Taking the Long Way Home

Bravo Family Ties Miniseries #23

by Christine Rimmer

He’s determined to crack the hard shell around her heart. She’s just as determined to enforce it. And a pregnancy challenges both! Anything can happen in the latest from New York Times bestselling author Christine Rimmer!

Could one night with the rancher

Lead to a lifetime of love?

Piper Wallace’s unexpected one-night fling with the sexy, much-younger rancher Jason Bravo is unforgettable—and not just because of their mind-blowing chemistry! The widowed librarian is now pregnant with his child. Jason agrees to keep the relationship between himself and the woman he's secretly loved for years as strictly a co-parenting one. Still, when Piper locates her biological father through an online DNA site and plans a road trip to meet him, Jason insists on tagging along. Their connection burns hotter than ever. But can he convince Piper that unlike the unreliable men in her past, he’s playing for keeps? 

From Harlequin Special Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

Bravo Family Ties

Book 1: Fifty Ways To Say I'm Pregnant
Book 2: Marrying Molly
Book 3: Lori's Little Secret
Book 4: Bravo Unwrapped
Book 5: The Bravo Family Way
Book 6: Married in Haste
Book 7: From Here to Paternity
Book 8: A Bravo Christmas Reunion
Book 9: Valentine's Secret Child
Book 10: Having Tanner Bravo's Baby
Book 11: The Stranger and Tessa Jones
Book 12: The Bravo Bachelor
Book 13: A Bravo's Honor
Book 14: Valentine Bride
Book 15: A Bride for Jericho Bravo
Book 16: Expecting the Boss's Baby
Book 17: Donovan's Child
Book 18: Marriage, Bravo Style!
Book 19: A Bravo Homecoming
Book 20: The Return of Bowie Bravo
Book 21: Hometown Reunion
Book 22: Taking the Long Way Home
Book 23: Her Best Friend's Wedding

Genres: Romance

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 26, 2024

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Christine Rimmer has written more than one hundred contemporary romances for Harlequin Books. She has won Romantic Times BOOKreview’s Reviewer’s Choice Award for best Silhouette Special Edition. She has been nominated seven times for the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award and five times for Romantic Times Series Storyteller of the Year.

A California native who first longed to be an actress, Christine earned her theater degree from California State, Sacramento and then went to New York to study acting. Later, she moved to Southern California, where she began her writing career with short stories, plays, and poems. Her poems and short stories were published in a number of small literary journals. Her plays were produced at The Back Alley and Group Theaters in Southern California and have been published by Dramatists Play Service and West Coast Plays.

She now lives in Oregon with her family and two very contented cats named Tom and Ed.

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking the Long Way Home
Bravo Family Ties #23
Christine Rimmer


Christine Rimmer’s Taking the Long Way Home is a must read for all true romantics proving that true love conquers all even a significant age difference, an unexpected pregnancy and a meddling mom.

Piper Wallace never expected to spend one night in the arms of a sexy and much younger man, a man who she’s known since he was just a boy. Now the question is how is she going to forget him?
Jason Bravo has secretly adored the sexy librarian from afar since he was a kid so when he gets the chance to live the dream he takes it.

When the night results in an unexpected pregnancy Piper’s excited to finally become a mom but when Jason makes it clear he wants to be a father in every way to their baby she’s not sure if she’s on board, but he’s got some aces up his sleeve.

This couple is the bomb, I loved both of them for very different reasons.
Jason is a man who’s not afraid to go for what he wants, and seeing his tenacity and his patience with Piper was awesome. Piper on the other hand has had two strikes with love and she is not going to make her third mistake on the sexy and much younger rancher.

Christine knocks it out of the park with this one, a touching and funny plot, a seemingly incompatible couple and an unforgettable journey to their HEA.

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper Wallace is a widow of four years and is the librarian in town. Piper was raised by a single mother. It was the eighties after all. No last names were exchanged, so Piper has never met her dad and he doesn’t know she exists. Her mom is an artist and they traveled in a van all over. After finally settling down in Medicine Creek, she had a normal life again. She decides that she doesn’t need a man after the death of her husband and she has accepted it. She loves her job, her mother and has great friends, that’s all she needs. When she runs into Jason Bravo, a younger handsome cowboy, they get to talking. One thing leads to another. They end up having a one night stand. Jason Bravo has had a crush on Piper forever. Now was time for him to make his move. He wants to date her but Piper says no. She’s thirteen years older. What will people think? It’s not going to happen again. Oops, she is pregnant for Jason’s baby. She’s scared and excited. She’s always wanted children. Will Jason be upset? Will he blame her? Will he want to be involved? She can be a single mom. Along with the pregnancy, she has found her father. He wants to meet her. Will Piper meet and like him? Will his wife and children accept her? With Jason pushing for more of a relationship, will she give in? She’s worried about the age difference. Jason doesn’t care about that. All he wants is Piper and his baby. Will they become a family? Will everyone accept the two being together? Will she finally meet her father and his family? Will she be happy if she meets them? The characters are wonderful. They’re strong, loving and deserve all the good things happening to them. Christine Rimmer always brings you into the stories. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.

[Cyndi Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason & Piper story sucked me in from the first couple pages and could not put it down. Christine does such a marvelous job at bringing her characters to life and I just love the personalities in this story. You have age difference, different relationship back grounds and cannot leave out how much I love Piper’s Mom! This is a must read and will have you all over the place emotionally to where you cannot stop reading. Loved it!!!! I can’t wait for the next story in the Bravo family!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a terrific addition to the stories of the next generation of Bravos. After a rough day at the library, Piper looks forward to relaxing with some friends at the local bar. But when none of them are available, she takes the unusual step of going alone. She's a little uncomfortable in that situation and is ready to leave when she encounters Jason. She remembers him from when he came to the library in middle school and realizes he has grown into a handsome and sexy young man (emphasis on the young). I loved this scene. Piper feels slightly sorry for herself, and Jason's attention perks her right up. She's surprised at how easy it is to talk to him and shocked when she realizes he's flirting with her. She's even more stunned when she recognizes the sparks that are shooting between them. This leads them to a one-night fling that neither can forget.

Initially, these two seemed like such an unlikely couple, and not just because of the age difference. Jason wants a relationship like his parents and thinks he can have it with Piper. To him, age is just a number. On the other hand, Piper has no interest in a relationship with anyone. After two bad relationships, she is convinced she's happier on her own. Jason doesn't intend to give up on his mission to convince her otherwise.

The stakes go up when Piper discovers she's pregnant. She's not fazed by the prospect of being a single mother and is surprised by Jason's insistence on being involved. While Jason lobbies for a closer relationship, Piper works hard to shore up the walls around her heart. However, an unexpected road trip allows them to get to know each other better and Piper realizes they have something special. There are some sweet scenes as Jason's love and support begin to cause cracks in Piper's walls. However, Piper still has fears to overcome and panics as she realizes the depth of her feelings for Jason. I was glued to the pages as I stayed up far too late, waiting for Piper to let go of those fears. The ending was sweet and emotional; I hope to see more of them in future books.

#ARC

[Tricia Verschage · Rating 5 out of 5]

They Just Keep Getting Better And Better

I could not wait to get my hands on this book and it did not disappoint! Age is just a number and you really are as old as you feel and Piper Wallace may be a widowed librarian but she still has a lot of life to live. When it comes down to it, she may not have made the right decision and may have settled for Mr. Right-Then when she married her husband and not for love. Now she is a widow and pretty sure that she can spend the rest of her life without a man and be content. Mix in a pretty intense day at work, innocent flirting at the local bar with a sexy-as-sin young man that is thirteen years her junior and you have the makings of a really good time. Sexy-as-sin local artist Jason Bravo has been crushing on Piper since her first year as a librarian when he was in Jr. High and he is bound and determined to show her that she has a lot of living to do and he is just the man to show her how.
From the start, Piper is determined to keep Jason as arm’s length and he is just as determined to wear her down and get under her skin, prove that he is the man for her and the thirteen years difference means nothing, especially when on this roller coaster we call life. This story has so many wonderful supporting characters that provide the extra drama and angst that help give Piper and Jason the push that they need to get closer, from Piper’s free-spirited mother and Jason’s supportive and loving family to Piper’s newly found family. Ms. Rimmer has a way of creating characters and storylines that get your heart and soul invested and you can’t help but cheer when the main characters finally come to the same conclusions that you did about them belonging together. I have been reading Ms. Rimmer’s books for many years and I cannot wait for the next book to come out. Piper and Jason’s story was so good and may have made me cry a little, a few times but that is how you know that you are reading a really good book. I really hope that there is an update to this sweet couple in a future book so I can watch them grow old and happy together.

[Brittnay Knighton]

Once again, another book that did not disappoint! Age is just a number when you are in love and the saying you feel as old as you really are as though Piper Wallace may be a widowed, down to earth but she still had a long way to go and lots of life to live. When it came to it, she may not have made the right decision and may have settled for the wrong man and may not have married her husband for the right reason. And even if she spent the rest of her life without a man and try to be content. But when you mix in a pretty intense day at work, a little innocent flirting at the local bar with a sexy younger man like Jason, you have the making of a really good time.

Local artist Jason Bravo has been crushing on Piper since her first year as a librarian from when he was in Jr. High and is motivated to show her that she has a lot of living to do and he is just the one to show her how. Piper is determined to keep Jason close but not too close as Jason is just as determined to wear her down and get under her skin, prove that he is the man for her and age gap is nothing. This story has a lot of other characters that provide the extra oomph that help give Piper and Jason the push that they need to get to know each other better. I loved Piper’s free-spirited mother, and Jason’s supportive and loving family. Ms. Rimmer has a way of creating storylines that get you totally invested and you can’t help but root for the main characters finally come to the same conclusions about belonging together. I have been reading Christine Rimmer’s books for many years and I always look forward to the next one to come out. Piper and Jason’s story was so good and that you are so happy when you read it cause it draws you in like you are there with the characters and that is how you know that you are reading a really good book. I look forward to reading more about this sweet couple in a future book so I can watch them grow old and happy together.

[charles e. dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Rimmer great story teller

I always biy the Bravo books Ms.Rimmer writes over past what has it been more than fifteen years?! Anyway she writes a great story. Pls keep writing!
Story: A handsome younger successful rancher (a Bravo)has longtime crush on decade older pretty widowed librarian. This is in a town where everyone knows everyone.The librarian was burnt out on idea of love, after bad choices in past. She was raised by a single mother artist who might be described as a hippie. Librarian is not like her mom. Librarian goes to a local watering hole after a stressful busy long day. The rancher sits down at the bar next to her to chat after he watches her brush off a guy trying to catch her attention. Long story short she goes home with the rancher for what she says must be a one nightstand. The rancher wants more but even though it was her best loving ever she tells him no! He is too much younger and she likes her life alone.
Librarian finds out she is pregnant and has not been even on a date in four yrs of widowhood. She is stunned but happy and tells Bravo and he is thrilled wants to get married. She says they don't know each other and plans to be single mom . He is super patient. He willing to try anything to be with her so since she refuses to date him, he suggests friendship. He wants her for his forever. She counters with coparents.He hates that but suggests they get to know each other better for coparenting. Anyway some rough patches also she wants to keep pregnancy a secret til first trimester over. Worst being his mother not approving of relationship and telling the Librarian she is too old for her son. He tells his mother he chooses who he sees. Since the Librarian already worries about that perception.
Anyway not giving any more away. But as with these books as anyone who buys them know it is a HEA.

[Marie Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking the Long Way Home by Christine Rimmer is a wonderful small town romance by one of my all time favorite romance authors. Piper Wallace is the lovely town librarian and Jason Bravo is a much younger, gorgeous, cowboy artist that has had a crush on her for years. One night, they accidentally connect at a local bar and sparks fly. Is this just a one night stand or could it turn into so much more?
Piper is a wonderful, kind, beautiful woman that has a history of bad romances and is very reluctant to risk her heart again. Jason is a strong honorable man willing to risk it all to have a future with the woman he loves. Will Piper overcome all her fears and finally get her chance at both passion and true love? Can Jason convince her that true love is worth the risk?
Jason is gorgeous, strong, and tenderhearted-- a true romantic hero. Piper is a complex real woman struggling to conquer her self doubts and past heartbreak just like the rest of us.
Nobody does it better then Christine Rimmer!!!! Taking the Long Way Home is a heartbreaking and heartwarming small town romance full of love and passion and I just couldn't get enough. Jason Bravo has turned into my favorite hero in Christine Rimmer's Bravo romance series!
Once you read Taking the Long Way Home by Christine Rimmer you will want to read all her captivating Bravo romances. Rimmer is a masterful romance author and creates gorgeous, complex heroes and heroines and unforgettable romances. I can't wait for the next romance in her wonderful Bravo series!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another awesome book by Christine Rimmer. I really enjoyed this book and could not put it down. The characters are very real and very relatable.

Jason Bravo and Piper Wallace live in the same town and have known each other for many years. She was raised by a single mother and never knew her father. She is a widow and is kind of put off by love. She is content in her job, mom and her friends, she does not need a man in her life, so she thinks.

Jason has had a crush on Piper for a while now. She sees him at a bar and there are sparks between them. She thinks there is too much of a gap in their years to date, he is 13 years younger than her. Meanwhile, they share an evening together that will lead to a life changing event.

Soon she finds out she is pregnant with Jason's child. She feels the age difference is an issue, they grew up in two different family styles, and after two bad relationships she is not sure she wants another. She feels she is fine by herself. Jason thinks age is just a number and will not give up on his pursuit of her.

Will Jason convince her that the differences are no big deal. That they belong together, or will she remain a single mom, like her own mother was, raising their child alone. The ending of this story is very emotional and heartwarming.

[Judyrudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking the Long Way Home is the twenty fourth book in Christine Rimmer’s long running Bravo series. I have to say this up front, Ms. Rimmer is at her best when she writes in this series. Longtime followers of her have seen many ups and downs throughout the series as the family has grown into its second generation. I loved the pairing of Piper Wallace and Jason Bravo. An unexpected couple for Ms. Rimmer, and it was such a surprise.

Piper is much older than Jason but that didn’t stop him from falling in love with her at a young age. He never gave up on his dreams and then one night she agreed to a one-night stand. Of course, that evening had its consequences and soon they find themselves dealing with an unexpected pregnancy. Jason never gives up on his love for her even though Piper is unsure of their age difference.

A cross country road trip changes everything for them. Will Piper accept their age difference and agree to a life with Jason? Will Jason be able to convince her that their age difference is just a number and that he truly loves her?

Taking the Long Way Home was a heartwarming story that I truly loved. I received an advance copy which I chose to read and review. I can’t wait to see which characters Ms. Rimmer pairs in her next Bravo series book.

[Perrin Larton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take the Long Way Home is another winner for me. Widowed, youngish, librarian Piper who feels like she has chosen incorrectly in her love life, is looking a 40 and has decided she's done with men.

At 13 years her junior, Jason has crushed on Piper since his Jr. High days. He's always thought he had no chance with her.

After a particularly awful day, Piper decides to head out for a drink and to relax. When none of her friends can go with her, she almost cancels but puts her big-girl panties on and heads out. Feeling very uncomfortable, Piper is getting ready to leave when Jason sees his chance and offers to buy her a drink.

Jason is sure Piper is the woman for him. Piper is sure Jason is too young for her. There is mutual attraction...and here we go!

A wonderful story with some issues from Piper, and Jason's family. I loved Piper finally meeting her father and expanding her family with his. Jason's mother is a piece of work, but comes around...slowly. Piper's mother is fabulous. A free spirit who wants the best of everything for her daughter.

Ms. Rimmer is an auto-buy author for me and the Bravo series is just so good. You always get a great story and a HEA with all of her books.

[Sharon Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s just get this out of the way: I loved this book! Jason Bravo is now my favorite hero. Christine Rimmer has another star on her hands!

Now, about the book. The main characters are so well drawn you feel as if you have known them forever. You care for them and wish they would go ahead and be happy together. Een the supporting characters are fully alive. Piper’s mother is the compassionate but not cloying mother we all could have liked to grow up with. Her newly found father (long story there) seems to be a wonderful man. Jason’s father and brother are supportive. His mother wants her baby son to be happy. Their friends support them from the beginning. Again, you are delighted to know them all.

We love and understand Piper. She is an intelligent, organized, and efficient librarian, but we can see Jason can enrich her life in so many ways – not just terrific sex! Who cares he is thirteen years younger? Christine Rimmers’ readers reach this conclusion long before Piper does. You will find yourself pulling for Jason as Piper puts up roadblocks. At the end I found myself hoping for a follow up book about the growth of their relationship and family!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this one by @christinerimmerauthor - Jason Bravo and Piper Wallace have an unexpected one night stand leaving Jason wanting nothing more than to crack the hard shell around Piper. Piper, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to retreat into herself, determined to double seal the barriers around her heart lest she ever let anyone else in after a relationship gone bad followed by the death of her husband. An unexpected baby brings these two together and during a road trip they discover that there is something special between them. I adored Piper and Jason’s endless effort to defend Piper, to spend time with her, determined to break through and prove that despite their differences they worked. Another fabulous story from Christine that I highly recommend you grab when it comes out soon!

[Peggy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Christine Rimmer. I have not read a book of her I have not like. This is the story of Jason Bravo and Piper Wallace. They have know each other for years but because of the age difference but only as someone you know who lives in a small town can. But now Piper is a widow and 40 years old and Jason is 27, when one night they get taking and having fun and one thing leads to another and one month later Piper is having Jason baby. She is all ready to raise the baby alone but Jason has other ideas. As they take a trip of two weeks to meet her father for the first time he is hoping to her to change her mind. She wants to be with him but afraid of the age thing and after his mom reacting no one can blame her and he is going to try.

[Nalria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Christine Rimmer. I love how she always has a strong heroine that stands up for herself. Piper has had a couple of unsatisfactory relationships and has decided she’s fine without being in a relationship. After a long eventful day at the library, she decided to treat herself to dinner out alone since none of her friends can go. While enjoying a drink at the bar, Jason Bravo sits down by her. They’ve know each other for years. After conversation they agree to one night together As you would expect the adventure begins with lots of challenges and especially hesitations on Piper’s part. No spoilers. You’ll have to read for yourself to what happens to reach their HEA! Love this couple.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking The Long Way Home by Christine Rimmer is the latest in the Bravo Family Ties series. I loved the interaction between Jason Bravo and librarian director Piper Wallace. Piper doesn’t want to like Jason, he’s much too young for her. But a one-night stand means they’ll be spending a lot of time together when she shows up pregnant. So, on a trip to visit the father she’s never known, he slowly wins her over. The chemistry between Jason and Piper is exciting and undeniable even when she keeps fighting it. I can’t wait to read the next in the series.

[Yvette Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading "Taking the Long Way Home" by Christine Rimmer. Piper is happy and content with her life as the town of Medicine Creek's librarian. Too bad for Piper charming cowboy Jason Bravo has other plans for her. A one-night stand was the plan and they could each go their separate ways, but Jason and the universe had other plans. Piper thinks their age difference is too much and Jason believes it's their business. Follow along with Jason and Piper's road to happily ever after. Happiness may be just around the next turn.

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper Wallace has had her share of heartbreak and doesn’t want any more.
Jason Bravo has had a crush on her since he fist laid eyes on her.
Sometimes, life works out in ways that aren’t expected, some things take the long way around and we have to hang on for the ride.
Christine Rimmer creates a wonderful story and this Bravo one is no exception. Come along as the story begins and develops, its worth the journey and its amazing to see how it comes along. You won’t regret this trip to Wyoming!

[Becky Tatar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Librarian Piper Wallace, at 39, is feeling as if life is passing her by. But having a drink in the local bar by herself draws the attention of Jason Bravo, who has had a crush on Piper since he was 14, and she was just starting to work in the library. And a night spent together has the expected result. But those 13 years mean a great deal more to Piper than to Jason. However, she gets to really know him on a road trip to San Diego, where her long lost father lives. Will Piper put aside the 13 years? What will everyone else in their families think?

[Lynda Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Rimmer delivers another compelling 2nd generation Bravo Family love story. Jason Bravo has always wanted the enduring kind of love he has witnessed between his parents and after an unforgettable night of passion with older woman & long time fantasy crush Piper Wallace he knows he has found it!! Once he convinces the pretty librarian that age is only a number & when true love is meant to be their future baby will make them a happy family of 3!!!

[Dawn Posey feltner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book in the Bravo series.
After a one night stand with Piper Wallace, can Jason Bravo just leave it at that, especially when Piper lets him know she pregnant.
Jason has had a crush on Piper since he was in middle school, and she just like now is the hometown librarian.
Jason has to convince Piper that he wants to be more than friends. He can see she does, too, but Piper has two failed relationships, and theres a age gap between them. Can he change her mind.

[Bridgette Tullos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking the Long Way Home…I keep falling in love with the Bravo with each and every book I read about this family. I loved the way we see characters from the previous book. Each book keeps getting better. I love Jason and Piper story! It pull you into the story from the very first page until the very last page. I love the the way that the road trip is the metaphor for Jason and Piper journey. I loved it from beginning to the end.

[Diane Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

He knew she was the one for him since a young age, but he had to wait his turn. Will she give him a chance to prove he is her one. Jason and Pipers story is one reminds me of my own life. With a husband 17 years older in age What does age have to do with love. Do the coparent together or will she let her guard down.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is another great Bravo story from Christine Rimmer.

Jason Bravo has a long-time crush on Piper Wallace. The problem is Piper is much older than Jason.

Jason and Piper are warm, likable characters and the road trip they embark upon so much fun. This is a quick, engaging read, I laughed, and I cried.

This book is definitely a reread keeper for my collection.

[Cathi Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything Bravo. Read every book in the series. Christine Rimmer never disappoints.
This is Jason Bravo and Piper Wallace story. Piper is a librarian and Jason is a much younger rancher.
A one night stand leaves her pregnant. Piper has trust issues. Can Jason convince her to trust him and his love

[Dyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy! This one really pulled on my heart strings. It was hard enough that Piper is a widow, but add in a father she’s never met and you get all the feels. All the characters were well developed. I especially fell in love with Piper’s mother Emmaline. Her free spirit made me want to live a little more!
You definitely don’t want to miss this Bravo story!

[Liz Miele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Bravo’s and this just might be my favorite.
Christine has done it again, I read this book in about 5 hours. You just can’t put it down. It’s grabs you from chapter one to the end.
Piper and Jason are so hot together.
Christine had created them to feel like they are your best friends.
Highly recommend

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story that builds on the multi generational bravo series. A one night stand results in a baby. Piper is older and comfortable on her own, finding herself pregnant doesn’t break her stride. She just makes plans to go alone. Jason is 13 years younger and has had feelings for Piper for years. He is determined to build a relationship with Piper and their child.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old hurts still there

A lovely story of an older woman who was gun shy when it came relationships and a young man who had revered her for a long time. The two of them getting together is a tale well told by a good author,Christine Rimmer. I have read about the Bravo family since the very beginning. This book is my favorite right now. Well worth the read. I'm

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking the long way home was a great part of the Bravo family it was a book I could not put down I love the fact that the characters really worked on making it work and for Jason and piper and the patience Jason had and the love he had was incredible another great book Christine.