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Dartmoor #8
Homecoming
It pays to be top dog.
It’s spring in Knoxville, and the Lean Dogs are expanding, buying up new business fronts on Main Street, including the infamous Bell Bar. But with success comes challenges – and, in this case, the challenge comes from a now-familiar enemy, one hellbent on destroying the Dogs.
Carter Michaels is dealing with his own, personal turmoil. Ever since injury forced him to give up his football dreams, he’s struggled to find his place within his home city, and within the club he’s pledged himself to. Aimless and depressed, it takes a big shakeup from an old friend to have him questioning the direction of his life, for the better.
Hot off an op in Texas, Reese is finding his footing back in Knoxville, learning how to be a human, a Lean Dog – and a friend, to the ruthless, talented, vicious Tenny, Fox’s London-born, trained-assassin brother. An admittedly strange, fraught friendship…that might be something more, if only Reese had the words to categorize it.
The Lean Dogs saga continues in book eight of the Dartmoor Series, HOMECOMING, where personal and public drama plays out on the streets of Knoxville in typical, rollicking fashion.
It’s spring in Knoxville, and the Lean Dogs are expanding, buying up new business fronts on Main Street, including the infamous Bell Bar. But with success comes challenges – and, in this case, the challenge comes from a now-familiar enemy, one hellbent on destroying the Dogs.
Carter Michaels is dealing with his own, personal turmoil. Ever since injury forced him to give up his football dreams, he’s struggled to find his place within his home city, and within the club he’s pledged himself to. Aimless and depressed, it takes a big shakeup from an old friend to have him questioning the direction of his life, for the better.
Hot off an op in Texas, Reese is finding his footing back in Knoxville, learning how to be a human, a Lean Dog – and a friend, to the ruthless, talented, vicious Tenny, Fox’s London-born, trained-assassin brother. An admittedly strange, fraught friendship…that might be something more, if only Reese had the words to categorize it.
The Lean Dogs saga continues in book eight of the Dartmoor Series, HOMECOMING, where personal and public drama plays out on the streets of Knoxville in typical, rollicking fashion.
474 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2020
47 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 8, 2020
5 Gazillion Stars
Lauren Gilley is a goddess and I just adored everything about this.
I love the characters.
I love the setting.
I love the writing.
I just love this series.
Period.
But mostly?
*
*
*
Reese and Tenny.
All the stars for them.
All the stars.
Their relationship, general dynamic, and history is just beautiful.
Fans of the series will love this.
And for people who haven't read any Dartmoor yet? You're missing out. And should start at
book one. Stat.
Lauren Gilley is a goddess and I just adored everything about this.
I love the characters.
I love the setting.
I love the writing.
I just love this series.
Period.
But mostly?
*
*
*
Reese and Tenny.
All the stars for them.
All the stars.
Their relationship, general dynamic, and history is just beautiful.
Fans of the series will love this.
And for people who haven't read any Dartmoor yet? You're missing out. And should start at
book one. Stat.
November 30, 2022
5++++++++ stars
ADDFFDJKLKFGPOJGJDSHBKJFHSSDBKJCBVJVN;;;;KJJHSBDJIHRGFUJBFJILJJ!!!
OMFG... GAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MAGGIE & GHOST, REESE & TENNY, AVA & MERCY, IAN & ALEC, LEAH & CARTER................GAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!
AIDAN, FOX, WALSH, TANGO... AND EVERYONE ELSE... GAAAAHHH!!!!!!!!
THE ACTION, THE CONVERSATIONS, THE EVERYTHING ELSE.. GAAAAHHHH!!!!
I am afraid that if I read book 9 immediately it will be all over. I don't want it to end.
ADDFFDJKLKFGPOJGJDSHBKJFHSSDBKJCBVJVN;;;;KJJHSBDJIHRGFUJBFJILJJ!!!
OMFG... GAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MAGGIE & GHOST, REESE & TENNY, AVA & MERCY, IAN & ALEC, LEAH & CARTER................GAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!
AIDAN, FOX, WALSH, TANGO... AND EVERYONE ELSE... GAAAAHHH!!!!!!!!
THE ACTION, THE CONVERSATIONS, THE EVERYTHING ELSE.. GAAAAHHHH!!!!
I am afraid that if I read book 9 immediately it will be all over. I don't want it to end.
August 16, 2021
***** 5 Stars *****
It's rare for me to stick with a series. I get bored very quickly. Besides, I feel like I am wasting my time reading about the same people, over and over when there is a ton of "new possibilities" waiting for me. Greedy much?🙈🙉🙊
But here I am, at the end of book #8, trying to contain all sorts of mind-blowing feelings that a great story leaves behind.
It hurts. It hurts to think that this might be the end and that I need to let all these characters go.
What a brilliant universe LG created!
I love who the Dogs are, what Ghost and Maggie - yes, Maggie, a fine and kickass lady! 💃💪 - made them and their Club become through the years.
Luren Gilley, you are the bomb for making me feel part of this family.
Trust me, it's not an easy thing to accomplish.
I'm not gonna cry.
I'm not gonna cry.
I'm not gonna cry.
It's rare for me to stick with a series. I get bored very quickly. Besides, I feel like I am wasting my time reading about the same people, over and over when there is a ton of "new possibilities" waiting for me. Greedy much?🙈🙉🙊
But here I am, at the end of book #8, trying to contain all sorts of mind-blowing feelings that a great story leaves behind.
It hurts. It hurts to think that this might be the end and that I need to let all these characters go.
What a brilliant universe LG created!
I love who the Dogs are, what Ghost and Maggie - yes, Maggie, a fine and kickass lady! 💃💪 - made them and their Club become through the years.
Luren Gilley, you are the bomb for making me feel part of this family.
Trust me, it's not an easy thing to accomplish.
I'm not gonna cry.
I'm not gonna cry.
I'm not gonna cry.
August 18, 2022
I didn’t realise this book was out. Talk about a fabulous surprise.
I loved Lone Star but I have to say it’s good to be back in Knoxville.
This book features all our favourites. But the main focus is on Carter, Leah, Reese and Tenny.
After Mercy I think Reese is my favourite character. And therefore I really wanted to smack Tenny. And I’m not a violent person.
This book is just fabulous. The Lean Dogs Face their most dangerous challenge yet.
Bring on the next book....please.
I loved Lone Star but I have to say it’s good to be back in Knoxville.
This book features all our favourites. But the main focus is on Carter, Leah, Reese and Tenny.
After Mercy I think Reese is my favourite character. And therefore I really wanted to smack Tenny. And I’m not a violent person.
This book is just fabulous. The Lean Dogs Face their most dangerous challenge yet.
Bring on the next book....please.
August 27, 2020
This book came like a bolt out of the blue, just when I needed it and it SO delivered! Reece and Tenny, be still my beating heart. If ever two characters needed their happy time it's these two. LG also gave us more of Carter, the sweet, quiet gentleman of the club and another well deserving recipient of this author's magic.
I absolutely loved this one, a stellar addition to my all time favourite series, ever.
I absolutely loved this one, a stellar addition to my all time favourite series, ever.
October 7, 2020
4 stars due to Tenny and Reece - seriously they made the book for me.
Carter and Leah were ok but their relationship development didn't have me ensnared.
Carter and Leah were ok but their relationship development didn't have me ensnared.
May 22, 2021
I lost lots of sleeps because this series 😴😵😴
That should say something about how I feel for this series! 😍😍😍
Go, read this series!!!
I’ll try to catching up my sleep now 😬🥴😴😂
Lol, every sentence I wrote ended up with ‘this series’! 🤣🤣😴😴😘
Zzzzzzz
❤️❤️❤️
That should say something about how I feel for this series! 😍😍😍
Go, read this series!!!
I’ll try to catching up my sleep now 😬🥴😴😂
Lol, every sentence I wrote ended up with ‘this series’! 🤣🤣😴😴😘
Zzzzzzz
❤️❤️❤️
October 10, 2022
5 "There was something real." Stars
A huge YES to this latest Dartmoor installment. Lauren Gilley held nothing back in this one and her gift for story telling shined.
Give me more of this book. More of the four characters for whom this story mainly focused; more Reese and Tenny, more Carter. The development of these characters in this book really takes root in who they were, who they are, and who they are becoming. It was fascinating, heart wrenching, and brilliant to read. All the stars. If you're a fan of Dartmoor you'll love this book. I'm so sad it's over I want to start all over again.
A huge YES to this latest Dartmoor installment. Lauren Gilley held nothing back in this one and her gift for story telling shined.
Give me more of this book. More of the four characters for whom this story mainly focused; more Reese and Tenny, more Carter. The development of these characters in this book really takes root in who they were, who they are, and who they are becoming. It was fascinating, heart wrenching, and brilliant to read. All the stars. If you're a fan of Dartmoor you'll love this book. I'm so sad it's over I want to start all over again.
September 9, 2020
Nobody does it as good as Lauren Gilley. I loved Leah and Carter but I straight up LOVED LOVED Tenny and Reese!! this series is so good and it has continued to go from strength to strength. I can't wait to see where it’s takes us next.
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September 2, 2020
September 2020 -- 5 Stars
October 6, 2021
Wow this is really sad I mean I loveddddd the last book of Dartmoor probably because unlike this one the last book actually served a purpose.
Listen I don’t give a fuck about carter or Leah I mean honestly who gave a fuck about carter he was so petty and boring man.... grow tf up okay
And honestly there relationship bored tf outta me
I only read this for Tenny and Reese
And can I ask what’s with the guys in the series having a bunch if sex? Can’t the girls ever have a nice hot hot sex scene I would honest to god love that
For some reason this author loves for the hero to have a bunch of hot steamy scene with the club girls but them make them end up with nice good girls that are right for them and get them
Gag me honestly
Next one lets read a sex scene from the girls POV and have her with three guys at once kk
Listen I don’t give a fuck about carter or Leah I mean honestly who gave a fuck about carter he was so petty and boring man.... grow tf up okay
And honestly there relationship bored tf outta me
I only read this for Tenny and Reese
And can I ask what’s with the guys in the series having a bunch if sex? Can’t the girls ever have a nice hot hot sex scene I would honest to god love that
For some reason this author loves for the hero to have a bunch of hot steamy scene with the club girls but them make them end up with nice good girls that are right for them and get them
Gag me honestly
Next one lets read a sex scene from the girls POV and have her with three guys at once kk
August 21, 2020
4.5 stars
August 18, 2020
Just like coming home
I love the Lean Dogs. This book is appropriately named Homecoming and it felt like coming home to old friends, picking up where life left off. There is truly a family feeling to all the Lean Dog books and this one you see the family evolving with the newer younger members front and center. I love the glimpses of the old as well...Mercy & Ava, Ghost & Maggie, Ian, and the rest of the crew.
The writing is spot on with great character development and a true sense of vulnerability in Carter. I enjoyed how his personality evolved from party boy to an engaged member of the club. I didn't feel the connection between him and Leah as much as the connection of Reese & Tenney...maybe because of the lack of angst but it still worked and I really enjoyed the book.
Lauren Gilley is an automatic buy for me, always! Whether its the Lean Dogs or the Sons of Rome everything she creates is interesting and well written.
I love the Lean Dogs. This book is appropriately named Homecoming and it felt like coming home to old friends, picking up where life left off. There is truly a family feeling to all the Lean Dog books and this one you see the family evolving with the newer younger members front and center. I love the glimpses of the old as well...Mercy & Ava, Ghost & Maggie, Ian, and the rest of the crew.
The writing is spot on with great character development and a true sense of vulnerability in Carter. I enjoyed how his personality evolved from party boy to an engaged member of the club. I didn't feel the connection between him and Leah as much as the connection of Reese & Tenney...maybe because of the lack of angst but it still worked and I really enjoyed the book.
Lauren Gilley is an automatic buy for me, always! Whether its the Lean Dogs or the Sons of Rome everything she creates is interesting and well written.
September 9, 2020
:::
Overall Rating :: 3 stars
Series :: Book eight of the Dartmoor series.
Hero/Heroine :: Carter/Leah & Tenny/Reese
POV :: Alternating.
Cliffhanger :: Nope.
HEA ::
:::
Ah, Dartmoor. What a comforting (literary) place to hide for awhile. These characters feel like family, and I'm so glad that Carter finally found his place. He's been in limbo, since he got hurt, and even though he found a home with the Lean Dogs, as a reader, you could tell that wasn't where his heart was. I'm so pleased that we could see Carter find his way. I enjoyed his connection with Leah, but admittedly, it didn't feel as natural as many of the other couples.
And Tenny and Reese! I need more of that, please.
Overall Rating :: 3 stars
Series :: Book eight of the Dartmoor series.
Hero/Heroine :: Carter/Leah & Tenny/Reese
POV :: Alternating.
Cliffhanger :: Nope.
HEA ::
:::
Ah, Dartmoor. What a comforting (literary) place to hide for awhile. These characters feel like family, and I'm so glad that Carter finally found his place. He's been in limbo, since he got hurt, and even though he found a home with the Lean Dogs, as a reader, you could tell that wasn't where his heart was. I'm so pleased that we could see Carter find his way. I enjoyed his connection with Leah, but admittedly, it didn't feel as natural as many of the other couples.
And Tenny and Reese! I need more of that, please.
August 17, 2020
Back to Knoxville, Tennessee, and the invaluable Lean Dogs Motorcycle Club.
The author penned another crazy story in the Lean Dogs saga. Just crazy good. Characters. Plot. Tension. Amazing.
I liked Leah and Carter’s slow burn, but I’m afraid Reese and Tenny’s growing relationship stole the show...
I was happy to be able to catch up with so many characters from the previous books.
This isn’t over. The immediate threat has been neutralized, but there are still loose ends, out for blood…
J’ai adoré. I loved it.
The author penned another crazy story in the Lean Dogs saga. Just crazy good. Characters. Plot. Tension. Amazing.
I liked Leah and Carter’s slow burn, but I’m afraid Reese and Tenny’s growing relationship stole the show...
I was happy to be able to catch up with so many characters from the previous books.
This isn’t over. The immediate threat has been neutralized, but there are still loose ends, out for blood…
J’ai adoré. I loved it.
October 2, 2025
NOT MY FAVORITE
I liked this book the least out of the series. 1) Intended love matches took forever to get together (75% before together); 2) Carter was too weak to be a Dog and 3) Not the usual action. Still I hope the series continues because I love it.
I liked this book the least out of the series. 1) Intended love matches took forever to get together (75% before together); 2) Carter was too weak to be a Dog and 3) Not the usual action. Still I hope the series continues because I love it.
August 15, 2020
Homecoming for me
I will never not drop everything for a Lauren Gilley book.
Being excited and giddy and enthralled with a series that has 8 full length books and 4+ novellas at this point and each one feeling integral and special is not a feat that many authors can claim.
Bringing vulnerability and tenderness to an MC world that still sees the true grit and grime of the world is a talent that Lauren brings to this series in a way that no other author has done for me.
Seeing Carter grow from a teen in Fearless to a full fledged patched and productive member in Homecoming was brought about it such an arresting way. A side of the strong motorcycle man we don't normally get to see and I love Lauren for always going against the grain and giving her characters the gusto to do things differently.
The true surprise for me was how much I loved the Tenny and Reese connection. No spoilers! But it's not often an author can have me surprised at who I'm actually pulling for more in a book and here, Ms. Gilley did!
As always, a poet laureate and Southern wordsmith extraordinaire that to me is just on her on level.
I will never not drop everything for a Lauren Gilley book.
Being excited and giddy and enthralled with a series that has 8 full length books and 4+ novellas at this point and each one feeling integral and special is not a feat that many authors can claim.
Bringing vulnerability and tenderness to an MC world that still sees the true grit and grime of the world is a talent that Lauren brings to this series in a way that no other author has done for me.
Seeing Carter grow from a teen in Fearless to a full fledged patched and productive member in Homecoming was brought about it such an arresting way. A side of the strong motorcycle man we don't normally get to see and I love Lauren for always going against the grain and giving her characters the gusto to do things differently.
The true surprise for me was how much I loved the Tenny and Reese connection. No spoilers! But it's not often an author can have me surprised at who I'm actually pulling for more in a book and here, Ms. Gilley did!
As always, a poet laureate and Southern wordsmith extraordinaire that to me is just on her on level.
February 27, 2025
Thank God for Lauren Gilley and her epic, well written novels. I don’t know how another MC series will beat this one. This was immaculate.
It wasn’t a burden. Wasn’t falling into lockstep. It was freedom. The freedom to choose what happened next. What wars were waged; what causes were championed. The freedom to live on your own terms. With your brothers. Your lover. Your family. He took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. And felt like he’d finally come home, at long last.
It wasn’t a burden. Wasn’t falling into lockstep. It was freedom. The freedom to choose what happened next. What wars were waged; what causes were championed. The freedom to live on your own terms. With your brothers. Your lover. Your family. He took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. And felt like he’d finally come home, at long last.
August 17, 2020
Surprised!!
Had no clue this book was coming out. Dropped everything and went in blind. Just like usual, this is a nice long book. Great story weaving in all our favorite characters from the Dartmoor series. Here’s to hoping that Reese & Tenny’s story will get their own book or that we get a New York chapter spin off series !!!!
Had no clue this book was coming out. Dropped everything and went in blind. Just like usual, this is a nice long book. Great story weaving in all our favorite characters from the Dartmoor series. Here’s to hoping that Reese & Tenny’s story will get their own book or that we get a New York chapter spin off series !!!!
August 20, 2020
10 stars. The writing and story line is superb. Can not get enough and now we need the little bird to sing.
October 29, 2021
This was SO GOOD! I felt like the last one had a slow start. That was not the case with this one!! The suspense started early. I loved the focus on the newer characters as well as the perspectives from older characters as well. She did an AMAZING job of showing growth and change in Reese and Tenny. I think the progression of their characters was written really naturally. It was done in such a way that you really felt for the characters. The introduction of old villains and new was also written really well and has me excited for the next book!!
September 29, 2020
This was a double whammy, I got Carter and Leah and I would have been happy with that BUT I also got Tennison and Reece. Tenny and Reece and all their big D energy, bring it on. I loved this so much and I'm thrilled there will be more, so many unanswered questions!
February 4, 2021
Really loved Carter and Leah. And the glimpses they gave to Ava and Mercy's life.
September 5, 2021
By far the best MC series I've read...
December 27, 2022
Home Coming is the eighth book in the Dartmoor Series by Lauren Gilley, and it continues the story of the Lean Dogs, back in Knoxville, Tennessee. This book follows Carter Michaels, who is struggling to find his place within the club, and Reese, who is trying to navigate his relationships with his fellow Lean Dogs, including the London-born, trained assassin, Tenny. Carter's growth in this book is fantastic, he's really been struggling and trying to find his way and know his own worth. It was so sweet to see him find so much happiness working with Elijah on football and grow closer to Leah. I don't want to give away to many spoilers but we already know the main couple in this book is Carter and Leah so we obviously know he doesn't end up with Jazz but it was so refreshing to see them part ways amicably, rather than messy the way a lot of MC books do with the club girls. I also loved how Leah's parents were on the Lean Dogs train 100% lol
The book delves into the personal and public drama of the Lean Dogs as they face new challenges and enemies while expanding their business in Knoxville. These characters are all so complex and dynamic, and their relationships with each other add so much depth to the story. The action is always fast-paced and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
Home Coming is a great addition to the Dartmoor Series and fans of the series will not be disappointed. The book offers a mix of personal drama, action, and complex relationships that will keep readers turning the pages.
The book delves into the personal and public drama of the Lean Dogs as they face new challenges and enemies while expanding their business in Knoxville. These characters are all so complex and dynamic, and their relationships with each other add so much depth to the story. The action is always fast-paced and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
Home Coming is a great addition to the Dartmoor Series and fans of the series will not be disappointed. The book offers a mix of personal drama, action, and complex relationships that will keep readers turning the pages.
August 14, 2020
Another great addition to the series
Really enjoyed Homecoming and catching up with the Lean Dogs.
Carter and Leah's romance was a little light but I'm not complaining as I enjoyed the main mystery plot, as well as Tenny and Reece's developing relationship. Would love to see a permanent third introduced into their relationship, particuarlarly a female. That's not normally my 'thing' and much prefer 1 on 1 whether the couple is straight or gay. However, I would be fascinated to see how they both (especially Tenny) navigate falling in love with someone softer and in touch with their feelings. I'm going with female because the sex scenes were very well done.
I think it would also make for some comical moments and introduce a different aspect of what being In love, especially the nurturing kind is all about.
Whether that happens or they stay as a couple, I'm loving the development of these two characters and can't wait to read more about them.
Looking forward to the next in the series!
Really enjoyed Homecoming and catching up with the Lean Dogs.
Carter and Leah's romance was a little light but I'm not complaining as I enjoyed the main mystery plot, as well as Tenny and Reece's developing relationship. Would love to see a permanent third introduced into their relationship, particuarlarly a female. That's not normally my 'thing' and much prefer 1 on 1 whether the couple is straight or gay. However, I would be fascinated to see how they both (especially Tenny) navigate falling in love with someone softer and in touch with their feelings. I'm going with female because the sex scenes were very well done.
I think it would also make for some comical moments and introduce a different aspect of what being In love, especially the nurturing kind is all about.
Whether that happens or they stay as a couple, I'm loving the development of these two characters and can't wait to read more about them.
Looking forward to the next in the series!
August 16, 2020
Addictive!
I have read each book in this amazing series and have loved each one but Home Coming is absolutely my favourite so far. The story had me hooked from start to finish and I didn't want it to end. We see the development of the relationship between Reece and Tenny - both of whom I fell in love with - alongside learning more about Carter and his relationship with Leah. It was so good to be able to catch up with so many characters from the previous books too. The suspense of the story keeps you gripped and, as always, is beautifully written. I can't recommend this series highly enough and can't wait for the book 9. I LOVED it!
I have read each book in this amazing series and have loved each one but Home Coming is absolutely my favourite so far. The story had me hooked from start to finish and I didn't want it to end. We see the development of the relationship between Reece and Tenny - both of whom I fell in love with - alongside learning more about Carter and his relationship with Leah. It was so good to be able to catch up with so many characters from the previous books too. The suspense of the story keeps you gripped and, as always, is beautifully written. I can't recommend this series highly enough and can't wait for the book 9. I LOVED it!
May 14, 2021
It is a shame Lauren Gilley is not going to continue with the Dartmoor series due to the poor reception and sales from the Prodigal Son. I was very invested in Reese and Tenny, they were the stars of this book even if they were not the main intended couple (Leah and Carter). I liked Leah and Carter but they were kind of tepid. It is a shame, I feel frustrated because I wanted to read more about the Lean Dogs and Tenny and Reese and how they confronted this new threat but we need to respect the authors decision not to continue this excellent series. :(
August 18, 2020
I love when an author surprises you with a much anticipated book. This one leaves off where Lone Star ends when the guys are back in TN. While the focus is on Carter, Reese and Tenny, the whole MC, minus the Texas boys are there. I loved seeing the romances build and seeing the characters you think of as strong really come into their own. I’m excited to see where the story between Reese and Tenny goes from here...
September 9, 2020
Very good read. This book was a surprise didnt even know she was working on the series. So many twist and turns. Love to thriller and mystery aspect. Just when you think it's about to wrap up ...action. Carter and Leah's story was good love the tension. Friends to lovers. A first I had to remember to Leah was. Tennyson and Reese omg that was tension city. It had all the brothers and people we love from previous book. I cant wait for the next book. I just know it's going to be crazy!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews