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San Diego Marines #6
Home with You
My dream girl is my kid’s favorite teacher, making her off-limits. But my eight-year-old son isn’t taking ‘no’ for an answer.
When I got my orders to San Diego, I knew it would be a fresh start for me and my son. Our old town held so many memories of what happened years ago when we lost his mom. My wife.
The water, sand, and sun sounded like the perfect distraction for us both.
And I was right. Because soon after arriving, I met a spunky, free-spirited stunner and we shared a heart-stopping kiss with the roar of the ocean in the background. Yeah, our new life in San Diego was off to a good start.
That is, until I discovered that the same woman who reminded me how amazing it felt to be wanted again was none other than the PE teacher Finn won’t stop talking about.
How was I supposed to know? He calls her Ms. Peters and I call her Rachel. And now I’m not going to call her at all, because her number one rule is that she won’t date a student’s dad.
But Miramar is a small base. Running into Rachel at every corner makes me think some outside force wants us to get together. And I have a nagging suspicion that the force is about four-feet-tall with a never-say-die attitude.
And I can’t help but think he might be onto something.
Home with You is a sweet romance told from alternating POVs, set in the world of The San Diego Marines. Each book can be read as a standalone but are fun to read in order.
180 pages, ebook
First published October 14, 2020
237 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
About the author
Jess Mastorakos
51 books707 followersJess Mastorakos writes sweet military romance books that feature heroes with heart and the strong women they love. She is a proud Marine wife and mama of four. She loves her coffee in a glitter tumbler and planning with an erasable pen.
Get a free novella from her San Diego Marines series, Forever with You, at the link below!
www.jessmastorakos.com/forever-with-you
Get a free novella from her San Diego Marines series, Forever with You, at the link below!
www.jessmastorakos.com/forever-with-you
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
October 7, 2020
4.5 Stars
Confession. I am a sucker when it comes to the single parent trope. I don’t know what it is about it, but I love it! I didn’t even finish reading the synopsis before I was dropping everything to read this book. It was just what I needed.
I quickly fell in love with Rachel, Owen and the adorable Finn! Y’all. I’m not going to lie… that kid stole the show! I loved watching him play the little matchmaker, a very important role to get his dad and Rachel together. 😉
Finn was wise beyond his years. But at the age of 8, he had already experienced so much heartache. In a way, he had to stop being a kid at the age of 5 and deal with real life. But the moment Rachel came into their lives, I saw the change in him. He was able to be a kid again and experience new and fun things.
I loved watching Rachel and Owen’s relationship develop from friends into something more. It wasn’t an easy road for them. They both came with baggage and were afraid to unpack it. They felt safer not taking that chance. But with life comes growing pains. They had to learn to let the other one in if they were ever going to find their HEA.
This may be book 6 in the series, but it's the first one I've read (other than the prequel). I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read the other books in the series. I can already tell they're going to be a fun break from reality.
And of course I can't forget my casting. I'm loving these two. What do you think?
Confession. I am a sucker when it comes to the single parent trope. I don’t know what it is about it, but I love it! I didn’t even finish reading the synopsis before I was dropping everything to read this book. It was just what I needed.
I quickly fell in love with Rachel, Owen and the adorable Finn! Y’all. I’m not going to lie… that kid stole the show! I loved watching him play the little matchmaker, a very important role to get his dad and Rachel together. 😉
Finn was wise beyond his years. But at the age of 8, he had already experienced so much heartache. In a way, he had to stop being a kid at the age of 5 and deal with real life. But the moment Rachel came into their lives, I saw the change in him. He was able to be a kid again and experience new and fun things.
I loved watching Rachel and Owen’s relationship develop from friends into something more. It wasn’t an easy road for them. They both came with baggage and were afraid to unpack it. They felt safer not taking that chance. But with life comes growing pains. They had to learn to let the other one in if they were ever going to find their HEA.
This may be book 6 in the series, but it's the first one I've read (other than the prequel). I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read the other books in the series. I can already tell they're going to be a fun break from reality.
And of course I can't forget my casting. I'm loving these two. What do you think?
February 4, 2021
I Wanted More!
Ugh, was this book shorter than all the others? It felt shorter. Did I just read it too fast? Either way it was over too soon. I really wanted more but I'm really excited for the next book! Never underestimate the power of a cute kid in a book. It melted my heart. I love this community of friends/family. This is a fun series!
Ugh, was this book shorter than all the others? It felt shorter. Did I just read it too fast? Either way it was over too soon. I really wanted more but I'm really excited for the next book! Never underestimate the power of a cute kid in a book. It melted my heart. I love this community of friends/family. This is a fun series!
February 7, 2022
I've actually read this twice now which is crazy because I don't usually read books twice!
I love this author's books but this one was especially great since not all single dad tropes go very well.
O'Malley was actually a great father and Rachel did get Finn (O'Malley's son) to go outside more and be more active but she really improved their lives instead of making O'Malley a better father. A lot of single dad tropes start with a bad father and a woman coming in to fix him and to show the child discipline or to get them to open up again after their mother left. I just really appreciated how that didn't happen in this book.
The characters were great! Finn was a cutey pie!
I did read the next book Adored by You and I didn't realize how it literally happens the moment after this one ends!
I love this author's books but this one was especially great since not all single dad tropes go very well.
O'Malley was actually a great father and Rachel did get Finn (O'Malley's son) to go outside more and be more active but she really improved their lives instead of making O'Malley a better father. A lot of single dad tropes start with a bad father and a woman coming in to fix him and to show the child discipline or to get them to open up again after their mother left. I just really appreciated how that didn't happen in this book.
The characters were great! Finn was a cutey pie!
I did read the next book Adored by You and I didn't realize how it literally happens the moment after this one ends!
October 12, 2020
Loved this book! It is a great Marine romance with all the feels. To be honest, I couldn’t put the book down. I volunteered to be an ARC reader for this book and I am very happy I was accepted. The characters were strong and believable. Like most relationships, each of their pasts at times causes difficulties in the relationship. I loved Finn immediately and found myself chuckling at his conversations. You won’t regret reading this book!
July 18, 2023
Heartwarming, G-rated, single-father romance
Owen is a 31-year-old career Marine who has an 8-year-old son named Finn. His wife died 3 years ago from cancer. Owen is very close to his mother, Diane, who is a wonderful, caring woman. She raised him without any assistance from his father, whom Owen has never known. Diane lived with Owen and his wife in order to help care for her during her two years of terminal illness before her death, and Diane has remained with Owen ever since, helping him raise Finn. Diane has assured Owen that she will stay with him until he marries again or until Finn is grown, if he never marries again. Recently, through an online DNA site, Owen discovered he has a half-brother, who is a fellow Marine. As fate would have it, they are living a few houses down from each other on the Marine base in San Diego, where Owen has just been transferred. He is excited to meet his brother but worried that his brother might reject him. Fortunately, Owen's brother Spencer and his wife Ellie accept Owen and Finn with open arms. (Spencer and Ellie are the protagonists of Back to You, Book 1 of this series.) Both Spencer and Owen were raised as only children and both have always longed for a sibling. As it turns out, their mutual father, Mike, is deeply moved to discover he has another son and a grandson. Owen was conceived from a one-night stand, and neither Owen's mother nor his father were able to find each other again after that night, because they had not exchanged last names or contact information.
Rachel is a 26-year-old PE teacher who has recently transferred to San Diego and is working on the Marine base as a teacher for the children of local Marines. She is immediately drawn to an adorably precocious third-grade boy named Finn, who swears he absolutely hates PE, because he has always been bullied by bigger and stronger boys. She is determined to make PE both safe and fun for him, and is a very compassionate teacher to all of her students.
Rachel's BFF, Ivy, is still living in their mutual hometown of Fort Worth, Texas. Ivy's brother Travis is a Marine, and she is married to Jake, a former Marine, who is Travis's BFF. Ivy and Jake are close friends of a coterie of five Marines stationed in San Diego, because Jake and Travis used to be stationed there with them. Three of these five Marines have wives, including Spencer and Ellie, and two are single, including Owen. (We first encounter Rachel as an important subcharacter in Ivy and Jake's story, Believing in You, Book 3 of this series.)
It is at a gathering at Spencer and Ellie's home that Rachel and Owen first meet, and each feels an intense attraction, from the moment they catch sight of each other across a crowded room. Owen has not dated anyone since his wife died, but he is very pleased when Rachel asks him if he would like to run on the beach with her early the following morning.
This is one of my favorite books of this series. Rachel and Owen are both highly sympathetic protagonists, and they are extremely well-matched in a relationship with a terrific dynamic between them of coequal personal power. Both are outstanding with children, Owen as a wonderful father to Finn, and Rachel demonstrating from the first moment she meets Finn that she will become a fabulous stepmother in the inevitable HEA of this romance novel. Both Owen and Rachel are extremely physically fit and mutually interested in sports. Athletic heroines are an infrequent trope in contemporary romance, and I am delighted whenever I encounter it.
Finn is a wonderful character, who adds enormously to this story. The author does a terrific job of accurately portraying his quirky personality, intellectual giftedness, and emotional sensitivity. It is very impressive that Owen never shames Finn for not being "manly" enough, and that he frequently hugs his son and tells him he loves him.
This is not a long novel, but every plot thread is satisfactorily tied up. It is an extremely heartwarming, family-centered story.
As always with this author, there is no sensuality beyond a few kisses, and there is no foul language, and no excessive drinking. This book is not technically a Christian romance, but it is mentioned several times throughout the story that Rachel, Owen, and Diane are practicing Christians.
My one quibble with this author is that she seems to be highly uncomfortable with the word, "woman," and equally uncomfortable with the word, "boy." Every female character in every one of her books, no matter what her age, is consistently referred to as a "girl," but even Finn, at age 8, is not called a "boy." He is always referred to as a "little man." I cringe every time I hear this author infantilizing women by calling them girls. It is obvious that she views the word, boy, as having a negative, patronizing connotation when applied to an adult male. That word is so culturally tainted, she won't even use it when a male character actually is a little boy. However, somehow, she cannot seem to grasp that the word, girl, is culturally tainted in the same manner as the word, boy.
Owen is a 31-year-old career Marine who has an 8-year-old son named Finn. His wife died 3 years ago from cancer. Owen is very close to his mother, Diane, who is a wonderful, caring woman. She raised him without any assistance from his father, whom Owen has never known. Diane lived with Owen and his wife in order to help care for her during her two years of terminal illness before her death, and Diane has remained with Owen ever since, helping him raise Finn. Diane has assured Owen that she will stay with him until he marries again or until Finn is grown, if he never marries again. Recently, through an online DNA site, Owen discovered he has a half-brother, who is a fellow Marine. As fate would have it, they are living a few houses down from each other on the Marine base in San Diego, where Owen has just been transferred. He is excited to meet his brother but worried that his brother might reject him. Fortunately, Owen's brother Spencer and his wife Ellie accept Owen and Finn with open arms. (Spencer and Ellie are the protagonists of Back to You, Book 1 of this series.) Both Spencer and Owen were raised as only children and both have always longed for a sibling. As it turns out, their mutual father, Mike, is deeply moved to discover he has another son and a grandson. Owen was conceived from a one-night stand, and neither Owen's mother nor his father were able to find each other again after that night, because they had not exchanged last names or contact information.
Rachel is a 26-year-old PE teacher who has recently transferred to San Diego and is working on the Marine base as a teacher for the children of local Marines. She is immediately drawn to an adorably precocious third-grade boy named Finn, who swears he absolutely hates PE, because he has always been bullied by bigger and stronger boys. She is determined to make PE both safe and fun for him, and is a very compassionate teacher to all of her students.
Rachel's BFF, Ivy, is still living in their mutual hometown of Fort Worth, Texas. Ivy's brother Travis is a Marine, and she is married to Jake, a former Marine, who is Travis's BFF. Ivy and Jake are close friends of a coterie of five Marines stationed in San Diego, because Jake and Travis used to be stationed there with them. Three of these five Marines have wives, including Spencer and Ellie, and two are single, including Owen. (We first encounter Rachel as an important subcharacter in Ivy and Jake's story, Believing in You, Book 3 of this series.)
It is at a gathering at Spencer and Ellie's home that Rachel and Owen first meet, and each feels an intense attraction, from the moment they catch sight of each other across a crowded room. Owen has not dated anyone since his wife died, but he is very pleased when Rachel asks him if he would like to run on the beach with her early the following morning.
This is one of my favorite books of this series. Rachel and Owen are both highly sympathetic protagonists, and they are extremely well-matched in a relationship with a terrific dynamic between them of coequal personal power. Both are outstanding with children, Owen as a wonderful father to Finn, and Rachel demonstrating from the first moment she meets Finn that she will become a fabulous stepmother in the inevitable HEA of this romance novel. Both Owen and Rachel are extremely physically fit and mutually interested in sports. Athletic heroines are an infrequent trope in contemporary romance, and I am delighted whenever I encounter it.
Finn is a wonderful character, who adds enormously to this story. The author does a terrific job of accurately portraying his quirky personality, intellectual giftedness, and emotional sensitivity. It is very impressive that Owen never shames Finn for not being "manly" enough, and that he frequently hugs his son and tells him he loves him.
This is not a long novel, but every plot thread is satisfactorily tied up. It is an extremely heartwarming, family-centered story.
As always with this author, there is no sensuality beyond a few kisses, and there is no foul language, and no excessive drinking. This book is not technically a Christian romance, but it is mentioned several times throughout the story that Rachel, Owen, and Diane are practicing Christians.
My one quibble with this author is that she seems to be highly uncomfortable with the word, "woman," and equally uncomfortable with the word, "boy." Every female character in every one of her books, no matter what her age, is consistently referred to as a "girl," but even Finn, at age 8, is not called a "boy." He is always referred to as a "little man." I cringe every time I hear this author infantilizing women by calling them girls. It is obvious that she views the word, boy, as having a negative, patronizing connotation when applied to an adult male. That word is so culturally tainted, she won't even use it when a male character actually is a little boy. However, somehow, she cannot seem to grasp that the word, girl, is culturally tainted in the same manner as the word, boy.
May 23, 2021
4.5 stars Loved it. My favourite part so far. RTC
November 25, 2020
Romance, clean, contemporary; series, but stand alone read
Sweet, honest hearts, and add a little boy in the mix for a perfect love story! Loved this story with Owen and Rachel! Rachel's move to teach on the Marine base elementary school, and their meeting outside of the school, made for a cute story! Loved Owen reconnecting with his family through DNA testing. J.M. gets the honest, hurting emotions that happen with families, and knows how to describe the attraction between couples so well. As Owen and Rachel navigate their emotions, their work, and their friends and family, their growing attraction and bond was so sweet to read. Loved the military base setting, of course the group of friends (some of who's stories have already been published), and the little hints at where they all are now after reading the series. All the ups and downs of military life are in this, along with the 'real' life. The ones they live outside of work. Perfect read!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own (but obviously, I love her writing!).
Sweet, honest hearts, and add a little boy in the mix for a perfect love story! Loved this story with Owen and Rachel! Rachel's move to teach on the Marine base elementary school, and their meeting outside of the school, made for a cute story! Loved Owen reconnecting with his family through DNA testing. J.M. gets the honest, hurting emotions that happen with families, and knows how to describe the attraction between couples so well. As Owen and Rachel navigate their emotions, their work, and their friends and family, their growing attraction and bond was so sweet to read. Loved the military base setting, of course the group of friends (some of who's stories have already been published), and the little hints at where they all are now after reading the series. All the ups and downs of military life are in this, along with the 'real' life. The ones they live outside of work. Perfect read!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own (but obviously, I love her writing!).
October 14, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! It was sweet, had wonderful characters, and made me laugh just as much as I teared up.
Single father Owen O’Malley takes a DNA test and finds out that he has a half-brother, who, like him, is a Marine living in San Diego. As fate would have it, Owen was recently assigned to be stationed in San Diego and has just moved their with his mother and 8-year-old son, Finn. When Owen meets his half-brother, Spencer, (he’s from the first book in the series, which is also a must-read) they form an instant bond and Owen is easily accepted into Spencer’s friend group. This is how Owen meets PE teacher and recent Texas transplant, Rachel. The chemistry is there from the start and they share some beach runs as they get to know each other more. However, before they have the chance to get serious, Rachel finds out that Owen’s son is in her PE class.
There was so much to love about this book, but I think I will start with the characters. Owen was definitely a swoon worthy hero as he stayed resolute about his feelings for Rachel while still respecting the hurt she went through in her past, and Owen as a father was great to see too. His relationship with Finn was so loving and there were just so many moments in the book where he reflects on his parenting and about how Finn has dealt with the loss of his mother that I could seriously relate to from what my dad has told me about the things he felt as a parent after my mom passed when I was young. Rachel was also a wonderful character and exactly the type of PE teacher I wish I had in elementary school! You could tell she really cared about all her students, and truly put her whole heart into teaching. Watching her and Finn’s relationship blossom was truly heartwarming, and you could really tell she respected him and his feelings about her relationship with his dad. Finn was the best! He was your typical 8-year-old with tons of energy and spunk, but with an older soul because of what happened to his mother.
I’ve also always believed that people come into your life for a reason and I loved that this sentiment was woven in throughout the book, not a only with Rachel, Owen, and Finn, but also with Owen’s mother and estranged father, as well as Spencer and Ellie. This larger theme of family in general was one of my favorite aspects of the book, even more so because at their Marine base family wasn’t just relatives, but all the people that you care about and that care about you.
Although this is book 6 of 7 in the San Diego Marines series, I thought it really brought the series full circle too.
I can’t wait to read book 7!!!
I received a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
Single father Owen O’Malley takes a DNA test and finds out that he has a half-brother, who, like him, is a Marine living in San Diego. As fate would have it, Owen was recently assigned to be stationed in San Diego and has just moved their with his mother and 8-year-old son, Finn. When Owen meets his half-brother, Spencer, (he’s from the first book in the series, which is also a must-read) they form an instant bond and Owen is easily accepted into Spencer’s friend group. This is how Owen meets PE teacher and recent Texas transplant, Rachel. The chemistry is there from the start and they share some beach runs as they get to know each other more. However, before they have the chance to get serious, Rachel finds out that Owen’s son is in her PE class.
There was so much to love about this book, but I think I will start with the characters. Owen was definitely a swoon worthy hero as he stayed resolute about his feelings for Rachel while still respecting the hurt she went through in her past, and Owen as a father was great to see too. His relationship with Finn was so loving and there were just so many moments in the book where he reflects on his parenting and about how Finn has dealt with the loss of his mother that I could seriously relate to from what my dad has told me about the things he felt as a parent after my mom passed when I was young. Rachel was also a wonderful character and exactly the type of PE teacher I wish I had in elementary school! You could tell she really cared about all her students, and truly put her whole heart into teaching. Watching her and Finn’s relationship blossom was truly heartwarming, and you could really tell she respected him and his feelings about her relationship with his dad. Finn was the best! He was your typical 8-year-old with tons of energy and spunk, but with an older soul because of what happened to his mother.
I’ve also always believed that people come into your life for a reason and I loved that this sentiment was woven in throughout the book, not a only with Rachel, Owen, and Finn, but also with Owen’s mother and estranged father, as well as Spencer and Ellie. This larger theme of family in general was one of my favorite aspects of the book, even more so because at their Marine base family wasn’t just relatives, but all the people that you care about and that care about you.
Although this is book 6 of 7 in the San Diego Marines series, I thought it really brought the series full circle too.
I can’t wait to read book 7!!!
I received a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
December 30, 2020
Home with You is the 6th book in Jess Mastorakos San Diego Marines series. I was super excited to read about Rachel and Owen and I knew that it was going to be cute. The hint at the end of Memories of You made me borrow Home with You from Kindle Unlimited right after I finished Memories of You. Home with You was just as good as I hoped.
Staff Sergeant Owen O’Malley is trying to help his son the best he can. When he gets orders to San Diego, he hopes that his eight year old son, Finn, would love the ocean. After losing his wife a couple of years ago, he is just trying to stay adrift. Rachel Peters hopes that San Diego would be her fresh start, she plans to soak up the son and teach PE to the military kids on base. She doesn’t plan on falling for the handsome, single dad of one of her favorite students. When Owen and Rachel keep running into each other, they think it is because of their shared proximity. But there’s a four-foot-tall matchmaker who is trying to get them together. Will Owen and Rachel end up together or will they balk at their chance for true love?
Rachel had come to San Diego looking for a fresh start, a chance to start over. She wasn’t looking for love, but then she met Owen and he managed to change her plans. Rachel was super sweet and she loved the children she got to work with. However, she had previously had a bad experience dating a student’s parent and that made her wary of Owen. But no matter how hard she tried, she still liked Owen and Finn. Rachel had to trust Owen and to take a leap of faith, hoping that maybe their relationship could last.
I liked Owen, he was such a good dad to Finn. He tried his best to help Finn out as they both grieved. He liked Rachel from the beginning, but he was also aware that anyone he dated would have an affect on Finn. Owen wanted to make his relationship with Rachel work, but he was also nervous that it would be too soon. Owen was a great guy, but he also had his own faults and he had to let Rachel into his heart.
Rachel and Owen were such a fun couple. They both adored Finn and really cared for each other. They were able to help shoulder each other’s burdens. Rachel had to let go of the past and not judge Owen by her past relationships. Owen had to learn to compromise and trust Rachel to help care for Finn. I really liked seeing old characters and reading seeing things through the eyes of Rachel and Owen.
Home with You was a great book! I liked the characters and I couldn’t put the book down. I finished it in one day! I would definitely recommend it! Home with You is a clean, Marine romance.
Staff Sergeant Owen O’Malley is trying to help his son the best he can. When he gets orders to San Diego, he hopes that his eight year old son, Finn, would love the ocean. After losing his wife a couple of years ago, he is just trying to stay adrift. Rachel Peters hopes that San Diego would be her fresh start, she plans to soak up the son and teach PE to the military kids on base. She doesn’t plan on falling for the handsome, single dad of one of her favorite students. When Owen and Rachel keep running into each other, they think it is because of their shared proximity. But there’s a four-foot-tall matchmaker who is trying to get them together. Will Owen and Rachel end up together or will they balk at their chance for true love?
Rachel had come to San Diego looking for a fresh start, a chance to start over. She wasn’t looking for love, but then she met Owen and he managed to change her plans. Rachel was super sweet and she loved the children she got to work with. However, she had previously had a bad experience dating a student’s parent and that made her wary of Owen. But no matter how hard she tried, she still liked Owen and Finn. Rachel had to trust Owen and to take a leap of faith, hoping that maybe their relationship could last.
I liked Owen, he was such a good dad to Finn. He tried his best to help Finn out as they both grieved. He liked Rachel from the beginning, but he was also aware that anyone he dated would have an affect on Finn. Owen wanted to make his relationship with Rachel work, but he was also nervous that it would be too soon. Owen was a great guy, but he also had his own faults and he had to let Rachel into his heart.
Rachel and Owen were such a fun couple. They both adored Finn and really cared for each other. They were able to help shoulder each other’s burdens. Rachel had to let go of the past and not judge Owen by her past relationships. Owen had to learn to compromise and trust Rachel to help care for Finn. I really liked seeing old characters and reading seeing things through the eyes of Rachel and Owen.
Home with You was a great book! I liked the characters and I couldn’t put the book down. I finished it in one day! I would definitely recommend it! Home with You is a clean, Marine romance.
October 8, 2020
Another masterpiece from Jess Mastorakos!
I have so many FEELS for this series, and have utterly loved each and every character, unique storyline and unexpected circumstance. 'Home with You' is no exception.
Owen's unexpected appearance at Hawk's front door was such a brilliant connection, and in a way he helped redeem their father, Mike. If you read Hawk and Ellie's story (first book in the series), you'd know that Mike wasn't the greatest father to Hawk/Spence, yet Owen opened the door for him to show he was/would be a better person. As for Owen, well, I loved him from the get-go, so it really made no difference what happened in the story. 😉
I enjoyed this new angle/view into Rachel's world. We initially met her in Jake and Ivy's story (book 4), and I loved how her friendship with Ivy continued through this book even with their physical distance. I enjoyed the insight into a civilian teaching at a military base school, and the different world she entered each work day. I also liked her physicality - not your typical female protagonist because she was a PE teacher and health-minded.
And Finn. What a beautiful boy. As a mother of girls, I appreciate stories and situations I've never faced with my children. Mind you, as a victim of bullying 25yrs ago, some memories never leave you, just stay dormant until something reawakens it.
Absolutely brilliant book! I love Ms Mastorakos's ability to keep me engaged from page 1 through to the end, and the twists and turns her stories take. Each book is unique, and I LOVE her insight into living the Marine life. It's no surprise the characters in this series - Marines or their families - experience a myriad of emotions. I'm sure the author and her brave Marine have lived each and every one.
NB I received an ARC of this novel.
I have so many FEELS for this series, and have utterly loved each and every character, unique storyline and unexpected circumstance. 'Home with You' is no exception.
Owen's unexpected appearance at Hawk's front door was such a brilliant connection, and in a way he helped redeem their father, Mike. If you read Hawk and Ellie's story (first book in the series), you'd know that Mike wasn't the greatest father to Hawk/Spence, yet Owen opened the door for him to show he was/would be a better person. As for Owen, well, I loved him from the get-go, so it really made no difference what happened in the story. 😉
I enjoyed this new angle/view into Rachel's world. We initially met her in Jake and Ivy's story (book 4), and I loved how her friendship with Ivy continued through this book even with their physical distance. I enjoyed the insight into a civilian teaching at a military base school, and the different world she entered each work day. I also liked her physicality - not your typical female protagonist because she was a PE teacher and health-minded.
And Finn. What a beautiful boy. As a mother of girls, I appreciate stories and situations I've never faced with my children. Mind you, as a victim of bullying 25yrs ago, some memories never leave you, just stay dormant until something reawakens it.
Absolutely brilliant book! I love Ms Mastorakos's ability to keep me engaged from page 1 through to the end, and the twists and turns her stories take. Each book is unique, and I LOVE her insight into living the Marine life. It's no surprise the characters in this series - Marines or their families - experience a myriad of emotions. I'm sure the author and her brave Marine have lived each and every one.
NB I received an ARC of this novel.
October 9, 2020
Sweet and Clean romances are definitely my newest not-even-guilty pleasure in reading! I've been following this series for a while now and "Home with You" did not disappoint!
Rachel, Ivy's former roommate (from #4 Believing in You) takes a job for the DOD teaching at MCAS Miramar, right around the same time Owen (who is related to Hawk from #1, Back to You), a single dad, gets transferred there from a base on the East Coast. Despite these ties, this can be read as a stand alone book.
The book worked through a number of contemporary issues with grace, including the importance of physical fitness in the digital age, single parent dating, spousal lose, and surprise family reunions stemming from DNA tests!
I loved that Rachel made the first move! Girl, get that man to take you to more than the beach if you are going to keep smooching him, lol. Owen's son, Finn, steals the show time and time again with all of his eavesdropping and scheming along with his tender heart. And the sweet side romance between Hawk's dad (Mike) and Owen's mom after 32 years apart was not only sweet to watch, but heartwarming to see how Mike has come along since the early days of the series when Hawk struggled to connect with him on even a basic emotional level.
There are light references to faith, mostly in the counsel of Owen's mom who urges him to pray and shares how she's prayed. Excited to see what fun unfods as Noah finally snags his glamour girl in the next installment, Adored by You.
I am an ARC reader, submitting this review in advance of the release date.
Rachel, Ivy's former roommate (from #4 Believing in You) takes a job for the DOD teaching at MCAS Miramar, right around the same time Owen (who is related to Hawk from #1, Back to You), a single dad, gets transferred there from a base on the East Coast. Despite these ties, this can be read as a stand alone book.
The book worked through a number of contemporary issues with grace, including the importance of physical fitness in the digital age, single parent dating, spousal lose, and surprise family reunions stemming from DNA tests!
I loved that Rachel made the first move! Girl, get that man to take you to more than the beach if you are going to keep smooching him, lol. Owen's son, Finn, steals the show time and time again with all of his eavesdropping and scheming along with his tender heart. And the sweet side romance between Hawk's dad (Mike) and Owen's mom after 32 years apart was not only sweet to watch, but heartwarming to see how Mike has come along since the early days of the series when Hawk struggled to connect with him on even a basic emotional level.
There are light references to faith, mostly in the counsel of Owen's mom who urges him to pray and shares how she's prayed. Excited to see what fun unfods as Noah finally snags his glamour girl in the next installment, Adored by You.
I am an ARC reader, submitting this review in advance of the release date.
October 12, 2020
Another home run by Jess Mastorakos! (Slight pun here considering Owen and Rachel encourage Finn to play baseball). I have really liked how each book in this series focuses on a different romance trope, such as friends to more, fake relationship, and now single father. It has kept the series fresh and made it more realistic since not every member of this friend group fell in love the same way.
Owen is a widowed, single father who has recently been stationed in San Diego. Rachel, a teacher previously from Texas, has moved to San Diego recently as well for a change of scenery. She has received a job teaching at the school on base. When they meet, there is near instant attraction between them. They hit it off and start going on running dates on the beach. Then they discover that Rachel is Owen's son's PE teacher. Rachel has experience with dating a student's dad before and it ended in drama and chaos so she's not willing to go there. She doesn't want to hurt Owen or Finn. But of course, love says otherwise.
I can't recommend this whole series enough. If you're looking for a good, clean romance series, I really encourage giving this one a try.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review.
Owen is a widowed, single father who has recently been stationed in San Diego. Rachel, a teacher previously from Texas, has moved to San Diego recently as well for a change of scenery. She has received a job teaching at the school on base. When they meet, there is near instant attraction between them. They hit it off and start going on running dates on the beach. Then they discover that Rachel is Owen's son's PE teacher. Rachel has experience with dating a student's dad before and it ended in drama and chaos so she's not willing to go there. She doesn't want to hurt Owen or Finn. But of course, love says otherwise.
I can't recommend this whole series enough. If you're looking for a good, clean romance series, I really encourage giving this one a try.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review.
October 18, 2020
Owen is transferred to San Diego. He's taken a DNA test to learn more about his family and found a half brother, Spencer. Spencer just happens to be a Marine also and stationed in San Diego and living within walking distance of Owen's home on base. Owen and his son Finn go to meet Spencer. All are happy with finding the other. Spencer introduces Owen to their dad.Finn does not like PE but he does get along well with his teacher Rachel Peters. Owen meets Rachael away from school at one of Spencer's friends' homes. They seem to hit it off.Can they keep it professional since she is Finn's teacher or can they have a relationship that will not make her biased towards Finn at school? Lots of things line up against them. Please get the book to find out what all happens. Don't forget Owen's mom who lives with him and how she fits into all this. I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
October 11, 2020
Jess Mastorakos knocks it out of the park with her new book “Home with You”. The heartwarming novel about fatherhood, loss, and love grips you from the very first line. I absolutely fell in love with Owen O’Malley and his son, Finn from the get-go. Owen takes you on a journey of a father rediscovering what it means to love again with the help of his young son. This novel gives such a refreshing take on a faith-based military romance. Through the course of the novel, my heart went out to Owen and Finn in the moments of heartache, I fell in love all over again with Owen and Rachel as they discovered each other, and I laughed my heart out with Finn and his wise-beyond-his-years thinking. I would absolutely recommend reading “Home with You” as a part of her San Diego Marines Series! Her books will become your new guilty pleasure! You will be made to feel like you’re right in the middle of the greatest Marine and Wives friend group that might have ever been written. What more could you ask for?
October 14, 2020
A military romance with a swoonworthy single dad who falls for his son's teacher, sign me up!! I have absolutely fallen in love with the entire San Diego Marines series and Home with You was no exception. This story centers around Owen and Rachel. Owen has gotten orders to San Diego and and has recently moved there with his mother and eight year old son. He lost his wife a few years earlier so he and his son are still grieving that loss. Rachel has also recently moved to San Diego after getting a DOD teaching position on base. It is a new start for both of them. There is instant chemistry, but is dating a parent of a student a good idea? You'll have to read to find out what they decide.
I don't want to give too much away, but I also loved the personal connections between Rachel and Owen and some of the characters from the other books in the series. You'll have to read to figure out who I am talking about. This can definitely be read as a standalone. However, those who have read the rest of the series will enjoy updates on the couples from the previous books in the series. I can't wait for the next one!!
I was given an advanced copy of this story from the author. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I don't want to give too much away, but I also loved the personal connections between Rachel and Owen and some of the characters from the other books in the series. You'll have to read to figure out who I am talking about. This can definitely be read as a standalone. However, those who have read the rest of the series will enjoy updates on the couples from the previous books in the series. I can't wait for the next one!!
I was given an advanced copy of this story from the author. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
October 9, 2020
This book is so sweet! Owen O’Malley, a widower with a young son, finds his half brother Spencer and it turns out they’re both Marines stationed in San Diego. Spencer introduces him to Rachel, who is a brand new teacher at one of the elementary schools on base. They hit it off and begin dating, until Rachel discovers that the adorable, sweet and funny new kid in her PE class is Owen’s son. There’s a happily ever after, but you’ll have to read to see how it happens!
I love their love story, it is genuine and sweet! I would have loved to see a little more of the love story between Spencer and Owen’s dad and Owen’s mom, but overall, I really enjoyed the book. I found it to be a quick read, and a nice distraction from all the current negativity in the world. Looking forward to the final book in the series! I did receive an advance copy as an ARC reader, and I’m so glad I was chosen!
I love their love story, it is genuine and sweet! I would have loved to see a little more of the love story between Spencer and Owen’s dad and Owen’s mom, but overall, I really enjoyed the book. I found it to be a quick read, and a nice distraction from all the current negativity in the world. Looking forward to the final book in the series! I did receive an advance copy as an ARC reader, and I’m so glad I was chosen!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2020
I really liked these characters. Owen and Rachel are good people that would be fun to hang out with. They have had some difficult things happen to them, but they are still doing their best. The instant chemistry between Rachel and Owen was fun, but the connection between Finn and Rachel was even better. It was easy to see what a great family these three would make.
I appreciate that these books are clean and that the tension in the story comes from other issues besides sex. I feel like that forces the author to be more creative in plotting. Also, I appreciate stories where church and faith are normal parts of life for the characters. As a side note, while this book does touch on the death of spouses/parents, it is more about how life goes on. I'm currently grieving and have been steering clear of books with grief in them. This one did not upset me FWIW.
I appreciate that these books are clean and that the tension in the story comes from other issues besides sex. I feel like that forces the author to be more creative in plotting. Also, I appreciate stories where church and faith are normal parts of life for the characters. As a side note, while this book does touch on the death of spouses/parents, it is more about how life goes on. I'm currently grieving and have been steering clear of books with grief in them. This one did not upset me FWIW.
October 14, 2020
Another must read book in this series!
I have loved this series and getting to know all the characters soooo much.
Rachel and Owen are no exceptions. Owen’s son owned my heart. I loved how much of a go getter Rachel was. She just had so much inner strength and beauty. Owen was swoon worthy. I loved that this story honored his wife who had passed but didn’t make it feel like that was all Owen focused on when his new relationship was blooming. It was important to the storyline but didn’t overpower it like some other novels I have read from other authors have had happen.
This is a beautiful single dad romance with some angst but mostly sweet. This series is the perfect read to get lost in and just smile. Lots of laughs, smiles and a few good tears got me while I read this book.
Five stars for me! Cannot wait to see what the next book will bring.
💜💙❤️💜💙❤️💜💙❤️💜
I have loved this series and getting to know all the characters soooo much.
Rachel and Owen are no exceptions. Owen’s son owned my heart. I loved how much of a go getter Rachel was. She just had so much inner strength and beauty. Owen was swoon worthy. I loved that this story honored his wife who had passed but didn’t make it feel like that was all Owen focused on when his new relationship was blooming. It was important to the storyline but didn’t overpower it like some other novels I have read from other authors have had happen.
This is a beautiful single dad romance with some angst but mostly sweet. This series is the perfect read to get lost in and just smile. Lots of laughs, smiles and a few good tears got me while I read this book.
Five stars for me! Cannot wait to see what the next book will bring.
💜💙❤️💜💙❤️💜💙❤️💜
October 18, 2020
I absolutely adore this entire series! Being a Marine wife and Marine mom I love that I can tell that Jess is knowledgeable on the subject and I am not left shaking my head saying that is not right. You can tell that not only has she lived the life but she has done her research to make sure that what she is saying is legit. Another thing I love it that I am not having to scan over a lot of the book because her books are clean/sweet romance. I enjoyed the intertwining of characters and that we were able to see how the relationship has continued to improve between Spencer and his dad. It just felt like coming home to visit old friends. Finn is adorable!! Absolutely adorable!! Owen is an amazing dad and he and Rachel are perfect together. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series!
November 17, 2020
This is my favorite book in the San Diego Marines series by far! It has everything. You get to catch up with characters in the previous books (and get some exciting news!!), meet new characters, and follow along with Owen and Rachel's love story. There are of course obstacles in the way, and a very unexpected romance happening in the background as Owen and Rachel work to find their happily ever after. Owen's little boy, Finn, is the absolute sweetest! He had me on such an emotional rollercoaster from laughing, to feeling so sad for him, to back to laughing again. This book is a standalone, so you don't have to read the previous books to understand what is going on, but trust me, you'll get so much more out of it if you do. I received this book as an ARC for my honest review and I cannot wait for the next. I have absolutely loved every single book I've read from this author!
October 11, 2020
I love these books, they are clean but not boring! In this one, Finn, the child, is quite precocious, with a bad habit of eavesdropping, but he is so much fun! It's hard to lose a mom at such a young age, but Owen's mom steps in, and when they are transferred to San Diego, where his half-brother found through DNA happens to also be stationed. And Owen's father just happens to be located there too. Owen's brother invites him to fantasy football, where Owen spots Rebecca. Owen and Rachel have an instant attraction, but Owen turns out to be the dad of one of Rachel's students, and for her, that is a no go. It's fun to watch Finn's antics to try to get them together. Theses books also give you some insight into the Marine life and codes of conduct. Thoroughly enjoyable!
October 16, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The author did a great job! This is the first book I’ve read by Jess Mastorakos and I was very pleased to find another great author who writes clean sweet romance with a HEA! This is also my first active military story because I stay on the side of caution with that topic as I don’t enjoy reading things too sad or intense. This story was light but portrayed the life and worries of active duty families very well. The characters are well developed and pulled me into the story from the start. I look forward to reading the rest of this series to learning the stories of the different active military couples! I can’t wait for the release of the final book in the series.
October 5, 2020
I have been chosen as an arc reader for this book. Super happy to be one of few chosen. The characters are very well developed and strong. Love that the author knows a lot about the military. I have read previously military romance novels that can not compare to the level of expertise in military jargon and military knowledge as Jess Mastorakos knows. Her San Diego series is one of the best military romance series I have ever read. So this book is on the same level as the entire series at 5 stars. I highly recommend this book and the series to all who love to read romance. Plus this is a clean romance novel.
October 11, 2020
This was an enjoyable family/romance story. Jess Mastorakos is the author and she writes great stories about life in the military, Marines to be specific. It would be hard to choose a favorite part of the story, but Finn, an 8 year old boy, was definitely my favorite character. He was precocious and loveable at the same time. There's a lot going on in the story so I had a hard time putting it down. And there was a heartfelt HEA. I recommend this story for teens and older. I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 13, 2020
This is a sweet and clean romance involving a single, Marine dad and his son's physical education teacher. It is also a great story about finding love after losing a spouse and dealing with losing a parent. I enjoyed Own finding his father and discovering he had a brother and a sister-in-law. It was also nice to find out how those relationships would impact his life and the life of his mom and his son, Finn. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
August 16, 2021
Single parent is one of my favorite tropes! This book has the perfect mix of all the elements we love in an exceptional romance. You'll fall head over heels for this marine and PE teacher as they become their best versions of self on their road to forever, and their story is one you won’t soon forget. This is book #6 in the San Diego Marines series. Scoot on over to the 1-Click and start reading this fantastic story today! I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2022
Great characters!
All of the main characters in this story were awesome—realistic and complex.
The back stories of the main couple played a really big role in their budding relationship, that played out realistically. It takes friends and family to pull them out of their fears and consider if this new relationship is worth fighting for.
Added to that bit of drama was a secondary romance that also seems to go well, but we don't get a really good look at.
As with other books in the series we get to see and hear from the friends from previous books.
All of the main characters in this story were awesome—realistic and complex.
The back stories of the main couple played a really big role in their budding relationship, that played out realistically. It takes friends and family to pull them out of their fears and consider if this new relationship is worth fighting for.
Added to that bit of drama was a secondary romance that also seems to go well, but we don't get a really good look at.
As with other books in the series we get to see and hear from the friends from previous books.
October 6, 2020
Jess Mastorakos writes realistic military romance with engaging characters. I really enjoyed this quick read and constantly found myself laughing at the characters, especially at Finn, Owen's unathletic, kind of serious son. If only I had a PE teacher like Rachel! Rachel and Owen's story was absolutely adorable to read and I look forward to new books by this author!
This book can be read as a stand-alone.
This book can be read as a stand-alone.
October 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The author, being the wife of a Marine, describes Marine life really well. The story is well written and keeps you involved. I like the way she writes it from two different perspectives. It helps the reader to feel how the main characters are reacting. The story has some twists and turns that I didn't expect, but that just added to the story. I think anyone would enjoy this book
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