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Homecoming
What he wouldn’t give to know her. To tell her that her art saves him everyday.
Ariane Michaelson is always the quiet girl in the room, the one that her kooky mother and three sisters lovingly call the wallflower. After graduating from college she finds it more than a little difficult to find the graphic design job of her dream...or any job, really. She’s more than given up on painting, and a terrible run-in with her twin sister’s fiancé makes each day harder to keep a life altering secret.
Liam Ashdown was just the moody small town nobody, with one friend and a busted pickup—until he moved to LA. Spotted by famous actor and producer Michael Jennings during a late night shift at the bar, Liam is transformed seemingly overnight into Tinsel Town’s hottest bad boy. The life Liam once knew is turned upside down with models and mayhem...and there isn’t much down time in-between.
The only thing that keeps him sane is the paintings. Beautiful ocean portraits that remind him of home, painted years ago by some friend of a friend.
What he wouldn’t give to know her. To tell her that her art saves him everyday.
The engagement of his childhood friend, Todd, brings him back home to Craryville, to deal with a drug-addicted mother and an ailing grandmother. But it also brings him hope—somewhere in the bridal party is the woman who has been his calm and respite in the storm of fame.
The only question is, can she save him?
Ariane Michaelson is always the quiet girl in the room, the one that her kooky mother and three sisters lovingly call the wallflower. After graduating from college she finds it more than a little difficult to find the graphic design job of her dream...or any job, really. She’s more than given up on painting, and a terrible run-in with her twin sister’s fiancé makes each day harder to keep a life altering secret.
Liam Ashdown was just the moody small town nobody, with one friend and a busted pickup—until he moved to LA. Spotted by famous actor and producer Michael Jennings during a late night shift at the bar, Liam is transformed seemingly overnight into Tinsel Town’s hottest bad boy. The life Liam once knew is turned upside down with models and mayhem...and there isn’t much down time in-between.
The only thing that keeps him sane is the paintings. Beautiful ocean portraits that remind him of home, painted years ago by some friend of a friend.
What he wouldn’t give to know her. To tell her that her art saves him everyday.
The engagement of his childhood friend, Todd, brings him back home to Craryville, to deal with a drug-addicted mother and an ailing grandmother. But it also brings him hope—somewhere in the bridal party is the woman who has been his calm and respite in the storm of fame.
The only question is, can she save him?
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2014
89 people are currently reading
595 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Sexton
14 books23 followersJackie Sexton is an avid reader and writer of steamy, paranormal romance. She loves dreaming up new worlds about brave (and slightly neurotic) heroines, and hunky, lovable heroes. She also loves dark chocolate and Chihuahua pups like nobody's business!
Check out her website and join her mailing list at http://jackiesextonwrites.com/!
Check out her website and join her mailing list at http://jackiesextonwrites.com/!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 5, 2014
1.5 stars
Homecoming claims to be New Adult, but it's really a book out of time. It harkens back to a period when romance novels were ... cheesy and hyper-romantic. Oh, and poorly constructed. It's almost a parody of a romance novel but gets an extra 1/2 star for a deep earnestness that I had to acknowledge.
There are so many structural problems with the novel that I wonder if anyone besides the author actually read it before publication. A really good developmental edit was desperately needed. For one thing, the hero and heroine don't even meet in-person until nearly 20%, but don't actually interact or speak to one another until 28% in. That's when we get the meet-cute, and cute as it is, it's waaaay too late. However, conveniently enough, Liam is already basically in love with Ariane at this point. Before having ever spoken to her because he could read her soul through her art or something.
You see Ariane's sister's boyfriend is Liam's friend and I guess has been digging through Ariane's childhood closet for the past few years taking pictures of the paintings she hides there and sending them to him. Which is odd because Ariane lives in LA and all her paintings are in South Carolina and she's poor so she doesn't go back home very often, except for the fact that she says she saw her mother last month and she flies back for a bachelorette party that's, like, a month before her sister's wedding. But back to the paintings. Maybe Todd was just doling them out to Liam a little bit at a time, like a dealer -- you know, to get him hooked. Because otherwise I could never understand how with Ariane not painting any new work and everything, Liam always had a fresh supply of inspiring art being sent to him.
But back to Ariane. We know she is a wallflower only because we're told a few times that her nickname is, conveniently enough, "wallflower." What does that even mean? Could we not get one scene where we see her being a wallflower? Because we don't - not even one. We see her at bars and parties being a bit shy (sort of). We see her being a terrible sister, a coward, and an all around wimp, but a wallflower? Hmmm. But let's go with it.
So Liam realizes Ariane is the painter he's been dreaming of. And he's a famous movie star who she salivates over at first site. This is not just instalove, it's antecedent-love. A love that transcends the need to meet and communicate. And that's the core of the problem with this book - it takes everything I love about romance novels and turns up the volume SO MUCH THAT IT RUINS THEM!
He doesn't just admire her beauty and become attracted to her - he thinks she's a perfect goddess. They spend literally (like, literally literally) 2 days together in the most ridiculous and tritely romantic ways possible. He shows up at her door, pulls her into a limo and sticks certain body parts into hers. They've spoken maybe 20 words to each other since meeting. Because he already knows her soul. And after lamenting that there's nothing "real" in Hollywood, he whisks her away to private island. What could be more real and authentic and non-Hollywood than that?
There is nothing interesting or special about Ariane. She's milquetoast, scared of her own shadow, operates on a code of sister logic that is baffling to me, has no particularly interesting thoughts or ideas, isn't altruistic or especially kind, spends most of her time thinking about herself and how uncomfortable she is and how she doesn't fit in with the beautiful people and was all around was begging for a slap in the face.
Don't even get me started on the Big Misunderstanding.
"Every second was paradise with Liam." Excuse me while I turn into a pile of goo.
The romance wasn't earned. It was force-fed to us with over the top romantic language and ideals. Subplots disappear into the ether like Liam's drug-addicted mother and snarky younger cousin. The supporting characters are thus: black best friend, sassy black gay personal assistant, stoic bodyguard, tomboyish sister, black half-sister, loopy weird grandma, annoying cousin, etc. You have to give her points for diversity, but these people barely have a chance to breathe.
In some ways the whole Lifetime movie on steroids quality the book had going on was entertaining. I'm a big fan of "go hard or go home" and if the characters had been more fully formed and their internal conflicts not hammered into our heads with tedious and repetitive internal monologue, I could have forgiven more of the cheesiness.
I really do hate to skewer any book, especially one that, from the description at least, held a lot of promise. But I don't like feeling that an author isn't putting their best foot forward, and is just throwing sloppy stories onto the internet, hoping to cash in. The narrative mistakes here were so basic, even a good beta reader should have pointed them out. Self publishers need to come stronger than this.
Homecoming claims to be New Adult, but it's really a book out of time. It harkens back to a period when romance novels were ... cheesy and hyper-romantic. Oh, and poorly constructed. It's almost a parody of a romance novel but gets an extra 1/2 star for a deep earnestness that I had to acknowledge.
There are so many structural problems with the novel that I wonder if anyone besides the author actually read it before publication. A really good developmental edit was desperately needed. For one thing, the hero and heroine don't even meet in-person until nearly 20%, but don't actually interact or speak to one another until 28% in. That's when we get the meet-cute, and cute as it is, it's waaaay too late. However, conveniently enough, Liam is already basically in love with Ariane at this point. Before having ever spoken to her because he could read her soul through her art or something.
You see Ariane's sister's boyfriend is Liam's friend and I guess has been digging through Ariane's childhood closet for the past few years taking pictures of the paintings she hides there and sending them to him. Which is odd because Ariane lives in LA and all her paintings are in South Carolina and she's poor so she doesn't go back home very often, except for the fact that she says she saw her mother last month and she flies back for a bachelorette party that's, like, a month before her sister's wedding. But back to the paintings. Maybe Todd was just doling them out to Liam a little bit at a time, like a dealer -- you know, to get him hooked. Because otherwise I could never understand how with Ariane not painting any new work and everything, Liam always had a fresh supply of inspiring art being sent to him.
But back to Ariane. We know she is a wallflower only because we're told a few times that her nickname is, conveniently enough, "wallflower." What does that even mean? Could we not get one scene where we see her being a wallflower? Because we don't - not even one. We see her at bars and parties being a bit shy (sort of). We see her being a terrible sister, a coward, and an all around wimp, but a wallflower? Hmmm. But let's go with it.
So Liam realizes Ariane is the painter he's been dreaming of. And he's a famous movie star who she salivates over at first site. This is not just instalove, it's antecedent-love. A love that transcends the need to meet and communicate. And that's the core of the problem with this book - it takes everything I love about romance novels and turns up the volume SO MUCH THAT IT RUINS THEM!
He doesn't just admire her beauty and become attracted to her - he thinks she's a perfect goddess. They spend literally (like, literally literally) 2 days together in the most ridiculous and tritely romantic ways possible. He shows up at her door, pulls her into a limo and sticks certain body parts into hers. They've spoken maybe 20 words to each other since meeting. Because he already knows her soul. And after lamenting that there's nothing "real" in Hollywood, he whisks her away to private island. What could be more real and authentic and non-Hollywood than that?
There is nothing interesting or special about Ariane. She's milquetoast, scared of her own shadow, operates on a code of sister logic that is baffling to me, has no particularly interesting thoughts or ideas, isn't altruistic or especially kind, spends most of her time thinking about herself and how uncomfortable she is and how she doesn't fit in with the beautiful people and was all around was begging for a slap in the face.
Don't even get me started on the Big Misunderstanding.
"Every second was paradise with Liam." Excuse me while I turn into a pile of goo.
The romance wasn't earned. It was force-fed to us with over the top romantic language and ideals. Subplots disappear into the ether like Liam's drug-addicted mother and snarky younger cousin. The supporting characters are thus: black best friend, sassy black gay personal assistant, stoic bodyguard, tomboyish sister, black half-sister, loopy weird grandma, annoying cousin, etc. You have to give her points for diversity, but these people barely have a chance to breathe.
In some ways the whole Lifetime movie on steroids quality the book had going on was entertaining. I'm a big fan of "go hard or go home" and if the characters had been more fully formed and their internal conflicts not hammered into our heads with tedious and repetitive internal monologue, I could have forgiven more of the cheesiness.
I really do hate to skewer any book, especially one that, from the description at least, held a lot of promise. But I don't like feeling that an author isn't putting their best foot forward, and is just throwing sloppy stories onto the internet, hoping to cash in. The narrative mistakes here were so basic, even a good beta reader should have pointed them out. Self publishers need to come stronger than this.
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June 26, 2014
3/5
I received Homecoming as an ARC copy in trade for a honest review!
HOMECOMING. Was just not the book for me.I didn't not really get into it at all.
However I love Jackie she is a great writer and I loved her Bad Moon series.
Homecoming was just not working for me at all.I felt like there was just too many characters and I did not follow it well at all I think that is why i could not get into the book.
I had to finish because of Ariana I fell in love with her and she made the book actually worth finishing.I had to see what happened with her. As for Liam UGH he frustrated me and I just couldnt no just couldnt. I think this book may be for others but for me I just didnt like it too much for me!!
I received Homecoming as an ARC copy in trade for a honest review!
HOMECOMING. Was just not the book for me.I didn't not really get into it at all.
However I love Jackie she is a great writer and I loved her Bad Moon series.
Homecoming was just not working for me at all.I felt like there was just too many characters and I did not follow it well at all I think that is why i could not get into the book.
I had to finish because of Ariana I fell in love with her and she made the book actually worth finishing.I had to see what happened with her. As for Liam UGH he frustrated me and I just couldnt no just couldnt. I think this book may be for others but for me I just didnt like it too much for me!!
March 4, 2015
Arc provided via NetGalley for an honest review
Review to come :)
It just a cute story, nothing more...Honestly I don't think this book was for me...Maybe I wasn't in the mood because It well written, & nothing's wrong with the story but... i don't know...I didn't not really get into it at all. Everyting happened too quickly for me... I love the idea of the two characters having once known one another only & finding each other again few years later...but I needed more details, I'm sorry.
http://lilisbooks.canalblog.com/archi...
Review to come :)
It just a cute story, nothing more...Honestly I don't think this book was for me...Maybe I wasn't in the mood because It well written, & nothing's wrong with the story but... i don't know...I didn't not really get into it at all. Everyting happened too quickly for me... I love the idea of the two characters having once known one another only & finding each other again few years later...but I needed more details, I'm sorry.
http://lilisbooks.canalblog.com/archi...
June 11, 2017
Couldn't even finish
November 22, 2014
This is a story of a hometown boy who makes good in Hollywood. Liam Ashdown looks at his fame as almost as big a cures as if he would have been stuck in his hometown of Crarywille, South Carolina. You see he had hopes of being a great bartender so he could work on a screenplay instead he was noticed by one of the high paying drunks saying he could use him in his next movie. Which he was in and he was a huge hit. He’s wanting out.
Then one day his best friend, Todd, from back home sends him beach scene pictures of paintings that Todd’s future sister in law painted and his fiancé found deep in her closet of Ariane Michaelson. She is no joke as an artist but she doesn’t know it. She had them hidden away in her childhood closet so no one would know she even did them. For Liam they gave him great sense of peace and gave him clarity for the future he truly wanted.
Ariane had no idea her sister had found her paintings and was showing them to others not even her family. It was her private joy, peace, and getaway when she painted. All she knew at the last minute she had decided that she would go with her twin sister Isabelle home for the weekend to be at her sister’s bachelorette party. Little did they know that when Todd and Jordan (her sister) pick them up, Liam, is with them. The two girls start to do a mini freak-out. Their sister Jordan sets them straight, that he wants to be treated like he was an old classmate and nothing else. Yet, when Jordan, Todd, and Liam were seniors the twins were freshmen. From what Ariane can remember he was quiet and grumpy most of the time and a loner.
The ride to her mom’s didn’t do much to change that image at all “Mr. Bad Bones.” Which I don’t think we find out why Ellen Delay even called him that. Once at her mom’s she is off and gets away from him. The next day he lets her know that he knows her through a photo Todd had shown her. That he likes her a lot and is highly attracted to her in every way. Especially sexually, that he thinks she’s gorgeous, and would like to get to know her. Which she cannot wrap her mind around because she is slightly overweight and he can have anyone he wants and she tells him. But he wants her. All’s going well he leans in to kiss her and…
I totally enjoyed this book it had some fun and interesting and well developed characters. I especially liked the bathroom scene. James is a hoot, he just made me laugh. I give this 5 stars.
Then one day his best friend, Todd, from back home sends him beach scene pictures of paintings that Todd’s future sister in law painted and his fiancé found deep in her closet of Ariane Michaelson. She is no joke as an artist but she doesn’t know it. She had them hidden away in her childhood closet so no one would know she even did them. For Liam they gave him great sense of peace and gave him clarity for the future he truly wanted.
Ariane had no idea her sister had found her paintings and was showing them to others not even her family. It was her private joy, peace, and getaway when she painted. All she knew at the last minute she had decided that she would go with her twin sister Isabelle home for the weekend to be at her sister’s bachelorette party. Little did they know that when Todd and Jordan (her sister) pick them up, Liam, is with them. The two girls start to do a mini freak-out. Their sister Jordan sets them straight, that he wants to be treated like he was an old classmate and nothing else. Yet, when Jordan, Todd, and Liam were seniors the twins were freshmen. From what Ariane can remember he was quiet and grumpy most of the time and a loner.
The ride to her mom’s didn’t do much to change that image at all “Mr. Bad Bones.” Which I don’t think we find out why Ellen Delay even called him that. Once at her mom’s she is off and gets away from him. The next day he lets her know that he knows her through a photo Todd had shown her. That he likes her a lot and is highly attracted to her in every way. Especially sexually, that he thinks she’s gorgeous, and would like to get to know her. Which she cannot wrap her mind around because she is slightly overweight and he can have anyone he wants and she tells him. But he wants her. All’s going well he leans in to kiss her and…
I totally enjoyed this book it had some fun and interesting and well developed characters. I especially liked the bathroom scene. James is a hoot, he just made me laugh. I give this 5 stars.
August 28, 2014
For more review check out Blame it on the Book
I’ve read a lot of new adult full of cliches but this takes the award, it was just one after the other. Now I normally don’t mind clichés. They can be cute and useful sometimes and at times it did work in Homecoming but for the most part I just kept rolling my eyes.
It’s written in a first person point of view that changes between Ariane and Liam. Ariane is a small town girl just trying to make it big in LA. She wants to be a graphic designer but so far no one will take her seriously. She’s just about to give up, especially since her boyfriend dumped her… over text! Liam is from the same small town, only difference is he actually made it out. Now he’s a famous movie actor who acts all cocky but is really empty inside and trying to fight addiction.
Now anything from Ariane’s point of view was okay, she was very soft-spoken and humble. The problem was whenever it turned to Liams point of view. In essence he was cute and perfect but when he heard his point of view it was just A LOT of whining, complaining, and lusting. It didn’t sounds like a guy at all. I mean some sentences were just ridiculous.
“But just her presence made Liam feel like a child. Like he was melting down into sentimental ooze.”
I mean really? And then Liam and Ariane meet because they’re both part of a bridal party. He instantly realizes there’s something special about her while she tries not to embarrass her. Once the bridal shower is done he whisks her away to LA so she can live the big life that he lives. He continually talks to her about he wants to treat her like a princess but he never actually asks her what he wants. Then there was James… oh James. He was Liam’s personal assistant who literally exists to be the worst cliché ever. I couldn't help but cringe anytime he came out.
Now even though there was a lot of cringing. There were parts I liked. For example Ariane was an artist and Liam was able to fall in love with her through her art and I thought that was beautiful. Sadly there was too much unneeded drama and complaining to really be able to enjoy it.
Overall it was an okay book, a fast read with a dash of romance and a lot of clichés.
I’ve read a lot of new adult full of cliches but this takes the award, it was just one after the other. Now I normally don’t mind clichés. They can be cute and useful sometimes and at times it did work in Homecoming but for the most part I just kept rolling my eyes.
It’s written in a first person point of view that changes between Ariane and Liam. Ariane is a small town girl just trying to make it big in LA. She wants to be a graphic designer but so far no one will take her seriously. She’s just about to give up, especially since her boyfriend dumped her… over text! Liam is from the same small town, only difference is he actually made it out. Now he’s a famous movie actor who acts all cocky but is really empty inside and trying to fight addiction.
Now anything from Ariane’s point of view was okay, she was very soft-spoken and humble. The problem was whenever it turned to Liams point of view. In essence he was cute and perfect but when he heard his point of view it was just A LOT of whining, complaining, and lusting. It didn’t sounds like a guy at all. I mean some sentences were just ridiculous.
“But just her presence made Liam feel like a child. Like he was melting down into sentimental ooze.”
I mean really? And then Liam and Ariane meet because they’re both part of a bridal party. He instantly realizes there’s something special about her while she tries not to embarrass her. Once the bridal shower is done he whisks her away to LA so she can live the big life that he lives. He continually talks to her about he wants to treat her like a princess but he never actually asks her what he wants. Then there was James… oh James. He was Liam’s personal assistant who literally exists to be the worst cliché ever. I couldn't help but cringe anytime he came out.
Now even though there was a lot of cringing. There were parts I liked. For example Ariane was an artist and Liam was able to fall in love with her through her art and I thought that was beautiful. Sadly there was too much unneeded drama and complaining to really be able to enjoy it.
Overall it was an okay book, a fast read with a dash of romance and a lot of clichés.
January 28, 2015
You completely will love this book from the moment you start reading it to the moment you finish it. This story is everything that a person who wants love in their life hopes to find, someone who will love you back. Liam and Ariane are two individuals who find that they are drawn to each other because of what they each want and need.
One of the most interesting aspects of Liam’s life is that he wants more control of his life. Plus living in Hollywood and being in the public eye is not always a good thing. He wants to write screenplays and do other things besides acting. Plus his personal love life seems to be spinning in a direction that he doesn’t want it to go in. Not to mention he is doing what he can to please everybody else, but not himself. When he sees a painting on the web from an artist who is named Arianne, he finds himself at peace. The painting speaks to him on a deeply personal level.
Arianne is a woman who just has gone through another breakup. She is hurt and decides to paint. Painting is a way that she expresses herself. I thought that this was interesting. Not to mention at the airport, Todd, Liam’s friend picks up someone and Arianne and Liam meet. There is an immediate distance between them, but one conversation at a rehearsal dinner changes that.
I really like the progression of this relationship a lot. It’s real, honest and these are two grown-ups who each are a little bit broken, but they are both trying to overcome their problems. This is an honest portrayal of what adults go through. Not to mention, that Liam is a hollywood star, so that makes their relationship a bit trickier than most normal relationships. I liked seeing how Arianne and Liam tried to juggle that. Also there are issues with both of their pasts. Liam and Arianne have to confront those issues. What really made me like this book, was how both Liam and Arianne fought for what they needed.
The ending of this book was so good and a great payoff for those of that wanted a happily ever after. I also thought that this was a great start to what looks like a great contemporary romance.
One of the most interesting aspects of Liam’s life is that he wants more control of his life. Plus living in Hollywood and being in the public eye is not always a good thing. He wants to write screenplays and do other things besides acting. Plus his personal love life seems to be spinning in a direction that he doesn’t want it to go in. Not to mention he is doing what he can to please everybody else, but not himself. When he sees a painting on the web from an artist who is named Arianne, he finds himself at peace. The painting speaks to him on a deeply personal level.
Arianne is a woman who just has gone through another breakup. She is hurt and decides to paint. Painting is a way that she expresses herself. I thought that this was interesting. Not to mention at the airport, Todd, Liam’s friend picks up someone and Arianne and Liam meet. There is an immediate distance between them, but one conversation at a rehearsal dinner changes that.
I really like the progression of this relationship a lot. It’s real, honest and these are two grown-ups who each are a little bit broken, but they are both trying to overcome their problems. This is an honest portrayal of what adults go through. Not to mention, that Liam is a hollywood star, so that makes their relationship a bit trickier than most normal relationships. I liked seeing how Arianne and Liam tried to juggle that. Also there are issues with both of their pasts. Liam and Arianne have to confront those issues. What really made me like this book, was how both Liam and Arianne fought for what they needed.
The ending of this book was so good and a great payoff for those of that wanted a happily ever after. I also thought that this was a great start to what looks like a great contemporary romance.
July 13, 2014
Ariane has just broken up with her boyfriend who she thought was "the one". She is the quiet sister who always fades into the background, desperate to find her dream job and find herself a place in the world. Enter Liam, he is the local bad boy who somehow has made it big in Hollywood. A huge star with an even larger ego, Liam comes back to his hometown for the wedding of his best friend.
Ariane and Liam meet again after so many years apart. She is not used to his lifestyle and being stalked by the paparazzi, not to mention a deranged ex-girlfriend. How will Ariane feel when she learns that her paintings are the only sane thing in his life? Being a big star Liam has always depended on other people to tell him what to do. What happens when he has to make his own decisions? Will he follow his heart or give into his glitz and glamour lifestyle?
I really don't know how I felt about this book. It was a quick easy read with unremarkable characters. There were a lot of characters to keep up with, especially the sisters and that was difficult at times. Did I like the book? Yes! Did I love it ? No!
It was too unrealistic. Liam was in charge and never let Ariane make any decisions. His lifestyle was uncomfortable for her and he still forced it on her. I would understand if that was all he knew but he came from the same small town she did and he had not always lived that way. I would like to have know more about Liam's back story. More about his mother and grandparents.
I am curious though as a reader and I will definitely read the next book in this series to find out how the story goes.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for a fair and honest review. This in no way influenced my thoughts or review.
Ariane and Liam meet again after so many years apart. She is not used to his lifestyle and being stalked by the paparazzi, not to mention a deranged ex-girlfriend. How will Ariane feel when she learns that her paintings are the only sane thing in his life? Being a big star Liam has always depended on other people to tell him what to do. What happens when he has to make his own decisions? Will he follow his heart or give into his glitz and glamour lifestyle?
I really don't know how I felt about this book. It was a quick easy read with unremarkable characters. There were a lot of characters to keep up with, especially the sisters and that was difficult at times. Did I like the book? Yes! Did I love it ? No!
It was too unrealistic. Liam was in charge and never let Ariane make any decisions. His lifestyle was uncomfortable for her and he still forced it on her. I would understand if that was all he knew but he came from the same small town she did and he had not always lived that way. I would like to have know more about Liam's back story. More about his mother and grandparents.
I am curious though as a reader and I will definitely read the next book in this series to find out how the story goes.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for a fair and honest review. This in no way influenced my thoughts or review.
November 5, 2014
Homecoming, Jackie Sexton
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance,
Sadly one of those reads that just did nothing for me. I didn’t like ( or dislike) Ariane, she was so bland there seemed to be nothing of her, or Liam. I couldn’t believe in the insta love, or their actions that followed. There were so many plots that it was a kind of blunderbuss effect, throw everything and hope something hits...the characters too – there seemed to be every stereotype possible there, addicts, alcoholics, adulterers, brash loud girls, quiet shy girls, bullies, sick family memebers – you name it and someone was it. As a popular actor he was papped at the airport and yet able to stay without security or problems in the tiny family home...and go into town unmolested?
I couldn’t get over the painting part either – she hasn’t painted for months, yet he gets sent pics of new ones (why? he doesn’t seem to be an art fan otherwise and what's the other guy doing snooping in the cupboards of someone else home anyway?) , she paints in thick oils yet is able to hide them in a cupboard the moment they are finished. as an artist I can tell you categorically thick oils stay tacky for months, weeks at least when used with a quick drying agent. It was so many little things like that which irritated me, so added to the fact I really didn’t care what happened to them both it’s a fail for me. Sorry. but there it is, not everyone likes everything.
Stars: One and a half, I didn’t totally hate it, its an interesting premise and could have been good if treated differently. Sadly it wasn’t .
ARC supplied via Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance,
Sadly one of those reads that just did nothing for me. I didn’t like ( or dislike) Ariane, she was so bland there seemed to be nothing of her, or Liam. I couldn’t believe in the insta love, or their actions that followed. There were so many plots that it was a kind of blunderbuss effect, throw everything and hope something hits...the characters too – there seemed to be every stereotype possible there, addicts, alcoholics, adulterers, brash loud girls, quiet shy girls, bullies, sick family memebers – you name it and someone was it. As a popular actor he was papped at the airport and yet able to stay without security or problems in the tiny family home...and go into town unmolested?
I couldn’t get over the painting part either – she hasn’t painted for months, yet he gets sent pics of new ones (why? he doesn’t seem to be an art fan otherwise and what's the other guy doing snooping in the cupboards of someone else home anyway?) , she paints in thick oils yet is able to hide them in a cupboard the moment they are finished. as an artist I can tell you categorically thick oils stay tacky for months, weeks at least when used with a quick drying agent. It was so many little things like that which irritated me, so added to the fact I really didn’t care what happened to them both it’s a fail for me. Sorry. but there it is, not everyone likes everything.
Stars: One and a half, I didn’t totally hate it, its an interesting premise and could have been good if treated differently. Sadly it wasn’t .
ARC supplied via Netgalley and publishers
July 6, 2014
2.75 - 3 Stars
This book started out with at least 4 stars them it kinda went downhill …
Ariane is the wall flower of her family, the shy awkward twin sister, not as skinny or tall as Isabella. She's also only had 1 boyfriend Drew which only lasted for 5 months and everyone thought it was love … So now she's boyfriendless, working as a barista when all she wants to do is graphic design and living with her twin in Atlanta painting abstract oceans.
Then there's Liam who left small town living for LA to become a bartender only to get discovered and become Americas bad boy. Trying to land serious roles isn't easy nor is managing his pill addiction. But he as his best friends wedding to look forward too, Todd who just so happens to be marrying Ariane's big sister Jordan.
Liam and Ariane meet and it's less than stellar, but then later that night the two run into each other again after their respected bachelor/bachelorette parities and BAM instant attraction? I think …until the paparazzi show up and ruin it.
Then comes the 44% mark and here's where the book took a turn for me. Liam shows up at her house in Atlanta and demands Ariane comes back to LA with him. He will get her a job the whole nine yards …. Weird. Considering all the did was sit on the sand for like 10 minutes …
After that mark the book just got, I don't know. I really liked the book until 44% then it was just okay.
This book started out with at least 4 stars them it kinda went downhill …
Ariane is the wall flower of her family, the shy awkward twin sister, not as skinny or tall as Isabella. She's also only had 1 boyfriend Drew which only lasted for 5 months and everyone thought it was love … So now she's boyfriendless, working as a barista when all she wants to do is graphic design and living with her twin in Atlanta painting abstract oceans.
Then there's Liam who left small town living for LA to become a bartender only to get discovered and become Americas bad boy. Trying to land serious roles isn't easy nor is managing his pill addiction. But he as his best friends wedding to look forward too, Todd who just so happens to be marrying Ariane's big sister Jordan.
Liam and Ariane meet and it's less than stellar, but then later that night the two run into each other again after their respected bachelor/bachelorette parities and BAM instant attraction? I think …until the paparazzi show up and ruin it.
Then comes the 44% mark and here's where the book took a turn for me. Liam shows up at her house in Atlanta and demands Ariane comes back to LA with him. He will get her a job the whole nine yards …. Weird. Considering all the did was sit on the sand for like 10 minutes …
After that mark the book just got, I don't know. I really liked the book until 44% then it was just okay.
November 13, 2014
This book was just ok for me. It wasn't terrible by any means, but it just had so many plot faults and character issues that it wasn't anything great. Ariane and Liam don't even actually meet until a good way into the book. By that time Liam is pretty much in love with her already because his friend who is going to marry Ariane's sister has been emailing him photos of her paintings of the ocean for quite some time. Why he's been doing this, we're never told, which I think should have been explained a lot more. We get one flashback to High School when Liam watches Ariane paint in art class so maybe him liking her paintings started there? I wish there were more flashbacks like that because maybe that would have explained his obsession with her more. Another major part that bothered me is how Liam found Ariane's address, showed up in a limo, and just took her away to his house. She barely knew him and just went with it, in her pajamas and all. I honestly thought I hit forward on my Kindle too many times and skipped a chapter because it all happened so abruptly. It was way too much insta-love for me and was borderline crazy. There were other parts that were just too out there for me in the plot, but I don't want to spoil the entire story with going into it. I think with some editing and additions to the plot, it has a lot of potential, but as is was just ok.
*Copy provided from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
*Copy provided from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
November 23, 2014
Ariane is the wallflower of her family, especially when it comes to her sisters and she has never had much luck with guys - in fact it is said that the women in her family due to a decision her grandmother made when she was younger were cursed by a gypsy to have bad luck in the romance department and that only when someone in the line could be loved completely and vice versa with an ancestor from the family line that the grandmother rejected would the curse be broken. Ariane's latest love interest has just broken her heart over the internet as he's in Brazil lapping it up with several beach hotties and now it's just in time for her sister's wedding to her high school sweetheart Todd. Liam is a big star attraction in Hollywood but his heart isn't there and he wants to settle down and make serious films, scripts he actually cares about rather than the continious action puff pieces. When Todd announces his marriage to Liam, it's time for Liam to head home and get away from Hollywood . He has an ulterior motive though as Todd has been sending Liam pictures of Ariane's paintings and he has fallen for her. When the pair meet , he can see her wariness of him but can Liam show her the real "him" beneath the Hollywood star ? Also a twist of fate could see the love curse finally broken with Liam and Ariane.
This was a lovely New Adult Romance and had a hint of supernatural and ancestry history mixed in.
This was a lovely New Adult Romance and had a hint of supernatural and ancestry history mixed in.
June 30, 2014
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Hmmm....not sure what to think of this one. I liked it, there's no doubt, because I finished it. And something about this book kept me turning the pages.
Liam's character was your typical hollywood celebrity in the tabloids after a big break up, and hiding a bigger problem, looking for something more meaningful in his life. He was sweet when he wanted to be and when he did know what he wanted, he went for it.
Ariane was the other twin. The not so skinny and super shy one, trying to find a job after college and a break up. Just wanting to be loved for who she is while getting the hot guy.
I loved the relationship between Ariane and her sister and I loved reading those scenes. Something about twins, intrigues me, identical or not. I guess what is not sitting well with me is what happened when Liam showed up at her house. I mean there was no indication that they had talked after their walk and then he suddenly shows up and is in love with her? I wasn't feeling it. I felt there should have been more between the walk and him showing up and running off with her. especially since she was a little unsure at first.
Hmmm....not sure what to think of this one. I liked it, there's no doubt, because I finished it. And something about this book kept me turning the pages.
Liam's character was your typical hollywood celebrity in the tabloids after a big break up, and hiding a bigger problem, looking for something more meaningful in his life. He was sweet when he wanted to be and when he did know what he wanted, he went for it.
Ariane was the other twin. The not so skinny and super shy one, trying to find a job after college and a break up. Just wanting to be loved for who she is while getting the hot guy.
I loved the relationship between Ariane and her sister and I loved reading those scenes. Something about twins, intrigues me, identical or not. I guess what is not sitting well with me is what happened when Liam showed up at her house. I mean there was no indication that they had talked after their walk and then he suddenly shows up and is in love with her? I wasn't feeling it. I felt there should have been more between the walk and him showing up and running off with her. especially since she was a little unsure at first.
September 1, 2014
Ariane is the shy, quiet sister of the family, she is called the wallflower by them. She's a little awkward and her boyfriend of five months has just dumped her. She works at a coffee shop, lives with her twin sister, paints pictures of the ocean, and dreams of doing graphic design work.
Liam left their small town and headed for Los Angeles. There is was a bartender until he was discovered. Now he is a famous actor known to have a bad boy reputation, he also has pain pill addiction. Which isn't easy to handle and is keeping him from being able to do d serious roles to do. He goes back to his hometown for his best friends bachelor party.
Liam and Ariane meet at the airport and it doesn't go well, later that same day they run into each other and have a instant connection. After a few days he comes back to town and takes her to LA with him. They have a great time and fall for each other, then there is a misunderstanding and things go a little crazy.
I just don't know if I liked this book. It's a little confusing, it really didn't have a great storyline. I did the like the characters and the way they were developed, but the plot needs some work.
I was given a copy by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Liam left their small town and headed for Los Angeles. There is was a bartender until he was discovered. Now he is a famous actor known to have a bad boy reputation, he also has pain pill addiction. Which isn't easy to handle and is keeping him from being able to do d serious roles to do. He goes back to his hometown for his best friends bachelor party.
Liam and Ariane meet at the airport and it doesn't go well, later that same day they run into each other and have a instant connection. After a few days he comes back to town and takes her to LA with him. They have a great time and fall for each other, then there is a misunderstanding and things go a little crazy.
I just don't know if I liked this book. It's a little confusing, it really didn't have a great storyline. I did the like the characters and the way they were developed, but the plot needs some work.
I was given a copy by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2014
Sweet story about 2 people from the same small town, who went very separate ways find themselves meeting at a wedding of a mutual friend.
Ariane has just broken up with a boyfriend who thought it was cool to break up over email. Her older sister Jordan is getting married, and despite needing to get over being dumped and why she should care more that more that she got dumped - Ariane meets Liam the hot actor who is a best friend to the groom.
Ariane is also a very talented artist whose art never leaves her mothers home. Behind her back, Todd (the groom), has been sending photos of her art to Liam, since it helps him cope with the awful Hollywood life.
Liam, seeing what the women in Hollywood says to Ariane and how they treat her, decides he wants different for her and himself. He helps her art become public - and for others to see what he sees.
While all this is going on - preparations for the wedding are still under way and the bride is quite demanding that Ariane meet a new man. Little do they know...there is already a man in her life who does not want to let her go.....
***This ARC copy is free from Netgalley.com and given in exchange for review purposes.
Ariane has just broken up with a boyfriend who thought it was cool to break up over email. Her older sister Jordan is getting married, and despite needing to get over being dumped and why she should care more that more that she got dumped - Ariane meets Liam the hot actor who is a best friend to the groom.
Ariane is also a very talented artist whose art never leaves her mothers home. Behind her back, Todd (the groom), has been sending photos of her art to Liam, since it helps him cope with the awful Hollywood life.
Liam, seeing what the women in Hollywood says to Ariane and how they treat her, decides he wants different for her and himself. He helps her art become public - and for others to see what he sees.
While all this is going on - preparations for the wedding are still under way and the bride is quite demanding that Ariane meet a new man. Little do they know...there is already a man in her life who does not want to let her go.....
***This ARC copy is free from Netgalley.com and given in exchange for review purposes.
September 12, 2014
SPOILERS AHEAD! (I think)........
There is definitely a great story in the works but I think for now its just falling so short. I love the idea of the two characters having once known one another only from afar but finding each other again through friends and art, its unique and a bit different from the others. But where this story is lacking is the depth of the characters and everything happened so fast. I felt so confused moving chapter to chapter. There was no easy flow to way things happen. Also there is a hugely bad case of insta love, like so insta that its literally un believable because first the "H" goes from wanting to find the "h" so he contacts friends and then when he shows at her apartment he wisks her away to his home and NEEDS her so bad he can't wait so they get busy in the car.
This books needs major editing and a lot more added to the story. It has some real potential but as for now I can't really recommend it to my fellow reading friends.
There is definitely a great story in the works but I think for now its just falling so short. I love the idea of the two characters having once known one another only from afar but finding each other again through friends and art, its unique and a bit different from the others. But where this story is lacking is the depth of the characters and everything happened so fast. I felt so confused moving chapter to chapter. There was no easy flow to way things happen. Also there is a hugely bad case of insta love, like so insta that its literally un believable because first the "H" goes from wanting to find the "h" so he contacts friends and then when he shows at her apartment he wisks her away to his home and NEEDS her so bad he can't wait so they get busy in the car.
This books needs major editing and a lot more added to the story. It has some real potential but as for now I can't really recommend it to my fellow reading friends.
December 30, 2014
2.75 stars*
There's a sweet story in here somewhere.
Artistic wallflower meets burned-out movie star. On the outside, Ariane and Liam are very different, but when it comes to the things that really matter they have a lot in common. So where did this one go wrong?
For me, the whole thing felt two-dimensional, flat. I didn't connect with the main characters; in fact, the only character to really pique my interest was Nana.
Overall, the reading experience had that unbelievable, over-too-fast feel to it. So much time is devoted to the beginning and end parts (the anticipation and the "winning her back") that the middle, the actual evolution of the relationship, seems underdeveloped--like a sandwich where the bread overwhelms the meat. I needed more meat!
I did highlight six passages, though, that I deemed quote-worthy for one reason or another.
*Copy generous provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There's a sweet story in here somewhere.
Artistic wallflower meets burned-out movie star. On the outside, Ariane and Liam are very different, but when it comes to the things that really matter they have a lot in common. So where did this one go wrong?
For me, the whole thing felt two-dimensional, flat. I didn't connect with the main characters; in fact, the only character to really pique my interest was Nana.
Overall, the reading experience had that unbelievable, over-too-fast feel to it. So much time is devoted to the beginning and end parts (the anticipation and the "winning her back") that the middle, the actual evolution of the relationship, seems underdeveloped--like a sandwich where the bread overwhelms the meat. I needed more meat!
I did highlight six passages, though, that I deemed quote-worthy for one reason or another.
*Copy generous provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2014
I will say that this book is a great book. I will say that I do wish it gave a little more details and even though most of it was edited beautifully there are few times in the book that seemed like they got skipped in editing. Now in no way does that take from the book, it was a great book with a unique storyline. I loved the love Liam and Ariane have for each other, you can feel it through the pages. I like that Ariane's paintings saved Liam, I wish we would have went more in depth when he tells why her paintings are such an important thing in his life. The book revolves around how he uses her paintings and how they help him and how he feel in love with her through her paintings. I do hope there is another one, so many Michaelson ladies need love. My complete review is at: http://allnightbooks.com/2014/07/23/h...
July 22, 2014
ARC provided by NetGalley
Homecoming had such a promising synopsis, but unfortunately this book didn't work for me. At all. It was extremely rushed, there was too much going on too fast, and the characters weren't fleshed out well. It had the bones to be a good story but it felt thrown together. I never could connect to the characters, I never even really had a chance like them. A lot of the situations didn't even feel realistic in the way they happened. I really feel like with a little work this could have been a decent story, but it was just too rushed and way too all-over the place for me.
Homecoming had such a promising synopsis, but unfortunately this book didn't work for me. At all. It was extremely rushed, there was too much going on too fast, and the characters weren't fleshed out well. It had the bones to be a good story but it felt thrown together. I never could connect to the characters, I never even really had a chance like them. A lot of the situations didn't even feel realistic in the way they happened. I really feel like with a little work this could have been a decent story, but it was just too rushed and way too all-over the place for me.
August 24, 2014
This is a Cinderella story of sorts. Although I think the author could have added more to this story, it was an easy enjoyable read.
I could really relate to Ariane. I often found myself thinking what she was. I wish she would have opened up her mouth just a little at the end, had it out with Liam.
Liam is one of my fantasy men. Bad boy turned into actor but yearns for the simple life he knew he wanted. For a man who thinks he knows the woman, he was quite clueless about her feelings. I know most men are, but she is a wallflower. She doesn't want to go to premiers and clubs like that.
I give this book 3.5 Stars.
I could really relate to Ariane. I often found myself thinking what she was. I wish she would have opened up her mouth just a little at the end, had it out with Liam.
Liam is one of my fantasy men. Bad boy turned into actor but yearns for the simple life he knew he wanted. For a man who thinks he knows the woman, he was quite clueless about her feelings. I know most men are, but she is a wallflower. She doesn't want to go to premiers and clubs like that.
I give this book 3.5 Stars.
December 8, 2014
***ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
Meh...this was too formulaic. Famous and gorgeous actor falls for small town artist before they meet through her art. The hero and heroine were likable but there was little character development beyond the moments of insta-lust turned insta-love. The movement to "Hi! It's nice to meet you"...to "Move in with me" seemed to quick. Personalities (and the oh-so juicy complexities) just never grew/developed so they got kind of boring. Short, quick read. Could have probably used a few more pages and a little more depth. Otherwise, a good (public) commute read.
Meh...this was too formulaic. Famous and gorgeous actor falls for small town artist before they meet through her art. The hero and heroine were likable but there was little character development beyond the moments of insta-lust turned insta-love. The movement to "Hi! It's nice to meet you"...to "Move in with me" seemed to quick. Personalities (and the oh-so juicy complexities) just never grew/developed so they got kind of boring. Short, quick read. Could have probably used a few more pages and a little more depth. Otherwise, a good (public) commute read.
June 25, 2014
Bought this book because I thought it would be a nice summer read.
For some reason I just could never really connect to the male H, Liam. I just couldn't really like him. I didn't hate him. I just couldn't connect with him. I thought he was weak minded, and who really wants that in their Hero.
I like Ariane, the heroine in this novel. I liked her group of friends and her family.
This book was okay.
I don't usually write reviews, I guess I was just disappointed that I could never really connect with Liam. I can't put my finger on it but something was missing.
For some reason I just could never really connect to the male H, Liam. I just couldn't really like him. I didn't hate him. I just couldn't connect with him. I thought he was weak minded, and who really wants that in their Hero.
I like Ariane, the heroine in this novel. I liked her group of friends and her family.
This book was okay.
I don't usually write reviews, I guess I was just disappointed that I could never really connect with Liam. I can't put my finger on it but something was missing.
October 28, 2014
*ARC provided through Netgalley*
Rating: 3.5
I felt it was a charmimg, but passionate new adult read. The character development of both characters were beautiful. I loved how I could connect with Ariane, because of her shy quiet nature and the way she reacted to some.things. Being with Liam just enhanced those beautiful qualities she couldn't see. I loved how Liam considered how Ariane felt when put in situations and it made him better. But I felt like it could've included more details.
Final Thoughts: It was an easy new adult read that wasn't exactly my favorite, but one I still enjoyed.
Rating: 3.5
I felt it was a charmimg, but passionate new adult read. The character development of both characters were beautiful. I loved how I could connect with Ariane, because of her shy quiet nature and the way she reacted to some.things. Being with Liam just enhanced those beautiful qualities she couldn't see. I loved how Liam considered how Ariane felt when put in situations and it made him better. But I felt like it could've included more details.
Final Thoughts: It was an easy new adult read that wasn't exactly my favorite, but one I still enjoyed.
May 15, 2019
"4 out of 5 stars!! This was a dynamically intense novel! About two people who are at impasses in their lives, meeting again after years apart and finding out what their true dreams are while getting to know one another. I really enjoyed this novel."
Read more of this review and a teaser here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2014/08/feasted-on-love-michaelson-series-book-1.html
Read more of this review and a teaser here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2014/08/feasted-on-love-michaelson-series-book-1.html
September 6, 2016
Thanks netgalley for a free read in exchange for my review. I liked it, but it just didn't pull me in. The characters were kind of one dimensional, and we didn't really get into why they were like they were. I had a hard time with Liam, it didn't seem like he like the LA scene yet he tried to get her into it, knowing she wasn't model thin.... I'm pretty sure it was the Vicodin clouding his brain. I read it, just didn't think it hit the high notes. Overall was three stars.
July 18, 2014
Homecoming was a sweet little romance, but for me it was a little bit too saccharine sweet. I like my books to have a bit more body to them, and I'm afraid Homecoming for me just didn't do it. It was an easy read, very much a fairytale of the pink and pretty variety. I like my stories a bit darker, so it didn't really suit me personally. Read if you like sexy famous actors falling for sweet girl-next-door types, and dewy-eyed romance.
August 13, 2016
I thought this a super cute and quick actor meets average girl romance. Loved the background story and the intense connection between the two. Kinda thought Liam was way too intense and his "wooing" was a little creepy at times. Love Ariane's character and the growth that took place in her; especially her altercations with E. All in all I enjoyed the story.
August 1, 2014
2.5 stars
This started out really good for me but then it just flopped around 49% when Liam shows up at Ariane's house demanding she goes back to LA with him. Where the hell did that even come from?? I couldn't stay connected and I just wanted it to end. It has potential but it wasn't for me. Maybe someone else like it.
This started out really good for me but then it just flopped around 49% when Liam shows up at Ariane's house demanding she goes back to LA with him. Where the hell did that even come from?? I couldn't stay connected and I just wanted it to end. It has potential but it wasn't for me. Maybe someone else like it.
August 3, 2014
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Extremely enjoyable read. I loved both Ariane and Liam from the very beginning. Fantastic story and great characters. This book is a great mix of romance, a little steaminess, a little drama. Very real look at the ups and downs of celebrity. Highly recommend.
Extremely enjoyable read. I loved both Ariane and Liam from the very beginning. Fantastic story and great characters. This book is a great mix of romance, a little steaminess, a little drama. Very real look at the ups and downs of celebrity. Highly recommend.
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