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Long Road Home
Josh & Sage are Here!!
Long Road Home
Can the road to home ever be too long?
When I left town, I was young and dumb, lost in a haze of drugs and partying.
When that haze lifted, it knocked me down, toying with my life.
I came back home. A different person. A shell of myself.
He was there. He was always there. And, I couldn’t stop myself.
His sweet words, his warm arms, his soft kisses. It was like I never left.
He drew me in, under a spell, made me feel loved.
But sometimes, love is not enough. Sometimes, addictions take over. Or, sometimes, it’s simply our pasts...
Mine came back, rip roaring through town, bringing with it the reminders I’d buried.
Would Josh still love me when he found out all of my secrets? Or, will our second chance be shredded into so many pieces, we’ll never be able to pick them all up?
Long Road Home
Can the road to home ever be too long?
When I left town, I was young and dumb, lost in a haze of drugs and partying.
When that haze lifted, it knocked me down, toying with my life.
I came back home. A different person. A shell of myself.
He was there. He was always there. And, I couldn’t stop myself.
His sweet words, his warm arms, his soft kisses. It was like I never left.
He drew me in, under a spell, made me feel loved.
But sometimes, love is not enough. Sometimes, addictions take over. Or, sometimes, it’s simply our pasts...
Mine came back, rip roaring through town, bringing with it the reminders I’d buried.
Would Josh still love me when he found out all of my secrets? Or, will our second chance be shredded into so many pieces, we’ll never be able to pick them all up?
ebook
First published February 10, 2020
About the author
Lyssa Cole
29 books885 followersLyssa Cole has been in love with books for as long as she can remember. Escaping into a story is her favorite pastime. Wanting to be a writer for a couple years, she is now crafting her own stories. She loves to write angsty & sexy romance with lots of heat and some suspense to keep you guessing and wanting to turn that page! She lives in Southeastern Mass with her boyfriend, two children, and two dogs. Lover of coffee, all things chocolate, & always the avid reader, you can keep up with Lyssa Cole by subscribing to her newsletter here: http://bit.ly/NLsignuplyssacole.
You can also find her at www.lyssacolebooks.com or www.facebook.com/lyssacolebooks.
You can also find her at www.lyssacolebooks.com or www.facebook.com/lyssacolebooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
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April 3, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/3/2020)! 🎁
February 17, 2020
This is the first time I've read a book by this author and I wasn't disappointed it was absolutely fabulous. This book deserves all it's five stars including many more and it totally hooked me right in from the beginning.
This book is a story of second chances, addiction, love, friendship, regret, then forgiveness and hope, the question is do we ever change or do we always remain the same people we've always been deep down inside ?
Sage is a drug addict completely sucked in. She craves the fix, the high, the euphoria, the escapism so much so that it totally consumes her. She has tired rehab numerous times, but did she ever really want to stop at that point ? Something the addiction is a very powerful thing.
Olivia ' Liv ' is her best friend and who is also a drug addict but who also has a daughter Marie. They both have a very strong friendship.
Josh is a good loyal man who will do anything for Sage. After a tragedy happens you just don't know which way it will go.
( NO SPOILERS ).
These characters were written brilliantly and the author really knows how to bring them to life to make them real. They have great chemistry between each other and a really strong magnetic pull. I loved seeing them and where their journey took them both. Second chance for them both and seeing where they go.
This story was really refreshingly different to others I've read which was awesome. I couldn't put this book down and it keeps you guessing throughout. This book has twists and turns and is also quite emotional in parts and deals with some real issues.
This book is a complete page turner and I just couldn't put it down it keeps you gripped from the start, it flicks back from the past and present and I always love epilogue as I love seeing where the characters are and it brings something special I feel.
I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future.
Thank you to the author and publishers for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is out now.
I would highly recommend reading this book.
This book is a story of second chances, addiction, love, friendship, regret, then forgiveness and hope, the question is do we ever change or do we always remain the same people we've always been deep down inside ?
Sage is a drug addict completely sucked in. She craves the fix, the high, the euphoria, the escapism so much so that it totally consumes her. She has tired rehab numerous times, but did she ever really want to stop at that point ? Something the addiction is a very powerful thing.
Olivia ' Liv ' is her best friend and who is also a drug addict but who also has a daughter Marie. They both have a very strong friendship.
Josh is a good loyal man who will do anything for Sage. After a tragedy happens you just don't know which way it will go.
( NO SPOILERS ).
These characters were written brilliantly and the author really knows how to bring them to life to make them real. They have great chemistry between each other and a really strong magnetic pull. I loved seeing them and where their journey took them both. Second chance for them both and seeing where they go.
This story was really refreshingly different to others I've read which was awesome. I couldn't put this book down and it keeps you guessing throughout. This book has twists and turns and is also quite emotional in parts and deals with some real issues.
This book is a complete page turner and I just couldn't put it down it keeps you gripped from the start, it flicks back from the past and present and I always love epilogue as I love seeing where the characters are and it brings something special I feel.
I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future.
Thank you to the author and publishers for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is out now.
I would highly recommend reading this book.
December 26, 2020
Addiction
Addiction can ruin lives. Sage makes many bad decisions during her high school life. She thinks partying, drinking, and doing drugs is better devastating in a small town.
This book follows her through her time in rehab and her way back to Josh.
Addiction can ruin lives. Sage makes many bad decisions during her high school life. She thinks partying, drinking, and doing drugs is better devastating in a small town.
This book follows her through her time in rehab and her way back to Josh.
February 15, 2020
I loved everything about this book, it’s written with compassion and so much love.
Sage is a heroine addict and ends up in hospital after overdosing, her mother comes and takes her home and gets her ready for rehab - again! She doesn’t want to feel and she certainly doesn’t want to think about the high school boyfriend she left before a decade ago.
Josh has always loved Sage and he always will, he was heartbroken when she left him, but because he loved her so much he let her go. Now she is back and his heart breaks again seeing the way she is, and he will do whatever it takes to get her through rehab and recovery.
Can Sage realise that she is worth loving, and can she learn to crave Josh’s love more than drugs. She has a long road ahead of her, but with a good man supporting her she is determined to try!
Sage is a heroine addict and ends up in hospital after overdosing, her mother comes and takes her home and gets her ready for rehab - again! She doesn’t want to feel and she certainly doesn’t want to think about the high school boyfriend she left before a decade ago.
Josh has always loved Sage and he always will, he was heartbroken when she left him, but because he loved her so much he let her go. Now she is back and his heart breaks again seeing the way she is, and he will do whatever it takes to get her through rehab and recovery.
Can Sage realise that she is worth loving, and can she learn to crave Josh’s love more than drugs. She has a long road ahead of her, but with a good man supporting her she is determined to try!
February 16, 2020
This story was powerful. Each book that I read from this author tugs at your heart and makes you really feel for the characters. As you are reading this book, you are able to feeling everything that Sage is feeling. The struggles that she goes through with her addiction is so real. Loved Josh and how he was there for her as much as he can due to her addiction. Wonderful characters and wonderful and heartbreaking story line. I can’t wait to read more from Ms. Cole.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 9, 2020
Lyssa, thank you for writing Long Road Home. I work in the mental health field with addiction. So I know this story couldn't have been easy to write but I enjoyed every second of it. This book had the ups and downs, heartache and real life situations. I am so happy that Sage got her HEA. I would love to see Josh get a book. I need more of him and Sage.
February 9, 2020
What a book! The emotion that is displayed by the characters is so real and so raw. I felt like I was on the road to recovery myself. Sage is a girl who fell in love with the boy next door at a young age but drugs pushed her down a dark path. The road to recovery is a tough one but Lyssa Cole did an amazing job capturing it! Such a great read!
July 27, 2022
What a read!!! Absolutely love it... So many emotions reading this book!!! Saga story is amazing yes she had an addiction but she fought it... Josh loves Saga and stand by her through it all!!! So glad the got there happy ever after!!!
February 10, 2020
Every book of Lyssa Cole’s I’ve read, I have just ended up loving and this book was no exception. This book should have been released around two summers ago, but Lyssa didn’t feel that this book was ready for herself, but also for the readers, so she took the decision to wait, hold off and go back to work on it until she was completely happy with it. And honestly, her decision to do that, really paid off…. This book isn’t your typical romance story, what it actually does is show you things that people in real life go through. This book can be dark in places, but that’s only due to the circumstances of the story and that the fact that people every day out there go through the same things. I think that Lyssa did such a great job at bringing all the elements together. Normally for books, I go ahead and just tend to look at the covers before I go and grab them, mainly due to the fact that due to recent experiences I have seen authors oversell their books just from the blurbs alone and then when it comes down to the actual content, it’s not what you was expecting. With this book, I was drawn in by the cover, the image alone tells it’s own story and that fact alone made me want to read this book. I think Lyssa did an amazing job and I can see that her writing it improving with each book, she’s really talented and if she keeps going the way she is, then she’ll just keep doing amazingly. I couldn’t fault the plot, the story or the characters, I think that Lyssa captured everything just perfectly. I’m really excited to see what else Lyssa writes.
Sage used to love life, had a loving family and great friends. In her eyes, nothing else mattered. But as she grew up things changed, and after making the decision to move away after finishing school, leaving behind everything she has ever known, her friend, family, Josh, her life turned down a dark path. Addiction can be a cruel thing, but with the right help and the right people supporting you, it can be a little easier to overcome it. Yet, in Sage’s eyes, she doesn’t want the help, the support, all she is wanting is her next fix…. Yet, when she wakes up in hospital and hears her mothers voice, she knows that things are about to get a lot more difficult. Deep down somewhere inside her, she knows she needs to overcome this addiction, but all her mind is telling her is that nothing else matters but finding that next fix. So when her mother announces that instead of going back to the home she’s known for the last few years, she’s moving back in with her until she goes off to rehab otherwise she will find herself without anything, no car, no money, no home, nothing….. With not being given the choice, Sage finds herself struggling, worrying and scared about what she will find when she sets foot in the place she used to called home. She knows it’s going to hurt because she doesn’t think her friends will forgive her for all the choices she’s made. But with Josh being on her trail, will she decide to get better and fight her addiction or do everything she can to find her next fix?
Sage used to love life, had a loving family and great friends. In her eyes, nothing else mattered. But as she grew up things changed, and after making the decision to move away after finishing school, leaving behind everything she has ever known, her friend, family, Josh, her life turned down a dark path. Addiction can be a cruel thing, but with the right help and the right people supporting you, it can be a little easier to overcome it. Yet, in Sage’s eyes, she doesn’t want the help, the support, all she is wanting is her next fix…. Yet, when she wakes up in hospital and hears her mothers voice, she knows that things are about to get a lot more difficult. Deep down somewhere inside her, she knows she needs to overcome this addiction, but all her mind is telling her is that nothing else matters but finding that next fix. So when her mother announces that instead of going back to the home she’s known for the last few years, she’s moving back in with her until she goes off to rehab otherwise she will find herself without anything, no car, no money, no home, nothing….. With not being given the choice, Sage finds herself struggling, worrying and scared about what she will find when she sets foot in the place she used to called home. She knows it’s going to hurt because she doesn’t think her friends will forgive her for all the choices she’s made. But with Josh being on her trail, will she decide to get better and fight her addiction or do everything she can to find her next fix?
February 11, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
LONG ROAD HOME is an emotional rollercoaster as we ride every high and hit the withdrawal symptoms that the character endures. This book was heart-wrenching in its emotional highs and lows of the two main characters’ struggles as they help each other try to get what they each need. This was a flawless sensation that captivated me from the start, and I enjoyed the way the characters’ roles changed as the story progressed. The title of the story was so apropos to the content dealing with addiction for drugs, alcohol, and sex. Addiction is a powerful disease in our society that people battle daily. I enjoyed reading how Lyssa Cole brought the darkness of addiction to the forefront and didn’t shy away from showing how bad things end up when a person becomes addicted. Josh and Sage have known each other since grade school and high school. Josh and Sage were best friends and then turned to boyfriend and girlfriend. When Sage’s father left, her mother was strict and this made Sage want more excitement in her life, experimenting one thing after another—pushing her to escape into the world of drugs and alcohol. When Sage’s partying spirals completely out of control, Sage hits rock bottom REAL hard. Luckily for her, she has someone that does care enough to help—Josh! Just as things are looking up for Sage, the past comes back and threatens to take it all away. What happens next? Well, read this amazing story and find out! You won’t regret it!
LONG ROAD HOME is an emotional rollercoaster as we ride every high and hit the withdrawal symptoms that the character endures. This book was heart-wrenching in its emotional highs and lows of the two main characters’ struggles as they help each other try to get what they each need. This was a flawless sensation that captivated me from the start, and I enjoyed the way the characters’ roles changed as the story progressed. The title of the story was so apropos to the content dealing with addiction for drugs, alcohol, and sex. Addiction is a powerful disease in our society that people battle daily. I enjoyed reading how Lyssa Cole brought the darkness of addiction to the forefront and didn’t shy away from showing how bad things end up when a person becomes addicted. Josh and Sage have known each other since grade school and high school. Josh and Sage were best friends and then turned to boyfriend and girlfriend. When Sage’s father left, her mother was strict and this made Sage want more excitement in her life, experimenting one thing after another—pushing her to escape into the world of drugs and alcohol. When Sage’s partying spirals completely out of control, Sage hits rock bottom REAL hard. Luckily for her, she has someone that does care enough to help—Josh! Just as things are looking up for Sage, the past comes back and threatens to take it all away. What happens next? Well, read this amazing story and find out! You won’t regret it!
February 18, 2020
Love always win!
He promise her forever and that’s what he gives her.
Josh and Sage are just the freaking best. This book is by far one of my favorite reads of 2020 and I wish I could give it more than 5 stars because it absolutely deserves it.
Love the originality of the story. Full of drama, deception, addition, love, forgiveness and more importantly redemption.
We always make mistakes. Comes from our human nature. To Sage her biggest mistake was added. She knew she needed to put a stop to it before she loose herself. For she was enough. Her recovery won't be easy, but she has Josh to help her to go through everything.
Josh felt guilty about everything that when down when he was young. Deep down, he wanted to save Safe since they were in high school. She was always the love of his life and when she finally showed up in their town, he was ready to get her back not matter what.
Josh knew that his love was enough. Everything was in her hands and he hopes she reached and grasped his hand, so they could both fight together for their love.
Love always wins!
He promise her forever and that’s what he gives her.
Josh and Sage are just the freaking best. This book is by far one of my favorite reads of 2020 and I wish I could give it more than 5 stars because it absolutely deserves it.
Love the originality of the story. Full of drama, deception, addition, love, forgiveness and more importantly redemption.
We always make mistakes. Comes from our human nature. To Sage her biggest mistake was added. She knew she needed to put a stop to it before she loose herself. For she was enough. Her recovery won't be easy, but she has Josh to help her to go through everything.
Josh felt guilty about everything that when down when he was young. Deep down, he wanted to save Safe since they were in high school. She was always the love of his life and when she finally showed up in their town, he was ready to get her back not matter what.
Josh knew that his love was enough. Everything was in her hands and he hopes she reached and grasped his hand, so they could both fight together for their love.
Love always wins!
February 11, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "LONG ROAD HOME" OMG!!!! What a heartwrenching storyline so emotional, painful, heartbreaking you definitely need a box of tissues Lyssa Cole did an amazing job writing this story.
Sage was dealing with addiction at very young age it took her down a very path she fell in love with the boy next door but drugs made her life miserable it's not am easy road to get clean.
Sage and Josh's journey was such a difficult one your heart went out Sage her struggles to get clean and sober your heart went out to this very brave strong young lady to make for a better life.
This is absolutely a must have book so extremely well written and definitely well worth the read this is such an eye opener everyone should read this book the characters were so well developed they pulled you right into drama. AWESOME AWESOME READ!!!!!
Sage was dealing with addiction at very young age it took her down a very path she fell in love with the boy next door but drugs made her life miserable it's not am easy road to get clean.
Sage and Josh's journey was such a difficult one your heart went out Sage her struggles to get clean and sober your heart went out to this very brave strong young lady to make for a better life.
This is absolutely a must have book so extremely well written and definitely well worth the read this is such an eye opener everyone should read this book the characters were so well developed they pulled you right into drama. AWESOME AWESOME READ!!!!!
February 11, 2020
Shattered and broken Sage comes back home against her will to recover from a drug overdose to find that Josh has never stopped loving her. But can someone who sees no real reason for living give up the one thing that numbs her pain? Can the love of one man be enough to overcome her need for drugs? Horrifically honest and downright hard to read at times this is a story about overcoming the weight and burden of drugs. Sometimes you have to hit the very bottom before you can find something worth fighting for. And sometimes it only takes one spark to set your direction towards sobriety and hope.
February 12, 2020
Long Road Home was an emotional story about the effects of addiction and accepting responsibility for one's actions. Sage has been forced home by her mother when she overdosed and is now faced with all the wrong choices she has made which has led her to this moment an addict who is on the brink of self destruction. Sage is struggling each day as an addict, re-living her past mistakes which has led her to this day, is she strong enough to fight this or will she submit to temptation once again? Will the friendship she had with Josh be able to endure the pain she is going through once they are reunited? Will Josh he be able to help her and what happens when he finds out the secrets Sage is keeping. Long Road Home was a difficult story to read as you witness the effects drugs not only has on the addict but the people who love and care for them. Lyssa Cole has done a tremendous job telling this story. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
February 10, 2020
An emotionally charged journey into finding ones self. Sage is an extremely lost soul, on a very difficult road to find herself again, the self she lost many years ago. Josh is a pillar of strength. He patiently waited for Sage to find her way back home and then walked beside her throughout her struggles, helping her fight her demons within. This story is powerful, you can feel all the emotions and chaos that Sage endures. You will find comfort in Josh's support. This is an epic story of unconditional love and strength to break the barriers that try to us back.
February 11, 2020
Long Road Home by Lyssa Cole left me like WHOA!!! I mean this story is gut-wrenching, so emotional. I was hooked and captivated from the start!!
Josh and Sage first friends from a young age. A beautiful, loving friendship that grows into more. But when partying and drugs enter Sage is drawn to that lifestyle. Years later when these two reconnect what will happen?
Can I just say I FREAKING LOVE JOSH!! He's like the perfect man! So patient with Sage, even after she broke his heart. This story is heartbreaking and my heart broke for Sage. I can't imagine having such an addiction. A fantastic story of redemption, and love.
Josh and Sage first friends from a young age. A beautiful, loving friendship that grows into more. But when partying and drugs enter Sage is drawn to that lifestyle. Years later when these two reconnect what will happen?
Can I just say I FREAKING LOVE JOSH!! He's like the perfect man! So patient with Sage, even after she broke his heart. This story is heartbreaking and my heart broke for Sage. I can't imagine having such an addiction. A fantastic story of redemption, and love.
February 10, 2020
This was not an easy read with all the emotions written to tell Sage’s story but every tear, tissue and laugh was worth it.
Something deep within Safe has lead get down a dark path in life until the people who love her most finally make her clean herself up. She has been hiding behind drugs for years now and after a wake up call she realizes enough is enough but is she strong enough to pull through??
*Addiction comes in many different forms it’s not always a choice, it’s a disease. If you know someone who needs help, help them. Don’t turn your back on them. They need your love and support more then they realize. 🖤🖤
Something deep within Safe has lead get down a dark path in life until the people who love her most finally make her clean herself up. She has been hiding behind drugs for years now and after a wake up call she realizes enough is enough but is she strong enough to pull through??
*Addiction comes in many different forms it’s not always a choice, it’s a disease. If you know someone who needs help, help them. Don’t turn your back on them. They need your love and support more then they realize. 🖤🖤
February 11, 2020
This story will absolutely pull you through the ringer backwards and forwards when it's all said and done. I've read several of Lyssa's book's and loved them all and this one isn't any different.
This story is about finding your way back from the deepest darkest despair that a person can suffer from in dealing with addiction and mental illness and hoping to get a 2nd chance with your true love.
This is definitely a must read.
This story is about finding your way back from the deepest darkest despair that a person can suffer from in dealing with addiction and mental illness and hoping to get a 2nd chance with your true love.
This is definitely a must read.
June 22, 2018
Uhm... yea... this was pretty AMAZING. Lyssa Cole does such a great job at tackling a difficult subject and made it easy for me to love a character that in real life society would judge and hate. Lyssa makes it to where I can understand and sympathize and even want to learn more. I highly recommend this romance to everyone. This is one you won't want to pass up.
February 10, 2020
Addiction is a scary demon that claws at your back and keeps you from moving forward. Long road home is a story of second chances, regrets and fighting hard to be a better, healthy person. Very well written Lyssa Cole delves into the pain and emptiness addiction can bring. I love the way Sage is written, she is strong and brave but weak and scared at the same time. She wants so badly to be clean and sober in her heart but her mind and body tell her otherwise. It was heartbreaking to watch her struggle and fight but so worth it in the end. This was my first book by Lyssa Cole and will not be my last.
February 8, 2020
Whew, this is a gripping and harshly honest read that challenges the reader to look beyond your preconceived notions and to dare to look into an abyss that is painful, often ugly and heartbreaking. I was quickly pulled into Sage's story. Her struggle bled through the pages and my heart truly ached for her. Sage and Josh's story is not an easy read but it is an important one that I feel everyone would be just a little bit better because they read it. This is my frank, freely posted review.
February 15, 2020
Emotional roller coaster journey!!
This is a beautifully written flawless story which deals with addiction and may contain triggers for some readers so be aware! This is an emotional and heart warming story which had me totally captivated throughout this additive page turner and I cannot wait to read more from this extremely talented author.
This is a beautifully written flawless story which deals with addiction and may contain triggers for some readers so be aware! This is an emotional and heart warming story which had me totally captivated throughout this additive page turner and I cannot wait to read more from this extremely talented author.
April 8, 2020
Long Road Home is Sage and Josh's emotional love story. They were friends since childhood later falling in love when teenagers.
When Sage started partying and doing drugs her world started spiraling downwards.
Josh has an unconditional live for Sage. He is there for her during her recovery.
Even recovering from drug addiction one can slip. Having harmful thoughts.
When Sage started partying and doing drugs her world started spiraling downwards.
Josh has an unconditional live for Sage. He is there for her during her recovery.
Even recovering from drug addiction one can slip. Having harmful thoughts.
May 18, 2020
Wow!! This story grips you and tugs at your emotions, it pulls you and and makes you feel. Addiction is such a hard consept for some. It tears you and families apart. This story was what makes reading so amazing. It real and amazing beautiful. Sage and Josh wow. Sage finds her way and Josh loves her thru it all. I won't ruin the story but it's my top two favorite reads this year.
February 10, 2020
Powerful!
I have never had an addiction problem but I definitely felt Sage's feelings about addiction. This is a powerful book about coming back from a deep addiction and it was amazing!
I have never had an addiction problem but I definitely felt Sage's feelings about addiction. This is a powerful book about coming back from a deep addiction and it was amazing!
February 15, 2020
It was not an easy read. Sage story was rough and emotional to follow. And I was on the outside looking in.
It was a tough read, but gave me so mutch. I’m sure that this story will linger a long time, in my mind.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
It was a tough read, but gave me so mutch. I’m sure that this story will linger a long time, in my mind.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
May 27, 2020
Wow! Wow! Wow! If I could give this one more stars I definitely would! What an amazing story!! Sage & Josh's story is a raw and emotional one for sure. It's a beautiful story of love, hope and second chances. I was unable to put it down once I started.
February 9, 2020
wow what a very sweet read that will have you falling in love with this emional read that will have your heart melting and needing more of this sweet love of getting through her addication and seeing the loss of her friends and trying to get her life back to love correctly.
February 9, 2020
Awesome! I absolutely loved it! The characters were wonderful and so loveable. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
February 15, 2020
best friends Josh and Sage loves each other but they are not sure if it will be enough while Sage is battling her drug addiction. This also talk some about losing loves ones a long the way
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews