No Place Like Home

Homecoming #3

by C. Lymari

Put a finger down if…

-You had a crush on the hottest boy in school.

-You overhear that boy say something dumb, so you hold it against him.

Your life gets turned upside down, but life goes on, right? So you pretend like everything is fine and keep on living.

-Years later, that boy is back. He’s successful, hotter than before, and for the first time ever, he looks at you like you’re more than a friend.

-This time, his world gets ripped apart, and somehow you’re the one person who can put him back together.

-The only problem? All that pretending catches up to you, and you run away with a secret that could change everything…

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Sports Romance, Second Chance, Romance, Sports, Small Town Romance, Enemies To Lovers

315 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2022

About the author

Claudia lives in the Chicagoland suburbs, and when she's not busy chasing after her adorable little spawn, she's fighting with the characters in her head. After not being able to keep up with them, she decided enough was enough and wrote her first novel.

Claudia writes both sweet and dark romances that will give you all the feels. Her other talents include binge watching shows on Netflix and eating all kinds of chips.


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Reviews

[Grisette · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.2 stars

This was a chore to read. I am disappointed because I wanted to like this book because it had all the allure of a nice small town romance. It was not badly written, certainly much better in terms of flow and composition that many other books, but imho that author's writing style lacked depth. I felt it was bumbling and evasive loads of time. It disrupted my reading enjoyment time and again, and bust against my understanding of the plot's internal logic. Probably needed a serious editor to weed out the kinks. It was little things, but in final, these little things added into a lot. Some examples:

🏈 The H, Quincy, found that the shortened name of 'Jess' did not fit the h (her full name is Jessamine). So he asked to call her 'Jessa'. What happens next? He mostly uses 'Jess' or 'Jessamine' when he speaks to her or thinks about her. I was like why? Why take the pain to write it down and then casually forget that plot thread??

🏈 The blurb is utterly misleading. That bit of overhearing hurtful things barely featured in the story. It was a blip, an insignificant one.

🏈 In the first part of the book, a whole hullabaloo is made on ONE limited edition "prototype" of merchandise that Quincy made and that nobody knows who got that sweater. Everyone and its wife knows about that prototype. Everyone is curious about it. And everyone remembers exactly when the prototype was made. 🙄🙄🙄

🏈 Quincy gets into a depression because of things, and his mother asked the friends in town to keep an eye on him. A few lines later, Jess bumps into her in town. So was the mum out of town, or in town? It jilted me hard out of the fiction every time such contradictions happened.

🏈 Jess is aghast that Quincy left his house door unlocked because it is risky. But a few chapters earlier, she was convinced that their town was super safe when discoursing on the habit of her roommate to leave notes of his absences on their front door. Which is which? A crime prone town or a heaven on earth one?

🏈 Jess convincingly states they are not friends, then a few pages later that they are friends, and again, in the same convincing tone, she believes a bit further that they are not friends. Quincy had the same kind of problem. He says it is just no strings attached sex between them, and a few paras down that it is more than sex, and then only to conclude later that he was lying to himself when he thought it was just sex. This felt like a weather vane in an erratic windy day, it got me dizzy and begging for an editor.

🏈 Quincy gets back into town after 3 years, mildly melancholic about losing Jess the last time he was home, but clearly apathetic about it. Then, a friend of sort pops up, cryptically tells him in barely one sentence where Jess now lives and lo and behold, Quincy suddenly mans up determined as a bull to see her. So, 30 seconds is enough for that guy to get out of his 3 years' worth of funk? Am I supposed to be impressed and swooning? 🙄🙄🙄

🏈 One sentence was used to specifically state that Jess slept in the same sweater "every night without fail". Why would a sentence need to be wasted for this when its significance is not made known for the plot? I faintly guess that this MAY be the damn prototype but clearly something fell into the cracks after the author added that sentence.

As I said, the above are definitely trivial tidbits but the consistent accumulation made for a jarring read. More importantly, until the very end, I had hoped that the plot would get improved, with big angst saving the day. But no, it all burned down into a little better than skin deep plot. There was much more tell than show. Loads of big things were reduced into vague glossing overs, or resolved too easily over a few unrealistic paras, or explained briefly in weirdly inserted flashbacks. This story needed better and more. I needed details on: Jess's years at college and how they shaped her, the building of her family unit with Jules and the wider one with all the others, the success of Quincy, the direct aftermath of his accident, how their relationship was sliding into the emotional outside of just sex, how they fared during the three years' separation, etc (in a last minute throwaway sentence towards the end, I even learned that Quincy tried to rob one of the town friends years ago but got offered a job instead?? And ofc no more details on this). I needed them not because I want to be an exacting reader, but to make me believe in the romance between Quincy and Jess. As it is, I am most hard pressed to see where the romance and supposed emotional connection between them sprang from. It felt more like lust, wishful thinking from the author and plot contrivedness than love. More like hot air than reality.

I am convinced that the author had sincerely envisioned to write a heartwarming Hallmark-worth scenario but the execution lacked the emotional depth and strength to support it. Towards the end, the author spun these beautiful sentences:

We don't always run away because we don't love people. We sometimes run away because loving them makes it all too clear that we don't love ourselves.

Taken on their own, these sentences are beautiful and would lure one into expecting a deep, far reaching and heartaching book. But nope. The psychology of the main characters was missing to explain where they started from and where they landed. There were internal gaps that were not bothered to be explored. We as readers are meant to believe that Quincy and Jess graduated from imperfect individuals (her insecurity and his navel gazing) into well-balanced adults who are deeply in love with each other. I wanted to believe in that but there was nothing concrete to help me.

The balance of the story itself was off. There were too much abrupt transitions that never got bridged: (a) teenage goth Jess rejecting Quincy's friendship jumped straight into (b) new adults versions of them meeting in town and connecting over a few hours, to then be propelled (c) one year later in Jess somehow being designated by the townies to help Quincy out of his funk, and then almost quickly getting into each other's hot pants (hers are black ofc 😅), and then, (d) a hasty breakup over a 1 minute convo, followed by one out-of-the-left-field interference by a third grade character, to finally (e) a three year separation where neither bothered (not one single effort! 🤨) to check on the other, while Jess birthed his secret baby. But of course, everything is easily and without much drama (and barely there explanations, anger and grovel) resolved in the last 30% of the book.

Other mindless points that rankled somehow:

🌈 Quincy was a very shallow male lead. He left town three years ago because his career needed it, but somehow, he never reached out to any of his great friends just to say hi during all that time (when there was no enmity or resentment with any of them to justify it). He breezed back in town a bit sheepishly with a vague explanation that he changed phone number and he thought his agent would have arranged things better. And he never realised that said agent deleted/ blocked all the town numbers. He never noticed for three years. Perhaps the most revealing sentence about him was this (this one was about Jess after their first reconnect):

When I came to visit, I did see her in a new light, but when I went back to my life, she got overshadowed by shiny new toys and I lost sight of it.

And I am supposed to believe that his love was deep and dating long back? As far as I am concerned, the Quincy in the last chapters was more or less the same Quincy as in the quote.

🌈 The relationship between Jess and her little sister Rosie was such a missed opportunity. Most of the book contended that Jess loved her to no end but she left three years without a single contact with her, if only to say she was safe. At the very end, there is a vague allusion that Jess had some internal unresolved trauma that therapy healed about her sister now having a happier childhood than hers when no hint of this was even seen before. And despite the three years of neglect, and Jess not rushing to contact Rosie once back in town, Rosie easily forgave Jess after a 5 minutes convo.

🌈 The ornament. Such a key piece which could have been used to establish that their romance was meant to be. Instead, it was only utilised in a vague fashion and never openly discussed.

🌈 Every significant secondary character in this town was essentially a care bear. They are all cool, kind, open minded and forgiving. 🙄🙄🙄

Unless this author gets wiser and ups her writing, I don't think I will read any of her other books. I am chagrined that over and above the 3 days taken to read this book I had to write such a long review. But this was a needed PSA warning in case I forget myself in the future.

[Travelogged Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It didn’t matter where we lived or if we moved again, because home was in his arms. There was no place I’d rather be."

As you may have guessed, this is a second chance book with a cute little secret thrown in. It has a good storyline and the side characters were just brilliant. I love how they lived like a little tightknit family. I was so invested into seeing Jess & Quincy's relationship development. I really loved them together because there was such a strong connection and chemistry between them. Also, little Quinny was a delight to read about! I adored this book and ended up reading it in one sitting!

[SCBookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Put a finger down if you fell in love with Quincy and Jess's story! My heart is so happy that we are finally back in Sunny Pines!

When I say I devoured this book, I'm being serious! I did not put it down until I read the last page!

I was a little nervous that I wouldn't have that same feeling for this series since it's been a while but Claudia remedied that quick! All the feelings, the characters, everything felt as if no time had passed. (And yes Prescott is still my favorite!)

Q and Jess's story was incredible! Jess has had a hard life and was seen as the outcast growing up. Quincy is the golden boy destined for stardom and great things. As teenagers, they both worked in the same place and got to know each other but life kept throwing them curveballs that kept them apart.

If you've ever built walls to protect your heart, THIS is the story to read!

I laughed and I sobbed like a baby while reading this book! It was such a heartfelt story throughout!

Even though you don't have to read the other books to love this one, I HIGHLY suggest reading them to see more of Quincy and Jess through others' eyes. (And it really is a phenomenal series!)

There is a reason I love C. Lymari's writing. No matter the genre, no matter the trope, she has the ability to suck the reader in to whatever works she creates and make them forget that they aren't an active part of the story.

[Ala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elements

Small-town romance. Opposites attract. Outcast x Golden boy. Adopted family. Sports romance. Emotional. Wholesome.

Review

Ok, beware: This is a rant, coz idk how to properly put my feelings into words.

Jessamine (Jess) and Quincy both come from a small town.

When I came to school, I could pretend my father wasn't a drunk who didn't give a shit about my sister, my mom, and me. When I was home, I could pretend that not having friends didn't bother me. And when I was at work, I could act like nothing ever fazed me and I was just working for a little extra cash.

She's the gothic teenager who's been an outcast for a while now, and comes from an abusive household and is basically a second mother to her little sister Rosie.

The town loved him. They saw his rise, and now his fall, which made his pain now our pain.

He's the town's most adored teen with a bright future in football, ahead of him.

Fast forward. They're both adults now.

She's no longer hiding herself under heavy and dark make up, but on the inside she's still the same lonely girl, despite now having an entire support system— Juliet and Jake, the Carsons, Emma and her husband, Freya and her husband, Prescott.

Quincy is the boy who made it out as a big football star, but one accident is threatening to bring all his dreams, and everything he knows and cares about crashing down. Tragedy brings him back to his hometown, where he again runs into Jess. And she might just be the one person to put all the crumbling pieces of his world, back together.

But who's going to fix and nurture all of her broken pieces?

This was an absolutely beautiful read, and a captivating page-turner.

Although, I do have to admit that it took me some time to warm up to the idea of Quincy. He wasn't exactly at his best version up until later into the story.

Quotes and Thoughts

Their rumors stated that I was Satanic, in a cult, a witch, and a total bitch.

Jess deserved better than Cubbie. There wasn’t any lost love on our part, but he wouldn’t be able to appreciate the type of woman Jess was.
--
Right, and you're a solid example of a man who knows how to appreciate her?

She didn’t deserve that shit from me. You’d think I'd have learned my lesson the first time.
--
Yeah, I actually did think that.

When I came to visit, I did see her in a new light, but when I went back to my life, she got overshadowed by shiny new toys and I lost sight of it.
--
Watching myself desperately trying to genuinely like this guy, is pathetic.

“Have you always been this cute?” The words slipped out, but how had I been so blind?
--
Huh, wonder how we ponder the same question.

I let myself throw a tantrum just because life didn’t go my way. I worked my ass off once, and I can do it again.
--
Okay, that was quick. Color me impressed. This was essentially the point where I started liking Quincy.

“She’s never going to admit something’s wrong. She will never ask for help. She’s the type of girl that will keep taking life’s beatings and think that’s the price for living.”

How could you hate someone you were in love with? Someone who did the best with all the broken pieces they had?

Her hands came to my face, and she kissed me.
Game over.

Aesthetic

Jessamine:
Asian. Chestnut hair. Pretty pink lips. Almond shaped eyes. Petite.

Jessamine @17:
Dyed black hair. Thick black eyeliner. Vampy red lipstick. Black, baggy clothes.

Quincy:
Black. 6.4 ft. Green eyes with specs of gold. Curled lashes. Lean built.

Simba:
Chow chow. Big black mane. Black tongue.

[hopelesslyinlovewith_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. Lymari has brought me back to the beginning of why I became addicted to her books in the first place! She started writing this series as her introduction as an author and it blew me away! I thought it was insane how well she wrote and she had only just released her first book! I knew I was going to be seeing great things from her! And here we are, another amazing book by her! I was so excited she was releasing this book! And let me tell you I was not disappointed! She freaking killed it again! It was everything I wanted in a story! Jess and Quincy were complete opposite’s. They were somewhat acquaintance friends in high school because they worked together but she was “goth” and he was their high school star football player. We meet them in previous books in the series and we get all the other characters from the other books as well which makes it even better! I could not put it down! It had my emotions all over the place!

[queen_of_the_books_18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Place Like Home is a small town, friends to lovers, sports romance with all the feels.

For people who have been waiting for this story, it will be a fond welcome back to Sunny Pines.

Quincy and Jess’ story was emotion filled and had me turning the pages. Another win from C.Lymari.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This is the first book I've read by the author and I absolutely loved it. From the very start until the end, Jess and Quincy captured my attention and never let go. I loved how the author wrote their story, how their backstory (how their friendship started) is only the first few chapters in the beginning and what happened between them a few years before the present is where their relationship changes. I wished their story was longer especially after Quincy found out the secret Jess has been keeping for 3 years. I loved their whole story, it's really a beautiful journey. And Jess' found family and the side characters are an amazing addition to the story too. I can't wait for Prescott's story next.

[Yami’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 FANTASTIC STARS!! Fantastic is my favorite word for C Lymari’s storytelling. Here we go again with a world-wind story I could not put down. Jess and Quinn have a story to tell you about their world and you must be ready for the heartache and thrills. We will always get all the feels and romance with this series that C Lymari has crafted perfectly.

[Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕥-𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕊𝕠𝕦𝕝 𝕥𝕠𝕦𝕔𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕒𝕝𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕗𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕜 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕕𝕠𝕟'𝕥 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕣𝕧𝕖 𝕚𝕥 😍❤️

🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾: 😍

🏷️Small Town Romance

🏷️Sports Romance

🏷️He's a Football player and she's a teacher

🏷️Friends-to-lovers

🏷️Second Chance Romance (Sorta)

🅼🆈 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:

Told in Past and Present POV, Jess and Quincy will have you turning the pages of this one oh so fast with their Spicy, Angsty and Emotion filled unpredictable ride of finding love while hurt and with the one you never thought you would.

Jess comes from a background that still haunts her when your own parents left you with a feeling of being alone always and their mistakes and being selfish leaves her taking care of herself and her little sister.

But their neighbour turns out to be a total angel, Juliet, as she takes them in and through her and other extended friends, Jess finds herself a new family.

Jess has always been that girl who's the weird one with the haunted past and is treated like an outcast. She doesn't really have friends her age but Quincy who she works with.
Except he's the Football star and their town's darling and they just hang out because they work together.

But what happens when somehow something starts to build slowly resembling friendship except when something drastic happens and Quincy finds himself in a sea of unknown, they somehow find themselves in a sea of feelings so strange and yet couldn't be right enough for each other.

I really felt for Jess and how she's never had what every child needs from their parents and even being always made to feel like an outsider.
Her and Quincy's sure made me work for them and I loved how we get to witness in bright colours the journey this two take of being no one to each other to friends to lovers and then some more.

This one has touched me deep and I loved how someone like Jess finds love even when she's always have believed of not deserving it yet has an amazing brood of people who care about her and love her like family.
I loved how Quincy finds himself and something special in Jess when he's at his worst and an absolute low.

I loved loved Juliet and Emma and Freya and their better halfs as they love unconditionally and are always there for Jess and Quincy. I really wanted to get my hands on their books and see that yes they each have their own book. Yay!! Looking forward to them.
Loved this one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear to all that's holy, I'm STILL emotional about all that Jess had to endure in her life, and while she had demons, she still kept going despite everything that happened. See, her home life wasn't the best because her father was awful, so this poor girl was just trying to survive life & was a gothic loner. She made friends with the town's "it" boy, Quincy, but some things happened so she wrote him off because she believed she wasn't worthy of anything. This book portrays their journey, and let me tell you, Q definitely had life by the b*lls as he became the best QB in the NFL while my girl became a teacher despite the odds. He comes home on & off, and one of the on times, he sees her differently, and they become friends again. Then the unthinkable happens during a game, and he gets hurt which sends him home to drink himself silly. Jess is actually the one who pulls him out of it, and finally, they get sexy but I seriously couldn't stand his inner monologue about her during this time. Her demons take over so they part on terrible terms, so it's some more years before they come face to face, and HOLY HELL! Yeah, that's all I'll say about that because you just need to experience this emotionally charged story that will wreck your heart for yourselves. I didn't budge until I had devoured every last page, and I believe you'll do the same so what are you waiting for?! I CANNOT WAIT for the next book after that tease & HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Pace like home is such a good book , I'm such a huge fan of C. Lymari and I've been waiting for this story since the characters were introduced and loved seeing their book . I'm such a fan of the Homecoming series it can be read as a standalone but I don't recommend it you should read the books in order to better understand it . I couldn't put my book down I loved every moment of it even the parts were it broke my heart I was hooked . I can't wait to read more by the author and I can't wait to read what's to come in the series the ending just had me wanting more .
stars 4.5
hero 4
heroine 4

[Stefanie Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Put a finger down if you're been dying for this book for forever... check!
Put a finger down if your heart exploded from the swoon and sweetness that is Q but also gave an edge to Jessa, unlike any other heroine in this series, that while doesn't match the rest of C. Lymari's dark writing... we can tell that her story is not all rainbows and sunshine....check!
Put a finger down if you're not speaking to the author after that tease for a certain character*cough cough*...check!

Maybe it's the nostalgia of walking down the street of Sunny Pines with the characters that brought C. Lymari into this world, of getting to see glimpses of Gav & Scar from For Three Seconds... or knowing that Lymari's writing is so diverse that she can give us this happy story going "omg what did I just read with a smile on my face...." to other stories that are said in a gasp, "omg what did I just read!"

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was the book I didn't know I need to read. It was so good that I couldn't put it down and read it in a day. I love the banner and interactions between all the characters, especially Jess and Quincy. I found my self laughing out loud on several occasions. I enjoyed how this story focuses more on the relationship leading up to their separation and not the drama that unfolds after. This was my first book read in the Homecoming Series, now I want to go back an read all the novels I missed. This book is a part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a heart warming emotional story that gave me all the feels! I devoured this book it was really good I loved the characters Quincy had me swooning so hard for him if you’re looking for your next feel good romance give this one a try !

[şevval · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.35
secret child olunca bi sevindim ama cok hızlı çözüldü her sey genel olarak gecmis chapterlar vardi daha iyi yazma potansiyelini kacirmis neyse prescottun kitabi slaylicek ins ama kac sene gecmesine Rachelden bosanmasina ragmen hala janayi gorunce melankolik olmasi sinirimi bozdu son dk

[Angeles · Rating 5 out of 5]

un maratón, muy bueno ✨💘

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved jess and Quincy from the off and my heart shatters for Jess so many times I this series

I hate that Leo uses her past against her so she hides the one thing that would bring everyone together

[Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Place Like Home by C. Lymari tells the story of Jessamine ‘Jess’ Morrison and Quincy ‘Q’ Hardwell through their dual perspectives.
And also happens to be the third book in the Homecoming series.

The narrative that Claudia created with Jess and Quincy’s story took you on quite a journey.
Knowing that it wasn’t written in the typical manner that it had me expecting when it came to the set up of their story made it all the more interesting IMO. Particularly since the unexpectedness of it made it stand out more, not knowing the direction Jess and Quincy’s story would be heading in.

Given that Claudia had you flipping through three different timelines when it came to tell Jess and Quincy’s story; Future, Past and Present. It ultimately took you on a whirlwind path through the different phases of their lives at different ages, resulting in giving you a fully developed narrative that was laid out before you.
Of which was filled with many components that gave you a very packed and thorough storyline, taking you through many emotions and feelings. All due to the major ups, downs, twists and turns that Jess and Quincy navigated through.
Claudia definitely packed quite a few punches, particularly when it came to the angst-ness that caused emotional turmoil one of many times.
The fact that their story had you travelling down a rocky terrain, considering their need to push and pull alongside the waves they encountered. One after another, caused their journey to be anything but smooth sailing.
Safe to say Claudia will have you feeling deeply when it comes to certain moments and times within Jess and Quincy’s story.
It definitely did for myself, causing me to get choked up and close to tear eyed here and there.

So there were a couple of times the story had me lost and confused. The confusion came from some of the secondary characters with mistaking their age. And being lost came from trying to keep up with all secondary characters, remembering who they were and how they were all related.
However that was on me since No Place Like Home was actually my introduction to Claudia's Homecoming series.
Having not read any of the previous stories about the secondary characters is what made it unclear to me in regards to their backstory and connections to one another.
It needs to be it did take a little while for the story to click for me in the beginning, however once that passed Claudia managed to pull me in deeper.

Once again C. Lymari came through with delivering another great read that was ultimately took you on a beautiful journey full of emotions and growth in No Place Like Home.




*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[K Mac · Rating 2 out of 5]

i’m sorry but this was just definitely not my thing.

tropes include:
friends with benefits
secret kid
cocky “i’m a sex god/i can get any girl i want and you know it/i keep forgetting she has actual feelings” MC
emotionally closed off “love doesn’t exist” mc

jess had childhood trauma that was barely touched on but she would randomly blurt out shit angrily as a reaction to a trigger

quincy was kind of just a douche. i’m all for cocky guys as long as they have stuff to back it up AND they actually like women. he was constantly bringing up his sex life or sex reputation and how amazing he thought he was and everytime i started to like him a little less. i usually read books where he falls first and harder so this was just not my fav style of book.

it got to the point where i couldn’t read the sex scenes because there was zero connection that actually made me feel good and think that they actually liked each other for who they are and not just for sex. at some point quincy said something along the lines of “you’re the perfect mix of the body of a woman and a mind of a man” which obviously hurt the mc’s feelings bc wtf???

so i’m sure if the friends with benefits and cocky MC tropes are your thing, then this would be a book you enjoy. it was just personally not for me :(

[zen_s · Rating 2 out of 5]

book felt so-so to me only... think the "present" was too little, kind of like the author felt that she wrote too much of the "past" already, and fast forward the "present" to make sure the book doesn't end up with 400pages or something.

first of all, the spelling error of "inheritance", it's not "inheratence". then "you're secret is safe with me", it's "your", not "you're". don't understand why authors can't differentiate between "your or you're" all the time.

[Christy Davisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want all the feels this is an amazing book to grab! Fall in love with Jess and Q's amazing story from ups and downs to HEA.

Oh where to start with this one because there is so many things I absolutely loved about this book! It brings you back to the past then present day seeing how everything changes with a little twist to their situations. It's heartbreaking, heartwarming, witty, fun, and a little naughty to give you the perfect read.

First off Sunny Pines is this small-town where nothing major happens for the most part unless you are Jess, who lives a life full of tragic events as she grows up. This character was heartbreaking to read at times from her situation at home and how she never felt like she fit in or had someone just for herself. Her bond to her little sister was one of a mother to a daughter more than sisterly. I felt for this character so much and it was hard to see her struggle while always giving her sister all the things she was denied. Her sorta friendship with Quincy as teens was just a friendly thing on his part but you could see she wanted more from him at times. Flash forward several years later you now have Jess teaching elementary school and Quincy the big NFL player living out his dreams with the whole town supporting him along the way. One run in and a connection that both will try to fight or explain away ends up becoming way more than either could bargain for by the end.

Quincy is a lighthearted charming football player ladies man even in high school and as he went off to the NFL. He didn't do real relationships his only love was his game on the field. So imagine when his once sorta friend/barista co-worker Jess was all grown up and no longer looking gothic but as an adult woman now, catches his eye but is quick to deny what he feels. So when an unfortunate accident happens and Mr. NFL comes home to sulk and drink himself away the one person in this tiny town who has lived through unbearable circumstances gives him the fire he needs to get it together. Along the way what was supposed to be two people needing to find a release as bed buddies has lines blurred and heartbreaking events that will cause three years of miscommunication and a bit of a surprise reunion.

This book has so many emotional moments that are heartbreaking but it also has the light and naughty moments mixed into it that gives you the perfect read. I love that this author is so versatile from her dark romance to her light/emotional romances, she never disappoints. Her character growths and world building is absolutely perfect in this one. You are pulled into this book and just feel for each one of these characters. So get ready to fall in love once again in this small-town romance with Jess and Q.

I voluntarily signed up for an ARC to give an honest review with nothing to gain. I just absolutely love this author and no matter the content of each of her books I'm always drawn in and left with yet another amazing read. So yes grab this one if you need an emotional read with a HEA. It's a definite must read!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Put a finger down if.....
-You had a crush on the hottest boy in school.
-You over hear that boy say something dumb, so you hold it against him. Your life gets turned upside down, but life goes on, right? So you pretend like everything is fine and keep on living.
-Years later, that boy is back. He's successful, hotter than before, and for the first time ever, he looks at you like your more than a friend.
-This time, his world gets ripped apart, and somehow you're the one person who can put him back together.
-The only problem? All that pretending catches up to you, and you run away with a secret that could change everything.

This is the story of Quincy and Jess and oh what a story it is. I can tell you with certainty that you are going to fall so in love with this story that you will never ever want it to end. This story is full and angst, friendship, betrayal, forgiveness and most of all love. Your emotions will be all over the place while reading this book.
Jess has not had an easy life. Her past is painful and she struggled to really let anyone in because she had been hurt so very much. Jess is really broken but she find the courage to change her life for the better. On the complete opposite side of the coin Quinton has had a life that seems to be blessed no matter which direction he turns and what he tries to do. He is the most popular football player in high school who went on to a world class NFL player who has the world at his feet. He was so drawn to Jess and that was true even back in high school. But, life happens and he finds himself in a really dark place from which Jess becomes his safe place to deal with the cards that life has dealt him. To say these two had some amazing chemistry and are intense is an understatement. A connection that is unbreakable and makes for one amazing friendship. But most of all these two bring out the strength in each other and give each other the ability to grow and change and put the past behind them and live life to the fullest. Like I said this story will be on that you are going to devour and won't put down. It will give you the best book hangover but might throw you into a little bit of a reading slump because you can't find something else to read because your comparing it to this book. I loved it. Devoured it and could pick it up again right now and reread it and not be bored. You do not want to miss this book!!!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She’s a diamond that wants to stay coal.”

I really enjoy C. Lymari’s dark romances, but I love her stories of broken women and the men who love them even more. In No Place Like Home, she delivers an angsty, emotional story of second chances, betrayal, friendship, forgiveness and love. Quincy and Jess were imperfectly perfect together.

“You, Jessamine, are a wildflower. Despite all the crap that soiled you, you still bloomed and grew where most would have withered.”

Jess had such a painful past and struggled to let anyone in because she had been hurt so much. She was broken, but she still found the strength to live and change her life for the better. I loved her bravery and spunk so much.

“The girl made me feel like I wasn’t anyone of importance. And I liked that.”

“She was the only person who could keep my demons at bay.”

Compared to Jess, Quincy lived a charmed life. The popular football player in high school turned NFL player with the world at his feet. He found himself drawn to Jess even in high school because she never treated him like he was anything special. Then when he found himself in a dark place, she offers a safe haven to come to terms with his life.

“Sometimes you didn’t have to look at a person, and even if I couldn’t see him, I could recall every feature on his face from memory.”

The chemistry between these two as intense and I loved how in tune they were with each other. Their banter was so much fun and the connection that solidified their friendship was palpable. They found a place in each other that offered them the strength to grow and change and put the past behind them in order to build a brighter future.

“At that moment, I knew that if I let her in, she might never leave. Jess, my gloomy girl, my wildflower, smiled down at me, and that right there was everything.”

Full of heartbreak, heat, unexpected surprises and a love that will take your breath away, I devoured No Place Like Home. Jess and Quincy’s journey was a difficult and emotional, but it was so worth it in the end.

[Book Life With Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Place Like Home, the fourth story in the Homecoming series by C. Lymari, was absolutely everything you could ask for in a friends to lovers story—especially one that’s been a long time coming in this well crafted world of phenomenal characters that grab you right from the start and never let you go.

This story is the long awaited story of Jess and Quincy and takes you on an emotional journey through their past and present, from coworkers to friends to lovers to something so much more! Jess experienced so much in her young life, you can’t help but feel for her and want her to succeed. Branded an outcast by most of the kids at school, Jess found solace and friendship with the ladies of the coffee shop and her neighbor at a young age—which luckily carried over into adulthood.

Quincy on the other hand is charismatic, popular and the hero of the town that’s definitely going places due to his talent in football. Yet even though they are complete opposites in life, they still had a unique companionship as acquaintances that worked together. Until Jess overhears something that changes everything and leads then on a different path of life. However, fate once again steps in, and their worlds swiftly collide once again, taking them on an entirely different path.

I absolutely loved the slow build connection between Jessa and Quincy as theirs was a relationship hinted at throughout the entire series and it did NOT disappoint! The ups and downs, back and forth slow burn romance between the two definitely created some emotional ties to these two characters and their story!

Overall, if you’re a fan of small town, friends to lovers romances thats packed full of emotions and long awaited steamy connections then this is the one for you! Lymari did an amazing job at creating a story that flowed beautifully and immediately captured your heart! I can’t wait for more of this amazingly created world and beautiful characters!

[Lager Lefse Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, let’s see how many fingers you can put down with this review.
-Have been waiting very patiently for Quincy Hardwell’s story?
-Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong anywhere? Just like Jessamine.
-Have you ever had to take on too much responsibility and deal with it?
-Did you ever have a secret crush? Were you able to talk to your secret crush about it?
-Lastly, have you ever encountered a lion and lived to talk about it? Do not worry, Simba is all ‘fluff’ and no bite.

Quincy and Jess’ story was sheer perfection. The trials and tribulations that each had to go through in their lives was heartbreaking. I absolutely adored Q. He was the ‘it’ guy in high school but was able to penetrate Jessamine’s walls. Meanwhile, Jess had a life that no teenager should have to deal with, making her the invisible outcast. My heart broke for her.

No Place Like Home had me invested and emotional. I was laughing and in the next breath crying and in shock. Ms. Lymari has an innate ability to merge different writing styles. Her emotionally intense and shocking moments sprinkled with dark elements is *chef’s kiss*. So, grab a tissue, your favorite comforting drink, and expect to stay up awhile, because you too will get sucked into everything that is No Place Like Home.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Place like Home is the 4th book in the homecoming series by author C. Lymari. This book follows Quincy & Jessa and their journey from friends to lovers.
(please check for TW. This book also is part of a series it’s best enhanced when you read them in order. you’ll be kind of lost otherwise)

i really enjoyed reading this book & this series in all. When we were introduced Quincy and Jess in the previous book and the breadcrumbs that were left I knew I wanted to know more. Quincy and Jessa couldn’t be more opposite. He was well known and loved by everyone and she was well known but so much loved by the same people. She had her own people who loved her unconditionally where as she just didn’t know it until times got rough and those people were there for her. C.Lymari’s stories are so diverese and unique. I love the little world of Sunny Pines and their occupants.
No Place like home is told in first person POV and it’s told first in the present then the past until present time. I enjoyed reading all the battles they each had to go through.
Quincy realizing that his problems Al thought big to him weren’t all too bad considering everything that Jessa went through. She overcame a lot and with the right push at the right time she was able to over come her battles. Alone with her books come topics that need to be checked before you read but if you are okay with it, I highly recommend this series!


also I can not emphasize how much I love Prescot & how much he deserves his Happy ending

Thank you for this ARC C. Lymari 💛

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I have to start by saying how much i adore C Lymari’s writing / books . She is seriously not only one of the most amazingly talented authors I have ever read but also happens to be one of my top ten favorites as well . I can say with 100% certainty that if you are someone who has never read one of her books you are are absolutely missing it !!! No Place Like Home is the fourth installment in her Homecoming Series ) and what a phenomenal series it is . Friends to lovers , Heartbreaking and Heartwarming moments, love , romance , second chances, unexpected surprises, small town , sports, off the charts chemistry, friendships and family and Quincy and Jess two people who could not be more different yet fit so perfectly together. Their journey is far from a easy one just like in everyday life they have many ups and downs as well as obstacles to endure but one thing is undeniable and that is the connection they share and the off the charts chemistry between them . What is their journey all about you ask ? Well Im not telling because to fully appreciate the exceptional Job C Lymari did writing this awesome book your going to want to go into it with a completely open mind and experience all the different emotions it’s guaranteed to stir in you for yourself. What I will say is keep the Kleenex close.because you will laugh you will cry and you will find yourself rooting so hard for both characters to get their happy ending . C Lymari has delivered another home run right outta the ballpark .
a fe

[Loreto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am crying. Wow. This story is just beautiful in every way with it's struggles and all. It is a story that deals with past trauma, abuse, second chances, growing, discovering yourself, discovering love, and family. This story touches on so much and it all was felt in my heart. Jake and Juliet are my favorite. Their story begins in high school and crosses paths once again. She is a Dunett, high class and he is a small business owner in a small town.

We learn so much about the rest of the Dunnet's especially Juliet and we get a glimpse of our other favorite couples and Pine citizens. Reading this unfold is captivating and makes you flip page after page and you become a part of them.

Juliet is such as strong woman. She touches my heart in so many ways. She learns so much about herself, to be vulnerable, valued, & loved. Jake is an amazing man who is patient, determined, and with such a warm heart. Let's not forget that dirty mouth which he makes her blush. I believe it's always been then. Always. Whether they saw it or not, whether they just thought it was sexual attraction, it was always more. The smiles, laughs, flirting, thinking about each other, attraction, jealousy, and just all of it.

Ahh, there is SO SO much I want to say about them. They both have a humble and genuine heart. Our girls. Wow! Just in awe with the beauty of this entire story and everything it touches on and just the love. So much love, not just between them but for others. Beautiful.
One person found this helpful

[Emmy Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Claudia's darker romances books so this was definitely a shock to my system being the first non-dark book of hers I've read and I really enjoyed it! Quincy and Jess have a ton of history between the two of them which makes this one story feel like its really three separate books. In high school, they come from completely different worlds yet form a unique friendship. Jess was dealt a tough blow early on in life with the loss of her parents and in dealing with it opted to shut her emotions off. Well until Quincy comes barreling through those barriers time and time again. Fast forward a few years and now its Quincy who is on the edge of despair and Jess jumps right in and knocks down his walls. What starts off as a rather tame relationship quickly escalated to a steamy situation-ship that neither wants to end but nor will they recognize their feelings.

That middle part of the book was by far my favorite since we got to see their feelings come out more and you just can't help but root for them. Then the story whisks you three more years forward and there is a HUGE bombshell about to be dropped and I mean it is BIG! I really wish that this portion of the story was expanded on cause I would've loved to read more of the drama with Leo unfold as well as just more about Q and Jess as they reconnect and navigate this new relationship. I also wanted more of their HEA. The epilogue needed to be like a million times longer cause I was not ready to let this couple go!

[Ren · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is Jess and Quincey’s story. There’s what I’m calling three acts in this book. Act one is their childhood where q is a superstar and Jess is the town goth and in an abusive household but they’re friends from working together. Jess overhears q tell his friends he doesn’t care about her just works with her and end childhood friendship. This act is like a single chapter and sets up the rest of the book well.

Act 2 they’re in their mid twenties, Jess has broken the cycle of abuse and Quincey is back in their home town because he just had a career ending injury. They reconnect and q is kinda a dick who clearly has feelings for Jess that he won’t acknowledge and he just wants to be fuck buddies which really messes with Jess who has abandonment issues. They separate because q out of the blue to Jess asks her to come to ca with her and she says no

Act 3 is q returning three years later for a documentary Jess also left town and hasn’t been seen since and surprise! Jess had a baby. Q pretty quickly accepts everything and bam hea

This book was cute and I really liked how q fell first and harder imo. But it felt kinda surface level on both ends and what I’ve described as act 2 was wayyyy too long and act 3 was wayyyy too short. We don’t see how they work through their feelings we don’t really see q interact with Quinn at all and we don’t see Jess really work through how she literally abandoned everyone.

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️