No Place Like Home

Love in Charlotte Oaks #1

by Jess Mastorakos

This high school reunion will NOT result in reuniting with the love of my life. Right?

Heading back to Charlotte Oaks for my high school reunion is pretty much the last thing I want to do.

Not because I don't miss my quirky family or the quirkier town I grew up in, but because the man whose heart I broke will be there, and I know without a doubt that facing him after all this time will be torturous.

So, I plan to avoid him like the plague, do the reunion, then head back to Nashville where I belong. Except ... I haven't felt like I belonged there in a long time.

Then, my plan to avoid Everett crashes and burns when I literally crash my car on my way into town, and he rides in like a knight on a shining tow truck to save me. Looking hotter than ever in that mechanic's jumpsuit, I might add.

But the heat in his eyes when he looks at me has as much bitterness as it does longing, and all I want to do is make his pain go away.

Because no matter how much fame and fortune are waiting for me back in Nashville, there's no place like home.

And Everett Wilson has always been mine.


No Place Like Home is the first book in the Love in Charlotte Oaks series, where you'll find families as sweet as the tea, hot veterans who've returned home to find true love, and a beloved pet goat who has the habit of coming in clutch to save the day.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Celebrity Romance, Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance, Fiction, Rom Com

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2023

About the author

Jess 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

Reviews

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars!

Second chance, childhood sweethearts, swoony romance, small country town, a cute little goat, and Taylor Swift vibes! Loved this romcom by Jess Mastorakos. I have several of her books I’ve been wanting to read for the longest time, and now I’m definitely going to bump them up to the top of the list after reading No Place Like Home!

This book was darling! Laney gave me Taylor Swift vibes. When she begins her country music career, she has these lovely, deep acoustic guitar ballads, but they soon go by the wayside as the record label takes over and forms her into a Pop Country star complete with a Country star fake boyfriend and all the sequins, glitter, and fireworks. Also left behind is the love of her life. When her manager suggests she attend her high school reunion, she’s leery of returning home after being gone for so long, and seeing Everett again. But, Laney misses her family, Everett, and the songs she used to write. She’s ready for a change. Will she have the courage to tell Everett the truth?

Everett has never forgotten Laney. After he finished his marine corp. training and they broke up, he came home to work in his father’s garage as an auto mechanic. When he rescues Laney after she swerves off the road, the old sparks fly between them. But, Everett doesn’t want to get his heart broken again, and there’s also Laney’s “boyfriend.” Will they rekindle their past relationship or will he let her go for good?

I really enjoyed the romance between Laney & Everett. They have such great chemistry and the sizzling attraction between them leaps off the page. Loved the careful way they reconnect and work through their past. I appreciated the way misunderstandings between them quickly get cleared up. Loved both Everett’s and Laney’s families and can’t wait to read their stories.

The humor and awkward situations especially at the high school reunion had me laughing out loud. The darling little guilt goat Gertie steals the show. Who knew pygmy goats could be so adorable?! Also, enjoyed the side characters, especially Riley the “fake boyfriend,” who turns out to be a really nice guy.

Definitely recommend this cute, clean, romcom! Can’t wait for the next book in the series. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

[Laura Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this previously when it was part of the Fall Back Into Love collection. It was the first story I have read by Jess and I loved it so much! Since then I have read a couple more of her stories and added all others to my TBR list! I was so excited to see this released indivdually and reread it!

No Place Like Home tells the story of Laney and Everett. It’s a sweet second chance romance that has me grinning all the way through. Laney is a country superstar who never forgot her first and only love, Everett. Everett had only ever had eyes for Laney. Laney has avoided her hometown for the past 6 years because she knew seeing Everett again could only bring her pain until she comes back for her 10 year reunion and needs to stay in town longer then expected.

There were so many great things about this story. Everett is about the sweetest guy ever! Even through he was hurting from his breakup with Laney years ago he was never anything but kind and caring toward her. I adored the way he called her Darlin. He’s a true gentleman! Laney was so different then I expected her to be at the beginning of the story. She never forgot her true roots and finds her way back to what she has always know she truly wanted. The book is full of humorous country sayings that will make you smile and the comic relief of Gertie the Goat made me laugh out loud. The characters and story are so well developed and just kind of jump to life. The HEA had me sighing and swooning.

All these elements made this story something special and I looked forward to picking up again each night.

I received a complimentary copy of No Place Like Home. A positive review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kims.reading.nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a second chance romance and Laney & Everett were such a sweet example of this 💕 this is a clean romance focuses solely on their emotional reconnection (minus the kissing)!

Funnily enough, I read books 2 & 3 first then circled back to read book 1 as I enjoyed the series so much. I wanted to catch up before starting newly released book 4 anf 'm so glad that I did. Each book can be read as a stand alone but this was a perfect introduction to their families and the town.

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Place Like Home is everything I love about a Jess Mastorakos book. I adored the characters individually and together. The chemistry sizzles while still being a clean book. There's a little bit of drama to keep you interested but not enough to make it hard to read. In keeping with being a rom com, there were moments that made me laugh out loud or to myself. Plus, this book features a pygmy guilt goat who has her moment in the spot light toward the end. That alone should encourage you to read this book.

This was originally published as a novella as part of a novella collection, but it's not been expanded as a full length standalone. In my opinion, this second read through was even better! I can't wait to read the books for more of the characters that appeared in No Place Like Home. There are definitely a few I'd definitely love to see happily ever afters for (I'm looking at you Riley!)

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been dying to read a book by this author and was excited to get my chance with this one!

It was downright adorable!

I loved the small town charm, second chance romance and finding oneself again! The characters were so fun and that goat put it over the top. I am excited to get more from this series-there are so many characters I need to get more of!

The dual POV was great to get both main characters point of view (POV). This is a fast, quick read that held my attention. The country twang dialogue was strong at first, but once I settled into the reading it didn't mess with my reading flow.

I have already purchased several other books written by this author because I have a feeling I'm going to continue to like what this author writes and I'm excited to give her other books a try!

Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

[Emilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author knows how to pen a love story! Sweet with all the feels! This is the first in her new sweet romance series, Love in Charlotte Oaks. This has a whole different personality than the other 2 series I’ve read by Jess Mastorakos. The small town setting and light-hearted romance make for a quick, feel-good read!

[Samantha Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romantic comedy was a slight deviation from Jess’ usual military romances, which I absolutely love! I don’t enjoy every romcom I read, but this one was great - I couldn’t put it down!

Laney left Charlotte Oaks six years ago to pursue her country music dreams in Nashville, leaving behind Everett, the love of her life. Now she’s back for a high school reunion, and the sparks are flying again.
I loved the swoony kisses, the super-cute goat, and Laney’s quirky family. I enjoyed the drama that unfolded as Laney and Everett realized their feelings hadn’t changed, but their situations had. And although a happy ending was inevitable, it was still fun finding out how it was all resolved.

Highly recommended.

I received this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rhiannon Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT YOU'LL FIND INSIDE:
*First love/ second chance
*Veteran MMC
*Clean romance
*Return to hometown/ small town
*
WHAT I LOVED:
• Gertrude the guilt goat
• “Everett, I’ve only ever wanted you.”
• Paisley
• Riley
• Everett standing up for Riley
• the Wilson boys

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for…

✨ Retired Marine, now a small town mechanic
✨ Female Country singer
✨ Second chance romance / childhood friends
✨ Comedic Pygmy goat
✨ Strong family relationships
✨ And alllll the sweet Southern charm you could wish for

…this is the story for you!

[Angeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet reread. I had read this book when it was published as part of a collection but I was excited to read the updated version. No Place Like Home is getting republished as its own book and it is the first book in the Love in Charlotte Oaks series.
I love how Laney was down to earth. Laney was trying to find herself again and fight for a chance to be herself. Laney was a sweet character and I enjoyed reading about her. Everett was charming. He truly loved Laney, he just had to learn to fight for her. Everett was trying to figure out how to love Laney and if it meant chasing after her or letting her get away.
Everett and Laney were second chances lovers and it was sweet to read about them connecting again. I love how there was no animosity between them. They had parted mutually but they were fighting for their second chance. I loved the easy relationship between them. It was cute to read about them falling in love again.
The side characters were wonderful and I am so excited to see who Mastorakos will write next. No Place Like Home is a sweet contemporary romance. It is a low stress fun read. It features a second chance romance and a pop star girl with a small town boy.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

[Travis Peak · Rating 2 out of 5]

Simplistic

It's not a bad story, but the writing is entirely too simplistic with no feeling or imagination. The hick talk was too over the top, cartoony. The characters felt like caricatures. I wanted to vomit every time Everett called her darlin. I hate pet names and that one is the worst. No one under 60 uses it, but authors won't stop writing it. The author forgoes any depth for these characters in a rush to finish the book as quickly as possible. I felt like I was reading something that someone put off writing for 6 months and stayed up all night to finish before it was due in the morning.

[Jill (readinginpjs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a quick, light read, this is a good pick!

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🧼

Laney & Everett grew up together, and everyone thought they’d be together forever.
After 4 years of long distance while Everett was in the marines, he was finally home. During his proposal, Laney got a call that changed her life - to sign a record deal & go on tour for her music. She took it, and this pushed them apart.
But they never stopped thinking about & loving each other.

6 years later, Laney is back in town and the first person she runs into is Everett. How long can they deny their feelings?

I generally enjoyed this book, and it was a quick, cute read. However my stars dropped because of gender stereotyping/toxic masculinity in more than one scene, and that really bothered me.

Read if you enjoy:
⭐️ Short novels
⭐️ Second chance
⭐️ Singer/celebrity
⭐️ Return to hometown
⭐️ Childhood friends to lovers
⭐️ Small town
⭐️ Dual POV/first person

[brittany harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

First wanted to thank Jess Mastorakos and her team for the ARC of this new book!! This story of Laney and Everett is such a sweet story. You feel for them, you’re rooting for them, and the story wraps up in such a sweet way. I also loved Riley and Paisley’s characters so much. It’s a cute country rom com with funny banter and Jess writes in a way that makes it super easy and fun to read! Some of the lines were suuuuuper country which was a little cheesy for my taste, but overall a good quick read!

[Marilyn Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I needed to read. It cheered me when I needed it

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, fun, contemporary romance

Romance, sweet, contemporary
Everett and Laney’s story is a sweet, second chance romance. A high school reunion brings Laney back to the hometown she’s been avoiding for many years. So fun to see how the path opened to heal their two hurting, longing hearts. Fame and distance have kept them apart and loved this sweet HEA.

[Angel Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adore Gertrude.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader’s Notes:

– this was in the limited edition Fall Back Into Love romantic comedy collection, but has been updated/expanded

– this is told from Laney & Everett’s points of view

Review:

This is the first story I’ve read by Jess Mastorakos, and it won’t be my last! (Especially since I want to know who else might find love in the future from this story 😍.) I enjoyed reading this second chance romance that had a surprising reason of how it ended the first time (at least it was surprising to me as I thought someone else forced it to end). I really enjoyed the fact of Laney having come from a small town and that all of them seemed to have never stopped rooting for her relationship with Everett to take off into marriage. One of my favorite side characters (yes, I have more than one!) is Riley and how he took everything in stride with Laney. He was respectful of her feelings and Everett’s feelings and knew that something wouldn’t happen between them, but also he was a great friend. And that really shown through to everyone else close to Laney. I loved it when they all stood up for him in a situation that seemed impossible and put a stop to the nonsense his manager tried to get away with. That was one of my favorite scenes! Some others included: after the reunion, meeting Gertie, Shifty and his wife, and the family get together.

Summary:

Laney hasn’t been back home since she signed with her record label. Not because she didn’t have enough time, but because she can’t face the guy she left behind. The guy she’s loved forever and can’t get out of her mind despite the time apart. The guy who likely believes her publicity stunt of a relationship is real like the rest of the world…

Everett has tried to let go of his time with Laney before she hit it big, but that didn’t go so well. When he hears that Laney’s coming home with her new famous beau, he tries to avoid her and the feelings she stirs up inside him the best he can. But things don’t work out the way he hoped and he instead finds her within minutes of her arriving back. Talk about a plan that backfired.

As both of them spend more and more time together than they originally planned, Laney and Everett try and fail to keep their feelings under-wraps. But can they get past their relationship’s end to go forward towards their future and the possibility of a second chance?

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of comedy, lots of love

There are no actual ruby red slippers in this story to bring Lainey home despite what the name of the book implies. There is actually a Barbie Pink Convertible Mercedes that mostly gets her there. Until she literally runs it off the road a few miles outside of town. And why did that happen? Because the view from her rear view mirror. Her “one that got away” was driving behind her. Now she is home and trying to balance who she was, Everett's Girl, with who she is now, Pop Country Barbie Superstar, while dreaming how to get back to her small town roots and all the things she loves.
.
I didn’t realize that I had read this story already until I got a few chapters in. It had been part of a RomCom Collection called Fall Back Into Love (great collection if you get a chance to read it). But I was eager to see if there were any changes so I read it again anyway. I only noticed a few small tweaks. I think maybe to give more background for future books in the series (I hope!).
.
Anyway, I loved the small town feel of the book. I must admit all the Southern sayings were so crazy that, to me as a California Girl, seemed like they must have been made up. Well, there not. I googled some of them and just wow. 🤯 Things like: "Just because a cat has her kittens in the oven don't make them biscuits."
.
I loved the story. It was like reading two magnets slowly get pulled back together. Beautiful connection between the siblings and friends. The Pygmy Goat was a big star for me in the story. Lots of comedy, lots of love. I look forward to reading more about these families.
.
Rating: G, clean, wholesome

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Place Like Home by Jess Mastorakos is the first book in the Love in Charlotte Oaks series. A high school reunion doesn’t mean reuniting with the love of one’s life, right? The last thing Laney Cole wanted was to head to her hometown of Charlotte Oaks for her high school reunion. It’s not because she doesn’t want to see her family but because of the man she left behind when she decided to pursue her music career. When it seems impossible to avoid going home, Laney decides that she will avoid him like the plague when she gets there. However, it seems the second she is in town, she runs into him, literally. Everett Wilson has never forgotten Laney and seeing her in town is like a dream. Can he convince her to give their love a second chance?
No Place Like Home is a sweet second chance romance. This is the first book by Jess Mastorakos and I have many more on my To Be Read list. It was a fast paced romance with a quirky small town and great family interactions. Told in dual points of view between Laney and Everett, readers will see that the fires still burn for both of them. It was just a matter of time before they could no longer deny it. I instantly loved the Cole and Wilson families. Their gentle teasing and banter reminds me of many families I know. I look forward to reading the rest of this series as well as other Jess Mastorakos books. If you love second chance romance in a small town, I recommend No Place Like Home.

No Place Like Home is available in paperback and eBook

[R. L. Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review || No Place Like Home

Recommended for Married Readers 🐐 || Content Meter: 4/5 🐐 || Quality Meter: 9/10 🐐 || Personal Enjoyment: 9 🐐 || Overall: 9/10 🐐

Intro || This is a Rom-Com set in Tennessee between a Country-Pop Star and a Marine Vet Mechanic and y’all it’s gold! 🐐 All the Small Town Vibes that I am so there for!

Story || The plot was fantastic! They had already broken up (will admit that was his fault, he shouldn’t have been so mad at her for what he told her to do, just saying 😆), so there wasn’t a huge break-up arc. This book is an example of the miscommunication trope at the end being well done. There is a lot of miscommunication in the beginning -or lack there of!- but it was based out of things that happened prior to the book starting. So it was understandable, though I still wanted to wring their necks at times 😆

(There are a few things in the book I wasn’t a fan of, those are under content.)

Characters || The characters were well fleshed out and I felt like I knew them! My favorite was probably Everett! Laney was awesome too though and they are perfect for each other ☺️

Tropes || Small-Town, Second Chance, Rags to Riches to Dissolution to Happiness, Animal Sidekick, Hero Hero, Career Girl, Coming Home, Childhood Sweethearts, Friends to Enemies-ish to Lovers

Content|| pre-marital touching and kissing; deception about relationships; lots of talk about what people look like, sounding more lustful than loving; flirting; alcohol talked about in a casual manner.🐐

#indieauthor #indiefiction #selfpublished #smallpress
#contemporary #romance #militaryfiction #militaryromance
#bookreview #tbr #amreading #booknerd #tbrstack #bibliophile #winterreads #wintertbr #cozyreads #sweaterweatherreading

[Kendra Muonio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heading back to Charlotte Oaks for my high school reunion is pretty much the last thing I want to do.
Not because I don’t miss my quirky family or the quirkier town I grew up in, but because the man whose heart I broke will be there, and I know without a doubt that facing him after all this time will be torturous.
So, I plan to avoid him like the plague, do the reunion, then head back to Nashville where I belong. Except ... I haven’t felt like I belonged there in a long time.
Then, my plan to avoid Everett crashes and burns when I literally crash my car on my way into town, and he rides in like a knight on a shining tow truck to save me. Looking hotter than ever in that mechanic’s jumpsuit, I might add.
But the heat in his eyes when he looks at me has as much bitterness as it does longing, and all I want to do is make his pain go away.
Because no matter how much fame and fortune are waiting for me back in Nashville, there’s no place like home.
And Everett Wilson has always been mine.this was a quick read for me that I couldn't put down and had me staying up too late reading.I received an advanced copy of the book from the author so these are my thoughts on the book.

[Marilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What’s wrong is that I feel like we’re havin’ the kind of moment that makes a man want to grab a woman up and kiss her until the world ends.”

“Then do it,” I breathed.

Adorable novella!

I was sucked in from the first chapter, easily binge read it in one sitting, and gave a long, happy sigh at the end. You know what I'm talking about, right? I can’t be the only one that makes a happy sigh when a book ends and the HEA is sweet and swoony and melts your heart into a little puddle.

Country pop star Laney returns to her small hometown and sees her ex Everett for the first time in six years, but the attraction and feelings between them are still strong and now choices have to be made…cue the fireworks!

Loved this one for:

Celebrity romance
Second-chance romance
Small town charm
“Guilt” goat - I need one of these!
Quirky side characters
Swoony but sweet kisses
Fun teasing and banter
Big family love

If you are looking for a fun and adorable romance, this is definitely one you should add to your list! Hoping there will be more books in this series. 4.5 stars


I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

[Diana Acord · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Place Like Home by Jess Mastorakos is a sweet and clean romance set in Charlotte Oaks, Tennessee. This first book in her new series features a veteran instead of an active duty Marine. This romance features Marine veteran mechanic Everett who is back in his small hometown to take over the family garage. We are introduced to former resident Laney who left her hometown in search of a becoming a country music star. Along the way Laney lost her roots and is not happy or fulfilled in her current pop country star persona. Everett and Laney meet up again after six years at their high school reunion. Sparks fly and they realize they have never stopped loving each other but Laney is leaving for another yearlong music tour. Their romance is a quick read and has several very funny moments, especially with the help of the pet goat. You will enjoy the fast pace and romance between Elliott and Laney and of course the second chance happily ever after.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love second chance romance and this sweet contemporary romance did it right. Laney and Everett grew up together and grew in love. When Laney's big break causes their big break too, the two pine for one another, but until Laney comes back to her small town for a high school reunion and promo, they haven't seen each other. I really liked that their connection was strong right out the door. The dual POV showed how they each were feeling along the way. That kiss! The buildup was excellent.
This is a quick read, formerly part of a collection of novellas (I purchased a copy). I think it is a great introduction to the author and her style, which I love how she always has veterans in some way or another. If you like famous music stars, charming small towns, and a second chance with true love, definitely check out this book.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kaci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everett and Laney

Second Chance Romance, Childhood Sweethearts, Small Town, Dual POV, Celebrity, Veteran

It’s a cute story but man are there some weird sayings! ““I’m happier than a possum eatin’ a sweet tater,”” - I don’t know if this is a southern thing or not…

Each character feels a little light, maybe because the story is so short? I was rooting for them, I like the small town / grew up together tropes. I do like how much they never stopped loving each other. I just wanted something … more?

Quotes:

“what was the use of facing hard things head-on when you could hide from them instead?”

“The woman practically hung the stars in my dang sky, and every time I looked up, I was reminded of what a fool I’d been to let her get away.”

“my friends didn’t know whether to check their butts or scratch their watches,”

“”What’s wrong is that I feel like we’re havin’ the kinda moment that makes a man want to grab a woman up and kiss her until the world ends.””

[Joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful romantic comedy collection! "No Place Like Home" by Jess Mastorakos made for a great second chance romance between Laney and Everett who just didn't get the timing right. Or who didn't quite get it right the first time. Handed a chance to reconnect when Laney goes home for a reunion brings up a lot of feelings, uncertainty being at the forefront of them all.

Watching them open up to each other and embracing that second chance makes for a delightful and quick read that will have your heart melting. There's some chemistry there for you too. Mastorakos has a wonderful way of carrying you through the story with her writing/storytelling style. Definitely check this story out.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. A review was not required, and all opinions are my own.

[Wren Woodland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowzers! So much fun! Super start to a new series.

Our have-to-have military romance author Jess did it again but this time with a retired Marine. Laney and Everett had been friends since babies and then high school sweethearts. They survived 4 years of Marines in a long distance relationship while Laney tried to make it in Nashville. Just as he was proposing her big break came and with tours and recording, her life as a famous star took over. Things got really messy when the studio lined her up with a fake boyfriend all to sell songs and for PR. Then there was her high school reunion and Gertie the guilt goat.
You’ll love this new cast of characters with 5 more single adults (3 Marines) just needing to find their own HEA. Hopefully we’ll see more of Gertie too.
Clean.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful story! Laney is a country star, and when she is given the opportunity to come back home for a reunion concert, she would rather not revisit the one that got away, Everett. Laney and Everett thought they would be together forever. When Laney was given the opportunity to make her dream of being a musician come true, she left town, and Everett, behind. Will she and Everett find there's still hope for them years later? And will they be able to trust each other again?
I loved this book. This was my first by this author, and I look forward to reading more! The characters and story were well told. I loved Laney and Everett and enjoyed seeing how their story developed. The secondary characters also added a lot to this story, so I am so excited to read more in this series!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions are my own!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Place Like Home by Jess Mastorakos is such a fun read. I loved every single second of this delightful story. This is the first novel I’ve read by Mastorakos, but it certainly will not be the last. In fact, I’m borrowing the entire series from KU as soon as I finish this review. LOL! No Place Like Home was just the Contemporary Romance I didn’t even know I needed: it is well-written, fast paced, tremendously engaging, big hearted, hilarious, and it has such endearing characters. Speaking of the characters, I loved the hero and heroine. Laney is a unique famous person. Unique in the sense that she is very honest about not really having any control over her persona and that she doesn’t really know how to change this unfortunate fact. I found Laney to be quite interesting. She is spunky and charming and talented. But she lets a lot of people walk all over her. You’d think she’s be a little more confident in herself considering just HOW famous she is. It was nice to see her grow a little and stand up for herself. What I loved is how Everett helped her through this growth. It all begins with being honest with yourself, and Everett is able to pull honesty out of Laney. Once Laney admits all the truths she’s buried inside for SO long, she is able to become the woman she wants to be. Everett is the sexy boy-who-got-away hero, but he is more than that. He is a pillar of his community, a beloved son and brother, and a darn good friend. I love his sense of loyalty, and I love, love, love that he refuses to step outside of what is right even though he easily could (yes, this is a little vague on purpose…read the story to find out what he could have gotten away with!). Everett is a really good, stand-up kind of guy. He is the sort of man any parent would be honored to have date their daughter. I loved the relationship between Laney and Everett. It pretty much simmers from page one, but as soon as Laney and Everett are back in the same space together, their chemistry ignites BIG time. The romantic tension in this story is great. Definitely part of what had me turning pages well into the night.

For being only 175 pages, No Place Like Home sure does pack a punch. I really loved this story, and I so glad my time in Charlotte Oakes gets to continue into book 2. I would be mighty sad if I had to say goodbye to these characters. I’m just not ready to do that yet. If you’re a fan of really good Contemporary Romances with BIG heart, then this is definitely the story for you!

I borrowed a copy of this eBook edition from Kindle Unlimited on May 1, 2024. I am under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hallmark storyline, but deeper

4.5 stars

Even though this plot has been done over and over again for Hallmark movies, it still felt fresh and very easy to get into the story and characters. The difference between those movies and this story was that it went deep and was a whole lot more believable.

It was very clear that these high school sweethearts belonged together. The pain of their breakup was very much felt. Even after so many years apart, it was still there, which caused all kind of tension and conflict when they were reunited. It was fun to see this back and forth, but in the sweetest way. It hit in the feels. I was rooting for Everett and Laney all the way as they got their second chance at love.