Can't Go Home (Oasis Waterfall #1) by Angelisa Stone

Everyone has secrets; secrets meant to be kept—hidden away where nobody can discover the truth. Adrian O’Donnell (aka: Dre Donley) is no exception. Dre spins tales and half-truths like it’s his job, keeping the reality of his past buried deep within each lie he fabricates. On the other hand, Kathryn Howell is the exception to the rule. She’s a straight-shooter, a tell-it-like-it-is, no filter kind of girl. 

Kathryn’s honesty and straightforwardness is the ultimate turn on for a guy like Dre. He’s never met someone so sincere, so full of truth and innocence. Their chemistry is unavoidable, their connection, magnetic. When Dre sets out to make Kathryn fall for him, he doesn’t realize the grave mistake he’s making. Kathryn’s strength and convictions do not falter, even for an irresistible man like Dre. When his past resurfaces, and the lies come tumbling forth, Kathryn must decide if his deceit and betrayal can be forgiven or if the damage is irreparable. Will the truth ultimately destroy the relationship that neither one of them could deny or even attempt to resist?

This novel is for mature readers only, due to language and sexual content.

4.5 Stars

She rocks back against me; I’m soaring, growing, grinding, and yearning. This is everything. She is everything. I can feel my need for deep within my body, my soul. This is right. It’s perfect. 

I’m smiling like a loon. I would’ve finished this book earlier, but I wanted to savor the opportunity to finish it on my day off so I can just feel euphoric for a little while longer. This book had tons of things I love in my romance stories: A gorgeous, possessive Hero, lots of banter, which of course leads to some serious sexual tension….and when it finally bursts…ahhh…I’m in pure heavenly bliss.

Dre’s look is polished, but messy; perfect, but flawed. 

The beginning of the book immediately grabbed me. How could it not when we were immediately inside our Hero’s mind; and what a mind it is. I LOVE stories with duel POVs. 

Dre notices Kathryn, our spunky heroine, almost immediately. She’s not usually the typical girl Dre goes for who are normally tall, blonde, and easily accessible. Dre notices little things about her that captures his interest. He’s instantaneously smitten and wants nothing more than to get to know her. 

“The fact that you even recognize that there are parts of you that want to change makes you worthy of your own reflection. You can look in that mirror, Dre. Seriously, you’ll probably be proud of who you see. I know I’m starting to like what I see” 

I loved Kathryn’s character. I loved her spirit, her honesty and just…her. She’s incredibly smart and not afraid to speak her mind. I loved how she doesn’t instantly fall for Dre’s full-proof-panty-dropping smile or antics. She knows guys like Dre don’t normally go for girls like her, so why is he even bothering? But don’t let her strong façade fool you, she definitely lusts after him. Its just a matter of time, really. 

I’m not going to lie; I like the complexity and mystery that he brings to the table. However, he scares me, because this feels like the calm before the storm, the bliss before the heartache. 

Watching Dre & Kathryn’s relationship blossom was so sweet to read. I love Dre. He didn’t know what hit him when he began his pursuit of her. However, no matter how much he wanted to, he really couldn’t let all his walls down. You see, Dre is hiding a huge secret, one that could threaten his new relationship with Kathryn. Once she finds out all his secrets, will she be strong enough to stay?

I use to think that I couldn’t go home, but the truth is, I can go anywhere as long as I have happiness and love. But geez, was that a hard lesson to learn. 

This story was such a joy to read. The writing was phenomenal. The story was delivered flawlessly and I really connected with all the primary and secondary characters. As Dre’s secrets start to unravel, I couldn’t help but be moved by his strength and determination to move forward. And when Kathryn finally finds out, she remains steadfast at his side. I just LOVED their connection and just loved this book! I cannot wait to see what this author writes next.