Book: The Run Back Home by Cassandra Moll
Reviewed by Maggie Hayes
Rating: 5/5
The Run Back Home by Cassandra Moll
⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.75/5)
What a beautiful second-chance romance about finding home again. Jace and Lenora (aka Nora, aka Lenny, aka Len) prove that fated mates can exist in the real world, reunited after six years of silence following the end of their first-love relationship.
I really like Lenny. She is super relatable, moving from place to place as a travel nurse in her quest to find somewhere that feels like home. And who wouldn't feel anxious about returning to their hometown, knowing they are likely to run into their ex, especially if he is the only serious relationship they've ever had? I love that she owns her role in their breakup and doesn't try to make any excuses for her behavior. Her relationship with Jace aside, she is kind, patient, and confident—exactly the kind of friend I would want.
And Jace? By now, I think everyone knows I go feral for a quiet man with relationship wounds. Lenny describes him best: "But Jace has always been that way—feeling a lot, saying a little." I've never seen a one-line description that fits all of my book boyfriends so succinctly. I appreciate that he is wary of Lenny when she returns to his orbit but is still open to hearing her out and forgiving her, which felt authentic. And his relationship with his little sister had me melting into a giant puddle. He is so sweet and genuinely wants to spend time with her, not out of guilt or obligation, but because he loves her. Nothing is sexier than a man playing with a child in a park (fight me).
I love the dual timelines that show how Lenny and Jace first came together—and fell apart—woven with their reunion and second chance. I'm not always a fan of the device, but it really worked here.
The spice is a slow burn and is more sweet than smutty. I love how the emotional connection between Lenny and Jace really shines during those moments.
I am so sad that this is the end of the Golden City series, one I've really come to love. That said, this was the perfect way to close it out, giving us glimpses of the couples from the earlier books so we know everyone is still living out their HEA.
I'm really excited to see where Cassandra Moll takes us next.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC.