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St. Michaels Duet #2
Stealing Home
Ashley:
I’ve given up. On my childish dreams.
On getting out of this town. On love. On him.
On everything.
I’m barely treading water.
Brayden:
I’m the man with it all.
The pinstriped jersey covering my back garners easy cash, flashy cars and fast women. My gilded name drapes over the city in neon. I have everything. Everything, except the thing I crave most. Ashley Foster.
There’s one addiction I never tried to beat.
They say you can never go home again. I’m out to prove them wrong. But what if returning requires facing all the things you destroyed? To what lengths would you go to earn forgiveness?
Would you beg? Would you borrow? Would you steal?
Stealing home is the riskiest move in baseball. But the reward... If it works? Winning her back is a chance I’m finally ready to take.
My pockets are filled with stars.
It’s time to follow them home.
This time, I don’t want to steal her firsts,
I want to lay claim on all her lasts.
I’ve given up. On my childish dreams.
On getting out of this town. On love. On him.
On everything.
I’m barely treading water.
Brayden:
I’m the man with it all.
The pinstriped jersey covering my back garners easy cash, flashy cars and fast women. My gilded name drapes over the city in neon. I have everything. Everything, except the thing I crave most. Ashley Foster.
There’s one addiction I never tried to beat.
They say you can never go home again. I’m out to prove them wrong. But what if returning requires facing all the things you destroyed? To what lengths would you go to earn forgiveness?
Would you beg? Would you borrow? Would you steal?
Stealing home is the riskiest move in baseball. But the reward... If it works? Winning her back is a chance I’m finally ready to take.
My pockets are filled with stars.
It’s time to follow them home.
This time, I don’t want to steal her firsts,
I want to lay claim on all her lasts.
ebook
First published August 1, 2019
359 people are currently reading
2373 people want to read
About the author
Harlow Cole
2 books452 followersHarlow Cole is a former journalism student, turned techie, turned mother, who finally decided at age forty-plus what she wants to be if she ever she grows up. Her writing journey first began in sixth grade, when she and her best friend penned boy band fanfiction in an old spiral notebook. Harlow is a connoisseur of peanut M&Ms, brand-new school supplies and angst-filled love stories that always end happy. At fifteen, she met her first love. They’ve now been married for twenty years. They reside in suburban Washington, DC, where Harlow moonlights as a taxi driver for their farting beagle and teenage twins. Interference and Stealing Home are her debut novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
August 21, 2019
So, yeah. Read part one - forgot to mention in my review that it was a cliffy. I can't be blamed for that, though. There was too much shit in that shitshow more important to pass along than the fact that there was MORE.
Because honestly, a reader with good sense would have run screaming from a continuation of this sexist, anti-feminist stew of twat-brained morons and misogyny.
I, however, have clearly taken leave of my good sense in favour of masochism. Because again, I had to keep going just to see how bad it could get. I thought it would be amusing but it really just made me feel anger and what I think may have been despair.
The thing that sucks is that if one were to remove a few elements, this story had good bones - for YA/NA, that is. Too much OTT drama for adult CR. I was drawn in at first and liked the writer's style, but too quickly she joined the ranks of those who confuse sexual chemistry and/or co-dependency with love.
And this heroine. What. A. Loser.
The guy she once thought would be her forever showed up four years after becoming a hotshot ball player. Prior tp that, he -
dumped her...
flaunted his sexcapades and refused to let her move on...
seduced her virginity from her and then cheating on her...
doped with narcos to mask pain and gain an advantage as an athlete...
nearly killed her big brother, and...
left him in a wheelchair.
Incidentally, big bro was also headed to the big leagues.
The key word here is 'was.'
So anyway, Mr. HotShot swaggers back in like he owns the place after destroying her, her family and leaving all of them in the dust, and...her nipples get hard.
What the everlasting fuck? I'm sorry, but where do these writers come up with this shit? If someone had done just one of those things to me, the last thing I'd be feeling for them is lust.
Enough. Enough. I could go on and on about how this book sucked but the main reason was this. Not once - not one bloody time - did this dishrag heroine get the upper hand. Not even a little.
The H goes off to great success after taking a literal wrecking ball to a family that loved him like one of theirs when he should have gone to jail. The h? Never makes it to college. Never makes it out of town. She's left with a failing business, working two jobs and caring for a brother who hates her. She has nothing. And at the end, after she's caved into the H's condescending, pompous arse, she is still nothing. She never gets a chance to experience her own success separate from that asshole.
But then, why would she need to? Mr. Rich and Famous fixed everything with loads of cash.
So much for female independence. The man fixes everything and the woman fawns over him and spreads her knees. What a load of sexist rubbish. The Stone Age is alive and well in Romanceland. 🤮
Also, just how much does it cost to heal a damaged spinal cord? Because yeah, the H not only fixed all the money problems and saved the h's family business, he fixed her brother's paralysed legs, too.
I almost wish my Brazilian friend Ana would read this duet just so I could see her screaming rant over it 🤣🤣.
But I would not subject anyone I like to this shit.
Hell, I wouldn't subject any woman to it, period.
Because honestly, a reader with good sense would have run screaming from a continuation of this sexist, anti-feminist stew of twat-brained morons and misogyny.
I, however, have clearly taken leave of my good sense in favour of masochism. Because again, I had to keep going just to see how bad it could get. I thought it would be amusing but it really just made me feel anger and what I think may have been despair.
The thing that sucks is that if one were to remove a few elements, this story had good bones - for YA/NA, that is. Too much OTT drama for adult CR. I was drawn in at first and liked the writer's style, but too quickly she joined the ranks of those who confuse sexual chemistry and/or co-dependency with love.
And this heroine. What. A. Loser.
The guy she once thought would be her forever showed up four years after becoming a hotshot ball player. Prior tp that, he -
dumped her...
flaunted his sexcapades and refused to let her move on...
seduced her virginity from her and then cheating on her...
doped with narcos to mask pain and gain an advantage as an athlete...
nearly killed her big brother, and...
left him in a wheelchair.
Incidentally, big bro was also headed to the big leagues.
The key word here is 'was.'
So anyway, Mr. HotShot swaggers back in like he owns the place after destroying her, her family and leaving all of them in the dust, and...her nipples get hard.
What the everlasting fuck? I'm sorry, but where do these writers come up with this shit? If someone had done just one of those things to me, the last thing I'd be feeling for them is lust.
Enough. Enough. I could go on and on about how this book sucked but the main reason was this. Not once - not one bloody time - did this dishrag heroine get the upper hand. Not even a little.
The H goes off to great success after taking a literal wrecking ball to a family that loved him like one of theirs when he should have gone to jail. The h? Never makes it to college. Never makes it out of town. She's left with a failing business, working two jobs and caring for a brother who hates her. She has nothing. And at the end, after she's caved into the H's condescending, pompous arse, she is still nothing. She never gets a chance to experience her own success separate from that asshole.
But then, why would she need to? Mr. Rich and Famous fixed everything with loads of cash.
So much for female independence. The man fixes everything and the woman fawns over him and spreads her knees. What a load of sexist rubbish. The Stone Age is alive and well in Romanceland. 🤮
Also, just how much does it cost to heal a damaged spinal cord? Because yeah, the H not only fixed all the money problems and saved the h's family business, he fixed her brother's paralysed legs, too.
I almost wish my Brazilian friend Ana would read this duet just so I could see her screaming rant over it 🤣🤣.
But I would not subject anyone I like to this shit.
Hell, I wouldn't subject any woman to it, period.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
August 1, 2019LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Book 2 in duet
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Books in St. Michaels duet should be read in order:
Book 1: Interference
Book 2: Stealing Home
Book 2 in duet
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Books in St. Michaels duet should be read in order:
Book 1: Interference
Book 2: Stealing Home
October 20, 2019
DNF 92%
Considering the amount of detailed OW bullshit we slogged through in the first novel I felt there was a complete lack of info on his years apart from the h. I didn’t need on page deets...but I absolutely needed to know how much of his father’s path he’d walked. Especially when she continually feared the amount of women he’d been with while he was gone. She makes references to his OW throughout this novel that he never elaborates on either in his POV headspace or verbally to the h.
The whole reason they broke apart was because he was high and fucked her nemesis (for the millionth time). Kinda what his father did to his true love. So, yeah, what the fuck was he really up to? This lost stars because it was such a huge plot point to their break up and the prophecy of it happening was never explored or fleshed out. To find him redeemable I need to know if he just fucked around indiscriminately for 4 years or not. He’s so worried about erasing the (very few) men from her past that not knowing where she stands in his long list of OW is defeating to the over arching plot from the first book.
In the end, I just felt let down by the build up of the first book. I kept waiting for this epic tale of redemption I felt certain the author would provide...instead I got an h who took back her man after all of their drama without little work on his part, as he fixed all of her problems with money earned on their foretold demise, and allowed her man to fulfill the exact prophecy his father had threatened her with. That he’d fuck around on the h, lose her, go fuck a bunch of women while becoming a star, then come back to her after he’d conquered the world. She ended up accomplishing nothing on her own without him secretly financing and pulling strings from the moment he left town. That’s not love, that’s manipulation based on guilt.
This was too much like the life his father lead with no lesson learned by the H. I’m just happy the H managed to not get an OW pregnant like his father had :/
Considering the amount of detailed OW bullshit we slogged through in the first novel I felt there was a complete lack of info on his years apart from the h. I didn’t need on page deets...but I absolutely needed to know how much of his father’s path he’d walked. Especially when she continually feared the amount of women he’d been with while he was gone. She makes references to his OW throughout this novel that he never elaborates on either in his POV headspace or verbally to the h.
The whole reason they broke apart was because he was high and fucked her nemesis (for the millionth time). Kinda what his father did to his true love. So, yeah, what the fuck was he really up to? This lost stars because it was such a huge plot point to their break up and the prophecy of it happening was never explored or fleshed out. To find him redeemable I need to know if he just fucked around indiscriminately for 4 years or not. He’s so worried about erasing the (very few) men from her past that not knowing where she stands in his long list of OW is defeating to the over arching plot from the first book.
In the end, I just felt let down by the build up of the first book. I kept waiting for this epic tale of redemption I felt certain the author would provide...instead I got an h who took back her man after all of their drama without little work on his part, as he fixed all of her problems with money earned on their foretold demise, and allowed her man to fulfill the exact prophecy his father had threatened her with. That he’d fuck around on the h, lose her, go fuck a bunch of women while becoming a star, then come back to her after he’d conquered the world. She ended up accomplishing nothing on her own without him secretly financing and pulling strings from the moment he left town. That’s not love, that’s manipulation based on guilt.
This was too much like the life his father lead with no lesson learned by the H. I’m just happy the H managed to not get an OW pregnant like his father had :/
Read
December 17, 20230 - DNF
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Wow, our Zeroine is a loser and Zero is unworthy of redemption.
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Wow, our Zeroine is a loser and Zero is unworthy of redemption.
“Oh, sure. Bet banging all those movie stars and supermodels got too tiring, and he decided to go back and look up an old flame. I mean, look at me.” I gestured down to my baggy sweats and the white T-shirt bunched up at my waist, secured with a stretched-out hair tie. “I’m totally Brayden Ross material.”
My father wouldn’t take Jack’s blood money four years ago, and I won’t take any of it now. I might fail at saving everything else, but I won’t hock the last of my family’s pride.” Fire spread through my lungs.
He’d repeated more than just the sins of his father. He’d turned me into a carbon copy of his former self. Broken by drugs, spilled fidelity, and the sadness of being too easy to leave. The same resentment I’d witnessed in his eyes all those years now resided in my own.
October 24, 2021
If you want a long winded grovel to book one... this will probably be for you. I love grovel and redemption arcs but there was no plausibility in this story and it all felt like a big soap opera.
Also made no sense why he waited 4 years. Grovel or not I didn’t feel he learned one thing. Obviously putting Nathan in a wheelchair preceded all his other wrong doings but I didn’t feel the cheating at the end of book 1 was dealt with at all. His character was very one dimensional.
Also made no sense why he waited 4 years. Grovel or not I didn’t feel he learned one thing. Obviously putting Nathan in a wheelchair preceded all his other wrong doings but I didn’t feel the cheating at the end of book 1 was dealt with at all. His character was very one dimensional.
May 26, 2020
1.5. The author has potential but she needs to learn that sometimes less is more. There was just too much drama going on! This is so sad because has she not thrown everything but the kitchen sink I might have rooted for this couple. But I just find it too unrealistic to ever built a relationship out of all of this pain!
1) mommy issues / abandonment? Check.
2) daddy issues? Check. For both H and h!
3) death by cancer? Check.
4) disabled relative who’s grown bitter? Check.
5) financial crisis (losing your family legacy because you don’t have money anymore)? Check.
6) cheating? Check.
7) drugs? Check.
It was just too much! For 4 years the h does not have one iota of respite. It’s fucking insane! Idk why female authors love putting the female lead through the ringer while the male character goes on and lives the life.
Guilty? I did not see one iota of guilt on this guy. He went off to New York made millions and had a blast. You can see this when he’s out showing the female lead the New York city. This is not a recluse who’s being drowning in his own guilt! He got out unscathed and even the mother that abandoned him? Yup, made up with her and the sister and has what appears to be a great relationship with them. This is not a guy whose life has stopped for 4 years! He moved on and continued with his life, threw money at his mistakes instead of manning up and facing them as he should have from the beginning. He should have gone to jail!
On the other hand the female character has not been able to grow in any way other than the growth caused by pain. Has she even had a happy memory since the zero left? Since you know, seeing him with all those other girls for years was just not enough pain for our female lead. She manages to accomplish nothing. Even though that’s the point of her character. Someone who wants to earn her own accomplishments -but nope. She can’t even manage that without the help of our male savior.
I’m by no means a feminist but god could she have gained the upper hand in anything? At least straight up say the ZERO has remained celibate while ZEROINE been sleeping around? Nope. Even the guy she slept with when zero was gone was an asshole! God forbid she sleep with a guy that treats her right and provides a shoulder to lean on during this difficult time. Then again it would have just pissed me off more when she chose this asshole over the awesome OM. The author never bothers to confirm or deny the zero has been sleeping around. Though it’s implied he has since references to pictures with other females are brought up. He never denies or confirms despite some of those accusations being done during his POV.
The author felt it was necessary to even kill off female lead’s mother. Because even keeping her family unity intact was too much to give to our pathetic mess of a h.
Also. Idk why authors feel the need to regurgitate how hot our leads are! Tell you what authors. From now on I will simply assume they are hot until told otherwise. Quit beating us down the head with it! We will also assume all males and lesbians want the female lead and all the females and gay men want the male lead! I get it. You don’t have to mention it in every chapter. We readers don’t suffer from short term memory loss (well hopefully most of us don’t) we haven’t forgotten that they’re hot!
That being said apparently this is the author’s first story she has so much potential and I might check out future work if she tones it down.
1) mommy issues / abandonment? Check.
2) daddy issues? Check. For both H and h!
3) death by cancer? Check.
4) disabled relative who’s grown bitter? Check.
5) financial crisis (losing your family legacy because you don’t have money anymore)? Check.
6) cheating? Check.
7) drugs? Check.
It was just too much! For 4 years the h does not have one iota of respite. It’s fucking insane! Idk why female authors love putting the female lead through the ringer while the male character goes on and lives the life.
Guilty? I did not see one iota of guilt on this guy. He went off to New York made millions and had a blast. You can see this when he’s out showing the female lead the New York city. This is not a recluse who’s being drowning in his own guilt! He got out unscathed and even the mother that abandoned him? Yup, made up with her and the sister and has what appears to be a great relationship with them. This is not a guy whose life has stopped for 4 years! He moved on and continued with his life, threw money at his mistakes instead of manning up and facing them as he should have from the beginning. He should have gone to jail!
On the other hand the female character has not been able to grow in any way other than the growth caused by pain. Has she even had a happy memory since the zero left? Since you know, seeing him with all those other girls for years was just not enough pain for our female lead. She manages to accomplish nothing. Even though that’s the point of her character. Someone who wants to earn her own accomplishments -but nope. She can’t even manage that without the help of our male savior.
I’m by no means a feminist but god could she have gained the upper hand in anything? At least straight up say the ZERO has remained celibate while ZEROINE been sleeping around? Nope. Even the guy she slept with when zero was gone was an asshole! God forbid she sleep with a guy that treats her right and provides a shoulder to lean on during this difficult time. Then again it would have just pissed me off more when she chose this asshole over the awesome OM. The author never bothers to confirm or deny the zero has been sleeping around. Though it’s implied he has since references to pictures with other females are brought up. He never denies or confirms despite some of those accusations being done during his POV.
The author felt it was necessary to even kill off female lead’s mother. Because even keeping her family unity intact was too much to give to our pathetic mess of a h.
Also. Idk why authors feel the need to regurgitate how hot our leads are! Tell you what authors. From now on I will simply assume they are hot until told otherwise. Quit beating us down the head with it! We will also assume all males and lesbians want the female lead and all the females and gay men want the male lead! I get it. You don’t have to mention it in every chapter. We readers don’t suffer from short term memory loss (well hopefully most of us don’t) we haven’t forgotten that they’re hot!
That being said apparently this is the author’s first story she has so much potential and I might check out future work if she tones it down.
July 27, 2019
What an ending and what a duet! It was that fantastic. It’s the perfect sequel, a truly wonderful and epic conclusion to Ashley and Brayden’s whirlwind story. This book is a raw, emotional, passionate and angsty read. A story that is so unique and special. It's both heartbreaking and heartwarming and at times quite confronting.
Ashley and Brayden have not had an easy road to love and while there were many factors affecting them being together, I had to have faith that a love like theirs would stand tall against the toughest terrain, that they would eventually find their way back to one another again. They were meant to be in every sense of the word, and I hoped they would get their long sought after happily ever after that they both were so deserving of.
The plot details of this duet is simply fantastic. They elicit emotions, surprises with twists, and ends so beautifully. Everything was crafted flawlessly and I loved seeing all the pieces fall together at the end of this book. As with Book 1, I’m still stunned that this is Harlow Cole’s debut and am so excited to see what comes next from her. An amazing conclusion to an incredible duet.
Ashley and Brayden have not had an easy road to love and while there were many factors affecting them being together, I had to have faith that a love like theirs would stand tall against the toughest terrain, that they would eventually find their way back to one another again. They were meant to be in every sense of the word, and I hoped they would get their long sought after happily ever after that they both were so deserving of.
The plot details of this duet is simply fantastic. They elicit emotions, surprises with twists, and ends so beautifully. Everything was crafted flawlessly and I loved seeing all the pieces fall together at the end of this book. As with Book 1, I’m still stunned that this is Harlow Cole’s debut and am so excited to see what comes next from her. An amazing conclusion to an incredible duet.
April 30, 2024
I loathe doormat heroines - this one could teach a course on how to be one. I almost didn't care her pathetic ass ended up with this piece of shit. And I especially hate books with a lack of grovel. This one was all superficial. This book wasn't even angsty fun - it was just enraging. Thanks god there was no third book where he would probably have a mid life crisis and starting hitting all the dating apps and screwing all the skanks to prove he still has it. And this moron would still be celibate and waiting for him. Talk about a lack of payoff after having to read this crap.
July 24, 2019
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
Good lord, I feel like there is a hurricane wreaking havoc on my insides right now. There are just so many emotions overpowering me. I can literally feel the turmoil roiling around inside me. All the feels. All of them, okay?
This is one of those books that you read and have absolutely no idea what to do with yourself once it is over. I almost feel lost because my heart and mind are still securely nestled in this story. I really don't want to leave these characters.
These characters are pretty much everything. Especially the two main characters and love interests, Ash and Brayden. The character development for these two is full of so much depth. It's insanely intimate too. I felt like these two were in my life and not only in the pages. Cole really makes them come alive and she writes them so beautifully. The best thing about them is that they are so inherently human. They are real people with passions, flaws, feelings, and problems. The reader gets to see the good and the ugly parts of them throughout this series. I absolutely loved Brayden's path to redemption in this book of the series. I loved him in the first book, even throughout his mistakes. He grew so much in this book and it was such an amazing journey. I totally identified with Ash in this one. She had the weight of the world on her shoulders with no one to help her through the mountains of bad luck that kept falling into her path. Her strength and sense of self even in the throes of tragedy and great pain was so admirable and uplifting. Nathan's fall from grace was portrayed fantastically. His bitterness was so real and tangible. I love that he finally came around, though I honestly would have loved to see more finality to his part of the story. I wanted to see his HEA as well. I felt that all the side characters were great as well. Every character had their place and they played their parts perfectly.
The romance in this series is all-consuming. You can feel it like tension in the air. The romance in the first book was all about the build-up, but in this book, it is all about redemption, absolution, and following your heart. The way that Brayden kept showing his love for Ash in this book was so very touching. He knew what he wanted and he was persistent, though not abusive in any way. Irritating for Ash at times, yes, because she was fighting against her feelings for Brayden because of their past. Brayden stuck to his guns and pulled out all the stops for Ash. It was romantic, it was hot as hell, and it felt so right. The chemistry between them is really off the charts. They have been childhood friends since Brayden was 12 and their history together is written into the lining of the love for each other. The phrase "meant to be" sounds awfully corny, but it fits these two so perfectly that I can't fault myself for using it.
The plot of this entire series is fantastic. It elicits emotions, surprises the reader with twists, and ends so beautifully. Everything was orchestrated flawlessly and I loved seeing all the pieces fall together at the end of this book.
Some contemporary books can be kind of bland when it comes the world-building because, as readers who live in the here and now in our world, we already know most of the settings that we come across in contemporary fiction. Not this book. This book had a perfect balance when it came to the world-building. It wasn't overly descriptive on the day to day normal things that we all see in our world, but it brought the settings to life in the reader's mind. It was easy to feel the wind and sun at the marina, easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of New York City, and easy to fall into the home town life of St. Michaels. You felt like you could step into the lives of these characters and live their lives.
Overall, this book and the series as a whole totally obliterated my expectations. I haven't been this impressed with a story in a while and it's a damn good feeling. I am still a little shocked that this book and the first book in this series are the first books that have been written by this author because they are flawless. I honestly can't wait to revisit this story in the future. Read this series now if you want a story that will give you all the feels. You won't be disappointed. I expect such great things from this author. I am so jazzed to see what comes next!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
Good lord, I feel like there is a hurricane wreaking havoc on my insides right now. There are just so many emotions overpowering me. I can literally feel the turmoil roiling around inside me. All the feels. All of them, okay?
This is one of those books that you read and have absolutely no idea what to do with yourself once it is over. I almost feel lost because my heart and mind are still securely nestled in this story. I really don't want to leave these characters.
These characters are pretty much everything. Especially the two main characters and love interests, Ash and Brayden. The character development for these two is full of so much depth. It's insanely intimate too. I felt like these two were in my life and not only in the pages. Cole really makes them come alive and she writes them so beautifully. The best thing about them is that they are so inherently human. They are real people with passions, flaws, feelings, and problems. The reader gets to see the good and the ugly parts of them throughout this series. I absolutely loved Brayden's path to redemption in this book of the series. I loved him in the first book, even throughout his mistakes. He grew so much in this book and it was such an amazing journey. I totally identified with Ash in this one. She had the weight of the world on her shoulders with no one to help her through the mountains of bad luck that kept falling into her path. Her strength and sense of self even in the throes of tragedy and great pain was so admirable and uplifting. Nathan's fall from grace was portrayed fantastically. His bitterness was so real and tangible. I love that he finally came around, though I honestly would have loved to see more finality to his part of the story. I wanted to see his HEA as well. I felt that all the side characters were great as well. Every character had their place and they played their parts perfectly.
The romance in this series is all-consuming. You can feel it like tension in the air. The romance in the first book was all about the build-up, but in this book, it is all about redemption, absolution, and following your heart. The way that Brayden kept showing his love for Ash in this book was so very touching. He knew what he wanted and he was persistent, though not abusive in any way. Irritating for Ash at times, yes, because she was fighting against her feelings for Brayden because of their past. Brayden stuck to his guns and pulled out all the stops for Ash. It was romantic, it was hot as hell, and it felt so right. The chemistry between them is really off the charts. They have been childhood friends since Brayden was 12 and their history together is written into the lining of the love for each other. The phrase "meant to be" sounds awfully corny, but it fits these two so perfectly that I can't fault myself for using it.
The plot of this entire series is fantastic. It elicits emotions, surprises the reader with twists, and ends so beautifully. Everything was orchestrated flawlessly and I loved seeing all the pieces fall together at the end of this book.
Some contemporary books can be kind of bland when it comes the world-building because, as readers who live in the here and now in our world, we already know most of the settings that we come across in contemporary fiction. Not this book. This book had a perfect balance when it came to the world-building. It wasn't overly descriptive on the day to day normal things that we all see in our world, but it brought the settings to life in the reader's mind. It was easy to feel the wind and sun at the marina, easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of New York City, and easy to fall into the home town life of St. Michaels. You felt like you could step into the lives of these characters and live their lives.
Overall, this book and the series as a whole totally obliterated my expectations. I haven't been this impressed with a story in a while and it's a damn good feeling. I am still a little shocked that this book and the first book in this series are the first books that have been written by this author because they are flawless. I honestly can't wait to revisit this story in the future. Read this series now if you want a story that will give you all the feels. You won't be disappointed. I expect such great things from this author. I am so jazzed to see what comes next!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
September 14, 2019
Spoiler alert read on ur own risk .......
Idk how people are giving this book 5star or 4star I can't lie. Sorry. Idk where to start first of all the heroine was so idk how to say this without sounding offensive but she is so stupid. Like throughout this book i was hoping for her to finally grow a backbone. I mean the dude has mommy issues and daddy issues i get it. But that doesn't give him the right to coke up and drive. Idk how he is not in jail. He should be in jail. And after making the heroine's brother crippled he went ahead and left to live his life. Made hella money. I mean dude if u haven't gone behind that wheel her brother would be playing along side u. But then he came back and threw some money around and the gurl is like oh my saviour imma spread my leg for u and lie to my brother who is being stuck to a wheelchair because of u just because im horny. And then they make that said brother sound like a judgement ass who is preventing their epic reunion even though she have seen some girl's pic and text on his phone. I just feel bad for the brother he lost everything and that hoe of a sister couldn't stand by him.
Idk how people are giving this book 5star or 4star I can't lie. Sorry. Idk where to start first of all the heroine was so idk how to say this without sounding offensive but she is so stupid. Like throughout this book i was hoping for her to finally grow a backbone. I mean the dude has mommy issues and daddy issues i get it. But that doesn't give him the right to coke up and drive. Idk how he is not in jail. He should be in jail. And after making the heroine's brother crippled he went ahead and left to live his life. Made hella money. I mean dude if u haven't gone behind that wheel her brother would be playing along side u. But then he came back and threw some money around and the gurl is like oh my saviour imma spread my leg for u and lie to my brother who is being stuck to a wheelchair because of u just because im horny. And then they make that said brother sound like a judgement ass who is preventing their epic reunion even though she have seen some girl's pic and text on his phone. I just feel bad for the brother he lost everything and that hoe of a sister couldn't stand by him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2019
WOW, just wow. Stealing Home is such a beautiful way to end Ashley and Brayden's story. It's everything - poignant, angsty, and filled with so much love. I've so enjoyed reading their second chance - getting to know them as young kids and now as adults whose whole future is ahead of them. Kudos to Harlow Cole for this fabulous duet!
ARC via Enticing Journey Book Promotions for an honest review.
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July 18, 2022
I couldn't even be bothered with this book. The blurb made it sound like it was about Brayden trying to earn forgiveness for everything that he had done to hurt Ashley and her family in the first book. What it actually was was Brayden poking and prodding and taunting her trying to get a reaction and then smirking when he did. He didn't come back because he wanted to make things right; he came back because he was injured and couldn't play baseball. I didn't see him do ANYTHING to make things right; all he did was throw money at her.
And, Ashley was such a doormat; the first time he touched her, she practically swooned! Just another FMC with BBS.
And, Ashley was such a doormat; the first time he touched her, she practically swooned! Just another FMC with BBS.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2021
Okay
I liked this but I also didn’t. I have reservations about it. Part of me feels like it was too long, part of me thinks maybe forgiveness was too much for me. Idk. Something just didn’t sit right and meant I skipped past parts to finish it. Maybe it’s my headspace who knows.
I liked this but I also didn’t. I have reservations about it. Part of me feels like it was too long, part of me thinks maybe forgiveness was too much for me. Idk. Something just didn’t sit right and meant I skipped past parts to finish it. Maybe it’s my headspace who knows.
March 11, 2020
not often I get a duet that I can rate 5 stars each book.
Loved this story, great writing loved the characters and the whole storyline.
Loved this story, great writing loved the characters and the whole storyline.
January 12, 2022
5 stars for excellent writing…but some parts were syrupy sweet reminding me of Notebook which still makes me want to vomit in my mouth a bit if I start thinking about it. Also, what happened to all the tarts from book one? Nary a mention of them here. Can’t help wondering where are they now??Did the three name serial killer skip town? Marry the local donut shop owner? Matured after the event? What about the preacher’s daughter and her bff Hannah? They were all a bone of contention in book one so how did they disappear in book two? What about the supermodels he dated in NY? I get that he only lived half a life in the City and worked hard to come back to Soot but literally the whole book was centered around how to win the girl back and trying to redeem his mistakes.
September 25, 2023
What a tosser of a H and a loser / doormat of a h.
It’s unclear me why an author would write / make up such a pathetic life for the h, nothing to aspire to and the readers who enjoyed it…ummm why 😫 anyway first and last from this author 🥴
It’s unclear me why an author would write / make up such a pathetic life for the h, nothing to aspire to and the readers who enjoyed it…ummm why 😫 anyway first and last from this author 🥴
October 12, 2021
This duet is plain and simple great storytelling. Very emotional. I was sucked in from first page of book one until last page of book 2. 5 stars!
July 30, 2024
I hate this love interest with a passion
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May 16, 2020
May 2020 -- 5 Stars
So, I've found a new favorite author. She has a small backlist, so I'll have to wait to read more, but she's worth it. Freaky good. If you follow me, you know I say this infrequently.
Happy Reading!
So, I've found a new favorite author. She has a small backlist, so I'll have to wait to read more, but she's worth it. Freaky good. If you follow me, you know I say this infrequently.
Happy Reading!
April 10, 2021
I disliked the first book, so it’s totally my fault that I read this one, too. I was hoping that Interference was just because of their immaturity as teenagers. And that this book would be different and mature.
But no.
Brayden wasn’t really apologetic. And Ash... just let him in again. She was all “I have pride” blah blah blah, but every time they see each other, they rip each other’s clothes off? Like? Hello? He cheated on you? He drove under influence which led to your brother being unable to walk?
“All those stupid women out there, wearing skintight dresses that hide nothing. So dumb.” — Ok, so you’re sexist still.
“Felt like a girl.” — Because feeling like a girl means being inferior, huh?
“Please, Ash. You and I both know you wore this thong tonight for a reason.” — *my head hurts from rolling my eyes so much*
“I hired someone. A private investigator.”
“I think you’re a fucking lunatic. A controlling fucking lunatic.” .... “So, I guess that makes you my lunatic” — WHAT THE FUCK, WOMAN? Have you got no standards?
The entire book is a drama-filled roller-coaster, with Brayden dirty talking to Ashley every time they meet. There’s no wholesome moments where you can actually feel their love for each other. All just lust-related. There’s no heroine moment for Ashley so I don’t even know why we read her POV. It’s just filled with I hate him but I can’t control myself rants.
The only time we do get a chance to see them grow is on the epilogue. And it was very montage-y, so... we basically still don’t.
I usually finish my books within 24 hours, and this one took me 8 days on-and-off. Mostly because 90% of the time I read this, I was debating not finishing it.
But no.
Brayden wasn’t really apologetic. And Ash... just let him in again. She was all “I have pride” blah blah blah, but every time they see each other, they rip each other’s clothes off? Like? Hello? He cheated on you? He drove under influence which led to your brother being unable to walk?
“All those stupid women out there, wearing skintight dresses that hide nothing. So dumb.” — Ok, so you’re sexist still.
“Felt like a girl.” — Because feeling like a girl means being inferior, huh?
“Please, Ash. You and I both know you wore this thong tonight for a reason.” — *my head hurts from rolling my eyes so much*
“I hired someone. A private investigator.”
“I think you’re a fucking lunatic. A controlling fucking lunatic.” .... “So, I guess that makes you my lunatic” — WHAT THE FUCK, WOMAN? Have you got no standards?
The entire book is a drama-filled roller-coaster, with Brayden dirty talking to Ashley every time they meet. There’s no wholesome moments where you can actually feel their love for each other. All just lust-related. There’s no heroine moment for Ashley so I don’t even know why we read her POV. It’s just filled with I hate him but I can’t control myself rants.
The only time we do get a chance to see them grow is on the epilogue. And it was very montage-y, so... we basically still don’t.
I usually finish my books within 24 hours, and this one took me 8 days on-and-off. Mostly because 90% of the time I read this, I was debating not finishing it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2019
I was really happy with how stealing home turned out it isn't a standalone you need to read book one first . This is a second chance romance let me just a lot of stuff happens in book one that frustrated me beyond belief to were I didn't know if I wanted to read this one but I was happy that I gave this one a chance . The hero really redeemed himself in this one my heart really broke for a certain character I hope he finds happiness . I can't wait to read more by Harlow Cole in the future .
January 8, 2024
4.5 Stars
Ok... the end was a little bit "meh" for me but just because the rest of the book was SO good that i expected more. But i loved this story so much and i heard that we're gonna have another book??? I'm ready for it.
Ok... the end was a little bit "meh" for me but just because the rest of the book was SO good that i expected more. But i loved this story so much and i heard that we're gonna have another book??? I'm ready for it.
November 30, 2022
This was not as good as the last book. Didn't really like it too much and didnt like the resolving of the conflict bc i thought it was too cookie cutter in terms of actual conflict resolution. i wanted to see the nathan/cindi reunion explored more but didnt get to see it
August 4, 2019
Harlow Cole has brought it home with this fantastic continuation and conclusion of Brayden and Ashley’s story. Overflowing with passion, angst, love, and so many other emotions, Stealing Home was everything I could have wanted for this couple and more.
Once again author Harlow Cole masterfully infuses so much emotion into her story that it has a way of spilling over and wrapping the reader in it. Through flawlessly placed details and exceptional storytelling she’s created a romance that pulls you in and never lets go. The characterization is spot on. Not only do the characters continue have great dimension and are multifaceted, but their growth, particularly Brayden’s, is phenomenal. He goes from a young guy in love in book one to a full fledged man determined to get the woman he’s always loved. Cue all the freaking swoons! It was impossible not to root for this couple to finally get the HEA they deserved.
Emotional, passionate, and utterly exceptional, this is one book and duet not to be missed. Seriously. Harlow Cole delivers a flawlessly executed romance that will have your heart aching in the best way possible and devouring pages as fast as you can read them. Craziest thing is that this duet is only her debut! Mind blowing. I can’t wait to see what’s next from her. 5 stars.
Once again author Harlow Cole masterfully infuses so much emotion into her story that it has a way of spilling over and wrapping the reader in it. Through flawlessly placed details and exceptional storytelling she’s created a romance that pulls you in and never lets go. The characterization is spot on. Not only do the characters continue have great dimension and are multifaceted, but their growth, particularly Brayden’s, is phenomenal. He goes from a young guy in love in book one to a full fledged man determined to get the woman he’s always loved. Cue all the freaking swoons! It was impossible not to root for this couple to finally get the HEA they deserved.
Emotional, passionate, and utterly exceptional, this is one book and duet not to be missed. Seriously. Harlow Cole delivers a flawlessly executed romance that will have your heart aching in the best way possible and devouring pages as fast as you can read them. Craziest thing is that this duet is only her debut! Mind blowing. I can’t wait to see what’s next from her. 5 stars.
August 3, 2021
2.5 STARS
huh. what a pleasant surprise.
I really did not expect to like this one so much. Especially after hating the first book because of its problematic themes. My expectations were lower than the earth's inner core. But I actually found this book addicting, exhilarating, and kinda cute? I don't think if that's the right word to use, I mean, just look at that horrendous book cover. Does it scream cute and adorable? No. But I'd be lying if I didn't admit this was such an emotional and fun ride.
The entirety of this story is dedicated to character development. Every character has gone through so much improvement, not just the romance, but actual relationships: towards friends; towards family; towards passion; towards their dreams.
Some reviews I've read before I decided to give this one a chance talked about how there's so much toxicity in here. So much cheating. So much mistreatment. Basically so many red flags. Reading these reviews turned me off immediately, which was why I hesitated whether or not I should even pick this up, particulary after hating the first installment so much, what's the point right?
But personally, I found this book not problematic at all. Especially after the ending and the three epilogues here. Yes, almost 50% of the book was still about our main characters being immature adults and don't know how to reciprocate their feelings well, especially after the HUGE ending of the first book.
Interference was basically just a high school drama. And this one was more mature, and more on the real world stuff. The main couple started from being problematic into a rom-com swoonworthy romance. Tbh it doesn't even feel like I'm reading a sequel. They both have different tones that I desperately wished they change the cover for this book. I mean, there's definitely smut and kinky stuff in here, but the overall mood is totally different from the first that I would've been fine if they did a cover change similar to Emily Henry's and Christina Lauren's covers.
Would I recommend this? Well, I'm not sure.
It depends on what type of reader you are. Considering how you would have to start with Interference, as I've said previously, that book was A LOT to take in. You would have to endure 300 pages of problematic things in order to get to the good stuff. But if you're fine or willing for that commitment, then you have my yes.
huh. what a pleasant surprise.
I really did not expect to like this one so much. Especially after hating the first book because of its problematic themes. My expectations were lower than the earth's inner core. But I actually found this book addicting, exhilarating, and kinda cute? I don't think if that's the right word to use, I mean, just look at that horrendous book cover. Does it scream cute and adorable? No. But I'd be lying if I didn't admit this was such an emotional and fun ride.
The entirety of this story is dedicated to character development. Every character has gone through so much improvement, not just the romance, but actual relationships: towards friends; towards family; towards passion; towards their dreams.
Some reviews I've read before I decided to give this one a chance talked about how there's so much toxicity in here. So much cheating. So much mistreatment. Basically so many red flags. Reading these reviews turned me off immediately, which was why I hesitated whether or not I should even pick this up, particulary after hating the first installment so much, what's the point right?
But personally, I found this book not problematic at all. Especially after the ending and the three epilogues here. Yes, almost 50% of the book was still about our main characters being immature adults and don't know how to reciprocate their feelings well, especially after the HUGE ending of the first book.
Interference was basically just a high school drama. And this one was more mature, and more on the real world stuff. The main couple started from being problematic into a rom-com swoonworthy romance. Tbh it doesn't even feel like I'm reading a sequel. They both have different tones that I desperately wished they change the cover for this book. I mean, there's definitely smut and kinky stuff in here, but the overall mood is totally different from the first that I would've been fine if they did a cover change similar to Emily Henry's and Christina Lauren's covers.
Would I recommend this? Well, I'm not sure.
It depends on what type of reader you are. Considering how you would have to start with Interference, as I've said previously, that book was A LOT to take in. You would have to endure 300 pages of problematic things in order to get to the good stuff. But if you're fine or willing for that commitment, then you have my yes.
August 5, 2019
This is the 2nd part of this phenomenal duet, and Brayden and Ashley’s story continues. I never thought that this gifted author would be able to surpass the perfection of “Interference”, but my word; it has been achieved!! This is a truly beautifully written story which is filled with angst, passion, emotion, and is a raw, gritty and thrilling, poignant love story which pulls at the heartstrings. I was completely enthralled throughout this addictive page turner, and in my opinion this duet is one of the best ever, and the 5 star rating just does not give this masterpiece the justice it deserves. I look forward to reading more from this author, and highly recommend for all.
October 17, 2021
A few years after Interference and Brayden Ross is back in town, rehabbing a shoulder injury. Unbeknownst to Ashley, he has plans that include her. This whole book is Brayden’s redemption as he works towards earning Ashley and Nathan’s forgiveness one step at a time. He is no longer that reckless guy anymore, whose actions tore apart and devastated his second family. I loved this conclusion. Brayden has to do all of the hard things and as much as he fears not being forgiven, he refuses to give up because his ultimate goal has always been Ashley at his side. Brayden really has matured for the better and bides his time, knowing the mess he created cannot be fixed in a day. Ash is resistant to any form of help from him, understandably so, but she can’t hold everything together all on her own so Brayden steps in wherever he can. So many great scenes in this book, brimming with emotion and intensity because Brayden has to fight for everyone to get them back and Ashley and Nathan do not make it easy. There’s closure on so many fronts which showcase just how much Brayden has taken his recovery seriously to earn Ashley’s love and trust again. I adored the epilogue. Fantastic duet and highly recommend, one of my favorites this year.
August 2, 2019
Original review
This book was provided by the author through Give Me Books Promotions in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Harlow Cole and Give Me Books Promotions!
Stealing Home is the second book in the St. Michaels Duet and continues the story of Brayden and Ashely
Stealing Home was yet another amazing book and the perfect sequel for this series. Interference, the first book, ended with Brayden saying ‘I love you’ to someone and I was under the impression that he loved someone else and not Ashley but I was so wrong. I would’ve known that if I checked the synopsis of Stealing Home, oops!
I really liked Stealing Home because you only read two or three chapters about Brayden and Ashley from ‘now’. The entire first book (except those few chapters) is about their past. I really liked that Harlow Cole did that because then you can see how much the characters have changed. There’s some serious character development, especially with Brayden. He was such an ass and daredevil in book 1, and now he’s more grown up and better.
I really liked this story because it’s not just your typical Romance story because it tells a story of heartbreak, of grief and of having friends and a real family. I really loved this duology, these books are amazing and I cannot wait to read more books by Harlow Cole!
This book was provided by the author through Give Me Books Promotions in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Harlow Cole and Give Me Books Promotions!
Stealing Home is the second book in the St. Michaels Duet and continues the story of Brayden and Ashely
Stealing Home was yet another amazing book and the perfect sequel for this series. Interference, the first book, ended with Brayden saying ‘I love you’ to someone and I was under the impression that he loved someone else and not Ashley but I was so wrong. I would’ve known that if I checked the synopsis of Stealing Home, oops!
I really liked Stealing Home because you only read two or three chapters about Brayden and Ashley from ‘now’. The entire first book (except those few chapters) is about their past. I really liked that Harlow Cole did that because then you can see how much the characters have changed. There’s some serious character development, especially with Brayden. He was such an ass and daredevil in book 1, and now he’s more grown up and better.
I really liked this story because it’s not just your typical Romance story because it tells a story of heartbreak, of grief and of having friends and a real family. I really loved this duology, these books are amazing and I cannot wait to read more books by Harlow Cole!
May 12, 2021
“Stealing home is the biggest risk in baseball. Those who succeed are called winners; those who fail live in hell.”
this book was everything. i adored the first book, this one (the sequel) was just as good!!! it broke my heart a lot, made me cry, but oh my word i loved every second of it.
this duology was not what i expect, it broke my heart in so many ways but also made me fall in love with nearly every single character. found family? (kind of) yes please! ‘im was you first and i want to be your last’ YES PLEASE ❤️ sports romance? YES 🥵🌶
this book was everything. i adored the first book, this one (the sequel) was just as good!!! it broke my heart a lot, made me cry, but oh my word i loved every second of it.
this duology was not what i expect, it broke my heart in so many ways but also made me fall in love with nearly every single character. found family? (kind of) yes please! ‘im was you first and i want to be your last’ YES PLEASE ❤️ sports romance? YES 🥵🌶
July 29, 2019
The first book almost ended me but this one finished me off to declare that I FRICKING LOVE this duet. This second book is all about doing it all in ordered to bring back the ONE to you. This story is mainly about how struggling with guilt can sometimes blind you to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
When I finished the first book I was not a big Brayden fan to be honest.
But I had a feeling that he’ll change his life around so he could be with Ashley. She was a strong girl in the first book who grew up to be an amazing woman, putting everyone else’s needs before her own. My heart was breaking every time it was reviled what he’d done to help them keep their heads above water without them knowing.
And when they finally left all the bad and the ugly behind them I had the biggest smiles on my face because they deserved the HEA they found together.
Now I’m sitting here hoping that we get to see what happens with Nate next, because I need to see him happy as well after everything that has happened to him. Pretty please with a cherry on top!!
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
When I finished the first book I was not a big Brayden fan to be honest.
But I had a feeling that he’ll change his life around so he could be with Ashley. She was a strong girl in the first book who grew up to be an amazing woman, putting everyone else’s needs before her own. My heart was breaking every time it was reviled what he’d done to help them keep their heads above water without them knowing.
And when they finally left all the bad and the ugly behind them I had the biggest smiles on my face because they deserved the HEA they found together.
Now I’m sitting here hoping that we get to see what happens with Nate next, because I need to see him happy as well after everything that has happened to him. Pretty please with a cherry on top!!
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
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