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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A great read. Its fun, sweet and sexy. It will suck you in from the beginning as it captures your heart as it takes you through an emotional ride. I absolutely loved the characters. I enjoyed the banter and connection. The chemistry is sizzling and steamy. It’s an entertaining story and a must read. Don’t miss out on absolutely great book.
Small town. Single parent. Second chance. Two of my favorite authors. Check, check, check and check! When I saw that Kristen Proby and K.L. Grayson were teaming up, I knew I had to get my eyeballs on their collaboration. I didn’t even read the blurb of Already Gone before I started and I flew through it.
I liked Scarlett a lot. Yes, she ran out of her hometown as fast as her boots would take her. And yes, she hit it big, but she still had a heart of gold. She stepped up and in when the people she loved needed her. Case in point, her return to New Hope. Which brings her face to face with her childhood best friend, Tucker, for the first time in over a decade. And can I just say, the years were kind to him.
While things between Tucker and Scarlett were rocky at first, they quickly found a way forward. Tucker was able to let his resentment over her leaving go. And all the guilt Scarlett held dissipated each and every day. But time was not on their side. Scarlett’s life was fast-paced, demanding and not in middle of nowhere South Carolina…
I loved the message of compromise that played throughout the whole book. Working together to come to a solution that benefited both parties. Already Gone was a sweet, friends-to-lovers romance. Mostly low on drama and high on fun. Tucker and Scarlett were the perfect match for each other. It took them a lot of years and miscommunication and frustration to get there. But when they worked together everything became so clear. Fingers crossed this isn’t the last time these two team up because Dean and Scooter for sure need their stories told!
I don’t think I can put in words how much I swooned with this story.
I loved how from the very beginning my heart became ready to feel the angst, given the circumstances. Meeting the hero, Tucker, for the first time was everything. With his behavior you coudl tell he held a lot of pain and resentment for the way the heroine, Scarlett, left their hometown. And though they have a rough start, they reconnect quickly, because they can no longer stay away from each other. They truly belong together. Tucker is an amazing man, a wonderful father and very swoon worthy. It’s impossible not to love him. And Scar? She’s awesome. I love how honest and kind she is, how she isn’t afraid of opening up her heart. These two together set the pages on fire with their intense love for each other. Let’s not forget about Chloe, Scarlett’s father and her Sister, Lexi. They add so much to the story. I love how close Chloe and Scarlett became the minute they met.
Full of laughs and heartfelt moments.
First I had to read this one because it’s co-written by two of my favorite authors. Second it’s a single dad romance and I have a hard time passing that. Also Scarlett and Tucker get a second chance. They were best friends, but life put a strain on their friendship. They haven’t seen or talked to each other in many years now fate has given them opportunity they never taken. I was instantly lost in this book. All the characters are great. This book delivered on the heart, heat, and humor. I was laughing all the way until the end even the epilogue. The banter and chemistry between Scarlett and Tucker is one of my favorite parts of this book. I loved reading the scenes with Tucker and his daughter. This is a book you should not pass up. I’m not normally one that reads books with celebrities/musicians often, but I’m so glad I read this one! I would have missed out on one heck of a book.
Oh boy one word to describe what these two talented authors did with this book is AWESOME. I loved how Kristen Proby and K.L. Grayson brought these two back together again yet still strangers in some ways. Tucker is like a hot dad yet still wanting someone to love him for himself. Now Scarlett may seem somewhat spoil to some people but has her reasons why. All in all loved it so much about these two finding out who they really are and what they really want in life. Awesome.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
So, let’s see…small town romance, local girl hits the big time, friends to frenemies to lovers…what in the world would there be not to love? ALREADY GONE, a collaboration between heavy hitters Kristen Proby and K.L. Grayson, is the perfect mix of sweet, steamy, and a wee bit angsty, hitting all the marks and making for a satisfying romance read.
Although I hadn’t previously read any of K.L. Grayson’s books, Kristen Proby is a longtime favorite of mine, so there wasn’t really a chance that I would not thoroughly enjoy this book. The two have crafted a story with plenty of Southern charm that only adds to the enjoyability of ALREADY GONE, and the finally realized love, friendship, and passion between Scarlett and Tucker is swoonworthy, to say the least.
There is just something about the familiarity of friends sliding into that deeper relationship, of the community and heart of a small town, and of two people that are learning to be open and honest enough to share what they’re feeling as they make their way into uncharted territory. The ladies have worked their magic in spades here, writing Scarlett and Tucker, along with their charming cast of secondary characters, in a way that it is impossible not to love, and making ALREADY GONE a delight from start to finish.
Oh. MAN. I love both of these authors separately and together they are just as phenomenal. I’m always a bit worried with an author pairing if you will be able to tell who wrote certain sections, but that’s not even a thing here! This covers enemies / friends to lovers and second chances and small town romance and just so many of my favorite themes.
If New Hope exists, I think I’d like to live there. Seems like just the most perfect place to exist. Scarlett and Tucker… man oh man. I just can’t stop saying it with this story. There’s so much here, and it’s lovely and frustrating and spicy to watch unfold. If you like these tropes, these authors, or just want a good sweet romantic read, this one’s for you!
Recommend!
This book is the first collaboration between authors Kristen Proby and K.L. Grayson and it is so great!
I have read all Ms. Proby’s books and will look into Ms. Grayson’s too.
A classic second chance romance between a small-town single dad sheriff and a famous country singer that brings good story and characters. Tucker and Scarlett’ romance is full of sexy scenes and good writing and you will want to read it until the last page.
At first Scarlett may seem a little diva but she will grow on you as much as on Tucker that has to re-connect with her despite being all 12 years since they last met.
I loved this book!
“He’s Home for Me. He Always has Been.”
As with any book I pick up written by the incredibly talented Kristen Proby, I go in with high expectations and the knowledge that I am sure to have a five-star read… one that I will be loath to put down until those final words… The End. I found Already Gone to be the perfect sweet, sexy and heartwarmingly tender romance that I have come to expect by Kristen in the many years I have been reading her work. As this is a co-written novel that K.L. Grayson contributed in writing, I also gained another author follow.
“Music Brought me fame, which in turn gave me the one thing I had been searching for: an identity.”
Already Gone is a dual POV, small town, friends to lovers romance. The story is equally sweet and sexy and the romance that blooms between Scarlett and Tucker was heartwarming. Tucker is a single father and Scarlett a musical superstar who’s forced to return to the small town she left more than a decade ago in her rearview. Unsurprisingly, her reception from the town sheriff (Tucker) is underwhelming, to say the least. But where friendship existed before, now attraction brews and before long, the pair find themselves in a relationship much different from their childhood. The story flowed well, and I read it in one sitting. I can’t wait to get my hands on more of K.L Grayson’s writing at this point. The duo wrote this romance seamlessly and left me completely unsure of whom they wrote individually—assuming that each author took on the story from a particular protagonist. If you take into account, I consider myself quite familiar with Kristen’s writing and I can’t tell you who wrote who, I would say the pair definitely deserves props for a well-executed collaboration. It doesn’t shock me in the slightest to give this book a 4.5 star review.
Read and voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy on behalf of Spellbound Stories
Not going to lie. This wasn’t my favorite book. I just really didn’t care for Scarlett. I thought she was a bit selfish. I didn’t feel a connection with her at all. I liked Tucker much better. I just felt like this book needed a bit more to it. It seemed that it was all about what Scarlett wanted, how Scarlett feels, and what Scarlett did. I did like the story’s premise, and I loved the interaction between Chloe and Scarlett. Dual point of view. No cliffhanger.
It really is true, ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder’ and Already Gone, a Second Chance romance, is a shining example of how we yearn for what we once had. This sweet and emotional story, told in alternating POV, gives Scarlett and Tucker, the main characters, a chance to heal old wounds after a twelve year absence. The secondary characters are crucial to the story, and you’re going to love Chloe, Tucker’s daughter. Come spend an afternoon in New Hope, and dream of the possibilities of what could be!
Scarlett Kincaid hated growing up in a small town, where people loved to gossip, and everyone knew her mother had abandoned her family. Scarlett left New Hope, South Carolina as soon as the ink on her high school diploma was dry and headed towards Nashville, hoping to make it big. Twelve years later she’s Country music’s sweetheart, one of the biggest stars and spends too much time on the road, touring constantly. When her only sibling, Lexie, calls and tells her their dad, Rick, had a stroke and she needs to come home and take care of him, Scarlett cancels the last concerts scheduled and heads home.
Tucker Andrews is a single dad and police officer in New Hope, raising his eleven year old daughter, Chloe, with the help of his family and his next-door neighbor Rick. He and Scarlett had a one-sided friendship while growing up; he was her best friend when it was convenient, when they hung out together, but as soon as other people were around Scarlett acted as if Tucker didn’t exist. That hurt him, but not as much as when Scarlett left without saying goodbye or keeping in touch.
“I know without a doubt that she’s it. This girl is my forever.”
This story is about forgiveness; Scarlett had hurt so many by her selfish actions, she had tried to make up for by buying material things for her loved ones, instead of spending time, thinking it was a way of making up for her absence. And realizing she had to right the wrongs she’d committed to Tucker. You’ll be cheering for these two, hoping they’ll look past everything and choosing to forgive instead of holding on to the past mistakes.
“I love you so much I ache with it, and I’m afraid you’ll destroy me before all is said and done.”
A beautifully written story of friends/enemies to lovers, with a hot single dad and a country music superstar thrown in and a bit of second chance to finish off!
Scarlett and Tucker where best friends and neighbours growing up, but he always loved her. Unfortunately for him, Scarlett had other plans for her future, skipping town to follow her dreams, and leaving Tucker behind.
12 years later, she’s brought back to her home town, a place where she felt confined growing up, and to a sister who hates her when her Dad, the one person who she loves more than anything needs her.
Tucker isn’t exactly pleased to see her, much to her surprise, and goes out of his way to make sure she knows that. But past feelings and emotions rise to the surface and see them embark on something neither one of them ever expected.
What starts with her counting down the day until she can finally leave her dreaded hometown again, develops into her dreading the day she’s no longer needed and can go back to her life in Nashville. With Scarlett and Tucker rebuilding their friendship, which progresses to so much more, can she really say goodbye to the hometown which finally, really fills like home?
I’ve yet to read one of KL Graysons books, but with Kristen Proby being and automatic 1-click author for me, I knew I’d enjoy this book. I loved this story so much! One of the things I liked about this story was how important a role all the supporting characters played. It brought the story together that little bit more, and I’m really hoping we get to see more of their stories too!
Kirsten’s style of writing never fails to hook me in from the very start, and this book was no exception! The co-write between these two authors was absolutely a winning combination and I hope to see more of them in the future!
A definite 5
Already Gone by Kristen Proby and K.L. Grayson was a sweet, charming and a bit angsty second chance romance. What happens if you fall in love with someone who is already gone? Scarlet Kincaid left New Hope, South Carolina twelve years ago and has never come back. She is now is a country star. The world loves her and she loves it. Her life is more than she ever dreamed off. But she has never been back home. When she left, she never looked back. Now her dad needs her and she has no choice but to go back.
But not everyone is happy she is back. Tucker and Scarlett were friends growing up. They were close, so when she left and never looked back, Tucker was hurt. Now she is back and he has to protect his heart. The sexy single father was determined and charming. Scarlett was independent and strong but was also vulnerable. Their attraction is off the charts, but her life is in Nashville and his is in New Hope. Can they have a future or will their hearts be broken again?
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Today we bring you the RARE…. Dual Mom Review!
Denise: Already Gone by Kristen Proby and K.L. Grayson is a book you would never know is co-authored it flows so beautifully.
Christine: I love the best friends to lovers troupe…it’s probably one of my favorites especially when it’s combined with small-town romance.
Denise: I was pulled in from the moment Tucker pulled Scarlett over as she raced into town; her hometown; a town she hadn’t been back to in over a decade. The dialogue and banter in this book is real fell; it is like you are in the room with the characters
Christine: Scarlett hasn’t been back to New Hope in years, returning now to care for her dad. What she doesn’t expect to find is love in her best friend growing up, Tucker, who is now a gorgeous single dad and police officer in their town.
I loved their chemistry, most especially Scarlett’s connection to his daughter Chloe. Despite Scarlett’s fame, her interactions with her fans and the town’s people made her seem so down to earth. I never really understood her sister’s anger toward her but was so happy when they were able to move past those issues to be a family.
Denise: Well said Christine; Chloe Tucker’s tween age daughter was really well done. Chloe and her Dad was fun to watch interact and witnessing Chloe and Scarlett bond may have been one of the few things I liked about Scarlett. In the end I loved the family bonds that shined through.
Christine: I did wish that this book was longer and that there was more time between Tucker and Scarlett’s first meeting to when they became something more because it did feel slightly rushed to me. I would have enjoyed watching more build up and angst. Overall this was a sweet romance story. I always enjoy Grayson’s writing and this is my first Proby book… I enjoyed reading this duo together very much and I look forward to more from them.
Denise: I hope Tucker’s cousin, Scooter gets a happy he is hysterical and I would love to return to New Hope!
I loved this book!! A heart-felt story about a bittersweet return to the hometown she couldn’t wait to leave behind. Famous country singer Scarlett has to return home to care for her father after he suffers a stroke. This will entail revisiting her past, a past to which she’s never returned. This story is Scarlett’s journey as she faces her past and makes amends. First up Tucker, her childhood friend. Unbeknownst to Scarlett, Tucker’s always harbored a deep crush for her. Will the unrequited love finally gain some traction or will Tucker loose his heart again?
This is a well written story that tugs at the heart strings. The authors did a phenomenal job creating a seamless story with dual points of view. The characters were so incredible I fell for both of them and was all in routing for them to get their HEA. The supporting characters and their interactions were the perfect offset to this love story. I absolutely loved the smart as a whip daughter. She kept everyone on their toes and added hilarious comic relief. I was all in with the story and characters, so much so, I found myself getting emotionally embroiled, my frustrations brimming over at the sister’s attitude. Grrr! All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book. It had all the feels and made my heart pitter patter.
This is a delightfully entertaining read that is the perfect book to end the summer.
If you want to read something great this summer I highly suggest Already Gone by Kristen Proby and K.L. Grayson. Set in South Carolina this story is as sweet as southern tea and as hot as a July day. Wonderful characters fill the pages of friends to enemies to lover’s book and the working dynamics of those characters is over the top. I laughed and loved all the drama that flowed from the pages and couldn’t put it down. I devoured this book in one day! 5 gold albums….stars for Already Gone.
Scarlett Kincaid left New Hope, SC and didn’t look back. One day she was there the next she left to make a name for herself in Nashville, and she did it in a big way. Now twelve years later Scarlett’s daddy needs her to come home and she’s determined to be there for him. She had an idea of what was expected of her when she got there but she had no idea about her former best friend Tucker Andrews. He’s big and muscular and gorgeous and he’s the cop that is writing her a ticket as she drives back into town. Scarlett and Tucker have some old unresolved hurts that need to be worked out but when it comes time for Scarlett to be there again for him and his little girl he’s afraid that she’s Already Gone.
Kristen Proby and KL Grayson delivered a seemlessly written second chance romance that completely blew me away! These authors are both amazing in on their own, so when I heard they were collaborating, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on result. Already Gone was everything I hoped it would be and so much more.
Childhood best friends Tucker Andrews and Scarlett Kincaid haven’t spoken in years. Scarlett left town to become a famous country singer and never looked back. So when she returns home to take care of her sick father, old feelings come back. These two will steam up the pages of your kindle. Tucker will have you falling in love and swooning hard.
I couldn’t put this one down and I so hope these two authors come together more often!
5 stars
I loved Already Gone by Kristen Proby and K.L. Grayson. Mega country music star Scarlett returns home after her father has a major health scare. After returning back home to New Hope after twelve years of being away, she doesn’t know what to expect.
Except Officer Tucker has another idea of what her welcome should be and lets her know exactly. I mean, who does she think she is after 12 years.
Friends to lovers is probably one of my favorite tropes and this one has a boat load of baggage and resentment.
I highly recommend this story. It ended beautifully (I might have shed a tear or two) and will definitely be enjoyed by those who enjoy small town novels.
Enjoy
Already Gone was a sweet friends to lovers/hate to love story. Scarlett Kincaid is a famous country music star who left home at 18 and never looked back. She goes back to her small town when her dad becomes ill and she needs to be there for him. Her old best friend, Tucker, is now a police officer in their small town and he is not happy to see her. Scarlett and Tucker butt heads for a while, but eventually find their way back to their friendship and begin a romantic relationship. But Scarlett isn’t ready to stop performing and Tucker doesn’t want to uproot his daughter from their home. The two of them have to learn what’s important and how to make their relationship work. I really enjoyed this small town romance. I liked watching the two main characters get irritated with one another and I enjoyed them being friends again. The side characters were awesome too. Her dad and sister and his daughter, brother, and cousin. All wonderful costars. I think everyone who enjoys small town romance with very little angst will enjoy Already Gone.
Second chance romance and single dad??? Sign me up!! I absolutely loved Tucker and Scarlett’s story. This book was sweet and filled with humor. I could not put it down until I turned the very last page.
I have been a fan of KL Grayson and Kristen Proby’s books individually and their collaboration for this amazing story was exactly that…..amazing! Great job on this book! I highly recommend to anyone like likes great romance stories all wrapped up in happily ever afters!!