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Homecoming
Love is thicker than blood.
When Yale student Sarah Storm comes out to her parents, they disown her and withdraw all support for her education. A few days later, Sarah's long-term girlfriend breaks up with her and Sarah loses everything that matters—family, future dreams, and love. Forced to leave Yale with only the contents of her dorm room and a boat of a car bequeathed to her by her grandmother, Sarah scrambles to get her life back on track at the University of Rhode Island. Burying her hurt and disappointment, Sarah throws herself into both her classes and social life. But no one she meets is quite as intriguing as Rory, her new—and apparently straight—roommate. When it becomes clear that her attraction to Rory is mutual, however, Sarah begins to fear that history will repeat itself and she'll end up alone.
Will Sarah be able to put aside the betrayals of those she loved and trust again? Or will the consequences of her own coming-out experience get in the way of a new chance at happiness?
When Yale student Sarah Storm comes out to her parents, they disown her and withdraw all support for her education. A few days later, Sarah's long-term girlfriend breaks up with her and Sarah loses everything that matters—family, future dreams, and love. Forced to leave Yale with only the contents of her dorm room and a boat of a car bequeathed to her by her grandmother, Sarah scrambles to get her life back on track at the University of Rhode Island. Burying her hurt and disappointment, Sarah throws herself into both her classes and social life. But no one she meets is quite as intriguing as Rory, her new—and apparently straight—roommate. When it becomes clear that her attraction to Rory is mutual, however, Sarah begins to fear that history will repeat itself and she'll end up alone.
Will Sarah be able to put aside the betrayals of those she loved and trust again? Or will the consequences of her own coming-out experience get in the way of a new chance at happiness?
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2008
10 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
About the author
Nell Stark
24 books292 followersAuthor of the following lesbian romance novels:
1) Running With the Wind (Bold Strokes Books, 2007)
2) Homecoming (Bold Strokes Books, 2008)
Co-author (with Trinity Tam) of the EVERAFTER paranormal romance series:
1) everafter (2009)
2) nevermore (2010)
3) nightrise (2011)
1) Running With the Wind (Bold Strokes Books, 2007)
2) Homecoming (Bold Strokes Books, 2008)
Co-author (with Trinity Tam) of the EVERAFTER paranormal romance series:
1) everafter (2009)
2) nevermore (2010)
3) nightrise (2011)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 27, 2020
“Out of everyone in the world, I choose you, Sarah. Just you.”
This was a very long slowburn. MCs are brooding Sarah and the human-embodiment of sunshine Rory. They are roommates and friends, crushing hard on each other. But Rory knows Sarah is dating Chelsea and Sarah believes Rory is straight. So they both think there is no hope for a romantic relationship and pine away for each other for majority of the book. I really liked the MCs but the secondary characters weren't as fleshed out.
This was a very long slowburn. MCs are brooding Sarah and the human-embodiment of sunshine Rory. They are roommates and friends, crushing hard on each other. But Rory knows Sarah is dating Chelsea and Sarah believes Rory is straight. So they both think there is no hope for a romantic relationship and pine away for each other for majority of the book. I really liked the MCs but the secondary characters weren't as fleshed out.
June 7, 2017
3.5 Stars rounded up to 4 Stars for the audiobook. Read by Hope Newhouse. Newhouse did a good job. No complaints.
Overall I enjoyed this book. In the first chapter or so (chapters in audiobooks don't often align with printed version) - we meet Sarah Storm who is having an emotional breakdown. Her parents discover that she is a lesbian, they disown her, and withdraw their financial support at YALE. Not long after this her long time YALE girlfriend breaks up with her. It is really heartbreaking to read and knowing that it is not uncommon.
With the support from an old friend and her girlfriend, Sarah enrolls at U of RI, where she meets her straight dorm roommate Rory, a Korean American film major. While at URI she joins the campaign for the vote for marriage equality in RI. Rory decides to film a documentary about the campaign.
The majority of the book deals with Sarah and Rory, who realize they are attracted and in love with the other. But because of circumstances (the least of which Rory had identified herself as straight) neither of them tells the other. Well, eventually they do, after all this is a romance book. I liked how both characters internally come to terms with their feelings, their emotional journey of ups and downs. The backdrop of the political struggle for gay rights at this time in RI is also a big part of the book. Sometimes, it felt a bit too much, but the author used it well as the thread that bound all the characters and the times.
Overall I enjoyed this book. In the first chapter or so (chapters in audiobooks don't often align with printed version) - we meet Sarah Storm who is having an emotional breakdown. Her parents discover that she is a lesbian, they disown her, and withdraw their financial support at YALE. Not long after this her long time YALE girlfriend breaks up with her. It is really heartbreaking to read and knowing that it is not uncommon.
With the support from an old friend and her girlfriend, Sarah enrolls at U of RI, where she meets her straight dorm roommate Rory, a Korean American film major. While at URI she joins the campaign for the vote for marriage equality in RI. Rory decides to film a documentary about the campaign.
The majority of the book deals with Sarah and Rory, who realize they are attracted and in love with the other. But because of circumstances (the least of which Rory had identified herself as straight) neither of them tells the other. Well, eventually they do, after all this is a romance book. I liked how both characters internally come to terms with their feelings, their emotional journey of ups and downs. The backdrop of the political struggle for gay rights at this time in RI is also a big part of the book. Sometimes, it felt a bit too much, but the author used it well as the thread that bound all the characters and the times.
April 13, 2021
I can't believe parents can be like that, I write, knowing some are. Unbelievable and revolting. A good story well told, by a good author, thank you.
November 1, 2018
The audiobook version is just as good as the book itself. It was nice to revisit this story.
April 17, 2016
Reading about college students is a fair break from drama involving cheating husbands and babies and whatnot. Relating to the characters' issues makes a big difference and I found myself rooting for Rory and Sarah. Sarah's kinda genderbendering and she's hot; no doubt Rory would gravitate towards her.
While the story's great, I wish we got more of Rory and Sarah's development. I see other reviewers mention the big focus on gay rights politics. Either it didn't make a difference to me or I might've glazed over it. Not sure.
Justice for Chelsea! I felt kinda bad for that thirsty girl. Her scenes with Sarah were hot, though Rory and Sarah's coupling had much more love attached to it. Not simply an obsession with attractiveness.
While the story's great, I wish we got more of Rory and Sarah's development. I see other reviewers mention the big focus on gay rights politics. Either it didn't make a difference to me or I might've glazed over it. Not sure.
Justice for Chelsea! I felt kinda bad for that thirsty girl. Her scenes with Sarah were hot, though Rory and Sarah's coupling had much more love attached to it. Not simply an obsession with attractiveness.
January 29, 2016
Sarah Storm is a girl who is enrolled at Yale. She's a good student and has not been in any major trouble of any kind in the past.
But when her parents find out that she is a lesbian, everything hits the fan. Her parents refuse to pay for any more of her Yale education, so she has to leave the college. They also kick her out of the house, so she has to find some friends to stay with. They cut off her cell phone and even end up totally disowning her. Even when she's had time to start to rebuilt her life, they show the same vicious anti-lesbian feelings that they had when they originally kicked her out. To put the icing on the cake, her girlfriend ends up breaking up with her.
In other words, prejudice triumphs over family. Unfortunately, this is not that uncommon of an event at all, kicking out one's own children since they happen to be gay or lesbian.
All of this takes place basically in the first chapter. Sarah has to start rebuilding her life by getting a job, entering a smaller (and far less expensive) college (she wants to become a doctor), and she has a roommate that is into making films. Her name's Rory.
Rory is going to make a special film about a vote that is going to be held in the state on whether or not gays and lesbians should have the right to marry (again, an incredibly timely topic.)
What makes matters very complicated is that Sarah has fallen for Rory, but she believes Rory is absolutely straight (but not narrow). What she doesn't know is that Rory is starting to fall for her, and most of the book deals with the two coming to terms with their own feelings for each other, but afraid to come on to the other.
Basically, it's a very romantic story that tries to show that love does not belong to one person of each sex exclusively; that two people of the same sex can develop a love just as deep of two people of different sexes. A very good book.
But when her parents find out that she is a lesbian, everything hits the fan. Her parents refuse to pay for any more of her Yale education, so she has to leave the college. They also kick her out of the house, so she has to find some friends to stay with. They cut off her cell phone and even end up totally disowning her. Even when she's had time to start to rebuilt her life, they show the same vicious anti-lesbian feelings that they had when they originally kicked her out. To put the icing on the cake, her girlfriend ends up breaking up with her.
In other words, prejudice triumphs over family. Unfortunately, this is not that uncommon of an event at all, kicking out one's own children since they happen to be gay or lesbian.
All of this takes place basically in the first chapter. Sarah has to start rebuilding her life by getting a job, entering a smaller (and far less expensive) college (she wants to become a doctor), and she has a roommate that is into making films. Her name's Rory.
Rory is going to make a special film about a vote that is going to be held in the state on whether or not gays and lesbians should have the right to marry (again, an incredibly timely topic.)
What makes matters very complicated is that Sarah has fallen for Rory, but she believes Rory is absolutely straight (but not narrow). What she doesn't know is that Rory is starting to fall for her, and most of the book deals with the two coming to terms with their own feelings for each other, but afraid to come on to the other.
Basically, it's a very romantic story that tries to show that love does not belong to one person of each sex exclusively; that two people of the same sex can develop a love just as deep of two people of different sexes. A very good book.
September 30, 2010
Cute romance between college roommates. Pros: Adorable characters, modern dialogue, sweet and satisfying love story. Cons: underexplored family dynamics, several unnecessary setup/backstory chapters, and a little too much focus on gay rights politics. Overall, a nice read with two very likeable heroines.
June 15, 2018
Since I was less than glowing in my review of Running With the Wind, I thought it particularly important to observe how much I enjoyed Homecoming. The fact that Corrie and Quinn are portrayed as a stable, happy couple who serve as a support system for Sarah means that my chief complaint about RWtW doesn't really apply here.
I mean, it'd have been great to explore Sarah's history immediately after the bathroom scene with Corrie - including its role in her awakening - but that's not really necessary to the plot.
This is a good slow-burn friends-to-lovers story, set against a charged political backdrop (instead of the tamer world of sailing), with a solid ongoing reflection between the larger political landscape and Sarah's personal journey. The main characters are darling; their growing attachment to each other is as sweet as it is hot, an oddly rare balance.
My only complaint is that the secondary characters are never more than roughly sketched - including Corrie & Quinn, which is notable because there's an entire novel about them. It's just that the novel's about who they were before they got together, and apparently they've completely stabilized each other so that now they're just a boring but functional support system. Not even the slightest bit of tension over the whole thing. There are references to elements of who various characters are and what they look like - multiple people are the hottest person on campus either overall or of their respective gender, for example. But there are so few scenes with these people. We learn how supportive a friend Matt almost entirely without seeing him support either Sarah or Rory. We get introduced to Nancy, who seems really interesting and detailed, but then all she does is hire Sarah and make a speech.
Strongly developed secondary characters give the reader the opportunity to gain multiple perspectives on the protagonists. So I see that as a bit of a missed opportunity, but otherwise this was a solid example of Nell Stark's talent and skill. I definitely recommend!
I mean, it'd have been great to explore Sarah's history immediately after the bathroom scene with Corrie - including its role in her awakening - but that's not really necessary to the plot.
This is a good slow-burn friends-to-lovers story, set against a charged political backdrop (instead of the tamer world of sailing), with a solid ongoing reflection between the larger political landscape and Sarah's personal journey. The main characters are darling; their growing attachment to each other is as sweet as it is hot, an oddly rare balance.
My only complaint is that the secondary characters are never more than roughly sketched - including Corrie & Quinn, which is notable because there's an entire novel about them. It's just that the novel's about who they were before they got together, and apparently they've completely stabilized each other so that now they're just a boring but functional support system. Not even the slightest bit of tension over the whole thing. There are references to elements of who various characters are and what they look like - multiple people are the hottest person on campus either overall or of their respective gender, for example. But there are so few scenes with these people. We learn how supportive a friend Matt almost entirely without seeing him support either Sarah or Rory. We get introduced to Nancy, who seems really interesting and detailed, but then all she does is hire Sarah and make a speech.
Strongly developed secondary characters give the reader the opportunity to gain multiple perspectives on the protagonists. So I see that as a bit of a missed opportunity, but otherwise this was a solid example of Nell Stark's talent and skill. I definitely recommend!
February 22, 2023
✔Sapphic Book Bingo Challenge 2023 🌈✨: Main board - Roommate romance
3 stars. The romance in this was so good. The pining, chemistry, and sexual tension between Sara and Rory was well done and I loved it so much. Sara has had such a rough year and she’s very emotional and moody whereas Rory really balanced her out well with her sunny disposition. They worked well together and I loved them both as characters.
This could’ve been higher rated for me but it was everything and everyone else surrounding those two that I didn’t care about. Flat side characters, and the plot was a bit thin, and also the point of view changes in the beginning was jarring because it would switch between Sara and Rory on the same page and it took me out of the story every time. It eased up on that in the second half though which was great. The writing itself was pretty good and I will definitely check out more from this author. If this book would’ve just been on the romance it would’ve been something amazing because that was the best part hands down.
3 stars. The romance in this was so good. The pining, chemistry, and sexual tension between Sara and Rory was well done and I loved it so much. Sara has had such a rough year and she’s very emotional and moody whereas Rory really balanced her out well with her sunny disposition. They worked well together and I loved them both as characters.
This could’ve been higher rated for me but it was everything and everyone else surrounding those two that I didn’t care about. Flat side characters, and the plot was a bit thin, and also the point of view changes in the beginning was jarring because it would switch between Sara and Rory on the same page and it took me out of the story every time. It eased up on that in the second half though which was great. The writing itself was pretty good and I will definitely check out more from this author. If this book would’ve just been on the romance it would’ve been something amazing because that was the best part hands down.
July 20, 2017
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
The novel has a pretty interesting plot about a lesbian whose parents disown her once they find out she's gay/dating a girl so she transfers to a different university and spends the rest of the book working on a campaign to get people to vote at a referendum against gay marriage (and of course also falling for her roommate).
Honestly, I wasn't the biggest fan of the plot but that's just because it's literally what a went through a few years ago when we had the same referendum here (ie. my parents finding out, me working on a campaign, getting same results) except no roommates to fall in love with. So if it's something you'd enjoy reading, by all means go for it! Otherwise, I appreciated what was being written but the story wasn't exactly for me. Major plus was the fact that the main character Sarah is a butch lesbian and that her love interest is Korean, and you don't really see either in f/f books lately.
The novel has a pretty interesting plot about a lesbian whose parents disown her once they find out she's gay/dating a girl so she transfers to a different university and spends the rest of the book working on a campaign to get people to vote at a referendum against gay marriage (and of course also falling for her roommate).
Honestly, I wasn't the biggest fan of the plot but that's just because it's literally what a went through a few years ago when we had the same referendum here (ie. my parents finding out, me working on a campaign, getting same results) except no roommates to fall in love with. So if it's something you'd enjoy reading, by all means go for it! Otherwise, I appreciated what was being written but the story wasn't exactly for me. Major plus was the fact that the main character Sarah is a butch lesbian and that her love interest is Korean, and you don't really see either in f/f books lately.
April 10, 2021
Loved the story
I could relate to the struggle depicted with regard to losing rights to be able to marry or have civil unions because being gay. Shortly after moving to Portland with my partner, a ballot measure was proposed by the conservative side of the state. I became part of the group that fought to keep our civil rights. Unfortunately, the outcome was the same as in the book, the measure passed and we lost not only the right to marry but also could be discriminated for housing, jobs, and health care. I had the same feelings about the loss as Rory and Sarah.
I could relate to the struggle depicted with regard to losing rights to be able to marry or have civil unions because being gay. Shortly after moving to Portland with my partner, a ballot measure was proposed by the conservative side of the state. I became part of the group that fought to keep our civil rights. Unfortunately, the outcome was the same as in the book, the measure passed and we lost not only the right to marry but also could be discriminated for housing, jobs, and health care. I had the same feelings about the loss as Rory and Sarah.
October 18, 2021
Good, believable characters, good writing and leading characters I really rooted for. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing their relationship slowly develop. Watching the characters progressing, as people and in their relationships with each other was thoroughly enjoyable.
Some parts I found a bit formulaic and unnecessary, but overall it was a good read.
Some parts I found a bit formulaic and unnecessary, but overall it was a good read.
February 2, 2019
A 2 of 3 on my romance scale: I liked the main couple but they didn't sweep me away. I didn't like how our lead spent most of the book with another woman. Also I wish the themes of found family were more deeply developed. Still, a good read
September 18, 2017
Good read, I love the characters.
April 12, 2018
Sweet and Lovely story about young love, discovery and of course heartbreak. Definitively keeps your attention trough every chapter.
May 29, 2020
One of the books I return to, over and over again. It gives so much hope, and is really just like coming home.
June 29, 2015
Finished this at work. Haha comes to show i can read any where any time i have a little time. But yeah this one actually very inspiring. Its great book to read after the law that passed on Friday, cause in this one they fight for the right to love who they want in Rhode Island. I loved it very much and how after fighting not only what her family though of her but also fought her self for the right to love who she wanted in the end. its amazing how Song fell in love with Storm little by little while filming something so important not only to her but to everyone around her. Amazing book in all and makes want to fight for something i believe in.
February 19, 2013
2.5 A worthy but very flatly written story of a college-aged woman dealing with the emotional and financial rejection of her parents, her work campaigning to defeat a state amendment banning gay marriage, and her attraction to her purportedly straight roommate. With so much telling of each characters' interior emotions, the book gives the reader no room to imaginatively engage, and thus empathize, with these characters.
December 9, 2015
Sweet homecoming!!!
Such an amazing story line. I totally fell for Rory, such a strong character. Gotta admit, I was really hesitant to purchase this book but seeing all those pretty amazing reviews. Hands down I don't regret purchasing it. I loved it. Finding good story lines has become a rarity for me. I'm really happy Rory and Sarah pulled it together and fought for their chance at love. Amazing author Nell stark!
Such an amazing story line. I totally fell for Rory, such a strong character. Gotta admit, I was really hesitant to purchase this book but seeing all those pretty amazing reviews. Hands down I don't regret purchasing it. I loved it. Finding good story lines has become a rarity for me. I'm really happy Rory and Sarah pulled it together and fought for their chance at love. Amazing author Nell stark!
Read
July 12, 2011I bought this book because of the hot cover. Okay, fine, I also heard the author speak at the IASPR conference and was very impressed. I loved how the (somewhat) universal insecurities of love were portrayed in Homecoming. Great banter, hot love scenes, smart and sweet. She didn't skip any steps on the emotional journey, and it was a pleasure to read.
January 12, 2015
This is one of my go-to comfort reads. Is it a literary masterpiece? No. But is it enjoyable and does it it do a darn good job of filling me with a warm, fuzzy feeling? Absolutely! Objectively, I cannot say this is more than a fun read, but it does tug on my heartstrings and it does leave one heck of a smile on my face. And sometimes that's all I need.
November 6, 2009
Nell Stark is already on her way to being an awesome writer...
November 6, 2009
I really liked reading about Sarah's journey and how she learns to stand with pride. The character of Rory is fresh and I ended up really liking the way she is.
April 9, 2012
I must admit the cover was the reason I wanted so badly to read this book! I read it within an hour and fell in love with the characters! I was pleased!
May 31, 2014
I have really love this book. Dońt hesitate!!
October 10, 2014
File under: relationship goals.
April 1, 2017
I liked this book because it was very realistic. Falling for her roommate and having her parents disown her. However, the ending is happy. xx
May 3, 2017
LGBT fiction can be a little like Christian Rock. I mean if you lack the talent to make it in the music industry whack out some christian music and you can make a decent living. And I think there are times when substandard work is very successful for no other reason than it is LGBT.
Not so here. I've read quite a few Lesbian Romances over the past few months, some have been good, some have been disappointing...a few have been great. And Homecoming is great.
Not so here. I've read quite a few Lesbian Romances over the past few months, some have been good, some have been disappointing...a few have been great. And Homecoming is great.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews