Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Homeward
SERIES: Heartward
AUTHOR: Andrew Grey
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 227 pages
RELEASE DATE: May 7, 2024
BLURB:
Second chances only happen in the movies… right?
For the past several years, Matthew’s life has been one challenge after another. Keeping his sister’s four orphaned kids fed, clothed, housed, and entertained has him run ragged. Now he’s losing the kids’ mentor and maybe his job, if the plant where he works as an electrician shuts down like the rumors say. When his car won’t start outside the hospital, it’s the last thing he needs. Matthew could use a hero… so of course that’s when Lucas Reardon shows up again.
A-list actor Lucas Reardon returned to his Michigan hometown to say goodbye to his father. The last person he expects to see is Matthew Wilson, the one who got away. Lucas helps Matthew out with the car, the kids, whatever he needs. But really, *he’s* the one who needs saving. Years of the fast-paced Hollywood life have worn him down to nothing, and a deranged stalker is making his life hell. Matthew becomes his refuge. But relationships need time to grow and bloom. With the paparazzi breathing down their necks and a deadline on Lucas’s return to LA, can they build a life worthy of the big screen?
REVIEW:
Lucas is famous A list actor who left his Michigan small hometown behind. He’s been estranged from his father for years, but he’s gotten word that his father is dying. He returns to Michigan and who should run into at the hospital but his old high school boyfriend. Matthew is there with his sister’s four children saying goodbye to Lucas’s father. This answers some questions for Lucas as to what Matthew has been up to. He’s been charged with raising his nieces and nephews which of course takes up pretty much his whole life.
Lucas and Matthew are happy to see each other, but Lucas has to leave soon to start another film. Despite their desires to be together – they are definitely each other’s “one who got away” and first loves – this is a rather untenable situation with Matthew responsible for four kids who have already dealt with a lot of change and upheaval.
Then there is the little issue of what appears to be a stalker disclosing Lucas’s (and Matthew’s) whereabouts. They are constantly plagued by reporters stalking their every move. Lucas has security but now he has to be worried about Matthew and the kids as well. The stalker continues to be elusive and this throws a monkey wrench into their idea of being together. While both men would prefer a future together, there doesn’t seem to be a way for everyone to get what they want/need. Yet 😉
This was a fairly fast-paced read. There is a lot going on and I really enjoyed watching these two old friend/boyfriends find their HEA. The kids were adorable! I loved how they referred to Matthew. The tension with the ongoing stalker situation ratchets up the action and pushed to the forefront the need for a solution for these two men. Getting to figure out how to make a real relationship is not an easy path, but one they are willing to work at. Recommended for fans of couples reunited after many years and finally figuring out their lives 🙂
RATING: 
BUY LINK:
Dreamspinner Press