New Hope, South Carolina is my home. It’s where I grew up, got into trouble, and fell in love for the first time. Scarlett Kincaid was more than the girl next door, she was my best friend, until she decided that small town life wasn’t for her. One minute she was here, and the next she was gone.The girl I used to fish with down at the creek is now the biggest name in country music. She headlines … headlines world tours, has won four Grammy’s, and I haven’t seen her since. Until today when she sped through town in her fancy car. One look at her big brown eyes was all it took to stir up a whole slew of emotions. Emotions I’d long ago buried and sure as hell don’t have time for. It’s the aftermath that’s hard¿There are two things in my life that matter. My music, and my dad. Twelve years ago, I packed a bag and chased my dream. Leaving New Hope and escaping the gossip mill was the easiest decision I ever made. I never planned to return, but my father needs me, and he always comes first. So, I did what I had to do. I cut my tour short and came home, despite having a sister who hates me, and a community that doesn’t trust me. And then there’s Tucker Andrews.When he propped an arm on the roof of my car, pulled down his sunglasses and flashed his police badge, I nearly swallowed my tongue. Gone is the lanky boy who used to throw rocks at me and pull my pigtails. Tucker is now a six-foot package of brawny, sexy man wrapped in more muscle than I have hit singles. Did I mention he’s a cop and a single dad?My goal was to help Dad, and get back to my life. But what am I supposed to do when the life that used to strangle me suddenly fits like a glove, and makes me dream of things I never thought I’d have?
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Oh, I absolutely love friends to lovers romance and this book was everything I’ve come to love about the trope. Scarlett was the small town girl who needed to find herself leaving behind everything she knew including her bestfriend Tucker. Tucker was in love with his bestfriend, still is and now that she’s back it’s the anger that’s in the forefront. Scarlett is trying to rekindle her friendship with Tucker while they both realize the love they have for each other trumps all else. This book will have you smiling and your heart happy with this beautiful sweet love story.
Who says you can’t go home? It may have taken Scarlett 12 years to finally return home after hitting it big in the country music scene, but a call from her sister has her rushing back to the sleepy little town she left behind. And although her return home isn’t quite as welcoming as she had initially thought, it doesn’t take her long to fit back in and reconnect with her old friend, Tucker.
I’m still on cloud 9 after devouring Already Gone in one sitting. In this fun, new collaboration, Kristen Proby and KL Grayson will have you quickly falling in love with their new leading lady and the hunky man who has loved her since they were kids. And trust me, all that pent up attraction Tucker’s had tucked away all these years makes for a pretty explosive show when he and Scarlett finally give in to it. I absolutely loved everything about this book; the pace and timing were fantastic and the characters were just so down to earth and relatable. I hope this is just the first of many great things to come from this dynamic writing duo.
Fabulous collaboration from two of my favorite authors.
Absolutely loved this story, that for me, was about coming home to discover what you need but didn’t know what you were looking for, compromise, AND finding out what home really is.
A MUST read from two of my favorite writers. Fingers crossed we’ll see them collaborate again soon.
A country music star, single dad and cop, and best friends in high school with plenty of steam, angst, and compromise. Just what I needed for an escape.
I’ve been so excited for this book. Two of my favorites writing together. It was bound to be amazing.
It did not disappoint .
It was a wonderful story of two people coming together. I loved reading about their relationship and how it grew so strong through this story. I was so involved in their lives. You know its good when you cry while reading. This only happens for truly well written characters. I loved them together and Scarlett’s relationship with Chloe was just everything. Getting Chloe ready for her dance was a fantastic scene.
I really hope this is just the first of many co-authored books. Kristen Proby and K.L Grayson make a wonderful team.
PROBY-GRAYSON…WINNING DUO!!!
I don’t know where to start or where to end and stay spoiler free….
Small-town girl turned country superstar, Scarlett Kincaid, hasn’t been home in 12 years…but her dad needs her now…Local cop, single dad and hometown boy, Tucker Andrews, was Scarlett’s best friend…until she wasn’t….Scarlett is back home now, and she has to confront her feelings… for Tucker…for her hometown…and about the full scope of the consequences of her past choices…Plus, she has to decide what she really wants the rest of her life to look like….and if she can see Tucker and his daughter as a part of it…
As a BIG Eagles fan, I, immediately, loved the title of the book, but ALREADY GONE really is such a good book and, for me, has cemented the writing team of Kristen Proby and K. L. Grayson…I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! SO MUCH!!!
When tragedy brings you home for the first time in over a decade, you realize what you are missing out on. This book has Scarlett learning what she ran away from when she went after her dreams. She learns she CAN have it all if she is just willing to compromise and trust what she is feeling.
As per usual Kristen and KL make you fall in love with all the characters and want you to be their best friend just so you can keep them even longer.
I have never had a bad thing to say about a Kristen Proby book, and I’m not starting now. Again I have fallen in love with her characters and want to be part of it all. KL Grayson is a newer to me author and I love how seamlessly they have written this book together. Love love love these characters. I was a bit hesitant about Scarlet but she won me over too.
5 Amazing Stars
As always, I’m always a sucker for second chance romance, and this one ranks right at the top. Scarlett Kincaid is one of country music’s hottest stars. When she up and left her hometown twelve years ago to live out her dream, she never looked back. Now that her dad needs her and she’s back home, she’s surprised to be met with a proverbial cold shoulder. Especially from her childhood best friend, Tucker.
When Tucker pulls over the speeding little sports car, the last person in the world he expected to see is Scarlett Kincaid. His best friend growing up and the girl he’s been in love with forever. Her leaving town and never looking back ripped his heart out. Now that she’s back, it brings all those feelings crashing back down. Already Gone is a sweet and charming love story about second chances and righting wrongs and I loved every single page. Grayson and Proby are a powerful writing duo. Their stories are seamless and you absolutely can’t tell who wrote what parts.
Angela – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this story as I have never read a book written as a collaboration between 2 authors, and I hadn’t read anything by KL Grayson before this. I am a big fan of Kristen Proby, so I wasn’t sure what to expect and was worried I might not like it. I will definitely have to start reading KL Grayson’s books, because this book was great. I have a few authors that I read & love and can just sink into anything they right. For me, Kristen Proby is one of those authors. Seems I may need to add KL Grayson to that list!
This story takes us to a sleepy little town in South Carolina where Scarlett, the small town girl turned superstar, is returning for the first time in 10 years. She does not have the best reception. Seems quite a few people feel she abandoned them when she left and never turned back, including her childhood friend Tucker. How will she react to Tucker’s cold responses and her sister’s nasty, aggressive jealousy?
The story takes a few twists and turns, but is pretty low on the “angst scale.” Definitely a great, easy read.
First of all, let me say that you wouldn’t know that this book was written by two authors. The flow of the story and the beauty of the characters is a testament of the good paring and talent of these two ladies.
Scarlett and Tucker were good friends growing up, the thing is, they wanted different things in life. He wanted to stay in his small town and create a life there and she wanted bigger and better things, like being a big time singer. They both got what they wanted, but from those decisions came resentment and a sense of abandonment. When an unexpected situation brings Scarlett back, can they forgive and forget and give a relationship a go?
I found this story to be one with a lot of heart. Not only are Scarlett and Tucker great characters, but Chloe and Scarlett’s dad were fantastic supporting characters who I adored. The chemistry between Scarlett and Tucker is off the charts hot and you can feel it every time they’re together.
I loved this book because in a way I believe it show us that sometimes what we think is the most important thing in life is not, and also because sometimes you have to compromise in order to get that person you really love. Great read!!!
Five beautiful stars! A magnetic, romantic, sexy and so engaging read.
Oh my stars! Kristen Proby and K.L. Grayson nailed it with Already Gone, this amazing book showcased their talents and the strengths of both of them. These amazing ladies produced a wonderful, unique and refreshing love story. The combo includes: a wonderful small town romance, a friends-to-lovers story, a single daddy and an international country singer. In other words, they penned a dangerous and sweet book that could ruin romance readers in the best way possible with its uniqueness, quality and the perfect amount of angst to grip our hearts and warm our soul.
Ms. Proby and Ms. Grayson worked their magic to deliver a fantastic love story with enthralling elements that keep you hooked the whole ride! Already Gone gave me so many feels. I absolutely loved everything about this masterpiece. The characters are wonderful and complex. It was perfectly paced with no unnecessary drama. It is brilliantly written filled with lots of heart, and kept the touching style from these two ladies.
This book follows the story of Scarlett and Tucker. Friends who cross the line of friendship after a long time of no seeing each other. They are not the same people who they used to be. They grew up to be a better version of them and despite of all the time apart the sexual tension is out of charts.
Scarlett fulfilled the girl next door character pretty well. She is a gorgeous, funny and sassy woman. She achieved her dreams and became a country singer star. A life in a small town was not made for her although leaving New Hope meant leaving his family and his best friend behind. She didn’t doubt and took the risk. She didn’t look back until she is forced to return home when her father falls Ill. Coming back home will make her think about all the things she’s forgotten: moments, memories and the people she loves. Not everyone will received her with open arms, especially certain hot-small-town-cop! Tucker. He won’t forgive her easily but feelings change and grow and suddenly the lost time didn’t matter when it comes to love!
The story of Scarlett and Tucker is swoon worthy. What began as a friendship blossoms into a beautiful love story despite the miscommunication, sacrifices, stolen moments, truths and steamy moments. But not everything was easy for them. These two have too much to address to get past the hurt and only working together will achieve a healthy and genuine relationship.
I must confess that single daddies were not my favourite characters but this book made change my mind. Now I think they are hot and incredible. Tucker stolen my heart! Gone is the nerdy boy and now was replaced with a sexy man. He is sweet, protective and loyal. He is an amazing father to Chloe and a respected cop. He raised a wonderful young girl. He is a protector. Tucker is the whole swoon-worthy package ladies! There is something about men in uniforms that women can’t resist. He is lethal in the best way possible!
The second characters added so much to this book so I hope and pray that these ladies consider to write Dean and Scooter’s books. Because I have a feel that the Andrew’s men are lethal for women and have too much to give (if you know what a mean ;))
I highly recommend this book because it will be a delight for all readers who ache for an entertaining, swoony and sexy read!
fun read
ALREADY GONE by Kristen Proby and KL Grayson is a contemporary adult,erotic romance story focusing on thirty year old, country music sensation Scarlett Kincaid , and police officer Tucker Andrews.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Scarlett and Tucker) ALREADY GONE follows the rebuilding friendship and romance between country music sensation Scarlett Kincaid, and police officer Tucker Andrews. Twelve years earlier Scarlett Kincaid left New Hope, South Carolina for the bright lights and fame of country music leaving behind her embittered and younger sister Alexis, and her father Richard Kincaid, but also breaking the heart of eighteen year old Tucker Andrews. Fast forward to present day wherein Scarlett, nearing the end of her current tour, must head home to New Hope following her beloved father’s stroke. Scarlett’s return to New Hope comes with bitter sweet memories, and an even more bitter sweet reunion with the man she has never stopped loving. Enter police officer Tucker Andrews. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship,relationship and romance between Tucker and Scarlett, and the potential fall-out as Scarlett’s time in New Hope, comes to a close.
Scarlett Kincaid loves the life of a country music star but our heroine struggles between head and heart as it pertains to a life with Tucker Andrews. Returning to New Hope and falling in love comes with the possibility of giving up everything for which she has worked, including a life on the road. Tucker Andrews life is rooted in New Hope, Carolina, but rekindling his romance with Scarlett Kincaid forces Tucker to consider a future with the woman he loves.
The relationship between Scarlett and Tucker is a second chance romance; a rekindling friendship and relationship that struggles with issues of trust and memories of long ago. With neither one willing to compromise Tucker and Scarlett’s relationship begins to spiral out of control.The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top,sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Scarlett’s sister Alexis, and their father Richard; as well as Chloe Andrews, a young girl wise beyond her years.
ALREADY GONE is a story of family, friendships, second chances and love. The premise is engaging, entertaining and energetic; the characters are impassioned and colorful; the romance is sassy and sexy. ALREADY GONE is the perfect story for a lazy sunny afternoon.
A new release co-written by Kristen Proby and K.L. Grayson? Of course it’s going to be amazing! This book was the perfect blend of sexiness, drama, and growth by all characters.
Scarlett was a fun, but different heroine. She knew what she wanted in life and went for it, but I felt like she made a lot of personal sacrifices along the way. Tucker is perfect for her. He helps her find that balance between work and play, even if the journey is long.
I really enjoyed a lot of the secondary characters, and I would love to see more from these two!!!
This is definitely a must read!!
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quote:
It took me until twenty to ditch the scrawny nerd appearance and start to look more like my dad and less like… well, my mom.
My Review:
These two clever wordsmiths tossed in all my favorite tropes with this delectably steamy small-town, second chance, friends-to-lovers romance. The storylines were engaging; the characters were endearing yet amusingly flawed; and the writing was well balanced between angst, conflict, romance, and humor. And written in my favorite dual POV. I was practically levitating with glee. Both authors have impressive backlists yet are relatively new to me – I really need to sharpen my focus and pay better attention.
4 ‘You’re In My Heart’ Stars
Kristen Proby and KL Grayson rocked it! This take on the female lead being the famous one and the combo and feel of small town romance, single dad theme SO did it for me! Refreshing and unique in the best ways, sexy, sweet with just enough angst to grip our hearts and warm our spirit. Talk about successful collaborations!
Awww, friends to lovers is always a tricky trope for me, but in Already Gone it totally worked. The long separation and passage between teenagers to adult that allowed the shift in their dynamics to occurred, couldn’t have been better crafted, imo.
After twelve years of being gone from home – where she never truly felt home – Scarlett, now a mega country star, is forced to return to help her dad, what she never expect was her cold reception by her town’s people, and specially her ‘secret’ childhood best friend, Tucker, whom she had left being in the past, with no contact.
Of course she now needs to prove to all how she isn’t as self centered as everyone thinks her to be. And I have to say this was the one point that kind of aggravated me, was her personality, which sometimes, not always really irritated me, lol. That being said we could feel her effort to show her true depth, and slowly we witnessed her blossom and expose her sweet and caring nature. I could feel her deep love for those around her, it just took them a bit to trust it.
Tucker, apart from a self assumed poor choice in the selection of bed partner in the past – I actually didn’t see much point in the connection of the identity of Chloe’s mom and Scarlett, but considering she was a no show, didn’t affect my judgement of him. I adore a good single dad romance, and Tucker, was a spectacular daddy to his little girl!
Not only that, but we could feel how his teen crush turned slowly into mature love, and how vulnerable he felt in his emotions where Scar was concerned. Once they got together though, it was a joy to see the family (whole of it) dynamic. And their connection, and attraction… Oh boy, it was SCORCHING!!!
Scarlett and Tucker’s love story was not only gripping, but as per usual with these authors, we are left feeling such a deep satisfaction and happy warm feeling of coming home. And that Epilogue was just perfection!
Already Gone combined all the enticing elements for fantastic love story, and Ms. Proby and Ms. Grayson more than delivered! Sweet and sexy with the perfect amount of emotional conflict to hook us not only to these two, but all the intriguing secondary characters. So much so that I am now begging them to turn this amazing world into a series, and give us Dean and Scooter’s stories!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3
This talented duo have done a brilliant job with this story. It was a sweet, sassy, steamy, easy read which will draw you in from the beginning.
Scarlett Kinkaid is a famous country singer who left town and never looked back until her father had a stroke and she had to return. Her best friend Tucker is now a single father and the town policemen. He was hurt when she left without a word.
I will be honest and say that I struggled slightly with Scarlett. I get her leaving for a fantastic opportunity but I don’t get why she cut of contact and never came back, not even to visit her family.
Told in a dual POV its a sweet read with minimal emotional angst and great secondary characters that bring some humour to give light relief.
Already Gone by K. L. Grayson and Kristen Proby is a standalone romance novel that gave me all the feels.
Just sign me up for more of these stories.
Scarlet is a country music super star. She’s away from home for a long time. When a family emergency requires her coming home everything is about to change. Not only hermily is torn, some a re happy, some are bitter; her former best friend still holds a grunge against her, and he shows it, loud and often. The former best friends have unfinished business and through the roof high sizzling something.
Already Gone is a touching story with real characters that I easily could connect with. I loved everything about the story, the excellent writing, the fantastic storyline and the wonderful characters. 5 Stars.
“What did I do to piss you off?”
“Sweetheart, that list is so long, we’d never get through it.”
Scarlett has not stepped foot back in her hometown in years. She left everyone and everything behind to chase her music dreams (and succeeded), but her father’s had a stroke and he needs her, so she’s come back. She surely was not expecting to be pulled over by her former best friend for speeding, and to promptly receive a ticket from said former best friend. She has no idea (REALLY?!?!) why Tucker is so pissed at her, pissed enough to give her a ticket for being a tiny bit over the speed limit (75 in a 45).
All the years Tucker and Scarlett were best friends, he loved her. But when she took off and didn’t look back, it did something to him. He’s not gotten over his anger, but he also hadn’t gotten over his love for her. But he knows better than to start anything with the woman who will just take off again, with his heart, AGAIN. Can Scarlett convince Tucker she’s either home to stay, or that they can have both a relationship AND her career where she travels most of the year and misses all the important moments in Chloe’s (Tucker’s daughter) life?
For the most part, I really liked Already Gone. It’s fun and witty, Scarlett’s sass clashes beautifully with Tucker, and it’s more than a little sexy. But, and there’s only one but, I have to admit I didn’t really fall Scarlett the way I fell for Tucker, Chloe and the rest of the cast. She was seriously selfish, self-absorbed, and clueless for most of the story, so much so that I found myself really wishing Tucker had been paired with someone worthy of him. That was really the only problem – I didn’t feel Scarlett was worthy of Tucker. Aside from that tiny detail, though, I liked this story and am looking forward to more in this world.
ARC via Social Butterfly PR.