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Long Road Home

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Personal and professional stakes are raised as a counterterrorism expert and a terrorist assassin race against time and their enemies, toward a second chance at love. No matter how far and how fast you run, the truth is never far behind. CIA counterterrorism expert Manuel Ramirez has spent the last three years looking for the woman he loves, who disappeared without a trace while on a postgraduate trip to France. Then, as suddenly as she disappeared, Jules Trehan turns up in a small-town Colorado hospital bed, injured in an explosion that killed her parents. Manny is shocked by the change in the woman he once knew. Kidnapped by a shadowy organization, Jules has been forced to become the very thing he's pledged his life to defeat-a terrorist assassin. Knowing her testimony will finally bring down the organization, Manny races to get her to Washington in one piece. But just when there's a glimmer of hope of overcoming her past, Jules must pull off one last job or Manny's life will be forfeit. It's a mission she must complete ... even if it means betraying the only man she has ever loved.

Audio CD

First published January 1, 2007

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About the author

Maya Banks

242 books21.5k followers
Maya Banks is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today and international bestselling author of over 50 novels. A wife and mother of three, she lives in Texas.

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5 stars
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700 (32%)
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589 (26%)
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167 (7%)
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56 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
Profile Image for Auntee.
1,356 reviews1,469 followers
April 20, 2009
Not a bad little romantic suspense by the author Sharon Long, who many may recognize by her pen name of Maya Banks. This book was very heavy on the suspense though, and not so much on the romance. In fact, things didn't start cooking romantically until about 2/3 of the way into the book. And while the few romantic scenes were tender yet hot, I wouldn't label them 'erotic'. A little explicit but not erotic, and definitely nothing kinky. The hero, Manny, was very loving, forgiving, and protective of Jules, the heroine. I figured he must have loved her very much because she was a suspected terrorist, and yet he still wanted to protect her and help her. He was one very devoted hero.

I felt bad for Jules. Three years ago she was recruited at a young age by a terrorist organization, blackmailed into joining, and brutalized by one of it's leaders. She had no one to turn to for help, and ended up forced to do things she abhored, and hated herself for it. Till one day her childhood friend Manny came back into her life, and vowed that he would never let her go again. Manny works for the CIA, and thinks he can help Jules out of the predicament she's in. But Jules doesn't know who to trust or what she can believe, and the very man she's trying to protect refuses to leave her side. Jules is told if she pulls off one more job for her organization, she can leave and have the life she's always wanted. Can that possibly be true? Or is it too late to have a future? And what about Manny? Could he possibly still love her after he knows the full extent of what she's done?

There's some nice little surprising plot twists and turns in this one, which suspense fans will love. For me, I could have used a little more romance and background into Jules and Manny's relationship when they were growing up together as neighbors. Apparently 10-yr. old Manny found 2 yr. old Jules abandoned on the streets, and brought her to a neighbor family who he was very close to. They adopted her and raised her, and despite the eight year age difference, Jules and Manny were very close. Supposedly they were close enough that Manny wanted to marry Jules, which came as a shock to Jules (and to me) when Manny told her about it when they reunited. I just didn't get the sense that they were 'in love' before they reconnected--I assumed that Jules loved Manny as a sibling or friend. So a little bit more detail about their early years would have worked for me.

All in all, not a bad read, especially if you like your romantic suspense heavier on the suspense. The hero was wonderful, the heroine brave, the plot was original, there was plenty of action, and there was a little surprise at the end. It entertained me, and kept me turning the pages. 4 stars.
Profile Image for Sassy Angel.
2,886 reviews
June 5, 2015
I love reading anything by this author. She always brings the characters to life. I haven't found a book by her that I haven't loved.

Jules has had a rough three years. She left for a vacation in France and now she is running for her life. She leaves her parents and the man she loved in order to protect them, Manny and Jules meet up again and it's a race against the clock to save each other and their future together.

I highly recommend this book and this author to anyone.
Profile Image for Keri.
1,353 reviews39 followers
May 29, 2014

2 STARS - IT WAS OKAY
AUDIOBOOK

I don't have a lot to say about this book. It was ok for the type of book that it is. It's a very simple romance, not complicated or original. The heroine beats herself down throughout the book and our hero just wants to know what is going on so he can fix it all.

He wants to know what has happened to her in the last 3 years since she disappeared but he never really asks her. They start to talk about it but then they are too tired and need sleep, or there is a phone call that interrupts them, or they are hungry and need to eat first, or somebody starts shooting at them... they never get around to really talking about anything. It takes most of the book for the information to finally come out.

I wasn't really invested in the characters, there was nothing original about the story and the story wasn't believable at all. It's a CIA / assassin book but it feels ridiculous because real CIA agents would never act this way and I can't imagine that a highly trained assassin would cry all the time. So the CIA/assassin thing is obviously just a silly backdrop for this couple to get together.

It was an okay read. If you want a mindless, simple, contemporary romance you can find it here.
Profile Image for Abril Sol.
743 reviews64 followers
August 10, 2020
Yikes!
If you like dumb plots and a dull main character... Search no more, this is your book.
Profile Image for amanda s..
3,115 reviews95 followers
June 27, 2013
Uhwow.

Manny's in shock when he found out that his parents are gone and his long lost woman are injured along with them. Jules was gone missing three years ago and Manny's frantically searching for her until he found her. Different and somehow, darker. Jules in danger and she knows that. She needs to get away from Manny before they hurt him. But apparently Manny won't let her leave again, not without him..

One of my favorite Maya Banks! The suspense, the romance, I don't understand why people find this story boring and worth less than three stars, I mean.. Come on?

I was instantly in love with Manny. He's tender and sweet, unlike Maya Banks trademark's Hero. He'd die to protect Jules and I find that very adorable. Gosh, he's adorable!

Jules, on the other hands, I didn't really like her. I mean, I did understand the reason why she did all of those things but still, I found her kind of stupid.

But then, I still love this book so much. Nailed it again, Maya Banks!
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
August 23, 2011
I normally really like this author, but for me, this one was a huge miss. I had a hard time buying into the whole premise. There is no way that I find Jules to be believable as a spy/assassin. The way she was indoctrinated into the organized not believable either. Manny seemed like a dup in more than one way. How is it that he has worked for the CIA for many years and yet Jules, who has only 3 years "experience", was able to get the better of him more than once. The ending was so anti-climatic. I am not even sure why I kept reading this one, other than the book read fast and I kept hoping the story would get better.
Profile Image for Sharon.
870 reviews
August 10, 2011
http://obsessionwithbooks.blogspot.com

Jules Trehan is on the run from a man she knows only as Northstar and from a terrorist organization she was forcefully recruited into when she was on a post-graduate trip to France, what was meant to be a vacation turned into her worst nightmare.

Manual Ramirez is a CIA counter-terrorism expert and has been searching for Jules since she disappeared three years prior, only leaving him with a vague message and not knowing one way or another whether she was safe, using all the resources he has on hand he finally locates her but is surprised by the person she has become and the links she has to the terrorist organization known as New French Revolution (NFR).

Trained as an assassin, Jules had to perform some unthinkable acts whilst employed by the organization and struggles to forgive herself for what she has done; she spends a lot of time trying to protect Manny and accepts one last job to try and free herself from the clutches of the organization but it is a job that could ultimately mean her demise.

Long Road Home is heavy on the suspense, there were a number of twists and turns that kept me captivated and wanting to know more – I was surprised by who the villains were and was thankful of the outcome. I truly felt for Jules and the predicament she was in. I liked her as a character, she had courage and determination but I wish she had of trusted someone from the very beginning and more so when she knew of Manny’s connections and capabilities.

I adored Manny, he had always been protective of Jules and became even more so when he found her again after being separated for so long, he was torn over whether she could be trusted but he never faltered in his protection, love and care.

Long Road Home has all the things I enjoy in a Romantic Suspense, mystery, betrayal, action and of course a healthy dose of romance – I loved Jules and Manny together.

Tony was a wonderful side character and was the perfect partner to Manny, the sort of person you would definitely want covering your back.

It is a fast paced and engaging plot, the action is ongoing from the very beginning and didn’t let up. I enjoy Maya Banks writing; she has a way of pulling me in, I was engrossed in Long Road Home.

This novel was previously released under Ms Banks pen name Sharon Long.
Profile Image for Nichole ~Bookaholic~.
735 reviews4 followers
November 21, 2013
Narration 4 stars ~ Story 2.5/3 stars

Title: Long Road Home
Author: Maya Banks
Narrator: Rebecca Estrella
Publisher/Date: AudioGO, 10/01/13

The blurb
CIA counterterrorism expert Manuel Ramirez has spent the last three years looking for the woman he loves, who disappeared while on a trip to France. Then Jules Trehan suddenly turns up in a Colorado hospital bed, and Manny is shocked by the change in the woman he once knew. Kidnapped by a shadowy organization, Jules has been forced to become a terrorist assassin. Manny races to get her to Washington, knowing her testimony will finally bring down the organization. But Jules must pull off one last job or Manny's life will be forfeit. It's a mission she must complete even if it means betraying the only man she has ever loved

I actually found Jules to be very irritating and at times just TSTL...I mean..really you don't think you can be tracked and/or your location found by turning on your cell phone??? You really never considered that a tracking device was put on you???

And Manny...seriously you have been in love with Jules ....yet she had no clue you had feelings for her of that other than a brother/best friend... and both of you with the secrets and thinking the other could never understand and you had to protect the other....

For me the story was kinda "meh" not bad but not great, I just did not find myself liking Jules or Manny a whole lot. I did think Rebecca Estrella did a great job on the narration which made it much easier to finish a book that, had I not been reviewing I most likely would not have finished it.


Profile Image for Jeni Clancy.
104 reviews5 followers
March 27, 2019
MAYA BANKS REALLY OUTDID HERSELF WITH THIS ONE!!!

I have read almost every one of her books - I LOVE her writing style so much!! But there was just something about this book that set it apart from all the others...The struggle Manny and Jules have to go through to be the together is at times gut retching, but always amazing because no matter what is happening they are both so committed to the love they share. Manny is committed to keeping them together and alive and in the end married with the white picket fence and kids - you know that picture! Jules love is so very strong for Manny that all she cares for and wants is for Manny to stay alive. Too many people she loves have been killed around her because Northstar wants to keep her active in his world. But she just wants out so to control her he threatens Manny's life.

I never wanted to put this book down but, I was on vacation when I started reading it so the first 2 chapters took 2 days of going in and out of the book on my Kindle whenever I had the chance because let me tell you I was hooked from the start of the book!!! Luckily the end of the trip was the next day and on the ride home I was immersed in the book while my daughter drove home and finished it that night staying up till 5 am!!! I JUST COULDN'T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!!!!
Profile Image for Jane.
56 reviews8 followers
November 13, 2012
I read the reviews and saw that this book didn't get the best of reviews. Don't quite understand why. I loved this book. Yes, the plot is a little (ok more than a little) far fetched and unbelievable. But isn't that why we love fiction and romance novels? I know they are an escape from my hectic and stressful life! Anyway, I really loved the chemistry between Jules and Manny. I wouldn't hate seeing a story about Tony! If you like suspense and romance, give this one a try!
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,339 reviews38 followers
September 1, 2015
This is the 7th book I read by Maya Banks. This book started off really good. I loved this book's story line. I loved the action in this story. This story had the right amount of action in it. I loved the surprises in this story. I loved Jules's character. I felt sorry for Jules. I thought Jules was very strong for what she went through. I loved Manny's character too. I loved how Manny protected Jules. I loved ending. Awesome job Ms. Banks.
Profile Image for Tawnya.
678 reviews28 followers
May 14, 2014
Long Road Home was a fantastic book. Filled with a lot of action and as you can come to expect from a Maya Banks novel, plenty of romance. I'd highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Laurie Craig.
17 reviews
May 17, 2014
This book was originally written under the name Sharon Long. It has lots of plot twists and was really hard to put down. If I could give it 6 stars I would.
Profile Image for Karen Burroughs.
1 review
January 24, 2015
Fast moving, good story!

.


. Enjoyed it! Surprised at the ending. Love story plus intrigue. Keeps your interest .Recommend it for all who like Maya Banks
395 reviews12 followers
May 1, 2019
Not her best work if I say so myself. I felt like the action overtook the romance angle. They barely had enough time to catch their breath before being on the run again. I would have liked to see some real development between them, it was sorely lacking. Manny was ok, he was nothing special but he didn't bother me. Jules on the other hand was very hard to like, she tried to take everything on her own without asking her help or being honest. As much as she feared for his safety and the people who could be working against them, he wasn't an amateur. He'd been doing his job longer than she had. He knew the risks and how to play the game of working in law enforcement and that there were crooked cops. He could have helped her from the beginning if she'd trusted him and didn't try to do everything herself. They both paid for her mistake of trying to solver her problems on her own. I was more annoyed by her naivety than concerned for her feelings and her life.

While I wasn't a fan of Jules, I can look past her flaws and admit that the position she was put in wasn't her fault. She went with what she thought was the best option for the people she loved and I don't blame her for that considering she was on her own when the NRA dragged her into their mess. After she realized Manny could take care of himself, she was an idiot for still agreeing to their demands but before when she was young and had no one to turn to she was not at fault. The fact that in the end the government manipulated her to get what they wanted while never even promising her that she'd be given immunity for what she was forced to do was harsh and inconsiderate. They took her as soon as she left the hospital and once they laid out what they wanted from her, they only said they'd consider letting her off if she told them everything. How is that supposed to make her want to help them if she possibly gets nothing? I can understand if she volunteered to join but her hand was forced by people in their own ranks. Her future was planned from when she was a child and they have no sympathy for a girl who would never have been involved in that had it not been for s few of their own who decided to take matters into their hands. I hated the way that they treated her like a criminal as if she did it willingly. It was either do what they said or they would kill her loved ones, kill her, or enslave her and rape her. She had no choice and they had no right to treat her like a pawn.

I wasn't feeling this book, not just the characters, but the storyline too. Too much on the run, not much connection between the leads other than an already established attraction, and characters that didn't appeal to me. It was a nice attempt but this author has done much better.
Profile Image for Josephine Almanza.
41 reviews
April 3, 2022
Let me start by saying that I have read other books by Maya Banks and absolute loved them. Long Road Home was no exception. This book kept me guessing until the very ended. I truly believed that my guesses were correct but low and behold they would be wrong. I do regret one of my guesses because that character is amazing. Now on to the good stuff, Manuel AKA Manny. His character was the classic protector or he shield. Manny’s mission from the start was to protect Jules everything else was second which made him hot in my book. Maya was able to make a complex character when she wrote Jules and her development throuout the book was real.

The spice in this book was minimum 🌶🌶 but the feelings were off the chart ⬆️.
Profile Image for Debra.
3,464 reviews13 followers
September 4, 2018
Long Road Home

After three long years Manny finally has her back in his sites. And he'll will have to freeze over before he lets her go...or so he thinks. Jules has been to hell. And now with Manny's help she is on her way back to heaven. But will those who used her be willing to let her life to tell what happened? Maya Banks books are on the edge reading. The drama, angst, and suspense keeps you reading till the very end. Watch out for the love of her characters that is steamy.
702 reviews
July 30, 2019
It was a bit of a slow start; but as it was coming to a close, it really ramped up. I liked the suspense of not knowing who was the other power player involved with the "North Star" from the beginning. How the love between Jewels and Manual wasn't really explained, but it worked well for the content of the story. I feel like I should read it next time (instead of listening). I think I zoned out on some parts that would have made this a more intriguing story.
Profile Image for Laura Kane.
2 reviews
July 15, 2017
Didn't like it

Did not care for this book. Did not like the main character at all, the book was aggravating and frustrating. Too much bad stuff, too depressing, not enough romance or character development. I typically enjoy reading books by Maya Banks. I look to her books for a fun escape from reality. This was not it.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,333 reviews46 followers
June 29, 2019
Not really a romance, too much death, deceit and not quite believable plot that also features a rape scene which I hate.
Lacking romance due to both H’s being puppets to two criminally minded men in positions of power.
Found Jules didn’t fit the mold of an assassin or spy. If she was supposedly that good, why didn’t she work out who had raped her and dealt with them.
Profile Image for Patricia Love.
11 reviews
January 23, 2019
Page Turner, I read it nonstop.

Long Road Home. Was a book that kept me wondering who did it, is she an assassin, or is she just being set up.... I enjoyed it very much. I'm a huge Maya Banks fan & she is an author that never disappoints, anytime I read one of her books!
Profile Image for Chey.
15 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2019
I thought the story was decent with a lot of suspense and drama. I suppose it was also decent as a romance novel but the library I got this book from listed this as erotica. I am really not sure what it was supposed to be.
59 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2021
Suspense and Romance

Great characters that draw you in from page one. As always Ms Banks doesn’t disappoint. This story has it all: suspense, heartbreak, tragedy and a happily ever after ending. Loved it from start to finish!
6 reviews
July 27, 2017
Great suspense

Good read I thought this book was a bit more Muldoon the romance side but great suspense action packed and a good twist on who the bad guys are
799 reviews
October 27, 2017
Compelling

Compelling storyline with scary believable characters and storyline. It is a good look at how absolute power corrupts absolutely. Wow!
Profile Image for Dee.
1,501 reviews173 followers
January 15, 2018
2.5 Stars

Got bored a couple of times but struggled through.....Definitely forgettable and I won’t read again!
Profile Image for TinaMarie.
3,513 reviews38 followers
January 27, 2018
Fluffy, lots of action, damsel kills to protect family and love. I just thought it was a bit fluffy.
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