Erryn reviews ‘Long Way Home’ by Nicky James. This book was released by the author on August 14, 2019, and is 287 pgs long. The audiobook version of this story was narrated by Nick J. Russo. It was released on November 11, 2021, and is 11 hrs and 22 mins long. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Why I read this book: I loved The Endless Road to Sunshine.
It was love at first sight.
They were soul mates.
It was forever.
But they were only 16.
Too innocent. Too naïve.
Too ignorant about the world around them.
Besides, nothing lasts forever.
With their fairy-tale future torn to shreds, both boys need to learn to find their own way in an unforgiving world.
Gavin Buchanan is thrown into a life he didn’t want, molded to do a job he always feared. He must learn to get by, but with only his brothers in arms to lean on and secrets so deep they eat at his core every day, he struggles. How long until life in the Marine Corps turns this gentle, tenderhearted man into someone no one recognizes?
Owen Wallace is adrift and going through the motions. Every time he tries to stand tall and put the past behind him, life kicks him down. There is only so much a person can take before they turn bitter and jaded. It wasn’t supposed to be this way.
Their souls are bound to each other.
Nothing will keep them apart.
It will take time, but they just need to find their way home.
Trigger warning for PTSD.
Buy Links: Audible | Amazon | Add to Goodreads
My Review:
I always rave about Nicky James books so I’ll start this review a little differently. Nicky uses a couple of great narrators, and Nick J. Russo is one of them. He delivers solid performances I always enjoy listening to. He made this book that much better.
Which means the book was amazing.
And broke my heart. And then mended it back together.
Young love is just that – young love. It rarely survives into adulthood because it’s based on the feelings and hormones of teenagers. Odds are always stacked against the young lovers. I wanted this book to be different. I wanted Owen and Gavin to make it. I knew they wouldn’t, but I hoped I was wrong.
I was not. The circumstances of the separation broke my heart. I knew they’d eventually wind up back together, but I wondered what they’d have to endure in the meantime.
Upon finishing high school, Owen heads off to college, dedicated to being a journalist.
Gavin joins the military and tries to hold on to his sanity.
Neither man does well. They make friends, only to later lose them. Their paths cross several times, but it’s never the right time. They continue on with their lives, but never thrive. They were meant to be together and until that happens, neither will reach fulfilment.
Now, this story starts back in the early 2000’s, meaning the military stuff takes place during DADT (Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell). Anything that holds people back from being their authentic selves is a bad thing. When it was repealed, many LGBTQ members of the military rejoiced. Didn’t end prejudice, but it did allow them to serve openly. Proudly.
Back to Owen and Gavin. Sometimes hard-won love means more and I sure celebrated when they finally got their happy ending. I did have my doubts, but this is a Nicky James romance, so I knew I’d be satisfied. As her writing is so eclectic, I have no idea where the next audiobook will take me. Can’t wait to find out.
My Rating:
10/10 Pots of Gold (100% Recommended) – Compares to 5/5 Stars
Facebook | Twitter: @NicoleJames1978 | Goodreads
I live in the small town of Petrolia, Ontario, Canada and I am a mother to a wonderful teenage boy (didn’t think those words could be typed together…surprise) and wife to a truly supportive and understanding husband, who thankfully doesn’t think I’m crazy.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval-type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
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