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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This was such a pleasure to read! Tucker and Scarlett were best friends growing up and thought they would always be close. Scarlett had big dreams and left town as soon as she graduated. Along the way, she becomes a country music star and Tucker becomes sheriff of their town and he is a single father. Scarlett had no intention of coming back until her father needed help. They meet again when Tucker pulls her over for speeding. I really liked the slow progression of their story. Both needed to learn how to compromise and find common ground.
Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! Well done
5 out of 5 stars
Scarlett is back home – a place she never thought she wanted to be in again. Tucker is still there, raising his daughter on his own living right next door to Scarlett’s dad. When the two meet again, the chemistry is as strong as ever, but the resentment and emotional baggage is heavy as well.
This story was a great second chance romance written by two incredible authors who I can hardly wait for them to collaborate again! I enjoyed the give and take of both Scarlett and Tucker. The book was packed with raw emotions and left me feeling like I had lived each scene along with Scarlett and Tucker. I loved Tuck’s daughter and despised Scarlett’s sister (at least for most of the book).
This was definitely a page turner and a book I could enjoy again!
*** I voluntarily read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
When two bestselling authors decide to team up and write a book together, expectations are bound to be high. In the case of Kristen Proby and K.L. Grayson, both of whom have strong followings and loyal readerships and whose work I’ve read and enjoyed immensely over the years, their initial foray into the world of author team-ups was one that I would consider successful. The writing styles of Proby and Grayson meshed rather well, making it difficult for me to decide who wrote which parts. Already Gone is a standalone, but I hope it isn’t the last we’ve seen of this new writing twosome. With a handful of angst, a healthy dose of humor, and a whole lot of romance, this novel is one that mustn’t be missed, regardless of whether you’re a reader of these two or love romance fiction in general.
I’ll be honest, I was afraid that this was going to end up with me giving this book a lower rating than what I ended up giving it. I was NOT a fan of Scarlett’s for a good portion of this novel, with me going as far as being miffed at Tucker for being nice to her as quickly as he did. Heck, I even empathized with Scarlett’s sister, Alexis, and understood why she was as ticked off as she was. But at the end of the day, Scarlett had her reasons for leaving, and when I took a step back, I got where she was coming from, although there’s really no excuse for her staying away from New Hope for as long as she did, choosing her own methods to spend time with her father instead. Did she win me over? Yes, she did, but it took a good, long while to get there. Thankfully, I quite liked Tucker, even though I wasn’t thrilled with his daughter, Chloe, and her less than respectful behavior. He was a really good guy with a forgiving nature and loved beyond measure. Now, there were a couple of supporting characters–namely Tucker’s brother and cousin, Dean Andrews and Scooter Bennett, respectively–who piqued my interest that I’m hoping will get their own happily-ever-afters soonish. Fingers and toes crossed! Already Gone earns itself 4.5 stars.
Ah! I just loved this book!! When I first heard that K.L. Grayson and Kristen Proby would be writing a book together, I was over the moon. This was like Christmas coming early for me. I was so excited to see what this duo would bring to the table and that excitement lead to Already Gone being one of my most anticipated reads for 2019. And I’m here to tell you, this duo does not disappoint. They brough their A game to the table and left me hanging on each and every word….
Already Gone follows the story of Scarlett and Tucker and is told from dual points of view. When we first meet up with Scarlett, we discover that the girl next door acheived her dreams of stardom. Small town living wasn’t for her, and she never looked back. But, when her father falls ill, Scarlett is forced to return home. But, not everyone is happy that Scarlett is coming home. When she left New Hope behind, she didn’t just leave the town and her family behind, but she also left her best friend Tucker. And lets just say, Tucker isn’t super quick to forgive. Tucker can hold quite the grudge, but soon enough will find the error of his ways. There’s more to Scarlett than meets the eye and being back home makes Scarlett feel and think of things she had forgotten. Suddenly things between Scarlett and Tucker aren’t so black and white. Feelings change and evolve, and when it comes to love, Scarlett will find herself in for the fight of her life….
There is just so much to love about Already Gone. This book sucked me in from the very first page and held my heart captive the entire time. From the moment I met Scarlett and Tucker, I just knew these two were going to take my emotions for a wild ride. Despite all the time these two had been apart, the sexual tension between the two of them was just off the charts. Both of these characters had a lot of growing to do and feelings to overcome. Everything wasn’t as it seemed and neither one of them were the same people they used to be. But, what I loved was that when Tucker and Scarlett decided to do something, they went all in. They weren’t afraid of the fight or work they had to put in. Sure, they had their moments of imprefection, but those imperfect moments made me love them all the more.
Already Gone had a mix of all my favorite tropes. It was a small town, single dad, enemies to lovers, second chance romance that I just could not get enough of. Tucker and Scarlett’s story tugged on my heart in all the right ways. It was angsty and swoon worthy perfection. I just couldn’t get enough and loved all the little moments.
Already Gone is a fantasitc read from beginning to end. K.L. Grayson and Kristen Proby totally knocked this story out of the park. It was totally well written, filled with lots of heart, and still kept the signature style that I have come to know and love from these two ladies. I loved every second of Already Gone and can not wait to see what this duo will bring to the table next!
I love a good second chance story and this book gave me all the feels. The story was entertaining and filled with love, doubt, mixed-up priorities and some failed communication; great reading material.
Tucker and Scarlet are so meant to be. These two were childhood friends/neighbours. Scarlet leaving at the age of eighteen really affected Tucker, he never really got over the hurt. I could feel Tucker’s pain but… understand Scarlet’s drive, so I was loving their fight to be understood.
These two have many obstacles to get over and a bit of heartache ensues. I love it when I get mad at characters and want to shout at them to talk about their problems! I was happy with the results and was smiling and having a little emotional cry in the end. I’m such a sappy woman.
I love this town and the people in it, I hope there are more stories to come from them. This is a great collaboration from two really good authors.
Scarlett Kincaid grew up in New Hope South Carolina. She left 12 years ago and never looked back leaving her family and friends behind to persue her music career. When her father suffers a stroke she cuts her tour short and heads home to help take care of him. Her return to her home town is not as welcoming as she thought, her sister resents her and her once best friend Tucker is giving her the cold shoulder. When she realizes that Tucker now lives next door to her father she ends up spending time with him and it stirs up old memories and feelings that she had for him in the past.
Tucker has built a life and a career in New Hope and has settled into life as a single dad. When Scarlett returns to town he quickly realizes he is still in love with her. The more they spend time with each other they realize they there is undeniable passion and chemistry.
Will Scarlett leave and return to her famous life in Nashville? Would Tucker be willing to give up his life and career and move to be with Scarlett.
The chemistry between the characters was wonderful. That Scarlett enbraces Tucker’s daughter so openly was awesome. I have read Kristen Proby before but this was my first read by K.L. Grayson. The writing was well blended and you wouldn’t guess that two authors wrote this book.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.***
I received a review copy before release for an honest review.
This was a really fun story and I absolutely loved every second of it.. Though at times I wondered if the couple, Scarlett and Tucker could really make it work long term. It is extremely well written and is a very fun story about two former friends finding love for the first time together in the small town they both grew up in.
Scarlett is a country singer and she is very famous. She loves her father, is estranged from her sister and has not visited her hometown for 12 years. Until she gets a call from her sister saying her dad had a small stroke and she is needed at home. This brings her home now 12 years later.
The first person she runs into is Tucker, her former best friend and neighbor who is now a cop as he tickets her as she enters town. He sorta loves and hates her. He always had a thing for her but he was a nerd and she the popular kid and so they never dated. She left town and never talked to him again so he has a lot of anger.
And this is the story of coming home again and growing up and letting the past go and moving on. Tucker and Scar get to know each other whole Scar also gets to know Tuckers daughter who is a teenager. This is a story about growing up and learning to compromise and falling in love with your family, home town and the man that makes you whole.
It is now always easy and Scar and Tucker have to figure it all out and this was a wonderfully written story with a great castoff characters and supporting cast. If you love small town stories with a 2nd chance at love then you will adore this story.
Cute friends to lovers/single dad story. Scarlet and Tucker were best friends growing up. They were from a small town that was too small for Scarlet. She never knew his Tucker felt about her. At 18 she left when she blew up and became a superstar and never looked back. Fast forward 12 years she returns and Tucker is now a single dad that despises her but still has feelings for her. Scarlet is a sweetheart and tries her hardest and unplanned her and Tucker fall into a relationship. It was cute especially since his daughter loves her. They had their moments which at time Scarlet seemed selfish but she came to her senses and made it work. One thing for sure Scarlet was funny. I really enjoyed her relationship with Tucker’s daughter Chloe and Tucker was amazing.
I really enjoyed this book, though at times I found the plot to be very similar to some other books I have recently read. Despite that, this was still a great romance story and I enjoyed every single character in this story.
Scarlett is a girl who wanted to escape her small town and found that with a music career, however, after 12 years she returns back home to watch over her father. What she doesn’t expect is the less than warm welcome from her former childhood best friend, Tucker. Tucker is now a cop, a single father and living right next to Scarlett’s father. He’s had a crush on her since they were kids, but then she left without a word. Will these two former best friends be able to mend their relationship?
I loved the chemistry between Scarlett and Tucker, at least once Tucker got over Scarlett popping back into his life. But the relationship between Scarlett and Tucker’s daughter, Chloe was hands down the best. They instantly bonded with each other and connected on so many levels. It was super sweet. Tucker’s relationship with his daughter was great, he loved his baby girl more than anything.
This is the perfect book for anyone who loves a Rockstar romance meets friends to lovers.
Two of my favourite authors have come together to deliver an amazing story. The story is told in dual POV’s.
Scarlett left her home town I’m the dust to fulfill her dream of becoming a successful recording artist. Although she kept in touch with her family she never visited home again until now. There is alot of jealousy and bitterness floating around in the story which the authors portray perfectly . You could feel the hurt bleeding off the pages.
Tucker was her childhood friend who has never got over the crush he had on her. Now a police officer and an amazing single dad to the sassy Chloe.
The story focuses on the budding relationships between Tucker and Scarlett and Chloe and Scarlett. We also see how the past has shaped the relationship between the two sisters which was fractious at best.
This was a well written funny and enjoyable romantic character driven story.
4 Getting A Second Chance At Last Stars
This is the first book co-written by Ms. Grayson and Ms. Proby and it’s a sweet and sexy small-town romance. Scarlett and Tucker were best friends having grown-up next door to each other. While there may have been deeper feelings for each other when they were young, they were never admitted to so when Scarlett gets the opportunity of a lifetime, she leaves New Hope in her rearview mirror.
Fast forward over a decade and Scarlett has achieved so much success but not the love of her life so when she has to return to New Hope to be with her father, she never gave a second though to the boy she left behind. Oh how things have changed in New Hope and with Tucker!
I chuckled out loud on a few occasions reading this one because they each goad each other to the point that they’re either going to kiss or punch each other LOL!!
I so enjoyed Scarlett finding strength in making hard choices while being home and what that truly means for her and her career. She and Tucker have a chance at something great but there’s some definite obstacles standing in their way! There’s an entire cast of secondary characters that had me laughing out loud and seeing how Scarlett’s relationship with Tucker’s daughter brought confidence to this girl was amazing.
While I truly enjoyed reading this book, there were a few times that I felt there should have been more to the story in certain scenes. There were a couple of opportunities to address some social issues that are so prevalent in today’s society that weren’t and I was a little disappointed by the lack of follow through. Having said this, I’m happy I read this book by two of my favorite authors and watching Scarlett and Tucker become the couple always wished they were so long ago when they were young and innocent and enjoying life in New Hope.
PERFECT WRITING COMBO!!!
I will say this…I want to live in New Hope. And yeah, I want to live with Tucker. BUT, I’m gonna go ahead and let Scarlett keep him 😉 because they are just so stinkin’ cute and wonderful together. This couple, I can’t even put into words how much I truly loved them, was pulling for them, and now want to read more about them!!
I REALLY, really enjoyed the alternate POV. It flowed so well.
The side characters – please tell me get more from them as well!
OMG this is such a good book. I could not put it down. I had to make myself stop to go to bed and then I finished at work. It is so good. I love Scarlet and Tucker and Chloe is an added bonus. Kristen Proby and K L Grayson wrote a brilliant book. I can’t wait for anything else from these two wonderful writers.
IN LOVE!! Kristen Proby and K.L. Grayson are two of my favorite authors and I love them co-writing! Scarlet and Tucker’s story was so beautiful! This is one of the best Second Chance/Enemies-to-Lovers/Single Dad (yup, they cover ever troupe perfectly!!) stories I have ever read! The chemistry is off the charts and the steam level is perfect! I hope these two write so many more books together! FIVE HUGE STARS!!
Scarlett hasn’t been home in the 12 years she has built her career as a country star. But now her dad needs help and she forgets every reason she stayed away so long to be there when her family needs.
Tucker hasn’t left, picking up responsibilities in his small town. As a single dad and cop, he has a lot on his plate. His friends and family are close by to help, as well as his long time neighbor. He may have had a crush on Scarlett in school, but when she left and didn’t look back right after high school, his heart was broken.
When Scarlett finds herself back in town, she learns that some things have changed, but much as stayed the same, including the way she feels when she is with Tucker. But what has changed is his demeanor towards her. Twelve years of distance will cause even the most welcoming to put up walls, and Tucker has guarded himself against Scarlett, or at least that’s what he tells himself.
I loved watching these two circle each other and then guard themselves as they gave in. I couldn’t help but feel like they were each keeping one foot out the door as a protective instinct so when things started getting tough, they weren’t sure how to find their footing together.
I loved all the side characters in this story. Tucker’s daughter Chloe and Scarlett’s dad Rick were fun to watch interact with both characters. But Lexi took me longer to warm up to. She and Scarlett have a strained relationship and she is harsh in every interaction with Scarlett in the beginning. The guys Tucker and Scarlett grew up with add some great comedy moments even as they add to the warmth as Tucker’s support system as a single dad.
This is a great author pairing! I’ve read both of these authors before, but it was so much fun to see how these voices merged. I found everything in this story that I expect from BOTH of these authors and love the way their styles play together.
I received this book for free from the authors in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Tucker and Scarlett are meant to be!! Lana @White Hot Reads
This is my first time reading both Kristen Proby and KL Grayson together and I must say it was a wonderful book. Scarlett has come back to her home town after twleve years away to take care of her dad, and lets just say not eveyone in the town is excited she’s back. Tucker now has to deal with the hurt and anger he felt all those years agon but underneath it all, love prevails. Nothing like childhood friends getting together.
This was a win-win for me as it was not only written by one great author but two. The words flowed and you would never know it was co-written.
This was a small town second chance romance. It was sweet and sexy and pulled on the heart strings. It was fun and flirty and overall a great romance to warm the heart.
Holy Wow! I’m giving this book 5 huge stars!
These two authors together are a dream team!
Already Gone has it all. Sweetness so strong it’ll make your teeth hurt, angst that will make your heart hurt and steam that will heat you up.
Tucker and Scarlett are pure magic.
Sexy single Dad, yes please. A woman who finally figures out what she wants in life, uh huh. And family that will make you go, hmmm and laugh out loud, you bet!
Please don’t miss this book.
Thank you dream team for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I loved it!
Scarlett Kincaid couldn’t wait to put the small town of New Hope, South Carolina, in the rearview mirror once she graduated from high school. She never felt at home in her small town and knew she was destined for greater things. She moved to Nashville, became a country music star, made a new life and never looked back. But now her father is ill and needs Scarlett, so she’s returning to New Hope for the first time in twelve years. Her face may be on a billboard at the edge of town, but not everyone is welcoming Scarlett with open arms. Not only is her sister bitter and resentful toward Scarlett, but the way Scarlett left her best friend, Tucker Andrews, without a word in the years that she’s been gone, means he’s plenty frosty to her when he sees her again.
It’s a curious thing to me how two people can write a book together and have the story flow seamlessly and the characters be so complex and authentic, but these two ladies knocked it out of the park with Tucker and Scarlett’s story. I quickly fell in love with both of these main characters, although I was all Team Tucker through most of the book. Then Scarlett snuck in there, facing her shortcomings and working to improve herself, and darn if she didn’t win me over, too.
The premise for the story is friends-turned-enemies to lovers and it’s Scarlett’s earlier treatment of Tucker that made me not like her very much initially. Tucker was good enough to be her friend outside of school, but she kind of mean girled him at school, then never contacted him after she left town. He was understandably hurt but got over it pretty quickly once Scarlett came home. But just because they faced their feelings and put away the past doesn’t mean there still weren’t challenges and misunderstandings that needed to be worked out.
I truly hope there’s more to come from New Hope because I love all of these characters and I’m not ready to say goodbye. I can easily see a potential story with Dean, Tucker’s brother, and if their cousin Scooter gets his own book, sign me up now, because that one should be epic! Grab your copy of Scarlett and Tucker’s story and fall in love with everything that is New Hope!
*I read an early edition of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide feedback and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source.
I seriously love what Kristen Proby and K.L. Grayson have brought together with Already Gone. Such an amazing read. If you love childhood friendship to more, single dad, and mending fences reads then you will so love Already Gone. I love the transformation in Scarlett throughout this one. You see her grow so much and stand up for herself like she needed to to do. You see her fall back in love with her hometown and her childhood friend. Tucker is this amazing single dad who will make you swoon over how he is with his tweenage daughter. I love the fire between Tucker and Scarlett. They are so hot and fit so well together. I love how Scarlett just embraces Tucker’s daughter Chloe. Already Gone is a book you need to read. I couldn’t put this one down and loved every moment of this one. Go and one click this.