Long Haul - The Complete Series Bundle

By: Harper Logan

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

They did more than just serve together… Harper Logan’s smash-hit second chance romance series is now available as a complete bundle! Long Haul Even after taking to the open road as a long haul trucker,  Adrian Stokes can't seem to run away from his memories of Iraq. Not because of the war itself, but because of a man he shouldn’t have been in love with. When a contract takes Adrian through his lover-in-arm’s hometown, he knows he needs to see him—even if it means getting his heart broken again. Chandler Longman is struggling to support his gifted four-year-old daughter, unable to provide her with the education she deserves. He’s trapped and without a hope—until the winds of fate blow Adrian back into his life. They’d agreed to leave the romance they’d shared overseas. After all, two straight men weren’t supposed to fall in love. But the moment they set eyes on each other again solidifies what they both knew in their hearts: There was no escaping the force of their love. Long Shot It’s Adrian and Chandler’s first Christmas together since their deployment in Iraq, and their very first holiday spent as a married couple and daddies to a boisterous, too-smart-for-her-own-good six-year-old. The two men have April’s gifts wrapped and ready under the tree… but what about their own? Adrian is scrambling to organize the adoption of Koko, a military working dog who was Chandler’s best friend in hard times overseas, and Chandler is on an impossible mission to find the classic car that once belonged to Adrian’s late father. They’re the perfect gifts, both holding a special significance as great as their love for one another. Now the only problem is getting them on time for Christmas! With just a couple weeks to go, can Adrian and Chandler pull off their own Christmas miracles without the other knowing?

easy heart warning read

a light easy read about finding love with whoever that may be with and however that may happen.

I was engaged throughout

I haven't read many books about recent veteran experiences in war that I could relate to and this bundle gave me a way in. I was very happy to have found it and learn something beyond newscasts or deeply scarred stories about vets and how they've move on with their lives. I've known many veterans from other wars and many do find a way to live happy lives. I'm glad to have found a story like that concerning vets from the last three wars or so. I didn't find the books as lighthearted as the other reviewers but I did find the story intriguing and a good romance. Well written and also seemingly factual. There were tears and joy here.

Virtual voice is getting better, even with a few emotions that feel legit in a few moments. It's not as good as acted performances, but this is more like a reading of a book than the early virtual voice releases. I can't rate the performance high, but I've dropped books before because the virtual voice interfered with keeping me engaged or enjoying the story on its merits. This recording has moved beyond that. I'll be listening to this series again.

Long haul coming to a long hault.

Harper Logan's 'Long Haul' series presents a heartwarming military romance narrative, revolving around the destined connection between two lonely souls post-war. The initial installment, 'Long Haul,' intimately explores the rekindled relationship between protagonists Adrian and Chandler. Flashbacks to their time in Iraq reveal the evolution of their bond, while the aftermath of deployment propels them in different directions. Adrian becomes a truck driver, and Chandler, now a single father, works at a club. Their reunion sparks immediate chemistry, prompting them to navigate the challenges of building a life together. Overcoming Chandler's initial apprehensions, the couple takes a leap of faith, moving in together, tying the knot, and purchasing a house.

The second novel, 'Long Shot,' shifts the focus to their happily ever after, set against a festive Christmas backdrop. However, despite the continued chemistry between the characters, the second installment didn't captivate me as much as the first. While the characters remained genuinely realistic, I found the narrative less engaging overall. The depiction of post-war impacts on veterans was handled with sensitivity, though I wished for a deeper exploration of Chandler's trauma.

My primary critique, reflected in my 3 out of 5 star rating, centers on the handling of bisexuality in the novel. Throughout both books, Chandler asserts a singular attraction to one man, seemingly at odds with the fluid nature of sexuality. This portrayal struck me as disingenuous to the experiences of bisexual and queer individuals, potentially reinforcing harmful stereotypes. The narrative could have delved into the complexity of sexuality, addressing the psycho-social challenges that might lead some to marry while maintaining other relationships. By presenting Chandler's orientation as fixed, the story unintentionally contributes to the problematic notion that sexual orientation is a conscious choice, creating an undertone that may be perceived as problematic.

The Virtual voice needs to be fixed. Multiple times the voice with jump over words or inconsistent volume.