Title: The Journey Home
Author: Becky Bird
Pub. Date: February 18, 2020
Rating: 4

This will be a spoiler free review. Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is my third Becky Bird novel, and honestly, I thoroughly enjoy her books. When I saw this on NetGalley, I knew I needed to request it, and was thrilled when it was approved. It’s not incredibly long, so I was able to read it in an afternoon. Regardless of the length, it’s just an enjoyable read that you don’t want to put down.
I really liked that it was basically a contemporary rom com but had a little bit of a murder mystery twist. My only complaint, and it’s small, is how abrupt the ending was. Overall, I wish the book had been a little more drawn out, but I definitely didn’t see the reveal coming, and was quite surprised.

I loved Lincoln. Loved. Him. Delinquent Bad Boy, but a softie. He had trauma and a tragic event befall him and he spiraled down a path of no good. You end up feeling bad for him, but also just wanting to hug him, and then he opens his mouth and that Bad Boy Sass comes out and you’re just like, well then.
I loved him. I don’t know what more to say.

Then you have Trevor Tanaka. Jfc, I think I loved him more than Linc. He’s the nerdy, stuttering “loser” that no one likes and everyone picks on, but omfg he’s so amazing. While it’s clear that he is a bit of a nerd, the labels people place on him are inaccurate and he’s just this amazing, quiet guy who *may* be a slight glutton for punishment. But he sees people for who they really are, and it’s adorable. He’s perfect Boyfriend Material. Hands down, I would die for him.

I liked Kenzie, but she’s pretty much a side character to Linc and even Tanaka. She fills the role of Small-Town Girl, who has fallen for the Star Jock turned Delinquent Misunderstood Bad Boy, so she starts dating the Grade A Jackass. Then when Delinquent Misunderstood Bad Boy Who Makes Questionable Choices returns, her feelings reignite, but are also clouded because he hurt her when he left, and now there’s romantic tension galore.
And her friend Bec, is Small Town Preacher’s Daughter Turned Rebel with sass and snark coming out with every word she says.

I liked Linc and Kenzie’s relationship, and how well they still knew each other, and how they had to navigate this new rift between them. But this is very much Linc’s journey, and Kenzie is only a small part, and not necessarily crucial to him finding the answers he seeks.

As for the murder mystery element to this book, I didn’t see the ending coming. I wasn’t sure who was behind the mystery, but I didn’t peg it to be that person. I felt like it was a little rushed and convenient, but otherwise, really enjoyable and surprising. Like I said, I never would have pegged it to be that person. As for the other reveal…eh. It adds another element, and I don’t really mind it, but it did kind of feel like it was added for shock value over anything else.

All in all, I really enjoyed this, and I’m excited to see what Becky writes next! I’m ready to sit down and read her next book in one sitting and fall in love with it like I’ve done all her other books so far. I definitely recommend checking this book out, and her various other books. You can check out my reviews for Slumber and Flawed if you’re interested!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC copy

Lincoln is only 4 months away from his 18th birthday and in front of the judge again for stealing a car. His punishment this time is to return to his home town and live with his guardian until his birthday but Lincoln is adamant that he does not want to do this and will run the first chance he gets. The last place he wants to be is there as this was where he found his parents after they committed suicide.
After discovering that he is living with his former BFF Kenzie Lincoln decides to stay but that doesn't mean he is going to tow the line. After getting into trouble yet again Lincoln is given one final chance and a casual encounter with the town tourist agent sees Lincoln searching for clues about whether his parents really did kill themselves or if they were murdered. Along with his new unlikely friend Trevor and Kenzie, Lincoln will stop at nothing to know the truth.
Along the way Lincoln discovers that his feelings for Kenzie when he was 14 have not changed and he is still in love with her but he has a lot to prove before she will give hi the time of day oh and the other problem is Kenzie is going out with Lincoln's biggest rival Jack.
I really enjoyed reading Lincoln's story and watching his character develop the longer he stays in town. As well as how his relationships with those around him develop and support him particularly his unlikely relationship with Trevor.

The Journey Home is a gripping novel full of suspense and a really original plot, full of characters that are very easy to connect with and get attached to.
A very enjoyable read.