enough or if they needed to maybe look for other opportunities. Jen was valued, she received her validation from the work she does...but she is lonely. Sam is still running from his past, from growing up in a less than perfect home environment with a town who knew all about his struggles.
So, when Coach has a heart-attack, both of them are forced to see things a little differently and to consider maybe making some changes in their priorities.
This is a pretty standard "one of the couple is leaving in x amount of days" story. It is well written. However, I did not buy into the reason, at the end, that was insurmountable. Without spoilers, splitting the distance solved the problem 100%...people drive farther than that all the time...and this seemed like a really weak test of their relationship and less than believable drama.
Overall, I recommend this...with the caveat that some of the plot needs a little work, IMO
***This and other reviews also featured on “I’m A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore” http://www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com***
August 25, 2016
Homecoming by Shannon Stacey is a heartwarming novel of redemption, forgiveness and love. Although this latest release is the third installment in the Boys of Fall series, it can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend the previous two books as well.
After beloved high school football Coach McDonnell suffers a heart attack, Sam Leavitt returns to Stewart Falls take over coaching duties until Coach gets the green light from his doctor to return to work. With a host of bad memories and unresolved issues stemming from his dysfunctional childhood, Sam does not mind helping out temporarily but he has no intention of moving back to town permanently. So he knows he has to maintain a healthy distance from the woman he had a very hot and unforgettable one night stand with the previous summer, guidance counselor Jen Cooper. His good intentions quickly fall by the wayside as their lives become entangled through their jobs and friends but their simmering attraction becomes too powerful to resist. Deciding there is no harm in indulging in a casual affair, Jen and Sam are both somewhat surprised when their no strings fling begins to look an awful lot like a real relationship. Will their deepening emotions have any effect on Sam's plan to Stewart Falls when Coach returns to work?
Sam is a caring, compassionate man whose abusive childhood left an indelible mark on him. While he may have put his horrible memories out of his mind, he has never really dealt with his painful past. His strained relationship with his mom is a work in progress and he is trying very hard to forgive her for not doing more to protect him while he was growing up. Sam has mixed emotions about being back in Stewart Falls and while he really comes to enjoy coaching the football team and mentoring the players, he still has a difficult time letting go of the hurt and anger he still carries with him. After receiving an unexpected job opportunity, he begins rethinking his plans to return to Texas but he cannot see himself moving back to Stewart Falls. Sam comes up with a viable solution to this problem, but will Jen agree to his plan?
Jen cares deeply for the students she works with and she works tirelessly on their behalf to give them the opportunity to make a better life for themselves. Although her family no longer lives in Stewart Falls, she has strong ties to the community. Still nursing a little hurt and anger over the way Sam left town the previous summer, Jen resolves to stay away from him. When this plan quickly falls through, she refuses to entertain the possibility of giving in to her desire for him. Slowly but surely, she convinces herself she can handle a no strings fling and they soon embroiled in a heated affair. Although she readily admits she is in love with Sam, is Jen ready to do whatever it takes for them to be together?
With a sweet and steamy romance, a wonderful small town atmosphere and laugh out loud humor (the pumpkin babies and Gretchen's emojis are hilarious), Homecoming is an endearing and heartfelt addition the Boys of Fall series. Jen and Sam are wonderful protagonists whose romance is believable but with some very real obstacles to overcome, their future is far from certain. This finely crafted novel of love and healing is sure to be a hit with old and new fans of Shannon Stacey.
After beloved high school football Coach McDonnell suffers a heart attack, Sam Leavitt returns to Stewart Falls take over coaching duties until Coach gets the green light from his doctor to return to work. With a host of bad memories and unresolved issues stemming from his dysfunctional childhood, Sam does not mind helping out temporarily but he has no intention of moving back to town permanently. So he knows he has to maintain a healthy distance from the woman he had a very hot and unforgettable one night stand with the previous summer, guidance counselor Jen Cooper. His good intentions quickly fall by the wayside as their lives become entangled through their jobs and friends but their simmering attraction becomes too powerful to resist. Deciding there is no harm in indulging in a casual affair, Jen and Sam are both somewhat surprised when their no strings fling begins to look an awful lot like a real relationship. Will their deepening emotions have any effect on Sam's plan to Stewart Falls when Coach returns to work?
Sam is a caring, compassionate man whose abusive childhood left an indelible mark on him. While he may have put his horrible memories out of his mind, he has never really dealt with his painful past. His strained relationship with his mom is a work in progress and he is trying very hard to forgive her for not doing more to protect him while he was growing up. Sam has mixed emotions about being back in Stewart Falls and while he really comes to enjoy coaching the football team and mentoring the players, he still has a difficult time letting go of the hurt and anger he still carries with him. After receiving an unexpected job opportunity, he begins rethinking his plans to return to Texas but he cannot see himself moving back to Stewart Falls. Sam comes up with a viable solution to this problem, but will Jen agree to his plan?
Jen cares deeply for the students she works with and she works tirelessly on their behalf to give them the opportunity to make a better life for themselves. Although her family no longer lives in Stewart Falls, she has strong ties to the community. Still nursing a little hurt and anger over the way Sam left town the previous summer, Jen resolves to stay away from him. When this plan quickly falls through, she refuses to entertain the possibility of giving in to her desire for him. Slowly but surely, she convinces herself she can handle a no strings fling and they soon embroiled in a heated affair. Although she readily admits she is in love with Sam, is Jen ready to do whatever it takes for them to be together?
With a sweet and steamy romance, a wonderful small town atmosphere and laugh out loud humor (the pumpkin babies and Gretchen's emojis are hilarious), Homecoming is an endearing and heartfelt addition the Boys of Fall series. Jen and Sam are wonderful protagonists whose romance is believable but with some very real obstacles to overcome, their future is far from certain. This finely crafted novel of love and healing is sure to be a hit with old and new fans of Shannon Stacey.
October 17, 2018
I loved this whole Boys of Fall series, and Homecoming was a great story to close things out.
Sam has left his home in Texas to go coach the football team at his former high school. He’d do anything for his former coach - even go back to the town that holds nothing but unpleasant memories of a terrible childhood. But as small towns tend to do, he’s drawn back in by his old friends and the boys on the team he’s coaching. The school’s guidance counselor is also growing on him.
Watching Jen and Sam’s relationship grow was sweet and realistic. Even though they had a one-night-stand several months before, they don’t just jump right back into bed. I love how this author has realistic people fall in love in a realistic way - and does so with lots of heart and humor. There’s no manufactured angst or drama. Instead we get people dealing with real issues. Also, I really appreciate that these characters are normal people - Jen works at a high school, and Sam has a job as an oil field electrician (or something like that), and then works for a factory at the end. No billionaire, no pro athlete, no military hero. You might think these would be boring stories with such normal people leading normal lives solving normal issues, but with Ms. Shannon’s capable writing, they manage to be anything but!
And when you add in all the humor that comes with a high school football team, this book was a total delight to listen to. As with book two, I’m not a fan of this narrator - even at 1.25 speed, there were frequently times where she sounded like an automated robo-call message. Thankfully the story was really good.
I am sad to have reached the end of this series, but am thankful for the hours of listening pleasure!
Sam has left his home in Texas to go coach the football team at his former high school. He’d do anything for his former coach - even go back to the town that holds nothing but unpleasant memories of a terrible childhood. But as small towns tend to do, he’s drawn back in by his old friends and the boys on the team he’s coaching. The school’s guidance counselor is also growing on him.
Watching Jen and Sam’s relationship grow was sweet and realistic. Even though they had a one-night-stand several months before, they don’t just jump right back into bed. I love how this author has realistic people fall in love in a realistic way - and does so with lots of heart and humor. There’s no manufactured angst or drama. Instead we get people dealing with real issues. Also, I really appreciate that these characters are normal people - Jen works at a high school, and Sam has a job as an oil field electrician (or something like that), and then works for a factory at the end. No billionaire, no pro athlete, no military hero. You might think these would be boring stories with such normal people leading normal lives solving normal issues, but with Ms. Shannon’s capable writing, they manage to be anything but!
And when you add in all the humor that comes with a high school football team, this book was a total delight to listen to. As with book two, I’m not a fan of this narrator - even at 1.25 speed, there were frequently times where she sounded like an automated robo-call message. Thankfully the story was really good.
I am sad to have reached the end of this series, but am thankful for the hours of listening pleasure!
October 31, 2017
What a fantastic conclusion to a fantastic series.
This series follows the story of three best friends, that in the very beginning came together to help save a small towns football team by gathering the Alumni team. The only team to ever win a championship game. They manage to get most of the players back and the three master minds behind the whole event Kelly, Gretchen, and Jen discover a little more about themselves and what it really means to find true love.
So far Kelly and Gretchen have found their happy endings and now it's just naturally assumed that Jen would end up with Sam Leavitt, the friend to Kelly and Gretchen's men, Chase and Alex. Jen and Sam are more then a little reluctant to start anything up knowing that Sam isn't looking to stay in Stewart Mills and Jen would never dream of leaving, so they decide to ignore the obvious chemistry between them until it becomes so explosive they can no longer deny that they have something real and strong between them.
This was such a great book! I loved everything about it. Not a single flaw to be found anywhere. 5/5 stars!
This series follows the story of three best friends, that in the very beginning came together to help save a small towns football team by gathering the Alumni team. The only team to ever win a championship game. They manage to get most of the players back and the three master minds behind the whole event Kelly, Gretchen, and Jen discover a little more about themselves and what it really means to find true love.
So far Kelly and Gretchen have found their happy endings and now it's just naturally assumed that Jen would end up with Sam Leavitt, the friend to Kelly and Gretchen's men, Chase and Alex. Jen and Sam are more then a little reluctant to start anything up knowing that Sam isn't looking to stay in Stewart Mills and Jen would never dream of leaving, so they decide to ignore the obvious chemistry between them until it becomes so explosive they can no longer deny that they have something real and strong between them.
This was such a great book! I loved everything about it. Not a single flaw to be found anywhere. 5/5 stars!
November 21, 2017
Perfect wrap up to the series. I loved watching Sam and Jen fall in love, even if they wanted to keep everything casual in the beginning. They had amazing chemistry together and I also loved they seemed to actually be really good friends to one another. I loved how much they both loved the kids in the town and wanted to help them out in any way possible.
August 30, 2016
I love this series by Shannon Stacey. It reminds of me Friday Night Lights combined with Pay It Forward. There are so many positive messages about life, friendship, family, and love teamed up with a sizzling romance in this sports romance category. It showcases the positive influences from the past leaving an impression. The will to pay it forward is unquestionable.
Sam Leavitt is summoned back to Stewart Mills to fill in for Coach McDonnell. For the life of him he can't figure out why the coach wants him to fill this position. Coach McDonnell remembers the troubled kid with more black marks against him turning himself around through high school football. This kid turned his bleak future around and made something of his life. Coach McDonnell believes he has the right stuff to mentor these impressionable young men. Coach McDonnell also recognizes that Sam needs to make peace with his past.
Sam's journey towards forgiveness from the past will guarantee a healthy, happy future that includes love and family. His journey will make your heart swell with joy. His influence on the teenage football players is compassionate, positive, and insightful. He understands their teenage mentality along with the quirks that hide the impressionable young man beneath the surface. He understands peer pressure, family pressure, and community pressure. He understands low self esteem and sense of rejection. He's been there, he was that boy fourteen years ago.
Over the summer he met Jen Cooper, the school guidance counselor. Jen not only understood his background but also saw what a fine, honorable man he had become. It was too bad that they only had a short encounter. With Sam being back in town, it is the opportunity for something more.
Shannon scored big with Homecoming. It had the perfect blend of small town romance and sports romance. I loved every word, every play, and every character. I highly recommend this book.
September 21, 2016
Homecoming: A Trip too Far
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
This is another lovely episode in the Boys of Fall series wherein three pals come back to their hometown to help out the town and the football coach who changed their lives with his stand-up guy-ness.
All the guys are on the edge of a career precipice, except for Sam. What Sam has is the ability to take off work and help out the coach when he has a medical setback.
He had a thing with Jen when he first ended up back in town and the two have had each other on their minds.
What’re the chances all these guys meet up with three besties and end up back in town?? Huh?
So, yeah the series’ plot is a little obvious. But it is also fun and filled with the small town happy feels we all love. To a point.
The fly in the ointment is a 45 minute drive being too far, being an impossible long distance relationship. Not 4.5 hours, 45 minutes. Seriously, I live in the state next to NH and it takes 45 minutes to get almost anywhere.
In any event it is NOT a long-distance relationship, and it just didn’t work for me. I scoffed at that.
Until then my only issue was that Sam has not athletic training beyond having played football in high school. It was a little hard to believe that this guy would be tapped to be the replacement for “Coach McDonnell.”
As far as the narration went, I will confess that I did not listen to the entire book but sampled the first few pages. I noted that Chandra Skye has a lovely soft voice but uses strange phrasing and sometimes her voice seemed deadened in its delivery.
This series has been enjoyable overall but for this humble reviewer HOMECOMING missed the mark.
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
This is another lovely episode in the Boys of Fall series wherein three pals come back to their hometown to help out the town and the football coach who changed their lives with his stand-up guy-ness.
All the guys are on the edge of a career precipice, except for Sam. What Sam has is the ability to take off work and help out the coach when he has a medical setback.
He had a thing with Jen when he first ended up back in town and the two have had each other on their minds.
What’re the chances all these guys meet up with three besties and end up back in town?? Huh?
So, yeah the series’ plot is a little obvious. But it is also fun and filled with the small town happy feels we all love. To a point.
The fly in the ointment is a 45 minute drive being too far, being an impossible long distance relationship. Not 4.5 hours, 45 minutes. Seriously, I live in the state next to NH and it takes 45 minutes to get almost anywhere.
In any event it is NOT a long-distance relationship, and it just didn’t work for me. I scoffed at that.
Until then my only issue was that Sam has not athletic training beyond having played football in high school. It was a little hard to believe that this guy would be tapped to be the replacement for “Coach McDonnell.”
As far as the narration went, I will confess that I did not listen to the entire book but sampled the first few pages. I noted that Chandra Skye has a lovely soft voice but uses strange phrasing and sometimes her voice seemed deadened in its delivery.
This series has been enjoyable overall but for this humble reviewer HOMECOMING missed the mark.
February 10, 2017
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
This 3rd book of the Boys of Fall series may be my favorite yet. I was looking forward to Sam's story and Ms. Stacey did not let me down. I mean who doesn't love a sexy bad boy turned good? Homecoming brought us a bittersweet tale of redemption, forgiveness and the strength to overcome the ghosts of the past. All of this in addition to a lovely small town with amusing town folk, good friends, new love and of course football!
Sam had my heart since the first time he appeared in book 1 Under the Lights. There was just something about him. You could feel the intensity and the weight he carried with him from his past pour from the pages. Yet, he was such a stand up guy that knew how to smile and enjoy the time that he had left back with his old friends and coach.
Jen was a great character. She truly had a calling when it came to her job and the kids she helped. She wanted a family and kids of her own, but being from a small town her chances of meeting a new guy were slim. Not that she wanted a new guy. Sam pretty much claimed her heart from the start despite how hard she fought it.
I loved the conversations between Sam and Coach. It cracked me up how Coach would kind of channel his inner Yoda when giving Sam advice. It made me chuckle every time. The romance between Sam and Jen was a sweet one. You kind of felt swept up in the whole thing as the couple first fought the attraction, accepted the inevitable with restrictions and then lost all control of their intentions. For me this was a fun read that ended way too soon.
This book was provided to me in exchange for my honest review.
This 3rd book of the Boys of Fall series may be my favorite yet. I was looking forward to Sam's story and Ms. Stacey did not let me down. I mean who doesn't love a sexy bad boy turned good? Homecoming brought us a bittersweet tale of redemption, forgiveness and the strength to overcome the ghosts of the past. All of this in addition to a lovely small town with amusing town folk, good friends, new love and of course football!
Sam had my heart since the first time he appeared in book 1 Under the Lights. There was just something about him. You could feel the intensity and the weight he carried with him from his past pour from the pages. Yet, he was such a stand up guy that knew how to smile and enjoy the time that he had left back with his old friends and coach.
Jen was a great character. She truly had a calling when it came to her job and the kids she helped. She wanted a family and kids of her own, but being from a small town her chances of meeting a new guy were slim. Not that she wanted a new guy. Sam pretty much claimed her heart from the start despite how hard she fought it.
I loved the conversations between Sam and Coach. It cracked me up how Coach would kind of channel his inner Yoda when giving Sam advice. It made me chuckle every time. The romance between Sam and Jen was a sweet one. You kind of felt swept up in the whole thing as the couple first fought the attraction, accepted the inevitable with restrictions and then lost all control of their intentions. For me this was a fun read that ended way too soon.
This book was provided to me in exchange for my honest review.
September 20, 2016
One by one the Boys of Fall are returning to town to finding the loves of their lives. With Sam Leavitt he plans on leaving again. After Sam left right after high school he never planned on returning but with Stewart Mills needing help he has been back. Now he's coming back to fill in for coach while he recovers from a heart attack. Since Coach means so much to him he has no problem returning but when he sees Jen again he remembers the steamy night they spent together.
Out of all the books in this series I think this one was my favorite. I really liked Jen and how she wanted Sam but resisted him especially because he never said good bye after their hook up the last time he was in town. I enjoyed the bond between these two characters and how they found themselves drawn to one another. The dual povs helped me get into both their heads and see that Sam might come off as uncaring but he really did care a lot especially about Jen.
While there relationship starts off on the slow side I really enjoyed how they took their time in deciding what would happen in their future. It wasn't rushed but they were both willing to work out the details that fit them best.
The writing was good and I thought this was a sweet second chance read. It wasn't boring and at the end I was pretty impressed with how everything played out. I haven't read a lot of Ms. Stacey's stories but I have some in my TBR pile that I cant wait to dive into. If you're looking for a sweet read, has football and a town who sticks together no matter this is the story for you.
September 7, 2016
3.5 Stars
This was a sweet, simple, fun read. The whole small town, high school football setting just set the perfect stage for the sweet romance between Jen and Sam.
I didn't read the previous books in the series so I'm not sure if I'm missing out on a few bits and pierces of Jen and Sam's story, but I'm pretty sure I got the gist of it.
I think if I tried to read too much into this story I wouldn't have enjoyed it. There didn't seem to be a whole lot of build up to them falling in love. They just sort of organically fell into it through exploring feelings that were already there and they did it with ease.
I almost felt like this was more a story about Sam's growth and how he worked through his residual feelings about his mother, his father, his childhood and the insecurities that stemmed from it all. It was more about his ability to open his heart to the possibility of love with Jen than the actually falling in love.
If you're looking for a super sexy or romantic read, this book isn't what you want. However, if you just want a quick, sweet read that doesn't really mess with your emotions but might warm your heart a little bit then you should pick this up.
While I didn't love this story, I liked it enough that I want to go read the other books.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This was a sweet, simple, fun read. The whole small town, high school football setting just set the perfect stage for the sweet romance between Jen and Sam.
I didn't read the previous books in the series so I'm not sure if I'm missing out on a few bits and pierces of Jen and Sam's story, but I'm pretty sure I got the gist of it.
I think if I tried to read too much into this story I wouldn't have enjoyed it. There didn't seem to be a whole lot of build up to them falling in love. They just sort of organically fell into it through exploring feelings that were already there and they did it with ease.
I almost felt like this was more a story about Sam's growth and how he worked through his residual feelings about his mother, his father, his childhood and the insecurities that stemmed from it all. It was more about his ability to open his heart to the possibility of love with Jen than the actually falling in love.
If you're looking for a super sexy or romantic read, this book isn't what you want. However, if you just want a quick, sweet read that doesn't really mess with your emotions but might warm your heart a little bit then you should pick this up.
While I didn't love this story, I liked it enough that I want to go read the other books.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
September 14, 2016
The third in the Boys of Fall contemporary romance series has Jen Cooper and Sam Leavitt trying to have a fun fling, to not become deeply involved, for Sam is asked to return to Stewart Mills to temporarily replace the ailing Coach McDonnell as the football coach.
All the characters of the previous two novels make appearances in this one, but it is the relationship between Jen and Sam that is featured. As steamy and hot as the previous two, this novel is also all about coming home, and whether it is even possible to come home again, to cast aside the perceptions of people who knew you way back when.
Can the pair come together without feelings becoming involved? Especially if one is committed to staying in the community and the other will be heading back to Texas? And will the football team win the championship again (like the original team who returned to help save the team during Eagles Fest)?
All the characters of the previous two novels make appearances in this one, but it is the relationship between Jen and Sam that is featured. As steamy and hot as the previous two, this novel is also all about coming home, and whether it is even possible to come home again, to cast aside the perceptions of people who knew you way back when.
Can the pair come together without feelings becoming involved? Especially if one is committed to staying in the community and the other will be heading back to Texas? And will the football team win the championship again (like the original team who returned to help save the team during Eagles Fest)?
October 1, 2016
So sweet! I loved all the books in this series and this one too, though #2 might just be my favorite. I really enjoyed watching Sam come back to Stewart Mills and realize that it was home after all. His and Jen's relationship was oddly supportive and steamy - but that worked for me! I really enjoyed this town and wish there were more stories to come.
I listened to the audio of this book and thought it was ok. I've heard the narrator, Chandra Skyye, before and wasn't impressed. But in this book, her narration seemed fine. I did listen at a higher speed than normal though, whether that helped or not I don't know.
I listened to the audio of this book and thought it was ok. I've heard the narrator, Chandra Skyye, before and wasn't impressed. But in this book, her narration seemed fine. I did listen at a higher speed than normal though, whether that helped or not I don't know.
July 18, 2016
Review will be up at All About Romance, but brief spoiler: I really loved this one. I'm a sucker for Stacey's writing and how she does characters, so admittedly I'm an easy sell, but ugh, I loved it.
September 6, 2016
4/5 (B)
October 26, 2016
Enjoyed it! Sam and Jen are great! Good story!
October 13, 2025
Author: Shannon Stacey
Title: Homecoming
Series: Boys of Fall
Cover Rating:
Bronze Star
Book Rating:
4 stars
About the Book:
Sam Leavitt has two goals when he returns home to Stewart Mills to fill in for Coach McDonnell: to keep the school from finding a permanent replacement while Coach gets back on his feet, and to reconnect with his mother. As substitute coach for the high school football team, Sam must work hard to keep the boys on track, and that means spending time with the sexy guidance counselor he shared a hot night with months ago.
Jen Cooper knows what she’s looking for, and it’s not Sam—he wasn’t even supposed to come back. She wants a cultured, romantic soul, not some rough-around-the-edges guy with calloused hands—and a hard, muscular body. But seeing him every day forces Jen to question what she really wants out of life. And as Sam begins to deal with his past, Jen discovers there’s more to him than she imagined.
My Thoughts:
Homecoming was cute and of course I'm a sucker for reunion stories so I was into this one from the start.
There wasn't a whole lot of drama, sexiness or excitement in this book which was kind of nice for a change of pace. For those readers who want to get away from most of that angsty craziness gotta be tv theme emotional instability this slow pace comfortable read is one that allows you to settle in and just enjoy a slow build romance that fits for any of those small town tight knit community stories.
Although I do wish we had gotten more feeling or emotion from both Jen and Sam it was nice to be able to just sit back and take it all in without much of the typical gotta get down and dirty with it to make it enjoyable kind of things.
It was sweet, it was realistic and didn't build up too much for heavy expectations.
In the end Homecoming gave just enough love to provide the warm and fuzzies without any snags.
Disclaimer:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley / Penguin Publishing. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Note:
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!
Title: Homecoming
Series: Boys of Fall
Cover Rating:
Bronze Star
Book Rating:
4 stars
About the Book:
Sam Leavitt has two goals when he returns home to Stewart Mills to fill in for Coach McDonnell: to keep the school from finding a permanent replacement while Coach gets back on his feet, and to reconnect with his mother. As substitute coach for the high school football team, Sam must work hard to keep the boys on track, and that means spending time with the sexy guidance counselor he shared a hot night with months ago.
Jen Cooper knows what she’s looking for, and it’s not Sam—he wasn’t even supposed to come back. She wants a cultured, romantic soul, not some rough-around-the-edges guy with calloused hands—and a hard, muscular body. But seeing him every day forces Jen to question what she really wants out of life. And as Sam begins to deal with his past, Jen discovers there’s more to him than she imagined.
My Thoughts:
Homecoming was cute and of course I'm a sucker for reunion stories so I was into this one from the start.
There wasn't a whole lot of drama, sexiness or excitement in this book which was kind of nice for a change of pace. For those readers who want to get away from most of that angsty craziness gotta be tv theme emotional instability this slow pace comfortable read is one that allows you to settle in and just enjoy a slow build romance that fits for any of those small town tight knit community stories.
Although I do wish we had gotten more feeling or emotion from both Jen and Sam it was nice to be able to just sit back and take it all in without much of the typical gotta get down and dirty with it to make it enjoyable kind of things.
It was sweet, it was realistic and didn't build up too much for heavy expectations.
In the end Homecoming gave just enough love to provide the warm and fuzzies without any snags.
Disclaimer:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley / Penguin Publishing. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Note:
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!
April 1, 2021
Ok so again we start up shortly after the conclusion of the 2nd book, but his time we get hit with a bit of drama right up front. It was an exciting nail biting beginning. I can't say enough how much I'm loving being in this small town. I feel like the author just envelopes me in her town. Also you don't NEED to read the previous books but I highly, highly recommend it. I think it brings you closer to the characters you are reading and it just fills out the ambiance of the book. This is still a very easy, quick, fun little series/book. The drama is minimal and it's just a slow fun read. The secondaries are again present and you get to see them played out a little further. These books take place in a small amount of time. These aren't happening over years, more like weeks maybe a month or two. I'm a bit of a time nit picker but I still really enjoyed the books. Ok so now that the series in concluded I had hoped for a bit of an epilogue kind of giving us a further out look at the town. We did get one don't get me wrong but I was hoping for a little more. I'm really happy that I got to read this series. This book by far had the most football in it and I did love the sports aspect of it, after all that is initially why I chose this series so to get some football was exciting. I really liked where the characters ended and how they each got their Happy For Now status. I could see myself reading more from this author and I would recommend these books to others. I hope you enjoy them too.
January 1, 2017
I liked this but I didn't love it.
Jen Cooper is the guidance counsellor at Stewart Mills High School. A few months back she had a steamy one-night stand with former resident and boy-from-the-wrong-side-of-the-tracks Sam Leavitt on the hood of her car, then he just left town and went back to Texas. When Coach McDonnell suffers a massive heart attack he asks Sam to come back to Stewart Mills to coach the team.
Sam has always felt unworthy, judged by others for his violent, abusive father and his alcoholic mother, he was on his way to jail or worse until Coach McDonnell gave him a chance. He'll do anything to repay that debt and see the sexy woman who rocked his world again. Even if he know she is way out of his league.
As Sam starts to confront the demons from his past, he develops a relationship with Jen, but could he really come back to this town to stay?
I haven't read the previous books in this series, whilst this can easily be read as a standalone novel I felt that maybe I had missed some backstory/ nuances by jumping in at the third book (and it made me want to read the other two). I also have little to no understanding of American football so all the game descriptions went totally over my head.
Jen Cooper is the guidance counsellor at Stewart Mills High School. A few months back she had a steamy one-night stand with former resident and boy-from-the-wrong-side-of-the-tracks Sam Leavitt on the hood of her car, then he just left town and went back to Texas. When Coach McDonnell suffers a massive heart attack he asks Sam to come back to Stewart Mills to coach the team.
Sam has always felt unworthy, judged by others for his violent, abusive father and his alcoholic mother, he was on his way to jail or worse until Coach McDonnell gave him a chance. He'll do anything to repay that debt and see the sexy woman who rocked his world again. Even if he know she is way out of his league.
As Sam starts to confront the demons from his past, he develops a relationship with Jen, but could he really come back to this town to stay?
I haven't read the previous books in this series, whilst this can easily be read as a standalone novel I felt that maybe I had missed some backstory/ nuances by jumping in at the third book (and it made me want to read the other two). I also have little to no understanding of American football so all the game descriptions went totally over my head.
July 5, 2018
I loved this series! I devoured every page from start to finish. Each book could be a stand-alone, but you don't want to miss each of these 3 best friends finding their HEA. Three best friends that played HS football together some years ago and won the towns only HS championship return to town to help raise money for the football program. In turn each finds a reason to make this wonderful hometown their home again. This is Sam and Jen's story. The characters are charming and reluctantly fall in love despite their plan to not stay in town. Each carries baggage but finds their HEA. I think this book was my favorite of the three.
December 5, 2019
The last of the Boys of Fall trilogy, and I enjoyed this one as well. Sam Leavitt is one of the former star football players who, after Eagles Fest, returns to Stuart Mills to help out the team after the coach has a heart attack. Jen Cooper is the local middle school/high school guidance counselor who is the last of the three best friends to remain unattached. But, of course, that will change. I liked the author's exploration of alcoholism, drug addiction, family dysfunction, as well as issues by small towns hit hard by a dying local economy. Good read!
Go Cards! L1C4!!
Go Cards! L1C4!!
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