BLURB
A wrong turn could lead to Mr. Right.
Sam Cooper is the definition of an introvert: shy, bookish, and the sort to think a wild Friday night involves ordering takeout. He enjoys his quiet life, but after a bad breakup, he’s been yearning for a change of scenery. Luckily, his best friend and former college roommate has the solution.
Wesley Reed—a jokester and expert Sam-handler—proposes an epic road trip to a wedding across the country. They’re both between jobs and boyfriends. Why not hit the open road and make some memories?
Stuck in close quarters for the first time since their dorm days, they’re both surprised at the heat that springs up between them. As best friends, they’ve shared so much over the years, so why does sharing a hotel room—and occasionally a bed—make them want more? Chemistry this smoldering is hard to ignore, but there are road blocks to their romance. Wesley’s keeping a secret, and Sam can’t rely on Wesley to drag him out of his comfort zone forever. If they’re not careful, their relationship may take the ultimate wrong turn.
REVIEW - 5 Stars!
From the very first page, The Long Way Around caught my attention. I instantly fell in love with the mood of this story by Quinn Anderson.
The book starts with Sam who is unemployed, and uninspired to look for a job at the moment. His best friend, Wesley, is also between jobs. Sam’s sister is getting married, but Sam is afraid to attend, knowing his parents are mad at him. Wesley convinces him to take a road trip, with the wedding as their final destination. What Wesley doesn’t tell Sam, is his reason for suggesting this trip.
As we meet these men, they have been best friends for years and have an extremely close bond. Wesley wants to spend time with his best friend again, trying to relive some of their college days, while hoping to keep Sam from learning his secret.
As they start out on their two week road trip, they never expect what will happen. But, as they share hotel rooms, get drunk together, and more, new feelings start to arise for both men.
I absolutely love and adore Sam and Wesley. Sam’s shy, introverted, and often socializes only at Wesley’s request. He’s a character I can relate to a lot as I appreciate such a well developed personality with these traits. Wesley’s an extrovert who is always on the go and looking for a party. He is basically the fun and exciting friend.
As friends for the past 5 years, they have balanced one another out. Sam helps Wesley from floating away and Wesley helps Sam to occasionally fly a little.
At its core, The Long Way Around, is about two best friends finding true love with one another. Then about half way through the book, Wesley’s secret is exposed and the book takes on a whole new tone. Suddenly their relationship is not the complete issue at hand. The serious and heavy topic is so damn well written, with a clear knowledge and understanding of the problem. And dealing with Wesley’s revelation becomes the basis for the second half of this love story.
In addition to their new romantic feelings, they need to find out who they are without each other. They are relying on each other so much that it has ultimately become unhealthy. This part of their story is exquisitely handled.
The road trip includes some wonderful local flavor and adventures. I appreciate how well written it is, making for a fantastic background to this story.
I am grateful to have discovered The Long Way Around. Quinn Anderson has created a slow-burn, friends to lover’s romance that is emotional, thoughtful and impressive, in a completely unexpected manner.
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