Awesome follow up book in this series. Erin's past is mysterious, she doesn't share much or let people get too close. She is starting over and love is the last thing on her mind. That does stop Matt from trying to get close to her. I love the close knit family and how they all pull together for one another.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and independent review.
This book was so much more than just a romance. Erin has escaped from an abusive marriage and reinvented herself. Living, what seemed to me, only half a life but with some good friends, she is scared. Matt is just perfect, patient and totally gorgeous. Slowly he helps her to start living again and shows her love can really be.
I loved the way Matt’s whole family rallies round when her ex appears in the picture again
4 stars

Home To Me is Catherine Bybee's second book in her Creek Canyon series. And what a wonderful read it is!
The author gives us a well-written and challenging tale of spousal abuse amidst a story of new beginnings for main character Erin Fleming. A fast paced tale involving wonderful and realistic characters, romance and suspense.
The story continued to get better as it progressed leading to a fabulous ending.
Loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series – and I have to tell you that it is another winner! A completely different direction of travel, but again, a strong female lead who, given the support of those immediately around her, succeeds against the odds. I would definitely recommend that you read them in order, as that way you will get to meet all the important players and understand some of the dynamics which are important here too.

Erin appeared in My Way to You as the new tenant in Parker Sinclair's guesthouse. She was clearly hiding from something but the impression she gave was of being damaged, not a criminal, so they welcomed her and gave her space. A few hints once given when a bit tipsy and the way that she flinches near men, have made everyone assume she fled from an abusive situation, but no one is going to press for more information. Parker's boyfriend's brother, firefighter Matt, was attracted to her from the very first moment he met her – and he plans on doing all he can to make her smile, and hopefully date.

As he works hard to gain her trust and show her he is genuine and good, Erin starts to believe that maybe there is a chance that she could have a new and happy life. But at the same time, her lawyer tells her that her husband refuses to grant her a divorce and the protection order is refused renewal... so she is in a terrible predicament, as she would never want to put her new friends at risk.

There is a lovely romance playing out in this book, with Matt enlisting the help of his family to reassure and protect Erin, as well as taking every opportunity to help her enjoy the freedom and passion that they share. As things get difficult, he knows he has to stop her from running. Bybee does a brilliant job of ramping up the drama, but giving us hope as well.

Another excellent story with lots of engaging threads and underlying themes that make this a great read. I am really looking forward to future stories already!

I am a big fan of Catherine Bybee, so I was excited to read the second book in the Canyon Creek saga. This book is connected to the first book, but it can be read as a stand alone. We first met Erin in My Way to You when she moved into Parker’s guest house, but her secrecy about her past meant there was more to the story, This book explores that story, as well as her burgeoning romance with firefighter Matt. As with all Bybee books, I recommended this book if you are looking for a love story with a lot of heart.

TW: domestic violence

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for providing me an advance reader copy. I appreciate the chance to read and review Catherine Bybee’s newest novel, Home to Me, book 2 in her newest series. My opinions are my own and are not influenced by the complimentary copy.

Home to Me is another emotional novel with amazing characters. The pacing pulled me in from the first page and kept me enthralled until the last. Ms. Bybee has become an auto-buy author for me. Her novels are brilliantly written with compelling situations and characters that always touch me heart.

Erin Fleming’s character is running for her life from her husband. She has settled in southern California and renting a small guest house from Parker Sinclair, heroine in My Way to You, the first book in this amazing series. Her character is endearing and strong. Although she is terrified, she is determined to stand strong. I truly admired her character and was intrigued by her in the first book. Now, I love Erin.

Matt Hudson is a fantastic hero with all the characteristic I love most in a male lead. He is determined to be a part of Erin’s life, and even though he senses she holds her secrets tight, he’s willing to give her time to trust him and doesn’t give up.

The romance between Erin and Matt is amazing! It is realistic and what you would expect when the heroine is so terrorized by her past. While I normally am turned off by a relationship developing between a couple where one is still attached, but she has done her part to end the unhealthy situation with her ex, so Erin deserves to have someone who can love her as she deserves.

If you enjoy contemporary romance with an emotionally charged plot and characters that will pull on your heartstrings, then you will love Home to Me as much as I did. Ms. Bybee’s writing just keeps getting better. I’m so glad I found her novels. Happy reading!

*The Author granted me an ARC of this book via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

“Home to Me” is a story of survival and learning to live life again. Erin appeared in the first book in this series, “My Way to You.” She answered an ad to rent a guest house from Parker (Heroine from book one), which was perfect for her. Erin needed a quiet, and an out of the way place, in which to live. For the past months, she had been running for her life, staying just one step ahead of her predator. With some professional assistance, Erin was able to disappear without a trace. But to avoid captivity, she needed to follow a few simple rules: (don’t talk about her past to anyone, stick to the shadows/keeping a low profile, don’t develop new friendships, and always keep a bag packed). After several months of practice Erin became skillful at keeping her guard up and avoiding prying, “get to know you” questions. Or, so she thought!

The Heroine had not expected to meet such loving and persistent people. Parker (her landlord), and her boyfriend, Colin, and his family, were good people and refused to let Erin stand in the shadows. They were concerned for the shy and quiet young lady who worked her way into their hearts. However, Erin found her wall of defenses slowly crumbling with every caring act from her new friends/family. Especially, from a certain young firefighter, Matt, Colin’s brother. The very first time they met; Matt was smitten with the redhead who was too shy to look him in the eye.

However, there was one problem. Erin made it a rule to avoid getting involved with any member of the opposite sex. Well, that proved to be more of a challenge than she had anticipated. The more she got to know Matt, the harder it became to resist him. He was unlike any of the men she had encountered in her previous life. The readers will fall in love with this strong and gentle soul, who slowly steals Erin’s heart.
I truly enjoyed this second book. It was wonderful old characters from the first book had major roles in the story. Readers can’t help but fall in love with Erin as they watch her rediscover her strengths, identity, and passion for life, once again. This book has plenty of adventure, mystery, and love. This is such a good read!
Thank you, Catherine, for another great story. Looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend this book.

This is the 2nd book of the series and I loved it even more than the first. I love a little mystery and suspense along with my romance and happily ever after and this book delivered

I enjoyed reading this romance about a woman escaping from an abusive relationship. I liked the characters and how close they were with one another and willing to work together to help Erin out. I loved that the main love interest, Matt, was so kind, gentle, and loving and was aware of Erin's sensibilities. It made sense that he was a firefighter because the reader knew that he was capable of protecting Erin. I was a little disappointed with the ending because it felt a little flat with the emotional connection between the characters. It was like watching a great movie with terrible acting. I would have liked to have seen Erin using the code word with Matt or Renee at the end. The reason I gave this book a three-star rating is because of my feelings about the ending and because of the sensual, sex scene that I had to skip because I didn't need to read that to love the story.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I read this love story twice. Each time I cried, laughed and found more reasons to love this writer. This is not an easy subject to write about, but Catherine did it with grace. We are back with Parker and the gang, but this time the focus is on Erin and Matt. Erin, although she grew up with a silver spoon, had to leave all that behind in order to live and keep her sister safe. Enter Matt Hudson firefighter extraordinaire who has his sights on Erin. He figures out quickly that there are things that Erin isn't sharing and through a couple of events starts putting the pieces together. Erin learns what a man really is and how that man treats a woman he loves. Enter the husband that just won't go away or let go.
One of my favorite quotes from Grace, "Clearly he didn't expect that you'd grown proper chesticles since your separation."
Yes, you definitely need to read this book!!

Home to Me is the second book in the Creek Canyon series. Matt is a catch. Swoon-worthy and sexy. He proves impossible to resist. Erin brings out all his protective qualities. She finds he is there for her in ways that no one ever has been. While Erin is strong and has made sacrifices to have this new life, she cannot deny the bond she shares with this new family who have quickly become her closest friends.

This is a sweet romance. Bybee touches on domestic violence but doesn’t delve deep, so if you are concerned about the subject matter don’t be. All in all, another great read by Bybee. Good winning over evil and a lovely couple finding their HEA.

Excellently Done. In this entrant to the Creek Canyon series, we lose focus on the work of the male lead - while it is there, it isn't as prominent as the first book - while getting even more in depth with the emotional trauma of the female lead. Which, full disclosure here since it is such a sensitive topic for some, is domestic abuse. Bybee does an amazing job of bringing us in to Erin's worlds and her fears about them ever meeting. The suspense built up through one part of the book in particular is some amazing work, ratcheting up the tension to almost unbearable levels. But then the payoff comes rather suddenly in the closing pages of the book, and that is arguably the book's one flaw. Still, truly excellent work and very much recommended.

ARC for honest review with no compensation received from NetGalley

Home to Me is book 2 in the Canyon Creek series by Catherine Bybee it’s an amazing addition to this series, keeping you turning the pages to find out what happens around each corner.

Erin who we met in book 1 is renting from Parker Sinclair, she has secrets, works from home, quiet and reserved but after meeting Matt Hudson, they become friends then much more but when someone from Erin’s past comes looking for her...the families Sinclair and Hudson will do whatever it takes to keep her safe and show her the love she has been missing in her life...

I loved the first book in the Creek Canyon series and I have been really looking forward to this book. I was not disappointed. Erin is a strong woman. She has escaped an abusive relationship and trying to find her way in her new life. Matt is an incredibly good man. I loved their story! Catherine Bybee knows how to write strong characters. She builds great relationships between all the characters and you can truly feel the family ties and strong friendships. It makes the stories so much better. The book was over too quickly and I'm already looking forward to the next story! I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This one sits solidly between three and four stars for me. Bybee's a talented writer, so there were definitely elements that I enjoyed, but also several things that bugged me. It's sweet and somber with a touch of suspense, featuring a hero who will steal your heart. He is almost too perfect, going from an acquaintance to a support system within the blink of an eye. My main complaint? While I loved that our heroine is overcoming a troubled past, it's essentially the sole focus of the book. The heroine's abusive ex is a part of the story from start to finish... and they're not even divorced. That's where this one tripped me up; I wanted to experience more of the good times instead of just focusing on the past.

The story follows Erin, a woman on the run from her almost-ex-husband. After taking his abuse for too long, she's started a new life for herself and has become a new woman. Though Erin has sworn off all men - her husband refuses to agree to a divorce, after all - she's got a crush on a sexy firefighter. Matt's always been a casual kind of guy, but he can tell that Erin would be worth fighting for, if only she'd give him a chance. When circumstances bring these two closer, it's not long before Matt becomes someone Erin can lean on, and that's exactly what she needs in her life.

My favorite part of the story was Matt, without question. He is SUCH a great guy, so focused on helping Erin. He's patient, loving, and kind... and I really wish we got more of his story. Erin is definitely the star here, so Matt comes off as being a little one-dimensional - almost too good to be true. There was absolutely the potential for something great in the story, but it just felt very somber and a little depressing. The overall tone is kinda heavy with some triggering content, before switching into a suspenseful read. So while I liked elements of the book, there were also plenty of things that left me feeling disconnected. I received an ARC via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review of this serious romance.

OOOH! I was excited to dive into this book. It's the 2nd in the series so the reader met Erin during My Way To You. Erin was a private person, mainly because of her past. She didn't want to involve Parker too much, but Parker was there for her and slowly her walls came down and she shared things with Parker. I liked that Erin had a good friend in Parker. It was much needed for her. I enjoyed seeing the budding relationship between Erin and Matt. She knew she liked him, but she was timid. Matt could read her body language and was cautious with her. I liked that he wanted to care for her from the very beginning. I was completely consumed by this book! I loved the friendships, the romantic relationship and the danger that was lurking. Catherine kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't read this book fast enough! Another great read and one not to be missed!

This is a Netgalley ARC review. All opinions are solely my own.

Home to Me by Catherine Bybee is book 2 of the Creek Canyon series. I really wish someone would just make these books into a movie so the masses can see this author's brilliance. These books should be read in series order.

Erin and Matt are introduced to the reader in the initial book of the series. We know Erin's past has lots of shadows and she's running from her previous life. Matt is the good guy who is mesmerized by Erin from the first moment.

This book takes the reader through all the ups and downs. I really like that the author doesn't dwell on the bad times. Erin is trying to move forward and that seems to be the focus. For a book with difficult and triggering subject matter Catherine Bybee focuses on the positive aspects of being a survivor.

I think there is one more book in this series and I can't wait to see how Catherine Bybee spins her magic.

This was another good book by Ms. Bybee. I really enjoyed the story of Matt & Erin. I really like these characters. I hope the next book focuses on Grace. Quick, enjoyable read.

Another amazing emotion packed story in this series! From Erin's gut wrenching backstory to the way Matt cares for Erin will have your heart bursting and your emotions on full alert. Incredible characters and superb writing make this a very fluid read although be warned there is some tough subject matter which may push trigger buttons. Domestic violence is always difficult to read about but this author did an amazing job crafting a story that while giving enough details to make the past clear the events were not trivialized in any way. This is definitely a book that will touch your heart and stay with you for a long time to come. A definite must read.

Home to Me is the second in the Canyon Creek series but you need to read the first book “My Way To You” to follow secondary characters who become the lead H/h in this second book.
The story starts unraveling immediately and we see Erin the heroine doing the same. I loved her character. She has depth and an amazing strength which she’ll need by the end of this story! I was hooked by the second chapter. Erin is in hiding. Thank goodness she has her landlady Parker and family to help her out (if she can let them.) What happens to her is scary and feels exactly like real life.
It’s really difficult to review because I don’t want to include any spoilers. Just note this is another Catherine Bybee book of excellence!
This book has it all. Scary suspense, HOT fireman, strong heroine and a complete ending which this reader is very appreciative of! So many books fall apart at an ending and feel rushed or incomplete. Not this one. A great suspenseful story!
I received an ARC but I am purchasing this to add to my personal library.