Return

Coming Home #1

by Meli Raine

On a dark, rainy night I drove my overstuffed junker car back to a town I never expected to see again.

And when I needed a rescue by the side of the road, a six-foot tall piece of hot, unfinished business named Mark was what the universe sent me.

Three years earlier I’d fled town (and Mark) to follow my wrongly-convicted father to his federal prison, working crappy jobs to stay afloat and visit him every second I could. But now Dad’s dead and I’m mysteriously offered the best job of my life at the college where his life blew up when he was accused of a crime he didn’t commit.

Someone wants me here. Desperately.

I’m hoping it’s Mark.

Because if it’s not, I’m in more danger than I ever imagined.

And if it is?

Mark may be the most dangerous choice of all.

RETURN is book 1 in the Coming Home romantic suspense trilogy by USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine.

Genres: Romance, Amazon, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Mystery, New Adult, Audiobook

197 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 28, 2015

About the author

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

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

Reviews

[Madison · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is horrific. Seriously don't bother.

I love mystery/suspense/romance books, and I had high hopes for this one going in. The over all plot idea was intriguing and had potential. The execution of said plot was sadly lacking. Mediocre plot aside it was the romance that was the worst. I'm so annoyed that I bought it as an ebook because if it had been print I would have returned it a couple chapters in.

SPOILERS

The main character Carrie is the most pathetic heroine I've ever read about. Every time this really boring ex-boyfriend of hers does ANOTHER unforgivable thing, she jumps his bones... Seriously it's like the most bizarre form of masochism ever.

First he arrests her father on trumped up charges while he's dating her, no big deal, then on one of her first nights back in town they get steamy in her trailer. Fine call it a lust fuelled slip up.

THEN the NEXT day she catches him making out with the girl who bullied her for her whole childhood right up to the present day. And sure, this is probably going to end up being that cliched moment where he's trying to get information and the bully kisses him just as Carrie enters the room, fine. But then without him explaining ANYTHING she makes out with him at a dog shelter...

UM HELLO he arrested your father who was also recently stabbed to death in jail because of said arrest, he made out with some skank that tortures you for fun, and he has NO endearing qualities, no a single one.

If you like weak women and horrible abusive men then go ahead and read this book, otherwise this book is such garbage and should be avoided at all cost.

[Meiwilli · Rating 2 out of 5]

You can always return home but...

As I have always stated, I have no love for stories told in first person. I find in these types of stories that I never like the characters. By knowing their every thought, they usually come across as too whinny, needy, cocky, selfish, doormat, etc., which usually makes for a pretty irritating and annoying person. This story is no different. Truth be told, as soon as Carrie returns to town and runs into her old flame, Officer Mark Paulson, I am instantly annoyed with her and continue to be as the story progresses.

The pace of this story is one tick away from boring. The author slips in just enough of "what--wait?" moments to keep you reading. Just when I think I can live with the slow pace, and drawn out plot, the author has thrown in a cliffhanger just when I'm hoping the story is drawing to conclusion---UGH! Unbeknownst to me when I downloaded this free read that it is a cliffhanger, I dove in. Had I realized it was a cliffhanger, I would have passed on it because cliffhangers so rarely pay off.

Also unbeknownst to me, I had already downloaded Return sometime last year and the remaining two stories--Revenge and Reunion (free on Amazon)--So while I wasn't planning on reading any further, looks like I'm going to have to finish after all.

No thrills, a lackluster romance and a small college town--Not a bad plot but the story lacks focus and the characters could be better developed.

[CARLA · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://celebrityreaders.wordpress.co...

This book is perma free.

This was a quick suspenseful read. It had lots of sensual steaminess as well. The plot was a bit hard to follow and I felt the characters could have been fleshed out a bit more but with it being such a short book I forgave that.

I was a little upset how the book ended with no real closure. I get that authors want to entice the reader to purchase the next book but I have a rule that if SOME of the plot isn’t resolved in the end then I won’t read the next one. And that was the case with this one.

However, I had to know what happened in the subplot romance so I purchased the next one for JUST that purpose. Call it cheating or whatever but the steamy scenes were well written and I needed closure! LOL, I honestly don’t predict I will be reading anymore by this author because I was so disappointed with the ending but who knows..

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I really loved this one! This is my first read of Meli Raine and I've heard great things and I'm glad I went in blind. I don't think I've read this type of story opener (you'll have to read to find out why). Ohhhh I can't wait to find out what will happen to old flames Mark and Carrie. Beware that cliffy is going to make you jump into book 2 asap.

Savannah Peachwood did an amazing job narrating.

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

#AudiobookObsessionReviewer

[Wendy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this intensity and characters

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

[Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Anja · Rating 3 out of 5]

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to receive this book from Meli Raine for my honest opinion of the book and the first word that come to my mind is WOW and then I did not expect that to happen! I loved her first series which started with "Finding Allie" and I was so very excited to be given the opportunity to read this first book in her new series...with that said I will warn all of you that this is the first of three books in the series and that it ends with a cliff hanger and what a cliff hanger it is...that falls into the category of I didn't see that coming.. we meet Callie and she is going home..after her dad dies in prison for a drug convection that she in her heart knows he didn't have anything to do with! We meet Mark who if you read her first series we know is related to Chase who makes an appearance in this book as well...her return does not start out smooth..she gets flat and the person who comes to help her is Mark her love and the person she just left behind..the attraction is still there and just as strong..we see sparks..Callie is determined to clear her fathers name but in the meantime things are happening with in the area..women are disappearing..and they look like Amy Callie's one and only friend...this book had me turning pages until I found that I was at the end of it..it's passion, suspense along with some tears and some laughs I found myself wanting book 2 right now. This had everything I expected and so much more...bring on the next book as I need my fix!

[Genice Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Oh goodness, this book was just great! Carrie comes home after being away for 3 years. She left to be closer to her dad who was wrongly accused and was in prison where he unfortunately dies. She receives a job and opportunity to finish school back in her home town so she goes. Back to the only family she has left her dads best friends Elaine and Brian and her ex cop boyfriend Mark.
Mark sees Carrie has come back after 3 years of being away and im not sure what he wants but he sure keeps close to her. She just up and left him behind, no word, no note, nothing. Could of course be the fact that he was the arresting officer for her father.
I just don't know what to say, I don't want to put in spoilers so I will say this book kept me on the edge of my seat. So much is going on. Brian knows something he wont say and Carrie wants answers and revenge for her dads imprisonment. Then her best and basically only friend Amy gets kidnapped and it seems pretty certain shes the next target. OMG, what is going on? This book left the worst cliffhanger. I seriously cannot wait for the next to see whats going to happen. Definitely a great must read!!

[Lynn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carrie is returning to her home town. After years away and to many bad memories, she was offered a job at the university and it was to good to pass up. Wouldn't you know it the first person she runs into is her ex Officer Mark Paulson. She wonders if he has forgiven her for leaving without a word. Yet does it really matter since her father was arrested and sent to prison. He never even warned her. So much has changed and yet stayed the same. The man her father said set him up is now Carrie's boss. Women are going missing and it just seems as if no body is who think they are.

I loved this story. So much going on. I don't know who to trust or what the truth is. Carrie is strong, but in the short time she has been home. So much has happened. Mark I am not sure about. There is something about him that seems off. I hope it is nothing bad. On one hand I think I would be running back out of town. Not looking for justice. What a fantastic start to the series. I couldn't put the book down and then a major cliffhanger. I am hoping I don't have to wait to long for the next book. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Toni Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow this book had me on my toes the whole time , it's funny how you think you know something is going to happen and you just want to find out . Carrie comes back home to try and find out the truth about what happened in the town that sent her father to prison and eventually got him killed. She got an offer to work at the university and she took it knowing it would get her closer to the truth only problem is everybody knows why she is back it seems . Carrie no more got back into town when she runs into Mark her ex boyfriend she left behind without a word she was leaving . He's also the cop that arrested her father so Carrie is pissed at him . Soon more things happen and Carrie's best friend is kidnapped and somebody is after Carrie and Mark is determined to save her .. Guess we will have to wait and see what happens ..

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Can anyone blame Carrie for wanting justice, for taking back her life. Unfortunately, something's not quite right. Women are being kidnapped, people are hiding information and others are trying to threaten Carrie. Through it all, sexy police officer, Mark, looks at Carrie with hunger in his eyes. Is this hunk of an ex-boyfriend keeping his own secrets? Does he know more than he should? Does he want Carrie back or is he just trying to protect her? Meli Raine has left me hanging with an enormous cliffhanger but it's going to be worth the wait! A MUST read!

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you can tell, this is a verified purchase. However, I did receive an ARC in return for a honest review and loved it so much, I bought it immediately! I just finished reading it and the suspense for the next book is already killing me! Meli is an amazing author and I've read everything she's written so far. I don't want to write too much because I'd probably end up spoiling it for everyone. Read Meli's Chasing Allie Series and start reading this one! You don't need to read the other series first, but I promise you will not regret it!

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is incredibly short. Judging by its length, one could safely assume that all three books in the series could be combined into one, and still be much shorter than one Diana Gabaldon book.

The story is rather engrossing, but some of the mechanics are a little shaky, and the plot is foreshadowed so thoroughly, it practically has its own eclipse. One can almost see where the plot of the following two books will go. I almost feel like I don't need to read them.

Carrie has returned home to southern California after three years in Oklahoma, where her dad was in federal prison for a crime he didn't commit (no, really). Carrie comes home, after her dad dies in prison in suspicious circumstances, to try to exonerate him. To complicate her life, the first person she runs into is her ex-boyfriend, the cop who arrested her dad. Yeah, that bodes well for THAT relationship.

Carrie's inner monologue is a bit juvenile - she is just 22 - and her hormones seem to run away with her sense, even though the fella she has to admit she's still attracted to is the guy who arrested her dad.

Basically, I'm not sure I'll read the other books in the series. I can practically see the happy ending from here.

[Denise Vasak · Rating 1 out of 5]

IT. ENDS. ON. A. @@$&@*%$ CLIFFHANGER!!!! I somehow forgot to look at the reviews for this book or I wouldn't have gotten it - even free. I hate, hate, hate books that end on a cliffhanger IF the author doesn't tell me in advance. There should be an explicit note saying it ends in a cliffhanger. When you don't do that, then you've lost me as a customer for good. I have ZERO patience for that kind of nonsense. How am I to know if ANY of your books will EVER end properly rather than b a cliffhanger??? I'm out!

[Carol]

included with "Dangerous to Love" romance collection.

[Hope Frost · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry, but 190 pages, isn't a full length novel in my opinion. I don't think there was enough time to correctly build this relationship. She knows he arrested her dad and thinks his actions directly affected the length of her dad's life and yet, she is ready to jump his bones. Ummmm.....no. She didn't finish college and she is offered the job of a lifetime at the same college, that didn't sound fishy? This seemed like a bunch of different books squeezed in to one and not really done well at that, there was the dean's daughter who was a hateful bitch and that job was supposed to be hers, then you have a drug kingpin leading the college, oh can't forget the lost love that is a cop, and someone that wants to kill her, just out of the blue, because of her dad. Way to much going on and none of it cohesive. The editing and layout errors really began to bug me, and in the end, I was thinking of making it a drinking game. I don't see this series, or this author, in my future.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up as a freebie on Amazon. It is a quick read, setting the story and laying the foundation for the series ahead. I liked the story and there is definite intrigue even if the flow and grammar could have used a bit of tightening up. It does end on a cliffhanger so be prepared for lots of questions and little answers but no need to worry since the next two books in the series are already released.

[MandaC86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in a compilation book of 3.
This starts with the daughter returning to where she grew up but her father was sent down for something he didn't do and died there thanks to her then boyfriend arresting the wrong man but going back means faceting him again and getting the truth for her father and herself. This one is seeing the series up and meeting it's characters before the big ending

[Lisa Mandina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was pretty good, kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. BUT! Total cliffhanger!!!! I will do a review on my blog at some point hopefully before the end of the year.

[buzy_reading · Rating 1 out of 5]

Three years ago Carrie left her hometown to visit her father in prison. She stands by his side claiming he is not guilty and has been set up. He died in jail, so she returns back to her hometown, the place that claimed him guilty. She wants to serve justice for his wrongful conviction by investigating herself. returned after he died. Upon her return back home someone wants to hurt her.
When she left her hometown she left behind a boyfriend. Her life was a mess and she needed to get away from the media circus.

Overall:
I chose this book because it’s labeled a romantic suspense. I’m disappointed with this claim that it is a romantic suspense. The limited amount of suspense was reserved to the last few sentences in the chapter.
Sixty percent of the book was spent reacquainting Carrie with the people in her hometown. Meli gave a wordy and quite descriptive accounting of each of the characters whom Carrie associated with. Meli overwrote the dialogue giving all and any details. I prefer minimal details where I can use my imagination to fill in the gaps. The writing in my opinion was lacking a very immature.
I didn’t like Carrie’s character. She was reactionary and quick to make assumptions. Her reintroduction with her ex-boyfriend was annoying. This girl needs to get a backbone and standup for herself instead of pine after a guy that she walked away from three years prior without saying goodbye.
I felt the romance was misplaced in a storyline built on finding the truth.
Mark was a huge distraction from the investigation she was suppose to focus on. To be honest she didn’t even begin an investigation of gathering information because she was too busy bumping into people she hated or loved.

Narrator:
If I hadn’t spent money on the audiobook I would’ve ditched this book. Thank goodness I have Savannah Peachwood reading this book otherwise I would’ve skimmed it. Savannah did the best she could performing this book. The dialogue wasn’t much to be desired. I increased the speed of the audiobook to move things along at a faster pace.

[The Glassed And The Furious · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure, 3 stars is my generous rating and here's why: I like the premise. I think it is very intriguing to unravel the mystery of an innocent man sent to prison for something he didn't do, while those left behind try to come to terms with it all. That really is the basis for a great series. My issue with this book are its main characters. Mark is possibly one of the most boring, superficial, two-dimensional characters I have ever come across. He's supposed to be this tough cop who exudes confidence and power but really the only thing he projected was one big yawn. Meanwhile Carrie has got to be one of the dumbest people alive, who, when she is not whining about how horrible it is to be back, can't use her brain and let's horny teenager hormones dictate her life. One minute it hurts to look at Mark because he arrested her father, the next she's rubbing at his crotch. One minute she can barely stand to be near him, the next she jumps his bones after he broke into her trailer. It's all an accumulation of such ridiculous events that made it really hard to take her seriously as a character, especially a main character who should be carrying the plot.
Speaking of the plot, that was about as exciting as Mark as a character. Truly, the pacing was problematic, bordering on boredom more often than not.
I still have hopes for the second book, maybe once the action starts up there will be more to move the plot along than Carries' whining and hormonal outbreaks.

[Paulette Hilton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had cliffhanger

I could tell very early on that this was going to be a story that drags you painfully along to an unsatisfying cliffhanger. There must be a template out there that a lot of the writers are using to help them write these books that's a waste of time because they all do the same thing. Drag on and on till you can't take it anymore. any who buys other instalments is a masochist. It is such an unexpected pleasure to find one of these books were the spelling and grammar is acceptable which this one is. What I can't get pass is why they choose to take what talent they have and water it down to a chain of bad cliffhangers that no one wants to buy. This to me is a scam to get money regardless of the quality and it loses book readers like me. I would have jumped on the next book by this author of this book didn't drag on so such an abrupt end. I'm always looking for new authors but I will avoid buying anything from this author because I can't trust her to give me what I pay for.


I think this author has what it takes to write a good book, she needs to leave the cliffhangers and put all she has in one good story.

[(Grace) Kentucky Bohemian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Hate You, I Think...
Prepare for angst...and waffling. With a side of whining.
Carrie's had a rough go, and she's having a really tough time trusting people now that she's come home. That's completely understandable. She's like a small boat tossed on a big sea, and she lets her emotions rule her more often than not.

The story line is interesting and heart-breaking at times. While Carrie's past is pretty tragic, it was a bit tough at times to completely feel for her. She's not a very strong character, spending most of her time either whining about her life or telling herself she hates her ex-boyfriend Mark while she's trying to climb him like a tree. Hmmm... mixed signals bounce around her head like preschoolers in a bounce house.

Before I could figure out if Carrie was worth all her angst or not, POOF! The dreaded cliff-hanger hit. Dang it, I really don't like those things. I'll probably carry on with the next book, but I'll admit I'm going to take a break with some other books first: books that have a stronger female character. Then I'll be better able to handle the whine and waffle story.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

CLIFFHANGER WARNING

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

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

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

#AudiobookObsession

[Kat W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Meli’s writing. Her books are full of intrigue, secrets and plot twists. Return is the first in the Coming Home Trilogy.

Carrie is returning to the town she grew up in after her father dies. She fled a few years ago after her dad was wrongly convicted of a crime, and she wanted to be close to his prison. She’s back now because of a job opportunity that was too good to pass up, but after her car breaks down in the middle of a rain storm her ex is the one who comes to her aid.

This book gives us all the little details, showing us the intricacies of the different relationships between the main and side characters. Carrie and Mark still have such amazing chemistry, but there is double crossing and secrets and jealousy a plenty in this one.

We get a front row seat in Return to the craziness that is Carrie’s life and the insanity of the people around her. As the book progresses we learn more and more about what makes her tick and what feelings she’s buried deep inside. This is written in first person single POV. Meli has woven a web of deceit, and I need to know what happens next. Be warned this book ends with a cliffy.

[Lillian Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will you ever get justice or do you want revenge as well? Carrie has come home to find answers on why someone framed her father. But will she find out the truth or will she suffer even more? Mark can't believe that she is back, he still loves but he knows that she blames him for her father's death in a way. Can he ever tell her the truth or is it too late now?
Carrie can't believe what is happening around her she really thought that she could trust Mark but he is sleeping with the enemy and that really hurts but she is here to get what she needs then it will be time to move. Mark has tried to get her to listen but she is stubborn and very angry how can he make her see?
The only person that she could trust is her best friend Amy but she has been kidnapped and she is going out of her mind with worry as she just wants her back safe but Mark is acting weird what does he know?
But before Carrie can find out more she is taken as well but why? Part 2 is going to be great.

[Night Runner · Rating 2 out of 5]

H - 3/10 - boring and secretive
h - 2/10 - whiney doormat

This is a short book and ends in a cliffhanger (which I knew going in). The h comes back after her father's death in prison. She immediately sees her ex, who arrested her father for meth production and distribution, from the college where he worked.

Throw in awful frenemies, strange work arrangements and a string of kidnapped girls and the story is a slow moving mess. The h is a complete doormat from start to finish and nearly half of the story is her whining about her situation or what she should have done. At one point, she walks in on her somewhat boyfriend and he is making out with her enemy since elementary school. She confronts him later and he gives a horrible excuse AND she is getting all hit and bothered and wants to have sex with him... What?

I will read the second book although I am fairly certain that I have a good portion of the mystery figured out already.

[V.readz · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far , everything i have read from Meli Raine i really loved reading.
I have to be honest , all the series are the same genre and stuff.
But still each series is different and thrilling to read.
There is mistery , romance , angst , suspense , dark moments , soul crushing moments , sweet moments ...
This author is good at keeping you at the edge of your seat ..
Wondering what will happen next ..
Wondering how it will end ..

I have not yet read a book from her that i did not like.
Each and every one deserves a 5 star review with lots of applause !
So this one , of course also receives 5stars from me ..

And now i will be reading the next , cause DAMN it ended with a cliffhanger of course. And i am really curious what will happen next ..

[Virginia Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Carrie is a feisty girl, shell bent on finding out who is behind setting up her father for drug manufacturing and sells. After being sentenced to prison in Oklahoma City, Carrie follows behind, leaving everyone and everything behind. Three years later, after her dad dies, she goes home. She accepts a job at the local college where the drugs were being made so she could investigate herself. So much turmoil occurs for her from the minute she crosses the county line. She encounters the cop that arrested her dad, who also happens to be her ex-boyfriend. She has so much hatred yet love in her heart for Mark. Let's find out what happens next in book two.