Homecoming (Empire High #6)

Homecoming is the sixth book in the Empire High Series. I wish NetGalley (or publishers) would make note of what books are part of a series in their listings, I was so excited to see that Ivy Smoak had an audiobook on NetGalley that I didn’t cross reference it with goodreads to see if this was a stand alone or part of a series. The reason I was excited was because I have read several of Ivy Smoak’s books (series) and enjoyed them. I enjoy her writing and her many characters. Her books have always been fast reads for me as I do not want to put them down.

This book is told through the POV’s of Brooklyn and Matt. Brooklyn and Matt were once a couple but then Brooklyn was kidnapped, and everyone thought that she was dead. Believing that Matt forgot about her, Brooklyn went on to get married and have a child. Matt has mourned Brooklyn but wants things in life – to be happy, have children, etc.

Even though I did not know the backstory and other characters (but yay! I did know James and Penny!) I enjoyed this book. I though the narrators did a fantastic job. Kudos to them!

There is a lot of angst and hurt feelings in this book with the repeated statement that Matt didn’t keep his promises but neither did Brooklyn. Am I the only one who was annoyed with Brooklyn? Granted, I have not read the other books but, come on. When someone thinks/believes you are dead, they do get to keep living and have a life. My soap box rant: both were hurt, both lost out of not having the other person in their lives, but all this time later, to still be complaining about it after you go on and have a happy marriage and a child was a little much for me. Both deserved to be happy and live full lives. There is nothing wrong with that. Plus, all the other characters told her how much Matt suffered while Brooklyn kept saying no, he didn’t because I saw……. But then again, there would not have been this book if that hurt, and belief was not there.

Now that my soap box rant is over, I did enjoy the book it didn’t make me want to know more or go back to the beginning. I can’t fault Ivy Smoak for that. This is part of a series and I have not read the other books. But I will keep reading Ivy Smoak books because she is awesome and has written some fantastic books.

In a way this book had me reflecting back on the other books I have read of hers and it does have me wanting to read more of her work.

Please read the reviews of other reviews who have read all the books in this series, as they will have more insight about the characters than I did. Ivy is a great writer, so don’t let this review discourage you from reading her books, just make sure you are starting at the beginning.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.