To escape a fog of grief after the loss of his partner, Chase visits friend Mike for the annual International Mr. Leather Competition. But Chase soon realizes that what he wants isn't casual encounters but connection.

This is an emotional story that will appeal to readers who enjoy the hurt/comfort trope. Beautifully written with well-drawn characters.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I received a copy of the book from Netgalley to review. Thank you for the opportunity.
An intense and heartbreaking story with lots of action and drama.
An OK read.

Homecoming was a unique and at times heartbreaking romance. I know every time I start a book by Rick Reed, I’m going to get a story that stands apart from other romances, and this was no exception.

As difficult as it was to witness Chase’s loss of Toby, I think Homecoming offered an honest glimpse of a man who’s been in a happy, committed relationship for years finding himself looking for that special fit somewhere again. Although there were a few times the scenes and emotions brought me to tears, Homecoming wasn’t as angsty or heartwrenching as some other widower romances. I liked that Chase’s story didn’t entail an immediate move to finding another relationship but rather the struggle to slowly get back among friends and social adventures. I also quite liked how the book resolved with a tip to Chase’s past with Toby as well as his future. If you like less traditional romances (or simply those that don’t follow a specific framework) or are looking for a good story with gay characters, I’d definitely recommend this title and this author’s work in general.

*eARC received via Netgalley. The author and publisher had no influence over this review*

Thank you for a copy of this book. It's an entertaining story of love, loss, friendship and sex. I'm sure you love reading it.

the set up was really intriguing and I loved the cover, however, I couldn't quite connect to the protagonist, the writing was nice and I liked the discussions,

Love, loss, passion, guilt, intimacy and more feature in this story. I laughed, cried and felt joy at the realisations that Chase reached by the end of the story.
A very easy read style of writing made this an enjoyable read, but at times I did find myself longing for a little bit more substance or depth to the story.
That said it was most definitely still an enjoyable read and I would certainly read more by this author.
My thanks to NetGalley, Rick R. Reed and NineStar Press for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review.

Definitely not as hot or engaging as I hoped it would be. The start was promising but unfortunately it didn't really go anywhere particularly exciting.

Rick R. Reed has written a beautiful novel about love, loss and finding the back from grief. He has perfectly explored and expressed, MC Chase's feeling and journey through sensitivity. By the end of the second chapter, I was in awe of Reed's ability to capture the moment to exact and eloquently.

Some readers may experience this differently from how I did. I found it moving but not overwhelmingly difficult to deal with the subject of grieving. I thought Reed brought Chase to us, in a beautiful way, exposing the layers and bringing us in close, without it being too much. I did not find this to be a 'heavy' or depressing read, but some might, depending on their own life experience.

I loved the use of the blog articles throughout, often bringing clarity and levity to the moment. The sexual situations also were very well written and steamy. I also thought that MC Mike's introduction (when it was) was completely necessary to the plausibility of the story line.

You can't help but wonder about Chase and Mike's journey forward. Complications will certainly challenge them as they move beyond grief, acceptance and exploring the possibilities of the future.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

🌈Where will the author lead us next? Great story👍

Usually when I pick up a Rick. R. Reed novel I am delighted by the variety of genres his MM tales encompass: some horror, some thrillers, some with a strong flair of paranormal, some steamy romance and others just full of sweet emotion. In Homecoming I felt he mixed at least three genres to great effect. The beginning is such a dramatic twist with one moment of thoughtless inattention turning tragic. I was kept wondering which direction the book would take, especially during Chase's visit with old pal Mike during Chicago's annual Leather gathering. Reed keeps the story moving with a nice balance of introspection and action.

The story centers on Chase and runs the gamut from contented partnership, to grief and denial, to steamy hook-up, some voyeur excitement, and his progress to acceptance of his partner's death and a chance at new, happy future. I really feared for Chase at certain points when his behavior verges to reckless. I loved the positive ending and the glimpses of his dead partner Toby provided in dreams and reminiscence.

Another highly enjoyable and moving story from one of my favorite MM authors.

Thanks to NineStar Press and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book.

This was such a poignant and soulful journey towards recovery of one man who lost the very man he loved.
After losing the love of his life, Chase doesn't know how to go on, and he is utterly devastated.
His friend suggests he enter the annual international Mr Leather competition to distract him from his grief. Here he discovers pleasures and desires long forgotten.
Will Chase find the missing piece to his broken heart, and his way back home along the way?

Like all Rick R. Reed's books this one was raw, real, relatable and beautifully written.
He depicted Chase's grief and his way to coping with it in a very touching way.
I absolutely recommend you pick this up if you like real, fleshed out characters, medium angst and themes of hurt/comfort.