Renee Curtis Books - The Long Way Home

Cody Lynch spent 18 years serving in covert military roles, living a life built on movement, discipline, and the constant reality that he could be deployed at a moment’s notice. Serious relationships were something he admired from afar but never allowed himself to have.

After an op goes bad and he’s medically discharged, Cody travels to his brother’s wedding for the weekend but is unsure of what comes next.

In Houston, he finds a place that feels unexpectedly like home. A family eager to reconnect. Friends who anchor him. A new career that gives him purpose again.

As Cody rebuilds his life, he begins to imagine a future he never thought he could have: one filled with love, family, and the kind of belonging he once believed wasn’t meant for him.

A heartfelt, character-driven romance about second chances, healing, and finding home where you least expect it.

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REVIEWS

Review of advance copy received from Author

July 1, 2026

Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews

I have enjoyed this series, and this one is no different. It is filled with love, strong characters, laughter, and even emotional moments.

While this book is part of a series, it could be read on its own, but it might be best to read the other books in the series first. I will say that this takes place at the same time as books one and two. Because it has been some time since I read those books, I cannot remember if any of this is mentioned in those books. But it doesn't matter, because this love story is all its own.

This book is told from Cody's point of view. He is ex-military and the strong and silent type. I really felt like I was seeing the word from his POV while reading this book. It is crisp and to the point, much like his character. It is when Harper comes into his life that we see him softening a little bit. While their relationship seems smooth, there are a few things that happen that could upset everything. However, I appreciated that they handled everything as mature adults and there was not a dramatic overtone. If only more people acted like characters, it could be a better world.

This book made me laugh, smile, and even misty at different times. The story touched my heart, and I give it 5 paws up.

Review of advance copy received from Author

June 17, 2026

My Rating: ★★★★☆

AussieBookAddict (Mel)

The Long Way Home by Renee Curtis is a heartfelt contemporary romance that explores healing, identity, and the challenges of rebuilding a life after military service. Centred on themes of second chances, family, and belonging, this character-driven story delivers an emotional journey that feels both authentic and deeply reflective.

What stands out most throughout the novel is Cody's personal growth. After spending nearly two decades in covert military roles, his transition into civilian life is portrayed with sensitivity and realism. Rather than focusing solely on romance, the story takes the time to explore the emotional and psychological impact of leaving behind a career that has defined so much of his identity. Watching Cody navigate uncertainty, reconnect with family, and slowly build a future for himself creates a compelling and rewarding reading experience.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its emphasis on the importance of community and support systems. The relationships Cody forms with family and friends are just as significant as the romantic elements, giving the story a warmth that feels genuine and comforting. The sense of found family and belonging woven throughout the narrative adds emotional depth and makes Cody's journey feel particularly meaningful.

The pacing is steady and reflective, allowing readers to fully invest in both Cody's emotional healing and the life he begins to build in Houston. Rather than relying on dramatic twists or high-stakes conflict, the story focuses on quieter moments of growth and connection, creating a romance that feels grounded and sincere.

What resonated with me most was how the novel encouraged me to think more deeply about the sacrifices made by military personnel around the world and their families. Beyond the romance, it highlights the often-overlooked challenges that come with military service, particularly the emotional toll of constant deployments, uncertainty, and transitioning back into civilian life. This added layer of realism gave the story a greater emotional impact and made Cody's journey feel even more powerful.

I would strongly recommend The Long Way Home to readers who enjoy character-driven contemporary romance, military romance, stories of personal healing, and narratives that place equal emphasis on family, friendship, and self-discovery. Those looking for an emotional, uplifting read with genuine heart will likely find this especially rewarding.

Overall, this is a touching, thoughtful, and emotionally satisfying romance that beautifully explores what it means to rebuild a life after loss and uncertainty. Through themes of healing, connection, and finding where you truly belong, The Long Way Home delivers a meaningful story that lingers long after the final chapter.

4 out of 5 stars

Loved this so much

Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2026

Format: Kindle

I loved Cody in this story. And I especially loved that it was written with his POV. Being ex military and not knowing where to go in life, he heads to a wedding. I loved that he felt comfortable enough to set down roots there with friends and family. When he met Harper things seemed to be going really well between them. With a few bumps in the road and a moment I didn’t see coming, I absolutely loved this story, loved Cody, and I can’t wait to read what comes next.

A heartfelt story with romance that left me smiling long after I finished.

“Your long way home led you to me.”

🪖 Ex-military MMC

❤️ Insta-love

🏡 Found family

💛 Healing

🫶 Mature communication

📖 Personal growth

Although this is part of a series, I jumped in without reading the previous books and had no trouble following along.

This is an insta-love romance, but it worked for me because the focus was just as much on the MMC's personal journey as it was on the relationship. The story is told from the MMC's (Cody's) point of view, and I loved experiencing everything through his eyes. As an ex-military MMC, he's the definition of the strong, silent type, and the writing perfectly reflects it.

Having the FMC, Harper, slowly bring down his walls was one of my favorite parts of the story. While a few obstacles threaten their relationship, I really appreciated that they handled them with honesty and maturity instead of unnecessary drama. It was refreshing to read a romance where the characters actually communicated.

This book made me laugh, smile, and even get a little misty-eyed. Cody's journey of finding purpose, family, and a place to truly call home was every bit as compelling as the romance itself.

Overall, this was a heartfelt story with romance that left me smiling long after I finished. Even without reading the earlier books, I felt completely invested in Cody's story

I received this book as an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Review of advance copy received from Author

Shannon Parker

June 18, 2026

This was a very heartfelt book. It’s got a great storyline about starting over and finding happiness. I really enjoyed reading this and will definitely recommend this book. Thank you for the ARC copy

Review of advance copy received from Author

Jessica Lynn

June 23, 2026

From the prologue, I was hooked! I really enjoyed this book and have already recommended it to friends to read once it is published! Thank you for the ARC!