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The Long Road - Dillon's Story

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The third book of the Finding Ava series – Dillon and Dani’s story.
To save his family’s business, Dillon has to become the man and leader he never thought he could be and lead them all to success. Dani is determined to show Dillon that she is on his side against her own father. Young lovers Dillon and Dani try to cope when attacks on their business threaten their livelihood and very lives of their friends and loved ones. With so much depending on them, can they learn to work together? Can they repair what has been broken between the two of them before all is lost?

363 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2014

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464 people want to read

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Jennifer Loren

31 books631 followers

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Anna-Marie Buchner.
929 reviews7 followers
December 23, 2013
“I love you that much”

The Long Road by Jennifer Loren

Wow Just wow. What a wonderfully powerful story of friendship, love, greed, power, deception, heartache and pain. This read had it all, and I mean it all. I received this as an ARC to read and give an unbiased and honest review.

We first met Dillon in Reckless Book #2 of Finding Ava series. A super obnoxious egotistical hottie. All a façade’ but you don’t realize it then. This book delves into Dillon’s life and is his story. Called back from New York and his very bachelor life to come to Thomasville to help his Dad with the family business that is literally on the verge of collapse and trying to be bought to be replaced by condo’s and shops, Dillon runs into his old best friend and love of his life while at the airport. Little did he know his father also called Dani. Dani offered to help Dillon’s dad Matt get their business back operational, you see it was her father and fiancé’ trying to buy it out from under him.

As the story progresses you are told some very critical information about why Dani left and broke Dillon’s heart. Actual when this fact is revealed you will cry I guarantee it. The reader is lead to believe that Doug Portman, Dani’s dad and Thomas Monroe her finance’ are really evil evil people. Honestly I hated them both. Everything happening was pointing directly to them. You are also introduced to other pretty questionable characters. And Sean and Ava make a few appearances which was a treat.

It seems someone’s out to get that factory shut down, murder and mayhem are bringing very bad PR to the failing factory. About 3 quarters through the book Dani is brutally attacked and left for dead. In my heart of hearts I really suspected her finance’ who seemed to bully and strong arm Dani when she disagreed with him. Now I know where the title came from. Due to her injuries and temporary loss of memory Dani was badly beaten and could not walk. But the doctors were saying this was only temporary. When her father came and got her from the hospital he said some rather cruel things to her to get her to go home with them and to keep Dillon away. I just have to say this Dillon was persistent and camped under her window for days since he was not allowed to speak with her. He wasn’t going to lose her again. I realize Dani was badly hurt and broken but she was so mean to Dillon it just hurt to read as it played out. But in the end yeah in the end you will melt. When I got to the Epilogue (It’s a letter to Dani) my heart totally stopped totally and my breath caught. All I can say is Jennifer Loren you are so bad putting your readers through that. LOL I honestly loved this story and I give The Long Road 5*. Oh and my favorite quote was from Dillon, "Our relationship has always been up to you - I Love You the much." I can’t wait to see what she’ll come up with next.
Profile Image for Emily.
127 reviews
December 24, 2013
Jennifer Loren keeps getting better and better! This book had everything you could ever want: heartbreak, angst, love, determination, hope, sex, violence, suspense....I could go on and on! This is definitely another book that's impossible to put down once you start reading, even with it being a holiday season. Once he let's go of the past Dillon shows what true love is all about, never giving up on the other and sticking it out til the end. Fantastic job Ms. Loren and, as always, I'm eagerly awaiting the next one!
Profile Image for Amber.
154 reviews20 followers
December 22, 2013
It took me a couple days to start this due to being super busy with the holidays but once I read the first couple pages I was hooked!! It was a beautiful story with many different layers!

full review to come closer to release.
Profile Image for Divas BookBlog.
139 reviews40 followers
December 17, 2013
The Long Road by Jennifer Loren.
(Note: this book belongs to a series but can be easily be read as a stand-alone.)
Finding Ava ( book 1 )
Reckless ( book 2 )

We have so much to say about this book, but we can´t find the correct words to describe what this book was like to read. We´ve been following the authors work for a while now and she never disappointed us with her ability for story telling. Her books are exciting, fun, thrilling and made us want more.

The Long Road was something totally different from what we have been introduced to by Jennifer Loren. The least we can say is:
OMG! SO FREAKIN`FABULOUS! THE MOST LOVABLE LOVE STORY we have read so far.


This book is about love and life, and what those are capable of doing to people.

Dani and Dillon have known each other since they were nine years old. Ever since the day Danielle showed up at Dillon´s birthday party they´ve been best friends. As time fllew by and hormones sprouted, they quickly became more than just best friends. It wasn´t until both have dated different people when they found out they´re meant for each other.

Until one nasty event happened and their lives changed forever!

Years later....Dillon quits his job in New York and decides to move back to his hometown to help save the family business that is on the brink of getting shut down. And when Dillon waits for his flight he sees the one person who he thought he´d never see again. Dani.

Guys....really...This is where the story begins to get fun and totally interesting.

When the couple reunite at the airport, things get so exciting. We laughed so hard. The humor in that scene ( or in the whole book, for that matter ) was fantastic. The way they treated each other was freaking hilarious. All Dillon wanted was to be left alone and Dani did her best to do the opposite. When Dillon finds out that Dani was on the same mission as himself, his life couldn´t get any more worse, or better....depending on which ones POV. lol

ANYWAYS....that´s where the fun stops and real life shows it´s ugly face. Both are confronted with something that will change their lives for good.

When Dillon and Dani arrive in the town they grew up, they find the family business completely ruined.

Now, we all know one awful event is always followed by other, event nastier event. Saving the factory that has been in the family for generations, wasn´t the only obsticle that needed to be dealt with. The past bites everyone in the ass, threats make everyone´s lives harder, and even murder is wriiten big in this book. And not to forget the confessions that were made! Dear sweet baby Jesus...those were either picture perfectly romantic, or sad a hell!! Made us cry.
Not only did this book get us so excited ( with all the cat and mouse play and all the murders..), it also put us through so many other emotions. Towards the end of the book there are some scenes that will make you want to jump into the book and just shake some sense into the characters. You´ll want to make them see what they have and what they´re doing to each other!

We´ve hardly seen so many dramatic, devastating, gut wrenching events combined with lots of love, loyalty, and hope in a novel.
The main characters went through the deepest part of hell and never gave up hope. No matter who or what got in their way....as long as they did it together....they could move mountains!

The sub characters were not only great, we could easily see them as one of us. We adored Dillon and Dani´s third BFF, Shane. What a lovable goofball! And Warren, Matt, Thomas, Sean,...each and everyone of them were great! Just easy going people with normal lives. Okay...some were mean as shit....but we all know those in real life too.

The Long Road will definitely made you cry. It will make you laugh. And it will also make you see that life isn´t a picnic..but it can be if you work hard for it to happen!!
Another aspect we´d like to talk about is the sex in this book. Yes, these love birds have their moments ( which were sexy as hell)....but it´s the story that counts here!

If you are looking for a romantic, heartbreaking, fun and exciting lovestory....you will not be disappointed with this one! THAT we promise.

Would we recommend this book?
- YES YES YES! It´s a MUST HAVE! A true keeper.

Would we re-read this book?
- ABSOLUTELY! Some scenes in this book were so beautifully written.....there is no way we would NOT want to re-read them ( over and over and over again!)

The Divas are giving The Long Road by Jennifer Loren 5 out of 5 champagne glasses.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Breanna  Eichhorn.
1,251 reviews13 followers
August 30, 2016
This is the third book in the finding Ava series. This is the story for Dillon and Dani.
Dillon goes back to North Carolina to help his father Matt with his furniture business that is going under. Dillon gets stranded at the airport in Chicago, all flights have been grounded because of the snow storm. While he is at the airport he sees Dani for the first time since she ran away eight years ago. She gets a room at the airport hotel and she offers to room with Dillon because there are no more rooms available. He doesn't want to room with Dani but when other men offer to take her up on the room, he gets mad about the men, so he decides to take her up on the offer. Dani is going back to help get the furniture business back on track. Dani would help get the business back on track is by doing accounting and negotiating of expenditures. Dillon doesn't trust Dani, he thinks that she is only there to help her father. Its Dani's father who is trying to buy the business.
Dillon Conrad had a marketing job in New York that he quit to go help get the family business back on track. He hasn't seen Dani in eight years, when he does finally see Dani all his feelings come back. He is a very strong and handsome individual. Dani Portman wrote a letter to Dillon when they both were really young. She left North Carolina for a reason eight years ago. If you want to know the reason you will have to read the book. She is a very strong person, she became a partner for the furniture busniess because she believes that they can get this business up a running again. Their is an attraction between Dani and Dillon, even after eight years not seeing each other. Matt Conrad is Dillon's father, owns a small furniture store, he has heart problems that he hasn't told Dillon about. Thomas is Dani's ex fiance, he works for Douglas Portman. He is trying to get Matt to sell his business to him but with every thing her does they refuse to sell the business. Thomas is trying to get Dani back but its not working. Shane is Dillon and Dani's friend. Quits his marketing job in New York after getting a call from Dani to help with the business. Handsome and very strong individual. Douglas Portman doesn't like the Conrads and is trying to buy their business from them. He doesn't like the fact that Dani is down there helping the Conrads. Douglas wants Dani to marry Thomas, but Dani doesn't love Thomas.
When reading this book I felt really happy and I laughed a lot. This sums up the humor in the book that made me laugh. “ I'm sorry. Seriously, I am. So, do you spend a lot of time chasing after cock?” I also felt like the characters went along together really well. I really connected with
This book was really good, I couldn't put the book down. Even though this is the third book in the series I really understood what was happening. This is my first book by Jennifer Loran and it will not be my last. She is a really good author.
Profile Image for Deb.
427 reviews24 followers
December 23, 2013
Jennifer Loren's best work to date! A slightly steamy suspense and romance.

We met Dillon at the end of Reckless - book two of the Finding Ava series - and this is his story.

(please note - having read the first two books is not required, but it definitely adds to the enjoyment of this book)

Dillon lives in New York and works with his best friend Shane. When hears the family business is in trouble, he packs up and moved home to help his dad save the furniture company that has been in the family for generations.

While traveling back to North Carolina, he encounters the girl, now a woman, who had been the third musketeer for years - Dani. The woman who left, shredding his heart and never looking back. Stranded in Chicago by canceled flights, they are forced to share a room, but Dillon resists all attempts on Dani's part to partake in civilized conversation.

They end up on the same flight. When Dillon's father, Matthew, picks them up at the airport, it is revealed that Dani has come home too - also to help save the business. But...since Dani's own father is the one trying to buy the factory and land it sits on to develop for his own purposes, how can he possibly trust her?

When accidents start to happen, even more questions are raised. Dillon is forced to make difficult decisions to lead the employees at the factory back to success and being profitable before all is lost. Dani and Dillon need to trust in each other and work together, but can they repair their relationship too? What sacrifices need to be made and at whose expense?

Both Dillon and Dani flashback to their younger days - when they first met, when they started dating, etc - and we are allowed a peek into the deepest hurts and happiest times.

Be prepared to be wrung through the ringer when it comes to emotions! It's easy to get caught up in the emotions experienced by the characters. Hurt, joy, pain, fear, anger, love, rage - I experienced it all! I love a book that makes me FEEL.
Profile Image for Rochelle Roth.
265 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2014
I received this book as an Advanced Reading copy (ARC) from the author Jennifer Loren after I have read the first 2 books of the series. The book comes out for the public on Friday January 10th. After reading the first two books of the series, Finding Ava and then Reckless I have to say the third book,that is actually about Dillon Conrad and his lost love Dani, is as good as the first two! I will be giving this book 5 stars! Like all of Jennifer Loren’s books you will never guess what happens next, it is not just a love story, there is action and betrayal and it keeps you drawn in. There were some typos but if you’ve read other arc’s you know that they usually get ironed out before the book is done so I usually do not count that against the author. The beginning starts a little slow but after she introduces the characters it picks right up and I could not put it down! I look forward to reading more from Jennifer! I definately recommend that you take out the time to read this book and the series. I think she does enough description you could actually read it without reading the first two but the first two are awesome so take the time and read them too!!!
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,005 reviews16 followers
December 21, 2013
Jennifer Loren has done it again--didn't think anything could compare to her Devil's Eyes series but here we go again !!! Dani and Dillion--and Shane and Lucas--are characters that you grow to feel like they are family, like you have known them all your life. You want to jump into the pages and help them--you talk to them as you read, offering advice, making comments, sharing their emotions. This is a story line that could potentially have several sequels and I, for one, sure do hope it has several. Thank you Jennifer Loren--you never let your readers down !! Keep it up--I look forward to reading your books for may years yet to come.
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,005 reviews16 followers
December 21, 2013
wonderful storyline, life-like characters that climb into your heart and you become a part of their inside group--wishing you could crawl into the pages and help them and just hang out with them. I sure hope there are many sequels as I would love to see this storyline carried out further. GREAT BOOK GREAT AUTHOR
Profile Image for Carla Bailey.
3 reviews
January 12, 2014
Wow. This book is wonderful. It made you feel with everyone in it. Laughter, romance, fear, anger, frustration. It is a great read. I am not a real fast reader cause I can't sit still long. But I read this in day and two hrs. Couldn't put it down and didn't want to either. Great novel Jennifer Loren. Love all your books. Keep the coming. I will be waiting...
Profile Image for Ela.
596 reviews
December 21, 2013
Simply wonderful! Jennifer is full of surprises with her wonderful stories!

Review to come closer to release date!
Profile Image for irene ✨.
1,279 reviews46 followers
March 23, 2014
3.5
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

This is one of the most ridiculous and corny books I've ever read.
More like a fairytale romance than a true story. But I admit I enjoyed it. A story for lovers of romantic books.

Recently, I broke up with my boyfriend. And it's so painful and beautiful at the same time read about lovely couples like Dillon and Dani.

I read all things that both of them passed with a smile in my face, sighing, falling in love with the wonderful things Dillon did for her.
I don't know, it's totally a romantic book, from beginning to end. Even though it has many faults, I let it go because I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Trudy Powders.
119 reviews23 followers
January 18, 2015
Dillon is called home to help his ailing father with the family business.He does not know until a chance meeting at the airport that his father has also called home to help, Dillon's childhood sweetheart.Dillion can't get over Dani's leaving their hometown when she was younger.Dani's father is trying to put Dillon's family business out of business,he doesn't trust Dani.These two have a past as lovers and friends.Dillon does not know who all he can trust.Secrets are revealved,old friends are called to help.Plot twists and turns.I enjoyed this book,I enjoyed all the characters.
Profile Image for ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔.
2,884 reviews432 followers
September 8, 2014
This is an amazing read, it didn't matter that I hadn't read the previous books in the series, I seemed to be able to pick it up OK.

There are tears, some violence, and suspense. It really keeps you on the edge of you seat at time, just be careful you don't fall off! It kept my attention. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

A lot has been written in other reviews about what the book is about, so I won't add to it, but just to say, its well worth reading.

I received this copy as a complimentary book to read in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Erinn Giblin.
2 reviews
January 10, 2014
This is something VERY different from Jennifer Loren, but I can say that you won't be disappointed! The Long Road is filled with humor, riddled with emotion, and set in a charming and intriguing story-line. You can't help but fall in love with characters as they ride a tumultuous, yet beautiful, series of events representative of the book's namesake. With visits from other Finding Ava series characters, The Long Road is a wonderful read that will not disappoint!
Profile Image for Gremlin.
1 review
January 19, 2014
I could not put this book down! There was so much suspense surrounding the 'accidents' and murders happening at and around the factory, plus the drama between Dillon and Dani. I had to know if they would resolve things between them! And then, when Dillon found out about the big secret Dani (and others) had and kept from him... Yowza!

Profile Image for Blushingdivasbookreviews.
105 reviews43 followers
April 13, 2014
This was my first book by Jennifer Loren, and I loved it! I read it as standalone, but it is part of a series. I will be going reading those as soon as possible. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a good love story! I loved the writing, she really has a way with words and making you feel through the pages! I can not wait to read more by this author!
Profile Image for Lea Winkelman.
142 reviews3 followers
April 24, 2014
I liked this story it was nice to see how these loves found each other in the end, I like how sean and ava helped there friend save the family business and how it was shown no matter what happens love will last.
Profile Image for Lori Walsh, Guaresimo.
1,029 reviews10 followers
January 5, 2019
The anger from the h was to drawn way to long IMO that's why the 4 stars I just don't like reading about it over and over. Good story line.
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