REVIEW: Return to Homecoming Ranch by Julia London

In Return to Homecoming Ranch (Pine River #2) by Julia London, Not only has Libby Tyler recently dealt with the death of her estranged father and finds out she has a sister she has never met before, but her boyfriend Ryan suddenly decides he no longer wants her in his life and takes back his ex-wife. Losing Ryan was bad enough, but to lose contact with his two children whom she loves dearly is almost too much to take. Libby’s sanity unfortunately flies out of the window, and thanks to some “body work” she makes on his truck with a golf club, she finds herself in a mental health facility. Deputy Sam Winters ends up keeping tabs on her upon her return to Pine River now that there’s a restraining order in place. But with every predicament Libby finds herself in, Sam is there to help. Soon her feelings for him begin to morph into that of infatuation and before long, she’s head over heels for the guy.

‘They were two people who hadn’t coped with life’s messiness as well as they would have liked, and paid a price most people couldn’t imagine.’

Sam Winters has hit rock bottom and fought his way back having overcome his alcoholism. But every day is a struggle, and he knows chaos and messy emotional relationships will wreak havoc on his sobriety. So when he realizes his interest in the lovely but not-quite-stable Libby, Sam tries his best to keep it platonic. Lord knows he doesn’t need her bringing her issues into his life now that he’s finally found some peace. But the heart wants what it wants, and he’s not able to quell his feelings. Sam can only hope that he and Libby will be good for each other and not end up hurting one another like in his previous relationship.

“We’re not friends, Libby.”
“No?”
“No.”
His gaze was smoldering, and Libby was ignited by it. She shifted around, onto her knees, facing him. “Then what are we?”
“I don’t know. That’s what scares me,” he said with a wry smile.

Return to Homecoming Ranch was a complicated romance where our main characters had to overcome some pretty steep odds before finding true love.

I’ve enjoyed Julia London’s historical romances in the past and was excited about this new contemporary romance trilogy. Return to Homecoming Ranch is actually book two in the Pine River series, this time focusing on Libby and Sam, although everyone from book one, Homecoming Ranch, makes an appearance as well. I think the way this is written, it should be easy enough for each book to be read as a standalone. There will be some spoilers from the previous romances but that can’t really be helped in a continuing story such as this.

I thought Libby and Sam were complex, multilayered characters with some fairly serious demons to overcome. And I could sympathize with each of their problems, even though there were times when I wanted to take their hand and say, “Sweetie, no…” But I think the part that intrigued me the most and really got me thinking was Libby being ripped away from the children she had taken care of night and day for four years. I understand they were not her biological children and she and Ryan were not married, but I can’t imagine how truly devastating that would be for such a caring person to suffer through.

Sam was a character I liked from the very beginning. He looked out for people and went out of his way to do the right thing. Including giving Libby more chances to straighten out in regards to Ryan’s restraining order than he was obligated to. Okay, so he did upset me towards the end of the book–I won’t give away what happens. But I will say that trying to overcome his addiction to alcohol by removing himself from any kind of relationship or situation that had the potential to get emotional, knowing that was one of his triggers, wasn’t really living his life fully. And boy does he find that out the hard way.

I think Julia London fans will be quite happy with Libby and Sam’s tumultuous story. I can’t wait to see what happens next in the Pine River trilogy.

Book Info:

Publication: July 22nd 2014 by Montlake Romance | (Pine River #2)

Curly-haired Libby Tyler never stops smiling…until her beloved boyfriend suddenly forces her out of their home and away from his adoring kids. When she learns he dumped her for his flighty ex-wife, Libby’s sadness turns to fury—and she very publicly smashes his truck with a golf club, earning herself a trip to a mental health center for some “rest.”

Handsome, hazel-eyed deputy Sam Winters has been sober for two years. Afraid of backsliding, he lives in the mountains and keeps his distance from people. Yet he never forgot Libby, his former colleague at the sheriff’s office whose charm and cheerfulness always warmed his days.

Now Libby’s back, ignoring the townspeople’s whispers (and her ex’s restraining order) while desperately trying to make Homecoming Ranch a successful event destination. She keeps causing trouble for Sam, but he finds her smile more beautiful than ever…and his touch gives her thrills she’s never felt. Could these two lost souls mend each other’s broken hearts