Homecoming

by Rick R. Reed

After losing his partner Toby, Chase faces a long, painful road back to life and love.




At first, he doesn't see how he can go on, but then Chase and Toby's old friend Mike cajoles him into returning to Chicago for the annual International Mr. Leather Competition. There Chase revisits a world of hot, casual sex that he had forgotten existed, meets a friend who cares more for him than he ever realized, and discovers the possibility that he just might be able to move on without betraying the memory of his late partner.




Will Chase find his way back once more to life? To love? And will he find that place he's been missing? Home. You'll have to experience the heartrending journey firsthand to find out.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT, Gay, Ebooks

201 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2011

About the author

Real Men. True Love.

Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.

Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”

Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.

Reviews

[Ellis Carrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely my favorite kind of story. The kind that takes me on a roller coaster ride and can make me cry, turn me on, and cause me to grip my e-reader more tightly before the uncertainty passes and I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. And it's a hard combo to come by, because not many books actually make me cry. Get emotional? A little misty? Sure. But out and out sobbing like a child? Not likely, but this book did.

In a way I felt like Homecoming was not one love story but two. The romance that is beginning and the one that ended tragically are woven together beautifully. One flows into the other but not, to my mind, in such a way that it feels contrived or forced. I LOVED the juxtaposition of a man's struggle to grieve for his lost love against the raunchiness and no-holds-barred sexuality of International Mr. Leather. Sock you in the gut emotion and fisting all in one book? I'm not sure it gets any better. ;) I always want a story like this to be longer - I've gotten attached to the characters and invested in their story, and I hate to leave them so soon. At first I wanted to see more development at the end - more of the HEA. After a second read though, I actually felt that it really was done pretty perfectly.

And yes, I cried both times.

[Kaje Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice sad and then sweet story about a man who loses his partner and has to find a way to move forward with his life. Not rip-your-heart-out emotional, but it moves well to a satisfying conclusion.

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, it covered the MC grief and his moving on with his life well, and realistically.
But, I really would have loved an Epilog. I just felt something was missing, but maybe there is a sequel planned?

[SandyB · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded to 4. And the 3.5 is subjective.

Do not expect fluff. Do not expect hurt/comfort romance, either. This book is one man making his way back to life and love after grief. As for the ending, I’d call it more of a Hope Ever After than a Happy Ever After.

Things that make this a satisfying read: so well-written. All the steps Chase goes through as he processes his grief are relatable. Every character is three-dimensional, no matter how short of a time they appear. The whole story takes place over a weekend and read like a smartly-done indie film for me.

Things to be aware of: This may or may not sound like a romance to you, but it’s more one man getting to the point where he can let romance in again. Told only from Chase’s point of view, a lot of it is his internal work as he tries to enjoy a weekend visit to Chicago’s Leather Festival (and all that implies) through a grieving/post-grief lens. I loved all this, but seriously, not a traditional romance so don’t think that.

What dropped it to 3.5 for me: I never realized how much I hate a lot of flashbacks, dream sequences, or fake articles/blog posts until I read three separate books that featured a mix of these conventions. I was left cold. Every. Single. Time. So yeah, the 3.5 stars is my personal take for reference in future.

So much hope at the end, though - left me with a bit of the good type of eye-watering, which is the best book rec to me. Copy received for honest review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌈Where will the author lead us next? Great story👍

Usually when I pick up a Rick. R. Reed novel I am delighted by the variety of genres his MM tales encompass: some horror, some thrillers, some with a strong flair of paranormal, some steamy romance and others just full of sweet emotion. In Homecoming I felt he mixed at least three genres to great effect. The beginning is such a dramatic twist with one moment of thoughtless inattention turning tragic. I was kept wondering which direction the book would take, especially during Chase's visit with old pal Mike during Chicago's annual Leather gathering. Reed keeps the story moving with a nice balance of introspection and action.

The story centers on Chase and runs the gamut from contented partnership, to grief and denial, to steamy hook-up, some voyeur excitement, and his progress to acceptance of his partner's death and a chance at new, happy future. I really feared for Chase at certain points when his behavior verges to reckless. I loved the positive ending and the glimpses of his dead partner Toby provided in dreams and reminiscence.

Another highly enjoyable and moving story from one of my favorite MM authors.

Thanks to NineStar Press and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rick R. Reed has written a beautiful novel about love, loss and finding the back from grief. He has perfectly explored and expressed, MC Chase's feeling and journey through sensitivity. By the end of the second chapter, I was in awe of Reed's ability to capture the moment to exact and eloquently.

Some readers may experience this differently from how I did. I found it moving but not overwhelmingly difficult to deal with the subject of grieving. I thought Reed brought Chase to us, in a beautiful way, exposing the layers and bringing us in close, without it being too much. I did not find this to be a 'heavy' or depressing read, but some might, depending on their own life experience.

I loved the use of the blog articles throughout, often bringing clarity and levity to the moment. The sexual situations also were very well written and steamy. I also thought that MC Mike's introduction (when it was) was completely necessary to the plausibility of the story line.

You can't help but wonder about Chase and Mike's journey forward. Complications will certainly challenge them as they move beyond grief, acceptance and exploring the possibilities of the future.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.

This is an interesting story that is extremely emotional and sad at times but also very uplifting and inspirational. Chase and Toby have been together for a long time and are settled in their life in Seattle when Toby is killed in a senseless accident. Chase has to learn how to move on without the partner he expected to be with forever and he also has to give himself time to grieve. I think that the author does an amazing job with his realistic portrayal of Chase's emotions and feelings following the loss of his partner but I had a difficult time with this book when Chase was ready to be intimate with someone else and possibly start a new relationship within two months. Everything felt a bit rushed and I would have loved for there to be a lot more focus on Chase and Toby's relationship before Toby's death. Their best friend Mike plays a major role in this story as well and though I liked him I thought he pushed Chase more than he should have. Overall I liked most of this story and I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rick Reed's Homecoming is not your typical read. I definitely struggled with it, as the level of heartbreak is too much to deal with at times.

The reader is given an up close look into Chase's ordeal of losing his partner Toby. In the end, this is a story of overcoming grief and learning that it's okay to move forward after an all consuming loss.

The writing is well done, it's just the subject matter that makes this a tough read. And dear god, it is a tough read. The author does an excellent job portraying severe grief as well as some detailed hookups, orgies, and plenty of drug use. And, damn, I felt the same way that Chase did as he saw it all.

Rick Reed definitely digs deep to create this heartbreaking tale. Luckily, Homecoming is ultimately a sweet story as the ending leads the reader to a good place. But the journey is rough.

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Losing a love is never easy. How can you go on afterwards?

Chase lost his love, Toby, and now is finally facing the world...alone. Learning to navigate everything after losing a long time partner is an empty, long and winding path.

Mike, Chase and Toby's friend manages to convince him to come back to Chicago. Toby begins to dip hi toe back into the world of desires he'd long forgotten existed. The environment proved to be a little too much too soon so he wants to return to Seattle.

Somehow, Mike convinces Chase not to go back, and instead end up in seclusion together at a cabin. Things begin a moderate progression from there.

With the past and the present colliding, can the healing truly happen and will it be separate or together.

Quite an emotional roller-coaster but a good read.


*I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**

[RACHEL REED · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a poignant and soulful journey towards recovery of one man who lost the very man he loved.
After losing the love of his life, Chase doesn't know how to go on, and he is utterly devastated.
His friend suggests he enter the annual international Mr Leather competition to distract him from his grief. Here he discovers pleasures and desires long forgotten.
Will Chase find the missing piece to his broken heart, and his way back home along the way?

Like all Rick R. Reed's books this one was raw, real, relatable and beautifully written.
He depicted Chase's grief and his way to coping with it in a very touching way.
I absolutely recommend you pick this up if you like real, fleshed out characters, medium angst and themes of hurt/comfort.

[Linda A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book free from GRR in exchange for an honest review.

Having read the synopsis for this book i thought it started after Chase had lost his partner Toby.
I was totally wrong. That threw me and as a consequence I struggled to connect with the story.

Chase is understandably devastated and finding it hard to live a life he never expected to live. Then Mike, a friend of both Toby and Chase encourages Chase to come back to Chicago for the annual MLC weekend. A few encounters with strangers and memories begin to surface and Chase wants to go back home to Seattle. Mike convinces Chase to stay and spend some time with him at his family’s cabin. As the men get mellow the nature of their relationship changes.

[Philip Cowsill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Homecoming tells the story of Chase who loses his partner Toby in a road accident outside their apartment. He has difficulty getting over the loss and turns to a blog that Toby had enjoyed, “Tales from the Sexual Underground”. Episodes of the blog are dotted through the book. I found they were more distracting than useful to the narrative.
Chase is encouraged by Mike, the couple’s mutual friend to fly from Seattle to Chicago to attend International Men of Leather weekend. Here, Chase starts to reawaken his libido with some false starts.
It was not as enjoyable for me as other Rick R Reed books that I’ve read.

[Pauline Knox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love, loss, passion, guilt, intimacy and more feature in this story. I laughed, cried and felt joy at the realisations that Chase reached by the end of the story.
A very easy read style of writing made this an enjoyable read, but at times I did find myself longing for a little bit more substance or depth to the story.
That said it was most definitely still an enjoyable read and I would certainly read more by this author.
My thanks to NetGalley, Rick R. Reed and NineStar Press for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 4 out of 5]

It feels wrong somehow to say I 'enjoyed" this journey through the grieving process, so let me say that I am very glad I read it. The characters and their emotions are vividly rendered and the pain Chase feels is visceral and believable. The story ends on a hopeful note as it feels like at the end he is beginning to feel able to accept Toby's loss, coming out of his numbness and not feel guilty for finding joy in life again. I don't know that I would advise anyone who has recently lost someone to read this, but later, I think you will find it a rewarding read.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homecoming was about moving on from a terrible loss. Chase had lost his longtime partner and is now moving on, but it’s a painful road. It was a tough read at points in the story, emotionally driven. The author did a great job with Chase’s emotions, his grief, and a realistic portrayal of him moving on. This was an extremely well written story, I really enjoyed it. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homecoming was a unique and at times heartbreaking romance. I know every time I start a book by Rick Reed, I’m going to get a story that stands apart from other romances, and this was no exception.

As difficult as it was to witness Chase’s loss of Toby, I think Homecoming offered an honest glimpse of a man who’s been in a happy, committed relationship for years finding himself looking for that special fit somewhere again. Although there were a few times the scenes and emotions brought me to tears, Homecoming wasn’t as angsty or heartwrenching as some other widower romances. I liked that Chase’s story didn’t entail an immediate move to finding another relationship but rather the struggle to slowly get back among friends and social adventures. I also quite liked how the book resolved with a tip to Chase’s past with Toby as well as his future. If you like less traditional romances (or simply those that don’t follow a specific framework) or are looking for a good story with gay characters, I’d definitely recommend this title and this author’s work in general.

*eARC received via Netgalley. The author and publisher had no influence over this review*

[Andrea Dalling · Rating 4 out of 5]

To escape a fog of grief after the loss of his partner, Chase visits friend Mike for the annual International Mr. Leather Competition. But Chase soon realizes that what he wants isn't casual encounters but connection.

This is an emotional story that will appeal to readers who enjoy the hurt/comfort trope. Beautifully written with well-drawn characters.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book, but a hard read for someone who recently lost their partner. Most of the feelings were spot on. I'm to the point now that I wish I had a Mike in my life.

[Lady*M · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

There aren't many authors that can evoke strong emotions with every single story they publish and such a variety of them as well. Rick R. Reed is one of those authors and Homecoming is not an exception. This is the story about one man's journey from terrible, shattering loss to hope and, possibly, the new beginning.

Chase's longtime partner Toby dies on a day that shouldn't be anything but joyous. And, if that wasn't enough, Chase gets to, kind of, witness his partner's death. Now, when I'm reading a book for the review I have what I like to call “reviewer glasses” on – meaning, the knowledge that I read the book for more than simple pleasure and entertainment, additional distance and concentration that should give me a bit more objectivity and little less emotional involvement. The beginning of the story blew that entirely away. I found myself completely caught up in Chase's pain and, then, loneliness. The range of Chase's emotions described here – from shock, disbelief, anger, desperation to numbness and grief – will be believable to anyone who has ever experienced a personal loss and, possibly, bring tears to readers’ eyes – like they did to mine.

Two months after Toby's death, Chase is living like this:

This routine, coming home from his job at a veterinary clinic where he answered phones, filed, and greeted clients and patients, hadn't varied since Toby's funeral. The sameness of it, Chase conceded, was somehow comforting, and yet at the same time underscored the emptiness he now felt each time he walked in the door.

Chase's bleak life is interrupted by Mike, his and Toby's friend from Chicago where they have lived before moving to Seattle. He invites Chase to International Mr. Leather Competition, the biggest gay leather event in the world. Chase has been a part of this event both on his own and with Toby, but he is afraid that going back to Chicago, where he and Toby spent many years together, would be too painful. He has good memories about it though and he believes Toby would want him to go on, so finally he agrees to Mike's invitation.

I liked Mike since he appeared at the beginning of the story and here we had an opportunity to learn a bit more about him although, in my opinion, not enough. Mike is a self-proclaimed pig, a man who enjoys sex and changes partners often. He was originally Toby's friend and they were both involved in the leather scene, although we don't know to which extent. Mike appears shallow, but his inner goodness and joyous nature clearly shine through. It is clear that he was a good friend to both Toby and Chase. He cares for Chase and encourages him to move on with his life.

As unlikely as International Mr. Leather is for a background of this kind of story and it could potentially make some of the readers uncomfortable, I liked that contrast between Chase's loss and grief and uncompromising sexuality of IML. It was a brave and, in my opinion, right thing to do in this case. From the moment he lands in Chicago, Chase is facing several similar contrasts and emotions they bring forward: sex as affirmation of life and his own attractiveness and sex as empty exchange, the desire to move on and the guilt because of it, friendship and loneliness, etc. After only two days in the city, Chase is overwhelmed and decides to leave. Mike persuades him to spend the rest of his vacation in his parent's house outside of Chicago and Chase agrees. The simplicity of their time spent together stands in stark contrast (again) to “contained Disneyland for adults“. And… I'm not going to say anything else.

The narrative is interesting mix between the past and the present, Chase's memories and dreams and actual events. It gives us an insight in his relationship with Toby. It's also subtle: a line here, a word there suggests the attraction between Mike and Chase even before the opportunity for any kind of relationship between them arises. I have two minor complaints. I would have liked to know more about Mike. Additionally, I think the story would have benefited from more Chase and Mike together. This is not really a romance in a classical sense, but rather a story about the ending of one and potential beginning of new love. While Mr. Reed's description of Chase's pain and his reactions was flawless, I think these two things would have given us a glimpse of his promised future.

Homecoming is well-written, deeply emotional story and I doubt that many readers would be indifferent to it. It's entirely self-contained, however I can't help but want to know more of these characters and their future. I can only hope that Mr. Reed will decide to give us another story about them some day. Recommended.

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review contains what some might consider to be slight spoilers.



Chase has just lost his long-term partner. The way this happens is described up until the exact moment of that loss. To say it was heartbreaking would be an understatement. What was supposed to be a day of celebration ended with the death of Toby. Two months later Chase is invited back to Chicago by Toby's best friend Mike to attend the International Mr. Leather Competition. It has a been a few years since Chase has been to his hometown and the thought of going again without Toby terrifies him... will he see Toby at every corner? Will he be overwhelmed by memories to the point of nothing else? After a bit of persuasion Chase agrees to go if for nothing else to spend time with an old friend.

This book started off very emotional. When I say the exact moment of Toby's death I literally mean the exact moment of Toby's death. Without giving it away I can't say more than that. Suffice it to say that it was a very emotional scene that I doubt anyone could read without getting atleast a little misty-eyed.

Follow Chase's journey as he crosses the country and tries to start living again with the help of the old friend Mike. There is an anonymous hook-up, lots and lots of leather, orgies...among other things. But through it all Mike is always there in the background as a friend and maybe more.

I am a huge fan of friends-to-lovers books so this one was right up my alley. I am also a huge fan of this author so I knew going in that I would enjoy this. My only complaints are one, I wish it would have been longer (especially toward the end), and two, I kind of had an issue with how quickly Chase jumped right in (so to speak) after Toby's death. Of course, this in no way took away from the story as a whole. Another good read by Rick R. Reed.


Review can also be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.



This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Rick's writing, I really do, and I did enjoy this book but there was something missing for me. It almost felt like two stories. I felt I wanted to read more about the relationship between Toby and Chase before the life changing event at the beginning of this story. Then there was a good amount of reminiscence (for obvious reasons) which I enjoyed sinking into.

I wanted to read more about Mike too. I loved all the tales about IML and wondered about all the unprotected liaisons (OK, sex LOL) and wonder whether all the Tina fans don't have friends and/or families who try to talk sense into them. I know - I lead a sheltered life!! I worry about young gay men and STDs (not to mention HIV).

The ending was OK. I know it was way too soon for Chase to be getting into a relationship, having only lost Toby 2 months or so earlier, but it looked like he was moving on at the end. I would have liked more - more story, more of an extended timeline (if Chase loved Toby so much, and I think he did, he might have been less than ready to get into a relationship with such a good friend so quickly. Had it been a new person then I don't think it would have been so important because, if things didn't work out, the old friends wouldn't suffer a different kind of loss.... oh and also more story after the one night that Chase and Mike shared at the end. Mike's declaration that he didn't know it could be that way obviously meant something - was it that he realized what meaningFUL sex could be like? I was left wanting MORE. What can I say? I'm greedy and I love Rick's works.

[Tamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tears, fears and new beginnings, all in such a small package.

I cried when Chase lost his partner Toby to a senseless accident. He was supported by Toby's best friend, Mike until Mike had to return home to Chicago.

Chase wasn't sure about returning to Chicago for a visit with Mike. He as afraid of all his memories of Toby back in their old home town of Chicago. He thought he would have to deal with seeing all the old haunts and their favorite places, but he decides that he needed the good memories to help him cope, and a visit with a good friend.

I was a little put off by the "pig" characterization of Mike. I think its because this reality of m/m is not often portrayed in such a routine manner. It's often downplayed if it's touched on at all.

I was also surprised that though Toby was the "love of his life" Toby was so open about meeting someone casually on the El and having a fling with him just two months after Toby's death. Again this more my view point and I can't fault the story for that.

I enjoyed this story and liked both Chase and Mike, good friends dealing with a terrible loss, learning to move forward in their own ways... and maybe together.??

[Hilcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homecoming is a story of loss, grief and finally a second chance at love as life goes on. This was not an easy ride, but rather Reed takes the reader for an emotional roller coaster ride. After Toby dies in an accident, his partner Chase is left devastated by loss and grief. Chase's journey to recovery from that grief begins when the couple's friend Mike invites him to visit their old haunts in Chicago with hopes that Chase will snap out of his depression.

There are two love stories in this book, the central one is Chase and Toby's and then there's a more subdued one that develops as Chase finds his second chance at love. I loved Chase and Toby's love story, told through Chase's memories as he both grieves and is haunted by his lost love. I also enjoyed the hopeful ending, but most of all the journey that took Chase to that end.

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this one looking for a M/M romance that wasn't written by a woman. I was pretty disappointed in the lack of character development (and intimacy) in this one. I think the protagonist in this one needed more time to get over his dead boyfriend before moving into this story. He wasn't ready, and the writing seemed rushed. The almost sudden awakening about his feelings for Mike was predictable, and not well developed. The intimacy was lost to a depressing storyline that could have been great, but left me feeling cold and alone. Maybe I need to go back to women (not in bed..just writing).

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a wonderful story. It started out very heart wrenching with Chase losing his lover in a horrible accident. His friend, Mike, is there to help him get through the rough spots. But Chase is caught up in grief and can't see that love is staring him in the face.

I highly recommend this book.

Cudos to Rick Reed

[Alyosha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[MsMiz (Tina) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this sweet story!

[Susinok · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the underlying message here. Friendship in a lover is more important than all the fascinating man-flesh available.

[Gabby-Lily Raines · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 / 5