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Destiny Falls #1

Come Back to You

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I should have known when I sold my mansion in Bel Air and flew to the bottom of the world with a suitcase and a dream that nothing would go according to plan. Returning to the small town where I'd spent the happiest year of my life had seemed like a great idea once the last of my younger siblings had left the nest. I'd put aside my own happiness for long enough. It was time to do something for me. But Destiny Falls isn't the same welcoming place I remember. The tight-knit community has rallied around Liam Braddock. They seem to think the broody firefighter needs protection... from me. As for the man himself? He's convinced I abandoned him for fame and fortune. He doesn't know about the impossible decision I had to make, or the nights I cried myself to sleep wishing he was there. I lost him once, but this time, I'm not giving up on us. I'll do whatever it takes to prove we belong together. The problem is, I'm not the only interloper in town. Someone seems to have it out for me, and if I'm not careful, the sparks firing between Liam and I will be short-lived... and so will we.

312 pages, Paperback

First published October 22, 2022

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About the author

Alexa Rivers

58 books626 followers
Alexa Rivers writes about genuine characters living messy, imperfect lives and earning hard-won happily ever afters. Most of her books are set in small towns, and she lives in one of these herself. She shares a house with a neurotic dog and a husband who thinks he’s hilarious.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, baking, eating too much chocolate, cuddling fluffy animals, drinking excessive amounts of tea, and absorbing herself in fictional worlds.

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5 stars
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297 (33%)
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202 (22%)
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58 (6%)
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15 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
Profile Image for Jocelynereadsromance.
910 reviews41 followers
November 7, 2022
This small town, second chance romance between a celebrity and a firefighter was the perfect way for me to spend a Saturday. This is a first book in a new series by Alexa Rivers (Destiny Falls), and it is also the first book I have every read by Alexa Rivers, and it had definitely sparked my interest in exploring her back works! I found Rivers' writing style to be extremely engaging and accessible. I was quickly and swiftly drawn into this romance and devoured the story through to the end. Rivers mixes together the rebuilding of a relationship with the mystery of a stalker. The balance between intrigue and the romance was done really well in my opinion, the intrigue really helps to motivate the feelings between the hero and heroine in a lovely way. If you love your romance with a bit of intrigue and two people relearning each other then you should definitely check out this romance.

Kennedy and Liam fell in love when they were young and still teens, while Kennedy was visiting the small town in New Zealand that Liam calls home. The start of their romance can be read in a prequel novella (that is currently free on Amazon), I did not start with the novella and still was fully invested into their love story. Kennedy has spent the past 12 years raising her siblings and falling into a career as an actor, which she never expected. But now she is back in Destiny Fall's ready to rediscover the happiness she left behind, but will the town and her stalker prevent her and Liam from learning about the past and rebuilding a future?

I really enjoyed Kennedy as a heroine, she is down to earth, her heart is so big and always in the right place, and she is self-less (sometimes to a fault). I love that she finally feels bold enough and in a place in her life that she can take back control of her future. Kennedy does not regret her sacrifices but she also knows that now is the time to fight for what she wants and needs. Liam is a strong and kind hero, he is a family man, he is a protector and he wants to keep his heart safe from the potential heartbreak that he might feel from Kennedy. Watching these two circle each other as Kennedy tries to open herself up to Liam creates the perfect tension and angst that helps to ramp up the chemistry between these two. I love that Liam slowly starts to see Kennedy for the new woman she is, as well as the woman he has always loved. I love that his jealousy and protective side are always instinctual when it comes to Kennedy and that he finds it hard to fight his feelings for Kennedy. I also love that once these two are able to move into a place of discovery and openness they embrace the feelings they have always had for each other. Rivers does a really beautiful job starting each chapter with a glimpse into the mindset of both Kennedy and Liam throughout the years of separation. I really enjoy these small insights which really gave a gravity to the depth of their feelings. This novel was really beautifully sweet and the chemistry between Liam and Kennedy was sensual. When these two move back into a physical relationship it really helps to solidify the strength of their feelings and trust and shows how beautiful and bright their future can be.

This small town, second chance romance was such a lovely read that I would highly recommend it to anyone. I really loved the small town New Zealand setting, I love the familial support that we see and I am left delighted and excited for future novels in this series!

Thank you to Two Roads Press Limited and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Rose.
816 reviews49 followers
September 19, 2024
This started out well enough but as soon as he hears what happened they start dating right away and everything got super boring after that. There was no real development of their relationship or their feelings.
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,560 reviews56 followers
October 29, 2022
If you've read the prequel (if you didn't go do that, its free on Zon), you know that Kennedy broke up with Liam, when her life turned upside down. Instead of relying on him, she was afraid that he would end up resenting her for it. So, it's been over a decade since she last spoke or talked to him. But now her life has finally come to a point, where she knows what she wants and it's time to take it.

Liam has spent the last 12 years closed off and hating Kennedy. Everyone in his small-town stud by his side never mentioned her. But now she's back and he's confused why that is. But when he's finally ready to hear her truth, it's hard to stay away. But destiny is trying to take her away, and this time he will not let her go that easily.

When everything is set and done, HEA that is 12 years overdue finally arrives.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Profile Image for Meghan Yasinski.
33 reviews
October 23, 2022
I am so greatful I got the opportunity to have an ARC of this book! It turned out to be my favorite that I have read in awhile.
This book deserves a full 5 stars!


At first I didn't think that Liam was going to hear Kennedy out on what happened 11 years ago when She left him.

As time went on, you could tell he still cared about her.
Especially when her stalker started getting more serious. Liam wanted to keep Kennedy safe.

I was shocked that the stalker ended up being Tyler, Blairs bestfriend whom grew up around Kennedy. That caught me by surprise.
I honestly thought her stalker was Aidan.
However Aidan ended up just being a guy who wanted to spend time with Kennedy.

I love that Kennedy and Liam got married and FINALLY get to have their happy ever after together. They deserve it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for désirée.
448 reviews8 followers
December 28, 2022
4⭐️

I love second chance romance. It’s even more than live it’s like obsession. I have a thing for people who give themselves a second chance, not because they were toxic but because they were young and didn’t know how to properly love.

Liam and Kennedy (I just finished the book and I had to check their names bc I had forgotten already???) were so cute and you could see, even through their pain, anger and sadness, that they still loved each other.

This review is dedicated to my forever favorite second chance, my boyfriend 🤍 He’ll probably never read this because he’s a gamer, but I’ll forever feel grateful that our paths crossed.
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,663 reviews53 followers
October 28, 2022
This book tells Liam and Kennedy's second chance. It is 11 years after the prequel and after Kennedy had to shoulder a huge responsibility at 19. And now 11 years later, she realised she wasn't happy but she had to do it. And now she's pursuing her own happiness and that is in New Zealand. But will she be receiving a warm welcome again in the small town, especially Liam? I really enjoyed their story.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews187 followers
November 8, 2022
Kennedy & Liam fell in love when they were teenagers, and thought they would be together forever. Unfortunately, she had to make a decision that destroyed them both, and they haven't talked to each other in over a decade. Kennedy finally gets to a point when she can go back to the place where she had real happiness, however, things aren't going to be that simple, See, Liam has spent those years hating her (neither got over the other), and the town he's part of has his back completely. The road to a possible second chance is very bumpy for them despite the fact that their strong chemistry is still in effect, plus there's also an outside force that doesn't want them together & will stop at nothing to make sure of it. Kennedy & Liam are perfect for each other but can they put the past to rest?! You'll have to hit those one click buttons to find out as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,347 reviews104 followers
November 8, 2022
If you have not read Stay With You, please start there. Kennedy had decisions to make to keep her family together. Now her brothers and sister have grown, and it is Kennedy’s turn for happiness if Liam will forgive her. But she hurt them both, and then someone wants her for themselves. Will Kennedy and Liam get their second chance? Does the stalker follow her from Los Angeles to Destiny Falls, NZ?

I love Kennedy and Liam; their love began innocently enough. But life and adult situations made for tough choices; did they ever forget each other?

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Whit.
3,753 reviews55 followers
November 11, 2022
WOW! What a shocking follow-up to STAY WITH YOU.
The whole town of Destiny Falls, except for Grace, turn their backs on Kennedy for hurting Liam. Even he won't talk to her.
Finally Blair and Tyler travel to New Zealand to support her after a dangerous stalker begins to threaten Kennedy by breaking into her cabin; cutting the car's brake lines; drugging and finally kidnapping her.
Will Liam ever find out the truth and forgive Kennedy, so they can finally face the future together? Awesome story!
Profile Image for Jess.
583 reviews31 followers
November 9, 2022
I was lucky to receive a copy from NetGalley for this book and I have to say I will be continuing this series and diving in to the authors backlist!
With this book, there is a prequel free to download on Amazon to see the reason why Kennedy and Liam are apart! I highly recommend reading this first and then diving straight in to Come Back To You! I inhaled this one in one sitting, I just didn’t want to put it down!
Profile Image for Veronica Albertson.
543 reviews3 followers
November 8, 2022
I’m still in the process of reading this one, I just finished the prequel a few days ago and now I’m in the process of reading this one. I’m loving how the story is coming together and I love how the characters are playing out together. I can’t wait to see how this one ends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Donna McEachran.
1,710 reviews35 followers
June 9, 2023
Ms Rivers is always a great read. A new series with some familiar characters is an added bonus. Read the prequel first!!
Profile Image for Carmella Knezevic.
29 reviews
September 14, 2024
Loved this book! Some of the writing was a little choppy and some of it felt rushed, but honestly I loved the storyline!
Profile Image for Donna.
341 reviews212 followers
November 5, 2022
"I might have made the mistake of letting her go once, but I had no intention of doing so again."

Young and in love, the story between Kennedy and Liam begins in Stay With You but tragedy strikes and Kennedy decides she needs to leave Liam and stay in Los Angeles to raise her siblings. She's trying to keep it together for her family while emotionally crumbling on the inside. Eleven years later, when a friend asks the last time she was happy, she realizes she hasn't been happy since leaving Liam in New Zealand all those years ago. So she takes the plunge, flying to the bottom of the world with hopes to reunite with him. But Liam never knew the reason Kennedy stayed away and his icy demeanor becomes a challenge to work through. Meanwhile, Hollywood It Girl Kennedy has a stalker who seems to be getting dangerously close, threatening her safety and privacy as well as Liam's.

I believe there was a solid storyline in Come Back to You and it was well paced, much more so than the prequel. Stubborn and resistant at first, Liam proved himself to have a heart of gold, caring and protective of Kennedy despite everything that had happened. He never stopped loving her and I could feel every thought he had and every emotion he experienced, especially when he thought he might lose her forever. I loved how Kennedy and Liam were able to move forward from their past, looking ahead to the future. I also liked how both of their families played a key role with their love and acceptance guiding the way towards happiness.

On the other hand, I had issues with other aspects of the book, particularly the execution. I did not resonate with the writing, finding it quite simplistic with conversations often awkward and stilted. The issue with the stalker, while important to the story, overtook the romance as the primary focus. I would have rather seen a more thorough exploration of Kennedy and Liam's journey towards a second chance as I didn't feel the depths of their love until I neared the end. Furthermore, the stalker's identity was obvious and predictable though it did speak to the question of how well you can truly know someone.

As the first book in the Destiny Falls series, this established a varied and interesting group of characters, friends and family members who each had a story to tell and were full of love in their own special way. Perfect for readers of second chance, small town romances with strong family dynamics and a supportive community behind it all, this set the stage beautifully for Nate and Grace, the couple featured in the following book.

"I've been terrified of opening my heart again, but when I dig deep, I don't think I ever really shut you out of it."

** Special thanks to author Alexa Rivers for sending me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available November 8, 2022. **
58 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2022
After reading the prequel Stay with Me I had to read this immediately to find out how Kennedy and Liam find their way back to each other.

Kennedy most of all deserved somebody who would take care of her and not just do things so that she is able to care for the people she loved.

Liam was broken hearted and Destiny Falls definately protected him. But I do love how they still saw the goodness in Kennedy and let her back in slowly but surely.

I could not put it down. The suspense element of the book was also done really well. Kept questioning who the stalker was but it was not a surprise in the end.

Can’t wait for the other stories in Destiny Falls. Definately need to find out if Liam’s siblings find their happy ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,020 reviews12 followers
October 28, 2022
A detour is the kind of happy circumstance most people dream of
This book follows on from the prequel, Stay With You. Kennedy left Liam broken-hearted back in Destiny Falls, New Zealand 11 years ago. He has absolutely no idea why she never returned, or that she was equally broken-hearted! After dedicating over a decade to raising and supporting her younger siblings, her good friend Gray convinces her to return to a place where she was last happiest. And that just happens to be back in Destiny Falls. Kennedy’s reception is understandably less than welcoming, as the now-famous Hollywood movie star that broke Liam’s heart, a well-respected and liked local. She was going to have to work really hard to regain any lost respect and trust from those she had left behind all those years ago!
Kennedy made many attempts to smooth things over but Liam and his loyal friends and family wouldn’t allow her anywhere near him. She was persistent and was finally able to buy her way into some time spent with Liam. The after-math of that had him actually genuinely concerned for her well-being. While she didn’t want to take advantage of that situation, it did allow her the opportunity to spend more time with him, and eventually explain her reason for not returning like she’d promised.
There were other dramas and surprises along the way, keeping me really interested in what would happen next. I had mixed emotions (as did the characters) about the ups and downs of everything that happened to the both of them, with some seriously worrying incidents as well. It was also nice to see more of Kennedy’s family in this one, from both afar and nearby. The support and love they both got form their families and friends was really heart-warming. And any time a male character says, “I’ve got you”, I pretty much melt! It was a perfect mix of sweet and steamy, with some added, further mystery to come I’m sure. I cannot wait to read Always Been You when it comes out, so I can catch up with all of these wonderful characters! I give this book four and three quarter stars.
I received a free copy of this book collection via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
823 reviews8 followers
October 24, 2022
Come Back to You
By Alexa Rivers

Such a beautiful and emotional story of enduring love and forgiveness. Liam is a firefighter/first responder in Destiny Falls, a small community in the countryside of NZ. He loves his town, it’s his heart and soul, and will never think of leaving. He also loved Kennedy a famous actress from Los Angeles, who returns to Destiny Falls to be where she was most happy. She and Liam had a beautiful love story when they were young, but tragedy made a short trip back home before moving permanently to DF, into 11 years of Kennedy parenting her siblings unbeknownst to Liam. All he knows is she left and didn’t return. The anguish Liam feels by the desertion of Kennedy is understood and felt deeply by him and his family/friends.

Not only does Kennedy seek forgiveness from Liam, his family, and their friends in Destiny Falls, she is seeking shelter from a stalker that has been pestering her for a while. Her respite in Destiny Falls is short-lived when she realized her stalker has followed her to NZ. I loved the way we saw Kennedy and Liam through their unsent emails and texts to each other. Not only what they felt now, but what they were feeling through the years apart. It wasn’t a quick path back to each other, and I’m glad it took time and patience for reconciliation.

This was a well-paced story with intrigue and suspense but above all forgiveness and love. I liked the way the author brought the people of Destiny Falls together to help and support their own. Nate, Liam’s brother the local police sergeant, is capable and swoon-worthy as are the other Braddock brothers. I would like to live here and see the rest of the brothers’ stories develop! I recommend reading the prequel (Stay With You) to see how they fell in love, although it’s not necessary to read it to become captivated by Liam and Kennedy’s story. It does give a beautiful and sweet look at the purity and innocence of their ‘first love’. I received an arc of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Angie Barnes.
1,500 reviews10 followers
November 7, 2022
Alexa Rivers has written a 5-star book. This is the story of Kennedy and Liam. To get the full backstory of Kennedy and Liam you will have needed to read Stay with You first. Kennedy has raised her half-sister and half-brothers and now it is time for her to be happy again. She goes back to Destiny Falls to see if she and Liam can have a second chance. She also goes back to get away from her stalker. When she gets to Destiny Falls things are not good for her. There is no one in town that wants her there. She tries to talk to Liam but he doesn't want anything to do with her. Kennedy has tried a few times to talk to Liam and she has finally given up so he meets him outside of the firehouse and gives him an envelope and tells him that since he won't listen to her then maybe he will read about everything that caused their breakup. Things change when he finds out that she has a stalker that has followed her to Destiny Falls. Kennedy starts getting pictures of herself and then voicemails that upset her. Finally, Liam goes to see Kennedy and they decide to start fresh but not talk about the past just yet. Kennedy and Liam are going somewhere but when Liam tries to slow down, he finds he has no breaks. They get into an accident and Liam is hurt. She is ready to leave again but Liam tells her that he is with her all the way and they will find out who is doing this to her. The police have been called and they get a few leads but they can't be proven. Her brother Blair and his friend Tyler show up and aren't leaving until the person after Kennedy is caught. Things with the stalker amp up and the police still have not found a good lead on who it could be. Whoever the stalker is, they can get into Kennedy's house without being seen. Liam has to go to work and Blair stays with Kennedy but when he has to go to the bathroom, he is drugged and Kennedy is taken.
Will Liam find Kennedy before something happens to her?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Susan S..
82 reviews3 followers
November 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. "Come Back to You" picks up more than 10 years after Rivers' novella, "Stay With You". (NO, it's not necessary to read the novella first, but it is well written and worth it.)
During her gap year, Kennedy Carter left the comfort of her parent's home and set off to see the world and to try her life as an independent woman of 18. During that time, while living in New Zealand and working as a barista, she meets and falls in love with Liam Braddock. They had plans to live happily ever after in New Zealand, but unfortunately, life got in the way. It's now more than ten years later, and Kennedy is determined to win back Liam's heart.
This book was written in a very clever way. Each chapter begins with either a journal entry in Kennedy's diary or an unsent text message from Liam. The chapter was then based on that particular entry. SO clever! I couldn't wait to get to the next chapter just to see what the next entry would be! I also loved the way this story was a true Alexa Rivers romance but with an added danger/suspence aspect to it. Kennedy destroyed Liam's heart and trust and is willing to do just about anything to earn it back. Liam has had the support of his hometown his whole life and especially over the past decade. Rivers did a good job showing us how much the town loved Liam by the support/boycott they demonstrate when Kennedy returns. It was amusing to see how a whole town could have someone's back.
At the same time that Rivers is writing a romance story, we get to see another side of her writing - the danger/suspence side. While the whole town does rally around Liam, someone is taking things too far. Kennedy begins to get threats that gradually escalate into a dangerous situation.
Rivers showed her talent for writing in both facets of the story. I would love to see more of this type of writing from her.

I received an ARC for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Connie.
1,673 reviews6 followers
November 10, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

What a fantastic start to another series. I loved how the author included Gray and Mikayla from Let Me Love You. It felt like catching up with some old friends there.

Kennedy leaves her life in Hollywood. She has raised her younger siblings after the death of their mom and her step-father. Over a decade ago, Kennedy had hopes of another life in Destiny Falls in New Zealand before their deaths. But her family came first before the love of her life, Liam. Now that she is back, she hopes Liam can forgive her and hopefully give her another chance. Liam and his family are not happy that Kennedy has return. Liam refuses to listen to Kennedy, at least until it is known that the famous actress has stalker who has followed her to Destiny Falls.

Can Liam find it in his heart to forgive her? Who is stalking Kennedy? Can she be protected in the small town? Those questions and more pop up as I was glued to my e-reader. I was kept guessing as to the identity of the stalker.

I loved how Kennedy didn't give up in trying to get through to Liam. My heart broke for her and her situation. My heart also hurt for Liam as well. I could completely understand not wanting to open yourself for possible further hurt. Ms. Rivers did a fantastic job of weaving a magical spell into her plot. I could totally view the scenes like a movie.

As the book takes place in New Zealand, I was able to learn a few things like Utes and tarns. It is a wonderful feeling to learn something new when you are my age!

I loved the dual POV format. Seeing into the character's thoughts really help me to better identify, connect and understand them.

This is a sexy read (only a few scenes which you could over look if you don't like that sort of thing.) I would highly recommend this story to anyone over the age of consent. I look forward to more in this series!
3,780 reviews42 followers
November 6, 2022
This is book one in The Destiny Falls Series and it is Liam and Kennedy's story and what a great start to a new series and definitely a must read. Liam and Kennedy meet in Destiny Falls when she had a car accident and he was the one that rescued her and eventually they fell in love but when Kennedy went back to Los Angelis to the up all the loose ends so that she can return to Liam and there life together only life had other plans as her parents were killed in a car accident leaving Kennedy as guardian's to her siblings not only brain g Liam's heart but her own as well. Now eleven year's later and Kennedy is returning to Destiny Falls he only place that always felt like home but she doesn't know what type of reception she will get or even if Liam is still single so there is a lot of unknowns in the mix but she needed to try and put things right so that she could hopefully be able to move forward now that her siblings are all living there own lives. Things get even more complicated for Kennedy as Liam will not listen to her explanation and most of the town as shunned her and the stalker she thought that she had left behind has in fact followed her and things are now starting to escalate and becoming dangerous but will they be able to find out who it is before this be become deadly and will Kennedy and Liam get the second chance that they both deserve and have a happy ending or will it all be taken from them. Omg this book takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions and I was in tears so many times with everything that had happened and I couldn't put this book down and had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next and it was so addictive. The characters and storyline pulled you in right from the start and kept your attention throughout and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
Profile Image for Tammy Moldovan.
2,091 reviews29 followers
March 14, 2023
Filled with all the emotions, the connections and the love.

I loved Liam and Kennedy’s second chance, first love romance with a side of stalker. This heart warming story will give you all the swoony swoons while also pulling at your heartstrings with all the emotions. Expect to laugh, cry, swoon, grit your teeth, bite your knuckles, and cheer. Liam is a fire fighter is Destiny Falls, a small town in New Zealand. Kennedy is an actress from LA. Eleven years ago Liam and Kennedy were in love and planning to make their life together in Destiny Falls. Unfortunately a family tragedy resulted in Kennedy ending their relationship without an explanation. Kennedy has now finished the obligations holding her in LA and has returned to Destiny Falls in hopes of finding the happy life she dreamed of. As Liam and Kennedy journey to their HEA, there are a lot of truths to learn and accept, a lot of hurdles to overcome, and a lot of baggage to unpack. All the while Kennedy is being harassed by a stalker. Liam and Kennedy were beautifully portrayed as real, relatable people who have flaws, but are really just trying to do their best as messy humans. The story included sweet moments, steamy scenes, chuckles, supportive friends and family, painful pasts, mystery, light danger, and all the heart squeezing love. The story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. I especially enjoyed the plot devices of the unsent text and email messages as a glimpse into the MCs mindset while they were separated for more than a decade. While the bad guy in the story was fairly easy to guess, that did nothing to diminish the enjoyment of the story. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
2,172 reviews7 followers
November 17, 2022
12 years ago, Kennedy Carter came to Destiny Falls to spend a year as a barista in the coffee shop at the ski resort. She fell in love with local boy, Liam Braddock, and decided to pack up her life in Los Angeles and move to Destiny Falls to be with him. Unfortunately, while in Los Angeles packing up her life, tragedy strikes. Her mother and step father are killed in an accident and Kennedy is the sole guardian of her 4 younger siblings. She doesn’t want to burden Liam so she breaks up with him without telling him why.

Now, 12 years later, Kennedy is a famous actress. Her siblings are all now young adults on their own. There is a stalker after Kennedy so she decides to sell her mansion in Bel Air and go back to Destiny Falls, the last place she was truly happy.

Liam Braddock has had his heart broken twice. The first time, his girlfriend Zoe left Destiny Falls to go to a big city for college and never looked back. The second time, Kennedy Carter promised to come back but ended up staying in Los Angeles and became a famous actress.

What happens when Kennedy returns to Destiny Falls and wants to explain what happened 12 years ago? Will Liam let her explain? Will the town of Destiny Falls forgive Kennedy and welcome her back? Can Liam and Kennedy get their happily ever after? And will Kennedy’s stalker find her or give up on her?

The mystery and romance kept me enthralled throughout the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,280 reviews9 followers
October 27, 2022
This book follows the prequel Stay With You, and while it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend the prequel as it lays the groundwork for this book.

This book is my absolute favorite Alexa Rivers book so far!! It has young love, tragedy, secrets, danger, suspense, and a dash of steam! I honestly couldn’t put this book down!

I loved Kennedy and Liam. She was so strong to take on all she did and essentially broke her own heart and lied to save Liam from making what she believed would have been a mistake. She did want him to resent her in the future. Unfortunately, she really should have given him the opportunity to make his own choice.

Liam doesn’t know what really happened in the past. His resentment and hurt has kept him from searching for answers. It also keeps him from hearing her out…until danger follows her all the way from California.

I was rooting for them from the very beginning knowing that a tragic accident took their future away from them. I initially understood why he was so hurt, but I just wanted him to listen!

I absolutely fell head over heels for the Carter and Braddock clans and an so excited to learn that Grace and Nate will get their own book!!! But I’d love it if all the Braddocks got their own books, especially Summer, Max and Connor!! Could there be something between Summer and Asher?!? Can’t wait for more!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Tiffany Readz.
2,039 reviews51 followers
November 8, 2022
4.5 Stars-Solid Romance

In Come Back to You, Alexa Rivers gives readers a solid romance with Liam and Kennedy. In the prequel, Stay With You, we are left with quite the cliffhanger and this second book picks up right from there. This review may contain spoilers from the prequel.

In the first book, I wasn’t a fan of how Kennedy left Liam and now I’m not a fan of these letters and texts in the beginning of each chapter. I pretty much skipped over them. I was more interested in seeing if Kennedy was going to fit into Liam’s life again. While I know he loved her, that abrupt exit got on my last nerve and I really wanted him to make her work for it.

Negative feelings aside, I really liked Liam and his family and friends. They are so close in the little town of Destiny Falls and took care of him when his heart was shattered. I found it odd that absolutely nobody looked up or told him about Kennedy, but let that slide because I wanted a win for this guy. The town did a nice job at giving her the cold shoulder when she first arrived, however you could easily see it wasn’t going to last long.

The book is well written and while predictable, Alexa Rivers had a little whodunit moving along in the background to keep it interesting. Come Back to You can be read as a standalone, however for more insight, read the short prequel as well.

Reviewed for Renee Entress’s Blog.
3,663 reviews41 followers
October 24, 2022
This story is the continuation of the prequel, Stay with Me, and the story of American Kennedy Carter and Kiwi Liam Braddock.
Years ago, these two fell in love during Kennedy’s gap year. But when a family emergency occurred , she never returned to Liam. Without an explanation, he was left heartbroken.
Nowadays, the siblings she took care of for the past eleven years are all adults. For Kennedy it’s time to leave her acting career and return to New Zealand. Her hopes are that she can explain to Liam her reasons for leaving him behind with hopes that he and the town forgive her.
As these two navigate through all sorts of feelings and revelations, it seems the stalker Kennedy thought she had left in LA is still after her.
Will she survive the danger? If so, will Liam finally open his heart once again so they can find their HEA?
This was a sweet story about second chances in life and love. I highly recommend reading the prequel so the experience of reading this story. is more complete and by reading it, the reader will get a deeper understanding of both characters and their actions.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Wendy.
1,714 reviews47 followers
November 9, 2022
If you haven't read the prequel, do that before you read this book. It's not absolutely necessary, but things will make a lot more sense if you do. You'll have the backstory to this amazing book.

Come Back to You is the first book in a new series by Alexa Rivers revolving around the citizens of Destiny Falls. Kennedy met Liam when they were still teenagers, and she was visiting Destiny Falls. She convinced him to give his heart away, then broke it when she broke off with him without any real explanation. In Come Back to You, she has returned to Destiny Falls, 11 years later. It's an understatement to say that Liam is not receptive to anything that she has to say. Eventually, he breaks down and they are able to talk through why she dumped him (she had a good reason, but she also made decisions for him that were not really hers to make). Just as they are getting their relationship back on track, Kennedy's stalker decides to ramp things up as well. What follows is a wild ride of suspense and intrigue. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll stop here but I do want to encourage you to read this book!!
Profile Image for Cams Roberts.
1,039 reviews29 followers
November 12, 2022
I loved this story. I live in Christchurch so I’m upset fictional Destiny Falls doesn’t exist because I’d definitely go there. Mt Cook village might have to do.
I had just finished the prequel novella so I was already invested in Liam and Kennedy. The one minor complaint I would have is that people who don’t read that don’t get much back story on their previous relationship. The emails and texts are a great touch but still resonate better when you have the whole story. What I’m saying is read the novella first people. It really did make a difference.
The author does a great job at writing angst. The tension between Liam and Kennedy during the first half was palpable. I felt so bad for her, especially when the town were collectively unwelcoming also. One of my favourite aspects of small-town romances is getting to know the family/friends. Here we got to meet two lots of siblings who I love equally. I’m sure a number of books in this series will feature the Braddocks and I am on board for it.
Cheers to Alexa River for the twist. I never saw it coming.

I received an arc and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Suzanne Normandeau Legault.
437 reviews6 followers
October 30, 2022
Once again I’m overwhelmed with this story. This is Kennedy’s continued journey with her wanting what she always wanted, Liam. Through her heartache and struggles with becoming an unexpected parent to her siblings, Kennedy has never forgotten Liam, her one true love ❤️. She kept talking to him daily through emails she never sent but kept as a reminder that one day she’d send them. Eleven years later, Kennedy’s siblings are all grown up and away at college. She decides to head back to Destiny Falls where her through happiness exists and this time she plans on never leaving, no matter what happens. Liam on his end is very bitter and angry but he’s been secretly writing her texts that he’s never sent as well. So their incredible love connection is still very real. However, Kennedy has a stalker who follows her from L.A. to Destiny Falls and plans in making her HIS. Liam has no intention of allowing any man near Kennedy, she’s his and always has been. A most definite read for all you small town lovers. This author is awesome!
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