This is the second book in the homecoming hearts series and man do these boys have some crappy parents!!

This book stars former member of Below Zero, Joey and Greenwich hometown community volunteer Gabe. Joey is forced to return to his hometown when he runs out of options and money in LA. His homophobic, hateful father is none too pleased about this and Joey’s mother is too afraid to stand up to him. Joey is continually hopeful that something will come up and he will once again be able to escape Greenwich forever. Gabe has recently broken up with his live-in boyfriend of five years and is trying to adjust to the loneliness. He works at the library and volunteers as a firefighter, at a homeless shelter and for other community organizations. He grew up in Greenwich and thinks it’s a great place to live.

The trajectory of Joey and Gabe’s relationship is sweet but also heartbreaking. Joey has been so scarred by his awful family that he can’t bring himself to trust or rely on others. Gabe is afraid of scaring Joey off. The crisis moment is so infuriating I wanted to slap people. The resolution makes you want to cheer and reminds you of great movie scenes. It is made all the better if you’ve read book one first.

I am really enjoying the series and am immediately starting on book three.

*I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my objective review *