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Heart & Home Duet #2
Finding Home
I didn’t know what home was until I found you.
Darren
I need to get out of here and away from this small town and away from my father. My home life is less than ideal. I don’t only want to run away from him but from who I am. I fight every day not to be my father, and I struggle to forgive myself. It’s when I meet Christian Mallory, a new student, that I finally see a ray of hope. He’s beautiful and delicate—all the things I’m not.
Christian
Darren Wilson, the star football player in high school, is just like the people who used to bully me at my old school. He scared me at first, but his persistence in getting to know me has opened my eyes to someone deep and intelligent. Darren is trying hard to be a better person. I’ll give him a chance and open my heart despite my fears.
Finding Home is a story about taking back control of your life, redemption, and finding love from an unexpected person. Most importantly, it’s about accepting and loving yourself.
A Home in You should be read first, then this one
NOTE: While the second book of this duet is about the secondary characters, A Home in You should be read first to appreciate the characters. This also follows along the same timeline, but I did not delve deeply into the original characters' stories, so you may feel the need to know more if you read this book first.
An MM, SLOW burn, small-town, coming-of-age, bisexual and gay love story of two TEEN boys in a consenting and loving relationship. I did not write this to be YA.
CW: Teen sex, underage drinking, physical abuse, sexual assault, homophobia, bullying, explicit language, and sexual content. While this story goes from ages 15-18, this story is NOT for readers under 18. I have been gentle in writing this during their early years. It gets more explicit when they go to college.
If you didn’t enjoy reading A Home in You, you probably won’t enjoy this. It follows a similar timeline since Darren/Christian are close friends with Dillon/Cade.
Darren
I need to get out of here and away from this small town and away from my father. My home life is less than ideal. I don’t only want to run away from him but from who I am. I fight every day not to be my father, and I struggle to forgive myself. It’s when I meet Christian Mallory, a new student, that I finally see a ray of hope. He’s beautiful and delicate—all the things I’m not.
Christian
Darren Wilson, the star football player in high school, is just like the people who used to bully me at my old school. He scared me at first, but his persistence in getting to know me has opened my eyes to someone deep and intelligent. Darren is trying hard to be a better person. I’ll give him a chance and open my heart despite my fears.
Finding Home is a story about taking back control of your life, redemption, and finding love from an unexpected person. Most importantly, it’s about accepting and loving yourself.
A Home in You should be read first, then this one
NOTE: While the second book of this duet is about the secondary characters, A Home in You should be read first to appreciate the characters. This also follows along the same timeline, but I did not delve deeply into the original characters' stories, so you may feel the need to know more if you read this book first.
An MM, SLOW burn, small-town, coming-of-age, bisexual and gay love story of two TEEN boys in a consenting and loving relationship. I did not write this to be YA.
CW: Teen sex, underage drinking, physical abuse, sexual assault, homophobia, bullying, explicit language, and sexual content. While this story goes from ages 15-18, this story is NOT for readers under 18. I have been gentle in writing this during their early years. It gets more explicit when they go to college.
If you didn’t enjoy reading A Home in You, you probably won’t enjoy this. It follows a similar timeline since Darren/Christian are close friends with Dillon/Cade.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2024
About the author
Courtney W. Dixon
42 books1,108 followersCourtney W. Dixon loves to write steamy hurt/comfort romance, giving her characters challenges, struggles, and sometimes trauma... Fine, a LOT of trauma. Her team teases her about charging her for their therapy bills after reading one of her books.
She loves to add variety and multiple tropes in her stories along with different types of dynamics/relationships. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don't always do the right thing. Humans are sometimes frustrating, never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. Courtney enjoys pushing her characters, making their HEAs so much more worth it when they get there. Mental health is a big feature in her books.
She loves her coffee ice cream and popcorn a little too much. And her cat, Olly, is her co-writer, where he sleeps on an ottoman under her desk as her muse. Actually, he's rather useless, but he's adorable.
Follow Me
She loves to add variety and multiple tropes in her stories along with different types of dynamics/relationships. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don't always do the right thing. Humans are sometimes frustrating, never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. Courtney enjoys pushing her characters, making their HEAs so much more worth it when they get there. Mental health is a big feature in her books.
She loves her coffee ice cream and popcorn a little too much. And her cat, Olly, is her co-writer, where he sleeps on an ottoman under her desk as her muse. Actually, he's rather useless, but he's adorable.
Follow Me
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
October 25, 2024
Finding Home is a great emotional coming-of-age romance between Darren and Christian. I really enjoyed this opposite attract new adult story. Darren and Christian go on a journey together as they both have their hurdles to overcome. I appreciate how honestly and thoughtfully these struggles were fully realized and explored.
Christian and Darren grow so much in their story and I loved seeing Darren's perspective especially since he was quite unlikable for a bit of the first entry. Learning more about his home life and what he endured made him more sympathetic without excusing his actions.
Overall this was a sweet small-town story that goes perfectly with Cade and Dillon's story. I loved this duet and how all the characters are fully explored.
** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Christian and Darren grow so much in their story and I loved seeing Darren's perspective especially since he was quite unlikable for a bit of the first entry. Learning more about his home life and what he endured made him more sympathetic without excusing his actions.
Overall this was a sweet small-town story that goes perfectly with Cade and Dillon's story. I loved this duet and how all the characters are fully explored.
** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
December 1, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
“Have I told you how much I love you?”
“Only every day.”
“Clearly, it’s not enough.”
🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️
It felt sooooooo rushed. I'm wondering why????
But fuck , this epilogue was all I needed, my heart is just too full it hurts .
“Have I told you how much I love you?”
“Only every day.”
“Clearly, it’s not enough.”
🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️
It felt sooooooo rushed. I'm wondering why????
But fuck , this epilogue was all I needed, my heart is just too full it hurts .
November 11, 2024
“But for the right person, I would burn the world to the ground.”
Okay. The context surrounding this floored me a bit. Like.....you're teens. It's your first date. Where is this coming from? I love an intense MC as much as the next girl but this felt a bit over the top.
Also. How do you know this about yourself?
Also 2. If you say this and nobody ends up dead, then why was it said?
Anyway. Darren's intense. But he also knows what he wants (Christian, football - in that order) and doesn't dither about it.
Because how are these kids on their first date but making declarations like 'I need you' (not horn-based, mind. Actual 'I have to have you in my life because you see the good in me and it grounds me'
WDYM 'I won’t stand in the way of your goals, but now I can be by your side while you do it.'
On a first date. As teens. What in the AP Romance is going on here?! What happened to starter romance 💀
Much like the previous book, this one is more about two people in love navigating their relationship than their journey of falling in love.
Darren's a stereotypical jock and Christian's a fabulous femme but they work, in spite of all the reasons you'd think they wouldn't.
What stood out the most about their relationship was the constant affirmation and reassurance. Which ended up being a bit of a mixed bag for me.
One of the things I found a bit unrealistic about these two, especially Darren, was his tendency to sound like a therapy course unit. But, why he knows the things he knows is explained, and I guess it's commendable that he knew he had a problem and read everything he could find to see how he could do better (DIY therapy, if you will—since he couldn't afford the real thing) Can't hate on that.
Ditto Christian. These two go through a lot individually, but somehow they always know just the thing to say which the other needs to hear in that moment. Sometimes they sound like two people who have a lot more life experience than they actually do.
The gag is, later they DO go for therapy and after hearing what the professional told the other, MC 2 jumps in to say, "That's what I told him!"
Heh. I knew I wasn't imagining things.
And just like the previous book, they also had a go-to refrain that they fell back on as and when needed.
“Have I told you how much I love you?”
“Only every day.”
“Clearly, it’s not enough.”
Which I found incredibly adorable🥰
***Please pay attention to the TWs for this one. Some are similar to the ones in book one re: sexual exploration between teens but this one also handles sexual assault(not between the MCs)
I received an ARC for this book from the author via Bookfunnel.
Okay. The context surrounding this floored me a bit. Like.....you're teens. It's your first date. Where is this coming from? I love an intense MC as much as the next girl but this felt a bit over the top.
Also. How do you know this about yourself?
Also 2. If you say this and nobody ends up dead, then why was it said?
Anyway. Darren's intense. But he also knows what he wants (Christian, football - in that order) and doesn't dither about it.
Because how are these kids on their first date but making declarations like 'I need you' (not horn-based, mind. Actual 'I have to have you in my life because you see the good in me and it grounds me'
WDYM 'I won’t stand in the way of your goals, but now I can be by your side while you do it.'
On a first date. As teens. What in the AP Romance is going on here?! What happened to starter romance 💀
Much like the previous book, this one is more about two people in love navigating their relationship than their journey of falling in love.
Darren's a stereotypical jock and Christian's a fabulous femme but they work, in spite of all the reasons you'd think they wouldn't.
What stood out the most about their relationship was the constant affirmation and reassurance. Which ended up being a bit of a mixed bag for me.
One of the things I found a bit unrealistic about these two, especially Darren, was his tendency to sound like a therapy course unit. But, why he knows the things he knows is explained, and I guess it's commendable that he knew he had a problem and read everything he could find to see how he could do better (DIY therapy, if you will—since he couldn't afford the real thing) Can't hate on that.
Ditto Christian. These two go through a lot individually, but somehow they always know just the thing to say which the other needs to hear in that moment. Sometimes they sound like two people who have a lot more life experience than they actually do.
The gag is, later they DO go for therapy and after hearing what the professional told the other, MC 2 jumps in to say, "That's what I told him!"
Heh. I knew I wasn't imagining things.
And just like the previous book, they also had a go-to refrain that they fell back on as and when needed.
“Have I told you how much I love you?”
“Only every day.”
“Clearly, it’s not enough.”
Which I found incredibly adorable🥰
***Please pay attention to the TWs for this one. Some are similar to the ones in book one re: sexual exploration between teens but this one also handles sexual assault(not between the MCs)
I received an ARC for this book from the author via Bookfunnel.
October 20, 2024
I love a good redemption arc for the characters that deserved it, and Darren is one of them -- I'm so happy he got his own book! We met him in A Home in You, Dillon and Cade's story, and yeah, that one should be read first.
Darren is/was a bully in highschool. Unfortunately, he had his reasons, and they were not pretty. But I didn't expect to see how intelligent Darren was. I'd love to believe that this is the proof that it's possible to break the circle. Of course, romantic relationship was important in this book and was part of the growing, but I loved how it was more about self-awareness and trying to find your place in the world.
And although Darren is a bulldozer once he figures his goals out, and his actions could be questioned sometimes, I wanted to hug that precious bean anyway. He tried so hard: for him, for Christian and for his friends, and I loved it.
Christian had his own struggles and they were very real. Figuring out your goals, helping the others reach theirs and not to lose yourself in the way is really hard for a young man (let's not forget that the majority of this book takes place in highschool).
The importance of self-reflection, therapy, communication, being yourself, having strong support system is shown really well in this book. We get to see characters' development through the years and the epilogues are really rewarding.
Totally recommend it!
Darren is/was a bully in highschool. Unfortunately, he had his reasons, and they were not pretty. But I didn't expect to see how intelligent Darren was. I'd love to believe that this is the proof that it's possible to break the circle. Of course, romantic relationship was important in this book and was part of the growing, but I loved how it was more about self-awareness and trying to find your place in the world.
And although Darren is a bulldozer once he figures his goals out, and his actions could be questioned sometimes, I wanted to hug that precious bean anyway. He tried so hard: for him, for Christian and for his friends, and I loved it.
Christian had his own struggles and they were very real. Figuring out your goals, helping the others reach theirs and not to lose yourself in the way is really hard for a young man (let's not forget that the majority of this book takes place in highschool).
The importance of self-reflection, therapy, communication, being yourself, having strong support system is shown really well in this book. We get to see characters' development through the years and the epilogues are really rewarding.
Totally recommend it!
November 9, 2024
I loved absolutely everything about this sweet love story. It's something different, following along two characters for years in their relationship, and I really liked being a part of their ups and downs as all relationships have.
Darren and Christian are two teens both struggling with their own things, their struggles are very different from each other, but they are in general very opposite of each other. It made their relationship that more interesting to follow, and that more sweet and imperfectly perfect. It grows more loving and mature as the boys get older and we follow them into adulthood, where they have to find out what they want to do with their lives, and it's not always easy.
I liked Darren and Christian already from the first book. Obviously I didn't like Darren at first. He was a bully, and bullied the two main characters in the first book, Dillon and Cade, but he made up for that, and this is the story about his redemption. Despite his past, I promise you that you will be unable to not fall in love with Darren. He might have anger issues, but he's working so hard to change. It was a beautiful journey. And Christian... such a beautiful and kind soul. I loved him so much, and I especially loved the things he had accomplished as the book ended.
It was interesting to see Darren and Christian's POV for the first book in the duet, as it follows the same timeline more or less. I definitely advise you to read the first book before this one. They're both really great books that will put a smile on your face.
❥ Dual POV
❥ MM Romance
❥ Slow Burn
❥ Small Town
❥ Coming of Age
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Read the full review on my blog here with edits and quotes.
Darren and Christian are two teens both struggling with their own things, their struggles are very different from each other, but they are in general very opposite of each other. It made their relationship that more interesting to follow, and that more sweet and imperfectly perfect. It grows more loving and mature as the boys get older and we follow them into adulthood, where they have to find out what they want to do with their lives, and it's not always easy.
I liked Darren and Christian already from the first book. Obviously I didn't like Darren at first. He was a bully, and bullied the two main characters in the first book, Dillon and Cade, but he made up for that, and this is the story about his redemption. Despite his past, I promise you that you will be unable to not fall in love with Darren. He might have anger issues, but he's working so hard to change. It was a beautiful journey. And Christian... such a beautiful and kind soul. I loved him so much, and I especially loved the things he had accomplished as the book ended.
It was interesting to see Darren and Christian's POV for the first book in the duet, as it follows the same timeline more or less. I definitely advise you to read the first book before this one. They're both really great books that will put a smile on your face.
❥ Dual POV
❥ MM Romance
❥ Slow Burn
❥ Small Town
❥ Coming of Age
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Read the full review on my blog here with edits and quotes.
November 10, 2024
4 ⭐️ Darren and Christian are the cutest! I'm so happy we got the story of Darren and Christians realtionship form their point of view. This is a true opposite attracts story, and the way Darren falls head over heels for Christian is the sweetes, and shows just how amazing Darren truly are. As with the first book, we follow the same timeline, and we get are able to go back to some of the moments form the first book to relive them from the other characters. Again, and same as the first, the book is beautifully written and a very entertaining time. A great book for anyone who loves small town romance, opposit attracts, and found family.
Thank you so much to the author for giving me an ARC for this beautiful story! <3
Thank you so much to the author for giving me an ARC for this beautiful story! <3
October 16, 2024
Darren wasn’t always the man he was in A Home in You. A home and you should be read before you move onto this book. You will find Darren and Christian working through their relationship and navigating life. There are ups and downs. Be sure to read the trigger warnings. You won’t want to miss this follow up book.
November 4, 2024
I loved getting more of Darren’s story. His evolution in the previous book was so beautiful and unexpected. I think it’s so hard to pull off a believable and satisfying bully redemption and Darren’s is one of the best I’ve come across. So, I absolutely loved the chance to learn more of Christian and Darren’s history. I loved getting pulled right back into this world. At the outset, Darren is brimming over with rage against his dad’s abuse and resentment towards his mother for never protecting him. You can feel that he is in danger of losing himself to it, of turning into his father. Darren can feel it too, his self awareness making him even more compelling as a character. I am a fan of this author’s writing, it is filled with intense emotion and faceted, complicated characters. I appreciate how she can bring both crazy sweetness and gritty intensity to a story, which I think that is a rarity. I really loved Christian for Darren, he brings some light to Darren’s dark. I was just really happy to see how these two beat the odds. It’s maybe a bit of a miracle that they come through together, but the intensity and dedication of their commitment was so impressive- I loved every word.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 21, 2024
A SWEET REDEMPTION ARC LOVE STORY!💕
“You’re like my home, a place I actually belong. I didn’t even know I was looking for a home until I found you.”
I was quite surprised that the author wanted to do a redemption arc for the school bully Darren Wilson as it was mentioned in the first book and how he and Dillion became best friends but now we get a more in-depth look into Darren and Christian’s story which spans seven years!
As this is part of a duet it is recommended to read A Home in You first where Darren and Dillion first met as enemies and became best friends when Darren decided he did not want to turn into his father…
“Christian Mallory was the most beautiful creature I’d ever seen in my life. He even surpassed Dillon.”
“He was the perfect specimen of androgyny.”
Christian swept Darren off his feet from the moment they bumped into each other( such a sweet meet cute) but their journey was not easy as they both had issues to resolve but true to the authors writing style she depicted it beautifully with sweet heartfelt tender moments and steamy developments as they got older and entered college…
Darren was a control freak of a teddy bear who just wanted the best for Christian and in doing so he took away a part of Christian that he had to discover with help…
Darren was the type of character that would burn down the world if anybody hurt his Chris even give up his dreams of the NFL which was so endearing and sweet but…. he had anger issues…
Christian was an empathetic character and was the perfect partner for Darren as he grounded him and calmed him down when he needed it the most and found protection and support from Darren.
I loved their story how they navigated through the perils of acceptance, homophobia, loss, friendship, assault and their unending love for each other… where they found a home in each other…
Two beautiful epilogues that spans further into their future follows with a sweet surprise!
I voluntarily received an ARC and this is my non biased review on this book.
“You’re like my home, a place I actually belong. I didn’t even know I was looking for a home until I found you.”
I was quite surprised that the author wanted to do a redemption arc for the school bully Darren Wilson as it was mentioned in the first book and how he and Dillion became best friends but now we get a more in-depth look into Darren and Christian’s story which spans seven years!
As this is part of a duet it is recommended to read A Home in You first where Darren and Dillion first met as enemies and became best friends when Darren decided he did not want to turn into his father…
“Christian Mallory was the most beautiful creature I’d ever seen in my life. He even surpassed Dillon.”
“He was the perfect specimen of androgyny.”
Christian swept Darren off his feet from the moment they bumped into each other( such a sweet meet cute) but their journey was not easy as they both had issues to resolve but true to the authors writing style she depicted it beautifully with sweet heartfelt tender moments and steamy developments as they got older and entered college…
Darren was a control freak of a teddy bear who just wanted the best for Christian and in doing so he took away a part of Christian that he had to discover with help…
Darren was the type of character that would burn down the world if anybody hurt his Chris even give up his dreams of the NFL which was so endearing and sweet but…. he had anger issues…
Christian was an empathetic character and was the perfect partner for Darren as he grounded him and calmed him down when he needed it the most and found protection and support from Darren.
I loved their story how they navigated through the perils of acceptance, homophobia, loss, friendship, assault and their unending love for each other… where they found a home in each other…
Two beautiful epilogues that spans further into their future follows with a sweet surprise!
I voluntarily received an ARC and this is my non biased review on this book.
October 21, 2024
Darren and Christian!! Finally, they get their own story. After reading A Home in You (which you should read first!) I had to know theirs. Darren started off as such a bully in AHIY but he progressed to a good friend of Dillon and Cade. So, some of his redemption journey is already in there and you view it from someone else’s perspective, but to his own side was such a great read. To see where he came from and how he, as a teenager, decided that that’s not where he was going to end up. He fought hard for who he became and ended up loud and proud about it.
Christian was such a contrast compared to Dare. He loves what he loves and shows this to the world, even when his confidence takes a hit, he refuses to be anybody else but himself.
I love these two boys together; they complement each other and lift each other up. Their communication is next level for people their age. The story really portraits their ups and downs, issues that come up and discovering each other.
I’m so glad Courtney decided to write Dare and Christian’s story. They deserved to have their own voice out in the world and I had so much fun reading Finding Home.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Christian was such a contrast compared to Dare. He loves what he loves and shows this to the world, even when his confidence takes a hit, he refuses to be anybody else but himself.
I love these two boys together; they complement each other and lift each other up. Their communication is next level for people their age. The story really portraits their ups and downs, issues that come up and discovering each other.
I’m so glad Courtney decided to write Dare and Christian’s story. They deserved to have their own voice out in the world and I had so much fun reading Finding Home.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 31, 2024
Love wins out, always.
This is the story of Christian and Darren. We follow them through their teenage years into adulthood. They weather their ups and downs as best they can. They both have their psychological ghosts to contend with and they do. The story is somewhat true to life. There are those that will read this and expect all the angst that they get from other books; this is not one of them. Just remember when you were young and went through your first crush and then your first love.
This is the story of Christian and Darren. We follow them through their teenage years into adulthood. They weather their ups and downs as best they can. They both have their psychological ghosts to contend with and they do. The story is somewhat true to life. There are those that will read this and expect all the angst that they get from other books; this is not one of them. Just remember when you were young and went through your first crush and then your first love.
November 8, 2024
This book..... It was not what I expected. It was so much more!! I loved the dynamic between Darren & Christian. Darren's broken upbringing forced him to do better for himself and the people around him. And Christian suffered through incessant bullying that no one should have to live through. Two very broken boys who helped heal each other. So sweet! A Must Read!
October 18, 2024
If you like to read:
🏉Size Differences
ʚ🍓ɞ Redemption ARC
🏉 High School/College
ʚ🍓ɞ Bisexual
🏉Small Town
ʚ🍓ɞ Coming of Age
🏉 Slow Burn
ʚ🍓ɞ Opposites Attract
🏉 Hurt/Comfort
ʚ🍓ɞ Forgiveness/Acceptance
🏉 Farm Boy/City Boy
Since Courtney announced we’d be getting Darren’s story and his redemption arc, I knew I had to read it. After enjoying “A Home in You” and meeting Dillon and Cade, I was excited to discover more about Darren and Christian, two characters who, from the very beginning, promised an interesting story as complete opposites.
“Finding Home” introduces us to Darren, a guy whose intimidating appearance is more than just a superficial mask, revealing that there’s much more beneath what he hides from others. On the other hand, there’s Christian, a city boy who, after his parents' divorce, must adapt to life in a small town. Despite their differences, the story of these characters shows us how sometimes the opposite of ourselves can become our perfect complement. The evolution of their relationship is sweet, authentic, and filled with emotionally charged moments, from their initial connection to the challenges they face along the way.
I loved how the characters expressed their insecurities and how adolescence is portrayed as a complicated stage where you start discovering who you are and face the difficulties of self-acceptance. Additionally, it highlights the importance of supporting each other through tough times. What makes “Finding Home” not just focus on its romantic aspect, but also on the personal development of its protagonists. Darren seeks redemption for his mistakes, while Christian discovers his inner strength and finds the courage not to lose himself in the process of adapting to his new life.
The story is full of moments that will make you sigh, laugh, and, in some cases, wish to give the characters a little nudge. While the plot addresses deep themes like acceptance and forgiveness, it also includes lighthearted and heartwarming moments that make the reading experience well-rounded and satisfying. “Finding Home” is much more than just a love story; it’s a journey of growth, self-discovery, and, above all, acceptance. It’s the kind of book that leaves you with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.
P.S. I loved Dillon and Darren's friendship so much. Who would’ve thought these two would go from
-“Fuck off, Darren”
to
-“I know you’d do the same for me”
-“In a heartbeat”
And my heart will always remember how Mr. Samuelson made Christian so happy. They formed such a sweet friendship that both of them needed.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
🏉Size Differences
ʚ🍓ɞ Redemption ARC
🏉 High School/College
ʚ🍓ɞ Bisexual
🏉Small Town
ʚ🍓ɞ Coming of Age
🏉 Slow Burn
ʚ🍓ɞ Opposites Attract
🏉 Hurt/Comfort
ʚ🍓ɞ Forgiveness/Acceptance
🏉 Farm Boy/City Boy
Since Courtney announced we’d be getting Darren’s story and his redemption arc, I knew I had to read it. After enjoying “A Home in You” and meeting Dillon and Cade, I was excited to discover more about Darren and Christian, two characters who, from the very beginning, promised an interesting story as complete opposites.
“Finding Home” introduces us to Darren, a guy whose intimidating appearance is more than just a superficial mask, revealing that there’s much more beneath what he hides from others. On the other hand, there’s Christian, a city boy who, after his parents' divorce, must adapt to life in a small town. Despite their differences, the story of these characters shows us how sometimes the opposite of ourselves can become our perfect complement. The evolution of their relationship is sweet, authentic, and filled with emotionally charged moments, from their initial connection to the challenges they face along the way.
I loved how the characters expressed their insecurities and how adolescence is portrayed as a complicated stage where you start discovering who you are and face the difficulties of self-acceptance. Additionally, it highlights the importance of supporting each other through tough times. What makes “Finding Home” not just focus on its romantic aspect, but also on the personal development of its protagonists. Darren seeks redemption for his mistakes, while Christian discovers his inner strength and finds the courage not to lose himself in the process of adapting to his new life.
The story is full of moments that will make you sigh, laugh, and, in some cases, wish to give the characters a little nudge. While the plot addresses deep themes like acceptance and forgiveness, it also includes lighthearted and heartwarming moments that make the reading experience well-rounded and satisfying. “Finding Home” is much more than just a love story; it’s a journey of growth, self-discovery, and, above all, acceptance. It’s the kind of book that leaves you with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.
P.S. I loved Dillon and Darren's friendship so much. Who would’ve thought these two would go from
-“Fuck off, Darren”
to
-“I know you’d do the same for me”
-“In a heartbeat”
And my heart will always remember how Mr. Samuelson made Christian so happy. They formed such a sweet friendship that both of them needed.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
October 22, 2024
Finding Home is the story of Darren and Christian, and runs parallel to Dillon and Cade's story (A Home in You). Darren was the main bully in A Home in You -- or the bully turned ally, to be exact, and I absolutely loved reading his side of things.
As was hinted in A Home in You, Darren was living in a very abusive home, in which his father was physically and emotionally abusive to Darren and his mother. This, or the consequences of, are a pretty big focus of the story, with Darren coming to terms with his sexuality while struggling with his demons.
Christian, the androgynous new guy Darren falls head over heels for in high school, struggles with bullying at school but refrains from bringing too much attention to it because of Darren's anger issues. Throughout the story, we see Christian going out of his way to make things easier for Darren and Darren's life goals, but in the process, loses his own goals and focus because of Darren's need to control everything around him without even realizing it.
Similar to Dillon and Cade's story, this follows them through high school and college (though Dillon and Cade's story starts a bit earlier), with an epilogue 12 years later.
I adored Darren and Christian's story, which is a bit darker than the previous book. Their struggles seem very realistic. Darren and Christian both made me angry with how Darren became very controlling over everything, including Christian's life, and Christian for allowing him to do it. They each have to make changes in order to grow-- individually and as a couple, and their success was well deserved.
The spice is 4/5, with many spicy, detailed scenes, but nothing too adventurous.
My favorite bits:
For the first time since I could remember, my eyes stung with the threat of tears and emotion. All I’ve known was anger, frustration, and fear. Then, it was desperation, loneliness, and sadness. Now, I had hope, and I wasn’t quite sure what to do with it. It seemed like such a delicate thing that could be shattered without warning.
“Shit, I fell for you the first day I saw you at school, after you stumbled into me. You’ve become my safe space away from all the negative emotions. You’re the single lightbulb in my dark room.
“I love you so much, Chris. You’ll always be my home, no matter where we are.”
“You realize that you’re my forever person, right?” I smiled up at him. “I know, but I would never ask you to take on the world for me.” “You won’t have to.”
“Don’t ever worry about me not loving you. I always will until we can no longer breathe.”
As was hinted in A Home in You, Darren was living in a very abusive home, in which his father was physically and emotionally abusive to Darren and his mother. This, or the consequences of, are a pretty big focus of the story, with Darren coming to terms with his sexuality while struggling with his demons.
Christian, the androgynous new guy Darren falls head over heels for in high school, struggles with bullying at school but refrains from bringing too much attention to it because of Darren's anger issues. Throughout the story, we see Christian going out of his way to make things easier for Darren and Darren's life goals, but in the process, loses his own goals and focus because of Darren's need to control everything around him without even realizing it.
Similar to Dillon and Cade's story, this follows them through high school and college (though Dillon and Cade's story starts a bit earlier), with an epilogue 12 years later.
I adored Darren and Christian's story, which is a bit darker than the previous book. Their struggles seem very realistic. Darren and Christian both made me angry with how Darren became very controlling over everything, including Christian's life, and Christian for allowing him to do it. They each have to make changes in order to grow-- individually and as a couple, and their success was well deserved.
The spice is 4/5, with many spicy, detailed scenes, but nothing too adventurous.
My favorite bits:
For the first time since I could remember, my eyes stung with the threat of tears and emotion. All I’ve known was anger, frustration, and fear. Then, it was desperation, loneliness, and sadness. Now, I had hope, and I wasn’t quite sure what to do with it. It seemed like such a delicate thing that could be shattered without warning.
“Shit, I fell for you the first day I saw you at school, after you stumbled into me. You’ve become my safe space away from all the negative emotions. You’re the single lightbulb in my dark room.
“I love you so much, Chris. You’ll always be my home, no matter where we are.”
“You realize that you’re my forever person, right?” I smiled up at him. “I know, but I would never ask you to take on the world for me.” “You won’t have to.”
“Don’t ever worry about me not loving you. I always will until we can no longer breathe.”
October 28, 2024
Finding Home ( Heart & Home Duet Book 2 ) Tropes 🩵 coming of age , M/ M Romance, Opposites attract , small town and all the feels . Have you ever come across a book / duet or a series that just hooked you in a way no other has for a very long time ? That you found yourself not only falling completely in love with from the very first page but had the ability to make you feel so many different emotions you never saw coming? Everything from being speechless, to yelling outta pure frustration, to smiling, laughing out loud , sobbing like a baby and cheering so freaking hard ?Kinda like being on the craziest ride at the amusement park !!! you know that feeling you get in your stomach from being excited and nervous at the same time - the anticipation of whats to come next ? Well Courtney’s Heart & Home Duet has done all of the above in spades . In fact after reading A Home In You which was Dillion and Cade’s journey and falling completely in love with both . I actually thought to myself There Is No Way the second book could possibly outdo this !!! Well I just finished Finding Home a few hours ago and there are no words just no perfect words that could do Darren and Christian’s epic love story enough justice . All I can say is that from the very first page I felt such a strong connection to both , these two have been through so much in their lives . For Darren it’s a not so ideal family life , doing anything he can to get away from his father, to not become hm , fighting his own demons every single day . But everything changes when he meets Christian . Christian is the new student at school - the light to Darren’s dark . His complete opposite in every single way . Darren may be the star football player which in itself scares Christian and makes him very hesitant to let Darren in especially since Darren is just like the kids who used to bully him at his old school - popular - a jock . The more Christian distances himself the more determined Darren is to get to know him . Sometimes two people who appear to lead different lives ft together perfectly like two pieces of a puzzle . I really was not prepared for the way Christian and Darren were going to pull at all my heartstrings and how their journey was going to touch my heart . It was so beautiful and emotional, raw and gritty , filled with. Angst , humor , witty banter , second chances , drama , secrets , love , passion, tragedy, family , friendships and so much more .as per usual Courtney has once again outdone herself, exceeded all my expectations and delivered a unforgettable and unputdownable journey ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 9, 2024
I am at a loss of words honestly. This story was absolutely beautiful, and a perfect companion to A Home In You. I adored Darren from the first book but I AM SCREAMING over him now.
Darren, such a sweet, misunderstood, hardworking, empathetic, bullheaded, aspiring stubborn sweetheart 🥹. I loved getting insights into his mind, and it was so nice to see scenes in A Home In You from his point of view as well. While it is a companion piece, it definitely doesn't feel like you're being dragged through the first story all over again. It's fresh, new and yet like coming home all over again 💜. That being said it really is best if you read the first to better understand this book and also it's just so much better to read it in order because this is, ultimately, Darren's redemption.
His counterpart Christian was just as amazing *chefs kiss* 😘. It was sooo great to be inside his mind and learn more about him, because we don't see much of him from the first book! He's like a breath of fresh air, not only for us but ultimately for his Darren. He's exactly what Darren needed 😭😍.
Y'all I just can't with this book, I seriously had half the book highlighted 🤣. It's beautiful and just as much a masterpiece as the first. 🥰
In fact I may have enjoyed it more because I'm a sucker for a more damaged character and a good redemption arc. Courtney has captivated my heart with her writing!
Keep in mind that while most of this book was pretty overflowing with lovey sweetness it does have some darker moments, and tackles some hard concepts so keep your mental health in mind and check your triggers!
Ugh, I don't want to leave this world because I want to stay with these boys forever 💔. Also, the romance and spice was amazing 🔥🥵. I love me a little manhandling 😏. I can feel this giving me a book hangover already 😅. If you loved the first or love a good coming of age romance between two amazingly strong, flawed and yet beautiful individuals then I highly recommend this book!
P.s., anyone else interested in the side character Dean? 👀🤔
Darren, such a sweet, misunderstood, hardworking, empathetic, bullheaded, aspiring stubborn sweetheart 🥹. I loved getting insights into his mind, and it was so nice to see scenes in A Home In You from his point of view as well. While it is a companion piece, it definitely doesn't feel like you're being dragged through the first story all over again. It's fresh, new and yet like coming home all over again 💜. That being said it really is best if you read the first to better understand this book and also it's just so much better to read it in order because this is, ultimately, Darren's redemption.
His counterpart Christian was just as amazing *chefs kiss* 😘. It was sooo great to be inside his mind and learn more about him, because we don't see much of him from the first book! He's like a breath of fresh air, not only for us but ultimately for his Darren. He's exactly what Darren needed 😭😍.
Y'all I just can't with this book, I seriously had half the book highlighted 🤣. It's beautiful and just as much a masterpiece as the first. 🥰
In fact I may have enjoyed it more because I'm a sucker for a more damaged character and a good redemption arc. Courtney has captivated my heart with her writing!
Keep in mind that while most of this book was pretty overflowing with lovey sweetness it does have some darker moments, and tackles some hard concepts so keep your mental health in mind and check your triggers!
Ugh, I don't want to leave this world because I want to stay with these boys forever 💔. Also, the romance and spice was amazing 🔥🥵. I love me a little manhandling 😏. I can feel this giving me a book hangover already 😅. If you loved the first or love a good coming of age romance between two amazingly strong, flawed and yet beautiful individuals then I highly recommend this book!
P.s., anyone else interested in the side character Dean? 👀🤔
June 9, 2025
Darren Wilson grew up in an abusive home, care of his awful father, who gives Darren regular beatings, if he doesn't do what his father says. Darren plays football and consequently becomes stronger, taller and bigger than his father. His father hits him for the last time when Darren retaliates. Darren doesn't want to turn into his father, and strives to be a better man than him.
Christian Mallory loves to dress feminine and gets bullied for it. He is moving back to live with his grandparents along with his mom, after his mom and dad separate. Christian is starting over. He dreads the first day of school, but will not cower to anyone and is determined to just be himself.
Darren sees Christian and is immediately smitten with him. Darren wanting to be better, dumps his looser friends and befriends Dillon and Cade (A Home In You) and eventually Christian. The four of them become inseparable.
Darren and Christian start a relationship and soon realise they are each other's forever. They love fiercely, and protect one another. They end up at the same college, but while Darren excels at football, Christian starts to struggle and become lost. He has major problems with his homophobic roommate (please read the trigger warnings).
This is Courtney W Dixon’s second book in the Heart and Home duet. I loved A Home In You, featuring Dillon and Cade, and it was one of my top reads a year or so back. I knew I would love this book, but I ended up loving it even more.
Courteny has such a beautifully descriptive style of writing, the words pull you into the book and in turn the world they live in. A few times in the book I was uncomfortable reading some of the scenes, but make sure you read the warnings.
I loved the side characters of Mr Samuelson and Christian’s family.
I adore this book and will need a physical copy for my bookshelves.
Christian Mallory loves to dress feminine and gets bullied for it. He is moving back to live with his grandparents along with his mom, after his mom and dad separate. Christian is starting over. He dreads the first day of school, but will not cower to anyone and is determined to just be himself.
Darren sees Christian and is immediately smitten with him. Darren wanting to be better, dumps his looser friends and befriends Dillon and Cade (A Home In You) and eventually Christian. The four of them become inseparable.
Darren and Christian start a relationship and soon realise they are each other's forever. They love fiercely, and protect one another. They end up at the same college, but while Darren excels at football, Christian starts to struggle and become lost. He has major problems with his homophobic roommate (please read the trigger warnings).
This is Courtney W Dixon’s second book in the Heart and Home duet. I loved A Home In You, featuring Dillon and Cade, and it was one of my top reads a year or so back. I knew I would love this book, but I ended up loving it even more.
Courteny has such a beautifully descriptive style of writing, the words pull you into the book and in turn the world they live in. A few times in the book I was uncomfortable reading some of the scenes, but make sure you read the warnings.
I loved the side characters of Mr Samuelson and Christian’s family.
I adore this book and will need a physical copy for my bookshelves.
October 24, 2024
🍁 𝙵𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙷𝚘𝚖𝚎 🍁
𝚋𝚢 @cwdixonauthor
🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆
4.5/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️
↓↓
In the first book, A Home In You, Darren is a bully, I mean he had his reason but ugh I wish he found a different outlet than bullying much sooner than he did. Even though this book is on the same timeline as A Home On You, this really showed him in a completely different light and I love that for him.
Darren has sososo many layers to him. His home life was definitely not the best and he carried that anger around with him everywhere until he realizes he is turning into someone he doesnt want to be and changed his ways.
Christian appears new in town and he brings this light into Darren's life he never thought he could/would have. While I absolutely LOVE how much Darren changed the one thing that I really disliked was how he kinda always steamrolled over Christian and Christian went along with it for the most part. I wish that Christian spoke up a lot more and more often than he did about what he wanted and liked.
I love love lovvvvve a good redemption arc and I was so happy that Darren finally got his! Definitely make sure to read A Home In You first to get the whole story and how much growth Darren has. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🍁 Size Differences
🍂 Redemption ARC
🍁 High School/College
🍂 Bisexual
🍁 Small Town
🍂 Coming of Age
🍁 Slow Burn
🍂 Opposites Attract
🍁 Hurt/Comfort
🍂 Forgiveness/Acceptance
🍁 Farm Boy/City Boy
#findinghome #hearandhomeduet #smalltownromance #mmromancebooks #comingofageromance #biawakeningromance #courtneywdixonauthor #bookstagram #mmromance #reels #reelsinstagram #books #booklover #bookworm #romance
𝚋𝚢 @cwdixonauthor
🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆
4.5/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️
↓↓
In the first book, A Home In You, Darren is a bully, I mean he had his reason but ugh I wish he found a different outlet than bullying much sooner than he did. Even though this book is on the same timeline as A Home On You, this really showed him in a completely different light and I love that for him.
Darren has sososo many layers to him. His home life was definitely not the best and he carried that anger around with him everywhere until he realizes he is turning into someone he doesnt want to be and changed his ways.
Christian appears new in town and he brings this light into Darren's life he never thought he could/would have. While I absolutely LOVE how much Darren changed the one thing that I really disliked was how he kinda always steamrolled over Christian and Christian went along with it for the most part. I wish that Christian spoke up a lot more and more often than he did about what he wanted and liked.
I love love lovvvvve a good redemption arc and I was so happy that Darren finally got his! Definitely make sure to read A Home In You first to get the whole story and how much growth Darren has. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🍁 Size Differences
🍂 Redemption ARC
🍁 High School/College
🍂 Bisexual
🍁 Small Town
🍂 Coming of Age
🍁 Slow Burn
🍂 Opposites Attract
🍁 Hurt/Comfort
🍂 Forgiveness/Acceptance
🍁 Farm Boy/City Boy
#findinghome #hearandhomeduet #smalltownromance #mmromancebooks #comingofageromance #biawakeningromance #courtneywdixonauthor #bookstagram #mmromance #reels #reelsinstagram #books #booklover #bookworm #romance
November 30, 2024
This is the second book in the Heart & Home duet and it's the second book in duet to make me cry...in good ways, ultimately. We first meet Darren when he bullies Dillon and Cade in A Home in You, but he definitely redeems himself in that book and in this one, too. He goes through so much and keeps himself locked down so much in order to achieve his goals and get out of Dodge and out from under his father's thumb. Not only does he stop being homophobic and become a good friend to Cade, but especially to Dillon, he also realizes that he is bisexual and develops a romantic interest in another student at their school. Christian, a beautiful city boy who moves to the country and is more on the femboy side, grabs Darren's attention not only because of his looks, but especially because of his fearlessness and insistence on being himself, even in a conservative area. Darren is persistent in trying to befriend Christian and eventually it works when he is open and honest with Christian as well as later with Christian's family. Unlike Darren's family, Christian's family is supportive and that allows him to flourish. As with AHIY, these boys have to go through a lot before they find their HEA, both things they have to deal with emotionally/personally, but also outside events that could have ended tragically. They both grow and learn so much in order to be there for the other. I'm also going to add in that - once they are older - their spicy is spicy! And their epilogues...sigh - so sweet. I got really attached to these boys and love seeing them having a family. I went through so many emotions with Darren and Christian - so many feels. Love them!
November 10, 2024
Finding Home by Courtney W. Dixon
If I had to define this book in one word, it would be BEAUTIFUL. The story of Darren and Christian is simply that—beautiful, radiant, full of light, strength, and positivity. Though the main characters face painful and cruel moments throughout their journey, they ultimately get the hea they deserve.
This book is so much more than just a romance. It’s about the inner struggle to be a better person, about personal growth and redemption, about the drive to become the best version of yourself. But above all, it’s about true love and the building of a strong, meaningful relationship. The connection between Darren and Christian is genuine and moving, and watching them grow together as a couple is truly inspiring.
Reading this book has been a wonderful experience, and Darren has secured a spot as one of my favorite MC. I have to admit, though, that Dillon and Cade are hard to beat; their intense story really touched me deeply. But Darren’s journey, his redemption, his inner battles, and his immense love for Christian make this book unforgettable.
Just like with "A Home in You," I devoured "Finding Home" from the very first chapter and loved every moment. If you haven’t read this duet yet, I highly recommend it. These guys will steal your heart.
“𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙄 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪?”
“𝙊𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙮.”
“𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙮, 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝.”
If I had to define this book in one word, it would be BEAUTIFUL. The story of Darren and Christian is simply that—beautiful, radiant, full of light, strength, and positivity. Though the main characters face painful and cruel moments throughout their journey, they ultimately get the hea they deserve.
This book is so much more than just a romance. It’s about the inner struggle to be a better person, about personal growth and redemption, about the drive to become the best version of yourself. But above all, it’s about true love and the building of a strong, meaningful relationship. The connection between Darren and Christian is genuine and moving, and watching them grow together as a couple is truly inspiring.
Reading this book has been a wonderful experience, and Darren has secured a spot as one of my favorite MC. I have to admit, though, that Dillon and Cade are hard to beat; their intense story really touched me deeply. But Darren’s journey, his redemption, his inner battles, and his immense love for Christian make this book unforgettable.
Just like with "A Home in You," I devoured "Finding Home" from the very first chapter and loved every moment. If you haven’t read this duet yet, I highly recommend it. These guys will steal your heart.
“𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙄 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪?”
“𝙊𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙮.”
“𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙮, 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝.”
December 28, 2024
Darren and Christian two guys who were so opposite in pretty much every way! Yet they worked so well together. I love when there’s communication between MCs, and these guys had it in abundance.
I really liked how Christian confronted his dad, that took confidence and it was encouraged by Darren which I loved. There were so many sweet moments through this book even though both were dealing with their own issues.
This book runs alongside Home in You which I also loved, so seeing Cade and Dillon in this story was an added bonus!
I really enjoyed watching Darren and Christian both have firsts together and how protective Darren was over Chris. The way they over come the bumps in the road, from home lives to school, Darren in particular, was so heartwarming to watch. Two broken boys who worked their way through teen hood to adult hood together.
Courtney has a way of drawing you into the world of her MCs and when they hurt, I hurt. But I also get to feel the joy and go on a journey with them.
If you enjoy small town, size difference, opposites attract with hurt/comfort then you need to pick up this book!
🛻Differences
🛻Redemption ARC
🛻High School/College
🛻Bisexual
🛻Small Town
🛻Coming of Age
🛻Slow Burn
🛻Opposites Attract
🛻Hurt/Comfort
🛻Forgiveness/Acceptance
🛻Farm Boy/City Boy
I really liked how Christian confronted his dad, that took confidence and it was encouraged by Darren which I loved. There were so many sweet moments through this book even though both were dealing with their own issues.
This book runs alongside Home in You which I also loved, so seeing Cade and Dillon in this story was an added bonus!
I really enjoyed watching Darren and Christian both have firsts together and how protective Darren was over Chris. The way they over come the bumps in the road, from home lives to school, Darren in particular, was so heartwarming to watch. Two broken boys who worked their way through teen hood to adult hood together.
Courtney has a way of drawing you into the world of her MCs and when they hurt, I hurt. But I also get to feel the joy and go on a journey with them.
If you enjoy small town, size difference, opposites attract with hurt/comfort then you need to pick up this book!
🛻Differences
🛻Redemption ARC
🛻High School/College
🛻Bisexual
🛻Small Town
🛻Coming of Age
🛻Slow Burn
🛻Opposites Attract
🛻Hurt/Comfort
🛻Forgiveness/Acceptance
🛻Farm Boy/City Boy
October 19, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Ever since finishing A Home in You I have been anxiously awaiting Darren and Christian’s story and this book did not disappoint! The redemption arc is one of my favorites and this author did so well here.
One of the deepest truths about childhood abuse and trauma is how those behaviors can be so easily passed down; I loved that this book didn’t shy away from this fact. Darren is so self aware and determined to break the cycle and it shows in every action he takes. His devotion to Christian and ensuring he never hurts him is so beautiful to see as it progresses. He is not perfect, but he tries and I love that.
And Christian. Sweet, supportive, beautiful Christian. I adored him and all the ways he did his best to support Darren. The greatest aspect of his story, though, is the way his needs get addressed. With first love it can be so easy to lose oneself; Christian having people in his life to remind him that his wants matter as well rounded out his character.
Definitely recommend!
🌶️🌶️
Ever since finishing A Home in You I have been anxiously awaiting Darren and Christian’s story and this book did not disappoint! The redemption arc is one of my favorites and this author did so well here.
One of the deepest truths about childhood abuse and trauma is how those behaviors can be so easily passed down; I loved that this book didn’t shy away from this fact. Darren is so self aware and determined to break the cycle and it shows in every action he takes. His devotion to Christian and ensuring he never hurts him is so beautiful to see as it progresses. He is not perfect, but he tries and I love that.
And Christian. Sweet, supportive, beautiful Christian. I adored him and all the ways he did his best to support Darren. The greatest aspect of his story, though, is the way his needs get addressed. With first love it can be so easy to lose oneself; Christian having people in his life to remind him that his wants matter as well rounded out his character.
Definitely recommend!
October 22, 2024
I have tears in my eyes, I fell so hard for these two. I’m so glad Courtney decided to give Darren a book and his HEA because if anyone deserved it, it was him. He redeemed himself and made a fantastic life with and for Christian. The love these two have for each other is beautiful. 🖤🔥🏈🔥🖤
My favorite quotes:
• Darren: That Christian got it meant more to me than even our kiss. It showed that he was made for me. He deserved someone better, but I needed him… someone like him. I needed a safe place, so tired of holding all my pain in, and Christian was it.
• Darren: “Before, my motivation and drive were just to get out of this place. Now, it’s you who gives me a true purpose. You’re a place I can go to when I need to find happiness. You’re like my home, a place I actually belong. I didn’t even know I was looking for a home until I found you.”
• Christian: He kissed my head again. “I love you so much, Chris. You’ll always be my home, no matter where we are.”
Words like that always brought me back to why I fell in love with Darren and what made him so special. “And you’ll always be my home… my love.”
My favorite quotes:
• Darren: That Christian got it meant more to me than even our kiss. It showed that he was made for me. He deserved someone better, but I needed him… someone like him. I needed a safe place, so tired of holding all my pain in, and Christian was it.
• Darren: “Before, my motivation and drive were just to get out of this place. Now, it’s you who gives me a true purpose. You’re a place I can go to when I need to find happiness. You’re like my home, a place I actually belong. I didn’t even know I was looking for a home until I found you.”
• Christian: He kissed my head again. “I love you so much, Chris. You’ll always be my home, no matter where we are.”
Words like that always brought me back to why I fell in love with Darren and what made him so special. “And you’ll always be my home… my love.”
November 8, 2024
Finding Home is book 2 in the Heart and Home duet, this time focusing on Darren, his redemption and the evolution of his relationship with Christian. The first book (A Home In You) was the story of Dillon and Cade, and Darren and Christian are in that book - but we didn't see the depth of their story. Darren started as a pretty awful character in book 1, so I was excited to see a more thorough look at his redemption. Darren does start out as the bully jock, but he seems to quickly realize that he is only being the type of person his father is - and he decides he never wants to be that, so he sets out to try and earn forgiveness for the way he treated others (namely Dillon and Cade). Christian is very true to himself, and you might not think they would work well together, but they definitely did! I loved seeing them work through their relationship and life (both together but also independently). As with book 1, the focus isn't necessarily on "spice" but on building a strong relationship. This duet was great! Would definitely recommend!
October 25, 2024
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This was a thoughtful and touching journey for Darren and Christian. Together and independently.
What they had was beautiful and restorative, and while there were moments you were worried about some of the tendencies and behaviours they were creating, these two men never failed to rise to the challenge of being better humans and better partners.
They were also surrounded by some incredible people who never gave up on them.
If you’ve read A Home in You, this is Darren’s redemption story, and there is nothing I love more. His story will hurt your heart but will also make you hopeful.
This was a thoughtful and touching journey for Darren and Christian. Together and independently.
What they had was beautiful and restorative, and while there were moments you were worried about some of the tendencies and behaviours they were creating, these two men never failed to rise to the challenge of being better humans and better partners.
They were also surrounded by some incredible people who never gave up on them.
If you’ve read A Home in You, this is Darren’s redemption story, and there is nothing I love more. His story will hurt your heart but will also make you hopeful.
October 28, 2024
When I read the first book of this duology, I fell in love with Darren and Christian, and I especially liked Darren’s change, but I never though that behind his initial behaviour there was such a similar situation, and that he had so many demons to fight.
The story takes place at the same time as Dillon and Cade’s story, the one narrated in the first book, and I loved to see them back in here.
Darren and Christian are two opposites, and both struggle with their own problems. They have to grow up and find their path, in life and to each other.
And, of course, this process is not always easy, but in the end, they manage to reach their destination and win their prize, that means their HEA.
This story was intense, and in my opinion a little bit “darker” than the first one, but nonetheless great. I absolutely recommend it (unless you have some particular triggers, of course).
The story takes place at the same time as Dillon and Cade’s story, the one narrated in the first book, and I loved to see them back in here.
Darren and Christian are two opposites, and both struggle with their own problems. They have to grow up and find their path, in life and to each other.
And, of course, this process is not always easy, but in the end, they manage to reach their destination and win their prize, that means their HEA.
This story was intense, and in my opinion a little bit “darker” than the first one, but nonetheless great. I absolutely recommend it (unless you have some particular triggers, of course).
November 1, 2025
**Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
Finding Home is the second book in Courtney W. Dixon's Heart & Home Duet. After reading A Home in You, I looked forward to returning to this world of characters. If you enjoy revisiting a timeline of events from a previous book in a series, this book is for you. I appreciate seeing previous events in the story told from a different POV, as I enjoy getting a richer understanding of the characters involved and their thoughts/motivations. This book did that for me in the best ways.
Courtney W. Dixon admitted that she was surprised that fans wanted to know more about Darren and his relationship with Christian, which we saw some of in A Home in You. Admittedly, I hadn't thought too much about it as I read the first book. I liked the progression of the relationship between Dillon and Darren, from Darren being a bully to becoming Dillon's best friend (aside from Cade). But once I began to read Finding Home, I was instantly grateful to those fans who had asked for more and to Courtney for exploring that fan request. Within just the first chapter or two, I was already invested in both Darren and Christian - but especially so with Darren. Learning more about Darren's home and family life was difficult. Pretty quickly, it was easier to understand some of the choices Darren made in his early teen years. While reading A Home in You, I didn't fully understand why Darren was bullying Dillon and Cade or why he had such a change of heart early on in the story. I suspected he changed the way he acted for a bigger reason than wanting to be on good terms with Dillon since they played football together (what he saw as his ticket out of that town and his circumstances), so it was validating to find out those other reasons.
When a character goes through a profound change in their actions and character, it can be super motivating and heartening, and that's how I felt about the changes Darren went through throughout this book. For the most part, I felt that what Darren overcame in his circumstances demonstrated strength and bravery. It also showed tremendous self-awareness and drive. Darren is the kind of character who will probably inspire a lot of readers. At this point, I truly appreciate and applaud Courtney W. Dixon for the depth of her characters. They truly feel like real, full-bodied, complex people to me. They're flawed and unique, and it's easy to connect with them as a reader, which helps me connect emotionally with the stories as well.
The relationship between Darren and Christian was interesting and surprising. I liked having this book so that a much richer background could be shown behind the sequence of events in their relationship that readers had seen in A Home in You. Readers who start with Finding Home won't have problems reading this story without that context, but it does add a lot when that backstory is fleshed out, in my opinion.
As a whole, I enjoyed Darren and Christian's love story. Christian went through his struggles with navigating a post-divorce relationship with a parent, as well as identity and future-planning difficulties. It's not common for middle to high school (and even early college-aged) students to have a clear plan and to possess as much strength, determination, and clarity to achieve set goals the way Darren did. I appreciated that Courtney explored that with Christian's character, especially the ways being in a relationship where that imbalance exists can affect someone. On the one hand, Christian's character showed such confidence and strength in himself when it came to expressing his style and identity, but on the other hand, he lost sense of himself and his own goals and needs in the shadow of Darren's intended path.
I'm so glad that Finding Home was written so that Christian's character could be fleshed out. On the surface, readers get an understanding of how different Darren and Christian are, the ways that their connection (and how it progressed) helped Darren grow as a person and friend, and also how Darren and Christian's relationship and friendship gave Dillon and Cade some support that played a big role in making it through their struggles. It was so nice to get an up-close understanding of the true depth of the connection Darren and Christian made and the ways that each relationship (Dillon/Cade & Darren/Christian) played in supporting and driving each other (as well as the wider network of found family and support that connected them all).
As teens and young adults, Darren and Christian have good communication skills and practices in their relationship. I appreciated that this was the case on a few different levels, but most of all, I laud it for the work that it does to strengthen not just their relationship but the other relationships they have with friends and family members, too. Healthy communication goes such a long way to change relationships and trajectories in life, so I truly appreciate it when it's modeled in stories like these.
Most of all, I appreciated that this story directly tackled the work people can do on themselves to heal and prevent generational patterns from repeating. It's not easy to do, but it exponentially increases and improves the opportunities individuals will have. I love that Courtney W. Dixon's stories add richness and depth to the coming-of-age romance genre. This Heart & Home Duet has two novels that independently show tender, accepting, and deep love, but together, they show the power and strength that found family can give people and the way that love and support have a ripple effect. Both books are so special, and I recommend them to anyone who needs to be reminded of the profound, healing effect of love and acceptance.
Finding Home is the second book in Courtney W. Dixon's Heart & Home Duet. After reading A Home in You, I looked forward to returning to this world of characters. If you enjoy revisiting a timeline of events from a previous book in a series, this book is for you. I appreciate seeing previous events in the story told from a different POV, as I enjoy getting a richer understanding of the characters involved and their thoughts/motivations. This book did that for me in the best ways.
Courtney W. Dixon admitted that she was surprised that fans wanted to know more about Darren and his relationship with Christian, which we saw some of in A Home in You. Admittedly, I hadn't thought too much about it as I read the first book. I liked the progression of the relationship between Dillon and Darren, from Darren being a bully to becoming Dillon's best friend (aside from Cade). But once I began to read Finding Home, I was instantly grateful to those fans who had asked for more and to Courtney for exploring that fan request. Within just the first chapter or two, I was already invested in both Darren and Christian - but especially so with Darren. Learning more about Darren's home and family life was difficult. Pretty quickly, it was easier to understand some of the choices Darren made in his early teen years. While reading A Home in You, I didn't fully understand why Darren was bullying Dillon and Cade or why he had such a change of heart early on in the story. I suspected he changed the way he acted for a bigger reason than wanting to be on good terms with Dillon since they played football together (what he saw as his ticket out of that town and his circumstances), so it was validating to find out those other reasons.
When a character goes through a profound change in their actions and character, it can be super motivating and heartening, and that's how I felt about the changes Darren went through throughout this book. For the most part, I felt that what Darren overcame in his circumstances demonstrated strength and bravery. It also showed tremendous self-awareness and drive. Darren is the kind of character who will probably inspire a lot of readers. At this point, I truly appreciate and applaud Courtney W. Dixon for the depth of her characters. They truly feel like real, full-bodied, complex people to me. They're flawed and unique, and it's easy to connect with them as a reader, which helps me connect emotionally with the stories as well.
The relationship between Darren and Christian was interesting and surprising. I liked having this book so that a much richer background could be shown behind the sequence of events in their relationship that readers had seen in A Home in You. Readers who start with Finding Home won't have problems reading this story without that context, but it does add a lot when that backstory is fleshed out, in my opinion.
As a whole, I enjoyed Darren and Christian's love story. Christian went through his struggles with navigating a post-divorce relationship with a parent, as well as identity and future-planning difficulties. It's not common for middle to high school (and even early college-aged) students to have a clear plan and to possess as much strength, determination, and clarity to achieve set goals the way Darren did. I appreciated that Courtney explored that with Christian's character, especially the ways being in a relationship where that imbalance exists can affect someone. On the one hand, Christian's character showed such confidence and strength in himself when it came to expressing his style and identity, but on the other hand, he lost sense of himself and his own goals and needs in the shadow of Darren's intended path.
I'm so glad that Finding Home was written so that Christian's character could be fleshed out. On the surface, readers get an understanding of how different Darren and Christian are, the ways that their connection (and how it progressed) helped Darren grow as a person and friend, and also how Darren and Christian's relationship and friendship gave Dillon and Cade some support that played a big role in making it through their struggles. It was so nice to get an up-close understanding of the true depth of the connection Darren and Christian made and the ways that each relationship (Dillon/Cade & Darren/Christian) played in supporting and driving each other (as well as the wider network of found family and support that connected them all).
As teens and young adults, Darren and Christian have good communication skills and practices in their relationship. I appreciated that this was the case on a few different levels, but most of all, I laud it for the work that it does to strengthen not just their relationship but the other relationships they have with friends and family members, too. Healthy communication goes such a long way to change relationships and trajectories in life, so I truly appreciate it when it's modeled in stories like these.
Most of all, I appreciated that this story directly tackled the work people can do on themselves to heal and prevent generational patterns from repeating. It's not easy to do, but it exponentially increases and improves the opportunities individuals will have. I love that Courtney W. Dixon's stories add richness and depth to the coming-of-age romance genre. This Heart & Home Duet has two novels that independently show tender, accepting, and deep love, but together, they show the power and strength that found family can give people and the way that love and support have a ripple effect. Both books are so special, and I recommend them to anyone who needs to be reminded of the profound, healing effect of love and acceptance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2024
This story was well needed. For the redemption of Darren and to show how Dylan could be friends with someone that seems so against him. To find a way to live his true self Darren needed to come forward and ask for the opportunity. To show his true self through his love for Christian even if at times it seems controling but out of control shows hos growth throughout the story. Christian trying to stay true to himself and losing himself in Darren, self and the environment yet hes strength to fight for his heart was amazingly written to bring us thier HEA. Since its a young couple growing in to the adulthood seeing them grow in so many ways was heartwarming. The right amount of steam and heat. A love that grows from friendship to a home in each other. Very good story itself but when read as the duet its so much more.
October 20, 2024
This was so good. But please read the trigger warnings. Darren is the star football player. He's also the school bully. Or he was. But people still fear him. He's trying to change because he doesn't want to turn out like his abusive father. Christian is the new kid who just transferred from the big city to a small town. He is out and loves pretty things. He's been bullied before and he's not looking forward to starting over in a new school because he knows he'll be bullied again. And then Darren and Christian meet. Slowly they become friends. And that friendship turns to more. I loved how these characters interacted and grew. This has an HEA and while it can be read as a standalone, it's so much better if you read the first book, A Home in You.
October 22, 2024
In the second book of this duo-logy, Darren and Christian get their love story. Dare started out as a bully but grew to be a better person as he turned away from his father's behaviors. Chris was his own person, androgynous with a love for pretty fashion touches and knowing who he really was. Two guys, so opposite in size, nature and appearance yet each other's forever person. Again, the sexual components take a back seat to the romance, growing, learning and acceptance of the first, last and only relationship worth nurturing in their lives. Dillon and Cade are still involved in this book but the focus is Dare and Chris and them finding out who they are as individuals and as a couple. I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary opinion.
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