Review: Long Way Home by Ann Vaughn
Synopsis:
Shane McCanton and Tessa Kelly were childhood enemies. Everything was a contest to them and Tessa always seemed to show Shane that nice guys finished last. Things change, however, when hormones take over and Shane begins to see the perpetual thorn-in-his-side as more than just his childhood nemesis...
Tessa had never meant to set into motion events that led to their childhood rivalry, but once it started, she embraced it with gusto - until her world started to fall apart and she realized that Shane was the one constant in her life, her rock who would never leave
her and help her find her Long Way Home...
Nicky's Review
3 Stars
Characters- Complex and humanly flawed (aka real)
Plot/Storyline- Story line was good. Had a lot of twists that you do not expect.
Steam Factor- Pretty steamy, but there is a lot of focus on coping with insecurities and healing in this area
Cover- Very confusing when it comes to the story. The cover is very sweet and calm, whereas the story is very serious and consists of quite a few dark experiences between the main characters.
Cliffhanger- No cliffhanger.
Overall- The story was good and kept me interested. The different challenges Tessa and Shane face within their relationship were well executed and very believable. Well done.
To start, I did enjoy this story and the constant changes throughout the book. It definitely kept me turning pages in order to see what was going to happen. I also enjoyed the different POVs that allowed you to get the whole story. That was a nice touch. I will say, though, that when I went into the book after reading the synopsis (and seeing the beautifully serene cover) I was prepared to read a light love story about two young arch enemies who find love as they grow up with each other. This scenario did happen, but with some very extreme twists; one that was pretty severe and very dark and will sort of haunt me for a while to come. I am just going to warn you that this book contains physical and sexual violence so be prepared. It's not too graphic but I do know that there are readers out there that don't want to read anything containing this topic, so here is your warning. Continuing on...
In the beginning, Tessa starts Kindergarten with Shane and she tells him that they were going to be married when they got older. This news of course freaked the 5 year old Shane out and that's where the strain between them began. It wasn't solely because of that scenario, it is just what started it. Shane does ask Tessa in the future why she said that and she admits that she had a dream that they were going to get married and that she has dreams like that a lot but she stopped telling people her dreams after Shane's reaction when they were kids. I was intrigued. I thought that Tessa was going to have some sort of special gift, but that was that with that topic. I felt a bit at a loss, like that bit of information was leading somewhere and then that part of the story was just dropped. Anyway, that's my little hang-up that doesn't affect the story.
As the story continues, Tessa and Shane call a truce in High school (I haven't ruined anything, I promise, this happens not too far into the story and you read in the synopsis that Shane becomes her rock in life). Tessa and Shane become friends and become very close after that. The theme that is a constant in this story is of Tessa constantly pushing Shane away every time a huge change occurs, for example college. I will not tell you other changes but there are more that occur throughout their story, which spans from Kindergarten into their 30's or so.
The story of Shane and Tessa's struggle with having love, holding love, and maintaining love throughout this book was very well executed. The reasons for the strain in their relationships over the years were realistic and the torment that they experienced together was very tangible. I did appreciate the author's attention to detail in regards to Tessa's strong commitment to Shane. You will have to read this book to really know what I'm talking about. I will say that the plot was well planned out and story did flow very well. There weren't questions by the time the book ended for me. Ann Vaughn can definitely weave together a story that will keep you interested and let you come away feeling like you got the entire story (despite my dream hang-up). I will definitely be looking forward to reading another Ann Vaughn book.
Favorite Quotes:
"If you wait around for everything to be perfect, you'll be waiting around forever. Nothing is ever perfect."
"'Yeah... I could really, really use a hug right about now. I just... yeah, I just need to feel your arms around me. I know I've no right to ask and...' He stepped to her and folded her into his embrace. 'Shut up, Tess,' he murmured against her ear."
"A dimple appeared in his cheek. 'Crownover is very protective of me.'
'Obviously. Do you know his first name?'
He laughed. 'Yeah, actually, I do'
She smiled. 'So do I...now.'
He looked stunned. 'What? How do you know?'
'He told me.'
'He did not,' he countered.
She nodded. 'Really, he did. He came to see me in the hospital. He didn't know I was awake and he leaned down and said, 'if it will help you get better any faster, my first name is Bartholomew.' It took everything I had not to open my eyes and gape at him.'
Shane busted out laughing. She narrowed her eyes at him.
'What?'
'His name is Harry.'
'What?!'"
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Cast:
Brittany's Review
3.5 Stars
Characters- I really liked the main characters Tessa and Shane. Pretty well developed and realistic.
Plot/Storyline-The storyline was a little choppy for me. The overall plot was very interesting.
Steam Factor- Mild, but sweet ;)
Cover- I agree with Nicky....The cover makes you believe this is a light hearted love story and it's much more than that. The cover is beautiful though.
Cliffhanger- None =)
Overall- This was a good read about 2 childhood friends going through life and love together. It literally follows them from kids to adults and all the struggles they face in between.
To start...I have to say that I was not expecting this book to turn out the way it did. Based on the blurb and the cover I was thinking of a cute, friends to lovers story. This actually turned out to be more of a suspense romance and not that that's a bad thing at all, it was just unexpected.
The first few chapters are cute but actually are a little confusing. You are learning about Tessa and Shane and how they meet, which they are 5 by the way and in Kindergarten (so cute!) They don't get along for many years, constantly picking on each other. Fast forward to high school, they are in the same class and both finally apologize and decide to move on and become friends. This friendship as we understand from the blurb, turns into much more than that. This is when it gets a little weird for me. I felt like the plot got a little jumpy and the pace picked up. The time span of events jumped around and I feel like I lost some connection to Tessa and Shane. After about 35% into the story, it's like a brand new story begins and Tessa and Shane are adults. I actually liked from this point of the story on the best. They both became adults and the dialogue was much better between the two.
Ann Vaughn really portrays true love between these two characters. The obstacles they must face to be together are heartbreaking! Just when you think things are going to be perfect, you are hit with yet another mountain they must climb. BUT, they are strong and true love outshines anything and everything.
I will warn you though part of the story is dark and intense. I could feel all the emotions that went through Tessa and even Shane during this time. They both are emotionally scarred by the major turn of events in this story. I was very disappointed in Tessa's decision though afterward, even though I know what she goes through is horrific and traumatic. I won't say what happens but I felt like with her being such a strong willed character in this story that she would not of became such a weak person at that point.
Overall, a good read and a very realistic story about 2 people falling in love and facing the world together. Tessa and Shane were meant to be together in every way and Tessa really shows her commitment to Shane over and over again. Ann Vaughn, thank you for a realistic and sweet portrayal of true love at it's finest. I will definitely read more from this wonderful author.
Favorite Quotes:
"We're gonna get married one day. When we're big."
Now he looked at her like she'd suddenly sprouted two heads.
"You're nuts!" he exclaimed. She shook her head. "No, I'm not. I'm Tessa. Tessa Kelly."
He kissed each cheek, kissing her tears away. "No more tears, Tess. Promise me. Not one more tear. I can't handle your tears." A little half laugh escaped her. "I'll do my best, but no guarantees. I'm a girl after all."
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Casting:
Tessa
Shane
