One year ago, the boy next door was captured as a prisoner of war.The boy whose window faces mine.The backyard buddy who bandaged up my skinned knees.The childhood crush that kept me up at night, wondering if he’d ever be my boyfriend.The town hero I wrote endless letters to after he shipped out.The green-eyed charmer who promised me a kiss the day I turned eighteen.And now, he’s home.But he … eighteen.
And now, he’s home.
But he didn’t come back as the boy I once knew.
He’s a man now, one with demons I can’t comprehend.
The damaged soldier keeps telling me I’m not his anymore.
That the war took him, turned him into someone unrecognizable.
What he hasn’t considered is that it took me, too.
He swears there is nothing left between us, that his heart died overseas. But with each look through our windows, we both know his lies are just that. With each fated meeting, the truth only becomes more evident.
Everett Brock occupies the shadows now.
And as much as I try to pull him into the light, it seems the switch is permanent.
What he doesn’t realize is that I’m willing to follow him into the darkness.
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Hometown Heartless put my heart in a blender, took me on an emotional rollercoaster, and then slowly started trying to piece it back together. Everett is broken, full of guilt, worn down by pain, and has so many regrets he just doesn’t know how to deal with it all. My heart hurt for so much for both characters because of the things they have endured but mostly my heart hurt the most for Everett. Everett is a survivor, a good man, and a hero but he doesn’t see things that way after being held a prisoner of war and thought dead for over a year will do that to a person. He endured all forms of torture, mental manipulation, and pain, so he doesn’t come home as the same person that Kennedy knew and loved. Kennedy has loved Everett since they were kids and she has been waiting for him to come home to her, but what she gets is a shell of a man that is cruel and unkind towards her. Everett lashes out towards Kennedy because of the things he harbors and keeps close to the vest, so when things start to make a change it scares him, and he constantly wonders if he can be what she deserves. This story shows us what a Vet coming home and suffering horrible things endure in day to day life and how hard it is for them to try to fit into society again. It was a beautiful story of two soulmates that must go through so much to be together but will the ghosts of the past that come to haunt them separate them or will it strengthen the bond they have?
With my background, I have a soft spot in my heart for military romances. I am a veteran and married to a retired combat veteran so I have a unique view and filter when it comes to them.
This is the story of Everett and Kennedy. Now I will say that usually, YA/NA stories are not my first choice in reading, but the blurb really pulled at me and I am glad that I was able to read this!
Yes, the characters are young, however, the world experienced that Everett has really aged his soul, it made him grow up fast and left lasting scars that will follow him forever. PTSD not only affects the person the trauma happened to but the people that are closest to him. It’s not a solitary disorder, it spreads it’s venom to family, friends, and love.
Kennedy is strong, even when she doesn’t feel like she is. Her love for Everett is the light in the darkness. Even when hurt, pride and misplaced feelings of protection come into play, Kennedy stays ever vigilant in her feelings for Everett. That’s what true love means, being there for the good times and the bad.
Thank you for writing about a subject that for too long has been either ignored or brushed under the rug. Thank you for being brave Ms. Aarons!
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This book gets a standing ovation. The romance inside is not to be missed, but it’s so much MORE!
It’s hope, when you don’t know if there’s any to be had, it’s redemption when you didn’t feel you were deserving, it’s finding that light shining on you when you’re lost in the dark.
It is EVERYTHING.
This was not a second chance romance, their first was stolen. This was not a tragedy, although it felt like it for awhile.
Everett, even at his lowest, was a character I responded well to. Not because I could sympathize, but because I could empathize.
His whole life was upside down and inside out from how he thought it would be.
And then there’s Kennedy. Sweet girl, with literally EVERYTHING going the way she wants it to, and yet somehow she isn’t an entitled brat. She’s still a sweet girl, wanting the best for herself and the boy she’s loved forever.
I don’t know how long it will take me to recover, but it’ll be worth it either way.
A well written Military Romance. Once I started, I didn’t want to put it down. The characters are well developed and believable. I would highly recommend this book.
Kennedy is the all American girl. Head cheerleader, smart and knows exactly what she wants to do with her life. Her 20 year plan is in full effect. The part of her plan that is missing is Everett. The boy next door that joined the Marines after graduation two years ago. The boy that she has been in love with since childhood. They boy who asked her to wait for him. The boy who was pronounced KIA from the Marines. Two years after he leaves Everett, comes home. He was a POW for over a year and came home one month after he was found. But he isn’t the same boy who left. . . .
Everett understandably comes home a changed man. He was tortured for a year and no one comes back from that all sunshine and roses. He is withdrawn and angry and resentful but mostly he is guilty. He feels that he betrayed his country and that is why he was taken. And that is why he can’t be with Kennedy even though she is his light and he just wants to wrap himself up in her so she can save him. Kennedy is pretty impressive. I really loved how she stood up to Everett and told him to cut the sh!t and stop treating her like crap. I really respected that about her. I felt awful for her that she had to do it so much but loved it about her.
There were some consistency issues that I noticed with this book (he says that his car is in storage, then mentions he is not sure if his parents sold in the same chapter I think and it is said that he joined the marines but a handful of times it mentions the army) but not enough to distract for me, just something that I noticed.
This was an emotional story of a man trying to recover from the unthinkable all while trying to come to terms with his desire for his childhood crush. And a story of a girl who is learning that life isn’t all sunshine and roses and no matter how hard and thorough you plan sometimes life hands you lemons. But thankfully there is vodka for that . . . . I enjoyed this quick, emotional and heartfelt story. I recommend everyone should pick it up.
Oh boy this book!
Gosh it really pulls on your heartstrings. But it is so worth it. Carrie wrote a beautiful story. Everett and Kennedy are just so good together.
I loved their story of being neighbors and growing up together but they don’t know how to act on their feelings for each other. Then he leaves for the military and sadly Kennedy gets some awful news.
After healing somewhat, Kennedy gets the shock of her life! But is it everything she has ever wanted?
Like I said this book was beautiful, heartbreaking but does have a HEA.
4⃣.5⃣
(kinda a slow burn)
recommendation!
Spanish:
“Hometown Heartless” de Carrie Aarons es un romance independiente con un romance con un personaje militar, además de incluirse segundas oportunidades.
Everett Brock dejo todo atrás y se fue a la guerra, pero hace un año fue capturado, y con ello dado por muerto. Kennedy Dover estuvo destrozada cuando descubrió la muerte de su amor de infancia recordando los momentos bonitos y todas las cartas con promesas que se hicieron, promesas de amor. Pero las buenas noticias llegan y con ellas Everett, pero su vuelta es dura y ambos tendrán que remar a favor por un mismo bien.
Carrie Aarons lo ha vuelto a hacer. Tenía muchas ganas de leer un nuevo libro de ella, y con este he pasado un grato momento. Es un libro muy dulce, aunque los personajes tienen sus momentos malos por sufrimientos del pasado, pero esto no quita el amor juvenil que hay entre ellos, y el tira y afloja continuo.
Kennedy y Everett tienen un pasado junto, unido a muchas promesas que se hicieron antes y durante Everett se fuera a la marina. Las cartas han sido super especiales con toques románticos en momentos en los que Everett no estaba viviendo su mejor vida.
“Tengo tantos defectos, Everett. Y muchos de ellos tienen que ver con quererte incluso cuando me alejas”
Ambos no se comprendían, a Kennedy con todo lo que Everett había pasado y no se abriera, y Everett con su terquedad. Fueron divinas partes donde ambos quieren estar juntos y al mismo tiempo se repelen. Tiempo al tiempo para que se comprendan.
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English:
“Hometown Heartless” by Carrie Aarons is a standalone romance with a military character, as well as including second chance.
Everett Brock left everything behind, went off to war, but a year ago he was captured, presumed dead. Kennedy Dover was devastated when she discovered the death of her childhood love, remembering the beautiful moments and all the letters with promises that were made, promises of love. But the good news arrives and with it Everett, but his return is hard, and both will have to row for the same good.
Carrie Aarons has done it again. I really wanted to read a new book by her, and this one was a great time. It’s a very sweet book, although the characters have their bad moments because of past suffering, this doesn’t take away from the young love between them, and the continuous tug of war.
Kennedy and Everett have a past together, coupled with many promises that were made before and during Everett went to the war. The letters have been super special with romantic touches at a time when Everett was not living his best life.
“I have so many flaws, Everett. And a lot of them have to do with wanting you even when you push me away”
Both of them didn’t understand each other, Kennedy with all that Everett had gone through and didn’t open up, and Everett with his stubbornness. They were wonderful parts where both want to be together and at the same time repel each other. Time to time for them to understand each other.
Rate:
I think this might be my favourite Carrie Aarons book!
Kennedy is the girl with everything. She’s got the looks and the smarts. High achieving in everything she does, she’s working towards her goal of becoming a nurse. There’s just one thing missing; the boy next door.
Everett has always loved Kennedy but he was drawn to the military. Exchanging letters, he and Kennedy admitted their feelings for each other and made a promise to wait for each other. But then Everett went missing, presumed dead.
But he returns a year later with a chip on his shoulder and an attitude that always seems to come out when Kennedy is around.
Will he push her away, or will he let her in?
Great, NA story of heartache and love. We get to see the characters develop over time as they navigate their way through their feelings.
I was drawn to Hometown Heartless by the blurb mentioning military (I’m a sucker for military romance). I’m going to admit that I was a little discouraged with the characters ages…..so, in my head I pictured them older.
Everett’s character endured a lot in his life and the things that he experienced made him a different person than who Kennedy remembered/knew when they were together. Hometown Heartless is a story of growth, acceptance and discovery by both Everett and Kennedy.
Reviewed by: Dana D.
I love Carrie’s books they never disapoint and always amazing to read. Loved every second.
3.5 stars
I’m not sure how I felt about thus book. Everett struggled for a year after being taken prisoner. Coming home with extreme PTSD.
Kennedy came across extremely young, immature, and lacked understanding of what Everett was struggling with.
Carrie’s writing was beautiful as always, but Kennedy wasn’t likeable.
Good, angsty story.
This was a good story with a lot of heartache. To be honest, I was expecting more, so I’m a little conflicted with this review. Overall – it is a good story, but although I sympathized with Everett and the PTSD effects of war – I could not wrap my head around how bitter and mean he was towards Kennedy. And for her part – she kept taking it even when she probably shouldn’t.
“He leads and I follow, and I don’t know yet if that’s into the darkness or the light.”
This book has depth, shows the ravages of war, makes a statement about veteran benefits, and has lots of YA angst. It will definitely leave you with things to think about.
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
This is actually my first Carrie Aarons read and I can say that I am definitely a huge fan and will be scouring my Kindle to find more of her books to dive into. Hometown Heartless is an emotional rollercoaster that will have you on the edge of your seat because it literally takes every single emotion you can have and puts them all in a blender.
Kennedy and Everett are everything. This is a young adult trope, with the Heroine being in high school and the Hero being a couple years older. The trope is second chance and military, but I would also say that it’s Friends to Lovers. Everett and Kennedy have known each other since they were younger, they danced around their attraction to each other, and then he left for the military.
When he finally comes home after being a prisoner of war, he is dealing with PTSD. As a former service member, PTSD is a huge subject. Carrie did a fantastic job with everything she wrote regarding how he was feeling and eventually his opening up. It’s NOT EASY. Our military deal with so much, mentally and physically, but there are people out there who don’t really think much of the mental side of it all. Everett is a case in point.
I love their story and how Everett finally opens up to Kennedy in a way that just make your heart melt. It wouldn’t be a romance without something happening between them, and the way it’s written will literally tear you apart, but Carrie does put you back together.
I was definitely all over the place with my emotions in this book and I know you will be too.
Five stars for this sweet, emotional read. If you are looking for something that will pull on your heartstrings and really get you feeling, this is the book for you.
“And yet, I still want you.” She shrugs, as if we’re stuck in this impossible situation.
“I’ve never wanted anything as much as I want you.” I breathe, relief flooding through me.”
Kennedy has her whole life planned. Senior at high school, all her efforts are aimed at be approved in the college of her dreams and being able to study nursing. For that, she has a goal plan. Study, focus and ambition are what move her. But the shocking news that the boy she is in love with is returning home will shake her perfect life.
Everett was presumed dead. Captured on a mission, he was tortured for a year before being rescued. Back in his hometown, even alive, he is dead inside. And amid people’s happiness and expectations, he will not handle this return very well. Even more so when Kennedy is the only thing that keeps him sane. And the one he hates too.
Friends since forever, he made a promise to her: when he returned, he would finally give her a first kiss. Running away from all her advances, claiming she was too young, that promise is what she sticks to. And with his departure and countless letters exchanged, the devastating news she receives changes her plans. But with his return, what she hoped for may not happen because the boy she knew no longer exists. And in his place, the new version is willing to destroy her.
Everett has been through hell and survived. But the horrors still haunt him daily. With PTSD and refusing to seek help and open up to someone, he feels out of place and suffocated. And all of his anger will be channeled to Kennedy, whose life continues exactly as it was. Irrational anger, if I may add.
The path of these two will not be easy. The game of cat and mouse designed by them, will find certain blows in Kennedy, who will have her heart broken in each clash.
The book is emotional, dramatic, with a heavy load. Everett needs help. And Kennedy needs to learn to see the real world and the misfortunes of life. Both characters aroused both compassion and anger. Kennedy is too perfect, too innocent. An overprotected girl who cannot handle failures. Everett was the great star of the book, showing how trauma does not heal overnight. It takes acceptance, help and a lot of effort.
A beautiful story about loss, trauma, pain and hurt, but above all about love. A great love that is able to ease everything.
Carrie Aarons just broke my heart and put it back together again. Everett and Kennedy were everything. I swooned and cried like a baby, this book was full of emotions that I didn’t want to even put it down. This book was about two people who needed each other to heal each other.
Everett and Kennedy used to be friends until Everett joined the military. Things happen that make this amazing guy feel like he is lost and doesn’t deserve to be happy. I loved how Kennedy brought Everett back from the dark hole he was in. I loved Everett like crazy, I just wanted to hug him and protect him at all cost.
This book was about friendship, live, and love. This is a book that will stick with you for days after you finish it. Everett and Kennedy are those characters that you just fall in love with from the start. This book is a must read.
I love this book so much! This is so different from this author’s usual books but it is no less amazing! I fell in love with these characters from the beginning. This story had my emotions everywhere. Beautiful and heartbreaking. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!
It took me a couple of days to get my thoughts and emotions together after I finished this book, but I loved every page and simultaneously couldn’t get through it fast enough yet I wanted to slow down and savor the story. Everett and Kennedy are characters that are younger than some of Ms. Aarons’ previous characters, and I was a bit hesitant when I realized that Kennedy is a senior in high school, but I liked seeing how being in the military and the events Everett suffered through affected one that young in the military. Ms. Aarons did a fantastic job of blending senior year high school and military experience, and how that time in the military can change a person, and how loved ones need to learn how to accept and embrace the new normal that is the military member, especially given what Everett went through.
This story is hands down the best one for Carrie to date. The characters were simply awe inspiring hands down an amazing read.
Wow! I was blown away with this. It’s the first book I read by this author and it was just amazing. The characters are so complex, even with how young they are. Kennedy is a little immature but the things she has to go through with Everett, help her grow. Their story is one of angst, struggles, young love, but also of finding yourself, overcoming your demons, and growing to love, together.
4 1/2 stars!
Everett and Kennedy weren’t exactly high school sweethearts, but they have a history that cannot be ignored. So when Everett returns home after being held captive, Kennedy finds herself trying to reach out to a man that is no longer the one she knew.
Kennedy had hoped that she and Everett would be able to pick things up where they left them, but that is definitely not the case. Everett s dealing with a lot of stuff and the only way he knows how to deal is to lash out. He’s standoffish and downright mean at times and who could blame him? But underneath it all, he’s still Everett, the boy next door and the boy Kennedy fell in love with.
Kennedy is persistent, but also knows when to back off. Before Everett was captured, the two of them exchanged letters and talked of their feelings for the other person. The letters play a big part in Everett’s healing and I thought that was a nice touch.
This book is an emotional one. Everett clearly has some things to work through and once he realizes that he can’t do it alone, he has his family and Kennedy to help him. It’s definitely one of Carrie’s most ambitious books and one of her best.