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The Long Way Home
Rachel thought she’d buried her first love alongside her brother.
For the last four years, Rachel has spent her time becoming exactly who everyone needs her to be. The dependable daughter. The easy girlfriend. The strong survivor. The supportive best friend.
But when she walks into her best friend’s wedding and locks eyes with Rhett, her carefully constructed world starts to fracture.
Her brother’s best friend.
The one love she has never been able to forget.
The only person who has ever seen past the mask.
Rhett left town carrying guilt and a promise to protect her, convinced that walking away was the only way to keep her safe from the wreckage of his own broken family. But loving Rachel was never something he could outrun—and seeing her again makes one truth impossible to ignore: leaving was the greatest mistake of his life.
The Long Way Home tells the story of the invisible strings that bind us, the courage it takes to confront loss and the love that demands we risk everything to find our way back to the person we were always meant to be.
Choosing Rhett means dismantling the life Rachel built to survive.
Loving Rachel means risking the one person Rhett has never been able to lose.
Some loves don’t take the easy road. Some are worth taking the long way for.
For the last four years, Rachel has spent her time becoming exactly who everyone needs her to be. The dependable daughter. The easy girlfriend. The strong survivor. The supportive best friend.
But when she walks into her best friend’s wedding and locks eyes with Rhett, her carefully constructed world starts to fracture.
Her brother’s best friend.
The one love she has never been able to forget.
The only person who has ever seen past the mask.
Rhett left town carrying guilt and a promise to protect her, convinced that walking away was the only way to keep her safe from the wreckage of his own broken family. But loving Rachel was never something he could outrun—and seeing her again makes one truth impossible to ignore: leaving was the greatest mistake of his life.
The Long Way Home tells the story of the invisible strings that bind us, the courage it takes to confront loss and the love that demands we risk everything to find our way back to the person we were always meant to be.
Choosing Rhett means dismantling the life Rachel built to survive.
Loving Rachel means risking the one person Rhett has never been able to lose.
Some loves don’t take the easy road. Some are worth taking the long way for.
398 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
October 26, 2026
“maybe that’s what home really is. not a place or four walls or a roof. but the people who stay. the ones who see all of you and love you more because of it.”
3.5 ⭐️!! look who finally got through a whole book !! i can feel the slump slowly starting to lift !!
with that being said, i do think it altered my mood and reading experience quite a bit. even though i enjoyed this book, i feel like i would've liked it SO much more had i not been in a reading slump.
but let's talk about the good stuff !! from the very first page, i was already shedding tears. the book navigates such raw grief, and i think it was portrayed beautifully. how much it can change your life and your perception of literally everything, especially yourself.
there's something so special about being seen and known, especially when you're in a headspace where you don't even know who you are anymore. to have someone see all of you and love you for it, through every single one of your seasons.
₊˚✧ ﾟ.:
“you are an undeniable force. you could never lose sight of who you are, sunny. you’ve carried more than anyone should have to, and somehow, you still shine. you still reach. you still fight. you’re relentless. beautiful. extraordinary. and if i could, i’d make it so the world had to notice, had to see you for the wonder you are. because you, sunny, deserve more than this world has given you.”
“there hasn’t been a single day when i didn’t notice you. not one, sunny.”
“i can feel it when you start to spiral.”
₊˚✧ ﾟ.:
the love between rhett and rachel was so special. to know someone for so long, to reconnect no matter how much time has passed. the quiet longing, years of yearning, secret tattoos. them being so sure of their love despite the absolute hell surrounding them.
i really liked their story, and i loved them both as characters. i could relate to rachel so much in certain ways, i just wanted to give her the biggest hug. i think the author did a wonderful job portraying their emotions and inner struggles.
₊˚✧ ﾟ.:
“i don’t recognize the girl i am. or the life i’m stuck in. i don’t know where it all went so wrong, but i used to be unafraid to be me. i used to be loud and unfiltered and…” i let out a sigh. “me.”
“i bent myself into what everyone needed me to be, all because i was so desperate to be seen. i don’t want to be too emotional or too loud or too nice. i just want to be enough.”
₊˚✧ ﾟ.:
this book really helped me with my slump !!
a brother's best friend (kinda...) romance with a side of devastation. what more could i possibly ask for ??
₊˚✧ ﾟ.:
“after all these years, i knew who i’d want sitting beside me on my worst day. it is her. it has always been her.”
“listen,” i say. “even if you took a different route, even if the map looks completely different,” i pause, because the honest thing is shorter and sharper than any careful argument, “i would have met you.”
“i think i was always meant to find you. somehow. somewhere. in this world, in this alternate world, i would have found you.”
“you’re it for me. it has only ever been you.”
“i call you sunny because, without trying, you are the brightest thing in every room you walk into. and because,” he adds, a little quieter, “when everything else in my life feels heavy, when the weight of the world presses down, and i can’t find my footing, you’re the one thing that makes it stop. just hearing your voice, being near you, it’s like stepping into the sunlight after a long winter. my chest opens, my skin warms and suddenly i can breathe again. everything becomes clear. i can think, i can feel, i can just exist—and it is because of you. you are my sun.”
“with the right one, you don’t have to shrink. you don’t have to perform or put on masks. you just are. and you are loved for it.“
₊˚✧ ﾟ.: ♡˚✧.・₊˚✧ ﾟ.: ♡˚✧.・₊˚✧ ﾟ.: ♡˚✧.・₊˚✧ ﾟ.: ♡˚✧.・
˚ ꩜ ｡ pre read ˚ ꩜ ｡
i’ve been on the worst reading slump of my life. hopefully this will get me out of it, i’ve been seeing it a lot lately and it sounds like my kind of book 🙏🏻🙏🏻
3.5 ⭐️!! look who finally got through a whole book !! i can feel the slump slowly starting to lift !!
with that being said, i do think it altered my mood and reading experience quite a bit. even though i enjoyed this book, i feel like i would've liked it SO much more had i not been in a reading slump.
but let's talk about the good stuff !! from the very first page, i was already shedding tears. the book navigates such raw grief, and i think it was portrayed beautifully. how much it can change your life and your perception of literally everything, especially yourself.
there's something so special about being seen and known, especially when you're in a headspace where you don't even know who you are anymore. to have someone see all of you and love you for it, through every single one of your seasons.
₊˚✧ ﾟ.:
“you are an undeniable force. you could never lose sight of who you are, sunny. you’ve carried more than anyone should have to, and somehow, you still shine. you still reach. you still fight. you’re relentless. beautiful. extraordinary. and if i could, i’d make it so the world had to notice, had to see you for the wonder you are. because you, sunny, deserve more than this world has given you.”
“there hasn’t been a single day when i didn’t notice you. not one, sunny.”
“i can feel it when you start to spiral.”
₊˚✧ ﾟ.:
the love between rhett and rachel was so special. to know someone for so long, to reconnect no matter how much time has passed. the quiet longing, years of yearning, secret tattoos. them being so sure of their love despite the absolute hell surrounding them.
i really liked their story, and i loved them both as characters. i could relate to rachel so much in certain ways, i just wanted to give her the biggest hug. i think the author did a wonderful job portraying their emotions and inner struggles.
₊˚✧ ﾟ.:
“i don’t recognize the girl i am. or the life i’m stuck in. i don’t know where it all went so wrong, but i used to be unafraid to be me. i used to be loud and unfiltered and…” i let out a sigh. “me.”
“i bent myself into what everyone needed me to be, all because i was so desperate to be seen. i don’t want to be too emotional or too loud or too nice. i just want to be enough.”
₊˚✧ ﾟ.:
this book really helped me with my slump !!
a brother's best friend (kinda...) romance with a side of devastation. what more could i possibly ask for ??
₊˚✧ ﾟ.:
“after all these years, i knew who i’d want sitting beside me on my worst day. it is her. it has always been her.”
“listen,” i say. “even if you took a different route, even if the map looks completely different,” i pause, because the honest thing is shorter and sharper than any careful argument, “i would have met you.”
“i think i was always meant to find you. somehow. somewhere. in this world, in this alternate world, i would have found you.”
“you’re it for me. it has only ever been you.”
“i call you sunny because, without trying, you are the brightest thing in every room you walk into. and because,” he adds, a little quieter, “when everything else in my life feels heavy, when the weight of the world presses down, and i can’t find my footing, you’re the one thing that makes it stop. just hearing your voice, being near you, it’s like stepping into the sunlight after a long winter. my chest opens, my skin warms and suddenly i can breathe again. everything becomes clear. i can think, i can feel, i can just exist—and it is because of you. you are my sun.”
“with the right one, you don’t have to shrink. you don’t have to perform or put on masks. you just are. and you are loved for it.“
₊˚✧ ﾟ.: ♡˚✧.・₊˚✧ ﾟ.: ♡˚✧.・₊˚✧ ﾟ.: ♡˚✧.・₊˚✧ ﾟ.: ♡˚✧.・
˚ ꩜ ｡ pre read ˚ ꩜ ｡
i’ve been on the worst reading slump of my life. hopefully this will get me out of it, i’ve been seeing it a lot lately and it sounds like my kind of book 🙏🏻🙏🏻
April 10, 2026
I want to start by thanking Liv Arnett for sending me an ARC of The Long Way Home. I truly appreciate the opportunity to read and review this story.
This is one of those books that left me with very mixed feelings. I wouldn’t say I loved it—but I also didn’t dislike it. It sits somewhere in between, in that complicated space where you recognize the beauty of a story but still feel like something was missing.
Going into this book, I expected to feel more. A story centered around grief, especially the loss of a sibling, is something I thought would completely break me. As someone who has a sister, I couldn’t help but think that losing her would shatter me entirely. And while there were moments that truly touched me, moments where I felt connected—especially to Rachel—it didn’t fully hit as deeply as I had hoped.
Where the book struggled the most for me was the romance. The conflict felt unnecessary at times. Rhett holding back his feelings because of Josh didn’t fully make sense to me—especially when Josh himself had hinted that things would actually be easier if Rachel had feelings for Rhett. That internal struggle just didn’t feel convincing.
And Rachel… I found myself frustrated with her too. There were clear moments of tension and almost-confessions, so it was hard to believe she didn’t notice Rhett’s feelings earlier. That lack of awareness felt a bit unrealistic.
I also have to mention something small but persistent—the nickname “Sunny.” It just didn’t work for me and started to feel repetitive over time. Similarly, the constant use of Rhett’s name in dialogue pulled me out of the story more than once. It didn’t feel natural and became distracting.
That said, Liv Arnett’s writing style is undeniably beautiful. The story is easy to follow, emotionally soft in places, and still manages to deliver impactful moments. And the ending? That part really got me. It was touching, heartfelt, and showed the emotional depth I had been hoping for throughout.
I’m especially intrigued by Margo and Anderson—I found their dynamic really compelling, and I’m genuinely excited to read their story next. Hopefully, that one will completely destroy me (in the best way possible).
Overall, this was an emotional read with strong moments, even if it didn’t fully meet my expectations.
This is one of those books that left me with very mixed feelings. I wouldn’t say I loved it—but I also didn’t dislike it. It sits somewhere in between, in that complicated space where you recognize the beauty of a story but still feel like something was missing.
Going into this book, I expected to feel more. A story centered around grief, especially the loss of a sibling, is something I thought would completely break me. As someone who has a sister, I couldn’t help but think that losing her would shatter me entirely. And while there were moments that truly touched me, moments where I felt connected—especially to Rachel—it didn’t fully hit as deeply as I had hoped.
Where the book struggled the most for me was the romance. The conflict felt unnecessary at times. Rhett holding back his feelings because of Josh didn’t fully make sense to me—especially when Josh himself had hinted that things would actually be easier if Rachel had feelings for Rhett. That internal struggle just didn’t feel convincing.
And Rachel… I found myself frustrated with her too. There were clear moments of tension and almost-confessions, so it was hard to believe she didn’t notice Rhett’s feelings earlier. That lack of awareness felt a bit unrealistic.
I also have to mention something small but persistent—the nickname “Sunny.” It just didn’t work for me and started to feel repetitive over time. Similarly, the constant use of Rhett’s name in dialogue pulled me out of the story more than once. It didn’t feel natural and became distracting.
That said, Liv Arnett’s writing style is undeniably beautiful. The story is easy to follow, emotionally soft in places, and still manages to deliver impactful moments. And the ending? That part really got me. It was touching, heartfelt, and showed the emotional depth I had been hoping for throughout.
I’m especially intrigued by Margo and Anderson—I found their dynamic really compelling, and I’m genuinely excited to read their story next. Hopefully, that one will completely destroy me (in the best way possible).
Overall, this was an emotional read with strong moments, even if it didn’t fully meet my expectations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2026
•°. ❝ I think I was always meant to find you. Somehow. Somewhere. In this world, in this alternate world, I would have found you. ❞ *࿐
✎ᝰ. ★★★★ stars
✎ᝰ. 2/5 spice level
✎ᝰ. tropes:
𝜗𝜚 friends to lovers
𝜗𝜚 brother’s best friend
𝜗𝜚 “you came” “you called”
𝜗𝜚 secret tattoos
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ✉︎ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
First of all, I would like to thank the author, Liv Arnett, for providing me with the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. The Long Way Home comes out on May 7th, 2026!
For those who are considering reading this book as a stand-alone, as I did, I don’t recommend it. I made this decision because, even though the first novel in this series wasn’t my cup of tea, this one sounded like it was right up my alley. Unfortunately, I found out the hard way that this series is meant to be read as a whole, not as individual stories. All of the important characters were introduced in book one, so I found myself confused about who was related to whom and their backgrounds for most of the book. This made it difficult for me to fully connect with them and their story, as there were many details missing. That was completely my fault for skipping the first book, and I own up to it.
Despite this, I still found The Long Way Home to be a cute second-chance romance novel with likable characters and a swoon-worthy MMC. The plot was heavily focused on grief, but in a good way.
Overall, I would say this book is a nice summer read for those looking for a deeper plot.
•°. ❝ You could never give me a damn thing, and I'd still show up for you. I'd still want you safe. I'd still want you to know you matter. ❞ *࿐
✎ᝰ. trigger warnings (possible spoilers): grief, loss of a sibling, parental abandonment, emotional abusive relationship, panic attacks
September 10, 2026
Oh my god so good. I cried on the training reading this. The characters had depth and the drawn out yearning and forgiving was so well written. I really was emotionally attached to these characters and their story. Also the “authors note” at the end… are we serious, I literally cried. Only critique is why was it all chill for Rachel’s best friend to be with her brother but for Rachel to be with her brothers best friend it’d be such an issue… maybe I’m too woke but that feels sexist. Anyways all that said, great book pls read
July 15, 2026
So dull.
August 9, 2026
3.5⭐️
i needed her to stand up in the first half? that man suckeddd. why did rhett wait so dang long??? honestly pretty cute & im glad there was no cheating trope
i needed her to stand up in the first half? that man suckeddd. why did rhett wait so dang long??? honestly pretty cute & im glad there was no cheating trope
October 30, 2026
“That is life. One without the other would leave us unsatisfied. We wouldn’t know joy without grief, laughter without tears, connection without solitude. You can’t understand how high the highs can reach until you’ve been stuck in the valley.”
I really enjoyed this book likely because a lot of it resonates with me. Firstly, im a physio and so if the fmc (lol) but I’m also navigating my own journey with grief (anticipatory) though different in the sense it’s my husband not my a sibling. Many of her thoughts are thoughts I have had and I found that super comforting
The story is a cute lil romance but for me I think it was the navigating grief and the found family! Gonna read the first book in the series now too!
“We may have taken the long way home but Sunny, you are my home”
I really enjoyed this book likely because a lot of it resonates with me. Firstly, im a physio and so if the fmc (lol) but I’m also navigating my own journey with grief (anticipatory) though different in the sense it’s my husband not my a sibling. Many of her thoughts are thoughts I have had and I found that super comforting
The story is a cute lil romance but for me I think it was the navigating grief and the found family! Gonna read the first book in the series now too!
“We may have taken the long way home but Sunny, you are my home”
October 24, 2026
May I introduce you to my new favorite romance book?
This was BEAUTIFUL.
Rhett you are the most precious soul I have ever seen in a book.
This was BEAUTIFUL.
Rhett you are the most precious soul I have ever seen in a book.
October 5, 2026
An easy enough read but their only personality traits appear to be grieving Josh and being obsessed with one another
May 7, 2026
Liv is an incredible writer, but god she can destroy you while also healing you with her words.
Grief is such a hard topic to talk about in general but to read not just one, but two (you need to read Between the Waves before TLWH) incredible books that just help you feel less alone with each word.
The character growth with Rachel & Rhett is incredible both as individuals and as a couple, the emotions you go through, honestly pick your favourite comfort drink and snacks and go curl up somewhere while you read this book.
This is more than just two friends who fall in love, this is a story about finding love and realising you are deserving of love while struggling with finding happiness after grief.
Grief is such a hard topic to talk about in general but to read not just one, but two (you need to read Between the Waves before TLWH) incredible books that just help you feel less alone with each word.
The character growth with Rachel & Rhett is incredible both as individuals and as a couple, the emotions you go through, honestly pick your favourite comfort drink and snacks and go curl up somewhere while you read this book.
This is more than just two friends who fall in love, this is a story about finding love and realising you are deserving of love while struggling with finding happiness after grief.
May 27, 2026
I enjoyed my time reading this book SO much. While it had some of my favorite romance tropes/micro tropes, it was also a beautiful exploration of life after loss. Our main characters Rachel and Rhett have years of history, a deep friendship, and a shared loss - Josh - Rachel’s brother and Rhett’s best friend. The book starts four years after Josh’s death and Rhett showing back up in town. Their love story doesn’t come easy, but it’s worth the wait!
Tropes:
- He accidentally calls her baby!!
- “Why do you think?” That one gets me every time
- Friends to lovers
- Brother’s best friend
- A cute nickname
- The ultimate secret tattoo
Now I need to go back and read the first book!
Tropes:
- He accidentally calls her baby!!
- “Why do you think?” That one gets me every time
- Friends to lovers
- Brother’s best friend
- A cute nickname
- The ultimate secret tattoo
Now I need to go back and read the first book!
September 9, 2026
Long way indeed! Almost DNF it guys! I have to skip some pages to survive. These people are in their 30's but i have to check it multiple times because the way they acted you will think they are all a bunch of teenagers! Gosh! This book almost killed me with boredom.
September 28, 2026
Wow. I genuinely loved this book. I loved Rhett. Now let me break this down.
Ben is a piece of shit. The way he was belittling Rachel was absolutely disgusting. He is a manipulative piece of shit with a tiny d*ck. He was such a narcissist and honestly baffled me throughout this book. Also the way that he came back after him and Rachel broke up and he was squeezing her arm and left a mark. OMG. But then Rhett came and saved her.
Now. Rhett. My love. Honestly perfect in my eyes. A fireman. Hot. That sold me enough. He remembered everything about her. Also his little comments about how he knew she was the one. UGH. God he always knew but he was in his head with all of his trauma. Like I get it, but him and Rachel had to work out a lot before they got together, or it would have never worked. Also, him talking about how he always felt buzzed when he was around her. UGH. I CANT. The pizza. Rachel wanted mushrooms and he got them anyways despite BEING ALLERGIC TO THEM. LIKE BE SO FOR REALL.
Side note…The fact that I have to wait until next year for Connor and Slones story. Their banter was to die for. I cannot wait to read their book.
Now Rachel. The amount of damage that Ben caused her is digesting. He made her think so little of herself. She need a lot of reassurance and I’m glad she worked some things out before fully going into the relationship with Rhett. That was the mature thing to do. Also girl boss moment when she broke up with Ben. She was like also I’ll give you a week to get out of my house since it’s in my name. Period girl. Complete girboss moment.
OMG THE SUN TATTO ON HIS KNEW. He got it after meeting her because he wanted something meaningful on himself so he got a sun on his knee. Sunny, because that’s his nickname for her. He was in love with her for A DAMN DECADE.
At first I was mad that he proposed to her because I usually hate when they do that at the end of the book, but I forgot that they have known each other for over a decade. So for this book I shall let it slide.
Absolutely loved this book minus some of the grammar mistakes and I do have the question, did she ever accept the job that she was offered? I can’t remember if they said it or if I just missed it. It could be that, would love to know.
Ben is a piece of shit. The way he was belittling Rachel was absolutely disgusting. He is a manipulative piece of shit with a tiny d*ck. He was such a narcissist and honestly baffled me throughout this book. Also the way that he came back after him and Rachel broke up and he was squeezing her arm and left a mark. OMG. But then Rhett came and saved her.
Now. Rhett. My love. Honestly perfect in my eyes. A fireman. Hot. That sold me enough. He remembered everything about her. Also his little comments about how he knew she was the one. UGH. God he always knew but he was in his head with all of his trauma. Like I get it, but him and Rachel had to work out a lot before they got together, or it would have never worked. Also, him talking about how he always felt buzzed when he was around her. UGH. I CANT. The pizza. Rachel wanted mushrooms and he got them anyways despite BEING ALLERGIC TO THEM. LIKE BE SO FOR REALL.
Side note…The fact that I have to wait until next year for Connor and Slones story. Their banter was to die for. I cannot wait to read their book.
Now Rachel. The amount of damage that Ben caused her is digesting. He made her think so little of herself. She need a lot of reassurance and I’m glad she worked some things out before fully going into the relationship with Rhett. That was the mature thing to do. Also girl boss moment when she broke up with Ben. She was like also I’ll give you a week to get out of my house since it’s in my name. Period girl. Complete girboss moment.
OMG THE SUN TATTO ON HIS KNEW. He got it after meeting her because he wanted something meaningful on himself so he got a sun on his knee. Sunny, because that’s his nickname for her. He was in love with her for A DAMN DECADE.
At first I was mad that he proposed to her because I usually hate when they do that at the end of the book, but I forgot that they have known each other for over a decade. So for this book I shall let it slide.
Absolutely loved this book minus some of the grammar mistakes and I do have the question, did she ever accept the job that she was offered? I can’t remember if they said it or if I just missed it. It could be that, would love to know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2026
this man loves her LOUDLY
October 28, 2026
The Booktok hype for this one - entirely overrated. I'm sorry but the confrontation scene - please write better dialogue!
October 26, 2026
It’s a really long way.
August 25, 2026
Loved the trope of brother’s best friend and that there were quite long chapters woth both main characters POV. But the end was a bit too long and there were many repetitive parts of how she thought she lost her spark and herself.
3,5⭐️ because in general I was totally consumed and occupied by this book for three days. But at the very end I started skipping some of descriptions and in general it looks like the characters needed better communication. But don’t we all need that sometimes?
3,5⭐️ because in general I was totally consumed and occupied by this book for three days. But at the very end I started skipping some of descriptions and in general it looks like the characters needed better communication. But don’t we all need that sometimes?
July 22, 2026
That final note from the author was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever read
March 9, 2026
You know how some authors just have a way with words that just make you feel exactly what a character is feeling? That is what Liv does with her Invisible String series- she makes you feel EVERYTHING.
Rachel and Rhett carry the memories and grief of losing Josh- Rachel’s brother and Rhett’s best friend. If you’ve read the first book ,Between The Waves, you get to see more of Margo and Josh from that story here. They are each on their own journey through grief and also rediscovering who they are outside of the way grief has changed them.
There is so much to love about this series. The friendships and found family are strong and just everything you’d want out of life. The self sacrifice of love and yearning keeps you wanting so much for the characters. I love that previous book characters are woven into Rhett and Rachel’s story too.
Like I said, Liv just has a way with words that makes you feel. Have tissues ready because if you’re a crier- you will not escape the tears, but you will fall in love with this group of friends.
-This is an ARC review.
Rachel and Rhett carry the memories and grief of losing Josh- Rachel’s brother and Rhett’s best friend. If you’ve read the first book ,Between The Waves, you get to see more of Margo and Josh from that story here. They are each on their own journey through grief and also rediscovering who they are outside of the way grief has changed them.
There is so much to love about this series. The friendships and found family are strong and just everything you’d want out of life. The self sacrifice of love and yearning keeps you wanting so much for the characters. I love that previous book characters are woven into Rhett and Rachel’s story too.
Like I said, Liv just has a way with words that makes you feel. Have tissues ready because if you’re a crier- you will not escape the tears, but you will fall in love with this group of friends.
-This is an ARC review.
March 21, 2026
I read The Long Way Home as part of an advanced reader copy from the author, and I was super excited to begin. After seeing an instagram video posted by Liv sharing a snippet of the book I knew I would enjoy this story. And boy was I HOOKED.
The bittersweet theme of love after grief added depth to the plot, with a terrible boyfriend spicing up the mix. My pearls were clutched every time Ben came onto the scene.
I found myself eager to continue reading, hence why I finished the book in less than 2 days, and despite it being a perfect standalone I am desperate to get my hands on the previous book (Between The Waves) and reading what Liv has next to publish!
The bittersweet theme of love after grief added depth to the plot, with a terrible boyfriend spicing up the mix. My pearls were clutched every time Ben came onto the scene.
I found myself eager to continue reading, hence why I finished the book in less than 2 days, and despite it being a perfect standalone I am desperate to get my hands on the previous book (Between The Waves) and reading what Liv has next to publish!
July 31, 2026
I like it. i like it - Brothers Best Friend, I'll take elevn of'em.
Strong start! Was hooked and loving it. Towards the end, I was booooored, and it felt slightly repetitive and, at times, a snooze. Towards the end, I was reading it to finish it...not enough to DNF at all! But it's definitely enough to read faster than my usual pace
Overall, it was a good read on grief, invisible strings, and right timing . Rhett was a fire-fighter too so that's hot
Strong start! Was hooked and loving it. Towards the end, I was booooored, and it felt slightly repetitive and, at times, a snooze. Towards the end, I was reading it to finish it...not enough to DNF at all! But it's definitely enough to read faster than my usual pace
Overall, it was a good read on grief, invisible strings, and right timing . Rhett was a fire-fighter too so that's hot
May 7, 2026
TATTOO THIS BOOK ON ME
My only beef with this book is that it ended. Are you kidding me?!?! I could read about Rhett and Rachel (the whole friend group really) forever. All the stars, all the love. READ THIS BOOK BABE!!
My only beef with this book is that it ended. Are you kidding me?!?! I could read about Rhett and Rachel (the whole friend group really) forever. All the stars, all the love. READ THIS BOOK BABE!!
July 28, 2026
yeah not good. cool idea but bad book
May 6, 2026
This book was absolutely phenomenal from beginning to end. The emotional depth in this story was incredible, and the angst and yearning between the main characters felt so raw, natural, and authentic that I was completely invested in their relationship the entire time. Their history together made every interaction feel meaningful, and the slow progression from friendship to something more was handled beautifully, as well as having me screaming at the book to communicate these hidden feelings!
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the use of flashbacks. They were woven seamlessly into the story and added so much depth to both the characters and their relationship. Instead of feeling repetitive, each flashback revealed something important that made the emotional moments in the present hit even harder. The character development overall was incredibly strong, every character felt layered, realistic, and emotionally complex.
What really stood out to me was how genuine everything felt. Liv captured the vulnerability, tension, and tenderness of a friend’s to lovers relationship perfectly. This book completely pulled me out of a reading slump, and honestly, I already expect it to bury me right back into one because I have no idea how anything is supposed to top this. This is easily one of the best friends to lovers romances I’ve ever read, and it’s a book I know I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
Thank you so much Liv for providing me with an Arc copy of this book! It will live rent free in my mind going forward
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the use of flashbacks. They were woven seamlessly into the story and added so much depth to both the characters and their relationship. Instead of feeling repetitive, each flashback revealed something important that made the emotional moments in the present hit even harder. The character development overall was incredibly strong, every character felt layered, realistic, and emotionally complex.
What really stood out to me was how genuine everything felt. Liv captured the vulnerability, tension, and tenderness of a friend’s to lovers relationship perfectly. This book completely pulled me out of a reading slump, and honestly, I already expect it to bury me right back into one because I have no idea how anything is supposed to top this. This is easily one of the best friends to lovers romances I’ve ever read, and it’s a book I know I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
Thank you so much Liv for providing me with an Arc copy of this book! It will live rent free in my mind going forward
October 26, 2026
Once again, I'm an emotional wreck.
This is one of those books that I genuinely can't explain how I feel about. I loved it, but at the same time, I almost disliked it because of how deeply I felt Rachel's pain. The entire time I was reading, I felt this tightness in my chest and that horrible feeling of struggling to swallow back the emotions. Because grief sucks.
And there's something so different about the grief of losing immediate family. It's a pain that goes beyond words, and Liv captured that feeling so beautifully that it genuinely hurt to read at times.
Liv has once again absolutely ruined me, but in the most beautiful way. She's written something that makes you feel everything, even the things you'd rather not feel, and I think that's what makes this book so special.
And then came Josh's 'Dear Readers' page. I'm genuinely not okay. I'm sitting here writing this review with tears streaming down my face because apparently Liv hadn't put me through enough already.
I loved this book, even when it hurt. And I think that's the thing about grief and stories like this: sometimes the books that break your heart are the ones that stay with you the longest.
This is one of those books that I genuinely can't explain how I feel about. I loved it, but at the same time, I almost disliked it because of how deeply I felt Rachel's pain. The entire time I was reading, I felt this tightness in my chest and that horrible feeling of struggling to swallow back the emotions. Because grief sucks.
And there's something so different about the grief of losing immediate family. It's a pain that goes beyond words, and Liv captured that feeling so beautifully that it genuinely hurt to read at times.
Liv has once again absolutely ruined me, but in the most beautiful way. She's written something that makes you feel everything, even the things you'd rather not feel, and I think that's what makes this book so special.
And then came Josh's 'Dear Readers' page. I'm genuinely not okay. I'm sitting here writing this review with tears streaming down my face because apparently Liv hadn't put me through enough already.
I loved this book, even when it hurt. And I think that's the thing about grief and stories like this: sometimes the books that break your heart are the ones that stay with you the longest.
May 16, 2026
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1🌶
I absolutely loved The Long Way Home!
Rachel is the sweetest human from page one, and Rhett had me falling in love with his thoughts and protectiveness of Rachel. Both are suffering from grief, and it's interesting how the book shows the different ways of coping with that grief.
The flashbacks were some of my favourite parts. Getting to see Josh as a real person made everything hit harder, and the slow build between Rachel and Rhett was just perfect. Rhett calling her "Sunny" melted my heart, and the way he always shows up for her while Ben can’t even acknowledge her wins… the contrast is wild. Ben is a horrible man!
When Rachel and Rhett finally get together, it feels so earned. The journey this book takes you on is so emotionally amazing! And the ending? I adored it.
1🌶
I absolutely loved The Long Way Home!
Rachel is the sweetest human from page one, and Rhett had me falling in love with his thoughts and protectiveness of Rachel. Both are suffering from grief, and it's interesting how the book shows the different ways of coping with that grief.
The flashbacks were some of my favourite parts. Getting to see Josh as a real person made everything hit harder, and the slow build between Rachel and Rhett was just perfect. Rhett calling her "Sunny" melted my heart, and the way he always shows up for her while Ben can’t even acknowledge her wins… the contrast is wild. Ben is a horrible man!
When Rachel and Rhett finally get together, it feels so earned. The journey this book takes you on is so emotionally amazing! And the ending? I adored it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2026
This was truly shaping up to be a 4.75 for me! The beginning was so strong like I could not put this down and wanted to know what was going to happen next. It was so raw and real. The depth of the writing was beautiful. However, the last 15% kind of lost me because it felt like we were going backwards instead of forwards. This is definitely a lot more about grief and navigating that then I thought but the MMC wow one of the best ones I’ve read in a while. The author had a beautiful way of making these characters so human that I got emotional a few times. This was a TikTok rec I found and while there were so things I throughly enjoyed it.
Brothers best friend
No spice
Brothers best friend
No spice
May 25, 2026
This is a hard one for me to rate because of the prologue alone. It was the most profound chapter I’ve ever read. If you have not experienced sibling loss then it might not be as impactful for you, but for me who’s brother was her best friend, it moved me deeply. I’ve re-read it, saved it, and shared it. I’ll always remember it.
Therefore, the book was a 2.5 star for me, but Liv Arnett’s writing and depiction of grief was 5 star. It was a beautifully, broken portrayal of life after losing your sibling.
Therefore, the book was a 2.5 star for me, but Liv Arnett’s writing and depiction of grief was 5 star. It was a beautifully, broken portrayal of life after losing your sibling.
August 19, 2026
Goodreads ça commence à bien faire de pas pouvoir mettre des demi étoiles bordel. C’est un 3,5/5
The yearning is yearning, the hero is HOT (un pompier bien musclé comme on aime), the slow burn is slow burning. Tudo bem, MAIS, l’héroïne est un peu une pick me « gnia gnia gnia I’m broken nobody can love me gnia gnia gnia » donc un peu relou. Et COMME DAB tout se passe à 85% du livre et la fin est rushed AF… no comment sur la dernière action de Rhett 💀. Très peu réaliste finalement.
J’ai quand même aimé le style d’écrire et le yearning et l’épilogue de Josh est super, donc it was ok.
Cucul la praliness 5/10
Spicyness 3/10
Humour 2/10
Oriane: bof pour grandma
The yearning is yearning, the hero is HOT (un pompier bien musclé comme on aime), the slow burn is slow burning. Tudo bem, MAIS, l’héroïne est un peu une pick me « gnia gnia gnia I’m broken nobody can love me gnia gnia gnia » donc un peu relou. Et COMME DAB tout se passe à 85% du livre et la fin est rushed AF… no comment sur la dernière action de Rhett 💀. Très peu réaliste finalement.
J’ai quand même aimé le style d’écrire et le yearning et l’épilogue de Josh est super, donc it was ok.
Cucul la praliness 5/10
Spicyness 3/10
Humour 2/10
Oriane: bof pour grandma
May 17, 2026
Absolutely loved!
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