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The Highway Ride
I rode for my son...
Over 150 miles of distance separate me from my son. For over three years, I've packed up every other Friday and made the hours-long journey to be with him. It's a sacrifice I've accepted as obligations beyond my control keep us apart.
One random Sunday night, before packing up and saying goodbye, my son and I stop off for dinner in a diner, one that we've driven by numerous times over the past few years. Charlotte Grandy, the awkward and cute waitress, captivates not only me, but my son as well.
There's a strong possibility I'll never see her again...but I couldn't leave without letting her know how I felt.
Soon, I will ride for her...
A relationship is the furthest thing from my mind, but I couldn't stay away. I don't have much time to offer her; my life comes with baggage, more than any woman should have to deal with. Yet, Charlotte doesn't walk away.
It can't last.
If one thing in my life is guaranteed, it's that goodbye is inevitable.
Over 150 miles of distance separate me from my son. For over three years, I've packed up every other Friday and made the hours-long journey to be with him. It's a sacrifice I've accepted as obligations beyond my control keep us apart.
One random Sunday night, before packing up and saying goodbye, my son and I stop off for dinner in a diner, one that we've driven by numerous times over the past few years. Charlotte Grandy, the awkward and cute waitress, captivates not only me, but my son as well.
There's a strong possibility I'll never see her again...but I couldn't leave without letting her know how I felt.
Soon, I will ride for her...
A relationship is the furthest thing from my mind, but I couldn't stay away. I don't have much time to offer her; my life comes with baggage, more than any woman should have to deal with. Yet, Charlotte doesn't walk away.
It can't last.
If one thing in my life is guaranteed, it's that goodbye is inevitable.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2019
28 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 21, 2024
A heartfelt romance full of feeling. Real, relatable and so so good!
"Sometimes we are dealt a hand in life that seems unfair, that seems like crap at the time. But that's just it... at the time.
...
Let life play out, see what else is in the cards for you, and I promise, you'll be stronger on the other side simply for not giving up."
At a random diner in Conneticut, a father and son sat at Table 10. And their life was never the same. Because of Charlotte Grandy, the awkward and cute waitress, who captivated not only the father, but his son as well.
Over 150 miles of distance separate Jake from his son. After his divorce, for over three years, Jake packed up every other Friday and made an hours-long journey to be with little LJ. It’s a sacrifice he's accepted as obligations beyond his control keep them apart, but that doesn't mean he's really happy about it.
They say time heals all wounds, but some run deeper than what time can heal. 'Some wounds, like scars, seem to be permanent.' And Jake has quite a few of them. Especially after his divorce. And without the help of his brother's wife, Jake wouldn't have been able to get himself together at all.
Caroline came into their lives at a time when they needed her the most. Jake's brother may have her heart and she is his, but she's the one who picked Jake up off the floor in his roughest times. She's the one who dusted him off and set him straight. And not just once.
So Jake can't help wondering when and if he will ever find a 'Caroline' of his own. But hope is a frail thing difficult to hang on to. Until Charlotte Grandy.
Jake rode for his son year after year. But after that fated dinner and a chat with the charming waitress, he may very soon ride for her.
A relationship is the furthest thing for both of them and yet, they can't seem to stop thinking about each other. And sooner rather than later, friendship blooms into much more.
Jake will look forward to his highway rides for an extra reason, while Charlotte will start dreaming about her Highway Ride. :)
"Highway Ride?"
"Well, I gotta say I've been called a lot of names, but that's a new one."
The Highway Ride is unlike any other contemporary romance I've read. It's both slow and fast, gentle and intense, completely relatable and yet with that lovely ethereal feel that only great romance stories have. It gives you a love that, even from miles away, is able to make butterflies take flight in a belly. Not only the love between man and woman, but also that between father and child.
A love where emotions run high while both characters and setting leap off the page.
It's not a tale full of twists and turns or villains that do unspeakable deeds. It's a tale about real life and real people, with lots of heart and feeling.
Every single character in here, main and secondary cast alike, could literally be anyone's next door neighbor. Imperfect, broken and real. Human in the best of ways. And I admit I fell a little bit in love with each and every one of them. And the setting is so vivid you can practically see the scenes unfold.
This was my first book by Taylor Delong and it will certainly not be the last. Because damn! This woman can write!
The Highway Ride was one of those books I simply didn't want to set down.
It's a MUST read for all romance fans out there!
Hugs and light everyone
and even when
'Sometimes life doesn't go as we plan. In fact, most times it doesn't.'
always remember
'Rule number two: Don't question it; just go along for the ride.'
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
"Sometimes we are dealt a hand in life that seems unfair, that seems like crap at the time. But that's just it... at the time.
...
Let life play out, see what else is in the cards for you, and I promise, you'll be stronger on the other side simply for not giving up."
At a random diner in Conneticut, a father and son sat at Table 10. And their life was never the same. Because of Charlotte Grandy, the awkward and cute waitress, who captivated not only the father, but his son as well.
Over 150 miles of distance separate Jake from his son. After his divorce, for over three years, Jake packed up every other Friday and made an hours-long journey to be with little LJ. It’s a sacrifice he's accepted as obligations beyond his control keep them apart, but that doesn't mean he's really happy about it.
They say time heals all wounds, but some run deeper than what time can heal. 'Some wounds, like scars, seem to be permanent.' And Jake has quite a few of them. Especially after his divorce. And without the help of his brother's wife, Jake wouldn't have been able to get himself together at all.
Caroline came into their lives at a time when they needed her the most. Jake's brother may have her heart and she is his, but she's the one who picked Jake up off the floor in his roughest times. She's the one who dusted him off and set him straight. And not just once.
So Jake can't help wondering when and if he will ever find a 'Caroline' of his own. But hope is a frail thing difficult to hang on to. Until Charlotte Grandy.
Jake rode for his son year after year. But after that fated dinner and a chat with the charming waitress, he may very soon ride for her.
A relationship is the furthest thing for both of them and yet, they can't seem to stop thinking about each other. And sooner rather than later, friendship blooms into much more.
Jake will look forward to his highway rides for an extra reason, while Charlotte will start dreaming about her Highway Ride. :)
"Highway Ride?"
"Well, I gotta say I've been called a lot of names, but that's a new one."
The Highway Ride is unlike any other contemporary romance I've read. It's both slow and fast, gentle and intense, completely relatable and yet with that lovely ethereal feel that only great romance stories have. It gives you a love that, even from miles away, is able to make butterflies take flight in a belly. Not only the love between man and woman, but also that between father and child.
A love where emotions run high while both characters and setting leap off the page.
It's not a tale full of twists and turns or villains that do unspeakable deeds. It's a tale about real life and real people, with lots of heart and feeling.
Every single character in here, main and secondary cast alike, could literally be anyone's next door neighbor. Imperfect, broken and real. Human in the best of ways. And I admit I fell a little bit in love with each and every one of them. And the setting is so vivid you can practically see the scenes unfold.
This was my first book by Taylor Delong and it will certainly not be the last. Because damn! This woman can write!
The Highway Ride was one of those books I simply didn't want to set down.
It's a MUST read for all romance fans out there!
Hugs and light everyone
and even when
'Sometimes life doesn't go as we plan. In fact, most times it doesn't.'
always remember
'Rule number two: Don't question it; just go along for the ride.'
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
May 27, 2021
There were so many things I liked about this book! But most will be spoilery. I loved the relationships between all the characters. They took being kind to a new level and it was so nice to see.
The only issues I had were that I felt both characters had some issues with sex that weren't fully explored. I also felt that Charlotte's family issues were pushed to the side to explain all of Jake's issues and never dealt with. There was more there that I don't fully understand.
Click below to see the spoilery things I loved about this book.
The only issues I had were that I felt both characters had some issues with sex that weren't fully explored. I also felt that Charlotte's family issues were pushed to the side to explain all of Jake's issues and never dealt with. There was more there that I don't fully understand.
Click below to see the spoilery things I loved about this book.
March 2, 2019
Rule Number Two: Grab this book and get reading right now! This is the first book I have read by this author but it certainly won’t be last last. Ms Delong has given us a beautiful story dealing emotional characters, tough decisions and impossible futures.
Jake is a single dad that has very specific ways of doing things and his number one focus and devotion has always been his son.
Charlotte is comfortable with her life and the way it has always been. She is a creature of habit and is content living her life her way.
One night changes the lives of all involved and it become a whirlwind of feelings and a lot of doubt on how to handle them. Add in the fact that there is over 100 miles separating them and things definitely aren’t easy but nothing worth having ever is...
I loved this book and highly recommend it!! I can’t wait to dive into some other books by this author!
Jake is a single dad that has very specific ways of doing things and his number one focus and devotion has always been his son.
Charlotte is comfortable with her life and the way it has always been. She is a creature of habit and is content living her life her way.
One night changes the lives of all involved and it become a whirlwind of feelings and a lot of doubt on how to handle them. Add in the fact that there is over 100 miles separating them and things definitely aren’t easy but nothing worth having ever is...
I loved this book and highly recommend it!! I can’t wait to dive into some other books by this author!
February 12, 2019
I never thought I would instantly fall in love with characters as much as I had with Clair and Brayden. But wow!! Jake and Charlotte blew me away. Their story hit so close to home. It was torture every time I had to stop reading. I wish I could have read this book in one sitting. The author does such a great job introducing the characters. While reading the book, it really feels like you personally know the characters. I won’t lie, I didn’t want the book to end, because I could have listened to their story for so long. Couldn’t be happier for the ending!
January 23, 2019
Wonderful Book
This author is one of my favorite finds from 2018. She tells heartfelt stories that keep you engaged from the very first page. I enjoyed Jake and Charlotte's story immensely. It made me laugh and cry and SWOON. Little LJ was adorable. I enjoyed the unique relationships between all the characters. This was an exceptionally well written book!!!
This author is one of my favorite finds from 2018. She tells heartfelt stories that keep you engaged from the very first page. I enjoyed Jake and Charlotte's story immensely. It made me laugh and cry and SWOON. Little LJ was adorable. I enjoyed the unique relationships between all the characters. This was an exceptionally well written book!!!
September 30, 2019
Taylor Delong does it again!!! Do you let your emotions get in the way of your priorities, or find a way to meld both together. This story shows a father’s love for his son, and how he finds room to let in some romance. I loved reading how Jake and Charlotte learn about each other, and how LJ is so accepting of his father’s need for this amazing woman!
June 11, 2022
Method: ebook
Rating: 4/5 stars
H rating: 4/5 - Jake
h rating: 4/5 - Charlotted
Drama: 2/5
Thoughts: Not gonna lie, that relationship with Caroline made me superrrrr nervous, but I am happy that I toughed it out, I really enjoyed this book, the relationship with LJ, great read.
February 22, 2026
I think the concept of the book was cute but executed in a way that didn’t quite gel for me. I couldn’t get myself to really like any of the characters, and the depth of the characters felt forced. Kudos for demonstrating the difficulties of a long distance relationship, though. As someone who had one for two years, I found myself drawn to that aspect of the book when it would come up.
April 9, 2019
Single dad ... check! Sweetest girl ... check! Story of how they made it work through all life had to throw their way ... check! This is a ride you will not regret going on!
November 4, 2023
A beautiful story of love and family. I was totally engrossed in this wonderful book. One of my favorites by Taylor Delong!
June 8, 2024
This book started out so strong and then fell flat.
After a few chapters, I felt like I was reading about high school kids who were finding their way in the dating world.
After a few chapters, I felt like I was reading about high school kids who were finding their way in the dating world.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews