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litlark's review
5.0
Otto Thayer is the sweetest man in the whole world I swear.
I ate this book up -could not stop. My heart broke for him (and Fallon) and all their missed time together, but they ended up exactly where they were meant to be. The way Otto immediately loved Briggs with his whole, big heart was too much. I loved how he showed up for Fallon over and over again.
The found family vibes are so good. I love that they also brought Tanner in with open arms to complete everything. The father's luncheon at school was a top scene and had me crying like a baby, and oh man the epilogue!
This series is so sweet and steamy and I'm so happy I found it.
I ate this book up -could not stop. My heart broke for him (and Fallon) and all their missed time together, but they ended up exactly where they were meant to be. The way Otto immediately loved Briggs with his whole, big heart was too much. I loved how he showed up for Fallon over and over again.
The found family vibes are so good. I love that they also brought Tanner in with open arms to complete everything. The father's luncheon at school was a top scene and had me crying like a baby, and oh man the epilogue!
This series is so sweet and steamy and I'm so happy I found it.
romancebookaffair's review
5.0
Not only does Alexandra Hale bring all the emotion to this story with tears of laughter and love, she brings ALL the heat as well *fans self*
Otto and Fallon have a brief shared history that’s full of bittersweet memories that still haunt them both. So Otto’s fun time guy persona is a cover for a heart that’s been hurting since Fallon ghosted him all those years ago.
Otto is the epitome of “don’t judge a book by its cover” - the sweetest cinnamon roll hero with the biggest heart while also being deliciously dirty and dominating in the bedroom. He loves big and I adore how he embraces everyone who is important to Fallon and makes them family.
Fallon is a hot mess and I love it. Alexandra Hale has made her authentic and someone so many of us can relate to; she has a knack for writing characters with depth that readers can connect with. Fallon has a rocky journey to get to the place that she wants to be, needs to be, but Otto and his family are there to support her if she will just let them.
I fall more in love with the Thayers with every book, they envelop you and welcome you into their family with a warm hug. Their family chat is hilarious and their unconditional love for one another is amazing. I cannot wait for the rest of this series.
Otto and Fallon have a brief shared history that’s full of bittersweet memories that still haunt them both. So Otto’s fun time guy persona is a cover for a heart that’s been hurting since Fallon ghosted him all those years ago.
Otto is the epitome of “don’t judge a book by its cover” - the sweetest cinnamon roll hero with the biggest heart while also being deliciously dirty and dominating in the bedroom. He loves big and I adore how he embraces everyone who is important to Fallon and makes them family.
Fallon is a hot mess and I love it. Alexandra Hale has made her authentic and someone so many of us can relate to; she has a knack for writing characters with depth that readers can connect with. Fallon has a rocky journey to get to the place that she wants to be, needs to be, but Otto and his family are there to support her if she will just let them.
I fall more in love with the Thayers with every book, they envelop you and welcome you into their family with a warm hug. Their family chat is hilarious and their unconditional love for one another is amazing. I cannot wait for the rest of this series.
jlkaad19's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
OMG!!
Otto is sooooooo much more than you would ever expect! He projects happy go lucky don’t look too deep energy but once he opens his heart he opens it BIG!!
I ABSOLUTELY ADORE HIM! Their connection is so beautiful. They took a minute to work out their dynamic but once they did it was on and they walked the rest of the path together ❤️❤️
Otto is sooooooo much more than you would ever expect! He projects happy go lucky don’t look too deep energy but once he opens his heart he opens it BIG!!
I ABSOLUTELY ADORE HIM! Their connection is so beautiful. They took a minute to work out their dynamic but once they did it was on and they walked the rest of the path together ❤️❤️
marianbooks613's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This story started a little huh? For me, I didn't really like Fallon as FMC, I understand his point because yes, that should not be underestimated but his way of treating Otto was not for me, instead Otto was a sweetheart, he was my favorite of the twins and I liked seeing his story and how he got his happy ending, besides how he was with Briggs? (Fallon's son) here I feel that Otto grew a lot and had his ideas well placed where they had to be, I really liked that the Thayer family along with the other girls will show solidarity with Fallon, it was a good read apart from the FMC part.
Thanks to Alexandra Hale & The Author Agency for the ebook copy in exchange for my honest review 📚!!
bookswithmissy's review
4.0
This is the 3rd book in the Clementine Creek series and this one follows Waylon and Hank's brother Otto.
This book opens with a flashback to Otto and Fallon when they were younger, sharing a moment together. It is told trough Otto's point of view, so you can see that he is in love with Fallon and wants nothing more than to be with her. The book then skips several years and you learn that Fallon has left town and is returning. Not only is she moving back home but she is newly divorced with a 5 year old little boy, Briggs.
Otto really wants to stay away from Fallon, but that is impossible in Clementine Creek, they have the same friends and its a small town. He is still angry with her for the way she left but he also can't really stay away from her. Fallon is also drawn to Otto but she also tries to keep him at a distance because she is newly divorced and has her son to think about.
I loved Otto so. much. He was so sweet and caring and they way he was with Briggs just gave me heart eyes through the entire book. Otto loves so big but doesn't realize he does. He is always there for his family and they return the favor in the best way in this book. When Otto decides he wants Fallon to give him a chance, with the help of his family, he starts to do small things to make Fallon's life easier and I really loved the little ways he showed her he was in it.
Fallon really struggled between wanting to be with Otto, but feeling like she doesn't have enough to give. I really sympathized with her character, being a mom and trying to do all of the things and do them well and just feeling like you fail at it all. I loved the other women in this book and how they really lifted her up and took care of her and her son. Fallon's ex-husband , Tanner, also moves to Clementine Creek to co-parent their child and I also loved that aspect of the book. They had a great relationship and it was nice to see them support each other even if they weren't married anymore.
The characters in this book are just so great, this book had me smiling a lot and there is family group chat with the Thayer boys that is amazing and often had me laughing. Don't let the sweetness of the characters fool you, Alexandra also brings the spice in this book and Otto does not disappoint!
I recommend reading the first two books in this series first, although you don't have to, it will help you understand the other characters and the dynamic with the family. Plus they are also fun reads! I can't wait for the others in this series, especially Sorren (please let him be next).
This book opens with a flashback to Otto and Fallon when they were younger, sharing a moment together. It is told trough Otto's point of view, so you can see that he is in love with Fallon and wants nothing more than to be with her. The book then skips several years and you learn that Fallon has left town and is returning. Not only is she moving back home but she is newly divorced with a 5 year old little boy, Briggs.
Otto really wants to stay away from Fallon, but that is impossible in Clementine Creek, they have the same friends and its a small town. He is still angry with her for the way she left but he also can't really stay away from her. Fallon is also drawn to Otto but she also tries to keep him at a distance because she is newly divorced and has her son to think about.
I loved Otto so. much. He was so sweet and caring and they way he was with Briggs just gave me heart eyes through the entire book. Otto loves so big but doesn't realize he does. He is always there for his family and they return the favor in the best way in this book. When Otto decides he wants Fallon to give him a chance, with the help of his family, he starts to do small things to make Fallon's life easier and I really loved the little ways he showed her he was in it.
Fallon really struggled between wanting to be with Otto, but feeling like she doesn't have enough to give. I really sympathized with her character, being a mom and trying to do all of the things and do them well and just feeling like you fail at it all. I loved the other women in this book and how they really lifted her up and took care of her and her son. Fallon's ex-husband , Tanner, also moves to Clementine Creek to co-parent their child and I also loved that aspect of the book. They had a great relationship and it was nice to see them support each other even if they weren't married anymore.
The characters in this book are just so great, this book had me smiling a lot and there is family group chat with the Thayer boys that is amazing and often had me laughing. Don't let the sweetness of the characters fool you, Alexandra also brings the spice in this book and Otto does not disappoint!
I recommend reading the first two books in this series first, although you don't have to, it will help you understand the other characters and the dynamic with the family. Plus they are also fun reads! I can't wait for the others in this series, especially Sorren (please let him be next).
sparky25's review
5.0
I'm in Love!!!
Otto Thayer is finally getting his happily ever after.
After all these years of wondering what happened to the one that got away, its time. The love of his life, the one he's been pining for since the day she gave him the greatest gift, then ghosted him, is now back in town. She doesn't come alone, she now has a kid. This time she's not going to have a chance to leave him. He just has to figure out how to tell her that.
Fallon Jones has come back home. Newly divorced and her son with her, she has a flat on a rainy night. She doesn't expect the harsh reunion on the side of the road with the man she regretted leaving behind.
She thinks that just keeping things physical will be enough for her. Otto isn't going to allow this arrangement. It's all or nothing. Will she be able to let her guard down and let him into their life? Or will the complicated relationship with her ex husband ruin their second chance?
This book will leave you breathless. Otto is such a sweetheart. His heart is soo big. He also has a way keeping the heat on simmer until you're ready to burst. Little Briggs will make you swoon and steal your heart! If you love second chances, single moms and cinna-rolls with lots of steam and laughter, this is a must read!
Otto Thayer is finally getting his happily ever after.
After all these years of wondering what happened to the one that got away, its time. The love of his life, the one he's been pining for since the day she gave him the greatest gift, then ghosted him, is now back in town. She doesn't come alone, she now has a kid. This time she's not going to have a chance to leave him. He just has to figure out how to tell her that.
Fallon Jones has come back home. Newly divorced and her son with her, she has a flat on a rainy night. She doesn't expect the harsh reunion on the side of the road with the man she regretted leaving behind.
She thinks that just keeping things physical will be enough for her. Otto isn't going to allow this arrangement. It's all or nothing. Will she be able to let her guard down and let him into their life? Or will the complicated relationship with her ex husband ruin their second chance?
This book will leave you breathless. Otto is such a sweetheart. His heart is soo big. He also has a way keeping the heat on simmer until you're ready to burst. Little Briggs will make you swoon and steal your heart! If you love second chances, single moms and cinna-rolls with lots of steam and laughter, this is a must read!
lauriereadsrom1's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Otto Thayer had a crush on Fallon Jones throughout high school, so when they finally hooked up during his freshman year of college, he thought all his dreams were coming true. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be; she broke his heart when she ghosted him afterwards, and he's been a player ever since - or at least pretending to be. Years later, a recently divorced Fallon has decided to move back to their hometown of Clementine Creek with her 5-year-old son, Briggs. It doesn't take long for her to reconnect with her old friends Marlee and Cheyenne, who convince her to go out with them one night. She runs into Otto and impulsively invites him to spend the night together; against his better judgment, he agrees. Even though he swears it will only happen one time, it quickly turns into a not-quite-friends with benefits arrangement. The problem is that Otto has never really gotten over Fallon, and he fears that he's destined to get hurt - especially after he meets her adorable son. With everything that's already on her plate, Fallon is sure that she can't handle a serious relationship, but maybe there's a way for Otto to show her that he can help carry her burdens, not add to them.
I'm not sure I have the words to express how happy this story made me. Otto is one of the best book boyfriends I've come across in quite some time, and the way he cared for Fallon and Briggs made me melt over and over again. I loved that he was so good at anticipating Fallon's needs and was ready when she finally admitted that she was overwhelmed. He was so sweet and thoughtful, and I appreciated that he wasn't shy about telling her what he wanted from the relationship. It would have been easy for him to just jump back into bed with her, but instead he asked for what he wanted and waited until she was ready.
Otto's relationship with Fallon's son Briggs was also super cute. I especially appreciated Otto's efforts to be a part of Briggs's life without overstepping or trying to replace his father, Tanner, who was actually a great guy. The bromance that developed between Otto and Tanner was fantastic for many reasons, not least of which was that it seemed like Tanner really needed a friend. I'd love for him to get a story of his own in the future (and not just because I want more of Tanner and Otto's hilarious antics).
I highly recommend "Home in the Country" for all contemporary romance fans and can't wait for the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
I'm not sure I have the words to express how happy this story made me. Otto is one of the best book boyfriends I've come across in quite some time, and the way he cared for Fallon and Briggs made me melt over and over again. I loved that he was so good at anticipating Fallon's needs and was ready when she finally admitted that she was overwhelmed. He was so sweet and thoughtful, and I appreciated that he wasn't shy about telling her what he wanted from the relationship. It would have been easy for him to just jump back into bed with her, but instead he asked for what he wanted and waited until she was ready.
Otto's relationship with Fallon's son Briggs was also super cute. I especially appreciated Otto's efforts to be a part of Briggs's life without overstepping or trying to replace his father, Tanner, who was actually a great guy. The bromance that developed between Otto and Tanner was fantastic for many reasons, not least of which was that it seemed like Tanner really needed a friend. I'd love for him to get a story of his own in the future (and not just because I want more of Tanner and Otto's hilarious antics).
I highly recommend "Home in the Country" for all contemporary romance fans and can't wait for the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
itsabbynormal's review
4.5
Home in the Country by Alexandra Hale
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Release date: Out now!
I admire Alexandra so much. She’s one of the kindest and most generous indie authors on Instagram. So when she picked me for her ARC team for this book, I was so excited!
Home in the Country is the third book in the Clementine Creek series. They’re based in a tiny town in Tennessee and are full of heart and family.
I did not get a chance to read the first two in the series before jumping into this one — and that’s totally on me, because they’ve been on my TBR for literally forever — so although they’re interconnected standalones, I think reading the first two would have been really helpful. There are a lot of characters and they’re all connected in multiple ways, so it was a little confusing for me at times. However, I didn’t deduct from my rating for that because, again, that’s on me lol.
Otto and Fallon are perfect for you if you like:
• Small town
• Second chance
• He falls first
• Single mom
• Found family
Thank you Alexandra for the chance to read and review your book, and congratulations on publishing Home in the Country!! Love you, my friend! ❤️
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Release date: Out now!
I admire Alexandra so much. She’s one of the kindest and most generous indie authors on Instagram. So when she picked me for her ARC team for this book, I was so excited!
Home in the Country is the third book in the Clementine Creek series. They’re based in a tiny town in Tennessee and are full of heart and family.
I did not get a chance to read the first two in the series before jumping into this one — and that’s totally on me, because they’ve been on my TBR for literally forever — so although they’re interconnected standalones, I think reading the first two would have been really helpful. There are a lot of characters and they’re all connected in multiple ways, so it was a little confusing for me at times. However, I didn’t deduct from my rating for that because, again, that’s on me lol.
Otto and Fallon are perfect for you if you like:
• Small town
• Second chance
• He falls first
• Single mom
• Found family
Thank you Alexandra for the chance to read and review your book, and congratulations on publishing Home in the Country!! Love you, my friend! ❤️