Reunion

Coming Home #3

by Meli Raine

MY HEART WANTS A KIND OF JUSTICE THE LAW CAN’T GIVE

You can think you’ve had everything stolen from you. That there’s nothing left to lose.

You would be wrong.

My best friend’s been kidnapped. I was just captured. What I thought was a massive drug operation run by a man who killed my father turns out to be ten times more horrific.

I’m trapped. My best friend may be dead.

And Mark has no idea where to find me.

Some secrets should remain buried, my captors tell me.

And it looks like I will be, too.

Buried alive.

REUNION is book 3 in the Coming Home romantic suspense trilogy by Meli Raine.

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Audiobook, Crime, Mystery, Amazon

210 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2015

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine rode her first motorcycle when she was five years old, but she played in the ocean long before that. She lives in New England with her family.

Join her New Releases and Sales newsletter at: https://meliraine.com/newsletter/

Website: http://meliraine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meliraine/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/meliraineauthor

Reviews

[Anja · Rating 3 out of 5]

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

wow, did this go into an action packed direction. Mark is such a sweet guy and I almost wish there is a bonus epilogue for Carrie and Mark. Its sad to see this couple go!

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

#AudiobookObsessionReviewer

[Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second series I have read by Raine, and it only gets better. I am a super fan now. Again, I could not stop reading long enough to write a review for all three books in this series, so I am clumping them together. All I can really say is hold on to your seats. It has been a while since I read romantic suspense, and now I can't remember why, but I am sure glad that I started back with Raine. Return sets the stage leaving the reader confused just enough to snag you into book 2. By book 2 the plot begins to thicken and then it all goes to heck in book 3. Don't worry there is an HEA just be ready to be like WHAT!!!!????

[Wendy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this intensity and characters

I loved how this trilogy ended and how all the background finally came out.

Narrator did a great job telling this story, but would of preferred a male voice for Mark.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picks up exactly where Revenge leaves off so I’ll mention, again, that you should read Return & Revenge before reading this book because they are in order & aren’t really written to stand alone. Also, if you haven’t already read the Breaking Away series you may want to fit that in prior to, or directly after, this since there are more crossovers that pop up in the ending to this series & it builds up the overall storyline. Each book takes a couple hours, they're easy reads that move pretty quickly.

We pick up with Carrie locked in the basement of the coffee shop, along with her BFF that had been kidnapped back in Return. Trapped and worried that she won’t be found she goes into survivor mode, rather than shutting down. She tries to piece things together to figure out why it is she was locked down in the basement by someone she felt she could trust and how everything ties together but more importantly she’s got to figure out how to keep her friend alive. In the meantime Mark, Chase & Allie continue to work on rescuing Carrie and about midway through that storyline continues from the end of Revenge. Prior to that however, Carrie faces some threatening situations that show she won’t go down easily. With her rescue we get more questions but during her recovery we slowly see the twists of the storylines untangle and tie together more nicely. Don’t get me wrong, there are still some questions & there are new ones even, but the answers you do get are good to let you end this series on a good note. I don’t want to really say too much about the overall story in this book, other than there is a lot going on and you should follow closely and pay attention to catch the little tidbits and clues. Mark, Carrie, Chase, and Allie are all together in the end and have new paths in their lives to consider &/or take. Saying anything more will just take away from the reading experience.

I will say that this book does tie the 2 series together nicely and the questions you were left with from all the books previous to this are answered however, there are some more brought up. Of course that is just in case the Author chooses to keep it going and in this case the very ending of this book leads way for that to take place, along with a note that says we’ll be hearing more about Drew in a future series. I’m pretty jazzed about that cause he peaked my interest from the Breaking Away series & even more in this one… can’t wait!!

I was provided with an ARC, from the author, in exchange for an honest review.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reunion is a perfectly pulse-pounding and emotionally intense ending to this captivating series. Nothing felt like it was left out or unexplained. I was left feeling highly satisfied and completely happy with the way this series blossomed unexpectedly and yet naturally. The storyline was utterly heart-wrenching and at the same time undeniably uplifting in its beautiful message that was portrayed by such outstanding characters. My heart will forever carry a piece of this outstanding journey with me for as long as I live.
Carrie has allowed her curiosity to get the better of her and finds herself thrown into a horrifying nightmare. No matter what, she is determined to fight and never give up, but the human mind can only sustain nightmares for so long before it bends and starts to break. She knows she needs to hold on just a little longer because she is not alone. Her strength is for more than just herself, and that revelation fuels her determination to outlast what lies before her. Will Mark be able to find Carrie and rescue her before the unthinkable happens, or will he be arrive just to see what is left of a mind that has frayed beyond repair?
Watching the beautiful rebirth of the love that surrounds and binds Carrie and Mark is truly beyond words. These two deeply scarred souls can only find the solace and happiness they desperately long for within the other. No matter what circumstances push them apart, they grow stronger and more determined the longer their bond is allowed to grow and flourish. They show what true sacrifice and pure love is all about - thinking of the other person before themselves, and doing what they know will help the other no matter the cost to them. In the end, that love and devotion will not be forgotten. It will only prove to forge a love and a life that no one and nothing can break or destroy.
Meli Raine has without a doubt proven to the world that she has the power and passion to create masterpieces that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. I have managed to once again fall in love with her incredible world-building, her phenomenal characters, and her brilliant storyline. Nothing could have been more perfect then walking this beautifully mesmerizing journey of hope and strength with this wonderfully talented author!

[Lynn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book in the Coming Home Series. Mikey has trapped Carrie below the coffee shop. Where she discovers Amy, missing an arm, burning up with fever. Trying to find a way out, Carrie is finding it hard not to panic. She is trying her best not to give up. When the dean and Frenchie show up she starts to think there isn't anyway she will get out alive. Mark isn't going to be able to find her. Allie popping up gives her hope, both for her and Amy. Still escaping isn't going to be easy.

So much suspense in this book. Things have really built up in the first two books and it all comes to a head in the beginning of this one. I was starting to panic about Carrie and Amy. She doesn't come out of it unscathed but she is a strong women. She just needs Mark by her side to help her heal. Mark was a wreck. After being set up and unable to go rescue Carrie. He wasn't sure what he was going to do. There wasn't any way he wouldn't make the effort to save her. I was so excited to finally see how the story wraps up and yet so sad that the series is over. I fell is love with Carrie and Mark. There was so much more to Mark then you first believe. So many other secrets come out. Things that have carried over from Chase and Allie's story. I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carrie and Amy were trapped in the basement waiting for the end of her lives. Carrie was frantic with fear, nearly delirius with the horror around her. Amy was in very bad shape bloody, without an arm and feverish with the infection. She was sure El Brujo was the one who cut Amy’s arm. The butcher! She needed to do something. She will not go down without fight. But there was some hope. Allie found them and helped, with Chase help from outside, to get Amy out. But not enough time for Carrie. She was alone again being tortured by Frenchie and the Brujo. Where was Mark? What had happened to him? The only thing that kept her sane was thinking about Mark. The pain and horror was too much and now even Allie was in danger and Allie really knew what terror meant. This was a very disturbing, scary and adrenaline rush story. The detailed descriptions and the emotion involved made me read without pause wanting to end Carrie and Allie’s suffering. My heart was racing aching for them. This was a really horror story with the macabre scenes. It was a good thing that I was sure something good had to happen to end all this like in Allie and Chase’s story. Strong characters, scary development, action, sex and a good dose of distrust. What a rollercoaster of emotions! Great story. Kept me awake all the time. Great story. I’ll wait for Drake’s story to keep punishing me.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the ARC for the conclusion of this series.

There was so much going on in the first two books. Just when I thought I knew what was happening and who were the "bad guys" everything changes.
I read this completely in one night. I was wrong about some of the characters and, thankfully right about others.

Carrie finds herself questioning those she thought she could trust. She places her faith in Mark and is not disappointed even though she has found out he really isn't who she thought he was.

As Carrie finally learns who El Brujo is and what Frenchie and he are doing, she also finds her friend - Amy.

I won't write about all the things that come to light as this book concludes as I don't want to spoil this for others. I do love how the characters from the Allie books are interwoven in this series and the secrets that come out about them as well in this book.

This was an awesome series and I look forward to the next series. Meli write love stories with mystery included. Or is it mysteries with a love story?

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow...what a final book in this series! First let me say thank you to Meli Raine for allowing me to read an ARC of this book I am so grateful for the opportunity! With that said this book picks up with the cliff hanger from the second book in the series...this book has everything laughter, tears, anger, determination and strength, suspense and most of all love! It also has some unexpected twists that I didn't even see coming! Will Carrie be able to get Amy out...will Amy survive...will she and Mark see each other again? Will Carrie ever find out the truth for her father and restore is once good name? These and the many more questions I had while reading were answered. In this book we see a lot more of Chase and Allie along with Galt....is Galt still the evil person we saw him to be in the Breaking Away series? I knew when I started this book that I would not put it down until it was finished and that is exactly what I did! Reunion was all that I expected it to be and so much more! I can not wait to read Drew's story and I know it will be spectacular

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The apprehension was killing in this final instalment. Carrie found Amy at least but they are both trapped now in the basement of the pub that used to belong to her dad. Amy's arm has been sawed off and her condition is not good; with the wound being infected and the loss of blood. But Carrie is a fighter and there's no way she's gonna just let this be...

She kept Amy and herself surviving with whatever she could find and finally help came in the form of Allie. She was the only one small enough to crawl through the tunnel while Chase assisted from outside. What happened next was just nerve wrecking and there's no way Allie, Carrie and Amy should have to go through such a horrifying experience. The courage shown by the ladies were commendable. I was caught offguard with the twist in the story. My, that was a surprise!

Strong characters, the development of the story and actions kept me enthralled. It was a hell of a plot and be prepared for a rollercoaster ride.

ARC gifted by the author in exchange for a honest review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't wait to read this last book. The last one left with quite the cliffhanger.

Carrie being thrown into the basement of the coffee shop by Mikey took me by surprise. She has found her best friend Amy in her dark prison. She is alive and missing a arm. Its amazing what fear can do to as Carrie breaks down and picks herself back up determined to have them both make it out alive. Her saving grace is that Allie is smart and went back after she dropped her and realized something wasn't right. Allie and Chase formulate a plan to get her out which gets intercepted by El Brujo and his posse leaving Carrie so broken in everyway and about to give up.

I don't want to give anymore away as how she gets out and what happens after are the best parts and make this series a must read as all the answers you have asked yourself along the way are revealed along with some surprising revelations as to Chase and Mark's father's past.
These 2 series were amazing and loved the characters can't wait to read Drew's story!!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened the audible version of the complete series. If I had read/listened to individual books I would have been very annoyed with the abrupt cliffhanger endings of the first two books. Since I was able to start the next book right away, it was okay. Overall, it was an interesting story that held my attention, though (phrased to avoid spoilers), I was surprised that one character would tell Carrie important information instead of sharing with their relative, and it did also raise question of how much would someone let their family suffer to reach a goal. The characters didn’t always act as I would have expected, but it was always interesting.

This series stands alone, but I’m sure it contains spoilers for the Breaking Away series. The characters from Breaking Away play significant roles in this series and the relevant history is included.

I loved the narrator and especially liked how she read it with the style you’d expect when talking to another person.

#AudiobookObsession

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a way to finish this series. I was sucked right into it. The way that book 2 left you hanging, you just wanted to scream. This picks right up where it left off.
Carrie has found her best friend Amy. She is doing to good, with a missing arm. They are stuck in the basement of the coffee shop. Carrie breaks down and picks herself back up. She isn't going to let them die in there. No one knows where they are.
To see what Carrie goes through in this book and to come out alive. Just WOW!!
Mark gets arrested for a murder, he didn't commit. All part of the plan for the Dean. Between him and Frenchie, I just wanted to gut them myself.
You get all the characters in this book. Chase, Allie, Drew, Galt, Loogie, and Helen.
I dint want to give anything away, because this was a great story that you must pick up.
Chase and Mark finally get some answers about their dad Galt.

[Excessive~Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trilogy I read originally when first released as well as the spin off Breaking Away trilogy (aka Allie trilogy) and I loved how they all tie together. This book is a fast read and memorable. I honestly spent hours last night angry at myself since I needed to know which book this story was in. The story was so different than any others I read, it had that scene I had to read again. Like an old movie you just had a craving to put on, this story does that.

The villain is a sick and twisted kidnapper who puts the words "cutter" to a whole new definition, so that's not a spoiler but what you didn't know is a name and face to go with the "butcher". It's a DARK secret, and I'll keep it that way. Nothing is black and white, and the author added some twists you never see coming.

This book is not for the weak stomachs. FYI what's a dark story without a white-night ;)

[V.readz · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG !

I so did not see that ending coming !
Who would have thought ?
This book truly was amazing and i am happy to have read this series.
It was what i expected but also SO MUCH MORE.
We get too see Drew , from the harmless series.
Normally , they have to be read after this series but you don't have too.
The harmless series was the first i have read from Meli Raine and it is a completely stand alone series.
Just make sure you read the breaking away series before you read this series. It has spoilers for the breaking away series so ..

Truly amazing ! 5 stars !

[Emily Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved these books

I couldn't put the books down. I loved all three books,the only thing I would have liked better is if she had given us a look to the future of Mark and carrie. Maybe in drew's series we can find out about them. I would recommend this book to anyone that love mysteries and romances.

[Chele]

My copy of this story can be found in this anthology: The Coming Home Series Boxed Set

[Kat W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is great. So many little bits to uncover and they were all revealed in this last book. Allie and Chase from the Breaking Away Series feature in this book and I really enjoyed seeing them again. Their story kind of led into this one and so it totally made sense that they reappeared. I think that’s what I love about Meli’s writing too. The series, although can be enjoyed as a discrete story, also fit effortlessly together in one long plot. Saying that, Reunion is a definite end to this plot.

I loved all the suspense, half truths, undercover operating, mystery and intrigue this plot has. The romance between Carrie and Mark intensifies in this last book and I loved that there was emotion and spice here. A weaving, twisting, turning, evolving storyline that you won’t be able to put down. Fantastic writing by Meli, with vivid descriptions that put you in the moment and in the characters' heads. All of the little puzzle pieces are finally connected and we see the bigger picture clearly.

Pick this series for action, plot, romance, plot, suspense, and plot! You get the picture.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would get five stars for the creep factor along with the action and romance, except for how absolutely annoying Carrie is. The first two books had a number of irritating rehashes of Carrie debating endlessly about Mark and his trustworthiness. But this one, her absolute inability to listen to reason and go to Mark before going off on her own hunches is too much. So much of the showdown between her and Dean Landeau could have been avoided if the author would have written her with the brain one would expect she would have. It makes Mark's deep love of her unbelievable - how could someone with the intelligence required of a special forces background and successful undercover DEA agent career be with a complete moron?! UGH!!!

The ending, although satisfying, leaves so many questions about Galt and Loogie, I am tempted to read more of the series to see if they are answered. However, I'm not sure I can stand reading more regarding cringe-worthy Carrie.

[Tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Happy Ever After Endings

This was a one very good story. I have never read such a particular character like Carrie before. When there is danger, she actually acts like many other people do who are petrified. She will coward and think about how useless trying to fight can be a scenery playing out in her head. I just wanted to reach in and either shake her to wake up and smell the coffee or reach in a give her a huge hug and inform her she is so brave. Mark is your typical hot as sin cop who loves and loves with the whole heart. I love Alphabet Agencies and the personnel who works for them. There is a mystery that keeps one anticipating and I love it.
Mark and Carrie are so perfect for each other and I truly enjoyed reading their story. This story was well written and I fell in love with it. I will recommend this book/series to my friends. ❤

[debturk1970_bookvibes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg 😲 A Horrifying, Shocking but Satisfying Conclusion, 4.5 Stars 🌟

Well I didn't see some of that coming 😱💀🔪💥

This was, at times, a tough read. What Carrie & Amy go through - it's a lot!!😭 When Carrie starts to shut down it broke my heart!!💔😥

All hope is completely lost for them. No one knows where they are & The Butcher, The Wizard & Frenchie WILL be coming for them!!🔪💀 She can't find a way out & Amy is getting worse 😭

They need a miracle .... 💝🙏💙

This was claustrophobic, terrifying & heart breaking. Carrie breaking down was emotive reading! The conclusions, as there is more than one in my opinion, were explosive & enlightening!!💥 A truly justified ending to this thrilling series!!🌟

Debbie, 1970, UK

[The Glassed And The Furious · Rating 2 out of 5]

This ending was okay-ish. Yes, all questions got answered, bad guys lose, good guys win blablabla. But this is my fifth series by Meli Raine and there is one blatantly obvious trend in every single one: The last installment usually does not have enough story to fill an entire book. So a new character is introduced, who will be the star of the next series, so there is a cliffhanger, even though a series is ending.
I don't mind new characters, and often I am thankful if I see a series about a supporting character in a previous book. But there's just this formula to Meli Raines series that is always the same and never varies. Sure, if it works, why change it? But it still bugs me.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The action and psychological warfare start immediately in this book. It sucked me in and kept me on the edge of my seat, frantically flipping pages to see how it would all play out. It didn’t matter that I had read books that came after this one, that I knew what the ultimate outcome was going to be, I was still held captivated in the moment. I felt every breath of Carrie’s panic and revulsion. I was caught up in her desperate need to find a solution. And when it was all over, I was right there with her, anxious to learn the rest of the story.

[Betty Speakman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this series but was very disappointed that each book ended in a cliff hanger. Personally I think that books are written this way just to force the reader to buy the next book. At the very least the series should be sold as a complete set, I actual do not think it was written in the write up I read that you needed to buy the entire series as I normally avoid this books. However I did enjoy the books although the main character, Carrie, I found irritating. I wanted her to save herself and not rely on others.

[G. Vance · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible. Laughable. I may not be a big fan of these series, but if I'd read this one first, I never would have picked up any of the others. Which I guess is a positive bc it means the writing improves. The characters certainly improve, in that I didn't want the main women to die; here, I kept hoping Carrie would just pitch over from a heart attack and put us all out of the misery of having to endure any more of her thoughts.

Also how old is Effie? Bc I can't help but think she was written to be about 20 years older than the age she must be. Yikes.

[MandaC86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG my mind is blown but at least he got what he deserved killing those women trying to make another women like his long dead wife sick b....... I love that they could finally trust each other and get closer e both need and find his father not to be the man that they expect him to be but something that none of them thought that he was it was a shame that he didn't get to see his boys grow up to be theses men who protect these women so ferociously.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an emotional ride. It is an action packed, pulse pounding, emotional roller coaster. Carrie is trapped with her injured best friend and no way of contacting anyone for help but she rises to the challenge and with a little unexpected help they all make it out and get their happy ending. A great series.

[Carol 27 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brutality, depravity, torture
Several twists
Suspenseful
FMC’s POV

Carrie has had some luck, but lacked the resolve to deal with conflict or confrontations. Her clumsiness, emotional zone-outs and rash decision-making led to injuries that could have been avoided.

Confrontation with kidnappers is action-packed, but the scenario, and how it played out was far-fetched.

[Catherine Marie Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's over and i'm sad 😢

i can't say enough about this series, it has really touched me. i have a hard time believing a woman would be as understanding about all the lies,even if they were meant for a good reason. good story, maybe an epilogue some time in the near future.