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Mangrove Island #1

Long Way Home

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A second chance at love.
Pull up a beach chair and enjoy the fireworks on Mangrove Island in the first book in this contemporary romance series.

Tyler Barnes can’t believe his eyes when Alexis MacAdams walks back into his life. His high school crush left Mangrove Island seventeen years ago and never looked back. He’s held on to the memory of her, even though she never gave him a second glance. Now Alexis is back for the holidays and Tyler is determined to make a lasting impression before she slips away again. He soon learns, however, that her broken heart needs to heal before he has a chance to win it. Can Tyler convince her to risk her heart for a second time?


Mangrove Island series ~

Book 1: Long Way Home

Book 2: Far From Home

Book 3: No Place Like Home

Book 4: Heart of the Home

Book 5: Home Sweet Home

Book 6: coming soon


*each book can be read as part of the series or as a standalone

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2014

1381 people are currently reading
1555 people want to read

About the author

Neve Cottrell

14 books42 followers

Neve Cottrell is an author of contemporary romance novels. Long Way Home is the first book in her series about the residents of Mangrove Island. Neve began weaving tales as soon as she could talk, walking away with the coveted “Best Storyteller” award in preschool and she’s been writing ever since. When she’s not crafting sexy heartthrobs and happily-ever-afters, she can be found indulging her need for reality TV and wistfully flipping through home and garden magazines. Neve lives near the beach with her family.

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5 stars
968 (37%)
4 stars
860 (33%)
3 stars
539 (20%)
2 stars
139 (5%)
1 star
70 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
Profile Image for Romancing the Book.
4,420 reviews221 followers
April 18, 2015
Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by the author for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

Set mainly at Christmas this book opens when Alexis is returning home after cutting off all ties with her family when she left seventeen years before after graduating from law school and didn’t let them know she was coming home for the holidays. Not only did her family – her mom, dad, sister and her family – miss out on Alexis’ life but she missed out on theirs as well as we learn things about each of them throughout. Her relationship with her family was nonexistent as was theirs with her they were that estranged. Watching their interactions, being wary, watching what they said or did but also trying to be inclusive made it real. It was fun to be introduced to her three nephews and hear some of the things that came out of their mouths! Her oldest nephew who is autistic was portrayed realistically and the youngest, Owen, stole my heart. Watching the adults open up to each other and dispel some of the hurts and things they remembered or perceived from back then was touching especially when they began to let their guard down and become a family once again. Finally opening her heart and letting her family in to learn about her life in London – the good and the bad – was cathartic for Alexis and it helped even more when she opened up to Tyler. Watching them build their relationships to new levels was heartwarming.

Tyler, a high school classmate who had a crush on her back then and never let it go in all the years since then, was a bonus. He got her and let her be herself and come to terms on her own with her life as it was, is and could be. He was a romantic as well as a songwriter and musician and they had chemistry from the first time they met at the bar. He helped her heal by remembering things about her life that she didn’t remember or want to remember but also accepting her limits just so they could be together. He seemed to surprise her at every turn. Tyler was always planning adventures with her and helping her make new memories to dispel some of the ones she remembered that were always unhappy. The heat between them was scorching – good thing they lived on an island and the water was right there to douse the flames. There was a happily ever after and closure although an epilogue would have been nice but I know we’ll be meeting up with Tyler, Alexis and the rest of her family when we return to Mangrove Island!

I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Far From Home. I look forward to reading more books not only in this series but others penned by Cottrell.

Favorite Quote: He pressed his forehead lightly against hers. “Sorry,” he said. “It’s like all my Christmases coming at once. I can’t wait to unwrap you.”
Profile Image for TamaraT.
163 reviews14 followers
February 12, 2021
This isn't a bad book, don't let the 2 stars scare you. The writing is good, there's a decent plot...so why 2 stars? Pure and simple...the characters.

I guess the author was going for character growth for her main female character, Alexis, but from the beginning she was so so unlikable. Snapping at airline workers, making snide comments, looking down on everything from her hometown, not remembering who she went to school with?!? There was no thing that made me root her.

The main male character, Tyler, had a crush in high school on Alexis and she didn't know he existed (literally). He decides to fulfill his high school dream and chase after his crush. Only it felt a bit stalkerish to me and again. Besides the chasing and the fact he's a musician we learn next to nothing about him.

I felt no chemistry between the characters and their personalities never made me long to see them together. They made a nice couple I guess but I just wasn't invested in them.

Honestly the best part about this book were the children. Alexis has 3 nephews she never met before and they're awesome. I especially appreciate the portayal of Joey the autistic son. I work with people like him (adults/elderly instead of kids though) and I love how there's real struggle there. Often enough when autistic people are portrayed in books they're the high functioning/brilliant autistic people. Which can be a good read. But reading about a low functioning autistic child with behavavioral issues is refreshing and not what I expected when I started this book.

Profile Image for Janeiowa.
1,247 reviews
December 12, 2016
I have not been impressed with a new-to-me author in a very long time. I am impressed with Neve Cottrell. This novel grabbed me, and I couldn't tell where it was going or what the backstory was. Lately, too many romances have been retreads of the same old plotline. This one was different, and I couldn't put it down.

I will be looking for more books by this very gifted writer.
56 reviews
January 19, 2016
I wanted to like this story. I felt the story line that a woman would shut her family out of her life for 13 years and then suddenly turn up on their doorstep rather unbelievable. The explanation for this estrangement was insufficient and made Alexis seem shallow and self-centered. I looked past this and for the most part, enjoyed the blossoming relationship between Alexis and Tyler. But, the author's way of having Alexis "show her appreciation" to Tyler for showing her the wonders of the bioluminescence of the ocean by performing fellatio on him, I found to be absolutely disgusting. I may be old-fashioned and out of it, but to me that is NOT the way a woman thanks a man. This one scene in the book basically ruined it for me. I think there are very many other ways this scene could have been handled and the gratuitous sex did nothing for the story line. It seemed almost as though the author couldn't decide if she wanted to write a romance novel or contemporary fiction, and threw in some trashy sex scenes just because she had to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cami.
79 reviews46 followers
April 19, 2015
To be honest, the only reason I finished this book is because I was already more than halfway through when I began contemplating giving up. I couldn't stand Alexis and thought she acted like a teenager, I couldn't understand why she would not speak to her parents for years, not even to tell them all of the huge things going on in her life, just because they didn't understand her academic and creative side when she was younger. So what? A lot of teenagers don't see eye to eye with their parents but it doesn't mean that they just disappear on them and don't even make an effort to see what is going on in their lives. The character said at a few points how they must think she is just ungrateful and that is exactly what I thought, and still think even by the end of the book. Above all though, the romance was awkward and the writing too clunky.
Read my full review here: https://inkdropsreviews.wordpress.com...
Profile Image for Rogue.
532 reviews9 followers
February 10, 2016
DNF- This was just really slow and boring. I do try to persevere with books, and it's very rare that I don't actually finish them- There's only been one so far since I joined goodreads, so this is a bit of anomaly. The main character was generally unlikeable, and there was no drive in me to explore her story and why everything was so awful for her. The main guy progatonist came across as a bit of a creep- Unrequited, unacknowledge lust for something like 14 years before, when they were in high school? Creepy. I didn't want to know any more, and don't care to read on.
Profile Image for Mary J.
151 reviews
November 9, 2015
Started off good. I like how Alexis was finding her way after her personal losses and trying to rebuild a relationship with her family. However I can't understand the story line with Tyler Barnes. Waiting that long for a high school crush. What guy does that? My co-readers might find me a little jaded for romance novels but his waiting that long for a girl from high school even unbelievable for romance novels.
Profile Image for window.
520 reviews33 followers
July 31, 2021
I actually have the boxset with books 1-3 of this series (it was free, thank goodness) but I'm just rating book 1 since I don't have any interest in reading the remaining books in the series. My biggest issue with this book is that the heroine and her entire family are pretty much unlikeable. Alexis behaves like an entitled diva for most of the book and although the reader eventually learns of her personal tragedy, that does not give someone license to treat everyone around her like crap.

Alexis and her family trade cheap potshots and hurtful insults at each other throughout most of the book to the point where if this was real life, it would take years, if ever, for them to mend fences and get along. They are all so awful that I almost DNFed this multiple times.

It also is pretty nervy to basically go no-contact with your entire family over nothing for the better part of two decades and then show up completely unannounced on their doorstep and expect them to let you stay as a houseguest. See "entitled diva" above. I could understand if her family had done something terrible to her or there was some sort of mistreatment but

As for the hero, he was at least likable although a little pathetic. If this has been written slightly differently, his endearing crush could easily come off as an unhealthy fixation.
Profile Image for Ay Oh Be.
540 reviews2 followers
January 21, 2021
The title for this story is perfect.

Alexis was completely estranged from her family before showing up on their doorstep in serious need to self-examination and healing. When I started reading this I really didn't like Alexis. I actually wondered how I was going to possibly get through a book dedicated to such a cold, rude character. But Cottrell did a good job of explaining Alexis's demeanor as a survival tactic and soon I was empathizing with Alexis's need to hide so much of herself. Which flowed so nicely into her development and healing as a character. By the end of the story Alexis has shown a lot of personal growth and I had started really rooting for her. It was a big transition and done really well.

As for Tyler, he was too good to be true. I kept waiting for the contrived drama but it never came. He was patient, devoted and sweet. But I can't help but wonder what their first fight would be like. They were too perfect as a couple. Will he let Alexis walk all over him? Will the whole thing crumble at the first obstacle? I would have liked some conflict so that I could feel like there is strength in the relationship. I'm also wondering if it's possible that he is the rebound guy. I mean I genuinely hope that he isn't because he's a nice guy and that would suck. But ... I don't know. It all happened so smoothly.

However, the McAdams family dynamic was probably one of my favourite parts of the book. I enjoyed watching the characters look outside of themselves and come to the realization that they all were stuck in their own ideas and that they needed to see things from different points of view to move forward. The conflict in those relationships give me faith that they move forward and have stronger bonds.

So wat it good? Yes. Am I glad I got it on sale? Yes.
Profile Image for Pam.
4,625 reviews68 followers
September 24, 2017
Long Way Home: A Mangrove Island Novel Book 1 is by Neve Cottrell. This novel is set on Mangrove Island, Florida. It is a wonderful look at second chances. It is well-written and has enough action to keep you interested.
Alexis is headed from London, England to Mangrove Island, Florida. She is going to face her past by this action; but maybe she is ready. She left years ago and had never returned. However, her life had changed now for the worst and she needed some place to recuperate. She wasn’t sure she would find it here; but she had to face her parents and her sister before she decided what her next step was. It had been years since she had been home for Christmas; but it seemed like a good idea at the time. She hadn’t warned them she was coming because it was much harder to reject someone face to face.
Would she find what she was looking for here on Mangrove Island? She had spent her youth trying to get away from here and now she was returning? Would she be able to forget Mark here? Could she mend some fences with her past?
Profile Image for Nancy Brady.
Author 7 books45 followers
February 11, 2019
Can you ever go home again?

A contemporary romance reminiscent of a Nicholas Sparks novel finds a high-powered lawyer, Alexis McAdams, returning home after 17 years. With a chip on her shoulder, plenty of attitude, and more, she descends unannounced to her family (and home).

Years of resentment on both sides, particularly hers, have to be overcome, but meeting Tyler Barnes, a former classmate, may just be the balm that helps.

Can Alexis and her family reconnect? Could romance be in the air? Can she finally find the long way home?

Some emotional moments, some spicy bits, and some insights make this novel a great deal (FREE). Some WTT trends, mostly all of the smirks, but also some interesting insights, too.
2,115 reviews8 followers
April 23, 2020
Alexis MacAdams couldn't wait to leave her childhood home on Mangrove Island. Years later, she's a lawyer in England, so why has she returned unannounced on the Island just in time for Christmas? When Alexis meets bartender Tyler Barnes, a former classmate and musician, she finally notices him as a real person, and he's thrilled to have his not-so-secret high school crush back in town. He helps her adjust and see the beauties of her small town and to come to terms with her private heartbreak (unbeknownst to her family, she was married but her husband was killed in a car wreck and she miscarried twice) and to reconcile with her family. The two finally get the HEA they both deserve.
123 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2020
Recovery, for heart and home

Following a series of tragedies, Alexis return home to Mangrove Island and finds that things aren't always what they seemed. Her broken relationship with her family, and the broken one with herself, might need help to heal. It isn't always light, and sometimes you have to get past the anger and assumptions you made as a teen. Starting fresh as an adult, with help from the hunky musician/bartender who's loved you since high school even when you didn't know his name, means dropping the weight of judgements and taking a fresh look.
29 reviews
December 29, 2018
Sizzling

It's not too often that an author lets the story progress quickly. I love it when they do, as it builds delicious excitement, while still having most of the book left to enjoy.
The characters were not only interesting but held surprising feedback and human interest stories about themselves.
The setting was also exotic and romantic feeling. A dynamic combination.
Can wait to read more!
153 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2020
This was a bit of soft romance for me given the current covid19 lockdown but the sex scenes were just cringe. Yes I wanted to know what had brought Alexis home and if she would be able to mend her relationships with her family and what was going to happen with Tyler (although it was pretty obvious) but all the sex in the last two chapters didn’t really fit in with the style of the rest of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,093 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2022
A good story

I struggled with liking Alexis for the first few chapters. She didn't come across as a very sympathetic person. However, just as with her parents, I had misjudged her. Alexis is still grieving the sudden death of her husband. She has come home but it is not due to happy memories and a close knit family. But, in coming home, Alexis is able to grieve, build new ties with her family and discover that coming home was the best for her in so many ways.
1,470 reviews18 followers
November 11, 2023
Tyler Barnes and Alexis MacAdams dated in high school and Alexis left Mangrove Island to seek a career as a lawyer in London. Alexis has returned to Mangrove Island seventeen years later to spend the holidays with her family. Alexis is a bit cold hearted but Tyler has always loved her and is determined to change her mind and have her fall in love with him again. I really enjoyed this fantastic second chance at love novel.
26 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2020
Very boring

This is the first and last book from this author that I read: too simple and predictable. Writing style wasnt bad but definitely not good enough to make up for very unlikeable characters and lack of suspense in story. I couldn’t even relate to the alleged Prince Charming.
907 reviews3 followers
January 16, 2021
Coming home

A wonderful story about coming home, second chances, finding yourself and love. Alexis never felt like she fit in. Tyler has had a thing for her sense high school. Together they may just find that hea. Enjoyable characters and supporting characters. Looking forward to more in the series
23 reviews
May 11, 2018
Sweet love story

It's simple....girl can't wait to leave home. Gets heartbroken
and returns home. Mends fences fall in love and happy ever after.

Great story telling. Can't wait to read the next in this series
Profile Image for Laurie Twizel.
Author 6 books10 followers
February 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this book, even though at times I felt like it moved quite slowly and not much was happening. I found Alexis likeable, if not a little frustrating at times. I felt like the story had just the right amount of everything: emotion, sadness, happiness, laughter and likeable characters.
216 reviews13 followers
May 23, 2019
My Review

Passionate, funny and inspiring characters. A love story almost too beautiful to be read. Coming home can stir up memories, good and bad, but they can also make you realize how special those around you can be.
137 reviews2 followers
November 10, 2019
Romance

Alexis hadn't been home in years to the island she left right after high school. It took some time for her as rest to come out. It took time to make Tyler her boyfriend. This was a simple enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Joan mooney.
370 reviews4 followers
December 15, 2019
Not my book

I found this book mediocre to be kind. Boring story, unimaginative and not worth my time. Skimmed through the last half. Sorry-but I won’t be reading anymore of this author
1,161 reviews26 followers
April 12, 2020
Good coming home book

After 17 years Alexis has returned home. She hopes to find herself and to heal. Not only will she find healing but reconnection. Love the Characters and family dynamics
Profile Image for john taylor.
58 reviews
April 12, 2024
I quiet enjoyed reading this.
A standard romance novel,that is set in an Island off of Florida,in the period of the Xmas holidays.Not a page turner by any means,but a nice gentle read.Could not quiet muster up a 5* rating.
Profile Image for Jade.
2 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2018
I had hard time getting into the story but later I slowely got to enjoy it.
Profile Image for Tammy Clemente.
79 reviews
October 10, 2017
Good book but lost me on a few occasions...I am not sure if the characters were portrayed correctly...I was a bit confused with her character...
Profile Image for Shivangi Rai.
480 reviews20 followers
December 20, 2017
This book had a character! Usually when I read a book I see one perspective but it had many!
Interesting read
Profile Image for Susie.
280 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. Actually more than I thought I would. Brought me to tears more than once and also made me LOL several times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews

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