The Way Back Home by Barbara Freethy
River Rock, Book 1
Pocket Books
Contemporary
ISBN: 9781451636543
Reviewed by Miranda




Single mom Alicia Hayden has lost a lot in the last year.  Her best friend turned her back on her after a tragic accident during a white water rafting trip.  Her twin brother was killed-in-action and now the town she has loved her entire life is turning against her family.  Alicia’s family has run an adventure company for generations and her father is not about to let the devastating accident destroy what his family has built.  Alicia has her doubts about reopening for the season but she wants to do it for her father.

Gabe Ryder is an ex-Marine on a special mission.  His best friend made him promise to help his family and Gabe intends to do exactly that.  When he arrives in River Rock it is to a luke-warm reception.  Alicia has a lot of anger towards Gabe and doesn’t hide it well.  However, he’s not about to let that stop him from keeping his promise.

Alicia and Gabe try to work together to keep Hayden Family Adventures alive but there are many against them.  Will a common foe draw these two together or keep them apart.  Can they both find love in The Way Back Home?

Barbara Freethy’s The Way Back Home is genius!  I looooove this story!! Gabe and Alicia have stunning chemistry and explosive emotions that make The Way Back Home a hit!  The backbone of this story is not only the beautiful romance but a plot filled with mystery surrounding the tragic accident and the tons of heart that Ms. Freethy piled into her story.

Alicia and Gabe drive this story with their powerful feelings and morality.  These two have strong beliefs.  Gabe has a strong desire to help Alicia and her family in any way possible.  Alicia struggles with her feelings surrounding the accident and how she wants to go forward with the family business.  However, their greatest struggle is attempting to deny the feelings between them.  The reader can absolutely feel the intense attraction between Alicia and Gabe.

The Way Back Home has a real feel to it.  It comes across as a story that could happen in your everyday life.  Things aren’t perfect for the couple.  There are plenty of obstacles in their way but watching these two circle each other is extremely romantic.  I love the plot, the people and Ms. Freethy’s sweet prose.  The Way Back Home is a sensual and stunning romance.