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Our Hometown: and The Lies We Told Ourselves
She came home to bury her estranged father and renovate her childhood home—not relive her worst
heartbreak, face the secrets of her past, and dodge an elusive stalker.
Ten years after leaving her hometown and the ex who shattered her heart, Lucy James is back in the
waterfront town of Edmonds. Her mission? Support her quick-witted siblings and flip their childhood
home—a project she hopes will propel her solo career as an interior designer and help her break free
from her boss who intentionally keeps her stuck with an assistant title.
But the best contractor in town? None other than Nicolás Mendez—her ex and the last person she
wants to spend all of October, November, and December in close quarters with.
And as if returning to a home filled with grief and difficult childhood memories isn’t bad enough, she
must also deal with mysterious escalating break-in attempts and threatening messages at the house.
Lucy has convinced herself holding onto the painful secrets of her past is what’s best for everyone. But
holding on to them may cost her more than she’s willing to lose.
heartbreak, face the secrets of her past, and dodge an elusive stalker.
Ten years after leaving her hometown and the ex who shattered her heart, Lucy James is back in the
waterfront town of Edmonds. Her mission? Support her quick-witted siblings and flip their childhood
home—a project she hopes will propel her solo career as an interior designer and help her break free
from her boss who intentionally keeps her stuck with an assistant title.
But the best contractor in town? None other than Nicolás Mendez—her ex and the last person she
wants to spend all of October, November, and December in close quarters with.
And as if returning to a home filled with grief and difficult childhood memories isn’t bad enough, she
must also deal with mysterious escalating break-in attempts and threatening messages at the house.
Lucy has convinced herself holding onto the painful secrets of her past is what’s best for everyone. But
holding on to them may cost her more than she’s willing to lose.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2025
3 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 25, 2025
This was such a cute read. If you love second chance romance novels then you will love it. The author's writing drew me in from the very first page and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I also loved the main characters chemistry and there were some spicy scenes. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💖 Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
💖 Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2025
This was 'trauma, but make it cozy' in the best way.
The writing was so simple, and no frills but weaved the story effortlessly. It was all you would expect from a cozy small town second chance romance-- a cute small town, a smoking hot guy, outrageous siblings...even a totally unhinged stalker sub plot. What I was not expecting though was the emotional punch in the face about parental abuse and parental accountability. It's still so taboo to talk about holding parents accountable and it was so validating to read how carefully but firmly the author handled it here.
Don't let the cover fool you. There are many sweet tender love stories in this-- the romance, the hilarious sibling warfare, the love that Nick's family had for Lucy. But there are also some heavy hitting themes-- grief, loss, child abduction. Please check your triggers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️/5
The writing was so simple, and no frills but weaved the story effortlessly. It was all you would expect from a cozy small town second chance romance-- a cute small town, a smoking hot guy, outrageous siblings...even a totally unhinged stalker sub plot. What I was not expecting though was the emotional punch in the face about parental abuse and parental accountability. It's still so taboo to talk about holding parents accountable and it was so validating to read how carefully but firmly the author handled it here.
Don't let the cover fool you. There are many sweet tender love stories in this-- the romance, the hilarious sibling warfare, the love that Nick's family had for Lucy. But there are also some heavy hitting themes-- grief, loss, child abduction. Please check your triggers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️/5
August 13, 2025
OK, so this book is complete and utter chaos and in a way my ADHD brain loved!
It bounced around a lot between different genres and you very much wanted to turn the page and get to the next section to find out what was gonna happen.
When I signed up for this, I 100% thought it was just gonna be a romcom. I had no idea we were dealing with a stalker/thriller/mystery on top of romance. I sweat a little!
So yeah, it’s a second chance romance, but it is wayyyyyyyyy more than that.
There was the not talking trope, from both of the mains. You can’t really call it the miscommunication trope there’s no miscommunication. Both of them really chose not to be honest with each other. It would have been harder to do so for FMC but not impossible.
They both choose to keep their secrets. Butttt they were also stupid kids, 18/19 I think?
That’s really not my favorite trope because I feel like these people would’ve been completely and utterly happy together if they had just talked to each other, and maybe neither of them will have had to go through the trauma they did without support from each other.
I enjoyed the setting of the book because my sister lived in that area so I already had a knowledge of it and what it looks like
It bounced around a lot between different genres and you very much wanted to turn the page and get to the next section to find out what was gonna happen.
When I signed up for this, I 100% thought it was just gonna be a romcom. I had no idea we were dealing with a stalker/thriller/mystery on top of romance. I sweat a little!
So yeah, it’s a second chance romance, but it is wayyyyyyyyy more than that.
There was the not talking trope, from both of the mains. You can’t really call it the miscommunication trope there’s no miscommunication. Both of them really chose not to be honest with each other. It would have been harder to do so for FMC but not impossible.
They both choose to keep their secrets. Butttt they were also stupid kids, 18/19 I think?
That’s really not my favorite trope because I feel like these people would’ve been completely and utterly happy together if they had just talked to each other, and maybe neither of them will have had to go through the trauma they did without support from each other.
I enjoyed the setting of the book because my sister lived in that area so I already had a knowledge of it and what it looks like
October 3, 2025
Our Hometown was such an addictive and unsettling read. From the very first pages, the suspense built steadily and kept me hooked, leaving me with that uneasy feeling that something wasn’t quite right. Even 70% in, I was still questioning who was stalking Lucy and why Nick had to leave, which made it impossible to put down.
I absolutely loved Lucy as a character – she felt so real and relatable, and her journey of growth and healing was written beautifully. It was moving, hopeful, and so satisfying to read. The writing itself is sharp and engaging, making this a super easy book to fly through while still feeling fully invested in the story.
Honestly, it’s a 5-star read for me. I can’t think of anything that would have made it more enjoyable.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC – I really loved this one.
I absolutely loved Lucy as a character – she felt so real and relatable, and her journey of growth and healing was written beautifully. It was moving, hopeful, and so satisfying to read. The writing itself is sharp and engaging, making this a super easy book to fly through while still feeling fully invested in the story.
Honestly, it’s a 5-star read for me. I can’t think of anything that would have made it more enjoyable.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC – I really loved this one.
October 6, 2025
Our Hometown by Molly Machado is a propulsive romcom with thriller vibes. I love when romcoms blend with thrillers with great pacing and delightful entertainment—and this story delivers!
This story is told in single POV through the eyes of the heroine. Her personal story is a great one to follow. Her lovers to haters to lovers, love interest, is intriguing. Add in the sexy, spicy scenes, and it’s fiery, in the female centered, romance department. Additionally, this story has family secrets, threats and danger, mystery, and personal growth of the main character that’s extraordinary.
Molly Machado did an excellent job with this book! Go pick it up today!
Side note: if you’re typically an audiobook lover, pick this book up on Kindle and have Alexa read it to you.
Thank you NetGalley and Molly Machado for allowing me to have this advanced readers copy.
This story is told in single POV through the eyes of the heroine. Her personal story is a great one to follow. Her lovers to haters to lovers, love interest, is intriguing. Add in the sexy, spicy scenes, and it’s fiery, in the female centered, romance department. Additionally, this story has family secrets, threats and danger, mystery, and personal growth of the main character that’s extraordinary.
Molly Machado did an excellent job with this book! Go pick it up today!
Side note: if you’re typically an audiobook lover, pick this book up on Kindle and have Alexa read it to you.
Thank you NetGalley and Molly Machado for allowing me to have this advanced readers copy.
December 19, 2025
I’ll admit, I went into this a teensy bit biased as the setting of the book takes place just one town over from where I live. But the writing held up to the allure of the premise, and I really enjoyed uncovering all the pieces to Lucy & Nick’s relationship, both past and present. And the thriller mystery of Lucy’s stalker added a really nice layer of tension to whole thing, which you don’t always get in contemporary romance. Overall, a solid read that I will definitely be recommending to friends!
November 23, 2025
This book really hit home for me (literally)! Loved all of the Edmonds references and the very real “Edmonds Vortex” I hope the author writes more set in Edmonds!!
November 8, 2025
Our Hometown by Molly Machado is a heartfelt second-chance romance that surprised me in all the best ways. What starts off feeling like a cozy small-town love story quickly unfolds into something deeper — a blend of romance, mystery, grief, and healing that kept me turning the pages.
After the death of her father, Lucy returns to her hometown to renovate her childhood home, determined to sell it and move on. What she doesn’t expect is to find her ex — the one who vanished without a word years ago — as the only contractor for the job. As they rebuild the house, old wounds and buried secrets surface, revealing not just unfinished love, but the truth behind their painful pasts.
Machado’s writing immediately draws you in — it’s emotional, vivid, and beautifully layered. The chemistry between Lucy and Nick feels authentic and hard-earned, and I loved the way their story balances tenderness with real emotional weight. There’s also a surprising suspense element woven throughout, with a morally complex antagonist that adds depth and tension.
This book explores grief, forgiveness, and the messy process of healing with honesty and compassion. Some pacing moments felt uneven, but the emotional impact more than made up for it. By the final page, I was moved — and left thinking about how love, loss, and the places we come from shape who we become.
✨ Vibe check:
✔️ Emotional second-chance romance
✔️ Small-town nostalgia with secrets
✔️ Themes of grief, forgiveness, and growth
✔️ A dash of mystery and suspense
✔️ Cozy but not cliché — think Hallmark with heart and real stakes
Final thoughts:
Our Hometown is tender, chaotic in the best way, and achingly human. Machado captures the beauty in imperfection — both in her characters and their journeys. I highly recommend it to readers who love emotional, character-driven romances with a touch of mystery and a whole lot of heart.
💖 Thank you to NetGalley, Molly Machado, and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After the death of her father, Lucy returns to her hometown to renovate her childhood home, determined to sell it and move on. What she doesn’t expect is to find her ex — the one who vanished without a word years ago — as the only contractor for the job. As they rebuild the house, old wounds and buried secrets surface, revealing not just unfinished love, but the truth behind their painful pasts.
Machado’s writing immediately draws you in — it’s emotional, vivid, and beautifully layered. The chemistry between Lucy and Nick feels authentic and hard-earned, and I loved the way their story balances tenderness with real emotional weight. There’s also a surprising suspense element woven throughout, with a morally complex antagonist that adds depth and tension.
This book explores grief, forgiveness, and the messy process of healing with honesty and compassion. Some pacing moments felt uneven, but the emotional impact more than made up for it. By the final page, I was moved — and left thinking about how love, loss, and the places we come from shape who we become.
✨ Vibe check:
✔️ Emotional second-chance romance
✔️ Small-town nostalgia with secrets
✔️ Themes of grief, forgiveness, and growth
✔️ A dash of mystery and suspense
✔️ Cozy but not cliché — think Hallmark with heart and real stakes
Final thoughts:
Our Hometown is tender, chaotic in the best way, and achingly human. Machado captures the beauty in imperfection — both in her characters and their journeys. I highly recommend it to readers who love emotional, character-driven romances with a touch of mystery and a whole lot of heart.
💖 Thank you to NetGalley, Molly Machado, and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2025
The cover had me at hello. Two people standing close—but not quite touching—perfectly captures the ache of almost, the tension of unfinished business, and the quiet longing that propels this story.
What it’s about:
After her father’s death, Lucy returns to her hometown to renovate her childhood home, planning to sell it and leave the past behind. What she doesn’t expect is that the best (okay, only) contractor for the job is her ex—the one who ghosted her without a word their senior year. As old walls come down, secrets are unearthed, including one involving a woman villain who is far more complex than expected. This is a story about loss, grief, reconciliation, and love.
What I loved:
A woman antagonist who is complicated and even sympathetic without overshadowing Lucy. That’s a hard balance to strike, and Machado does it beautifully.
Sensitive topics like miscarriage and the messy, conflicting feelings after a parent’s death are handled with compassion and emotional nuance.
The second-chance romance is swoony and believable, with just enough friction to keep things interesting.
Vibe check:
✔️ A summer-to-fall transition read
✔️ Just enough mystery to keep you hooked
✔️ Romance with emotional depth
✔️ Grief, forgiveness, and a few well-earned laughs
✔️ Feels like watching a Hallmark movie with better lighting, richer characters, and real stakes
Final thoughts:
Our Hometown and The Lies We Told Ourselves is a warm, thoughtful romance that wears its heartbreak and humor equally well. It’s cozy without being cloying, sharp without being cruel, and emotionally satisfying without tying everything up with a perfect bow.
What it’s about:
After her father’s death, Lucy returns to her hometown to renovate her childhood home, planning to sell it and leave the past behind. What she doesn’t expect is that the best (okay, only) contractor for the job is her ex—the one who ghosted her without a word their senior year. As old walls come down, secrets are unearthed, including one involving a woman villain who is far more complex than expected. This is a story about loss, grief, reconciliation, and love.
What I loved:
A woman antagonist who is complicated and even sympathetic without overshadowing Lucy. That’s a hard balance to strike, and Machado does it beautifully.
Sensitive topics like miscarriage and the messy, conflicting feelings after a parent’s death are handled with compassion and emotional nuance.
The second-chance romance is swoony and believable, with just enough friction to keep things interesting.
Vibe check:
✔️ A summer-to-fall transition read
✔️ Just enough mystery to keep you hooked
✔️ Romance with emotional depth
✔️ Grief, forgiveness, and a few well-earned laughs
✔️ Feels like watching a Hallmark movie with better lighting, richer characters, and real stakes
Final thoughts:
Our Hometown and The Lies We Told Ourselves is a warm, thoughtful romance that wears its heartbreak and humor equally well. It’s cozy without being cloying, sharp without being cruel, and emotionally satisfying without tying everything up with a perfect bow.
September 20, 2025
📖 Synopsis:
Lucy and her siblings have lost not only their mom, the cornerstone of their family, but are now laying their father to rest as well. This loss brings Lucy back to her small hometown of Edmonds. The last place she wants to be, as she has been avoiding it for the last ten years.
Not only is her hometown filled with painful memories of her father, but it’s also the place where Nick broke her heart into a million little pieces before he enlisted in the military.
Lucy finds herself having to confront the past with her relationships all while dealing with her parent’s home renovation and some unnerving break ins at the house.
💭 My Thoughts:
I really related to Lucy on so many levels and I appreciate Molly’s incorporation of how difficult some parent - child relationship can be. As someone who has a broken relationship with my father, I appreciated reading through the grieving process as Lucy navigated what to do with her feelings regarding the loss of her father.
Additionally, I resonated with Lucy’s “people pleasing” personality and the way Molly illustrated how withholding hard things to avoid hurting your loved one’s feeling or just simply shining light on the hard things, ends up hurting and isolating us more.
And through all of these hard relational pieces, I enjoyed the suspense of the home break in storyline. A lot of different moving parts in this book - but it was well written and a quick read. As in, I finished it in a day!
Lucy and her siblings have lost not only their mom, the cornerstone of their family, but are now laying their father to rest as well. This loss brings Lucy back to her small hometown of Edmonds. The last place she wants to be, as she has been avoiding it for the last ten years.
Not only is her hometown filled with painful memories of her father, but it’s also the place where Nick broke her heart into a million little pieces before he enlisted in the military.
Lucy finds herself having to confront the past with her relationships all while dealing with her parent’s home renovation and some unnerving break ins at the house.
💭 My Thoughts:
I really related to Lucy on so many levels and I appreciate Molly’s incorporation of how difficult some parent - child relationship can be. As someone who has a broken relationship with my father, I appreciated reading through the grieving process as Lucy navigated what to do with her feelings regarding the loss of her father.
Additionally, I resonated with Lucy’s “people pleasing” personality and the way Molly illustrated how withholding hard things to avoid hurting your loved one’s feeling or just simply shining light on the hard things, ends up hurting and isolating us more.
And through all of these hard relational pieces, I enjoyed the suspense of the home break in storyline. A lot of different moving parts in this book - but it was well written and a quick read. As in, I finished it in a day!
September 20, 2025
Growing up in a small town this story hit home with just how small towns are and how you love it and you want to leave but also it’s so hard to not stay or move back.
I was not expecting this story to be so honest with grief and loss and how all the characters had their own stuff going on and how they carry it but eventually it comes out. But I honestly appreciated it. It was a breath of fresh air to not have picture perfect characters and stories. The real life experience was so nice.
I read this book in one single sitting. I could not put it down, it hooked me from the start and then the mystery surrounding her stalker kept twisting and turning and learning how much both the main characters went through alone shouldering burdens and not telling each other.
Oh man. The feelings in this book were so real and tangible. I know for a fact this book is going to stay with me for awhile.
I will say that despite the hard hitting emotions in this book i thoroughly enjoyed it. And I loved them getting their second chance at love. Their chemistry and the way that they both essentially waited for each other all these years.
If you love second chance romance books that have all the feelings in them definitely read this book!!
Thank you Molly, Victory Editing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
I was not expecting this story to be so honest with grief and loss and how all the characters had their own stuff going on and how they carry it but eventually it comes out. But I honestly appreciated it. It was a breath of fresh air to not have picture perfect characters and stories. The real life experience was so nice.
I read this book in one single sitting. I could not put it down, it hooked me from the start and then the mystery surrounding her stalker kept twisting and turning and learning how much both the main characters went through alone shouldering burdens and not telling each other.
Oh man. The feelings in this book were so real and tangible. I know for a fact this book is going to stay with me for awhile.
I will say that despite the hard hitting emotions in this book i thoroughly enjoyed it. And I loved them getting their second chance at love. Their chemistry and the way that they both essentially waited for each other all these years.
If you love second chance romance books that have all the feelings in them definitely read this book!!
Thank you Molly, Victory Editing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
October 21, 2025
Rating: 4 ⭐️
How I Read It:📱
Synopsis
Ten years after leaving her hometown and the ex who broke her heart, Lucy James is back in the waterfront city of Edmonds to flip her childhood home after her father died. While back home, she runs into her ex, Nicolás Mendez, a contractor in town and owner of the local hardware store.
As Lucy starts working on her childhood home, mysterious break-in attempts and threatening messages start happening, which starts worrying her siblings and brings her and Nick closer together.
My Thoughts
This book was so refreshingly different! It was part romance, part cozy mystery, set in a small hometown. There were sweet moments and moments that creeped me out! It’s a quick, easy read that will pull at your heartstrings and give you agita every time Lucy goes into her parent’s house alone. I loved Lucy’s relationship with her siblings; their dynamic added a lot to the book, and you could feel the chemistry with her and Nick, so you’re pulling for them through the whole story. If you’re looking for a cute romance book with a twist that will keep you guessing and guessing, pick this one up!
Themes
Second chance romance
Slow-burn
Thriller
Grief
Ratings
Characters: 4⭐️
Pace: 4 ⭐️
Enjoyability: 4⭐️
Thank you Molly Machado and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!
#OurHometown #NetGalley #Kindle #bookish #romcomreads
How I Read It:📱
Synopsis
Ten years after leaving her hometown and the ex who broke her heart, Lucy James is back in the waterfront city of Edmonds to flip her childhood home after her father died. While back home, she runs into her ex, Nicolás Mendez, a contractor in town and owner of the local hardware store.
As Lucy starts working on her childhood home, mysterious break-in attempts and threatening messages start happening, which starts worrying her siblings and brings her and Nick closer together.
My Thoughts
This book was so refreshingly different! It was part romance, part cozy mystery, set in a small hometown. There were sweet moments and moments that creeped me out! It’s a quick, easy read that will pull at your heartstrings and give you agita every time Lucy goes into her parent’s house alone. I loved Lucy’s relationship with her siblings; their dynamic added a lot to the book, and you could feel the chemistry with her and Nick, so you’re pulling for them through the whole story. If you’re looking for a cute romance book with a twist that will keep you guessing and guessing, pick this one up!
Themes
Second chance romance
Slow-burn
Thriller
Grief
Ratings
Characters: 4⭐️
Pace: 4 ⭐️
Enjoyability: 4⭐️
Thank you Molly Machado and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!
#OurHometown #NetGalley #Kindle #bookish #romcomreads
September 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley & Molly for giving me a chance to read and review this book before publishing! I really enjoyed this one.
This book really caught me with how honest it felt about dealing with real life things—grief, death, loss, and the ways we all carry them differently. There’s this constant thread of nostalgia mixed with the ache of small-town secrets, and it really made me think about how the places we come from shape us, even when we’ve tried to leave them behind.
The characters felt flawed in such a human way, and I appreciated that they weren’t always easy to like. They made choices that frustrated me, but also felt believable. That’s what kept me invested—the way their struggles mirrored the messiness of real life.
At the same time, I found myself wishing some moments had been explored more deeply. There were sections that lingered on a little too long, while other parts I wanted more from, almost like the balance was slightly off. Still, the emotional weight carried through, and I found myself pausing often to sit with the writing.
Overall, it’s a story that lingers—about loss, memory, and the lies we tell ourselves just to keep going. Not perfect, but moving in a way that stayed with me long after I closed the book.
This book really caught me with how honest it felt about dealing with real life things—grief, death, loss, and the ways we all carry them differently. There’s this constant thread of nostalgia mixed with the ache of small-town secrets, and it really made me think about how the places we come from shape us, even when we’ve tried to leave them behind.
The characters felt flawed in such a human way, and I appreciated that they weren’t always easy to like. They made choices that frustrated me, but also felt believable. That’s what kept me invested—the way their struggles mirrored the messiness of real life.
At the same time, I found myself wishing some moments had been explored more deeply. There were sections that lingered on a little too long, while other parts I wanted more from, almost like the balance was slightly off. Still, the emotional weight carried through, and I found myself pausing often to sit with the writing.
Overall, it’s a story that lingers—about loss, memory, and the lies we tell ourselves just to keep going. Not perfect, but moving in a way that stayed with me long after I closed the book.
September 21, 2025
Our Hometown: And the Lies We Told Ourselves is an emotional second-chance romance layered with a small-town mystery.
Ten years after leaving her hometown—and the boyfriend who broke her heart—Lucy returns for her estranged father’s funeral and to flip his house as a stepping stone for her interior design career. She only plans to stay three months, but when the best contractor in town turns out to be Nick, her ex, she suddenly finds herself spending more time with him than she ever expected…especially when someone starts to threaten her.
This was a quick, engaging read with interesting, layered characters. The romance was sweet, but I wished we’d seen more flashbacks of Lucy and Nick’s earlier relationship. It was more often alluded to rather than shown, which made their reunion feel a little rushed. That said, the writing kept the story moving, and the mystery subplot, while surprising at first, ended up tying everything together in a satisfying way.
All in all, readers who enjoy a fast-paced, second-chance romance with complex family dynamics and a touch of suspense will enjoy this one!
Thank you to Molly Machado and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Ten years after leaving her hometown—and the boyfriend who broke her heart—Lucy returns for her estranged father’s funeral and to flip his house as a stepping stone for her interior design career. She only plans to stay three months, but when the best contractor in town turns out to be Nick, her ex, she suddenly finds herself spending more time with him than she ever expected…especially when someone starts to threaten her.
This was a quick, engaging read with interesting, layered characters. The romance was sweet, but I wished we’d seen more flashbacks of Lucy and Nick’s earlier relationship. It was more often alluded to rather than shown, which made their reunion feel a little rushed. That said, the writing kept the story moving, and the mystery subplot, while surprising at first, ended up tying everything together in a satisfying way.
All in all, readers who enjoy a fast-paced, second-chance romance with complex family dynamics and a touch of suspense will enjoy this one!
Thank you to Molly Machado and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 20, 2025
Thank you Netgalley, Victory Editing and the author for providing me with an advanced readers copy!
I absolutely adored this book! From the very first chapter, I was hooked and finished it in under 24 hours. The author has such a gift for pulling you into the characters’ emotions; I truly felt everything Lucy was going through as she worked through her past trauma and started her healing journey.
Told through Lucy’s POV, this story beautifully captures her growth, while Nick — our MMC — carries his own burdens. The way he’s waited for her ever since he left made my heart ache in the best way. Their relationship is an emotional and heartfelt second chance romance, with just the right touch of suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat. It highlights the importance of (found) family and friendship!
The only thing I wished for was a deeper glimpse into Nick’s experiences in the army, to round out his journey even more. But overall, this was such a moving story, and I can’t wait to see what Molly Machado writes next. Highly recommend if you love emotional romances that balance healing, suspense, and all the feels.
I absolutely adored this book! From the very first chapter, I was hooked and finished it in under 24 hours. The author has such a gift for pulling you into the characters’ emotions; I truly felt everything Lucy was going through as she worked through her past trauma and started her healing journey.
Told through Lucy’s POV, this story beautifully captures her growth, while Nick — our MMC — carries his own burdens. The way he’s waited for her ever since he left made my heart ache in the best way. Their relationship is an emotional and heartfelt second chance romance, with just the right touch of suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat. It highlights the importance of (found) family and friendship!
The only thing I wished for was a deeper glimpse into Nick’s experiences in the army, to round out his journey even more. But overall, this was such a moving story, and I can’t wait to see what Molly Machado writes next. Highly recommend if you love emotional romances that balance healing, suspense, and all the feels.
September 28, 2025
Returning home was never supposed to reopen old wounds, but Lucy James quickly finds that the past is hard to escape. Tasked with renovating her childhood home while supporting her siblings, she is forced to work alongside Nicolás Mendez, her ex and the last person she wants to see again. The simmering tension between them is matched only by the unsettling mystery of break-ins and threatening messages, which adds a layer of suspense to this heartfelt story.
What stood out most was how the novel blends emotional depth with a slow-burning romance and a subtle thriller vibe. Lucy and Nicolás’s journey toward forgiveness and healing felt authentic, with their chemistry sparking naturally amidst the challenges they face. Fans of second chance romances that explore grief, family, and secrets will find a lot to love here. This book kept me engaged until the very last page.
Thank you Molly, Victory Editing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
What stood out most was how the novel blends emotional depth with a slow-burning romance and a subtle thriller vibe. Lucy and Nicolás’s journey toward forgiveness and healing felt authentic, with their chemistry sparking naturally amidst the challenges they face. Fans of second chance romances that explore grief, family, and secrets will find a lot to love here. This book kept me engaged until the very last page.
Thank you Molly, Victory Editing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
September 29, 2025
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Our Hometown and the lies we told ourselves is a delightful blend of heartwarming moments and thrilling twists—perfect for fans of both genres! I absolutely loved the sibling banter that adds a charming layer to the story.
The plot follows Lucy, who returns to her hometown to bury her estranged father and tackle the renovation and sale of their family home. With dreams of becoming an interior designer, Lucy sees this as her chance to showcase her skills and pave her way.
What she doesn’t expect is to run into her old flame, Nicolas Mendez. Their chemistry is palpable, and the slow-burn romance, sprinkled with some steamy scenes, had me panting.
Overall, this book is a fantastic mix of nostalgia, family dynamics, and a dash of romance. Highly recommend for those who enjoy a cozy yet thrilling read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Molly Machado for this ARC. All opinions are my own
Our Hometown and the lies we told ourselves is a delightful blend of heartwarming moments and thrilling twists—perfect for fans of both genres! I absolutely loved the sibling banter that adds a charming layer to the story.
The plot follows Lucy, who returns to her hometown to bury her estranged father and tackle the renovation and sale of their family home. With dreams of becoming an interior designer, Lucy sees this as her chance to showcase her skills and pave her way.
What she doesn’t expect is to run into her old flame, Nicolas Mendez. Their chemistry is palpable, and the slow-burn romance, sprinkled with some steamy scenes, had me panting.
Overall, this book is a fantastic mix of nostalgia, family dynamics, and a dash of romance. Highly recommend for those who enjoy a cozy yet thrilling read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Molly Machado for this ARC. All opinions are my own
October 2, 2025
I love Machado's work, and this book does not disappoint! Her romantic tension is topnotch, and her characters are likable and relatable. Lucy's journey back to her hometown is full of emotion (love, grief, joy, hope, and forgiveness), romance, and suspense. Finally forced to face the trauma of her childhood and teen years - the loss of her mother, the abuse of her father, and the ghosting of her true love - Lucy discovers that keeping her heart locked away was no real path to happiness.
Oh, and by the way, someone MIGHT be trying to kill her...
This is a great Fall/seasonal read. You will desperately want to visit Edmonds after you finish. Machado does just as good a job writing the character of the town as she does her main characters! It's also a multicultural romance, with rich development of the side characters...
Might a side character show up in another book later? I know one who needs her own happily ever after...
Cannot wait to see where Machado takes us next!
Oh, and by the way, someone MIGHT be trying to kill her...
This is a great Fall/seasonal read. You will desperately want to visit Edmonds after you finish. Machado does just as good a job writing the character of the town as she does her main characters! It's also a multicultural romance, with rich development of the side characters...
Might a side character show up in another book later? I know one who needs her own happily ever after...
Cannot wait to see where Machado takes us next!
October 18, 2025
I felt like I was reading the PNW's version of BEACH READ! Loved this book by Molly Machado. The perfect blend of sweet and spicy, second chance romance and unrequited angst, family secrets and sibling banter, with a dash of... suspense and mystery?! Yes please!
My favourite part of Molly's writing was her sensitive delve into grief, how everyone handles it differently, and how complicated it can be when someone has passed who you've had a strained relationship with. Molly handled the minutia of so many different sensitive aspects with such care and grace, then wrapped it up in a bow with a tender reconnection between two lovers in a hometown they can't help but love.
Can't wait for Molly's next book!
My favourite part of Molly's writing was her sensitive delve into grief, how everyone handles it differently, and how complicated it can be when someone has passed who you've had a strained relationship with. Molly handled the minutia of so many different sensitive aspects with such care and grace, then wrapped it up in a bow with a tender reconnection between two lovers in a hometown they can't help but love.
Can't wait for Molly's next book!
August 19, 2025
⭐️3. 5 stars⭐️
"Our Hometown" was predominantly the sweetest of second chance romances. I say predominantly because it also contained a secret stalker storyline, for no discernable reason. The tone of the book started out fun and wry, managing to weave in poignant points about family loyalty, immigration and difficult parental relationships. The balance of this worked okay, but the stalker subplot always felt jarring. Molly Machado's characters were strong, so despite the weird juxtaposition, I wanted to keep reading and spending time with them all.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
"Our Hometown" was predominantly the sweetest of second chance romances. I say predominantly because it also contained a secret stalker storyline, for no discernable reason. The tone of the book started out fun and wry, managing to weave in poignant points about family loyalty, immigration and difficult parental relationships. The balance of this worked okay, but the stalker subplot always felt jarring. Molly Machado's characters were strong, so despite the weird juxtaposition, I wanted to keep reading and spending time with them all.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2025
What if you didn't make amends with that estranged parent before they died?
People always say things like, "But he's your dad/mom," to adult children with parents they have gone low or no contact with. That sentiment was the catalyst behind the writing of this story. It's my response. A parent should be someone you can turn to, someone to trust, and when that's broken... It shouldn't be on the child to fix.
The one core message of this book is: know your worth.
This contemporary romance is chaotic in the best way. Because real life is messy, or at least mine is. It is filled with sarcastic humor, family dynamics, forced proximity, on the backdrop of my hometown of Edmonds--a place so pretty you'd think it was made up. It's the story of a heartfelt small-town second-chance romance, with a side of suspense and a mysterious stalker that will keep you on your toes...
People always say things like, "But he's your dad/mom," to adult children with parents they have gone low or no contact with. That sentiment was the catalyst behind the writing of this story. It's my response. A parent should be someone you can turn to, someone to trust, and when that's broken... It shouldn't be on the child to fix.
The one core message of this book is: know your worth.
This contemporary romance is chaotic in the best way. Because real life is messy, or at least mine is. It is filled with sarcastic humor, family dynamics, forced proximity, on the backdrop of my hometown of Edmonds--a place so pretty you'd think it was made up. It's the story of a heartfelt small-town second-chance romance, with a side of suspense and a mysterious stalker that will keep you on your toes...
September 25, 2025
First let me say, please check the trigger warnings for this book. It hits a lot of heavy topics for what I would consider a rom-com thriller. That being said, the author did a wonderful job navigating the issues in this book. I empathized with the character and felt like I was right there with her. I loved the relationships between Lucy and her siblings, as well as Nick and his mother and grandmother. It really captured the importance of family and community. It was a quick, fun read that kept me guessing while also giving me all the cozy fall vibes! It was a unique mixture of thriller and romance that I really enjoyed.
3.5 Stars *
3.5 Stars *
August 28, 2025
The book had me hooked from the first page.
On one side it was a quick read on the other side it´s a rather unsual mix of several genres
I liked how the characters are being portrait and drawn.
For me there could have been a second point of view, most likely from Nick to get another perspective but that might also be personal preference from my side.
However I can recommend "Our Hometown" to anyone who´s in the mood for a well written second chance romance with a tiny splash of thriller.
On one side it was a quick read on the other side it´s a rather unsual mix of several genres
I liked how the characters are being portrait and drawn.
For me there could have been a second point of view, most likely from Nick to get another perspective but that might also be personal preference from my side.
However I can recommend "Our Hometown" to anyone who´s in the mood for a well written second chance romance with a tiny splash of thriller.
October 26, 2025
At first, I wasn't sure about this book. It was a little slow-moving in the first 2 chapters, but man, am I glad that I waited it out! I was so intrigued by the love story that Lucy and Nicolas share. I wanted to know everything about them and what happened 10 years prior that made them so distant. Throw in the stalker portion, and you have me hooked!
Molly's writing about grief was spot on, and I appreciate an author who can delve deep to capture that emotion and convey it in a book. I would 100% recommend this book to anyone!
Molly's writing about grief was spot on, and I appreciate an author who can delve deep to capture that emotion and convey it in a book. I would 100% recommend this book to anyone!
August 22, 2025
In this second chance romance, Lucy James returns to her hometown for her father’s funeral and gets more than she bargains for.
This was a really fun and quick read, definitely a good one for a palate cleanser. I liked everything about this book from the romance to the friendships and even the little mystery on the side.
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for letting me read a free copy of this book in exchange for a review
This was a really fun and quick read, definitely a good one for a palate cleanser. I liked everything about this book from the romance to the friendships and even the little mystery on the side.
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for letting me read a free copy of this book in exchange for a review
September 19, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an early copy of this book!
This was a hybrid between a lot of genres with elements of mystery, drama, and romance. I liked the discussions around family dynamics a lot too. The small town setting was cute and added a fun element to the story.
The romance was fine but I felt like it was very quick. We're told these characters have history but I wish we saw more of that. A couple of flash back chapters could have really elevated it I think.
This was a hybrid between a lot of genres with elements of mystery, drama, and romance. I liked the discussions around family dynamics a lot too. The small town setting was cute and added a fun element to the story.
The romance was fine but I felt like it was very quick. We're told these characters have history but I wish we saw more of that. A couple of flash back chapters could have really elevated it I think.
September 16, 2025
I’m not sure what genre this book falls under but I can say it contains a lot of them and they all worked great together! This book hooked me right from the beginning and was chaotic, funny, cute, charming and the added mystery was a great bonus. This is the 1st book I have read by this author but won’t be the last.
September 29, 2025
2.5/5⭐️
I’m quite confused with this book. The romance part was cute and I think I wanted more of Nick and Lucy.
But the creepy part with the break-ins etc left me quite dubious. I think it went too far and the ending of it was a bit rushed and we didn’t have enough explanations about why they did it.
But thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the e-ARC.
I’m quite confused with this book. The romance part was cute and I think I wanted more of Nick and Lucy.
But the creepy part with the break-ins etc left me quite dubious. I think it went too far and the ending of it was a bit rushed and we didn’t have enough explanations about why they did it.
But thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the e-ARC.
October 1, 2025
Our Hometown was such a cute and compelling read! I loved everything about this book — from the heartfelt second-chance romance to the strong sibling dynamics and genuine friendships. The unexpected plot twist involving a stalker added a suspenseful edge that kept me turning the pages. The characters were incredibly well-developed, and the writing was strong.
Lucy’s struggle to confront her past, support her siblings, and assert herself in her career felt authentic. Nick was equally layered, and their shared history made their reconnection even more impactful. Their chemistry was undeniable. Their emotional journey — full of tension, longing, and honest moments — really resonated with me.
Molly Machado did a beautiful job weaving in real-life themes like grief, loss, and healing. The story doesn't shy away from the messiness of life — and that made the characters all the more relatable. No one was perfect, but their flaws made them feel real.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt small-town second-chance romance with a touch of suspense and a mysterious stalker subplot that will keep you on your toes, Our Hometown is the book for you.
Thank you to Molly Machado and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Lucy’s struggle to confront her past, support her siblings, and assert herself in her career felt authentic. Nick was equally layered, and their shared history made their reconnection even more impactful. Their chemistry was undeniable. Their emotional journey — full of tension, longing, and honest moments — really resonated with me.
Molly Machado did a beautiful job weaving in real-life themes like grief, loss, and healing. The story doesn't shy away from the messiness of life — and that made the characters all the more relatable. No one was perfect, but their flaws made them feel real.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt small-town second-chance romance with a touch of suspense and a mysterious stalker subplot that will keep you on your toes, Our Hometown is the book for you.
Thank you to Molly Machado and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
October 1, 2025
The book was a page turner. It was sweet, nostalgic and suspenseful-a little bit of everything. I don’t want to give too much away, but you’ll fall in love with these characters and root for a happy ending.
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