@sarahreadyauthor has quickly become a must-read author for me and I was excited when #netgalley offered The Space Between not only as a Read Now but also Listen Now option.

This was a great example of a book that hooked me with the first line.

“I fly across the grass, sprinting through Central Park, desperate to stop the only woman I’ll ever love from marrying another man.”

Maybe it’s just me, but that sentence actually gave me an adrenaline rush. Does he make it in time? Does she love him too? What’s their story? Those were all questions I asked myself in that moment.

What I discovered was a story about two teens falling in love. The things that tear them apart and what happened in the space between. Following Andi and Jace for more than a decade, their story is told in dual POV which I loved. I did wish for more of Jace at certain times.

There is love and loss. Grief and sorrow. Family love and family deception. I smiled, I was angry, and I also had tears. This was an emotional read, and I loved every minute of it!

TW: There are several! Please DM me if you have any questions.

I tandem read the e-book while listening to the audiobook. The narrators did a great job of bringing the characters to life.

" "Tell me this isn't just for tonight. Tell me there's a tomorrow, Andi. I want tomorrow with you."

My heart expands, and it feels so big, so wide, I life my hand, reach out to him, and bridge the space between us, "I want tomorrow too". "


Content warnings : drug overdose, indirect mentions and direct mentions of suicide and abuse, child abandonment, terminal illness.

POVs : Jace Morgan, Andi (Andrea) Leighton-Hughes

Tags : Love triangle, Third Chance at Love, Soulmates

good things about this book :
1. Imagery

“It's a high, ringing, joyful laugh. It sounds like summer, and speeding on a bike down a street with your arms thrown wide, and spinning in the park, dancing to a cellist, and shooting bubbling champagne in the bath. It sounds like joy. I haven't laughed like this in years.”

not so good things about this book

1. POV

Majority of the story takes place from Andrea's POV, making the use of the POV type storytelling not necessary. Post conflict, about 80% of the story speaks from Andrea's point of view on what happened, how she felt, and how her life continued after. However, the only time we hear about Jace and his point of view is when he comes back into her orbit. It makes me wonder why Jace did not have an equal time to show how he went through it, and how much was left out and glossed over.

2. Romance

It's quite contradicting to say that the key focus of the book is its con, however I felt like the romance between Jace and Andrea was not believable. It was an instant "fall in love at first sight" that carried throughout the novel and when reading it, it comes off as if she fell for him due to being infatuated with someone outside of her own circumstances. Reid's however was more believable because she fell in love with him through his actions and how he saw the world. Despite this, the subtle love triangle did not feel appropriate for this type of story.

If this book was split into two separate ones, one for Jace and one for Reid, I felt like I would have enjoyed it a lot more. It felt rushed and surface level in its exploration of these characters despite the length of this book. A lot of things were inconsistent and confusing plot wise.

3. Pace

This book is on the longer side of ~500 pages, so it was quite a slow read. I did not feel like any of the characters progressed or developed in a meaningful way despite the amount of time that passes in the story. The two main conflicts happen due to miscommunication without any resolve until the very end, so as a result most days I did not have any motivation to continue.

Overall thoughts

While I enjoyed the concept of this book, I wish it was more well thought out. Some things did not have the impact it was intended to have, and I am personally not a fan of the instant love and miscommunication trope.

“I think, when we play music, we can reach anyone, anywhere. Music transcends the known world. If you love someone, all you have to do is play music, from your heart” --she touches her hand to her heart and says-- “and they’ll hear you, no matter where they are.”

Oh wow…WOW! The Space Between by Sarah Ready - what an intensely beautiful and angsty soulmate love story! It was unputdownable, it was compelling and one hell of an immense rollercoaster ride where our hearts were shred to pieces until they slowly began to heal. Now, we loved French Holiday by this Author and were expecting something in the same vein, we could not have been more wrong, the angst in this story broke us! The Space Between is without question one of our favourite reads this year and joins a list of stories that so far have made a huge impression on our hearts.

‘The minute I saw Jace plying his guitar in the park, a secret smile on his face, the sun falling over him, I didn’t need to make up a story about him. The story was already there. He was mine and I was his.’
Jace and Andrea grew up ‘worlds apart’, yet both are tied to their past and bound by the restraints of their future. Jace, an incredible musician who’s waiting for his band’s big break falls in love with Andrea, the beautiful rich society girl. The emotional tension and connection between them was palpable. Their love story heartbreaking, beautiful and intensely emotional.

‘Jace asked if I ever thought that maybe where we’ve ended up, is always where we were meant to be. If I hadn’t met him, I wouldn’t have known his love.’

The title of this love story is so incredibly apt. What begins as pure teenage love, is followed by heartbreak and devastation, turning into a beautiful mature and unconditional love. You’ll find everything in between that changes, heals, inspires and grows. What comes after -the space between- ultimately makes everything that much more intense with an unbreakable strength. Beautiful, epic love story.

‘His voice pulls at something deep inside, it reaches down into you and pulls out all the feelings you forgot you ever had…Jace could make a thousand people weep. Or fall in love.’

*I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

3.5 stars

I am torn on how I feel about this book. It was not exactly what I expected, and the first half of the book kind of dragged on for a long time. I hadn't anticipated so much of it taking place when Andi and Jace were teenagers (17 then 18). I like young adult literature a lot, but having so much of this book straddling the young adult/new adult line before moving on to when they're full adults (26, 31, then 36) kind of gave the book a misfit feel because it crossed multiple genres without really fitting into any of them. Although the first portion went on a bit long, the book got more interesting around the halfway mark. The timelines were an off, too, unless the indicated passage of time is from the beginning of one section to the next rather than the end of one section to the beginning of the next.

But there were some things I really liked about it. Jace and Andi were good; they were kind and thoughtful and supported each other. I liked the element of forgiveness and change. My favorite character, believe it or not, was actually Reid. The best parts of the book for me were the adult years with Reid, but I don't want to give anything away.

Note: Some swearing, including a few f words. Some mild to moderate sex scenes, easily skipped. Cancer.

I have only recently discovered Sarah Ready - I've enjoyed the Josh and Gemma books and loved French Holiday - and The Space Between does not disappoint. It's a beautifully put together love story that takes place over years with really gorgeous characters: Andi, Jace, Reid, the Morgan Brothers. I cried my heart out so be prepared.

Thank you so much to NetGalley - a real gem of a book.

I would consider this a coming of age romance. It's a story that is told in three parts and at times, it gave me Daisy Jones & The Six vibes, even though the stories are completely different. It's a story of two worlds colliding, a story of love, loss, forgiveness, and so much more.

I thought Ready did a great job with character development, as well as painting the scene. I felt myself in Central Park and many of the other locations penned throughout this book.

At over 500 pages, you know this short book loving gal was not super keen on those digits, but I read this in a couple days.

There were a couple reveals that happened around the 80% mark that were a bit too much for me, but other than that, I found this to be an enjoyable read. I already downloaded another book by Ready, so I'm glad to have discovered this author.

Thank you Netgalley and W.W. Crown for offering this as a Read Now selection.

I ADORED this book! If I could have read the whole thing in one sitting I would have done so if you can carve out time to do so, I'd recommend it. I loved both Andi and Jace and all the characters were well written. Some twists were unexpected and brought the perfect level of drama. I thought the pacing of the book was great and the whole thing played out in my mind as a movie. Easily done with Ready's writing style, so beautifully descriptive.

Already have Ghosted on the list and I've also gone back to NetGalley for the audiobook version.

This book was so not what what I was expecting and I really enjoyed it even more than I hoped. The characters were great and the storyline really flowed. Definitely pick this one in your suitcase or block out a weekend to spend reading it!

My first book by this author and it won't be my last. The writing flows so well that before you know it you've read for hours.

I loved all the characters and the story has some serious heartbreak but I felt it told me more than showed me with Jace and Andi's relationship. The ending felt rushed too. All in all though it was a solid read and I'd actually love books on Dean and Dallas.

I loved this! Sarah Ready is one of my favorite authors, and this book does not disappoint. I really fell in love with her characters!

When I picked this book, I expected a cliché love story between a poor musician boy and a wealthy girl that will leave me refreshed
Little did I know, I was diving into the most soul wrecking, bitter sweet roller coaster ride that will last me throughout the year

This was a story that not only portrayed the most beautiful kind of never ending love, it also portrayed a genuine friendship filled with unconditional love that's even bigger than true love itself

This is a heartfelt path that touches on family issues, love, loss, grief, betrayal, determination and success
it's a story that's a living example of life goes on regardless and it's the type of story that will make you trust in life's meanders.

Thank you NetGalley for introducing me to Sarah Ready by providing this ARC in exchange of an honest review,
I could spend an entire hour talking about the feelings this book left me but I still wouldn't be able to note it

This one is a five star read for me and I'd recommend it to anyone and everyone who comes across my eyes.

***4.5 STARS***

“What’s your lyric?”

What a beautiful story. There is pain and angst and heartbreak but there is also so much beauty in this book. Beauty in the joy of music, first love and second chances.

Andi and Jace meet as teenagers in Central Park. They come from different worlds but their attraction is immediate and powerful. Jace is a musician who has plans to make it big with his brothers. Andi comes from a very wealthy family where money is more important than love.

Against the wishes of her parents, Andi goes on tour with Jace and the two fall more deeply in love as they travel together and experience life on the road. One disastrous night changes everything and a misunderstanding has Andi heading back to New York.

This book spans fourteen years, and while Jace and Andi still hold deep feelings for one another, those feeling stay buried and life leads them in very different directions. I was heartbroken more than once while reading this book. And while this story is emotional and gut wrenching it also explores the power of true love, the deep connection of music, the value of taking chances, and the importance of living life to the fullest.

“I always do things I’m scared of. It helps me feel alive.”

"What happens when two people promise forever, but life tears them apart? What happens in the time they aren't together-the space between?"

The Space Between by Sarah Ready is a masterpiece of a novel about true love, and those times when it is not enough. Jace and Andy's love journey is a whirlwind of emotions, it is beautiful and heartbreaking. From the first time they meet, it is fate-the kind that means they are meant together, but life and the ones we love have a way of getting in the way sometimes. This is their love and life story.

This book absolutely destroyed me in the best of ways! Be warned, you will cry. I felt all of the emotions in this one. I cannot express how stellar of a human Andrea is. Sarah Ready managed to hook me from the very beginning and will forever forward be an autoread for me. If you enjoy emotionally wrought epic love sagas full of betrayal, lies, hardship, forgiveness and so much love, then hurry up and read this book. Words do not adequately describe how good this story is.

If you are looking for a book with a lot of steam, then you may not like this one. That said, I thought it had some of the best romantic scenes I have ever read. Other than that, I cannot think of a single reason to not read this book.

The Space Between is one of my top reads of the year, if not the top. I loved it so much that I went and started to download anything and everything Sarah Ready has ever written. Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the honor to read an ARC of this!

I have been loving Sarah ready books lately and this one was no exception. I love that its light and fluffy but with a twist and a little more complex. I highly reccomend.

Andrea Leighton-Hughes, shockingly wealthy Upper East Sider, a chess-piece in her family’s games since before she was born, knows what it’s like to hide behind a mask. Jace Morgan, a musical prodigy from the Bronx, is the first and only person to see who she truly is. He is no stranger to struggle and tragedy. Jace and his brothers will do whatever it takes to climb to the top of the music charts. Andrea is the first and only person who has helped him play from the heart. As they struggle to prove that love defeats all obstacles, life sets out to prove them wrong.

"I have a lyric."

My heart 😅 I'm still reeling from the emotional rollercoaster that is this story, weeks later. It started off with a prologue from years later that left me thinking of one outcome. From there it went back to the day they first met, teenagers in New York from two very different worlds. They fell hard and fast for each other.

What followed was a story that honest to goodness caught me off guard. You'd think that life would give them a reprieve when they met again, but another curveball had been thrown. The prologue finally made sense, and with it an outcome I didn't think of until the chapters leading up to it.

Friends, there is a happy ending in this story 😂 fear not. They definitely deserved it. Jace and Andrea had to deal with loss, grief, a world of hurt, to learn to forgive past wrongs, but they got there. My broken heart was pieced back together in the end 🥹 All the stars for this one!

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Space Between is a contemporary romance novel that delves into the lives of Andrea Leighton-Hughes and Jace Morgan, two individuals from vastly different worlds who find an extraordinary connection and a love that defies all odds.

Andrea, a wealthy Upper East Sider, lives in a world filled with privilege, lies, and manipulation orchestrated by her influential family. Behind the facade she presents to society, Andrea longs for someone who truly sees and understands her for who she is beneath the mask she wears. Enter Jace Morgan, a talented musical prodigy hailing from the Bronx, whose life hasn't been without its challenges and rough edges. Jace and his brothers are determined to make it big in the music industry.

When Andrea and Jace meet, an undeniable spark ignites between them, and they form a deep and genuine connection. Despite their differences and the disapproval of those around them, they are certain of their love and pledge to be together forever.

However, life's obstacles and adversities soon test their commitment. As they strive to maintain their relationship and prove that love can conquer all, they are met with unexpected challenges that threaten to tear them apart. The question of what happens when two people promise forever, but life intervenes, becomes central to their journey.

The novel explores the concept of the "space between," referring to the moments they spend apart and the challenges they face individually. In these times of separation, they must confront their own struggles and find a way to grow stronger, both as individuals and as a couple. The story presents a heartfelt exploration of love, resilience, and the power of connection, emphasizing that even when life tries to tear them apart, the bond between Andrea and Jace remains unbreakable.

"The Space Between" navigates themes of love, family dynamics, societal expectations, and the pursuit of dreams. The characters' journey will keep readers captivated as they root for Andrea and Jace to overcome every obstacle and find their way back to each other, proving that true love can endure even in the face of life's uncertainties.

4 ⭐ One of my reads of the year. A moving and loving read.

When Bronx music prodigy Jace and wealthy upper east sider Andrea first meet, it’s love at first sight, but love isn’t easy and along the way there will be bumps, but will love conquer all?

Imagine you’ve met your soulmate and are currently on tour with him and his brothers, you’re both incredibly in love with each other, but after seeing him in bed with another girl you run off back to the life you had sworn you had left behind. Years later you meet an old friend who asks you to marry him shortly after seeing each other again, but why? And will you say yes?
After learning more about love and life from a guy you used to hate, you finally see your soulmate again, and this time things are different. What do you do and what will you learn along the way?

I loved that this story wasn’t all Jace and Andrea and we got to see other characters and also what felt like a whole different story. The character development was also amazing and felt authentic, especially from the point of Jace’s brothers. Every character also had a backstory and each had complex issues that were resolved throughout the story.

I was sceptical when I saw that this was 540 pages and was 13 hours on audible, but I must say it was easy to get through and a throughly enjoyable and entertaining read.

Epic love story! I love love loved this story! I had all the feels while reading this book. It truly was an emotional roller coaster. One minute I was smiling and happy but the next I was furious wanting to throw my book against the wall. I honestly don’t cry very easily, but this book did have tears streaming down my face, not ugly cry but I could totally see this story being able to make people ugly cry!

4.5⭐ Remarkably moving!

Blue blood girl from the Upper East Side meets a poor musician boy and falls head over heels in love. 👛🎸

Now, let me say that insta love isn't one of my faves but DON'T let this turns you off because forbidden love is around the corner, The Space Between swept me away! It's a beautiful, magical, and emotional LOVE story. There is so much more to it but does take its time... be patient!

At 13 Hours+ or 542 pages, I thought this was a bit ambitious for a contemporary romance novel, but knowing I loved every book written by Sarah Ready in the last few years there's no chance I'm going to pass it up. I enjoyed French Holiday but this one tops that! Still, I think this book can be a hundred pages shorter and without the bitty steamy session. I don't think this book needs that. But I love the rollercoaster journey with Andrea and Jace and never felt bored. 🎢💘

James Fouhey (my new favorite) and Rachel F. Hirsch are both fantastic voices for the characters. A worthy read or listen.

The space between by Sarah Ready!! Published by Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), released on July 25,2023!!
Ohhhh my gosh, this was such a good book, it may have started semi slow but once it dig into the nitty gritty of the story wow was I in too too deep and unable to put it down! This book had ALL the feels, seriously all of them. Love loss,,emotional,,child abuse, deep emotional feelings, I just could not put it down once I really got into the story. This is the first book I read but Sarah ready and it will most likely not be the last.
I feel like I need a sequel to this one to read the in between of the in between of Jace and Andreas story You left me craving for more.
Do look for this book, you will not be disappointed. It’s available now on amazon and other retail sites!! If you are on the fence, do it add this to your TBR pile right now.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this one early!!! Definitely a
Five ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star book!!!