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Feels Like Coming Home
"Jones?" I almost thought I had made it up when I heard him call out my name. But when he repeated it for a second time, I knew I wasn’t hallucinating. No one had called me Jones since my freshman year at college and only one person had ever called me that in my lifetime. It couldn’t be him, could it? I turned my head to follow the voice and the air got caught in my throat when I saw him. Immediately, my heart started to pound so loud in my chest that I thought it would burst right out.
Standing a few feet away from me was Camden Johnson. Professional football player, recent trade to the local pro team, and the boy I grew up with. Not just the boy I grew up with, but the boy who I had loved since I was in seventh grade. I looked at him without saying anything, taking in everything that he was now. Tall, built, undeniably hot. His face was the same as the last time I looked at it, except older and more mature. He had stubble along his strongly formed jaw and his hair was longer than he normally kept it when we grew up together. His eyes pierced straight through every logical thought I was trying to form. Deep emerald and perfectly fit for his face, exactly as I remembered them. The eyes I looked for every day on the playground, in the cafeteria, in the hallway, and that night during our freshman year in college.
What was the boy from my past doing here in a coffee shop, now a fully grown man?
And why did I suddenly feel a warm sensation filling my entire body?
I had walked away from him ten years ago and vowed to move on with my life.
But as life would have it, here is Cam again, making me melt during one of the darkest times of my life.
I would be smart this time.
I would protect my heart this time.
I wouldn't fall for him, again, this time.
I would keep him at a distance because I had to or else it would be my heart that gets broken yet again.
Forever and always.
Standing a few feet away from me was Camden Johnson. Professional football player, recent trade to the local pro team, and the boy I grew up with. Not just the boy I grew up with, but the boy who I had loved since I was in seventh grade. I looked at him without saying anything, taking in everything that he was now. Tall, built, undeniably hot. His face was the same as the last time I looked at it, except older and more mature. He had stubble along his strongly formed jaw and his hair was longer than he normally kept it when we grew up together. His eyes pierced straight through every logical thought I was trying to form. Deep emerald and perfectly fit for his face, exactly as I remembered them. The eyes I looked for every day on the playground, in the cafeteria, in the hallway, and that night during our freshman year in college.
What was the boy from my past doing here in a coffee shop, now a fully grown man?
And why did I suddenly feel a warm sensation filling my entire body?
I had walked away from him ten years ago and vowed to move on with my life.
But as life would have it, here is Cam again, making me melt during one of the darkest times of my life.
I would be smart this time.
I would protect my heart this time.
I wouldn't fall for him, again, this time.
I would keep him at a distance because I had to or else it would be my heart that gets broken yet again.
Forever and always.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2024
34 people are currently reading
1099 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Wrights
9 books315 followersRebecca Wrights is a romance author writing stories about swoon-worthy men and the women they adore. She is all about creating stories and characters that her readers can connect and relate to, while also falling madly in love with them. Small-town romances and steamy love scenes can be expected in each of her stories.
When she’s not writing, Rebecca is playing with her pups or spending time with her very own, swoon-worthy guy. She is based in Charleston, SC which inspires the setting in her debut novel, Feels Like Coming Home which is set to release in early 2024!
When she’s not writing, Rebecca is playing with her pups or spending time with her very own, swoon-worthy guy. She is based in Charleston, SC which inspires the setting in her debut novel, Feels Like Coming Home which is set to release in early 2024!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
March 5, 2024
I forced myself to finish this book because I do not like to leave a book on DNF.
- These are random notes that I scribbled while reading the book. -
I was so excited to read this book since the childhood best friend to adult lovers trope is my favourite trope. But then i got a little sceptic what with her being married and then delving more into her past and knowing at one time he chose his girlfriend of 2 seconds over his lifetime best friend. Lame move Cam, definitely not growing fans right there.
Haley grow a backbone already oh and some pride while you’re at it Jeez!
Some things do not add up. He’s a very famous very talented football player yet no one recognises him.
The author makes it look that in all his years he’s never had any friend except the FMC and Harvey. He wasn’t even interested in visiting with his family, whom he hadn’t seen in years.
He acts like an enamoured 15 year old and not a full grown ass man.
The reason for leaving her back in college is so lame. There was no plausible explanation whatsoever.
He wasn’t even bothered that after having sex with her she bawled her eyes out for feeling too much for her dead husband! I mean no sign of jealousy, apprehension, anything!!
Feels she wants Cam only so she doesn’t spend the rest of her life by herself.
- These are random notes that I scribbled while reading the book. -
I was so excited to read this book since the childhood best friend to adult lovers trope is my favourite trope. But then i got a little sceptic what with her being married and then delving more into her past and knowing at one time he chose his girlfriend of 2 seconds over his lifetime best friend. Lame move Cam, definitely not growing fans right there.
Haley grow a backbone already oh and some pride while you’re at it Jeez!
Some things do not add up. He’s a very famous very talented football player yet no one recognises him.
The author makes it look that in all his years he’s never had any friend except the FMC and Harvey. He wasn’t even interested in visiting with his family, whom he hadn’t seen in years.
He acts like an enamoured 15 year old and not a full grown ass man.
The reason for leaving her back in college is so lame. There was no plausible explanation whatsoever.
He wasn’t even bothered that after having sex with her she bawled her eyes out for feeling too much for her dead husband! I mean no sign of jealousy, apprehension, anything!!
Feels she wants Cam only so she doesn’t spend the rest of her life by herself.
March 7, 2024
★★★★★++++
I truly don’t even know where to begin with this book. This was truly a breath of fresh air that I didn’t even know I was searching for. Haley and Camden have to be the most beautiful couple i’ve ever read. In this second chance romance, you see Haley go through the grieving process, with the help of her family, her best friend, Piper (who is an absolute icon btw) and mr. golden retriever himself, Cam.
•
The mental health representation was so wonderful in this story. The positive therapy representation, the accurate representation of panic disorder and anxiety, truly made me feel seen, being someone who suffers from both. I always appreciate when it’s done in a tasteful and accurate manner.
•
The beach town setting was so beautiful to read and I could picture everything just by the descriptions given, which is how you know that the writing is absolutely beautiful. There were so many small things that Cam would do, that you would only understand the significance of it, if you’ve also been in that situation. I loved the banter, the small town coffee shops, and how Cam truly helped Haley shine, and that he never ever gave up on her. I cannot wait to read more from Rebecca in the future, this story was absolutely magical.
•
Tropes
- second chance
- childhood friends to enemies
- no third act breakup
- nfl player
- girl boss
- mental help representation
- small town
Genuinely could not recommend this book enough if you’re looking for a read that gives you end of winter / start of spring vibes, if you want characters that make you want to be able to physically reach in the book and hug them, but also have you on the edge of tears. This is absolutely beautiful.
I truly don’t even know where to begin with this book. This was truly a breath of fresh air that I didn’t even know I was searching for. Haley and Camden have to be the most beautiful couple i’ve ever read. In this second chance romance, you see Haley go through the grieving process, with the help of her family, her best friend, Piper (who is an absolute icon btw) and mr. golden retriever himself, Cam.
•
The mental health representation was so wonderful in this story. The positive therapy representation, the accurate representation of panic disorder and anxiety, truly made me feel seen, being someone who suffers from both. I always appreciate when it’s done in a tasteful and accurate manner.
•
The beach town setting was so beautiful to read and I could picture everything just by the descriptions given, which is how you know that the writing is absolutely beautiful. There were so many small things that Cam would do, that you would only understand the significance of it, if you’ve also been in that situation. I loved the banter, the small town coffee shops, and how Cam truly helped Haley shine, and that he never ever gave up on her. I cannot wait to read more from Rebecca in the future, this story was absolutely magical.
•
Tropes
- second chance
- childhood friends to enemies
- no third act breakup
- nfl player
- girl boss
- mental help representation
- small town
Genuinely could not recommend this book enough if you’re looking for a read that gives you end of winter / start of spring vibes, if you want characters that make you want to be able to physically reach in the book and hug them, but also have you on the edge of tears. This is absolutely beautiful.
July 22, 2024
Rating: 2 stars
Nicknames: beautiful
What did I just read... smh. This is my first time with this author and I'm hoping mending me if better because this was borderline wattpad. This is a whole summary of this ridiculous book and be warned, ***SPOILERS AHEAD ***
Haley and Cam were friends since kindergarten but in high school, he started to see her differently. Fast forward to end of high school and she said a funny comment about his current girlfriend and she heard it and told him to stop talking to her and he did it. He apologized after 4 months and she didn't refuse, just accepted the apology. Fast forward to Freshmen college. He went to visit her, stayed the night and they expressed their feelings (apparently for the second time because he already knew when he had the high school girlfriend but did nothing about it.. but I digress) and they kissed and promised to figure out how to be a couple and then.. he slipped out in the night and ghosted her.
Fast forward eight years and she found her soulmate in junior college year and married him and she has been happily married since then. Cam became a NFL football star that has one friend, just one. He has been thinking of Haley all his life but she blocked him on all social media since the slip out night.
Haley's husband dies in an accident, she is in mourning and going to his viewing when Cam sees her in a coffee shop. They talk for 5 minutes before she says bye. He proceeds to go home, stalk her facebook, find the location of the viewing, pop up and then wait till the end of the funeral to tell her that he came because he thought she would need a friend for strength. What friend??? you haven't seen her in eight years !!! but I digress.
Six months later, Haley is struggling with the death and decides to go rent a beach house with her best friend/only employee/only friend in her whole life apparently to work on her convention that she is working on. Cam is now on downtime and decides to go to the same town as before to find Haley. stalks coffee shops and stores and can't find her. Finds Haley's friend's FB and finds the tagged location, PROCEEDS TO PACK UP AND GO THERE (ok....creeperrrr) and then stalks coffee shops till he "bumps" into her. Then we have 85 chapters of back and forth her avoiding him and him bumping into her but actually following her around this small town till she finally gives in and decides to have dinner with him.
I want to note that this wholeeeeee time, all Cam has been talking about is having sex with her and his wants pertaining to Haley like some love struck teenager that just discovered attraction and can't control his urges.
so dinner happens, barely any talking about what scarred her from the past friendship, a lot of intimacy moments, him wanting her to come to the hotel every night, her not being able to, blah blah, I started blacking out from the repetitiveness.
So here is the kicker - toward the end, Haley tell Cam she is leaving soon and going back home and he said "yea, he has to go home too." and she loses it. She sees it as him leaving her AGAIN and she gets upset and starts walking back to the house while he is trying to understand why she is upset and she is telling him to leave her alone. She starts to have a panic attack and her friend helps calm her down. The next night, after the friend explains all this crap to Cam, Cam and Haley talk and he explains how he left her in college because he wanted her to be happy and he couldn't give her that (Idk where this notion is coming from but .. I digress) and left her but he's always loved her.
She says she loves him and this nightmare finally ends. The growth for each character and their connection to each other was non existent and they seemed like horny teenagers that had conflicting thoughts about betraying their deceased spouse/being someone good for her. The communication was not there and till today, I still don't know if they explained each other's feelings to each other. Do yourself a favor and don't read this book.
Nicknames: beautiful
What did I just read... smh. This is my first time with this author and I'm hoping mending me if better because this was borderline wattpad. This is a whole summary of this ridiculous book and be warned, ***SPOILERS AHEAD ***
Haley and Cam were friends since kindergarten but in high school, he started to see her differently. Fast forward to end of high school and she said a funny comment about his current girlfriend and she heard it and told him to stop talking to her and he did it. He apologized after 4 months and she didn't refuse, just accepted the apology. Fast forward to Freshmen college. He went to visit her, stayed the night and they expressed their feelings (apparently for the second time because he already knew when he had the high school girlfriend but did nothing about it.. but I digress) and they kissed and promised to figure out how to be a couple and then.. he slipped out in the night and ghosted her.
Fast forward eight years and she found her soulmate in junior college year and married him and she has been happily married since then. Cam became a NFL football star that has one friend, just one. He has been thinking of Haley all his life but she blocked him on all social media since the slip out night.
Haley's husband dies in an accident, she is in mourning and going to his viewing when Cam sees her in a coffee shop. They talk for 5 minutes before she says bye. He proceeds to go home, stalk her facebook, find the location of the viewing, pop up and then wait till the end of the funeral to tell her that he came because he thought she would need a friend for strength. What friend??? you haven't seen her in eight years !!! but I digress.
Six months later, Haley is struggling with the death and decides to go rent a beach house with her best friend/only employee/only friend in her whole life apparently to work on her convention that she is working on. Cam is now on downtime and decides to go to the same town as before to find Haley. stalks coffee shops and stores and can't find her. Finds Haley's friend's FB and finds the tagged location, PROCEEDS TO PACK UP AND GO THERE (ok....creeperrrr) and then stalks coffee shops till he "bumps" into her. Then we have 85 chapters of back and forth her avoiding him and him bumping into her but actually following her around this small town till she finally gives in and decides to have dinner with him.
I want to note that this wholeeeeee time, all Cam has been talking about is having sex with her and his wants pertaining to Haley like some love struck teenager that just discovered attraction and can't control his urges.
so dinner happens, barely any talking about what scarred her from the past friendship, a lot of intimacy moments, him wanting her to come to the hotel every night, her not being able to, blah blah, I started blacking out from the repetitiveness.
So here is the kicker - toward the end, Haley tell Cam she is leaving soon and going back home and he said "yea, he has to go home too." and she loses it. She sees it as him leaving her AGAIN and she gets upset and starts walking back to the house while he is trying to understand why she is upset and she is telling him to leave her alone. She starts to have a panic attack and her friend helps calm her down. The next night, after the friend explains all this crap to Cam, Cam and Haley talk and he explains how he left her in college because he wanted her to be happy and he couldn't give her that (Idk where this notion is coming from but .. I digress) and left her but he's always loved her.
She says she loves him and this nightmare finally ends. The growth for each character and their connection to each other was non existent and they seemed like horny teenagers that had conflicting thoughts about betraying their deceased spouse/being someone good for her. The communication was not there and till today, I still don't know if they explained each other's feelings to each other. Do yourself a favor and don't read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2025
- arc review -
Second chance will do it for me just about every time and this was no different. Did I cry? Yes. Did I want to punch both characters sometimes? Yes. But did I love it? Yes, absolutely!! It’s hard to believe this was a debut novel because it was so beautifully written and this story will stick with me forever.
Cam is your backwards hat wearing golden retriever hero who plays professional football. Haley is your boss bitch ceo who owns her own company that promotes women living and loving their lives. Together they are childhood best friends who tried to give it a shot in college but life happened.
Haley went through the unthinkable and Cam shows up after 10 years and helps her get back to being herself and regain her confidence. I loved the beach town setting, cam always remembering her favorite things, the fact that they call each other by their last times, and even before they were romantically involved they have always said forever and always. So cute!
Oh and I loved loved Piper!! I’m lucky enough to have two Pipers in my life and I don’t know what I would do without either of them 🫶🏼
-no third act breakup
-second chance
-childhoods friends to enemies
-golden retriever nfl player
-she owns her own company
-mental health rep
Second chance will do it for me just about every time and this was no different. Did I cry? Yes. Did I want to punch both characters sometimes? Yes. But did I love it? Yes, absolutely!! It’s hard to believe this was a debut novel because it was so beautifully written and this story will stick with me forever.
Cam is your backwards hat wearing golden retriever hero who plays professional football. Haley is your boss bitch ceo who owns her own company that promotes women living and loving their lives. Together they are childhood best friends who tried to give it a shot in college but life happened.
Haley went through the unthinkable and Cam shows up after 10 years and helps her get back to being herself and regain her confidence. I loved the beach town setting, cam always remembering her favorite things, the fact that they call each other by their last times, and even before they were romantically involved they have always said forever and always. So cute!
Oh and I loved loved Piper!! I’m lucky enough to have two Pipers in my life and I don’t know what I would do without either of them 🫶🏼
-no third act breakup
-second chance
-childhoods friends to enemies
-golden retriever nfl player
-she owns her own company
-mental health rep
February 19, 2024
* this is an ARC review — I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review *
Short version: Such a great debut novel! A strong independent FMC, an athletic golden retriever MMC, and allll the feels. Also absolutely love the positivity around therapy and taking care of your mental health! I did find some of the writing to be repetitive and a potential continuity error — my ND brain fixated on those and I had a hard time moving on for a bit. If you’re in your romance (and spice) era, I absolutely recommend this one when it releases 3/2/24.
Full Review: Within the first few pages of this book I just knew I’d enjoy it. Their childhood best friends (who secretly wanted more) story line is just so adorable. Did I want to slap Cam a few times in the flashbacks? Oh, absolutely. But I think that makes their coming back together that much better.
At times I did feel it got repetitive — I just searched and “cinnamon colored” happens 14 times which doesn’t sound like a lot but it felt like a lot to me while reading. I sort of fixated on the details I felt were “told” instead of “shown” (if that makes sense) and I had a difficult time moving past that at different points. Also.. when Cam follows to the beach town it is a worthy plot point to mention he is in a regular hotel room not a suite. Either I missed him being moved to another room or there’s a continuity error because when Haley comes to stay with him it’s a suite.
I want to clarify that I REALIZE this doesn’t really matter for the plot itself but I fixated, so it took away from the story for me. If things like that don’t bother you as a reader, I bet you give this book a five star rating.
The story exceeded my expectations and I am very pleased with this book overall, I just feel like there are a couple little things that —if tweaked— would really send it over the edge. Is it possible they are debut novel issues? Absolutely! And I intend to read more from Rebecca Wrights to find out.
Short version: Such a great debut novel! A strong independent FMC, an athletic golden retriever MMC, and allll the feels. Also absolutely love the positivity around therapy and taking care of your mental health! I did find some of the writing to be repetitive and a potential continuity error — my ND brain fixated on those and I had a hard time moving on for a bit. If you’re in your romance (and spice) era, I absolutely recommend this one when it releases 3/2/24.
Full Review: Within the first few pages of this book I just knew I’d enjoy it. Their childhood best friends (who secretly wanted more) story line is just so adorable. Did I want to slap Cam a few times in the flashbacks? Oh, absolutely. But I think that makes their coming back together that much better.
At times I did feel it got repetitive — I just searched and “cinnamon colored” happens 14 times which doesn’t sound like a lot but it felt like a lot to me while reading. I sort of fixated on the details I felt were “told” instead of “shown” (if that makes sense) and I had a difficult time moving past that at different points. Also.. when Cam follows to the beach town it is a worthy plot point to mention he is in a regular hotel room not a suite. Either I missed him being moved to another room or there’s a continuity error because when Haley comes to stay with him it’s a suite.
I want to clarify that I REALIZE this doesn’t really matter for the plot itself but I fixated, so it took away from the story for me. If things like that don’t bother you as a reader, I bet you give this book a five star rating.
The story exceeded my expectations and I am very pleased with this book overall, I just feel like there are a couple little things that —if tweaked— would really send it over the edge. Is it possible they are debut novel issues? Absolutely! And I intend to read more from Rebecca Wrights to find out.
June 12, 2024
Feels Like Coming Home - Rebecca Wrights
*Book Rec*
𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒑𝒊𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒐 𝒑𝒐𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒚? 𝑵𝒐𝒘 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒏. 𝑰𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅’𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒆.
Rebecca is a new to me author and I will now be reading whatever she puts out. I saw a reel for her upcoming release and decided to give this one a try and I do NOT regret it! Sweet, emotional and spicy all wrapped up into this adorable book. While the FMC was a LITTLE too insecure at times I did overall enjoy this one.
“𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓?” 𝑨𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒕, 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒖𝒑 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆. “𝑨𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔.”
Cam and Haley were childhood friends that were secretly crushing on each other. The day they admitting their feelings and made plans...Cam decided to run away from those feelings...Haley moved on and married someone she TRULY loved. Sadly, he was taken from her too soon and needed to get away from the home they shared. Fate moved in for Cam and Haley and them Cam made fate happen.
“𝑪𝒂𝒎, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒃𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒚 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆. 𝑵𝒐𝒘, 𝒅𝒐 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒔𝒂𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌 𝒎𝒆. 𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕.”
🌊Second Chance
🏈Childhood Friends
🌊Grief/Anxiety
🏈He Knows her Coffee Order
*Book Rec*
𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒑𝒊𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒐 𝒑𝒐𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒚? 𝑵𝒐𝒘 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒏. 𝑰𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅’𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒆.
Rebecca is a new to me author and I will now be reading whatever she puts out. I saw a reel for her upcoming release and decided to give this one a try and I do NOT regret it! Sweet, emotional and spicy all wrapped up into this adorable book. While the FMC was a LITTLE too insecure at times I did overall enjoy this one.
“𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓?” 𝑨𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒕, 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒖𝒑 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆. “𝑨𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔.”
Cam and Haley were childhood friends that were secretly crushing on each other. The day they admitting their feelings and made plans...Cam decided to run away from those feelings...Haley moved on and married someone she TRULY loved. Sadly, he was taken from her too soon and needed to get away from the home they shared. Fate moved in for Cam and Haley and them Cam made fate happen.
“𝑪𝒂𝒎, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒃𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒚 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆. 𝑵𝒐𝒘, 𝒅𝒐 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒔𝒂𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌 𝒎𝒆. 𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕.”
🌊Second Chance
🏈Childhood Friends
🌊Grief/Anxiety
🏈He Knows her Coffee Order
March 7, 2024
This book is Rebecca Wrights' debut and is described as having a second chance romance, strong female friendship, mental health representation, no third act breakup, lots of iced coffee, spicy golden retriever men, open door scenes, he's always loved her, and dual POVs (Now and Then).
My thoughts:
I loved the friendship between Piper and Haley, the female main character, and how Piper supports Haley, who struggles with her mental health. Piper is the best friend I wished I had. 💕
I liked the way Haley's struggles were portrayed. It was relatelable to me as someone who struggles with anxiety. ❤️🩹
I found myself sighing loudly and giggling many times as I read this book. Cam, the male main character, is simply the most perfectly imperfect book boyfriend. To be honest, as I read this, I was nervous about not having the typical breakup towards the end of the book. I felt like i was going to need that struggle and kept anticipating it. However, what we get instead to me is even better. ❤️🔥
My thoughts:
I loved the friendship between Piper and Haley, the female main character, and how Piper supports Haley, who struggles with her mental health. Piper is the best friend I wished I had. 💕
I liked the way Haley's struggles were portrayed. It was relatelable to me as someone who struggles with anxiety. ❤️🩹
I found myself sighing loudly and giggling many times as I read this book. Cam, the male main character, is simply the most perfectly imperfect book boyfriend. To be honest, as I read this, I was nervous about not having the typical breakup towards the end of the book. I felt like i was going to need that struggle and kept anticipating it. However, what we get instead to me is even better. ❤️🔥
March 4, 2024
Thank you Rebecca for an ARC of Feels Like Coming Home! ✨🏠🌊
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A wonderful debut novel! I enjoyed reading this and thought Haley and Cam’s story was very sweet.
The story starts off tragically when Haley’s husband unexpectedly passes away.
She’s grief stricken, and eventually decides to book a vacation house on the beach for her and her best friend, Piper, to plan the annual She Who Thrives! conference. Haley definitely doesn’t feel like she’s thriving, but hopes the change of scenery and busying herself with work will help her heal.
Camden is a football player for the Carolina’s NFL team. When he runs in to Haley in a coffee shop in Charlotte one day, the reality of his feelings for her (since they were kids, by the way) become impossible to ignore - which is a tough situation as Haley is clearly struggling so soon after her husband’s accident.
Most of the story takes place at the beach, where Cam just happened to book a hotel room right around the corner from Haley and Pipers bungalow. It follows Haley’s healing journey, and both Haley and Cam’s feelings about each other, both past and present.
I honestly thought there was no way this story could be slow burn enough for it to be believable to me, but it actually played out relatively realistically and didn’t feel rushed. Cam and Haley’s story is extremely sweet 🥹 and picks up after a fair bit of slow burn 😉🌶️ I really loved reading it and look forward to reading more from Rebecca in the future! ❤️
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A wonderful debut novel! I enjoyed reading this and thought Haley and Cam’s story was very sweet.
The story starts off tragically when Haley’s husband unexpectedly passes away.
She’s grief stricken, and eventually decides to book a vacation house on the beach for her and her best friend, Piper, to plan the annual She Who Thrives! conference. Haley definitely doesn’t feel like she’s thriving, but hopes the change of scenery and busying herself with work will help her heal.
Camden is a football player for the Carolina’s NFL team. When he runs in to Haley in a coffee shop in Charlotte one day, the reality of his feelings for her (since they were kids, by the way) become impossible to ignore - which is a tough situation as Haley is clearly struggling so soon after her husband’s accident.
Most of the story takes place at the beach, where Cam just happened to book a hotel room right around the corner from Haley and Pipers bungalow. It follows Haley’s healing journey, and both Haley and Cam’s feelings about each other, both past and present.
I honestly thought there was no way this story could be slow burn enough for it to be believable to me, but it actually played out relatively realistically and didn’t feel rushed. Cam and Haley’s story is extremely sweet 🥹 and picks up after a fair bit of slow burn 😉🌶️ I really loved reading it and look forward to reading more from Rebecca in the future! ❤️
March 9, 2024
My Star Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
My Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️
What you’ll find:
- Second Chance Romance
- Childhood Friends to Lovers
- Golden Retriever NFL Player MMC
- Small Town
- Mental Health Representation
- Slow Burn
- No Third Act Breakup
- Dual POV and Timeline
Camden Johnson and Haley Jones have been friends since they were six years old. They both secretly had feelings for each other but never revealed them. After one night during their first year in college, things fall apart. Cam ghosts Haley, and after multiple failed attempts to communicate with him, Haley blocks him from her life. Years later, Cam - now an NFL player, runs into Haley - now married and a business owner, turning their worlds upside down.
I did my best to go into this book blind. I knew to expect an emotional experience, but I was unprepared for the heartbreak this book brought me. Cam and Haley's story was emotional and beautiful. This book broke me but I was slowly put back together. Haley's experience was so raw, honest, and relatable. Rebecca did a fantastic job tackling very emotional and challenging topics and accurately portrayed some aspects of anxiety and panic disorder. Haley's grief hit me right in the feels, and I enjoyed witnessing her journey toward healing. Cam made the ultimate mistake when he was young and dumb, but I loved his dedication to making things right. I loved everything about Cam and Haley's relationship - the tough conversations, the text banter, the fun they had when spending time together, and the spice. I also loved the friendship between Haley and Piper. Everyone needs a friend like Piper in their lives.
Feels Like Coming Home is a second-chance romance with dual timelines that takes readers on a rewarding emotional journey. This is a solid, well-written debut by Rebecca Wrights. This book is highly recommended, and I am excited to read more from her.
“I want to be the one you choose, the one you want. Not just the one you pick because you're lonely or it's convenient."
Thank you, Rebecca Wrights, for the e-ARC. Opinions expressed are my own.
My Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️
What you’ll find:
- Second Chance Romance
- Childhood Friends to Lovers
- Golden Retriever NFL Player MMC
- Small Town
- Mental Health Representation
- Slow Burn
- No Third Act Breakup
- Dual POV and Timeline
Camden Johnson and Haley Jones have been friends since they were six years old. They both secretly had feelings for each other but never revealed them. After one night during their first year in college, things fall apart. Cam ghosts Haley, and after multiple failed attempts to communicate with him, Haley blocks him from her life. Years later, Cam - now an NFL player, runs into Haley - now married and a business owner, turning their worlds upside down.
I did my best to go into this book blind. I knew to expect an emotional experience, but I was unprepared for the heartbreak this book brought me. Cam and Haley's story was emotional and beautiful. This book broke me but I was slowly put back together. Haley's experience was so raw, honest, and relatable. Rebecca did a fantastic job tackling very emotional and challenging topics and accurately portrayed some aspects of anxiety and panic disorder. Haley's grief hit me right in the feels, and I enjoyed witnessing her journey toward healing. Cam made the ultimate mistake when he was young and dumb, but I loved his dedication to making things right. I loved everything about Cam and Haley's relationship - the tough conversations, the text banter, the fun they had when spending time together, and the spice. I also loved the friendship between Haley and Piper. Everyone needs a friend like Piper in their lives.
Feels Like Coming Home is a second-chance romance with dual timelines that takes readers on a rewarding emotional journey. This is a solid, well-written debut by Rebecca Wrights. This book is highly recommended, and I am excited to read more from her.
“I want to be the one you choose, the one you want. Not just the one you pick because you're lonely or it's convenient."
Thank you, Rebecca Wrights, for the e-ARC. Opinions expressed are my own.
February 28, 2024
let me tell you, the second rebecca posted anything about this book in instagram i was hooked! i was so beyond ready to read this book & might have squealed like a school girl when i got picked to be a part of the arc team! this book releases march 2 & will be available on kindle unlimited!!
this book is both emotional & lighthearted in a way. if you like the song beautiful things by benson boone, it’s what i was thinking about the entire time reading this book. this book follows cam & haley through both past & present timelines. you see these two go from childhood besties to complete strangers to reconciling. you’d think, wow that’s just a regular friends to strangers to lovers, but so much happens in haley’s life during this time that just makes it all so much deeper.
the BANTER in this booooook. i devour books with great banter & text messages, & this book has both! it also has incredible mental health representation! i would go way more into depth of this book, buuuuut i think you should go in mostly blind! i don’t know about you, but that’s the best way (i think) to read a book! however, do read the trigger warnings! overall, loooooved this book & it is such an incredible debut novel! i will definitely be looking out for more of rebecca’s books! she has another one coming out this year i believe👀
what’s in this book:
•crack…i mean what? jk
•banter
•childhood friends to strangers to lovers
•mental health representation (grief & anxiety)
•nfl player
•boy obsessed
•slow burn
•dual pov & timeline
literally, thank you so much to rebecca for a free copy of this ebook of this book in exchange for my honest reviews. 10/10 recommend!!
this book is both emotional & lighthearted in a way. if you like the song beautiful things by benson boone, it’s what i was thinking about the entire time reading this book. this book follows cam & haley through both past & present timelines. you see these two go from childhood besties to complete strangers to reconciling. you’d think, wow that’s just a regular friends to strangers to lovers, but so much happens in haley’s life during this time that just makes it all so much deeper.
the BANTER in this booooook. i devour books with great banter & text messages, & this book has both! it also has incredible mental health representation! i would go way more into depth of this book, buuuuut i think you should go in mostly blind! i don’t know about you, but that’s the best way (i think) to read a book! however, do read the trigger warnings! overall, loooooved this book & it is such an incredible debut novel! i will definitely be looking out for more of rebecca’s books! she has another one coming out this year i believe👀
what’s in this book:
•crack…i mean what? jk
•banter
•childhood friends to strangers to lovers
•mental health representation (grief & anxiety)
•nfl player
•boy obsessed
•slow burn
•dual pov & timeline
literally, thank you so much to rebecca for a free copy of this ebook of this book in exchange for my honest reviews. 10/10 recommend!!
March 8, 2024
arc review
Haley and Cam are gonna have a part of my heart forever and always 🤭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️
The book overall was just so well written and it felt so real. It was easy to read and I was hooked from the very first chapter. Heck it had me hooked from the dedication. We get dual pov and past and present timelines.
The first few chapters in Haley’s pov after the thing that happened (not gonna spoil), made me so emotional. I would be reading on my way home with tears in my eyes, trying to hold them back. She went through a lot, during her childhood and now as an adult too. But she fought through them all, and she had people who cared about her that were there for her and that had her back.
Past Cam pissed me off. He just pissed me off, I know he was young and stupid, but he still pissed me off. Whereas present Cam, I love. I love present Cam, this Cam knows he messed up big time, lost his best friend and when he sees that he’s been given a second chance, he is not letting go. He was so boy obsessed it was so cute 😂 Haley could just be sitting down on a chair like a normal person and Cam will have stars and hearts in his eyes.
The friendships in this book 😩 both Piper and Harvey were such good friends. Piper being there for Haley seriously was one of my favourite things in this book , and Harvey calling Cam out on his stupidity was one of the best things ever.
And the epilogue 😭 it was such a sweet way to end the book. The last line also had me tearing up. Happy tears. This book broke my heart and then healed it.
Haley and Cam are gonna have a part of my heart forever and always 🤭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️
The book overall was just so well written and it felt so real. It was easy to read and I was hooked from the very first chapter. Heck it had me hooked from the dedication. We get dual pov and past and present timelines.
The first few chapters in Haley’s pov after the thing that happened (not gonna spoil), made me so emotional. I would be reading on my way home with tears in my eyes, trying to hold them back. She went through a lot, during her childhood and now as an adult too. But she fought through them all, and she had people who cared about her that were there for her and that had her back.
Past Cam pissed me off. He just pissed me off, I know he was young and stupid, but he still pissed me off. Whereas present Cam, I love. I love present Cam, this Cam knows he messed up big time, lost his best friend and when he sees that he’s been given a second chance, he is not letting go. He was so boy obsessed it was so cute 😂 Haley could just be sitting down on a chair like a normal person and Cam will have stars and hearts in his eyes.
The friendships in this book 😩 both Piper and Harvey were such good friends. Piper being there for Haley seriously was one of my favourite things in this book , and Harvey calling Cam out on his stupidity was one of the best things ever.
And the epilogue 😭 it was such a sweet way to end the book. The last line also had me tearing up. Happy tears. This book broke my heart and then healed it.
October 26, 2023
I thought I had a decent idea of what to expect going into this book, but I was absolutely not prepared for the way my heart would break and then get put back together. Haley and Cam have history that’s had a tendency to go back and forth between sweet and sad, and when they finally have a chance at happiness together, they have to fight a lot of battles to get there. The way Cam doesn’t give up on Haley and fights for their relationship to last was beautiful and I admired Haley so much throughout for battling her anxiety and inner struggles. She was such a strong female main character and Haley’s best friend, Piper, should get an award for best side character! I was constantly laughing at her blunt humor and loved their strong friendship.
I flew through this book and didn’t want it to end! Be sure to add it to your tbr and read it as soon as it releases. You will not be disappointed!
I flew through this book and didn’t want it to end! Be sure to add it to your tbr and read it as soon as it releases. You will not be disappointed!
February 23, 2024
Feels Like Coming Home is an emotional rollercoaster in the best possible way that I didn't know I wanted or needed. And I think this is one that you NEED to read as well!
*Please check your triggers for this book. This book does contain sudden spousal loss and mental health representation that may be hard to read for some.*
Feels Like Coming Home is a second chance romance that follows Cam and Haley. Cam and Haley have been best friends since 6 years old til they had a falling out their freshman year in college when Haley and Cam confessed their feelings for each other finally, only to have Cam ghost Haley. Fast forward 10 years later Haley is married and Cam plays in the NHL but Haley is the woman who got away. When Cam has a chance encounter with Haley in a coffee shop, he is determined to get back in her life. But the only problem is, Haley is now a grieving widow.
📚 Book Tropes:
- Second Chance Romace
- Childhood Friends to Lovers
- Mutal Pining
- Boy Obsessed
- Mental Health Representation
- Slow Burn
- No Third Act Break Up
- Dual POV and Timeline
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
💭 My Thoughts: I'm a huge fan of second chance romances and dual time lines so there is no wonder that I loved this book. But honestly I didn't expect this to be the emotional rollercoaster that it was. Rebecca's writing made me feel every emotion that they characters were feeling. I cried, laughed, blushed and even experienced the butterflies when Haley was falling back in love with Cam. But I also felt her being torn about entering a new relationship after the loss of her husband. And that right there is amazing writing. When an author can make me feel!
Cam and Haley are everything. Their relationship is so sweet. The fact that after all of these years they still remember little things about each other, how the protect one another and how they can simply be themselves was so nice to see. Not to mention how Cam was with Haley after the loss of her husband. How he allowed her to grieve but also let her know it is ok to give into her feelings for him. Truly an amazing love story 🖤
So do I think you should read Feels Like Coming Home? Yes, yes I do! I think if you enjoy second chance romances and are looking for a good cry that leads to a happy ever after for two people who have loved each other for years then this is the book for you! I truly adored Cam and Haley and I hope you do as well!
Forever and Always.
*I want to say thank you to Rebecca Wrights for allowing me the opportunity to read Feels Like Coming Home as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
*Please check your triggers for this book. This book does contain sudden spousal loss and mental health representation that may be hard to read for some.*
Feels Like Coming Home is a second chance romance that follows Cam and Haley. Cam and Haley have been best friends since 6 years old til they had a falling out their freshman year in college when Haley and Cam confessed their feelings for each other finally, only to have Cam ghost Haley. Fast forward 10 years later Haley is married and Cam plays in the NHL but Haley is the woman who got away. When Cam has a chance encounter with Haley in a coffee shop, he is determined to get back in her life. But the only problem is, Haley is now a grieving widow.
📚 Book Tropes:
- Second Chance Romace
- Childhood Friends to Lovers
- Mutal Pining
- Boy Obsessed
- Mental Health Representation
- Slow Burn
- No Third Act Break Up
- Dual POV and Timeline
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
💭 My Thoughts: I'm a huge fan of second chance romances and dual time lines so there is no wonder that I loved this book. But honestly I didn't expect this to be the emotional rollercoaster that it was. Rebecca's writing made me feel every emotion that they characters were feeling. I cried, laughed, blushed and even experienced the butterflies when Haley was falling back in love with Cam. But I also felt her being torn about entering a new relationship after the loss of her husband. And that right there is amazing writing. When an author can make me feel!
Cam and Haley are everything. Their relationship is so sweet. The fact that after all of these years they still remember little things about each other, how the protect one another and how they can simply be themselves was so nice to see. Not to mention how Cam was with Haley after the loss of her husband. How he allowed her to grieve but also let her know it is ok to give into her feelings for him. Truly an amazing love story 🖤
So do I think you should read Feels Like Coming Home? Yes, yes I do! I think if you enjoy second chance romances and are looking for a good cry that leads to a happy ever after for two people who have loved each other for years then this is the book for you! I truly adored Cam and Haley and I hope you do as well!
Forever and Always.
*I want to say thank you to Rebecca Wrights for allowing me the opportunity to read Feels Like Coming Home as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
March 2, 2024
firstly, thank you to rebecca wrights for approving me to receive an ARC of this book!
growing up in north carolina, my favorite place to visit was wilmington. when i found out this book was set around there, i knew i would enjoy it. like the title suggests, it just felt like coming home to me. i could picture things so easily and find myself transported back. but that’s also an attest to rebecca’s writing. it was descriptive but simple, allowing me to form strong pictures of exactly what was happening.
as for haley and camden’s story, i thought it was so sweet. second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes, and this did not disappoint. i also loved the dual timeline aspect. it was emotional and there were some big topics surrounding loss and mental health, so please make sure to check content warnings. there was a lot of character growth, and i even talked about this with rebecca - the way that camden also grew and had his own journey. sometimes i feel in romance one character loses some depth when the other is being focused on, whether it’s the male or female, but both of these main characters had some depth and made sure that they were growing to be the best version of themselves for each other.
be sure to grab some coffee (from a local shop, just like haley! no supporting starbucks in this house!) and grab a blanket and cozy up with this sweet, coastal town, childhood friends to lovers romance and watch how they make their way back to each other.
growing up in north carolina, my favorite place to visit was wilmington. when i found out this book was set around there, i knew i would enjoy it. like the title suggests, it just felt like coming home to me. i could picture things so easily and find myself transported back. but that’s also an attest to rebecca’s writing. it was descriptive but simple, allowing me to form strong pictures of exactly what was happening.
as for haley and camden’s story, i thought it was so sweet. second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes, and this did not disappoint. i also loved the dual timeline aspect. it was emotional and there were some big topics surrounding loss and mental health, so please make sure to check content warnings. there was a lot of character growth, and i even talked about this with rebecca - the way that camden also grew and had his own journey. sometimes i feel in romance one character loses some depth when the other is being focused on, whether it’s the male or female, but both of these main characters had some depth and made sure that they were growing to be the best version of themselves for each other.
be sure to grab some coffee (from a local shop, just like haley! no supporting starbucks in this house!) and grab a blanket and cozy up with this sweet, coastal town, childhood friends to lovers romance and watch how they make their way back to each other.
March 18, 2024
🌊Arc review🌊
Feels Like Coming Home
by Rebecca Wrights
Forever & Always
🏈Cinnamon Roll MMC
💥Friends to Lovers
💗Grief x Loss
✨️Dual POV
🌊Second chance romance
💕Female friendship
💋Forehead kisses
💙Mental Health Rep
🫶No third act breakup
This novel is beautiful from the friendship between Piper and Haley, to the ups and downs with Cam, and how anxiety and loss can really play a huge role in your mental health, and that its okay to ask for help and have a good support system where you dont have to pretend everything is sunshine and rainbows, they will love you unconditionally through the all the bad shit and all the good shit too.
I really just wanted to go through my Kindle and give Haley a book hug, but im glad she had Cam and was able to realize it's okay to love after loss. And im glad that she made Cam prove himself to her cause he wasn't doing himself any favors, like it's okay to be scared but communicate! My heart was so happy at the last line, IYKYK.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Feels Like Coming Home
by Rebecca Wrights
Forever & Always
🏈Cinnamon Roll MMC
💥Friends to Lovers
💗Grief x Loss
✨️Dual POV
🌊Second chance romance
💕Female friendship
💋Forehead kisses
💙Mental Health Rep
🫶No third act breakup
This novel is beautiful from the friendship between Piper and Haley, to the ups and downs with Cam, and how anxiety and loss can really play a huge role in your mental health, and that its okay to ask for help and have a good support system where you dont have to pretend everything is sunshine and rainbows, they will love you unconditionally through the all the bad shit and all the good shit too.
I really just wanted to go through my Kindle and give Haley a book hug, but im glad she had Cam and was able to realize it's okay to love after loss. And im glad that she made Cam prove himself to her cause he wasn't doing himself any favors, like it's okay to be scared but communicate! My heart was so happy at the last line, IYKYK.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2024
Haley and Cam have such a sweet story 🩵 - a second chance, friends to lovers to not friends to friends to lovers romance with plenty of open door spicy scenes.
Haley is struggling through some mental health issues and grief when Cam returns to her life. He hurt her when they were younger and she’s worried it’s happening all over again as she begins to fall for him (again? Still?).
Haley’s journey was well written and my heart hurt for her at times. Piper is a really supportive friend. Everyone needs a Piper in their lives.
Cam is wonderful. Yeah, he was an idiot when he was younger causing the rift between him and Haley. It’s obvious that he has changed and is determined to make things right and to be there for Haley in any way that she lets him. Cam’s only (current) red flag is that he doesn’t know the words to Taylor Swift songs 😆
Haley is struggling through some mental health issues and grief when Cam returns to her life. He hurt her when they were younger and she’s worried it’s happening all over again as she begins to fall for him (again? Still?).
Haley’s journey was well written and my heart hurt for her at times. Piper is a really supportive friend. Everyone needs a Piper in their lives.
Cam is wonderful. Yeah, he was an idiot when he was younger causing the rift between him and Haley. It’s obvious that he has changed and is determined to make things right and to be there for Haley in any way that she lets him. Cam’s only (current) red flag is that he doesn’t know the words to Taylor Swift songs 😆
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2024
I want to first of all congratulate Rebecca for her debut novel. This was such a great escape. I loved the premise of friends to strangers to lovers, second chance in love as well as life, small beach town vibes, grovelling and courting.
Haley is in love with her husband but sometimes that’s not enough to make it last, when her husband meets with an accident he passes away and she doesn’t know how to survive anymore. What’s more difficult is her meeting her best friend Cam again in the town where the funeral is being held.
Cam & Haley had an up and down relationship, the love and confusion of young age. But now when Cam has seen her again, he knows he has to make it right.
I loved the way Haley’s journey filed with pain, anxiety and also panic attacks is shown. What I loved more is how much Cam did to just show her that it’s different this time.
This book was a quick and fun read with lots of laugh, shoony moments, spice and tears.
Haley is in love with her husband but sometimes that’s not enough to make it last, when her husband meets with an accident he passes away and she doesn’t know how to survive anymore. What’s more difficult is her meeting her best friend Cam again in the town where the funeral is being held.
Cam & Haley had an up and down relationship, the love and confusion of young age. But now when Cam has seen her again, he knows he has to make it right.
I loved the way Haley’s journey filed with pain, anxiety and also panic attacks is shown. What I loved more is how much Cam did to just show her that it’s different this time.
This book was a quick and fun read with lots of laugh, shoony moments, spice and tears.
March 7, 2024
ARC review! Feels Like Coming Home by @rebeccawrightsauthor
Haley Jones and Camden Johnson had been friends since kindergarten. Secretly pining for each other since high school, their timing never quite right. When he left her after a magical (PG 13) night together, she blocked him from her life to protect her heart and became the one who got away.
Now, nearly 18 years later, she is going through hell and he resurfaces with only her on his mind. Can Cam prove he's a better man and not the dumb 18 year old who broke her heart? Can Haley trust him to not leave her again?
When they are reunited after all this time, neither of them can deny how much it feels like coming home.
Thoughts:
This book was pulling on my heart and had me crying by Chapter 3 and for completely opposite reasons by the end.
The love story? I'm a sucker for second chance romance. And the Dual POV & Now/Then had me rooting for them the whole time.
The spice? We love relatable open door spice. No one has time to spend figuring out how someone bends in impossible ways and making us feel bad for not being able to do the same.
The mental health rep? Grief and anxiety are no joke. How do I get me a Deborah? We love a boss babe in therapy. We love actual coping mechanisms.
The strong female relationship? Piper is my girl. We all need a bestie who asks for the spicy details but also threatens your man with murder if he hurts you again.
Forever and Always.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Haley Jones and Camden Johnson had been friends since kindergarten. Secretly pining for each other since high school, their timing never quite right. When he left her after a magical (PG 13) night together, she blocked him from her life to protect her heart and became the one who got away.
Now, nearly 18 years later, she is going through hell and he resurfaces with only her on his mind. Can Cam prove he's a better man and not the dumb 18 year old who broke her heart? Can Haley trust him to not leave her again?
When they are reunited after all this time, neither of them can deny how much it feels like coming home.
Thoughts:
This book was pulling on my heart and had me crying by Chapter 3 and for completely opposite reasons by the end.
The love story? I'm a sucker for second chance romance. And the Dual POV & Now/Then had me rooting for them the whole time.
The spice? We love relatable open door spice. No one has time to spend figuring out how someone bends in impossible ways and making us feel bad for not being able to do the same.
The mental health rep? Grief and anxiety are no joke. How do I get me a Deborah? We love a boss babe in therapy. We love actual coping mechanisms.
The strong female relationship? Piper is my girl. We all need a bestie who asks for the spicy details but also threatens your man with murder if he hurts you again.
Forever and Always.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
March 2, 2024
A genuine second chance story!
This was an emotional journey to go on, especially with the flashbacks throughout the story. It serves as a great reminder that you have to go through a little heartache to find your happily ever after, but this one made my heart sad.
I love that they call each other by their last names and were childhood best friends. The amount of times I wanted to strangle past Cam and present Haley were almost equal, but their bond is a beautiful thing to watch as it continues to grow.
The one thing that lives in my brain now is the amount of times he referred to her hair as cinnamon-colored, 14 as a matter of fact. I will forever think of that term when I see that shade of hair from now on, and will remember this book.
**Childhood friends
**Debut novel
**Mental health/Therapy rep
**NFL player
**Second chance romance
**Widow
At one point I almost threw my Kindle, but I take that as a sign of a story with characters I'm fully invested in. Make sure to read the TW's before you start reading, but even at that, have some tissues on hand.
This was an emotional journey to go on, especially with the flashbacks throughout the story. It serves as a great reminder that you have to go through a little heartache to find your happily ever after, but this one made my heart sad.
I love that they call each other by their last names and were childhood best friends. The amount of times I wanted to strangle past Cam and present Haley were almost equal, but their bond is a beautiful thing to watch as it continues to grow.
The one thing that lives in my brain now is the amount of times he referred to her hair as cinnamon-colored, 14 as a matter of fact. I will forever think of that term when I see that shade of hair from now on, and will remember this book.
**Childhood friends
**Debut novel
**Mental health/Therapy rep
**NFL player
**Second chance romance
**Widow
At one point I almost threw my Kindle, but I take that as a sign of a story with characters I'm fully invested in. Make sure to read the TW's before you start reading, but even at that, have some tissues on hand.
March 6, 2024
Haley and Camden (childhood best friends) are reuniting (after having not spoken for more than ten years) after Haley’s husband passes away.
I started reading this on my anniversary so please let me ask you don’t do the same 😂. This love story between Haley and her husband, Connor, is written beautifully and I felt myself tearing up only minutes into the book.
We quickly learn that Cam still remembers many things about Haley all these years later - her love of dahlias, her dislike for the beach, and her love of indie coffee shops (a true queen). Green flags for Cam.
The way this book is written (when Cam first starts spending time with Haley again) easily reminds me of what it felt like when I began dating my husband. Is he going to kiss me? I want him to kiss me. I’m nervous! Is he going to kiss me?? It was sweet and charming and got me in the feels.
When they finally get together (around 60% in) I was wishing for a bit more spice - especially since we knew it was something they’d both been dreaming of for half their lives. It wasn’t closed door but the scenes aren’t overly descriptive or long and don’t use the most explicit phrases.
Cam continues to be caring, telling Haley he’ll always listen if she wants to talk about her husband, although he does seem a bit clueless sometimes about why she’s hesitant. I did feel like I was starting to feel a bit repetitive with Haley beating herself up about her feelings for Cam, but realistically any recent widow would feel this way so I think the book is just being truthful. Even after Haley explains that her therapist taught her calming breathing, Cam is later surprised to learn Haley has anxiety. Maybe that’s just his character but I felt myself a few times saying things like “of course, come on” etc.
Of course this book has an HEA which also made me tear up. Overall, a lovely story about a second chance at love.
story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I started reading this on my anniversary so please let me ask you don’t do the same 😂. This love story between Haley and her husband, Connor, is written beautifully and I felt myself tearing up only minutes into the book.
We quickly learn that Cam still remembers many things about Haley all these years later - her love of dahlias, her dislike for the beach, and her love of indie coffee shops (a true queen). Green flags for Cam.
The way this book is written (when Cam first starts spending time with Haley again) easily reminds me of what it felt like when I began dating my husband. Is he going to kiss me? I want him to kiss me. I’m nervous! Is he going to kiss me?? It was sweet and charming and got me in the feels.
When they finally get together (around 60% in) I was wishing for a bit more spice - especially since we knew it was something they’d both been dreaming of for half their lives. It wasn’t closed door but the scenes aren’t overly descriptive or long and don’t use the most explicit phrases.
Cam continues to be caring, telling Haley he’ll always listen if she wants to talk about her husband, although he does seem a bit clueless sometimes about why she’s hesitant. I did feel like I was starting to feel a bit repetitive with Haley beating herself up about her feelings for Cam, but realistically any recent widow would feel this way so I think the book is just being truthful. Even after Haley explains that her therapist taught her calming breathing, Cam is later surprised to learn Haley has anxiety. Maybe that’s just his character but I felt myself a few times saying things like “of course, come on” etc.
Of course this book has an HEA which also made me tear up. Overall, a lovely story about a second chance at love.
story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
February 21, 2024
I was so excited to ARC read this book! Thank you Rebecca for letting me read this sweet and swoony debut novel before you released it to the world.
Where to start? This is a second chance at love, friends to lovers story. Haley, the FMC, and Camden, the MMC, were so fun. Their banter was great, and I thought everything they went through was relatable. The first part of the book is heartbreaking, but I love the way Wrights incorporated mental health and taking care of yourself through trauma. However great the main characters were, Piper, the FMC’s best friend stole the show! She was everything you want in a best friend, and her loyalty had me tearing up.
“It almost felt as if the giant hole inside me was starting to be filled again, but with soil instead of cement, allowing for new and beautiful things to grow from it”. At the heart this story is beautiful things, growing from heartbreak and trauma, as well as what happens when friendship and love prevail. Definitely check out this debut novel from Rebecca Wrights!
Where to start? This is a second chance at love, friends to lovers story. Haley, the FMC, and Camden, the MMC, were so fun. Their banter was great, and I thought everything they went through was relatable. The first part of the book is heartbreaking, but I love the way Wrights incorporated mental health and taking care of yourself through trauma. However great the main characters were, Piper, the FMC’s best friend stole the show! She was everything you want in a best friend, and her loyalty had me tearing up.
“It almost felt as if the giant hole inside me was starting to be filled again, but with soil instead of cement, allowing for new and beautiful things to grow from it”. At the heart this story is beautiful things, growing from heartbreak and trauma, as well as what happens when friendship and love prevail. Definitely check out this debut novel from Rebecca Wrights!
March 2, 2024
a heart wrenching debut about two people finding their way back together
If you are looking for a read that will have you in tears, give you all the butterflies, and follow two flawed characters working to be the best version of themselves so they can find their way back to each other, this is the read for you.
Feels like coming home is a small town, second chance, love after loss romance. You do not want to miss this debut!
If you are looking for a read that will have you in tears, give you all the butterflies, and follow two flawed characters working to be the best version of themselves so they can find their way back to each other, this is the read for you.
Feels like coming home is a small town, second chance, love after loss romance. You do not want to miss this debut!
March 30, 2024
- ARC Reader -
2.75 ⭐️ but I’m rounding up because I can 🫶🏼
🌶️🌶️🌶️ but I skimmed through a lot of the spicy scenes because I didn’t really connect to the characters and was not invested
This took me a really long time to read. I think it was a struggle to pick up because I didn’t connect to the characters as much as I wanted to. I think the second chance romance can be so good, depending on the situation. As for Cam, he kind of pissed me off and I wasn’t really rooting for him…. Maybe if I had more of their history I would’ve felt more compelled to cheer for their love but I really wasn’t.
Also, if he’s a professional athlete - I never would have guessed. I LOVE sports and love when we get a look into their athletic lives. Other than telling us he was a NFL player, there was nothing more. It’s definitely not a sports romance, so don’t expect that.
I love a good small town story which you kind of get those vibes…. It seems so cozy and I’d love to visit! I do wish there was more description on their settings. A lot of things just seemed repetitive. I’ve read A LOT of books, and can easily compare it to my 5 star reads and it’s not the same.
Overall, this book wasn’t really for me, but books are personal and I usually don’t leave reviews for this very reason! Definitely pick it up and give it a read because you may have a different opinion!
2.75 ⭐️ but I’m rounding up because I can 🫶🏼
🌶️🌶️🌶️ but I skimmed through a lot of the spicy scenes because I didn’t really connect to the characters and was not invested
This took me a really long time to read. I think it was a struggle to pick up because I didn’t connect to the characters as much as I wanted to. I think the second chance romance can be so good, depending on the situation. As for Cam, he kind of pissed me off and I wasn’t really rooting for him…. Maybe if I had more of their history I would’ve felt more compelled to cheer for their love but I really wasn’t.
Also, if he’s a professional athlete - I never would have guessed. I LOVE sports and love when we get a look into their athletic lives. Other than telling us he was a NFL player, there was nothing more. It’s definitely not a sports romance, so don’t expect that.
I love a good small town story which you kind of get those vibes…. It seems so cozy and I’d love to visit! I do wish there was more description on their settings. A lot of things just seemed repetitive. I’ve read A LOT of books, and can easily compare it to my 5 star reads and it’s not the same.
Overall, this book wasn’t really for me, but books are personal and I usually don’t leave reviews for this very reason! Definitely pick it up and give it a read because you may have a different opinion!
April 12, 2024
Tiene una semana que su esposo quien se supone es el amor de su vida se murió, y sólo basto volver ver a Cam para que se le olvidara todo su dolor y tuviera pensamiento lujuriosos por otro hombre. Luego en el funeral de Connor vuelven a tener un momento y al final ella decide alejarse porque no quiere volver a resultar herida, o sea mientras el cuerpo de su esposo está a unos metros, ella está pensando en Cam. Lo bueno es que amaba con todo su ser a Connor.
No entiendo como Haley puede seguir teniendo sentimientos por alguien que nunca la trató con respeto, quien la utilizó, quien no le importaba lastimarla porque sabía que sólo tenia que poner su cara de estupido y lo perdonaría y quien siempre eligió a otras a pesar de decir que la amaba.
“Yes, Cam, we’re okay. But you know how I feel about you, and I don’t want to be your rebound. I want to be the one you choose, the one you want. Not just the one you pick because you’re lonely or it’s convenient.”
“Haley, that’s not fair, and that’s not what this is.”
“Isn’t it?”
“Isn’t that what has always happened the last few years? Ever since we were fifteen and I told you how I felt about you, you always seemed to never be available or willing to choose me. And that’s fine if that’s truly how you feel about me, but I don’t think it is. I think there’s more between us, you just won’t admit to it. But I can’t continue to be your second choice, Cam. I think it would be better if we were friends. Just friends. Okay?”
He looked at me, a mixture of disappointment and understanding on his face. “Okay,” he said, nodding his head, “Okay, I get it. I’m with you. You promise we’re okay, though? And that we’re friends again?”
I wanted to ask him why he couldn’t just pick me.
Why he’d avoided the feelings I knew he had for me because they were the same I had for him. At the end of our freshman year of high school, under the bleachers, I had gotten brave and told him how I felt about him, and he brushed it off like it was a joke. Embarrassed and hurt, I went along with it for fear that our friendship would be ruined if I didn’t.
But there were times when he led me to think that he felt the same way about me. Certain texts he would send me between classes and the way I would find him looking at me from across the cafeteria. How, after he caught the winning pass at last year’s championship game, he ran to me in the stands and pulled me into a hug in front of the entire school. Cam’s actions told me he felt one way about me, but his words told me something else.
And it always left me feeling like I was never enough.
“Yes, Cam, we can still be friends. Forever and always.”
I spoke the words even though I didn’t mean them. I didn’t want to only be his friend, I wanted to be something more. I wanted to be the one he picked. The one he wanted. The one he loved.
Forever and always.
Hay un salto de 6 meses después del funeral, no se vuelven a ver, pero como terminó la temporada de béisbol (no recuerdo el deporte) al tarado se le hace buena idea perseguir a Haley y hacer que se enamore de él. No hizo falta que se esforzará porque durante esos meses, ella no dejo de pensar en él.
Hay algunas escenas en donde se supone debemos ver como Haley ama a Connor, pero con todo lo que pasa en el libro te das cuenta que la única razón por la que estaba con él fue porque Cam nunca la eligió y no le quedó de otra que irse con alguien que siempre la puso primero. Me enoja que Connor fue su premio de consolación, él era una buena persona, no se merecía casarse con alguien que no lo amaba como debía y que jamás experimento esa clase de amor.
“That’s the thing, it doesn’t really feel like moving on with Cam. It feels like going home.”
Estoy 100% segura que si Connor no hubiera muerto y Haley y Cam se hubieran reencontrado, ella se habría divorciado para estar con el tarado o en el peor de los cosas habría sido infiel.
La parte final la sentí como un insulto a Connor y remató con lo de la comida. 💔
Being with Cam didn’t feel like moving on from Connor.
Being with Cam felt like coming home.
“Can we order Thai?”
No entiendo como Haley puede seguir teniendo sentimientos por alguien que nunca la trató con respeto, quien la utilizó, quien no le importaba lastimarla porque sabía que sólo tenia que poner su cara de estupido y lo perdonaría y quien siempre eligió a otras a pesar de decir que la amaba.
“Yes, Cam, we’re okay. But you know how I feel about you, and I don’t want to be your rebound. I want to be the one you choose, the one you want. Not just the one you pick because you’re lonely or it’s convenient.”
“Haley, that’s not fair, and that’s not what this is.”
“Isn’t it?”
“Isn’t that what has always happened the last few years? Ever since we were fifteen and I told you how I felt about you, you always seemed to never be available or willing to choose me. And that’s fine if that’s truly how you feel about me, but I don’t think it is. I think there’s more between us, you just won’t admit to it. But I can’t continue to be your second choice, Cam. I think it would be better if we were friends. Just friends. Okay?”
He looked at me, a mixture of disappointment and understanding on his face. “Okay,” he said, nodding his head, “Okay, I get it. I’m with you. You promise we’re okay, though? And that we’re friends again?”
I wanted to ask him why he couldn’t just pick me.
Why he’d avoided the feelings I knew he had for me because they were the same I had for him. At the end of our freshman year of high school, under the bleachers, I had gotten brave and told him how I felt about him, and he brushed it off like it was a joke. Embarrassed and hurt, I went along with it for fear that our friendship would be ruined if I didn’t.
But there were times when he led me to think that he felt the same way about me. Certain texts he would send me between classes and the way I would find him looking at me from across the cafeteria. How, after he caught the winning pass at last year’s championship game, he ran to me in the stands and pulled me into a hug in front of the entire school. Cam’s actions told me he felt one way about me, but his words told me something else.
And it always left me feeling like I was never enough.
“Yes, Cam, we can still be friends. Forever and always.”
I spoke the words even though I didn’t mean them. I didn’t want to only be his friend, I wanted to be something more. I wanted to be the one he picked. The one he wanted. The one he loved.
Forever and always.
Hay un salto de 6 meses después del funeral, no se vuelven a ver, pero como terminó la temporada de béisbol (no recuerdo el deporte) al tarado se le hace buena idea perseguir a Haley y hacer que se enamore de él. No hizo falta que se esforzará porque durante esos meses, ella no dejo de pensar en él.
Hay algunas escenas en donde se supone debemos ver como Haley ama a Connor, pero con todo lo que pasa en el libro te das cuenta que la única razón por la que estaba con él fue porque Cam nunca la eligió y no le quedó de otra que irse con alguien que siempre la puso primero. Me enoja que Connor fue su premio de consolación, él era una buena persona, no se merecía casarse con alguien que no lo amaba como debía y que jamás experimento esa clase de amor.
“That’s the thing, it doesn’t really feel like moving on with Cam. It feels like going home.”
Estoy 100% segura que si Connor no hubiera muerto y Haley y Cam se hubieran reencontrado, ella se habría divorciado para estar con el tarado o en el peor de los cosas habría sido infiel.
La parte final la sentí como un insulto a Connor y remató con lo de la comida. 💔
Being with Cam didn’t feel like moving on from Connor.
Being with Cam felt like coming home.
“Can we order Thai?”
March 9, 2024
Not to sound cheesy, but this book really felt like coming home. It made me feel warm and fuzzy.
Hayley and Camden were best friends from kindergarten till freshman year of college when Cam did something reprehensible and Hayley cut him off. (It takes quite a while before we find out what happened). Now it’s 14 years later, Camden is a player in the NFL and he’s just been traded to a team in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he bumps into Hayley and after some initial friction, they reconnect.
This book was so well written and so relatable. I loved the mental health/ therapy positive rep in this book. As someone who struggles with mental health myself, it was nice to see all the support Hayley got from her mum and her best friend Piper and even from Camden (after he found out what was going on). I love how even before he find out what was really going on with her, he was patient and supportive. The close friendship between Piper and Hayley was so nice to see. I love a good childhood friends to lovers story. It was really sweet to see how, even after so many years apart, they’re connection was still there. They still remembered all the little quirks of the other person and they still cared deeply for each other.
The majority of this story takes place in a seaside town in North Carolina and the author paints such a lovely picture of the setting that it’s so easy imagine being there.
This story is told in a past and present timeline and I was actually a bit wary of reading this book because of that. I’ve read books where the constant back and forth was hard to keep track of, and the present story kept getting interrupted by trips into the past. In this book, however, the past was nicely woven into the present timeline and gave us context, at the appropriate time, for what was going on in the present (be prepared for all the emotions you’re going to feel when you finally find out what happened between Cam and Hayley in college). It takes a while for the author to reveal what Cam did to make Hayley cut him off, but when we finally find out, everything falls into place. I think having us meet present Cam before past Cam was a great choice on the part of the writer because we were able to see the story from a more neutral perspective, rather than judging him by his teenage actions. We actually see his character growth through the trips into the past and we appreciate the man he is now, because of that.
One of the things that drew me to this book was the relatable spice. There isn’t a lot of spice in this book and the spice was written really well. It really illustrated the emotional intimacy between Hayley and Cam.
This is the book for you if you like a second chance, childhood friends to lovers romance with strong female friendship, mental health representation, no third act breakup, low angst, and a bit of spice.
*I received a free book from the author and this is my honest review.
Hayley and Camden were best friends from kindergarten till freshman year of college when Cam did something reprehensible and Hayley cut him off. (It takes quite a while before we find out what happened). Now it’s 14 years later, Camden is a player in the NFL and he’s just been traded to a team in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he bumps into Hayley and after some initial friction, they reconnect.
This book was so well written and so relatable. I loved the mental health/ therapy positive rep in this book. As someone who struggles with mental health myself, it was nice to see all the support Hayley got from her mum and her best friend Piper and even from Camden (after he found out what was going on). I love how even before he find out what was really going on with her, he was patient and supportive. The close friendship between Piper and Hayley was so nice to see. I love a good childhood friends to lovers story. It was really sweet to see how, even after so many years apart, they’re connection was still there. They still remembered all the little quirks of the other person and they still cared deeply for each other.
The majority of this story takes place in a seaside town in North Carolina and the author paints such a lovely picture of the setting that it’s so easy imagine being there.
This story is told in a past and present timeline and I was actually a bit wary of reading this book because of that. I’ve read books where the constant back and forth was hard to keep track of, and the present story kept getting interrupted by trips into the past. In this book, however, the past was nicely woven into the present timeline and gave us context, at the appropriate time, for what was going on in the present (be prepared for all the emotions you’re going to feel when you finally find out what happened between Cam and Hayley in college). It takes a while for the author to reveal what Cam did to make Hayley cut him off, but when we finally find out, everything falls into place. I think having us meet present Cam before past Cam was a great choice on the part of the writer because we were able to see the story from a more neutral perspective, rather than judging him by his teenage actions. We actually see his character growth through the trips into the past and we appreciate the man he is now, because of that.
One of the things that drew me to this book was the relatable spice. There isn’t a lot of spice in this book and the spice was written really well. It really illustrated the emotional intimacy between Hayley and Cam.
This is the book for you if you like a second chance, childhood friends to lovers romance with strong female friendship, mental health representation, no third act breakup, low angst, and a bit of spice.
*I received a free book from the author and this is my honest review.
March 11, 2024
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
Feels Like Coming Home gives the best feel good vibes! It is the story of two childhood friends, Haley and Cam. There has always been a pull between them, something more than friendship but one night freshmen year changes everything between them!
After losing touch and moving on with their lives, 10 years pass by before Haley and Cam have a chance encounter. After their run in at the coffee shop, something is ignited in Cam realizing he let Haley go once and he won't do it again. Only this time the heartbreak of their past won't be the only obstacle in their way. The two find themselves in a small beach town learning how to heal and find love again, with themselves and each other!
I felt all the feelings with this book. Haley and Cam's story had so many layers to it which you see through the flashbacks to the past and then jump to see how those have effected them both current day. I found myself laughing and then crying, the emotional toll from this one is real. Seeing Haley work through a tragic life event and also try to quiet her demons was very relatable and showed how hard it can be to live the life we really want. Seeing how Rebecca meshed the past and present, including Haley's relationship with her best friend Piper was enjoyable to read. The dynamic between Haley, Cam, and Piper was endearing and a needed positive for the grief and struggles Haley was experiencing.
I would highly recommend picking up this book but please check the trigger warnings as the subject at hand may be difficult for some to read. It is beautifully written and Rebecca dives into a difficult topic/experience with the utmost respect and warmth possible. This book is one you will want to experience!
Tropes:
- childhood friends to lovers
- second chance romance
- mental health rep
- dual timelines and POV
- mutual pining
- golden retriever MMC
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
Feels Like Coming Home gives the best feel good vibes! It is the story of two childhood friends, Haley and Cam. There has always been a pull between them, something more than friendship but one night freshmen year changes everything between them!
After losing touch and moving on with their lives, 10 years pass by before Haley and Cam have a chance encounter. After their run in at the coffee shop, something is ignited in Cam realizing he let Haley go once and he won't do it again. Only this time the heartbreak of their past won't be the only obstacle in their way. The two find themselves in a small beach town learning how to heal and find love again, with themselves and each other!
I felt all the feelings with this book. Haley and Cam's story had so many layers to it which you see through the flashbacks to the past and then jump to see how those have effected them both current day. I found myself laughing and then crying, the emotional toll from this one is real. Seeing Haley work through a tragic life event and also try to quiet her demons was very relatable and showed how hard it can be to live the life we really want. Seeing how Rebecca meshed the past and present, including Haley's relationship with her best friend Piper was enjoyable to read. The dynamic between Haley, Cam, and Piper was endearing and a needed positive for the grief and struggles Haley was experiencing.
I would highly recommend picking up this book but please check the trigger warnings as the subject at hand may be difficult for some to read. It is beautifully written and Rebecca dives into a difficult topic/experience with the utmost respect and warmth possible. This book is one you will want to experience!
Tropes:
- childhood friends to lovers
- second chance romance
- mental health rep
- dual timelines and POV
- mutual pining
- golden retriever MMC
March 4, 2024
ARC Review. Honest opinion only.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Tropes to expect here:
-NFL Player x Successful Public Speaker
-Childhood Friends to Enemies to Lovers
-MH & Therapy Positive
-Second Chance Romance
-Dual POV & Timeline
-Small Coastal Town Setting
As debut novels go, this one is a SOLID emotional rollercoaster! Feels Like Coming Home is a second chance romance following Cam & Hayley; best friends since kids who haven't seen or spoken to each other since their freshman year of college. 10 years later they land back in each others lives following the death of Hayley's husband, and through the thick of it all, it is apparent they were always each others "one that got away". Can they navigate this rocky road and finally be together?
I thought I knew what I was signing up for with this, but BOY OH BOY was I wrong. I did not expect to thrown around on such a meaningful journey for both of these characters. Rebecca really managed to pack all of the feelings into her writing. I laughed and I cried. I screamed in frustration and developed all of the heart eyes.
The aforementioned frustration was with Cam and, what I felt was, his juvenile behaviour towards Hayley back in their younger days. However I think that his developmental journey throughout this book was one of the really beautiful things about this book. The way he realised he needed to step-up and be the person Hayley needed to support and get her through, and how patient he was whilst she battled her ongoing journey made for one of the most beautiful reads.
If you love a Second Chance romance and you're in that place where you just need to have a good cry and let it out, this might just be the book of the moment for you.
Huge thank you to Rebecca for trusting me with the opportunity to read H&C early.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Tropes to expect here:
-NFL Player x Successful Public Speaker
-Childhood Friends to Enemies to Lovers
-MH & Therapy Positive
-Second Chance Romance
-Dual POV & Timeline
-Small Coastal Town Setting
As debut novels go, this one is a SOLID emotional rollercoaster! Feels Like Coming Home is a second chance romance following Cam & Hayley; best friends since kids who haven't seen or spoken to each other since their freshman year of college. 10 years later they land back in each others lives following the death of Hayley's husband, and through the thick of it all, it is apparent they were always each others "one that got away". Can they navigate this rocky road and finally be together?
I thought I knew what I was signing up for with this, but BOY OH BOY was I wrong. I did not expect to thrown around on such a meaningful journey for both of these characters. Rebecca really managed to pack all of the feelings into her writing. I laughed and I cried. I screamed in frustration and developed all of the heart eyes.
The aforementioned frustration was with Cam and, what I felt was, his juvenile behaviour towards Hayley back in their younger days. However I think that his developmental journey throughout this book was one of the really beautiful things about this book. The way he realised he needed to step-up and be the person Hayley needed to support and get her through, and how patient he was whilst she battled her ongoing journey made for one of the most beautiful reads.
If you love a Second Chance romance and you're in that place where you just need to have a good cry and let it out, this might just be the book of the moment for you.
Huge thank you to Rebecca for trusting me with the opportunity to read H&C early.
March 10, 2024
Feels Like Coming Home is a slow burn dual POV, dual timeline romance book with an equal amount of wholesome, sweet, and spicy. The coastal small town feel made the story that much more cozy. The story follows Haley and Cam, who were once best friends but haven’t spoken in over ten years. Cam is now in the NFL and Haley is a recent widow. That is the overall premise of the book, what we get is so much more.
Throughout the book, we see the challenges that Haley faces with her grief and how it affects her and the support she receives from those around her. The author does a phenomenal job with her portrayal of grief and the anxiety and triggers that come along with that. The mental health representation is done beautifully and spoken in such a poetic way and resonates for anyone who has struggles with anxiety, depression and everything that comes with it.
Although the book has a very heavy theme, the love story woven throughout it makes it both heart wrenching and heartwarming all at once. You can feel the love between Haley and Cam, even if it takes time for them to get there.
I absolutely loved this book! I loved the mental health rep as well as the side characters of Haley’s mom and her best friend Piper, who are everything you didn’t know you needed from simply “side characters.” You can feel the attraction physical, mental, and emotional attraction between the two characters.
Overall, this book is perfect for anyone looking for a slow, sweet, wholesome, spicy romance full of depth, kindness, and understanding. Officially an auto-buy author for me. Highly recommend!
Throughout the book, we see the challenges that Haley faces with her grief and how it affects her and the support she receives from those around her. The author does a phenomenal job with her portrayal of grief and the anxiety and triggers that come along with that. The mental health representation is done beautifully and spoken in such a poetic way and resonates for anyone who has struggles with anxiety, depression and everything that comes with it.
Although the book has a very heavy theme, the love story woven throughout it makes it both heart wrenching and heartwarming all at once. You can feel the love between Haley and Cam, even if it takes time for them to get there.
I absolutely loved this book! I loved the mental health rep as well as the side characters of Haley’s mom and her best friend Piper, who are everything you didn’t know you needed from simply “side characters.” You can feel the attraction physical, mental, and emotional attraction between the two characters.
Overall, this book is perfect for anyone looking for a slow, sweet, wholesome, spicy romance full of depth, kindness, and understanding. Officially an auto-buy author for me. Highly recommend!
April 22, 2024
Okay first I love supporting debut authors and I've been following Rebecca since pretty much the beginning when she announced she was writing FLCH. I didn't apply for an arc just because of scheduling etc but knew that I wanted to read this one and so glad I did.
I LOVE SECOND CHANCES. Prior to 2024, if you asked me what my superior trope was it would be second chance and it's currently still there just shared with Brothers Best Friend but I digress back to FLCH.
A large portion of this story could be triggering to some so obviously check your content warnings but it's really done so beautifully. Cam and Haley are childhood best friends who are in love with one another but don't know how to react to these feelings as 15 year olds and then 18 year olds and then they lose touch for years. When they reconnect and Cam basically stalks Haley - he is a man on a mission to prove that he is no longer that 18 year old stupid boy. This is his second chance and he is NOT letting her get away this time.
I thought Rebecca handled the discussion of grief and mental health issues beautifully. Haley struggles with both throughout the story and the connections between her and her best friend Piper and their strong friendship was a highlight for me. Piper will commit murder for Haley and I just really loved that about her :-)
Read this story if you love:
- Second Chances
- Emotional Healing
- Stalker tendencies from the MMC
- He remembers her coffee order from years ago
- Small Town
- MMC is a pro football player
- Strong friendships
I LOVE SECOND CHANCES. Prior to 2024, if you asked me what my superior trope was it would be second chance and it's currently still there just shared with Brothers Best Friend but I digress back to FLCH.
A large portion of this story could be triggering to some so obviously check your content warnings but it's really done so beautifully. Cam and Haley are childhood best friends who are in love with one another but don't know how to react to these feelings as 15 year olds and then 18 year olds and then they lose touch for years. When they reconnect and Cam basically stalks Haley - he is a man on a mission to prove that he is no longer that 18 year old stupid boy. This is his second chance and he is NOT letting her get away this time.
I thought Rebecca handled the discussion of grief and mental health issues beautifully. Haley struggles with both throughout the story and the connections between her and her best friend Piper and their strong friendship was a highlight for me. Piper will commit murder for Haley and I just really loved that about her :-)
Read this story if you love:
- Second Chances
- Emotional Healing
- Stalker tendencies from the MMC
- He remembers her coffee order from years ago
- Small Town
- MMC is a pro football player
- Strong friendships
September 8, 2024
ARC Review!
First of all, thank you so much for letting me read an ARC of this book!
Cam & Hayley > past loves, old best friends, check the TWs before you get started.
Cam is a major golden retriever and I'm here for it! (who wouldn't be).
He's an NFL player and runs into Hayley randomly one day and makes it his mission to "bump" into her again.
Hayls goes through something at the beginning so be sure to read your TWs. She feels a little like she's being smothered with too much attention and has to escape (can totally relate) so her and her best friend Piper go away for a while, rent a beach house and work on their business together.
The beach house is such a vibe, I wish I could see this place in real life and Piper, she is so supportive of Hayley and really goes through it with her. She doesn't stop her from feeling anything, she encourages her to feel every emotion possible and wow do you, as a reader, feel it too.
Emotional
Heartbreaking
Wholesome
You can read this in a day, I couldn't put it down.
It did take me a while to warm up to Cam but he was so consistent with Hayley that you can't not fall for him as much as she did.
It's awful when you read that a character is stopping themselves from feeling (we've all been there) but when you meet someone who makes you want to feel again, it's a game changer. I hope one day I find a love like Cam & Hayley's.
Thanks so much to Rebecca for giving me the chance to read this and I cannot wait to read more from you!
.
First of all, thank you so much for letting me read an ARC of this book!
Cam & Hayley > past loves, old best friends, check the TWs before you get started.
Cam is a major golden retriever and I'm here for it! (who wouldn't be).
He's an NFL player and runs into Hayley randomly one day and makes it his mission to "bump" into her again.
Hayls goes through something at the beginning so be sure to read your TWs. She feels a little like she's being smothered with too much attention and has to escape (can totally relate) so her and her best friend Piper go away for a while, rent a beach house and work on their business together.
The beach house is such a vibe, I wish I could see this place in real life and Piper, she is so supportive of Hayley and really goes through it with her. She doesn't stop her from feeling anything, she encourages her to feel every emotion possible and wow do you, as a reader, feel it too.
Emotional
Heartbreaking
Wholesome
You can read this in a day, I couldn't put it down.
It did take me a while to warm up to Cam but he was so consistent with Hayley that you can't not fall for him as much as she did.
It's awful when you read that a character is stopping themselves from feeling (we've all been there) but when you meet someone who makes you want to feel again, it's a game changer. I hope one day I find a love like Cam & Hayley's.
Thanks so much to Rebecca for giving me the chance to read this and I cannot wait to read more from you!
.
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