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The Long Road Home #8
Home Base
So many secrets. Such a familiar place.
After fifteen years in the army, Dylan Grant is more than ready to come home, settle down, and start a family of his own.
Thanks to one stolen, forbidden moment long ago, he might already have.
When Raven Blackstone returns to Birch Falls to settle her late father’s estate, she intends to close the book on that part of her life forever.
But it’s not that simple. Not only does she discover dangerous family secrets lurking in every shadowy corner, the only man she’s ever loved is back in town too. And when he discovers the truth she’s been hiding from him all these years, he’s not as willing to walk away.
This is the third installment of the 2022 season of The Long Road Home series. No matter the road we travel, we're always heading for our Home Base.
After fifteen years in the army, Dylan Grant is more than ready to come home, settle down, and start a family of his own.
Thanks to one stolen, forbidden moment long ago, he might already have.
When Raven Blackstone returns to Birch Falls to settle her late father’s estate, she intends to close the book on that part of her life forever.
But it’s not that simple. Not only does she discover dangerous family secrets lurking in every shadowy corner, the only man she’s ever loved is back in town too. And when he discovers the truth she’s been hiding from him all these years, he’s not as willing to walk away.
This is the third installment of the 2022 season of The Long Road Home series. No matter the road we travel, we're always heading for our Home Base.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2022
733 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Abbie Zanders
79 books2,047 followersAbbie Zanders is a USA Today Bestselling Author with more than 55 published romance novels to date. Her stories range from contemporary to paranormal and everything in between. She promises her readers two things: happily ever afters, always, and no cliffhangers, ever.
Born and raised in the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where she sets most of her stories, she’s known for small town romance featuring golden-hearted alpha heroes and strong, relatable heroines. Besides being an avid reader and writer, she loves animals (especially big dogs), American muscle cars, and 80's hair bands.
Born and raised in the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where she sets most of her stories, she’s known for small town romance featuring golden-hearted alpha heroes and strong, relatable heroines. Besides being an avid reader and writer, she loves animals (especially big dogs), American muscle cars, and 80's hair bands.
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November 8, 2024
Home Base
is a Connelly Cousins / Long Road Home crossover novel
Tags: Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance, Romantic Suspense, Protector Romance, Military Hero, Secret Baby
You find the most unexpected things in the most familiar of places
After fifteen years in the army, Dylan Grant is more than ready to come home, settle down, and start a family of his own.
Thanks to one stolen, forbidden moment long ago, he might already have.
When Raven Blackstone returns to Birch Falls to settle her late father’s estate, she intends to close the book on that part of her life forever.
But it’s not that simple. Not only does she discover dangerous family secrets lurking in every shadowy corner, the only man she’s ever loved is back in town too. And when he discovers the truth she’s been hiding from him all these years, he’s not as willing to walk away.
Home Base is a small town, contemporary romantic suspense stand-alone novel featuring a former military hero. Fans of the Connelly Cousins will see some familiar faces and places, but it is not necessary to read those books to enjoy Home Base.
Get your copy of Home Base here:
👉 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐧: https://smarturl.it/azrHomeBase
👀 Wanna sneak peek?
Raven
By dinnertime, Raven was mentally exhausted. Noah had spent the afternoon exploring and was, of course, starving. He’d made short work of the stash of snacks they’d brought with them, and a brief inspection revealed the meager contents of the cupboards to be insufficient.
Some things never changed. Not for the first time, she wondered who, if anyone, had ensured her father ate on a regular basis. Washing his clothes. Handling the day-to-day running of Blackstone Manor.
Noah pulled out his phone and began searching for local takeout places, rattling off a handful of names. None of them sounded particularly appealing.
“I’ve got a better idea,” Raven said. “Instead of takeout, how about drive-in?”
“You mean drive-through?”
“Not quite.” She grinned. “Come on. You’ll see.”
She gave herself a quick wash, changed her top, then ran a brush through her hair. It would have to do. Besides, she wasn’t trying to impress anyone.
Daisy’s Dairy Bar had been built in the ’50s and looked like it. Though it had been modernized over the years, there was no mistaking the old-time soda-shop vibe.
She pulled into an open parking spot and rolled down her window. Noah put his hand on the door, preparing to get out, but she stopped him. “No need. Just roll down your window.”
“Why?”
His eyes grew wide when he saw the girl roller-skating toward their vehicle. Raven smiled. The trip into town was worth it for his reaction alone.
The young woman who came up to the window was pretty, not more than sixteen or seventeen, with long blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail. Noah was entranced.
Raven suspended her healthy-eating rules and ordered the works for both of them when Noah appeared temporarily mute. Burgers with everything, fries, and milkshakes.
His ability to speak returned when the girl skated out of Noah’s sight. He turned back to Raven, his grin genuine. “Now what?”
“Now, we wait.”
A warm breeze blew through the window, carrying with it the scents of flame-grilled beef and fries, honeysuckle, and an approaching storm. Era-appropriate music drifted in, too, flowing from the speakers mounted around the outside of the restaurant. Buddy Holly. The Everly brothers. Dion and the Belmonts.
Noah watched in fascination when the girl returned and attached rubber-lined trays to the windows. He turned a vivid shade of red when she smiled at him and batted her eyes. Raven looked away and hid her smile.
Her smile quickly faded, however, when she saw the old pickup pull into the lot. She recognized it immediately.
Dylan Grant.
The man himself swung gracefully out of the driver’s side, then tugged two kids out of the passenger side. Her heart thundered violently. Time had been very kind to him. No longer the boy she’d once known, he was all man. Lean and muscled with broad shoulders that narrowed down into a trim waist. Thick, dark hair. Chiseled features. And clear light-blue eyes that incited a riot of inappropriate thoughts and feelings, not the least of which was, He looks damn good with kids.
Dylan Grant has kids.
The knowledge hit her like a wrecking ball to the chest. Logically, she’d known he must have moved on. Gotten married. Started a family. Illogically, the confirmation gutted her.
Dylan stepped back and held the door open for a woman exiting the restaurant, tipping his head slightly in response to her thank-you. While he was waiting for the woman to pass through, he lifted his gaze her way.
Their eyes met.
The moment was over as suddenly as it had started. The woman was through the door, and Dylan was going inside, as if the world hadn’t just shifted on its axis. Raven realized she’d stopped breathing at some point and discreetly started again, a mixture of disappointment and relief washing over her at his lack of recognition.
It was better if he didn’t recognize her. Even more so if he didn’t remember her at all. It would certainly be easier.
“Do you know him?” Noah asked, following her gaze.
“He was a friend of your uncle Luke’s,” Raven said, summoning a casualness she didn’t feel—had never felt—when Dylan Grant was near.
The server rolled back out with their food and placed it on the door trays. With Raven’s stomach in knots, she fought the urge to ask her to wrap everything up, so they could take it back to the house with them.
Noah happily tucked into his meal, unaware of her inner turmoil. She forced herself to lift the burger and take a bite. It was every bit as good as she remembered, but her thoughts were elsewhere. Namely, in the forest one early summer night, the night she’d lost her virginity to Dylan Grant.
So lost was she in her thoughts that she didn’t realize Dylan had come back out and was approaching her car. He had a kid on either side, each holding a double-scoop cone. They were gorgeous kids, but then, she knew firsthand Dylan made beautiful babies.
“Raven Blackstone, is that you?”
Her heart started beating furiously again. She’d pictured this moment so many times over the years. How she would act, what she would say in the extremely unlikely event that their paths crossed again.
Outwardly, she remained cool. She drew her brows together, as if searching her memory. His eyes flashed with hurt, and for a second—just a second—her chest felt as if it had been cleaved in two.
“Dylan Grant,” he supplied, as if she didn’t remember. As if she could have forgotten.
“Ah, right,” she said. “Luke’s friend.”
Another flash. Another slash of searing pain in response.
“I heard about what happened to Luke. I’m sorry.”
“Thanks. It was a long time ago.”
“I’m sorry about your dad, too.”
She nodded in silent acknowledgment.
Dylan’s eyes moved from her to Noah, who had stopped eating and was watching the exchange with interest. Too much interest.
“This your boy?”
She nodded again. “This is Noah,” she answered carefully.
“He looks like Luke.”
Noah did look like her brother. He had the naturally wavy black hair that curled in dampness and the stormy silvery-gray eyes that all Blackstones had. He had Dylan’s build though. Broad and athletic, he drew the interest of coaches in every school he attended.
Sitting in the SUV as they were, that wasn’t immediately obvious. She was glad for that.
Outside the truck, Dylan shifted. The air between them sizzled and crackled, and in that moment, Raven had never been so grateful for the tray, which kept him from getting any closer.
“Nice to meet you, Noah. I’m Dylan. Your mom and I went to school together back in the day.”
“Yeah, heard you the first time,” Noah responded, managing to make his voice sound bored and annoyed at the same time.
“Manners, Noah,” Raven reprimanded softly. To Dylan, she summoned a small smile and explained, “It’s been a long day.”
“Uncle Dylan, let’s go,” the little girl at his side said, tugging at his shirt and shifting impatiently.
“You said we could go to the playground. You promised to push me on the swings.”
Raven sucked in a breath. Uncle Dylan. Not Dad. Her stomach unclenched slightly.
“So I did,” he said without taking his eyes from Raven.
His eyes narrowed. His gaze went to Noah and then back to hers. She saw the question there. The one she’d hoped she’d never have to answer.
Raven kept her expression neutral, but inside, she felt the first crack appear in the foundation of the fragile house of secrets she’d built.
“Right,” Dylan said finally. “I’ll see you around, Raven. Noah.”
Not if she could help it.
Copyright © 2022 Abbie Zanders.
Written by Abbie Zanders.
All rights reserved.
Get your copy of Home Base here:
👉 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐧: https://smarturl.it/azrHomeBase
Tags: Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance, Romantic Suspense, Protector Romance, Military Hero, Secret Baby
You find the most unexpected things in the most familiar of places
After fifteen years in the army, Dylan Grant is more than ready to come home, settle down, and start a family of his own.
Thanks to one stolen, forbidden moment long ago, he might already have.
When Raven Blackstone returns to Birch Falls to settle her late father’s estate, she intends to close the book on that part of her life forever.
But it’s not that simple. Not only does she discover dangerous family secrets lurking in every shadowy corner, the only man she’s ever loved is back in town too. And when he discovers the truth she’s been hiding from him all these years, he’s not as willing to walk away.
Home Base is a small town, contemporary romantic suspense stand-alone novel featuring a former military hero. Fans of the Connelly Cousins will see some familiar faces and places, but it is not necessary to read those books to enjoy Home Base.
Get your copy of Home Base here:
👉 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐧: https://smarturl.it/azrHomeBase
👀 Wanna sneak peek?
Raven
By dinnertime, Raven was mentally exhausted. Noah had spent the afternoon exploring and was, of course, starving. He’d made short work of the stash of snacks they’d brought with them, and a brief inspection revealed the meager contents of the cupboards to be insufficient.
Some things never changed. Not for the first time, she wondered who, if anyone, had ensured her father ate on a regular basis. Washing his clothes. Handling the day-to-day running of Blackstone Manor.
Noah pulled out his phone and began searching for local takeout places, rattling off a handful of names. None of them sounded particularly appealing.
“I’ve got a better idea,” Raven said. “Instead of takeout, how about drive-in?”
“You mean drive-through?”
“Not quite.” She grinned. “Come on. You’ll see.”
She gave herself a quick wash, changed her top, then ran a brush through her hair. It would have to do. Besides, she wasn’t trying to impress anyone.
Daisy’s Dairy Bar had been built in the ’50s and looked like it. Though it had been modernized over the years, there was no mistaking the old-time soda-shop vibe.
She pulled into an open parking spot and rolled down her window. Noah put his hand on the door, preparing to get out, but she stopped him. “No need. Just roll down your window.”
“Why?”
His eyes grew wide when he saw the girl roller-skating toward their vehicle. Raven smiled. The trip into town was worth it for his reaction alone.
The young woman who came up to the window was pretty, not more than sixteen or seventeen, with long blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail. Noah was entranced.
Raven suspended her healthy-eating rules and ordered the works for both of them when Noah appeared temporarily mute. Burgers with everything, fries, and milkshakes.
His ability to speak returned when the girl skated out of Noah’s sight. He turned back to Raven, his grin genuine. “Now what?”
“Now, we wait.”
A warm breeze blew through the window, carrying with it the scents of flame-grilled beef and fries, honeysuckle, and an approaching storm. Era-appropriate music drifted in, too, flowing from the speakers mounted around the outside of the restaurant. Buddy Holly. The Everly brothers. Dion and the Belmonts.
Noah watched in fascination when the girl returned and attached rubber-lined trays to the windows. He turned a vivid shade of red when she smiled at him and batted her eyes. Raven looked away and hid her smile.
Her smile quickly faded, however, when she saw the old pickup pull into the lot. She recognized it immediately.
Dylan Grant.
The man himself swung gracefully out of the driver’s side, then tugged two kids out of the passenger side. Her heart thundered violently. Time had been very kind to him. No longer the boy she’d once known, he was all man. Lean and muscled with broad shoulders that narrowed down into a trim waist. Thick, dark hair. Chiseled features. And clear light-blue eyes that incited a riot of inappropriate thoughts and feelings, not the least of which was, He looks damn good with kids.
Dylan Grant has kids.
The knowledge hit her like a wrecking ball to the chest. Logically, she’d known he must have moved on. Gotten married. Started a family. Illogically, the confirmation gutted her.
Dylan stepped back and held the door open for a woman exiting the restaurant, tipping his head slightly in response to her thank-you. While he was waiting for the woman to pass through, he lifted his gaze her way.
Their eyes met.
The moment was over as suddenly as it had started. The woman was through the door, and Dylan was going inside, as if the world hadn’t just shifted on its axis. Raven realized she’d stopped breathing at some point and discreetly started again, a mixture of disappointment and relief washing over her at his lack of recognition.
It was better if he didn’t recognize her. Even more so if he didn’t remember her at all. It would certainly be easier.
“Do you know him?” Noah asked, following her gaze.
“He was a friend of your uncle Luke’s,” Raven said, summoning a casualness she didn’t feel—had never felt—when Dylan Grant was near.
The server rolled back out with their food and placed it on the door trays. With Raven’s stomach in knots, she fought the urge to ask her to wrap everything up, so they could take it back to the house with them.
Noah happily tucked into his meal, unaware of her inner turmoil. She forced herself to lift the burger and take a bite. It was every bit as good as she remembered, but her thoughts were elsewhere. Namely, in the forest one early summer night, the night she’d lost her virginity to Dylan Grant.
So lost was she in her thoughts that she didn’t realize Dylan had come back out and was approaching her car. He had a kid on either side, each holding a double-scoop cone. They were gorgeous kids, but then, she knew firsthand Dylan made beautiful babies.
“Raven Blackstone, is that you?”
Her heart started beating furiously again. She’d pictured this moment so many times over the years. How she would act, what she would say in the extremely unlikely event that their paths crossed again.
Outwardly, she remained cool. She drew her brows together, as if searching her memory. His eyes flashed with hurt, and for a second—just a second—her chest felt as if it had been cleaved in two.
“Dylan Grant,” he supplied, as if she didn’t remember. As if she could have forgotten.
“Ah, right,” she said. “Luke’s friend.”
Another flash. Another slash of searing pain in response.
“I heard about what happened to Luke. I’m sorry.”
“Thanks. It was a long time ago.”
“I’m sorry about your dad, too.”
She nodded in silent acknowledgment.
Dylan’s eyes moved from her to Noah, who had stopped eating and was watching the exchange with interest. Too much interest.
“This your boy?”
She nodded again. “This is Noah,” she answered carefully.
“He looks like Luke.”
Noah did look like her brother. He had the naturally wavy black hair that curled in dampness and the stormy silvery-gray eyes that all Blackstones had. He had Dylan’s build though. Broad and athletic, he drew the interest of coaches in every school he attended.
Sitting in the SUV as they were, that wasn’t immediately obvious. She was glad for that.
Outside the truck, Dylan shifted. The air between them sizzled and crackled, and in that moment, Raven had never been so grateful for the tray, which kept him from getting any closer.
“Nice to meet you, Noah. I’m Dylan. Your mom and I went to school together back in the day.”
“Yeah, heard you the first time,” Noah responded, managing to make his voice sound bored and annoyed at the same time.
“Manners, Noah,” Raven reprimanded softly. To Dylan, she summoned a small smile and explained, “It’s been a long day.”
“Uncle Dylan, let’s go,” the little girl at his side said, tugging at his shirt and shifting impatiently.
“You said we could go to the playground. You promised to push me on the swings.”
Raven sucked in a breath. Uncle Dylan. Not Dad. Her stomach unclenched slightly.
“So I did,” he said without taking his eyes from Raven.
His eyes narrowed. His gaze went to Noah and then back to hers. She saw the question there. The one she’d hoped she’d never have to answer.
Raven kept her expression neutral, but inside, she felt the first crack appear in the foundation of the fragile house of secrets she’d built.
“Right,” Dylan said finally. “I’ll see you around, Raven. Noah.”
Not if she could help it.
Copyright © 2022 Abbie Zanders.
Written by Abbie Zanders.
All rights reserved.
Get your copy of Home Base here:
👉 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐧: https://smarturl.it/azrHomeBase
August 15, 2022
Abbie Zanders has another winning book on her hands! This is a great second chance romance story. It was also nice visiting some familiar characters along the way. Dylan and Raven met in high school. She was shy and kept to herself. He was the new kid in school. The night before Dylan left for basic training, he was thrown a curve ball he never saw coming. One thing led to another and he and Raven spent some meaningful time together. Fast forward 15 years.... Raven is back in the town she thought she had left behind due to unforseen circumstances. Dylan is also back in town. He has just left the Army and was looking forward to getting his life on track. They run into each other in town and it raises nothing but questions. They have a lot to sort through to get the HEA they deserve. Sorry, no spoilers. I received this ARC and here is my honest review
August 14, 2022
This was a sweet, sexy, romantic and beautiful book. I love all the people in Birch Falls and the surrounding area
August 25, 2022
Likes:
- The mystery surrounding the heroine. Would have never guessed who the baddie turned out to
be!
- The slight paranormal aspect that had me hooked and the only reason I didn’t DNF.
- Both MCs lost their virginity to each other (before the separation)
- No OW/OM dramalama.
Dislikes: (Too many to count!)
- I am not a fan of long separations – especially 15 yrs as this one was! Too much time, people &
experiences to claim they always loved each other.
- Weak Hero who allowed his Mother to enable the behavior she was shelving out and no
resolution in the end about that!
- Didn’t care for the heroine. Loved her relationship with her son but couldn’t stand her cold,
rude & standoffish behavior towards good people who wanted to befriend her like the Hero’s
sister for example who defended her to town folks and wanted to get to know her & be close.
Instead, heroine ran away and made no effort. No resolution on that front in the end either.
And what the hell was with heroine’s wardrobe? She was described as always wearing Black
and looking like one of those Gothic chicks. Lol.
- Didn’t feel any chemistry or bonding between the 2 MCs. Heroine kept pushing Hero away for
most all of the story which is why the ending was just Blah. No romance or feeling they were
in love at all.
- No intimate scenes at all. Sex at the end was off page, as well as the one before the separation.
Also, if I am not mistaken, there was I believe 3 short kisses in total for the entire story. So
very PG which is not my jam.
- The confusing mixed feelings Hero had about the ex. When story begins, we were told that he
had a GF that he was dating for a year and the night before he enlisted, he was having a
graduation party and was going to break things off with her. However, after catching her
cheating with one of his friends, he felt betrayed & angry. Then throughout the story, every
time she was mentioned or he came in contact with, he was still angry (even though he no
longer wanted her or felt any attraction). So why would he be angry & hurt if he never had
feelings for her? Seems to me he would be more upset at his friend then her but it was not
written that way. And also, it was never explained why he never had sex with his GF or
anyone else since he was described as dating a lot in High school.
- Another major dislike is that the MCs kid was described as a mini-me/dead ringer of heroine’s
dead brother. Over & over again this was mentioned to the point I couldn’t understand why he
would resemble the brother and not the Hero. There was even a rumor by town folks that the
reason the kid looked like the brother is because the brother raped heroine and got her
pregnant and that is why he committed suicide. Of course, that was not true but there was
absolutely no reason to make the kid look like the brother. It served nothing to the story at all.
- As for Heroine’s Brother & Father’s death, there was some mystery there how they died.
Author just left it open ended, as she did the same with the mystery book that was supposed to
contain “riches” and whatnot. Don’t you hate it when you invest your time, money & energy
on something and have things not wrapped up? Ugh!
- Lastly, my biggest pet peeve lately is when writers incorporate their careers into the story arc.
For example, the heroine is an Editor who works with several Authors and we get dialogue
after dialogue how & what an author has to go through to publish their books. How “Indy”
writers are the thing these days & the pros/cons of hiring a Publisher/Editor or going solo.
Apparently going solo you make more money and if everyone has an Editor to help them
rewrite lots, catch mistakes, etc., why then do we have such crappy books out there these days?
Safety:
- Since it’s a 15 year separation, Hero is of course not celibate. He said he tried to forget her as “hard as he could with other women but never could”. No past history mentioned for heroine. One can only assume she was frozen since she had a hard time interacting with people.
- NO OW/OM drama. His ex does come briefly into the picture but he ignores her.
- No intimate scenes with OP. Totally Safe.
- The mystery surrounding the heroine. Would have never guessed who the baddie turned out to
be!
- The slight paranormal aspect that had me hooked and the only reason I didn’t DNF.
- Both MCs lost their virginity to each other (before the separation)
- No OW/OM dramalama.
Dislikes: (Too many to count!)
- I am not a fan of long separations – especially 15 yrs as this one was! Too much time, people &
experiences to claim they always loved each other.
- Weak Hero who allowed his Mother to enable the behavior she was shelving out and no
resolution in the end about that!
- Didn’t care for the heroine. Loved her relationship with her son but couldn’t stand her cold,
rude & standoffish behavior towards good people who wanted to befriend her like the Hero’s
sister for example who defended her to town folks and wanted to get to know her & be close.
Instead, heroine ran away and made no effort. No resolution on that front in the end either.
And what the hell was with heroine’s wardrobe? She was described as always wearing Black
and looking like one of those Gothic chicks. Lol.
- Didn’t feel any chemistry or bonding between the 2 MCs. Heroine kept pushing Hero away for
most all of the story which is why the ending was just Blah. No romance or feeling they were
in love at all.
- No intimate scenes at all. Sex at the end was off page, as well as the one before the separation.
Also, if I am not mistaken, there was I believe 3 short kisses in total for the entire story. So
very PG which is not my jam.
- The confusing mixed feelings Hero had about the ex. When story begins, we were told that he
had a GF that he was dating for a year and the night before he enlisted, he was having a
graduation party and was going to break things off with her. However, after catching her
cheating with one of his friends, he felt betrayed & angry. Then throughout the story, every
time she was mentioned or he came in contact with, he was still angry (even though he no
longer wanted her or felt any attraction). So why would he be angry & hurt if he never had
feelings for her? Seems to me he would be more upset at his friend then her but it was not
written that way. And also, it was never explained why he never had sex with his GF or
anyone else since he was described as dating a lot in High school.
- Another major dislike is that the MCs kid was described as a mini-me/dead ringer of heroine’s
dead brother. Over & over again this was mentioned to the point I couldn’t understand why he
would resemble the brother and not the Hero. There was even a rumor by town folks that the
reason the kid looked like the brother is because the brother raped heroine and got her
pregnant and that is why he committed suicide. Of course, that was not true but there was
absolutely no reason to make the kid look like the brother. It served nothing to the story at all.
- As for Heroine’s Brother & Father’s death, there was some mystery there how they died.
Author just left it open ended, as she did the same with the mystery book that was supposed to
contain “riches” and whatnot. Don’t you hate it when you invest your time, money & energy
on something and have things not wrapped up? Ugh!
- Lastly, my biggest pet peeve lately is when writers incorporate their careers into the story arc.
For example, the heroine is an Editor who works with several Authors and we get dialogue
after dialogue how & what an author has to go through to publish their books. How “Indy”
writers are the thing these days & the pros/cons of hiring a Publisher/Editor or going solo.
Apparently going solo you make more money and if everyone has an Editor to help them
rewrite lots, catch mistakes, etc., why then do we have such crappy books out there these days?
Safety:
- Since it’s a 15 year separation, Hero is of course not celibate. He said he tried to forget her as “hard as he could with other women but never could”. No past history mentioned for heroine. One can only assume she was frozen since she had a hard time interacting with people.
- NO OW/OM drama. His ex does come briefly into the picture but he ignores her.
- No intimate scenes with OP. Totally Safe.
September 3, 2022
I absolutely loved this story. I started reading and didn’t want to put it down until I was finished.
It is part of a series but can totally be read as a stand-alone. And I’m actually reading all of these books out of order but this one is my new favorite. It is also a crossover with another of this author’s series that I haven’t read yet but after this one I think I need to discover these Connelly cousins!!
Sign me up for more!
-5 stars-
It is part of a series but can totally be read as a stand-alone. And I’m actually reading all of these books out of order but this one is my new favorite. It is also a crossover with another of this author’s series that I haven’t read yet but after this one I think I need to discover these Connelly cousins!!
Sign me up for more!
-5 stars-
August 15, 2022
Winner, winner chicken dinner! A wonderful second chance romance with secrets, mystery, overbearing mom, narrow minded towns people and finding new friends/allies with the Connelly cousins. The Blackstone family has roots in Birch Falls since the 1800’s but instead of making them town royalty they are the town outcast. Fueled by their Gypsy heritage, dark looks, secrets and rumors of being witches Raven hides in the shadows and her brother hides through drugs. Dylan ignored the rumors and befriend Luke Blackstone and crushed on his sister Raven. He never acted on his desire until graduation night when she came to him. After one night together they both leave Birch Falls never talking again. Fifteen years later Dylan leaves the Army moving home. Raven and her son are in town taking care of her late father estate. They find each other again, secrets are revealed and danger looms. Can Dylan protect them from the danger? Can Dylan overcome Ravens betrayal? Can they stand up against the town who has tormented Raven family for generations? Grab a copy and be prepared to read it in one sitting because you won’t want to put it down. I would love to find out more about the Blackstone family and their secrets. Also a follow up on Noah. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
August 16, 2022
I have only read two books in this series and loved them, and this one was just as good.
Dylan Grant has decided to leave the Army and go back home after fifteen years. He’s ready to settle down and have a family of his own. Though he’s never forgotten the girl that had his heart.
Whom he never expected to see again, was that girl, Raven Blackstone. She the sister of his best friend in HS and the girl he secretly had a crush on. Also the one he had a special moment, the night of the senior party and hasn’t seen her since then.
When he approaches her in her car, she’s as beautiful as ever, and has a fourteen year old with her.
Raven is back in town to settle her father’s estate. Her family was always considered to be into some type of magic and were not accepted by the community. But she’s now an adult and plans only to spend the summer in town .
But fate brings these two back together as secrets are revealed and feelings deepen. In the midst of it all, danger is around them.
Will they be able to overcome the evil that seems to be close by? Will they finally get their HEA?
This was a wonderful story about second chances in life and love and a great addition to the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book.
The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Dylan Grant has decided to leave the Army and go back home after fifteen years. He’s ready to settle down and have a family of his own. Though he’s never forgotten the girl that had his heart.
Whom he never expected to see again, was that girl, Raven Blackstone. She the sister of his best friend in HS and the girl he secretly had a crush on. Also the one he had a special moment, the night of the senior party and hasn’t seen her since then.
When he approaches her in her car, she’s as beautiful as ever, and has a fourteen year old with her.
Raven is back in town to settle her father’s estate. Her family was always considered to be into some type of magic and were not accepted by the community. But she’s now an adult and plans only to spend the summer in town .
But fate brings these two back together as secrets are revealed and feelings deepen. In the midst of it all, danger is around them.
Will they be able to overcome the evil that seems to be close by? Will they finally get their HEA?
This was a wonderful story about second chances in life and love and a great addition to the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book.
The opinions expressed are solely my own.
August 17, 2022
OH MY GOSH! Freakin' amazing story. The prologue peaked my interest but the story just sucked me in and refused to release me. Dylan, Raven, and the stalwart residents of Birch Falls and the honorable mentions of said residents neighboring cousins made for an awesome story. I loved the Blackstones with their tragic past and family history. I loved Dylan and his family loyalty and his feelings of "rightness" in discovering the truth (and though scared of messing things up, he sought the advice of others). I adored the touch of Blackstone family traits. I also hated Dylan's mom (just like I was supposed to). There is one other character that is absolutely fantastic that you meet in Chapter Three - you will fall in love with him and want his story told. AND a special shout out for a Knoebles mention!
This is a total standalone book and you don't need to read any other book to thoroughly enjoy it (reading Abbie's Birch Falls and Pine Ridge stories first will just give extra smiles while reading Home Base). Abbie Zanders has become one of my favorite, gotta-buy-it authors.
This is a total standalone book and you don't need to read any other book to thoroughly enjoy it (reading Abbie's Birch Falls and Pine Ridge stories first will just give extra smiles while reading Home Base). Abbie Zanders has become one of my favorite, gotta-buy-it authors.
August 16, 2022
I got an advanced review copy of this book and this is my honest opinion. Home Base is another solid book by Abbie Zanders. I liked the male lead, Dylan. His character was believable and there was a noticeable development in him. And I absolutely loved the slightly paranormal touch surrounding the Blackstones. That's my cup of tea right there. What left me unsatisfied and took away from the overall enjoyment was the female lead, Raven. She kept holding back information and refused to open up throughout the book and that lack of development was a tad bit frustrating. I really missed the progress in her. What I really want to stress is the good editing that was done on the story. Editing: 5 stars, paranormal aspect: 5 stars, male lead and overall story: 4 stars, female lead: 3 stars. All in all a solid 4 stars for an entertaining read. Thank you.
August 15, 2022
Reader beware!! Don’t start this book late in the evening thinking “I’ll just read a few chapters before bed”. Next thing you know it’s 3am and you’re still bargaining with yourself about “just one more chapter”… This book just left me wanting more. More Blackstone’s, more Dylan and Raven, more Noah, more Connley’s, more special talents, more Birchwood Falls. I’ve read all the Connley cousins, as well as the Callaghan books and every time a new one touches on them, I just want to go visit again. No one can make you want to visit a fictional town, while disliking many of its citizens. Well developed characters, complex relationships, mystery and intrigue. You’ve got it all!! Five big stars.
August 23, 2022
This author never disappoints! Home Base is another amazing book by Abbie Zanders. Ms. Zanders has crafted a well-written story and populated it with a stellar cast of characters. After fifteen year Dylan returns home to Birch Falls after leaving the Army. After fifteen years Raven returns home with her son to settle her father's estate. It didn't take long for them to run into each other. Dylan and Raven's tale is loaded with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. Kudos to Ms. Zanders for writing a book that I stayed up till 3:45 to finish, only to have the kindle battery die 2 chapters before the end. Home Base is part of The Long Road Home Series but can be read as a standalone, this is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 14, 2022
Another great book by a very talented author!
I loved the characters, how they were able to find each other again. Also, Noah was great, especially how he was protective of his mom. The mystery behind the house was very entertaining. It was also great to see the Connelly characters again. I always look forward to reading one of Abbie's books.
I loved the characters, how they were able to find each other again. Also, Noah was great, especially how he was protective of his mom. The mystery behind the house was very entertaining. It was also great to see the Connelly characters again. I always look forward to reading one of Abbie's books.
August 23, 2022
This story was an outstanding addition to this series. I am a huge fan of Abbie's books, especially ones set in Birch Falls. This one was slightly different from her usual. The air of mystery to the Blackstone legacy is wonderful. Raven and Dylan had a link in the past and when they meet again, there is a lot for them to work through. This story left me wanting more.
August 23, 2022
Awesome book!!! I really loved Dylan, and raven was amazing. In all honesty, I'm not typically a fan of the whole hidden baby genre. But this time, it was very well done, and I really enjoyed reading it. Very well done!!
August 24, 2022
Dylan was one of the popular kids at school, Luke was his best friend so he never acted upon his crush on Luke’s sister the beautiful and ethereal Raven. Raven and Luke were the town outcasts because of their family, shunned & whispered about, so Raven spent most of her time on the outside watching & listening, hiding her crush on Dylan until the night he leaves town for the army when everything changes.
15 years later Dylan is returning home to Birch Falls having left the army and ready for the next stage of his life. I love the Long Road Home series and the roll the all-knowing Blessing plays in the characters’ lives. Raven has also returned to Birch Falls along with her 14-year-old son Noah to settle her father’s estate. Birch Falls is home of Abbie Zanders Connelly series and it’s wonderful to catch up with the family.
Raven and Dylan’s relationship slowly evolves as they reconnect and Dylan learns what his priorities really are and Raven learns she can trust Dylan and let him in. Blackstone Manor is a gem, I mean who doesn’t want secret rooms and passages to go with the spooky family history but for me Noah was the absolute star of the story.
I love Abbie’s writing about small time life with its quirks, highs and lows, mysteries and secrets. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend you read it, there is a gentle supernatural vibe to the story but I would have embraced a wee bit more and I definitely feel there were a few unanswered questions - maybe a future Connelly story for Noah could answer some of them?
I received an arc from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
15 years later Dylan is returning home to Birch Falls having left the army and ready for the next stage of his life. I love the Long Road Home series and the roll the all-knowing Blessing plays in the characters’ lives. Raven has also returned to Birch Falls along with her 14-year-old son Noah to settle her father’s estate. Birch Falls is home of Abbie Zanders Connelly series and it’s wonderful to catch up with the family.
Raven and Dylan’s relationship slowly evolves as they reconnect and Dylan learns what his priorities really are and Raven learns she can trust Dylan and let him in. Blackstone Manor is a gem, I mean who doesn’t want secret rooms and passages to go with the spooky family history but for me Noah was the absolute star of the story.
I love Abbie’s writing about small time life with its quirks, highs and lows, mysteries and secrets. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend you read it, there is a gentle supernatural vibe to the story but I would have embraced a wee bit more and I definitely feel there were a few unanswered questions - maybe a future Connelly story for Noah could answer some of them?
I received an arc from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
August 14, 2022
I love Home Base, Abbie Zanders’ latest entry in the Long Road Home Series! Dylan Grant has finally come home from 15 yrs in the Army. He flies home, having a stopover in Atlanta so he meets Blessing. Can I say that I love Blessing?! As always, she knows things she probably shouldn’t, and tells him everything will work out and be “better than fine”. Raven Blackstone is back also, to settle the estate of her father, and wants to get it done and leave, not expecting to see Dylan, the boy she loved and still does.
But it’s never just as simple as star-crossed lovers, because first they only had one night before Dylan left for basic and no contact after. Then there is the fact family was ostracized by the town for being different, so she wants to get matters settled and leave. With Home Base, Abbie Zanders has written a fabulous story that has mystery, family drama, old friends we’ve seen before, and a wonderful HEA! I’m ready to read it again!!
But it’s never just as simple as star-crossed lovers, because first they only had one night before Dylan left for basic and no contact after. Then there is the fact family was ostracized by the town for being different, so she wants to get matters settled and leave. With Home Base, Abbie Zanders has written a fabulous story that has mystery, family drama, old friends we’ve seen before, and a wonderful HEA! I’m ready to read it again!!
August 16, 2022
Will returning home be a new beginning or not?
Dylan Grant is returning home from the Army on terminal leave and wondering what home will be like. A strong willed mother, has her plans for her easy going son but a surprise from his past appears. Friends and classmates have him learning to find jobs he loves and stand up for himself. But he has to also learn how to support a link to his deceased best friend.
Raven Blackstone has always had preternatural instincts and learned to pay attention to them. Now she has returned to settle her father's estate and learn his secrets. The rumors start on her arrival ; the town folk starting to question her return. She has her own secrets to keep and desires to leave the town as soon as possible.
Read this fantastic story of normal life versus the supernatural life and the desires of two people looking for a home.
Dylan Grant is returning home from the Army on terminal leave and wondering what home will be like. A strong willed mother, has her plans for her easy going son but a surprise from his past appears. Friends and classmates have him learning to find jobs he loves and stand up for himself. But he has to also learn how to support a link to his deceased best friend.
Raven Blackstone has always had preternatural instincts and learned to pay attention to them. Now she has returned to settle her father's estate and learn his secrets. The rumors start on her arrival ; the town folk starting to question her return. She has her own secrets to keep and desires to leave the town as soon as possible.
Read this fantastic story of normal life versus the supernatural life and the desires of two people looking for a home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2022
The love between Dylan Grant and Raven Blackstone is epic and one quote says it all. "Because I could say no to everyone else, but not to you. I still can't."
Dylan has loved Raven from the moment he first sees her, but they never dated because Raven was the little sister of his best friend Luke. Dylan finds his girlfriend, Maribelle, having sex with another of his friends, Billy, on the night of graduation. Because he feels angry and betrayed he goes off into the woods where he meets up with Raven. Raven stays outside of their group because most people think she is strange. This is because Raven has something of a "second sight" or esp. She always seems to sense or know things before they happen. The townspeople call her a witch or say she uses sorcery. Dylan never let himself be pulled into this kind of gossip. So, when Raven finds him alone in the woods she gives him her virginity not knowing he has done the same. She becomes pregnant and Dylan has gone into the army. Raven tries to go to his mother and get an address to let Dylan know about the pregnancy, but Dylan's mother would not tell her how to get in touch with him. Raven leaves town in order to conceal the pregnancy from her father and the townspeople and it's 15 years before she or Dylan returns.
Dylan is now out of the army and is finally returning home to figure out what he wants to do with the rest of his life, while Raven has come home because her father and brother have both died and she has inherited the family mansion and wealth. She has returned with her and Dylan's son Noah.
Dylan and Raven have to come together and figure out if they can be friends or become family. They find that there is still something special between them and have to work to find out who is after Raven's family fortune.
Their story is interesting and captivating at times. Dylan has to navigate through some angsty waters with his mother and her meddling ways. They both have to learn how to co-parent and trust what is growing between them. We get to see others we have come to know and love from Birch Falls and a few from Pine Ridge Cove, (always a favorite).
We do get our HEA between Dylan and Raven, but I felt we also got some unanswered questions that may come in the next book. I can't wait for the discussion on this one! All in all, it was very enjoyable and very entertaining.
Dylan has loved Raven from the moment he first sees her, but they never dated because Raven was the little sister of his best friend Luke. Dylan finds his girlfriend, Maribelle, having sex with another of his friends, Billy, on the night of graduation. Because he feels angry and betrayed he goes off into the woods where he meets up with Raven. Raven stays outside of their group because most people think she is strange. This is because Raven has something of a "second sight" or esp. She always seems to sense or know things before they happen. The townspeople call her a witch or say she uses sorcery. Dylan never let himself be pulled into this kind of gossip. So, when Raven finds him alone in the woods she gives him her virginity not knowing he has done the same. She becomes pregnant and Dylan has gone into the army. Raven tries to go to his mother and get an address to let Dylan know about the pregnancy, but Dylan's mother would not tell her how to get in touch with him. Raven leaves town in order to conceal the pregnancy from her father and the townspeople and it's 15 years before she or Dylan returns.
Dylan is now out of the army and is finally returning home to figure out what he wants to do with the rest of his life, while Raven has come home because her father and brother have both died and she has inherited the family mansion and wealth. She has returned with her and Dylan's son Noah.
Dylan and Raven have to come together and figure out if they can be friends or become family. They find that there is still something special between them and have to work to find out who is after Raven's family fortune.
Their story is interesting and captivating at times. Dylan has to navigate through some angsty waters with his mother and her meddling ways. They both have to learn how to co-parent and trust what is growing between them. We get to see others we have come to know and love from Birch Falls and a few from Pine Ridge Cove, (always a favorite).
We do get our HEA between Dylan and Raven, but I felt we also got some unanswered questions that may come in the next book. I can't wait for the discussion on this one! All in all, it was very enjoyable and very entertaining.
August 15, 2022
Another visit to the USO library and Blessing’s advice – and the hint she gives that tells us where Dylan is going to have a problem when he goes home. Raven was Dylan’s best friend’s sister, and he’d had a crush on her for years. The night before he left for basic, they connected, and, unbeknownst to Dylan, he has a son. While that could be a book on its own, it’s not the whole story, and there is suspense, danger, greed, vicious unkindness, and essentially strength, support, and love - plus some of the Connellys, with a teeny bit of woo-woo added in. I would have loved this book to have been twice the length; I wanted to know so much more! The Long Road Home books never disappoint.
August 16, 2022
I love reading this story. It almost had that feeling of going back home while you read the story. And I am sure a lot of that had to do with some of our old favorite characters coming back I love when we get to see past characters come back and you get to catch up. The storyline for this book kept me hooked throughout the whole book. I couldn't stop turning the pages like I had to know what was next I had to know what was next and I had to know what was next I was all up in everybody's business in this book.I absolutely love the characters in this story.
August 15, 2022
Saying that I loved is not enough....this books is for AZ's fan AWESOME...because, as always is a good story, with good pace, great characters AND you get glimpses of what will come! I know it is not stone, but...i have faith! Lol
This story is tamed if you think in Johnny's or his cousins' But it flowed so easily while you read it that you won't realized till "the end" is there!
I recommed this one, and a good advise is to read the rest of the books from this author! You are missing out if you havent!
This story is tamed if you think in Johnny's or his cousins' But it flowed so easily while you read it that you won't realized till "the end" is there!
I recommed this one, and a good advise is to read the rest of the books from this author! You are missing out if you havent!
August 23, 2022
Intrigue, suspense, small town gossip and so much electricity you can just feel it…
Dylan Grant returns home after 15 years of service in the army. He’s ready to start a new chapter in his life hopefully with a family and a home of his very own. Being back in Birch Falls brings back vivid memories of the girl that rocked his world. Raven Blackstone, She still owns a piece of his heart.
Raven and her son are back home for the summer to settle her fathers estate. Where she runs into Dylan. He stole her heart years ago and he still steals her breath with just one look. But everything is complicated now and she has secrets better left hidden. But Birch Falls is the kind of place where secrets don’t stay hidden for long. With a town divided and some sinister things happening surrounding Blackstone manor can Dylan keep Raven and Noah safe? Could they be the family he’s always dreamed of?
“I voluntarily received this arc book for an honest review”
Dylan Grant returns home after 15 years of service in the army. He’s ready to start a new chapter in his life hopefully with a family and a home of his very own. Being back in Birch Falls brings back vivid memories of the girl that rocked his world. Raven Blackstone, She still owns a piece of his heart.
Raven and her son are back home for the summer to settle her fathers estate. Where she runs into Dylan. He stole her heart years ago and he still steals her breath with just one look. But everything is complicated now and she has secrets better left hidden. But Birch Falls is the kind of place where secrets don’t stay hidden for long. With a town divided and some sinister things happening surrounding Blackstone manor can Dylan keep Raven and Noah safe? Could they be the family he’s always dreamed of?
“I voluntarily received this arc book for an honest review”
August 15, 2022
Home Base was a fantastic addition to the Long Road Home series. Abbie Zanders tied this story into her Connelly Cousins series. Home Base is a mixture of some of my favorite tropes. There is second chance romance mixed with the best friend’s little sister. You also get suspense and a sexy happily ever after. You can always count on Abbie Zanders for a great story with lovable characters. Only a few people in the little town of Birch falls have not been cruel to the Blackstone family. Their mansion and their alleged supernatural dealings make for lots of gossip, staring, and unpleasant behavior. Raven escaped the town and her unhappy father after high school 15 years ago. Her father’s death brings her back to town to deal with his estate. She always has a secret crush on Dylan. When she runs into him sparks fly. He always liked her too, but their only time together was right before he left for basic training. Can they make a family together, or will life scare them off? Don’t miss this page turner. I couldn’t put it down!
August 15, 2022
Dylan Grant has returned home after leaving the Army ready to settle down. Raven Blackstone has returned to settle her dad's estate. Both of them liked each other when they were younger but never said anything life got in the way. One night can change everything years later. There's small town rumors, twists and turns, family drama, disappointment in Dylan's mother, seeing old friends and of course seeing and hearing Blessing words of wisdom.
August 15, 2022
Raven a Dylan are both returning home for entirely different reasons but it gives them a second chance. The bumps and curves in the road along with a little of the unknown will have you flying through this book. Think this may be my favorite yet in this multi author series. Definitely a recommended read! I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a review
August 14, 2022
Awesome!!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely love and throughly enjoy reading the stories in the 2nd series of the Long Road Home.
This is Dylan and Raven's story of a young love, a secret child and reconnecting again 15 years later.
Fantastic storyline, loveable characters and loved the HEA.
Can't wait for the next one in the series by Cat Johnson.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely love and throughly enjoy reading the stories in the 2nd series of the Long Road Home.
This is Dylan and Raven's story of a young love, a secret child and reconnecting again 15 years later.
Fantastic storyline, loveable characters and loved the HEA.
Can't wait for the next one in the series by Cat Johnson.
August 15, 2022
I have read almost every book you have written and I have to say each series is better than the last. This book made me laugh and she'd a few tears. It was so wonderful to catch up with some of your past characters.I cannot wait for your next book to see where you take me this time.
August 24, 2022
I just completed reading Home Base.. WOW
It had everything…mystery, secrets & a little glimpses into spiritual word! A love story that was pushed to the edge by small town gossip and narrow minds but was all enduring.
This book had it all, love and friendship, tears and laughter, emotions and strength.
I loved everything about this book
It was captivating from the very first chapter
The way Blackstone was described, the mentioning of old friends AKA the Connelly’s and crew. The characters of Luke, Noah, Dylan and Raven.. were amazing such incredible depth to each one!
But I wanted to smack Barbra and her cronies!! 😂
Then the twists nobody will see coming!
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this incredible book, thank you for your craft!💕
It had everything…mystery, secrets & a little glimpses into spiritual word! A love story that was pushed to the edge by small town gossip and narrow minds but was all enduring.
This book had it all, love and friendship, tears and laughter, emotions and strength.
I loved everything about this book
It was captivating from the very first chapter
The way Blackstone was described, the mentioning of old friends AKA the Connelly’s and crew. The characters of Luke, Noah, Dylan and Raven.. were amazing such incredible depth to each one!
But I wanted to smack Barbra and her cronies!! 😂
Then the twists nobody will see coming!
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this incredible book, thank you for your craft!💕
August 14, 2022
Grab this 1st love, 2nd chance romance filled with surprises, twists, turns and love filling their hearts if they can survive the rumors, viciousness and murder and mayhem. Loved it!!
August 15, 2022
I loved Dylan and Raven’s story. I didn’t want it to end. I was surprised by the storyline. I was not expecting it. I would love to read more like it. Definitely recommend.
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