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Back in Your Arms #1
Back in Your Arms
Seventeen years ago, Quinn McKinley left her small town of Kingsford for a shot at a happier life. Now a successful real estate agent in New York City, she’s brought back on behalf of a client, begrudgingly accepting her return home in order to close the deal of a lifetime.
Coming back opens doors she’s done her best to keep closed all these years, namely, how she felt about her childhood best friend, Sawyer Kent.
Sawyer’s spent her whole life in Kingsford, working at her family’s antique store and trying to make everyone happy. Quinn’s return is unexpected, knocking her routine existence more than a little off balance. She’s still frustrated at how Quinn left things between them, and even if she has all kinds of unresolved feelings, she’s got bigger problems to worry about right now.
Narrated by Lori prince
Coming back opens doors she’s done her best to keep closed all these years, namely, how she felt about her childhood best friend, Sawyer Kent.
Sawyer’s spent her whole life in Kingsford, working at her family’s antique store and trying to make everyone happy. Quinn’s return is unexpected, knocking her routine existence more than a little off balance. She’s still frustrated at how Quinn left things between them, and even if she has all kinds of unresolved feelings, she’s got bigger problems to worry about right now.
Narrated by Lori prince
Audiobook
First published October 16, 2021
498 people are currently reading
4187 people want to read
About the author
Monica McCallan
17 books1,491 followersMonica McCallan was an enthusiastic fan of romance novels before she began writing them.
Writing is her passion project, and she currently lives in Philadelphia, working at a startup which gives her lots of great inspiration for the settings and storylines of her contemporary romance novels.
She lives with her partner and two tiny dogs, cannot parallel park to save her life, enjoys playing pool a few times a week, and has enjoyed every second of the craft beer explosion these last few years.
Join her mailing list here: http://bit.ly/MonicaMcCallanLesfic
Writing is her passion project, and she currently lives in Philadelphia, working at a startup which gives her lots of great inspiration for the settings and storylines of her contemporary romance novels.
She lives with her partner and two tiny dogs, cannot parallel park to save her life, enjoys playing pool a few times a week, and has enjoyed every second of the craft beer explosion these last few years.
Join her mailing list here: http://bit.ly/MonicaMcCallanLesfic
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 380 reviews
November 4, 2021
I’m not sure why but this was my first book by Monica McCallan. I’m looking forward to many more, now.
When Quinn moved to New York City from her hometown of Kingsford, she left everything and everyone behind: her depressed mother, her younger sister Kelly, her former best friend Sawyer who meant everything to her. Close to twenty years later, work brings her back to her hometown and a second chance at broken relationships.
In my book, this qualifies as a second chance romance, but it’s not completely accurate. While Quinn and Sawyer never were together before Quinn left Kingsford, they secretly pined for each other. I still want to add that trope to the childhood friends to lovers and return to hometown ones, since it’s got all my favourite ingredients.
I’ve said this before, I love second chance romance novels because the chemistry is already existing. Maybe it needs to be awakened, rekindled, or maybe it’s still as strong. In both cases, it burns hot. Despite everything that went on before Quinn left, despite the way she left, despite the hurt and misunderstandings, neither Quinn nor Sawyer can fight the attraction that blazes back as soon as they meet again. Monica McCallan makes all that pent-up lust, all the feelings both MCs fought as teens rush up to the surface in a way that makes them palpable to the reader.
It took a little while for me to warm up to Quinn, just as it did for Sawyer when Quinn comes back. Through Sawyer, I understood Quinn’s reasons for leaving, and from then on was all in. I really love Quinn and Sawyer together. The shift from anger to lust on Sawyer’s part may feel a little rushed but I don’t care. I believe it.
Sawyer is too kind for her own good, which can be mistaken for meekness. Witnessing her learning to stand up for herself was a thing of beauty. Sawyer is wonderful, she deserves all the happiness in the world. Quinn’s journey is at once more subtle and more brutal. She’s convinced herself that she’s content with her outwardly perfect life. Coming home, however reluctantly, reminds her that loads of money you don’t have time to spend and a job you don’t hate aren’t what life is supposed to be about. And second chances aren’t limited to lovers (or wannabe lovers), family sometimes deserves them too.
Speaking of family, I hate Shane, Sawyer’s brother, and love Kelly, Quinn’s sister and Sawyer’s best friend, and the nieces and nephew on both sides. And I wish the relationship between Quinn and her mother got a little more on-page time. I like the way the author handles it, and I wanted to see where it was going.
I would have read Back in Your Arms in one sitting if I didn’t need to sleep from time to time.
ARC provided to Rainbow Literary Society for an honest review.
When Quinn moved to New York City from her hometown of Kingsford, she left everything and everyone behind: her depressed mother, her younger sister Kelly, her former best friend Sawyer who meant everything to her. Close to twenty years later, work brings her back to her hometown and a second chance at broken relationships.
In my book, this qualifies as a second chance romance, but it’s not completely accurate. While Quinn and Sawyer never were together before Quinn left Kingsford, they secretly pined for each other. I still want to add that trope to the childhood friends to lovers and return to hometown ones, since it’s got all my favourite ingredients.
I’ve said this before, I love second chance romance novels because the chemistry is already existing. Maybe it needs to be awakened, rekindled, or maybe it’s still as strong. In both cases, it burns hot. Despite everything that went on before Quinn left, despite the way she left, despite the hurt and misunderstandings, neither Quinn nor Sawyer can fight the attraction that blazes back as soon as they meet again. Monica McCallan makes all that pent-up lust, all the feelings both MCs fought as teens rush up to the surface in a way that makes them palpable to the reader.
It took a little while for me to warm up to Quinn, just as it did for Sawyer when Quinn comes back. Through Sawyer, I understood Quinn’s reasons for leaving, and from then on was all in. I really love Quinn and Sawyer together. The shift from anger to lust on Sawyer’s part may feel a little rushed but I don’t care. I believe it.
Sawyer is too kind for her own good, which can be mistaken for meekness. Witnessing her learning to stand up for herself was a thing of beauty. Sawyer is wonderful, she deserves all the happiness in the world. Quinn’s journey is at once more subtle and more brutal. She’s convinced herself that she’s content with her outwardly perfect life. Coming home, however reluctantly, reminds her that loads of money you don’t have time to spend and a job you don’t hate aren’t what life is supposed to be about. And second chances aren’t limited to lovers (or wannabe lovers), family sometimes deserves them too.
Speaking of family, I hate Shane, Sawyer’s brother, and love Kelly, Quinn’s sister and Sawyer’s best friend, and the nieces and nephew on both sides. And I wish the relationship between Quinn and her mother got a little more on-page time. I like the way the author handles it, and I wanted to see where it was going.
I would have read Back in Your Arms in one sitting if I didn’t need to sleep from time to time.
ARC provided to Rainbow Literary Society for an honest review.
November 6, 2021
This author is quickly becoming one of my favourites. Her stories have the right balance of romance, humour and drama. The characters are flawed but relatable. The conflicts sound credible and realistic.
Quinn McKinley has been away from her small hometown for seventeen years. She lives in New York where she is a successful estate agent but now she is back searching for the property deal of a lifetime. What she wasn’t expecting was to meet again with her childhood best friend, Sawyer Kent…
This is a return to hometown romance mixed with a friends-to-lovers trope. Quinn left the small town of Kings Ford for personal reasons to never return until now. Her journey back will make her confront unresolved issues of the past, her family and her former best friend, Sawyer Kent. Sawyer, on her part, also has issues to deal with and the reunion with Quinn triggers her own journey of transformation.
I loved the chemistry between the main characters, it builds up from cool to combustive. Ms. McCallan writes intimate scenes very well and I particularly like the way she sometimes holds back to keep the reader hanging. It works really well to maintain the interest and move the plot forward.
As I said above, the conflicts in Ms. McCallan’s books don’t sound contrived, in this case, it was organic to the story and believable. The “villain” really got on my nerves because he sounded realistically like a self-centered egotistical jerk. Kudos to the author to irritate me so much that I wanted to punch him. The rest of the characters were all very well fleshed out, especially Quinn’s sister.
The small-town setting, the depictions of the landscape and the descriptions of Sawyer’s talent for restoring old mechanical games, gave the story more depth and kept me engaged.
Overall, a very good return to hometown romance with a perfect balance of love and drama. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Quinn McKinley has been away from her small hometown for seventeen years. She lives in New York where she is a successful estate agent but now she is back searching for the property deal of a lifetime. What she wasn’t expecting was to meet again with her childhood best friend, Sawyer Kent…
This is a return to hometown romance mixed with a friends-to-lovers trope. Quinn left the small town of Kings Ford for personal reasons to never return until now. Her journey back will make her confront unresolved issues of the past, her family and her former best friend, Sawyer Kent. Sawyer, on her part, also has issues to deal with and the reunion with Quinn triggers her own journey of transformation.
I loved the chemistry between the main characters, it builds up from cool to combustive. Ms. McCallan writes intimate scenes very well and I particularly like the way she sometimes holds back to keep the reader hanging. It works really well to maintain the interest and move the plot forward.
As I said above, the conflicts in Ms. McCallan’s books don’t sound contrived, in this case, it was organic to the story and believable. The “villain” really got on my nerves because he sounded realistically like a self-centered egotistical jerk. Kudos to the author to irritate me so much that I wanted to punch him. The rest of the characters were all very well fleshed out, especially Quinn’s sister.
The small-town setting, the depictions of the landscape and the descriptions of Sawyer’s talent for restoring old mechanical games, gave the story more depth and kept me engaged.
Overall, a very good return to hometown romance with a perfect balance of love and drama. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2022
I only read a few of McCallan’s books so far and most of them were second chance romances (I think I read two in a row now). Perhaps this is a coincidence, but it doesn’t matter, I enjoyed them both. In this book the writing is smooth and narration by Lori Prince is on point.
November 14, 2021
Just what I needed! An entertaining read.
I liked both MCs, enjoyed the second chance romance and the chemistry, had fun with two graceful little girls and hated a well characterized, despicable sibling.
I found refreshing that the MCs spent a good part of the book interacting with each other, even though in the big picture they'd been apart for 17 years.
Nice read
I liked both MCs, enjoyed the second chance romance and the chemistry, had fun with two graceful little girls and hated a well characterized, despicable sibling.
I found refreshing that the MCs spent a good part of the book interacting with each other, even though in the big picture they'd been apart for 17 years.
Nice read
April 22, 2022
This book tugged at my heartstrings in the very best way! All the feels!
May 13, 2022
ETA, May 2022 audiobook re-read:
Just as good the second time around. If not better. Lori Prince and Monica McCallan are a perfect author/narrator duo.
~~~~~~
This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites. This is the fourth book I’ve read of hers, and I’ve loved three out of those, and really only wished for the fourth one to have been longer/a bit less rushed. I think what I love most so far about these romances is that I really connect and root for both MCs, the side characters feel real and fleshed out, and the conflicts between them all never really feel contrived.
All of that was true with this one, too. I really loved watched Quinn and Sawyer reconnect, I loved each of their relationships with Kelly, and I was DELIGHTED by the quick cameo of Bennett and Lily my fav couple from Then and Now (which, the audiobook version by Lori Prince is amazing. I hope she narrates more of McCallan’s books in the future).
Def rec this one and will be slowly working my way through many of the rest of this authors works.
Just as good the second time around. If not better. Lori Prince and Monica McCallan are a perfect author/narrator duo.
~~~~~~
This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites. This is the fourth book I’ve read of hers, and I’ve loved three out of those, and really only wished for the fourth one to have been longer/a bit less rushed. I think what I love most so far about these romances is that I really connect and root for both MCs, the side characters feel real and fleshed out, and the conflicts between them all never really feel contrived.
All of that was true with this one, too. I really loved watched Quinn and Sawyer reconnect, I loved each of their relationships with Kelly, and I was DELIGHTED by the quick cameo of Bennett and Lily my fav couple from Then and Now (which, the audiobook version by Lori Prince is amazing. I hope she narrates more of McCallan’s books in the future).
Def rec this one and will be slowly working my way through many of the rest of this authors works.
November 5, 2021
4+ ⭐️
A lovely and enjoyable read on second-chance romance between 2 friends who were apart for seventeen years and eventually found love with one another; career-minded Quinn Mckinley, who left town to get away from her life and sweet Sawyer Kent, whose brother tried to weasel through his way by taking advantage of unsuspecting Sawyer.
A lovely and enjoyable read on second-chance romance between 2 friends who were apart for seventeen years and eventually found love with one another; career-minded Quinn Mckinley, who left town to get away from her life and sweet Sawyer Kent, whose brother tried to weasel through his way by taking advantage of unsuspecting Sawyer.
November 1, 2021
WOW!
I always enjoy a book by Monica and I had high expectations of Back In Your Arms. So, I can tell you, she really nailed it. It's a stellar read with a lot of emotions, hurdles, a great chemistry and with characters you're going to love. Except one, he is a real sleazeball. I can highly recommend this book.
I always enjoy a book by Monica and I had high expectations of Back In Your Arms. So, I can tell you, she really nailed it. It's a stellar read with a lot of emotions, hurdles, a great chemistry and with characters you're going to love. Except one, he is a real sleazeball. I can highly recommend this book.
March 29, 2022
Reading a Monica McCallan book is like coming home. It can be stressful but brings you a comfort that you didn't realize you were missing. Back in Your Arms, her latest, is another stellar read and reaffirms Monica's place as one of the best writers in our community.
Quinn McKinley left Kingsford, NY seventeen years ago and is now a successful New York City real estate agent. When a new client comes along with wants to buy a house located in her hometown, Quinn returns to her hometown with her only objective to finalize the deal and get the hell out of town. She left Kingsford after her father left town and her mother shut down. Quinn took over caring for her sister, Kelly, but it was too much. She had to get away and left Kingsford and everyone there behind.
Quinn's former best friend, Sawyer Kent, still lives in Kingsford where she runs the family antique store with her brother Shane. After the death of her grandmother the store was left to Shane, while Sawyer was left with the house. The house Quinn is sent to Kingsford on behalf of her client who is determined to own it, even though it isn't for sale.
Seeing Quinn again, Sawyer realizes that the feelings she had as a teenager never really went away. While Sawyer was always Quinn's safe place, Quinn gives Sawyer strength to make some much needed changes in her life.
Quinn threw herself into her career after leaving Kingsford. She shut down connecting with people. She thought she had to leave her hometown to continue living but she essentially stopped living the moment she left. It isn't until after she makes her way home does she open herself up to feeling again. I fell for Quinn and just wanted her to find some joy in her life that wasn't connected to career success. She deserves happiness and more importantly I wanted her to realize what a good person she was and how worthy she was of love.
There are some authors I gravitate to. They simply speak to my soul. They paint a picture that allows me to perfectly see the scenery and characters that they write about. Monica McCallan is one of those writers and Back in Your Arms is a beautiful book with characters that will warm your heart.
ARC received from the author for an honest review.
Quinn McKinley left Kingsford, NY seventeen years ago and is now a successful New York City real estate agent. When a new client comes along with wants to buy a house located in her hometown, Quinn returns to her hometown with her only objective to finalize the deal and get the hell out of town. She left Kingsford after her father left town and her mother shut down. Quinn took over caring for her sister, Kelly, but it was too much. She had to get away and left Kingsford and everyone there behind.
Quinn's former best friend, Sawyer Kent, still lives in Kingsford where she runs the family antique store with her brother Shane. After the death of her grandmother the store was left to Shane, while Sawyer was left with the house. The house Quinn is sent to Kingsford on behalf of her client who is determined to own it, even though it isn't for sale.
Seeing Quinn again, Sawyer realizes that the feelings she had as a teenager never really went away. While Sawyer was always Quinn's safe place, Quinn gives Sawyer strength to make some much needed changes in her life.
Quinn threw herself into her career after leaving Kingsford. She shut down connecting with people. She thought she had to leave her hometown to continue living but she essentially stopped living the moment she left. It isn't until after she makes her way home does she open herself up to feeling again. I fell for Quinn and just wanted her to find some joy in her life that wasn't connected to career success. She deserves happiness and more importantly I wanted her to realize what a good person she was and how worthy she was of love.
There are some authors I gravitate to. They simply speak to my soul. They paint a picture that allows me to perfectly see the scenery and characters that they write about. Monica McCallan is one of those writers and Back in Your Arms is a beautiful book with characters that will warm your heart.
ARC received from the author for an honest review.
October 24, 2021
Solid 4.5 ⭐
When your past is the key to your future, you can’t close that door anymore
Quinn McKinley seems to have all she has ever wanted in life: a steady and successful job, as a real estate agent in New York City, and money with anything that the latter can buy, such as expensive vacations, wines, furniture and so on. Quinn would never consider herself as a lonely person, more like someone who chose to be alone and is happy with it. Everything seems so calculated and controlled in her mind, but what she hasn’t really thought about is that, with all her running from one place to another, dealing with clients everyday and working overtime even at weekends, she has left little time to stop and really look at herself in the mirror and evaluate if what she sees reflected in the mirror is really herself. Her world will crumble piece to piece, when her boss assigns to her an important deal: helping a client buy a house in Kingsford, two hours’ drive from NYC. There’s only one problem: the house belonging to the Kent family, whom she knows very well, having been raised in Kingsford, a city she left 17 years ago for many reasons, leaving behind her teenage sister, her mother, and her long-time best friend Sawyer Kent. What happens after she steps in the city is something she would have never dared to dream.
This is the first book I’ve read by Monica McCallan and the reason why I chose it, it’s because immediately after the release, Twitter literally exploded with messages from other indie authors and even directors about it. I was so intrigued, because I didn’t know her, but the title itself draw me like catnip does to cats. So, this is a big thank you to all the people tweeting about it, the power of spreading the word.
I loved how Quinn and Sawyer complement each other in ways they didn’t even think it was possible, and I liked how the book deals with dilemmas that many of us have encountered in our lives: running away from what hurts you, finding who you really are, being able to stand up for yourself and take care of yourself, take a chance in life, take a leap of faith, forgive, forget, say the words you always wanted to say, in a way: Carpe Diem. If you get a chance at being truly happy, even if this would destroy who you are at the present, don’t turn away, don’t close that door. Embrace your insecurities and let someone finally take care of you. There’s no weakness or shame in sharing the burden of your life with someone who loves you unconditionally. You only need to give them the chance to do it.
I can relate a bit to Quinn, running away from a family situation that was starting to impact her true essence. Sometimes running away is the only solution to survive, to protect yourself from a domino effect. You can be sucked in and go down a dark spiral too. You carry a weight that fills you with anger, anger at the others and anger at yourself because you want selfishly to be happy. And all that hurt starts building up walls around you and you feel safe behind those walls. The only downside is that you also feel the loneliest person in this world, with no one to rely on. I literally melted when Quinn started to show her funny and flirty side, letting go of control and expectations. And I so much loved that the only person who could let her do that was Sawyer, such a sweet, geeky, dorky, clumsy, lovable, and caring character. Sawyer, on the other side, is the best friend that anyone could ever hope to find. Always there for you, no matter what, to the point she’d rather put other people’s happiness above hers. I fell in love with how she relates more with ancient machines rather than with people. Machines are straightforward, you know where each piece goes, while people are unpredictable and cannot be controlled.
I think the themes I liked the most of Back in Your Arms are the one of “Change” (If one day you realize you are not living a life that fulfils you, you need to do something about it. You need to change, and change is one of the scariest things people can do. But change is easier when you change together with the one you love, when you meet each other halfway. You take that jump and trust that things will be okay); and the recurrent theme of “Not being enough, not being worthy of someone” (it’s funny how sometimes we can underestimate ourselves so much, that we absolutely have no idea what the others see in us. How broken you might be, how hurt you might be, how apparently cold you might be, there will be always someone who can see right through you and sweep away all your insecurities. In Back in Your Arms these revelations are simply so heartfelt and beautiful to read. You’ll just end up sighing from so much love and romanticism.
Back in Your Arms is a plunge into the past, getting lost in the eyes of the one you never forgot, the one you thought got away, whose eyes are your home. It’s a fight to claim what you always wanted to be yours and only yours.
The only thing I may have wanted to see more of, was closure with Quinn's mother. I feel like she didn't have the chance to explain what happened to her, so the judgment on her character comes only from Quinn's eyes. But I adored Kelly, Ella and Luna and Belinda. I won't even mention the other Kent, as he doesn't deserve it!
When your past is the key to your future, you can’t close that door anymore
Quinn McKinley seems to have all she has ever wanted in life: a steady and successful job, as a real estate agent in New York City, and money with anything that the latter can buy, such as expensive vacations, wines, furniture and so on. Quinn would never consider herself as a lonely person, more like someone who chose to be alone and is happy with it. Everything seems so calculated and controlled in her mind, but what she hasn’t really thought about is that, with all her running from one place to another, dealing with clients everyday and working overtime even at weekends, she has left little time to stop and really look at herself in the mirror and evaluate if what she sees reflected in the mirror is really herself. Her world will crumble piece to piece, when her boss assigns to her an important deal: helping a client buy a house in Kingsford, two hours’ drive from NYC. There’s only one problem: the house belonging to the Kent family, whom she knows very well, having been raised in Kingsford, a city she left 17 years ago for many reasons, leaving behind her teenage sister, her mother, and her long-time best friend Sawyer Kent. What happens after she steps in the city is something she would have never dared to dream.
This is the first book I’ve read by Monica McCallan and the reason why I chose it, it’s because immediately after the release, Twitter literally exploded with messages from other indie authors and even directors about it. I was so intrigued, because I didn’t know her, but the title itself draw me like catnip does to cats. So, this is a big thank you to all the people tweeting about it, the power of spreading the word.
I loved how Quinn and Sawyer complement each other in ways they didn’t even think it was possible, and I liked how the book deals with dilemmas that many of us have encountered in our lives: running away from what hurts you, finding who you really are, being able to stand up for yourself and take care of yourself, take a chance in life, take a leap of faith, forgive, forget, say the words you always wanted to say, in a way: Carpe Diem. If you get a chance at being truly happy, even if this would destroy who you are at the present, don’t turn away, don’t close that door. Embrace your insecurities and let someone finally take care of you. There’s no weakness or shame in sharing the burden of your life with someone who loves you unconditionally. You only need to give them the chance to do it.
I can relate a bit to Quinn, running away from a family situation that was starting to impact her true essence. Sometimes running away is the only solution to survive, to protect yourself from a domino effect. You can be sucked in and go down a dark spiral too. You carry a weight that fills you with anger, anger at the others and anger at yourself because you want selfishly to be happy. And all that hurt starts building up walls around you and you feel safe behind those walls. The only downside is that you also feel the loneliest person in this world, with no one to rely on. I literally melted when Quinn started to show her funny and flirty side, letting go of control and expectations. And I so much loved that the only person who could let her do that was Sawyer, such a sweet, geeky, dorky, clumsy, lovable, and caring character. Sawyer, on the other side, is the best friend that anyone could ever hope to find. Always there for you, no matter what, to the point she’d rather put other people’s happiness above hers. I fell in love with how she relates more with ancient machines rather than with people. Machines are straightforward, you know where each piece goes, while people are unpredictable and cannot be controlled.
I think the themes I liked the most of Back in Your Arms are the one of “Change” (If one day you realize you are not living a life that fulfils you, you need to do something about it. You need to change, and change is one of the scariest things people can do. But change is easier when you change together with the one you love, when you meet each other halfway. You take that jump and trust that things will be okay); and the recurrent theme of “Not being enough, not being worthy of someone” (it’s funny how sometimes we can underestimate ourselves so much, that we absolutely have no idea what the others see in us. How broken you might be, how hurt you might be, how apparently cold you might be, there will be always someone who can see right through you and sweep away all your insecurities. In Back in Your Arms these revelations are simply so heartfelt and beautiful to read. You’ll just end up sighing from so much love and romanticism.
Back in Your Arms is a plunge into the past, getting lost in the eyes of the one you never forgot, the one you thought got away, whose eyes are your home. It’s a fight to claim what you always wanted to be yours and only yours.
The only thing I may have wanted to see more of, was closure with Quinn's mother. I feel like she didn't have the chance to explain what happened to her, so the judgment on her character comes only from Quinn's eyes. But I adored Kelly, Ella and Luna and Belinda. I won't even mention the other Kent, as he doesn't deserve it!
December 24, 2021
Because I read Cuffing Season before reading this one I knew what would happen between Sawyer and Quinn, but we know or at least hope for that same outcome in every romance we read. So no real surprised there.
What I did find surprising was how this story and the romance unfolded. This is sort of a second chance romance, where the first chance was never acted upon when our mains were teenagers. Quinn fled her hometown to become an extremely successful realtor in New York City, leaving everyone and everything she held dear behind. She hadn’t looked back in 17 years. But now she has to return to her hometown to broker a deal for a client. She decided a to take a chance, reconnect with her sister, maybe her mother and her best friend Sawyer. When Quinn upped and left she never stayed in contact and while I understand her reasonings, I also understand Sawyer and Quinn’s family for being guarded around her. Quinn has trouble sharing her feelings, but once she does and her caring nature comes out her relationships all bloom. It’s good to see this character development in her. Speaking of character development, Sawyer goes through her own development that might even be more impressive and very necessary. I think what you might call the Sawyer at the beginning of this book is a people pleaser, not one to stir the pot. Always supportive and positive, forgetting herself and her own ambitions at times. This changes for the better and I like how the author wrote this. For both characters actually, there changes don’t come easy and they feel conflicted about what and how they are doing things. It’s realistic, I like that.
Sawyer and Quinn are a perfect match and super cute. I also liked the references made to Meave and Bianca, whose story you can read in Cuffing Season.
I really enjoyed this one, another winner from Monica McCallen :)
What I did find surprising was how this story and the romance unfolded. This is sort of a second chance romance, where the first chance was never acted upon when our mains were teenagers. Quinn fled her hometown to become an extremely successful realtor in New York City, leaving everyone and everything she held dear behind. She hadn’t looked back in 17 years. But now she has to return to her hometown to broker a deal for a client. She decided a to take a chance, reconnect with her sister, maybe her mother and her best friend Sawyer. When Quinn upped and left she never stayed in contact and while I understand her reasonings, I also understand Sawyer and Quinn’s family for being guarded around her. Quinn has trouble sharing her feelings, but once she does and her caring nature comes out her relationships all bloom. It’s good to see this character development in her. Speaking of character development, Sawyer goes through her own development that might even be more impressive and very necessary. I think what you might call the Sawyer at the beginning of this book is a people pleaser, not one to stir the pot. Always supportive and positive, forgetting herself and her own ambitions at times. This changes for the better and I like how the author wrote this. For both characters actually, there changes don’t come easy and they feel conflicted about what and how they are doing things. It’s realistic, I like that.
Sawyer and Quinn are a perfect match and super cute. I also liked the references made to Meave and Bianca, whose story you can read in Cuffing Season.
I really enjoyed this one, another winner from Monica McCallen :)
July 28, 2022
A good read, but I may have enjoyed this better as a book rather than audiobook. I found myself irritated with the narrator at times, and even though I increased the speed, it seemed to drag and I was impatient for it to be done with. The story itself was interesting enough, however I still scratch my head at Quinn not returning home once in 17 years. Not. Once. Sawyer was loveable but spineless, and I was pleased to see her growth throughout the book. As with others, I could not stand Shane, what a horrible self-serving brother. All in all a 3.25/5.
October 12, 2022
I loved this. All of the feelings.
I loved Sawyer and Quinn.
Kelly, Ella and Luna and I even loved Belinda.
I loved how much I loathed Shane.
What an absolute wanker of a brother and human in general.
Most of my friends have already read this, but if you haven't I suggest you get on it right now!
I loved Sawyer and Quinn.
Kelly, Ella and Luna and I even loved Belinda.
I loved how much I loathed Shane.
What an absolute wanker of a brother and human in general.
Most of my friends have already read this, but if you haven't I suggest you get on it right now!
March 31, 2022
4,25 stars
17 years ago Quinn McKinley moved to New York City from her hometown Kingsford and left her depressed mother, her younger sister and her best friend Sawyer behind. She had no intentions of ever returning to Kingsford until she has no choice when work brings her back to her hometown.
This was sort of a second chance romance but Quinn and Sawyer never acted on the first chance when they were teenagers. I think that was a refreshing approach and it made me enjoy the book much more.
Quinn and Sawyer were likable and relatable. They both grew a lot throughout the story and they had great chemistry.
I also enjoyed reading about Quinn reconnecting with her family.
Overall this was a very enjoyable read without a lot of angst.
Highly recommended.
17 years ago Quinn McKinley moved to New York City from her hometown Kingsford and left her depressed mother, her younger sister and her best friend Sawyer behind. She had no intentions of ever returning to Kingsford until she has no choice when work brings her back to her hometown.
This was sort of a second chance romance but Quinn and Sawyer never acted on the first chance when they were teenagers. I think that was a refreshing approach and it made me enjoy the book much more.
Quinn and Sawyer were likable and relatable. They both grew a lot throughout the story and they had great chemistry.
I also enjoyed reading about Quinn reconnecting with her family.
Overall this was a very enjoyable read without a lot of angst.
Highly recommended.
November 16, 2024
So cute! I love and relate to Sawyer so much 🥰
November 5, 2025
I liked this novel. It was an easy read and flowed well. I liked (or disliked as intended) the characters and definitely felt drawn into the storyline and invested in what was going to happen. Give me a crappy man who I can hope gets their just-deserts and I am easy to hook. The protagonists were easy to relate to, and their motivations were easy to follow. There was definite character growth, which I always love, and was probably my favorite part of this novel. Lots of big feelings too!
I liked that this novel was realistic. The characters jobs and actions, the conflict (past and present), and even the antagonist. Often plotlines feel forced, over-exaggerated, or characters actions are inconsistent and unbelievable, but everything in this novel felt organic and natural.
I find second-chance romance to be hit or miss, and this one did a great job thankfully. The prior conflicts and current resolution were nicely balanced. The stakes were not too high or too low, and there was a great amount of communication between the protagonists (eventually).
There was a nice cast of side characters that I think added a lot to the novel. Quinn’s sister (and Sawyers best friend; loved that detail) and her family were solid characters that I enjoyed, and I really enjoyed Quinn’s assistant even though they had a relatively small role.
I liked that this novel was realistic. The characters jobs and actions, the conflict (past and present), and even the antagonist. Often plotlines feel forced, over-exaggerated, or characters actions are inconsistent and unbelievable, but everything in this novel felt organic and natural.
I find second-chance romance to be hit or miss, and this one did a great job thankfully. The prior conflicts and current resolution were nicely balanced. The stakes were not too high or too low, and there was a great amount of communication between the protagonists (eventually).
There was a nice cast of side characters that I think added a lot to the novel. Quinn’s sister (and Sawyers best friend; loved that detail) and her family were solid characters that I enjoyed, and I really enjoyed Quinn’s assistant even though they had a relatively small role.
July 17, 2024
As it stands, this is a lovely second-chance/friends to lovers romance story with wonderful characters. I particularly loved Quinn's sister and Sawyer's best friend, Kelly. Kelly acted as a great sounding board, and her two daughters added some delightful, funny moments.
However, I felt the longing between Quinn and Sawyer could have been more impactful. The relationship would have benefitted from a more gradual build-up or additional backstory about their childhood together. There were many instances where we were told about their feelings for one another growing up, but I didn't quite feel the depth of that connection.
As a side note, it was a lovely surprise to see Lily and Bennett from Then & Now make an appearance in this story. Then & Now is one of my favorite sapphic books, and I highly recommend giving it a read as well.
However, I felt the longing between Quinn and Sawyer could have been more impactful. The relationship would have benefitted from a more gradual build-up or additional backstory about their childhood together. There were many instances where we were told about their feelings for one another growing up, but I didn't quite feel the depth of that connection.
As a side note, it was a lovely surprise to see Lily and Bennett from Then & Now make an appearance in this story. Then & Now is one of my favorite sapphic books, and I highly recommend giving it a read as well.
August 18, 2023
I ended the year with a Monica McCallan book and I'm starting off 2022 with another one. It's fitting since 2021 was the year I discovered McCallan's novels and I'm kind of a big fan now. And Back in Your Arms definitely did not disappoint. But [former] BFFs to lovers is an immediate draw for me, and Back in Your Arms has the added appeal of second-chance romance, too.
Obligatory summary: Quinn McKinley left the small town of Kingsford (about a two-hour drive from New York City) when she was 18 and never looked back. Now, 17 years later, she's a successful real estate agent. She's so successful that she's handpicked to negotiate the sale of a not-for-sale house in Kingsford--a house that belongs to the family of her high school best friend, Sawyer Kent. Quinn's sudden departure had a major impact on Sawyer, who not only lost her best friend when Quinn left, but also lost the girl she had a major, though unspoken, crush on. And, then, Quinn's back in Kingsford and nothing will ever be the same.
I really enjoyed this. Once I started I didn't want to put it down. Quinn and Sawyer are an interesting pairing--somewhat opposites in personality but bonded in a way 17 years apart couldn't fully undo. The side characters are interesting, particularly Kelly and Belinda. But it definitely isn't a perfect book. Given the fact that 17 years have passed and secrets have been kept longer than that, some of the choices the characters make don't make a lot of sense to me. There's a lot of work required by the reader to believe that they simply do belong together because somehow they hurdle over those 17 years without enough lesbian processing (LOL). But that's a minor complaint because I really loved this.
Obligatory summary: Quinn McKinley left the small town of Kingsford (about a two-hour drive from New York City) when she was 18 and never looked back. Now, 17 years later, she's a successful real estate agent. She's so successful that she's handpicked to negotiate the sale of a not-for-sale house in Kingsford--a house that belongs to the family of her high school best friend, Sawyer Kent. Quinn's sudden departure had a major impact on Sawyer, who not only lost her best friend when Quinn left, but also lost the girl she had a major, though unspoken, crush on. And, then, Quinn's back in Kingsford and nothing will ever be the same.
I really enjoyed this. Once I started I didn't want to put it down. Quinn and Sawyer are an interesting pairing--somewhat opposites in personality but bonded in a way 17 years apart couldn't fully undo. The side characters are interesting, particularly Kelly and Belinda. But it definitely isn't a perfect book. Given the fact that 17 years have passed and secrets have been kept longer than that, some of the choices the characters make don't make a lot of sense to me. There's a lot of work required by the reader to believe that they simply do belong together because somehow they hurdle over those 17 years without enough lesbian processing (LOL). But that's a minor complaint because I really loved this.
July 5, 2022
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
This was so cute!! I’ll definitely be adding more Monica McCallan novels to my TBR!
This was so cute!! I’ll definitely be adding more Monica McCallan novels to my TBR!
December 5, 2024
4.5
I absolutely love their relationship. My favorite part had to be the way that they knee each other inside and out. Quinn knew Sawyer and loved her for the shy person she was. Sawyer loved Quinn and helped her carry the burden she had. They were able to read each other so well.
But theres real growth in the novel which was probably my favorite part. Especially writing that growth into second chance. Quinn’s journey of healing is by far one of my favorites.
Believe it or not this is my first Monica McCallan book and now I’m thinking of diving into the backlist. (Definitely will).
The depth of these characters was just really well written. Every time they mentioned one another’s personality it was so real. You can see who these characters are at their core. But my favorite favorite thing was Quinn’s deep respect for Sawyer as a person and their honesty.
Just such an amazing book.
I absolutely love their relationship. My favorite part had to be the way that they knee each other inside and out. Quinn knew Sawyer and loved her for the shy person she was. Sawyer loved Quinn and helped her carry the burden she had. They were able to read each other so well.
But theres real growth in the novel which was probably my favorite part. Especially writing that growth into second chance. Quinn’s journey of healing is by far one of my favorites.
Believe it or not this is my first Monica McCallan book and now I’m thinking of diving into the backlist. (Definitely will).
The depth of these characters was just really well written. Every time they mentioned one another’s personality it was so real. You can see who these characters are at their core. But my favorite favorite thing was Quinn’s deep respect for Sawyer as a person and their honesty.
Just such an amazing book.
November 13, 2021
Rating 4.5
I really enjoyed this book. I needed a sweet romance and this hit the mark. Monica McCallan has become author I know I can count on to write well written books with lower angst. She has developed her skills along the way and I have come to really enjoy everything that she writes.
The two main characters in this book had off the charts chemistry. It was a nice journey learning about their history and hoping for a wonderful ending. McCallan develops the characters well and I felt myself really caring for them and invested in their happy ending.
I plan to make McCallan an author I always read when she comes out with something new.
I really enjoyed this book. I needed a sweet romance and this hit the mark. Monica McCallan has become author I know I can count on to write well written books with lower angst. She has developed her skills along the way and I have come to really enjoy everything that she writes.
The two main characters in this book had off the charts chemistry. It was a nice journey learning about their history and hoping for a wonderful ending. McCallan develops the characters well and I felt myself really caring for them and invested in their happy ending.
I plan to make McCallan an author I always read when she comes out with something new.
April 5, 2023
This was my second time with this book. The audio was even better for me. I liked both characters and the depth of their feelings and friendship despite some unfortunate miscommunications and circumstances.
I don't have too much to say about it, just that it was a cozy, steamy read that's definitely worth a try if you want a light, sweet romance with some angst but nothing too heavy. McCallan certainly does return to hometown, second chance, friends to lovers romances well.
I don't have too much to say about it, just that it was a cozy, steamy read that's definitely worth a try if you want a light, sweet romance with some angst but nothing too heavy. McCallan certainly does return to hometown, second chance, friends to lovers romances well.
January 14, 2022
4 stars
I liked this. Both the "best friends reunite after many years and fall in love" part and the "MCs learn to say no to being emotionally exploited and learn about work-life balance".
I especially liked the work-life part because I'm a people pleasing workaholic myself and for years I had trouble saying no to extra tasks and didn't know when to stop and take a breather (I feel like this could be called "former gifted kid burnout", because I know an alarming amount of us went through this).
So yeah, I enjoyed this story. It was sweet and well written.
Oh and I loathed Shane, but that's probably no surprise. I got a dude like that in my group for an engineering group project right now. Wanna murder him on a daily basis
I liked this. Both the "best friends reunite after many years and fall in love" part and the "MCs learn to say no to being emotionally exploited and learn about work-life balance".
I especially liked the work-life part because I'm a people pleasing workaholic myself and for years I had trouble saying no to extra tasks and didn't know when to stop and take a breather (I feel like this could be called "former gifted kid burnout", because I know an alarming amount of us went through this).
So yeah, I enjoyed this story. It was sweet and well written.
Oh and I loathed Shane, but that's probably no surprise. I got a dude like that in my group for an engineering group project right now. Wanna murder him on a daily basis
April 2, 2022
This is a well written novel, that does and then not, follow an established pattern.
Both characters are well defined and dealing with the same problem, not even having attempted to take the first chance, so when Quinn has to come back to her Hometown for her job and meets Sawyer and her own family again, it seems just like a desaster waiting to happen. But Both are more alike in their avoidance strategies and coping mechanisms than they could even imagine.
As they each try to build enough courage to confess to themselves and the other what they really feel, they grow closer and finally admit, that all they want is to be together. What I really like about this is, that the author makes no secret of the fact, that success in business isn't necessarily leading to a fulfilled life, but possibly even to an empty one.
Both characters are well defined and dealing with the same problem, not even having attempted to take the first chance, so when Quinn has to come back to her Hometown for her job and meets Sawyer and her own family again, it seems just like a desaster waiting to happen. But Both are more alike in their avoidance strategies and coping mechanisms than they could even imagine.
As they each try to build enough courage to confess to themselves and the other what they really feel, they grow closer and finally admit, that all they want is to be together. What I really like about this is, that the author makes no secret of the fact, that success in business isn't necessarily leading to a fulfilled life, but possibly even to an empty one.
October 22, 2021
Highly Enjoyed
Second-chance, return to hometown, friends to lovers.
It’s been 17yrs since Quinn has returned to her hometown, brought back due to her occupation: realtor. Unresolved family issues and seeing her best friend again leave her anxious. Sawyer, antiques dealer and tinkerer of old gaming machines is unsettled at the idea of seeing the one who got away. Both women are head-strong and reserved about being vulnerable in fear of feeling the sense of loss again.
Chemistry and flirty banter is the main driver behind my ratings. This book has it. All the swooning and angst is there to get completely enamored with these characters and the story.
Monica McCallan is excellent at writing two lovable MCs- idiots in love is how she lovingly puts it. Another highlight to her writing strength I’d like to mention is the secondary characters. Similar to the MCs, they’re multidimensional but don’t take away from the story, and they’re not just there as a token/prop. I’m currently on a McCallan binge and this tracks with everything I’ve read so far.
If your looking for something to help you believe in love again, laugh, cry, look no further.
Second-chance, return to hometown, friends to lovers.
It’s been 17yrs since Quinn has returned to her hometown, brought back due to her occupation: realtor. Unresolved family issues and seeing her best friend again leave her anxious. Sawyer, antiques dealer and tinkerer of old gaming machines is unsettled at the idea of seeing the one who got away. Both women are head-strong and reserved about being vulnerable in fear of feeling the sense of loss again.
Chemistry and flirty banter is the main driver behind my ratings. This book has it. All the swooning and angst is there to get completely enamored with these characters and the story.
Monica McCallan is excellent at writing two lovable MCs- idiots in love is how she lovingly puts it. Another highlight to her writing strength I’d like to mention is the secondary characters. Similar to the MCs, they’re multidimensional but don’t take away from the story, and they’re not just there as a token/prop. I’m currently on a McCallan binge and this tracks with everything I’ve read so far.
If your looking for something to help you believe in love again, laugh, cry, look no further.
September 6, 2025
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this! And the audiobook as always, Lori Prince does a fantastic job!
Old friends to lovers, great dynamic and a couple of spice scenes. Honestly can’t fault any of Monica McCallan’s books, so highly recommend them
Old friends to lovers, great dynamic and a couple of spice scenes. Honestly can’t fault any of Monica McCallan’s books, so highly recommend them
November 4, 2021
Just a real enjoyable book..4 plus stars
November 9, 2025
Back in Your Arms by Monica McCallan was such an emotional, beautifully paced story. I loved every second of it. Monica and her wife truly are a power couple to behold; I don't think either of them is even capable of writing a bad book. The characters were so well written, and the story unfolded at exactly the right pace. McCallan’s writing style is everything I love: heartfelt, grounded, and deeply engaging.
And of course, Lori Prince once again delivers phenomenal narration. I absolutely love her voice work; it doesn’t matter what book it is, she always makes it shine.
Now, on to the next McCallan book narrated by Lori!
And of course, Lori Prince once again delivers phenomenal narration. I absolutely love her voice work; it doesn’t matter what book it is, she always makes it shine.
Now, on to the next McCallan book narrated by Lori!
October 29, 2021
Yeah, this one’s fabulous.
Sometimes it’s hard for me to analyze and deconstruct a book in order convey my POV. Some may consider this generic second chance romance - in some ways it is. They story is touching. The characters are loveable (despite their flaws, or because of them?) and relatable. All the feels are there. Above all, it is so well written - the language, the sense of place, the emotions, the pace of the story, the conversations, the thoughts - that’s what sets it apart. It is so well written. (I’m guessing it will, at some point, become a audiobook narrated by the very wonderful Lori Prince - one can hope.)
Sometimes it’s hard for me to analyze and deconstruct a book in order convey my POV. Some may consider this generic second chance romance - in some ways it is. They story is touching. The characters are loveable (despite their flaws, or because of them?) and relatable. All the feels are there. Above all, it is so well written - the language, the sense of place, the emotions, the pace of the story, the conversations, the thoughts - that’s what sets it apart. It is so well written. (I’m guessing it will, at some point, become a audiobook narrated by the very wonderful Lori Prince - one can hope.)
April 17, 2025
I was not a big fan of this book. A second chance romance is always a fav trope, but this one felt like it had the makings of one but then forgot that it was supposed to take some time for things to actually be worth a second chance. I feel Quinn was given a lot of forgiveness from the people she failed in the past without doing anything to deserve that forgiveness. She also changed her mind about her whole life from just one visit back to her hometown with little character development in between Quinn being a cold realtor to then tossing it all away. The romance was FAST and I was not for it because there was just no work behind it given that Sawyer was angry at her at the start because of how Quinn left things with her sister and now Sawyer's friend. I did like Sawyer as a character because she was so patient and their chemistry at times was really good, BUT I felt very little for the characters overall to the point that I was not really invested in what happened to them by the end. This book just did not work for me but this may work for others.
2.5/5
2.5/5
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