Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781426899126 |
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| Publisher: | Carina Press |
| Publication date: | 10/13/2014 |
| Sold by: | HARLEQUIN |
| Format: | NOOK Book |
| Sales rank: | 891,053 |
| File size: | 239 KB |
About the Author
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
His Road Home
4.7 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
14 reviews.
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“His Road Home” by Anna Richland won the Romance Writers of America’s RITA for Best Novella – meaning that romance writers have judged her book to represent excellence in romance writing.
There were a lot of elements that I really appreciated about this book: Ms. Richland’s knowledge and use of military life, multi-cultural characters (especially, Cruz’s mom who is undocumented), and a heroine who has a PhD and researcher. And I thought the premise of getting the hero and heroine together – his lie about a fiancée back home – was unique and intriguing enough for me to buy the novella.
But after the first 1/3 of the book, the story lost momentum for me. Where’s the romantic conflict? What’s going to keep the hero/heroine apart and the reader on the edge of my seat wondering if there’s going to be a HEA? The HEA seemed inevitable in this novella, which does not motivate me to keep on reading. What made their developing relationship more strained was the fact that she went back to work on a boat and he stayed at the Medical Center for rehab. When you physically separate the hero/heroine for months, there better be a strong emotional connection keeping them together, yet I didn’t understand why they were attracted to each other from the beginning?
There were a few times when I had to re-read a sentence or paragraph because it seemed disjointed or rushed.
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This is a heart warming and incredibly moving book that introduces us to Rey. As a result of circumstances, he creates a fake fiance. He finds a picture of Grace, a woman from his home town, but whom he has never met. Then he is injured and the news pics up the story and splashes the photo of his fiance everywhere. Grace finds herself going to see him in the hospital and ends up building a real relationship with him. What follows is a very sweet and moving story that focuses on abilities. This is a wonderful book that I strongly recommend.
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Rey Cruz sacrificed for his country. He's back in the States recovering from his injuries when his fake fiancée, Grace, comes to see him. He never thought she would learn about his ruse, but she did. She needs answers but he can't explain because of his injuries. Why do they feel a connection even under these circumstances? I was touched by this couple. I loved seeing them fall in love. They were perfect together. I couldn't stop reading His Road Home. It had me in tears especially when the South Dakota couple had them for Thanksgiving Dinner and Rey acknowledge their deceased Marine son. Anna Richardson wrote a beautiful love story which is a keeper. She's a new to me author. I definitely want to read more of her work.
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Able to stand on its own, His Road Home is a total page-turner about two strangers falling in love. It’s believable, touching, hot and addictive. Richland has a wonderful writing style that makes it easy to get lost in her characters and lose large chunks of time.
Complete review available at Romantic Reads and Such on wordpress.
Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
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Reviewed by Suzanne and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog
Staff Sergeant Ray Cruz needs a fiancee, or at least pretend to have a fiancee to get himself out of a sticky situation involving an Afghan Warlord and his daughter. So he finds one with the aid of photo shop and a picture of one of his older sister’s friends marine biologist Grace Kim. When the media suddenly goes in to a frenzy about her war hero fiancee being injured Grace doesn’t know what is going on…she has no fiancee. Determined to sort out the problem Grace visits her supposed fiancee in hospital finding Cruz in a hospital bed missing a leg and with a brain injury that leaves it difficult to communicate. Although brought together in an unlikely circumstances Cruz and Grace being to build a friendship through, a friendship that feels like so much more.
Don’t you just love it when a book you buy on a whim becomes one of your favourites? That is what happened when I picked up His Road Home. Although this was a fairly short read, it made an impression with it’s moving and sweet romance that wasn’t just your typical boy meets girl scenario.
The romance between Cruz and Grace wasn’t an instant conflagration their chemistry sparked when they first met and slowly smoldered and grew as they became closer and closer until it finally went up in flames. This slow building romance is one of the aspects I love most about this book, they had time to build a friendship and mutual respect that made the over all relationship feel more intense and rich.
Anna Richland has created some thing special in His Road Home, it’s a contemporary romance without the typical hero and heroine that offers a beautiful and touching, as well as sexy story that kept me glued to my kindle screen right to the very last week. This may be my first Anna Richland book, but it won’t be my last.
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I really enjoyed another of this author's book and particularly a few of the side characters so I was thrilled to death that she pointed out that she had written a new novella featuring one of them, Army Special Forces medic, Rey Cruz. This story focuses on Rey's come back after he is critically wounded in Afghanistan and must recover from a traumatic brain injury along with learning how to operate as a double leg amputee. Rey learns that life isn't over and there is a new bend in the road for him that offers a new adventure, a new romance and a new life.
The story opens with Rey and the others in his unit serving in Afghanistan. A kindness to a local powerful Afghan leads to him scrambling for a good reason why he can't accept the man's daughter in repayment. So Rey produces a picture of a girl from his high school. It seems like a harmless lie until it all blows up in his face, literally.
Marine biologist, Grace Kim, learns she has a fiancé when her family gets wind of it through the news of her fiance being critically injured in a bomb blast and coming home a hero. Grace has no idea what any of them are talking about. She vaguely remembers the Cruz family from her small town home. It all has to be a mistake. She lets the assumptions lie about her status and heads to Walter Reed hospital where the one person who can explain all this is recovering.
Rey gets one glimpse of Grace Kim's grim expression and knows he needs to explain, but his words won't come. The doctors tell him that his condition has left him with a neurological thing called aphasia where his neurons tangle up the words so he can't get them out. Oddly, even when he is crabby at her, Grace stays by him for a week. Grace is nothing like he assumed and so much more than he could have imagined. He doesn't want to lose her in his life when her week-long visit ends. Grace is the one who figured out that he could still communicate through texting. She is his life line and so much more if he can just work hard and become worthy of her.
And so back home, Grace doesn't know what she's doing, but the appointment with Rey each night for them to exchange texts is the highlight of each day. Even out on one of her research cruises, she won't give this time with Rey up. He actually likes to hear her 'fishy' stories and all about her research and she loves it as he shares about his progress through therapy relearning so much and adjusting to his new circumstances. They take the next serious step when it is Grace that Rey asks to drive his muscle car home and share a road trip with him. Grace is afraid that she can't be strong enough to be with a man of special needs even though she has come to love Rey, but she sure wants to try.
This was an incredible story and I'm so glad to have read it. It puts so many things into perspective and reminds me of how much I have for which to be thankful. The author really did her homework. This story is told with authenticity and respect. Respect for both their ethnic cultures and for the world of a military vet with disabilities. I love the hopeful tone that tells the truth, but leaves room for a success story. My heart broke for Rey's roommate who lost his wife because she couldn't handle the drastic changes and I understood Grace's hesitation to go all in, admitting it was a weakness in her and not something lacking in Rey. The romance develops at a good pace. The beginning when Grace was so confused was pretty humorous and the difference in their personalities just added to the fun.
I loved the peek-in with the characters from First to Burn and I'm happy to learn there will be more from that series and another novella to follow-up on Rey and Grace. Though this has ties to the other book, it can be read as a standalone.
The story includes a lovely Thanksgiving scene and the final coming home is at Christmas so it might also be considered a heartwarming holiday read which was another reason I picked it up.
All in all, it was a good strong story and romance and I would recommend it for anyone who loves Contemporary Military Romance.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
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I have admitted before that a good cover completely draws me in. Yes, I DO judge a book by it's cover, and this one was quite beautiful. Something about those rich, warm tones, the fall leaves, the couple resting together, but with those small, secretive smiles. I wanted to know more. Once I read the blurb, I was hooked. This was a new and interesting twist on the fake fiance troupe, let alone the injured military hero and the long distance relationship.
Once I started reading I was completely hooked. I adored both Rey and Grace. I haven't read a book about 2 non-Caucasian characters before, so this was a new experience. Grace is Korean-American and Rey is Mexican-American, and although their cultural differences are touched on, it is clear that they are more similar than different when it comes to their family bonds. Plus, I kept picturing their kids and thinking how absolutely beautiful they would be. (Okay, yes, I know that was shallow.) But honestly, unless it was brought up more to point out their similarities than their differences, I hardly thought about it. They were just Rey and Grace.
Although their relationship may have started under false pretenses, it truly develops into the real deal during their daily long distance chats. It starts via text message because that is one of the few ways that Rey can communicate effectively. Over Rey's long recovery, they come to know each other and discover something special. They literally became a life line to each other. There is some definite instant attraction, but with Rey's wounds and them living on opposite coasts, keep the physical fires on a slow burn.
It wasn't until after I read this story and started to do a bit of research on the author that I realized she was an Army Veteran. This completely explained the realism concerning Rey's military scenes. Also, this book is a sort of spin off of First Burn, Anna's Immortal Vikings Series. I say spin off, because although Rey was first introduced in First Burn as a secondary character this book has nothing to do with Vikings (although Wulf makes a cameo appearance). I didn't read First Burn, and didn't feel that I was missing anything vital.
This book is the perfect read for November, with Veteran's Day and the Thanksgiving holidays. It will touch your heart and soul, with it's strength, honesty and character. Simply a beautiful story, 5 stars.
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I’m finding it hard not to gush, this story combines some of my favorite elements: a smart yet not glamorous heroine, a damaged hero with a strong streak of independence and the overall feel of the classic It’s a Wonderful Life with such heartwarming moments that if you don’t shed a tear or two you have no heart.
Richland has used one of the characters from her debut novel, and given him a story of his own: doing justice to the original story and to veterans, wounded or not, everywhere. Everyone will be talking about their connection, the heat, and even the wonderful depictions and detail that are added to the story to build the background and feel.
Rey and Grace are adorable, with conversations and interactions that feel real, and with the solid point of view from Rey that clearly outlines his frustrations with his lack of mastery of the spoken word and his recurring flashbacks and nightmares. Grace is the perfect foil with her patience and diligence and her refusal to allow him to behave badly show her core of strength even as she is fighting her own questions and concerns.
Most wonderful are the secondary characters that add a flash of normalcy to the story from Grace’s sister and parents to Rey’s friends and wives and his own mother. Throughout the story I was smiling or wiping a tear, and completely broke down at their Thanksgiving celebration in the middle of nowhere. Truly Richland uses her own personal experience of deployment and her knowledge of the bonds that hold soldiers together to bring us a sense of the connection: gut wrenching, palpable and often bittersweet. Her ability to tackle the issues head on and make a story that combines sadness, sweetness and hope MUST be that story you turn to when hopelessness at the bad news that surrounds us start to overwhelm.
Do yourself a favor and Buy this book and read it. Then tell your friends. And while you are at it – add Anna’s first book ( First To Burn) to your shopping cart as well. You won’t regret it.
I received an eBook copy of the title from the author via Tasty Book Tours for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
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I ordered this book because I had really enjoyed the author's first book... First to Burn... and was certainly not disappointed.. I enjoyed this new novel even more!! It seems the author is really hitting her stride with this second book. it is a believable love story cut from a different cloth then most of the romance novels I have read. The characters are an unusual pair, with elements of diversity, adventure, disability and the psychological stresses related to that, and their growing feelings for each other making for a terrific read. The author crafted dialogue the made me rooting for the Grace and Rey relationship. It is obvious the author did significant research of both the medical and military aspects of the story. I am looking forward to Ms. Richland's next novel, and highly recommend this one to anyone looking for something other then the typical romance novel.. it won't disappoint!!
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Find this review and more at Lusty Penguin Reviews!
Anna Richland writes a gripping and heartwarming love story in His Road Home. I must admit that I love stories with military heroes, and Richland’s graceful writing style pulled me right in to her contemporary romance.
Staff Sargent Reynaldo Cruz is horrifically injured in Afghanistan, losing both of his legs and suffering a traumatic brain injury. After Rey’s injury, a picture of his hometown “fiancée” is discovered, creating a media frenzy, but only Rey knows that the picture is a lie. Sent by her boss, Grace Kim flies to Washington D.C. to meet her fake fiancé. Grace isn’t sure of the entire situation, since she has never met Rey in her entire life, but she really wants to know why he would lie about an engagement. Rey’s brain injury makes finding out about the engagement nearly impossible since speaking is difficult for him. Grace realizes that she is going to have to wait for the answers she seeks. So, Grace takes the remainder of her week off, stays with Rey, and helps his mother when she arrives. When Grace heads back to her job, the two continue their relationship via daily texting. Texting is perfect for Rey because he is able to manipulate letters even though talking is difficult. Grace certainly didn’t have to keep in touch with Rey, but their one and only kiss is seared into her memory, and she couldn’t just stay away. I thoroughly enjoyed their texting conversations, seeing the unique rhythms of their conversations develop and their sexual chemistry too. Grace and Rey’s conversations are a joy to read and will have you chuckling out loud. When Rey asks Grace to drive him across the country back to their hometown, she is stunned and accepts. Now that they are actually spending time together, Grace and Rey’s sexual chemistry is electrifying. When they finally succumb to their desires, their bedroom play is intense and filled with emotion. I was completely captivated with this couple and adored both of these characters immensely. The ending for Grace and Rey was so perfect for their relationship that I was reaching for the tissues.
An endearing romance with imaginative characters makes His Road Home a must read for lovers of contemporary romance. Richland mentions at the end of the story that Rey is a character in her first novel, First to Burn. I’ll be adding definitely be adding First to Burn to my TBR pile. Also, I was happy to see Richland’s hints that there will at least one more story with Rey and Grace and am patiently waiting for its arrival.
I received an eBook copy of the book for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
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Some lovely internet miracle led me to pre order this book. It showed up like as an unexpected gift on my Kindle.
I can see why I one clicked it even though I have no recall of doing so given all its wonderful themes--
interracial romance between non white leads, road trip, pretend relationship, scientist heroine, middle eastern wars, medic special forces hero, disabled hero, PTSD, 2nd generation immigrate experiences.
Those themes and the possibility of what kind of story could be told within their structure drew me to the book but those elements (as wonderful in combination as they are) aren't what makes it a 5 Star Romance for me.
It is the storytelling, the lilt of the writer's voice of humor, sorrow, and hope, the love between the characters (and not just the hero and heroine) and the perfectly placed details that add nuance and depth to make each place, person, and event believable and captivating.
I want to tell you those little flourishes but it would take away your fun. I will just say I love this book so much I retold the plot to my husband over breakfast.
I already bought her other book. You should buy this one.
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Rating: 4.5/5
His Road Home was a wonderful love story between two people who seemingly have nothing in common and are neither ones type for a romantic entanglement. The little white lie – a one-sided engagement of convenience – was a different approach to a familiar trope. I was also more than pleasantly surprised that the author wrote about an interracial couple, specifically a heroine of Asian descent.
Grace and Rey made such an adorable couple. I really enjoyed the beginning starting off with their awkward introduction. For a double amputee, Rey was as upbeat as he could be given the circumstances. He didn’t seem to suffer from depression or anxiety, nor did he question his manhood as I might have expected. What was really unexpected, however, was his The main obstacle that would either bring them closer or drive them apart was his inability to express himself both verbally and written.
While Rey healed, Grace was deployed on a research vessel. For around seven months, their entire communication rested on nightly text messages. We caught glimpses of such moments of connectivity for weeks at a time. By the time they saw one another again, I fully believed they had a very good understanding about one another, and the friendship they had developed was ready to be taken to the next level. A cross-country road trip to help him move back home was the perfect setting for them to get closer, and they did.
Throughout this story, Rey was limited to only a few words at a time which meant he didn’t have much dialogue but told us his thoughts and feelings from his POV. For some, that could make this book difficult to read, but I thought it was beautiful, and handled very well. I was engaged the whole way through. Grace learned quickly how to interpret what he was trying to say, and I felt the deepening of their connection with every page. I liked how Rey took his disability in stride and used his time to think ahead about his new future, and wanting to become an independent man and not be a burden on Grace. Not once did she ever make him feel less than, and I admired that about her. Despite her great character traits, I found her a little dry. Probably a by-product of her upbringing and her profession.
There were only nine chapters in this book, but it seemed so much longer to me. The author managed to pack in a lot of content, great character development, a few bumps and the awkwardness of them trying to figure out how to move past scorching kisses. The sex was hot but kept to a minimum. The love scenes came gradually with the trust and weren’t thrown in anywhere in the story to fill a gap.
The Bottom Line
A romantic, angst-free and uplifting story about two people who met under awkward circumstances, became friends and fell in love. There was no time for misunderstandings or emotional subterfuge when every conversation was a struggle and a hurdle they managed to overcome. Take this journey with them to their HEA and decide for yourself.
*Complimentary copy provided by the author for the purpose of an honest review.*
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I liked this story. I am not from a military family so when I read these stories that grab my heart I still don't really understand. Grace was in for a surprise when she was told she was the fiancée of a military man. Reynaldo had to have a photo of his fiancée to satisfy an Afghan leader so he picked one from his hometown. Then he loses both legs from an IED. She is soon sent to visit at Walter Reed. Grace works for NOAA and after a week she texts Rey and they have a friendship. They keep in touch and have some twists before they reach the end of this story. Please read this story and keep a supply of tissues nearby. Enjoy! I have this book for an honest review for NetGalley.
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