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Home #1
Long Way Home
Shane McCanton and Tessa Kelly were childhood enemies. Everything was a contest to them and Tessa always seemed to show Shane that nice guys finished last. Things change, however, when hormones take over and Shane begins to see the perpetual thorn-in-his-side as more than just his childhood nemesis...
Tessa had never meant to set into motion events that led to their childhood rivalry, but once it started, she embraced it with gusto - until her world started to fall apart and she realized that Shane was the one constant in her life, her rock who would never leave her and help her find her Long Way Home...
Tessa had never meant to set into motion events that led to their childhood rivalry, but once it started, she embraced it with gusto - until her world started to fall apart and she realized that Shane was the one constant in her life, her rock who would never leave her and help her find her Long Way Home...
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2013
28 people are currently reading
1143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
October 30, 2017
OK, I am not that lucky these days and I cannot find the right book for me but WTF was this book about? I just couldn't stand the stupidity of the things happening in it.
Boy meets girl in kindergarten.
Girl says they will marry one day.
The boy is freaked out.
Years pass while they aren't even friends. They are sort of enemies.
Last year of high school, they become friends and it turns quickly into them being lovers.
Then, the time for him comes to go to college but he wants to make sure they are together even though they will be in different parts of the country. However, she says that he needs to enjoy his college life and she wants to enroll in the army. She says they need to experience the life outside their town and see what life offers to them. She says they shouldn't tie each other. Then, in the future, she believes they will come back together and get married.
When I understood it was going to be a pattern for them to go to their own ways and then be together for a while and then again go to their own ways and then be together for a while and then go to their own ways and then come back together...well, I lost my f*cking mind and dropped it...
I am sorry, I do not curse that often in my reviews but this book has made me suicidal!
What is worse is the tone of the writing: It sounds like an elementary school guidebook or coursebook.
It is narrated in the 3rd person and it is narrated as if speaking to a child, summarizing the events in simple sentences so that the child understands it all...
Over the next days and weeks, Shane allowed himself to relax around Tessa and finally let a friendship begin to develop between them. Tessa was included amongst his circle of friends and he found they had a lot in common...
***
Over the next years, they stayed in contact via email, texts and instant messaging but he’d had to work hard at guarding his heart. In the years since graduation he’d dated here and there, but no one could replace Tessa in his heart, and he was afraid no one ever would.
Oh, their first time at the age of 17 was epic... please read :)))
He placed her on her feet, spread the blanket and then took her down.
“Tessa, look at me,” he said, smoothing her hair back from her face. She looked up into his eyes, cupping his face in her hands. “You with me, baby?”
She licked at his lips. “I am so with you,”
“I don’t have protection with me.”
She smiled up at him. “Lucky for you, I’m on the pill.” His eyes widened.
“What?” “Regulates my period, and I really don’t want to be talking about this right now.”
“Right, yeah, I’ll just...”
She wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him as he took her signal and thrust into her. She gasped and he absorbed her cry as he felt the thin barrier of her innocence give way. In that moment, she was finally, really and truly his. Later, they snuggled together on the blanket, watching the waterfall.
See? Epic, right?
For 12-year olds, maybe... or not, not even for them...
No preparation, no precaution!
Well, yeah, I'd better have my rant about the safety of it all, as well.
Like in their first time, even after 4 years of separation, she didn't ask if he was clean or not before they had sex. She just said she was with no one in those 4 years and she was clean. And he definitely had many girls. She didn't worry about it.
WTF? Doesn't this girl grow up and learn the basics of safe sex at all?
Oh my, this book was so wrong for me in so many ways!!!! Sorry (but not sorry), I cannot continue this stupidity.
Note to the writers: Don't make such bad examples for the sake of young female readers!
Boy meets girl in kindergarten.
Girl says they will marry one day.
The boy is freaked out.
Years pass while they aren't even friends. They are sort of enemies.
Last year of high school, they become friends and it turns quickly into them being lovers.
Then, the time for him comes to go to college but he wants to make sure they are together even though they will be in different parts of the country. However, she says that he needs to enjoy his college life and she wants to enroll in the army. She says they need to experience the life outside their town and see what life offers to them. She says they shouldn't tie each other. Then, in the future, she believes they will come back together and get married.
When I understood it was going to be a pattern for them to go to their own ways and then be together for a while and then again go to their own ways and then be together for a while and then go to their own ways and then come back together...well, I lost my f*cking mind and dropped it...
I am sorry, I do not curse that often in my reviews but this book has made me suicidal!
What is worse is the tone of the writing: It sounds like an elementary school guidebook or coursebook.
It is narrated in the 3rd person and it is narrated as if speaking to a child, summarizing the events in simple sentences so that the child understands it all...
Over the next days and weeks, Shane allowed himself to relax around Tessa and finally let a friendship begin to develop between them. Tessa was included amongst his circle of friends and he found they had a lot in common...
***
Over the next years, they stayed in contact via email, texts and instant messaging but he’d had to work hard at guarding his heart. In the years since graduation he’d dated here and there, but no one could replace Tessa in his heart, and he was afraid no one ever would.
Oh, their first time at the age of 17 was epic... please read :)))
He placed her on her feet, spread the blanket and then took her down.
“Tessa, look at me,” he said, smoothing her hair back from her face. She looked up into his eyes, cupping his face in her hands. “You with me, baby?”
She licked at his lips. “I am so with you,”
“I don’t have protection with me.”
She smiled up at him. “Lucky for you, I’m on the pill.” His eyes widened.
“What?” “Regulates my period, and I really don’t want to be talking about this right now.”
“Right, yeah, I’ll just...”
She wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him as he took her signal and thrust into her. She gasped and he absorbed her cry as he felt the thin barrier of her innocence give way. In that moment, she was finally, really and truly his. Later, they snuggled together on the blanket, watching the waterfall.
See? Epic, right?
For 12-year olds, maybe... or not, not even for them...
No preparation, no precaution!
Well, yeah, I'd better have my rant about the safety of it all, as well.
Like in their first time, even after 4 years of separation, she didn't ask if he was clean or not before they had sex. She just said she was with no one in those 4 years and she was clean. And he definitely had many girls. She didn't worry about it.
WTF? Doesn't this girl grow up and learn the basics of safe sex at all?
Oh my, this book was so wrong for me in so many ways!!!! Sorry (but not sorry), I cannot continue this stupidity.
Note to the writers: Don't make such bad examples for the sake of young female readers!
March 16, 2015
5+++ stars!
Wow! That was no light read, whew!
I went into this story blind. I just read the blurb, looked at the rating & decided to try a new author. And this just caught me by surprise. Just WOW! Certainly wasn't what I was expecting.
Tessa made Shane's life a living hell when they were kids. She told him they'll eventually marry when they get older & was always on his case in their early years. He ignored her mostly until senior year in high school. They started talking, went to the dance together & fell for each other hard & fast. College came & they drifted apart. They still kept contact through email & aside from an occasion or two where they met up for a short period of time, they were apart until they were thrown into a case together.
And things went downhill after a short period of bliss together. And by downhill, I meant pain, brutality & heartache. Good God, was I shocked! Totally, unexpected.
I admired Tess for her strength & resilience though I didn't agree with her decision. What she went through was tragic. I ached & felt Shane's pain. It was totally not fair. I felt their despair. I was lost with them. I just FELT.
They eventually found their way back to each other though healing wasn't a breeze. I wanted to scream in frustration... enough already. These two needed their HEA really badly. I was all into them & their story. I only started to breathe easy in the last few chapters.
That was some roller coaster ride! The kind of love Tessa & Shane had was just amazing. They couldn't really stop it even if they tried. So glad I gave this book a try! I read this in one sitting... I just couldn't stop. Loved the epilogue!
Now I have to read the rest of the series. I hope to see more of Tessa & Shane in the other stories.
Highly recommended if you're looking for a love that stood through time & managed to beat all odds!
Wow! That was no light read, whew!
I went into this story blind. I just read the blurb, looked at the rating & decided to try a new author. And this just caught me by surprise. Just WOW! Certainly wasn't what I was expecting.
Tessa made Shane's life a living hell when they were kids. She told him they'll eventually marry when they get older & was always on his case in their early years. He ignored her mostly until senior year in high school. They started talking, went to the dance together & fell for each other hard & fast. College came & they drifted apart. They still kept contact through email & aside from an occasion or two where they met up for a short period of time, they were apart until they were thrown into a case together.
And things went downhill after a short period of bliss together. And by downhill, I meant pain, brutality & heartache. Good God, was I shocked! Totally, unexpected.
I admired Tess for her strength & resilience though I didn't agree with her decision. What she went through was tragic. I ached & felt Shane's pain. It was totally not fair. I felt their despair. I was lost with them. I just FELT.
They eventually found their way back to each other though healing wasn't a breeze. I wanted to scream in frustration... enough already. These two needed their HEA really badly. I was all into them & their story. I only started to breathe easy in the last few chapters.
That was some roller coaster ride! The kind of love Tessa & Shane had was just amazing. They couldn't really stop it even if they tried. So glad I gave this book a try! I read this in one sitting... I just couldn't stop. Loved the epilogue!
Now I have to read the rest of the series. I hope to see more of Tessa & Shane in the other stories.
Highly recommended if you're looking for a love that stood through time & managed to beat all odds!
November 4, 2013
Well, lets see... What is there to say, that wasn't already said by the other raving reviews. I absolutely LOVED this book. I read it in just a few hours. I picked it up on a 1 day free promotion, but looking back, I would pay the price for it. It was one of the best stories set around one of the best story lines.
It starts with Shane, at 5 years old, in Kindergarten, not at all happy about having to go to school. First day of school, he was seated next to Tessa, a girl! (the horror). From that moment on, Tessa spent her time trying to win him over, and he spent his time trying to get away from her. Until their senior year of high school. From that moment their lives would never be the same...
Ugh, I know that does not do the beginning of the book justice, because it was so much more than that. But, once you read the book, you will completely understand why I don't want to give to much away. The story spans 20+ years of their life, and every bit of the way I was either happy and in love with their love or I was clenching and wanting to slap someone. Or something in between. Shane is such a beautiful person with such an understanding and giving heart. I can't wait to read more from this author, to see what other emotionally gut wrenching stories she will put us through.
****SPOILER ALERT****
I feel like I need to say this, because not only does this effect the feeling I have for the book, but I was too traumatized at the end to want it to go differently, so I want to tell people in case they want to know. There IS a HEA. That's all I am going to say, but I would have loved it if someone had told me before I read it, because it was really hard to finish because of I wasn't exactly sure.
It starts with Shane, at 5 years old, in Kindergarten, not at all happy about having to go to school. First day of school, he was seated next to Tessa, a girl! (the horror). From that moment on, Tessa spent her time trying to win him over, and he spent his time trying to get away from her. Until their senior year of high school. From that moment their lives would never be the same...
Ugh, I know that does not do the beginning of the book justice, because it was so much more than that. But, once you read the book, you will completely understand why I don't want to give to much away. The story spans 20+ years of their life, and every bit of the way I was either happy and in love with their love or I was clenching and wanting to slap someone. Or something in between. Shane is such a beautiful person with such an understanding and giving heart. I can't wait to read more from this author, to see what other emotionally gut wrenching stories she will put us through.
****SPOILER ALERT****
I feel like I need to say this, because not only does this effect the feeling I have for the book, but I was too traumatized at the end to want it to go differently, so I want to tell people in case they want to know. There IS a HEA. That's all I am going to say, but I would have loved it if someone had told me before I read it, because it was really hard to finish because of I wasn't exactly sure.
December 6, 2013
Once I can see threw the mess of tears.... review to come
For Full Review - check out my blog!
www.curiouskindlereader.com
www.facebook.com/CuriousKindleReader
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Shane and Tessa haven’t always been friends – for most of their childhood he couldn’t stand her. It wasn’t until they were in their senior year of high school that they finally buried the hatchet, and something started to happen. Shane started seeing Tessa in a new light, all grown up and beautiful. Their friendship grows into something more. I really enjoyed this story from beginning to end. It ended up being something I wasn’t expecting – which was suspenseful. Once they’re grown and involved in their careers things change, problems arise and the suspense kicks in to the point where I’m yelling at my Kindle and Tessa – telling her to quit being stupid! What the hell are you thinking! And WTF is going to happen now – because I DID NOT see that coming.
And what does all that emotion mean? A REALLY good engaging story that will leave you asking – WHAT?! until you pick it back up again. Ann’s writing is quick, to the point and leaves you wanting more. She’s clear – honest – and doesn’t muddle the story with unnecessary descriptions.
You’ll find yourself fighting for Shane & Tessa and hopefully their happily ever after – check it out!
For Full Review - check out my blog!
www.curiouskindlereader.com
www.facebook.com/CuriousKindleReader
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Shane and Tessa haven’t always been friends – for most of their childhood he couldn’t stand her. It wasn’t until they were in their senior year of high school that they finally buried the hatchet, and something started to happen. Shane started seeing Tessa in a new light, all grown up and beautiful. Their friendship grows into something more. I really enjoyed this story from beginning to end. It ended up being something I wasn’t expecting – which was suspenseful. Once they’re grown and involved in their careers things change, problems arise and the suspense kicks in to the point where I’m yelling at my Kindle and Tessa – telling her to quit being stupid! What the hell are you thinking! And WTF is going to happen now – because I DID NOT see that coming.
And what does all that emotion mean? A REALLY good engaging story that will leave you asking – WHAT?! until you pick it back up again. Ann’s writing is quick, to the point and leaves you wanting more. She’s clear – honest – and doesn’t muddle the story with unnecessary descriptions.
You’ll find yourself fighting for Shane & Tessa and hopefully their happily ever after – check it out!
November 5, 2013
First off I love, love, love this cover!! It doesn't give too much away, but it ties into the book perfectly. Such a beautiful cover just love it!!
I am a BIG character person. I fall in love with them and get attached to them. I always want to know more about the characters. This book was amazing for me in that way. I loved how you get to follow the characters from childhood into adulthood. You get to grow up with Tessa and Shane. I felt a part of their lives which let me totally immerse myself into the story. Saying that, know the story was fast paced, it didn't drag. It is a one reading kind of book, so plan accordingly;)
Shane and Tessa have the kind of love we all wish we had. To still have that magical connection with someone you have known for so long is amazing. Their journey is anything but smooth sailing, which I believe made the story all that more relateable. Everyone will be able to relate to the characters at one point or another as you follow them on their journey. With all this Long Way Home made me believe in true love and amazing friendship.
This book will hook you from the beginning. I was laughing and crying, I was angry, and I one point I just wanted to hug Shane. Overall this is an amazing debut by author Ann Vaughn. Make sure you check it out!
I am a BIG character person. I fall in love with them and get attached to them. I always want to know more about the characters. This book was amazing for me in that way. I loved how you get to follow the characters from childhood into adulthood. You get to grow up with Tessa and Shane. I felt a part of their lives which let me totally immerse myself into the story. Saying that, know the story was fast paced, it didn't drag. It is a one reading kind of book, so plan accordingly;)
Shane and Tessa have the kind of love we all wish we had. To still have that magical connection with someone you have known for so long is amazing. Their journey is anything but smooth sailing, which I believe made the story all that more relateable. Everyone will be able to relate to the characters at one point or another as you follow them on their journey. With all this Long Way Home made me believe in true love and amazing friendship.
This book will hook you from the beginning. I was laughing and crying, I was angry, and I one point I just wanted to hug Shane. Overall this is an amazing debut by author Ann Vaughn. Make sure you check it out!
December 11, 2013
Okay bare with me here I'm not good at this review thing. Have only done it one other time before.
With that said First let me say THANK U TO MS. VAUGHN for this book. I got it on amazon free. So a big thanks , I was hooked from the first chapter, tears running down my face from laughing so hard. Look forward to the next book.
The story starts with a little boy name Shane McCanton attendance has Thursday off kindergarten. The first person he comes across is a little girl named Tessa Kelly . The things a little Tessa said scared the heck out of Shane and he tried his hardest to stay away from her but not possible with Tessa. With the help of others they managed to keep them apart. While in high school they started talkin and became friends again. And it only progressive from there. A long way home is the perfect name for this book. Tessa's Character in the book was brave honorable scary and so much more. Shane's character was( honestly can't put it into words) one of a kind. 100 percent a must read if you haven't already
With that said First let me say THANK U TO MS. VAUGHN for this book. I got it on amazon free. So a big thanks , I was hooked from the first chapter, tears running down my face from laughing so hard. Look forward to the next book.
The story starts with a little boy name Shane McCanton attendance has Thursday off kindergarten. The first person he comes across is a little girl named Tessa Kelly . The things a little Tessa said scared the heck out of Shane and he tried his hardest to stay away from her but not possible with Tessa. With the help of others they managed to keep them apart. While in high school they started talkin and became friends again. And it only progressive from there. A long way home is the perfect name for this book. Tessa's Character in the book was brave honorable scary and so much more. Shane's character was( honestly can't put it into words) one of a kind. 100 percent a must read if you haven't already
July 26, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It took me a minute to get into the book but when I did, it flowed nicely. I felt like I read part of the ending in another book but whatever. Tess and Shane love story was inspiring. There were times you wanted to strangle Tess but yet you admired how strong she was. She over came a lot in her life to be the woman that she is. This story shows that love never fails no matter what you go through. The epilogue was cute and a nice ending to the story. Storyline: 5 (enjoyable) Heat: 3.5 (not FSOG heat but nice passion)
October 26, 2013
I was given a copy of this book, by the author Ann Vaughn, in return for an honest review, and I have to say, hand on heart, it was an amazing read. It was fast paced, heart-breaking and heart-warming, all rolled into one. There was also some extremely tense, dark, tragic and traumatic bits within the storyline. **The story does deal with domestic abuse and sexual assault, however, both of these storylines are dealt with sensitively and not described in graphic detail and they are both believable scenarios. However I know that no matter how the subject matter is handled, there are those who would rather not read about these situations.**
The book covers Shane and Tessa's relationship from when they were in kindergarten all the way up to their late twenties, early thirties. It covers all the ups and downs and twists and turns in their relationship in between.
It all starts when Tessa tells Shane, she is going to marry him 'when they are big' on their first day of kindergarten. For the rest of their school years they have a love/hate relationship. She loves to make his life a misery and he hates her. Until their Senior Year at High School that is, when they call a truce and become friends. The summer after graduating is when the relationship starts to develop into something more. Unfortunately for them, their lives are not destined to go in the same direction, so they don't see each other much after that summer.
I loved how, despite the years when they were apart, their devotion and commitment to each other was always there, they would always have a connection and would always find a way back to each other over the years. As time marches on they see each other on a few occasions, keeping in touch any way they can, until Shane loses all contact with Tessa. Then one day she turns up again, out of the blue and that is when things really get turned upside down and inside out for them. Just when they think they have reached that happy place, it is all ripped away from them horrifically. They are both left reeling and devastated from the events.
There were several bits within the story when I would be sobbing. There were some really traumatic bits where I felt I had ice in my veins, and I just wanted to skip to the end to see how things worked out! The story has a mixture of everything, love, despair, happiness, trauma and suspense. On their journey Tessa and Shane have to overcome some very big obstacles, if they are to get together and stay together. However, some obstacles may be just too big to make it possible for their futures to work out as they would like.
I really enjoyed this book and I felt that all the events that made up the story were believable, which only added to the enjoyment. If you haven't read this yet, I would highly recommend it.
November 22, 2013
I simply loved this book, I've been saying this a lot lately but this is probably one of my top reads this year. The writing was different but not in a bad way, I liked it. I loved how you got to see how they started and changed over time, it wasn't like where you just got bits of their history you got it all.
Now to pick on the characters…
Shane, what can I say about Shane? How about he was the greatest, or that I loved him at the very start of the book? I loved everything about him and didn't want the book to end. Not many authors could pull off a character like him but this one did a great job.
Tessa, At first I was on the fence about her. Female characters had been really chancy lately on whether I like them or not and going into it Tessa was one that I wasn't sure about. I grew to love her mighty fast though and admired her strength and how she was in general.
The background characters touched my heart too but I'm not going to go into that besides saying that they really worked well with the main characters and it played out well in the end.
This was easily a 5* book and though I've given plenty 5* reviews not many have been as easy to decide as this one. I laughed, got angry, wasn't thorough happy phases and bawled my eyes out reading this book. It truly is a must read.
Now to pick on the characters…
Shane, what can I say about Shane? How about he was the greatest, or that I loved him at the very start of the book? I loved everything about him and didn't want the book to end. Not many authors could pull off a character like him but this one did a great job.
Tessa, At first I was on the fence about her. Female characters had been really chancy lately on whether I like them or not and going into it Tessa was one that I wasn't sure about. I grew to love her mighty fast though and admired her strength and how she was in general.
The background characters touched my heart too but I'm not going to go into that besides saying that they really worked well with the main characters and it played out well in the end.
This was easily a 5* book and though I've given plenty 5* reviews not many have been as easy to decide as this one. I laughed, got angry, wasn't thorough happy phases and bawled my eyes out reading this book. It truly is a must read.
October 17, 2013
I had never heard about this book before but was thrilled when I won an ecopy in a Flash giveaway. I started it that night and couldn't put it down. I cried, laughed and cheered! This story seemed so realistic that I felt the emotions right with the characters and knew I wouldn't be going to sleep until I finished it. I was really surprised to find that this wasn't your typical romance and it wasn't all hearts and flowers. Both characters were so strong and you could feel how powerful their love for each other was and how events had changed them in the story. I love that it was a standalone and the author didn't chose to break it up into several novels. I will definitely be reading more from Ann Vaughn and can't wait to read her next published novel.
October 28, 2013
This was a fabulous book. What happens when you show up to kindergarten and the little girl next to you decides that you will be marrying her when you are older? Tessa loved to pick on Shane growing up. Finally they had to separate them in different classes. One day during senior year, Shane really sees Tessa. She's grown up and not so bothersome.
First love is fabulous. Both know that they have to work on their dreams. Shane goes off to college and Tessa goes into the Army. They keep in touch over the years. When fate brings them together for a job assignment to infiltrate a possible cult, all hell breaks loose. Will the traumatic events bring them together or pull them apart?
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. And I would highly recommend it.
First love is fabulous. Both know that they have to work on their dreams. Shane goes off to college and Tessa goes into the Army. They keep in touch over the years. When fate brings them together for a job assignment to infiltrate a possible cult, all hell breaks loose. Will the traumatic events bring them together or pull them apart?
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. And I would highly recommend it.
September 25, 2013
I really loved this book. And when I say loved, I mean that if I could give a few more stars, I would give them to this one. My inner CJ major skipped away happy at the end. Well done!
November 3, 2013
WOW, one of those books that will reel you in till the end, and you'll be left with "OMG" "HOLY SHIT" "WOW" "DAMNNNNNN", just wow, very very emotional read.
December 1, 2013
Oh my goodness!!! My heart is in my toes after reading this book. To say it was AMAZING would be a huge understatement. I was completely hooked from the moment Tessa tells Shane in Kindergarten that they are going to be married when they get big in Chapter 1. The story follows Tessa and Shane through childhood all through adulthood. There was not one part of this story I would change. Tessa picked on Shane all through childhood then they get paired together in their senior year and let's just say, they really discover each other. They are best friends and the loves of each other's life. They both know it and although their road together is anything but smooth, they both love the other more than life itself. Every page of this book was both heartwarming and heartwrenching. There were times I was laughing out loud and other times I was crying. Tessa and Shane both very quickly made their way into my heart and I can tell you with certainty that they will be there forever! Wonderful, wonderful job Ann Vaughn!! You have most certainly become one of my favorite authors and this book will definitely be read over and over again!! I absolutely recommend everyone read this book!! I give this book as many AMAZEBALLS STARS THERE IS!!
Review by Tabitha
Review by Tabitha
November 26, 2013
Impressed! I'm not sure what I was expecting but I got much more than what I could have imagined. Think GI Jane meets The Notebook. A well written story that you will devour. I could not put it down. Tessa and Shane have loved each other since kindergarten pretty much. You know how we always tell girls, "If a boy picks on you it means he likes you?' Well, in this book it's the opposite. Tessa is doing all the picking! Of course, life happens and I wont spoil it for you but just WOW. You will be glad you read this one!
December 11, 2013
Amazing. This book has made me smile from the first chapter. Tho at times I was like what the heck get it together people I truly loved this story. I may have cried a bit but it was so worth it. Tessa and shane are just awesome and so is the rest of the team. you will instantly fall in love with shane. tessa is so badass whats not to love about her Not sure how Ann Vaughn came about the characters and the scenarios she placed them in but wow I was in awe of the way the it all just flowed and how Shane and Tessa grew. Just amazing
October 20, 2013
I stumbled upon this book today while I was looking for a good book to indulge in. So glad I purchased it. Wow...it was a pretty quick read that was superbly written. I enjoyed the humor, the emotional ups and downs, and especially the characters. Oh Shane.....why aren't there men like this in the world? Or at least why haven't I found my Shane? Overall a great story and a must read to add to your pile. Can't wait to see what else this author has under her belt!
November 9, 2013
I thought this was a great read and couldn't stop reading it. I loved the characters especially Tessa. She is a strong woman who endured so much in the novel and stayed strong. It's not your typical chick book! :)
November 11, 2013
This was one of the best books I have ever read! I cried and laughed through it all. I would love to have their story continue.
May 4, 2015
Shane McCanton and Tessa Kelly were childhood enemies. Everything was a contest to them and Tessa always seemed to show Shane that nice guys finished last. Things change, however, when hormones take over and Shane begins to see the perpetual thorn-in-his-side as more than just his childhood nemesis...
Tessa had never meant to set into motion events that led to their childhood rivalry, but once it started, she embraced it with gusto - until her world started to fall apart and she realized that Shane was the one constant in her life, her rock who would never leave her and help her find her Long Way Home..
I loved this story. I
loved how Shane and Tessa met in kindergarten – and she just knew he was the “one”
– although his reply to their future was classic…
"You’re Nuts!”
I enjoyed the growth and changes in their relationship as they grew into teenagers – and finally discovered the feelings they had for each other. It was always Shane for Tessa. Even as they went their separate ways after college – they always held the love they had for each other deep in their hearts.
But there’s so much more involved in this book – it totally caught me off guard. -without giving too much away of the story - some of the situations might be difficult for some people to read, but everything was handled in a careful manner. Theirs wasn’t an all hearts and flowers relationship all the time – there were situations that happened, that were just too big to overcome – at least I believed so.
I really enjoy Ann Vaughn’s writing style. I read her Christmas book and knew I just had to see what else she wrote – and I was in no means disappointed. Now I’m off to read Finding Home – and can’t wait to see how this story plays out.
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March 2, 2014
I won this book from a giveaway and I was so excited it totally made my night.
Shane Shane Shane...hmmm gotta add him to my BBF list.
The Long away Home had lots of ups and downs but it part of life in reality, right?! From the first page of the book it totally pulled me
in that I couldn't put it down. I was biting my lip so hard that I think it was close to bleeding from the anticipation. I cried and laughed and most of all fell inlove. This is by far one of the books that will stick with me for awhile. It's unforgettable! Tessa and Shane when they were in kindergarten, that was cute. Ok no spoiler right? All I can say is that you have got to get this book and read it! You will not be disappointed...not once did I skip anything in the book.
I am looking forward on reading more of Ann Vaughn's books. I read this book listening to this song by We The Kings,
totally reminded me of Shane and Tessa. It's called a Sad Song lyrics here...Without you I fell broke. Like I'm half of a whole. Without you, I've got no hand to hold. Without you, I'm just a sad song.
THANKS, AGAIN ANN! It's was a great experience! I'm pretty sure I'll be reading this book again. Happy reading!
Shane Shane Shane...hmmm gotta add him to my BBF list.
The Long away Home had lots of ups and downs but it part of life in reality, right?! From the first page of the book it totally pulled me
in that I couldn't put it down. I was biting my lip so hard that I think it was close to bleeding from the anticipation. I cried and laughed and most of all fell inlove. This is by far one of the books that will stick with me for awhile. It's unforgettable! Tessa and Shane when they were in kindergarten, that was cute. Ok no spoiler right? All I can say is that you have got to get this book and read it! You will not be disappointed...not once did I skip anything in the book.
I am looking forward on reading more of Ann Vaughn's books. I read this book listening to this song by We The Kings,
totally reminded me of Shane and Tessa. It's called a Sad Song lyrics here...Without you I fell broke. Like I'm half of a whole. Without you, I've got no hand to hold. Without you, I'm just a sad song.
THANKS, AGAIN ANN! It's was a great experience! I'm pretty sure I'll be reading this book again. Happy reading!
July 19, 2016
Long Way Home was such an awesome book! I fell in love with Shane back in Kindergarten along with Tessa. Their story had so many ups and downs I just wanted to throw my tablet against the wall. I was frustrated, scared, happy, crying, mad right along with the characters. Ann's way of writing made you feel that you were a part of the story. This book is a must read!
August 3, 2016
I loved this book. It perfectly depicted life, and all the detours or roadblocks or obstacles that often get in the way. It also showed that in spite of all that, love will endure. This book pulled at my heartstrings. I immediately fell in love with Shane and Tessa. Thank you, Ann Vaughn, for writing such a compelling, emotional love story.
February 15, 2014
What a beautiful story!! I loved it!! :)
I found Tessa slightly annoying.. what is it with these heroines thinking they know how to deal with EVERYTHING without talking about it?! There was so much heartache for Tessa and Shane, I so desperately wanted a HEA for them (well more for Shane! :P)
But other than that I loved the story and the epilogue was sweeeeeeeeeet
I found Tessa slightly annoying.. what is it with these heroines thinking they know how to deal with EVERYTHING without talking about it?! There was so much heartache for Tessa and Shane, I so desperately wanted a HEA for them (well more for Shane! :P)
But other than that I loved the story and the epilogue was sweeeeeeeeeet
August 31, 2013
Very sweet look at a relationship that spans from when they met in Kindergarten all the way through to adulthood. There's romance, friendship and a little bit of action all mixed in. Good debut book.
August 22, 2013
I really enjoyed Long Way Home. From the characters, to their journeys, I was hooked. I liked that their were multiple ups and downs and their relationship wasn't smooth sailing. I am looking forward to more books by Ann Vaughn.
August 20, 2013
I loved this book! I cannot wait until her next book comes out. I will definitely be following this author!
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August 30, 2013Great book
November 4, 2013
I really enjoyed reading the story of Shane & Tessa!!
December 10, 2013
Yay!! Another huge success by author Ann Vaughn!!!! Love love here stories they are funny and entertaining and impossible to stop once started!! Bring on more great books Ann!!!!!!!
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