Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Alphas' Homestead #2

Returning Home

Rate this book
Three years after Jacob Carpenter landed on Caleb Fletcher’s doorstep, the Alpha mates return to the city they grew up in to be married.

Aside from the sheer exhaustion of traveling across the country with three children in tow, both men step foot back in New York filled with apprehension about what kind of reception they will receive from their families after abandoning their respective packs.

At first it seems they are welcomed home with open arms and much excitement about their wedding but it soon becomes clear that not everyone is so happy to see the prodigal sons return.

Indeed, Caleb finds himself wondering if Jacob will go through with the ceremony at all, or whether it would be better to pack up his mate and their children, and head back to Nebraska before the situation does irreparable damage to them both.

Sometimes you have to leave a place to realize it’s exactly where you ought to be.

…..

The Alphas’ Homestead Series – Book Two

Novella – 36k+

132 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 12, 2016

18 people are currently reading
142 people want to read

About the author

Alex Jane

26 books181 followers
After spending years creating stories in her head, Alex started writing them down and then found she couldn’t stop.
Despite the late start, she now writes m/m romance about found families, sometimes with a historical feel—and the occasional werewolf.
Free from aspirations of literary greatness, Alex simply hopes to spin a good yarn of love and life, wrapped up with a happy ending. And if her characters have to go through Hell to get there, she’s a-okay with that.
Alex writes and walks on the South Coast of England—even when her heart and spellcheck are in New York.

You can now find her dark m/m romance under Alexis Jane if you like love…but darker.

Blog and Newsletter available on my website - www.alexjane.info

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
90 (26%)
4 stars
159 (47%)
3 stars
77 (22%)
2 stars
7 (2%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Martin.
807 reviews603 followers
February 8, 2017
Caleb's proposal to marry Jacob officially in front of his pack brings both guys and their three children back to New York where Caleb's family is welcoming the two Alphas with open arms.
Their happy coming home is tainted, though, when Jacob learns that his father disinherited him for mating with another Alpha and therefore none of Jacob's family will attend the wedding.
Feeling unworthy of Caleb's love and the warm reception of the Fletcher pack, Jacob questions their decision to marry, which is threatening to crush Caleb's and their beautiful family's world to pieces.

I absolutely love Caleb and Jacob. Their relationship is so beautiful and strong. They work through their conflicts so effortlessly and realistic, I often forget I'm basically reading a fantasy novel about werewolves here. Their parenting skills are simply the best. I love how they raise their children, unsure if they're doing things right, while being better parents than most kids could hope for.
I can hardly wait for their next book.

A 5 star favorite!
Profile Image for Rain.
2,590 reviews21 followers
December 10, 2022
*3.5* I wished I liked this one more. Caleb and Jacob are such a sweet couple, and I loved their family dynamics, but I wanted so much more out of this story.

Jacob’s off the rails moment didn’t really make sense as he knew what he could be getting into with his family. He was such a beautiful father and his actions upset his kids, not to mention what it did to Caleb? His backpedaling didn’t ring true, but more of a drama to create drama.

I loved the wedding, and the packs all coming together. I wished we had more of Caleb and Jacob just being together, I missed their relationship as it was more in the background in this story.
Profile Image for BevS.
2,853 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2016

A great little sequel to Home Is Where You Are. Our two alphas Caleb and Jacob, and their kids Ephraim, Martha and little Thaddeus [all orphans, both boys are themselves alphas and Martha is human] are travelling from Nebraska to New York for their wedding. 5 stars.

Caleb hasn't seen his parents for 12 years after leaving home thanks to a disagreement with his older brother, and going off to fight in the American Civil War. Jacob announced at the age of 13 that Caleb was his future mate, and followed Caleb to Nebraska, although he nearly lost his life to a couple of psychos on the outskirts of the town where Caleb had made his home after surviving the war. The local sheriff took Jacob to Caleb in the hope that Caleb could save him, which he did and eventually both men realised that they were mates.

Unfortunately, there are problems with the return to NYC that our two alphas know nothing about, and you know that old saying 'you can't choose your relatives but you can choose your friends'?? Well, it certainly rings true in this particular story. Yet again, I had this watery stuff sporadically coming out of my eyes, and there were plenty of sniffles too. A lovely series, and highly recommended.
Profile Image for * A Reader Obsessed *.
2,696 reviews576 followers
March 5, 2017
4 Sequel Stars

Rest assured this sequel does not disappoint, especially if you’re all for following an established couple.

It’s been a few years, and Caleb and Jacob are finally settled enough with their three adopted children to make the trek back east to seal their mate bond with a public wedding. Understandably, Caleb is terrified and nervous to return home after being gone for 12 long years. Luckily his worries were for naught. However, Jacob’s return is a whole different story regarding his family’s acceptance.

Not so much a serious shifter book, this delves more into the interpersonal relationship between Caleb and Jacob. Again, not as smexy as I would like, this was still quite satisfying. What stands out the most for me is how strong their love and devotion to each other is, and it just warmed my heart over and over. The hurt comfort continues and they support each other without fail, making this quite the romantic read. Add in some great family dynamics that made me shed a tear or ten, and when kids are done right as they are here, that enriched the story ten fold.

Overall, I obviously liked this a lot, and I look forward to reading the next in series, despite the fact that it will focus on a new couple.
Profile Image for Chris.
2,070 reviews
September 26, 2016
Another beautiful installment in this series. Jacob and Caleb travel with their three children back to Caleb's home in celebration of getting married. Of course nothing is as it seems and drama unravels as Jacobs parents disown him. Faced with a sense of shame, Jacob thinks he's not good enough for Caleb and emotions run high. Thankfully sense prevails and family stick close together.
This is a lovely historical romance and I look forward to more.
Profile Image for Elsbeth.
1,303 reviews40 followers
November 23, 2016

Nice sequel to Home is where you are

Not as captivating as the first one. But it was great reading more about Caleb, Jacob and their pups

Caleb and Jacob are leaving to New York for a special visit to Caleb's pack. Caleb hasn't seen his family for 12 years and also Jacob hasn't seen his own for a quite some time. It's time to make amends. But not everythings runs as like it should..

description

Caleb and Jacob's connection is awesome.

"I meant what I said. Being mated to you is enough. Standing up with you in front of our - in front of everyone would make me so proud, but all I ever wanted was you. To live with you. To be bonded to you.


I'd love to read more of the family when they return to their homestead again.
Profile Image for BWT.
2,251 reviews243 followers
January 21, 2017
3.5 Stars

This sequel did not disappoint.

Sweet, family focused, with a little bit of angst thrown in. I'm really enjoying this historical shifter series.

It's definitely been original in the shifter dynamics, and the family stuff is familiar enough, and the writing smooth enough, to make this an easy, entertaining read.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Elena.
968 reviews119 followers
December 1, 2019
In line with the first book, though definitely better edited. There was a bit of drama that seemed to come out of nowhere at one point, but I guess it can be explained as the explosion after too much pressure. It would’ve been nice to see that pressure building, instead of being told about it after the fact, but at least nothing was dragged for drama’s sake.
On the down side (for me), for such a short book a lot of page time was dedicated to the children, especially the three-year-old bratty one. Or it might have just felt that way to me.
On the plus side, I enjoyed it despite (or in some cases because of, Ephraim is a darling) the children.
Profile Image for Chappy.
2,209 reviews112 followers
November 24, 2022
It was great to get to know Caleb's family in New York. I'm still in shock at the way Jacob's parents treated him...he's better off without them.
I liked that the wedding was a simple affair and full of love.
Profile Image for ⚣Michaelle⚣.
3,662 reviews233 followers
May 18, 2019
4.2 Stars

Lovely follow-up to the first book, where the MCs take their children back East to reunite with estranged family & get married. The way Jacob reacts when he's repudiated seemed a bit overly dramatic, but I liked the rest of it too much to complain. Absolutely adored how they allowed Thaddeus to be himself, to wear dresses and be proud of how pretty he looked, without any drama whatsoever.

Definitely looking forward to the next one. (And I might even read the 4th book even though that's Martha's story and MF.)
Profile Image for Ami.
6,242 reviews489 followers
July 23, 2018
Caleb, Jacob, and the brood -- hah, the toddler is called Thaddeus!! I thought Caleb would keep calling him Piggy *lol* -- are going to New York for their wedding ceremony among the respective packs. Instead Jacob finds out bad news from his own parents.

I am still loving this family SO hard! Love the strong bond between Caleb and Jacob. Love the kids -- and we do have quite amount of scenes with the kids! I love Caleb's parents, most notably his dad (his dad is awesome) and of course, it's fun knowing quite many new names from both Caleb's and Jacob's pack.

On to book #3!
Profile Image for caroline wilson.
606 reviews5 followers
August 12, 2016
A brilliant 2nd book carry on

I love these characters and story this book was about Caleb and Jacob going back home and confronting their pasts whether they be happy reconciliation or not. Some spelling mistakes in the book but did not detract from the story or the fantastic writing this author does. I'm pleased that this is going to be a carry on family story so that we can see what happens in the future to this little family. Only minor fault was it was not long enough and I just wanted to keep reading about this little family. Another favourite.
Profile Image for JenMcJ.
2,608 reviews325 followers
October 10, 2017
I'm surprised I didn't write a review for this back when I read it. I really, really liked this book but not quite as much as the first book but more than the 3rd book.
Profile Image for Amber.
362 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2016
3.5 Hearts

Well, this one was just ok for me. I didn’t love it like I did book 1. Although, it’s was nice to see Jacob and Caleb more settled in their relationship and fatherhood.

In Returning Home we flash forward a few years from book 1. Jacob and Caleb plus their 3 kids return to Caleb’s home and pack to get married. This was a pretty emotional reunion because Caleb always believed his family wouldn’t accept him. That is definitely not the case because they welcome him and his family with open arms.

The same cannot be said, however, for Jacob and his family. There’s quite a bit of drama surrounding Jacob and his family in this story.

Like I mentioned earlier my favorite part of this book was seeing Jacob and Caleb as fathers. I adored those interactions. And it further shows what great men these two really are.

Even though this one wasn’t my favorite so far the writing was still very well done. I am indeed a fan of this author and I’m quite looking forward to subsequent books.

This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
 photo 11014879_970988406253334_3984928259579074216_n_zpsm8c6semk.jpg
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,440 reviews140 followers
February 8, 2018
3.5 stars

While it was a decent addition to the series, wall to wall wedding planning, children, and dealing with extended family (good and bad) wasn’t my idea of a fun romp. Well written and better editing than #1. The third in the series takes place back on the homestead so off I go...
Profile Image for Alisa.
1,894 reviews202 followers
November 30, 2016
This story picks up about two years down the road and Caleb, Jacob and their little pack are headed back to New York to get married in front of their families. There's a few bumps in the road but there are also some really touching moments. I really like this series and the way it is written. It's this slow, charming style of story telling. I love this couple and their family and I'm super happy with the way things worked out for them all. There was blurbs for books 3 & 4 in the back of this and I can't wait till those books are released.

Profile Image for Dani Elle Maas.
1,011 reviews14 followers
September 12, 2016
As I mentioned before I was blown away by the first book in this series .
this second part was good and i like it , a lot even but it didnt have the impact on me that the first one did.
Though I was very happy to read more about this wonderful couple and their "family".
Looking forward to part 3 :)
Profile Image for Chris.
1,155 reviews13 followers
August 26, 2017
Die Alphas Caleb und Jacob unternehmen die beschwerliche Reise von Nebraska nach New York um dort mit ihren Kindern und der Familie ihre Hochzeit zu feiern. Wirklich wohl fühlen sie sich beide nicht. Caleb hat keine Ahnung wie ihm die Familie nach 12jähriger Abwesenheit begegnen wird und Jacob hat überhaupt nichts von der eigenen Familie gehört.

Calebs Sorgen sind jedoch unbegründet. Die Familie, vor allem der Vater, nimmt ihn mit offenen Armen auf und schließt damit auch Jacob und die drei Kinder mit ein. Doch die Tage in der Großstadt sind nicht einfach. Und die Kinder freunden sich zwar mit der Familie Calebs an, doch es bleibt eine gewisse Distanz bestehen. Auch prallen durchaus Welten, Lebensweisen und unterschiedliche Vorstellungen aufeinander.

Als dann Jacob auch noch von der Ablehnung seiner eigenen Familie und eine öffentliche Demütigung durch seine Mutter erfährt, wird auch die bisher harmonische und stabile Beziehung Jacob und Caleb erschüttert.

Das Sequel zu Teil 1 ist wirklich sehr, sehr kurz ausgefallen. Allerdings war die Geschichte sehr schön und berührend zu lesen. Caleb und Jacob scheinen endlich angekommen zu sein; ihre Beziehung hat ihre Höhe und Tiefen, aber jede Geste, jede Berührung und jeder Blick zeugt von der Tiefe ihrer Gefühle.

Die Kinder sind längst zu dem wichtigsten Teil ihres Leben geworden und auch wirtschaftlich können sie nicht klagen. Die Hochzeit in New York und das Wiedersehen mit ihren Familien soll das Glück nun perfekt machen.

Leider ist Jacobs Vater unversöhnlich und auch die Mutter macht ihren Sohn für die wirtschaftlichen Probleme des Pack's verantwortlich. Für Jacob ist es wirklich eine sehr schwere Zeit. Doch nun erweist sich Caleb als hingebungsvoller, starker und loyaler Partner. Und auch Calebs Familie fängt Jacob in dieser schweren Zeit auf.

Leider ist die Geschichte ein wenig arg kurz. Da hätte ich doch auf ein, zwei Kapitel mehr gehofft. Allerdings war auch dieser Teil sehr schön zu lesen und konnte mich gut unterhalten.
Profile Image for Jenn (not Lily).
4,799 reviews27 followers
February 14, 2020
Even with the amount of family drama in this (from both MC's families even!), somehow this story was gentle overall, possibly due to the time period. Caleb and Jacob are wonderful together, and they both deserve every happiness. All three of their children are interesting characters, but Tad is so much like my daughter was at that age -- sometimes I feel like I still have the bruises from when our whirling dervish would climb in bed with us! This is a great world, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Amber.
1,294 reviews33 followers
February 21, 2018
Like the first book we this was another comfort read but this time we get to see more of both Jacob and Caleb's past as they go back to their pack in New York. We get to met Caleb's family and see how much he loves them yet proctects his own family as well. Jacob's of set of problems with his mother and pack are heartbreaking at times and I love watch Caleb support Jacob through it.
Profile Image for Lillian Francis.
Author 15 books101 followers
August 21, 2016
An extended epilogue to book 1 with Caleb and Jacob returning 'home' to be married.

This is a lovely way to reconnect with the characters several years after the end of book one. There is a small amount of angst but overall it is a sweet tale of acceptance and coming home.
I like that the author didn't take the obvious route with regard to Jacob's family
I sometimes struggle with the way kids are portrayed in stories but the children here are delightful esp Tad.
A gorgeous little sequel.
Now I can't wait to get my hands on the next book of the series. Mal's story!
Profile Image for JR.
875 reviews33 followers
August 24, 2016
Jacob and Caleb are making the journey to be married in front of their respective packs. The two alphas, couldn't be happier. The children are even more excited to make the trip. If you don't count a case of nerves for both men, the trip seems to be going well. Unfortunately, Jacob's family makes a declaration that threatens to ruin everything.

Once again, the author has created an amazing story. As in the first book, it feels like I am a part of the period, it is so well constructed. But the heart and soul of this, is the love story, between Jacob and Caleb. It's the stuff that dreams are made of. I'd hitch my wagon to this star any day.
Profile Image for Sadie Forsythe.
Author 1 book287 followers
August 24, 2016
This is a sweet little add-on to Home is Where You Are. However, I wouldn't recommend reading it if you haven't read book one. It would be a spoiler. But if you have read the first book, this has all the feels you finished wanting, but some seriously cute kid-speak.

Having said that, it's a little too schmaltzy for me, the obstacle felt both artificially created and solved, and the dialogue felt a little stiff at times.

It's still a cute read though.
Profile Image for Mari  Cardenas.
2,291 reviews28 followers
October 20, 2017
5 Stars!

Returning Home is my favorite book in the series so far and it can't be read as a standalone, since it continues two years after the first book in the series ends. Please bear in mind that this review might contain spoilers.

Jacob, Caleb and their pups travel to New York to get married, not entirely certain of what kind of reception they'll get from both their families.

This was a wonderful glimpse into Caleb, Jacob and the pups' life. It was also great meeting Caleb's family and while I would have liked seeing how they dealt with Caleb's brother who sent him running to Nebraska, I was happy to learn that they had actually done something about it and backed Caleb a hundred percent.

On the other hand, my heart absolutely broke for Jacob, and even if I wanted to shake him up a bit at one point, I found his behavior understandable.

I absolutely adore the sense of family that their little pack has. Both Caleb and Jacob are so protective of their pups and it's amazing to see. I especially melted when I see how tender the otherwise gruff Caleb is with Thaddeus. It's so cute. I adored how awesome Caleb was when Jacob needed him and watching how their love just continued to grow.

The conflict here was a bit more personal, but its resolution was very satisfying.

All in all, a fantastic addition to the series! Emotional and heartwrenching, well-written and engaging. I just can't get enough of Caleb and Jacob and their family. Highly recommendable!

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.