A beautiful second-chance romance where you see Andrea and Jace grow up, fall in and out of love and traverse two very different lives. I loved how this was written and the two parts of their lives: teenagers/young adults vs adults and seeing the differences in themselves and how they grow. The main romance and idea of true soulmates was also so sad seeing it take so much time to be with your true love. Overall a heart-warming love story full of amazing characters and a really interesting premise.

It's been a long time since a book "broke" me but this one did. It's really heavy but also REALLY well done. It's a great reminder about different types of love and it's the ultimate love story. In addition to the beautiful love in this book, I also really enjoyed the New York setting. The narrators were perfect for Andi and Jace.

This story follows Andrea and Jace who one day met in a park and completely fell in love within seconds.

Andra is the daughter of one of the richest men in New York and Jace was born into a struggling family which makes them completely different.

Both struggle to be together, both their families and friends are against it. They make it work for a while until one day Jace betrays Andrea, Heartbroken she decides to leave him behind.

Years later she's standing at the Altar about to get married to someone she doesn't love. Jace interrupts the wedding hoping to stop her from getting married but it's not his choice, it's hers.

What will she do? who will she choose?
***

My Thoughts:

This was such a beautiful second chance romance story! I loved everything about it. The way the characters grew throughout the story was amazing to watch. I truly didn't expect this book to break my heart, but at the end it ended up putting it back together! I would highly recommend this book.

Thoughts on the audiobook:

Narrators did a good job with beginning life to the characters. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook so much!

what you need to know:
- Second Chance Romance
- Slow burn
- Sad
- heartbreaking

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of the book and audiobook.

Super quick read. I listened to about half and read half. Which made it easy to finish in a day.

Would make a great beach read.

This book ripped me apart and put me back together so many times. It is definitely one that will stick with me for a long time.

Jace is a musician who comes from nothing, and Andrea comes from a wealthy family but is looking for something more. They immediately fall in love right before their high school graduation, but life isn’t easy for them. So many things try to keep them apart, but they both ache for love and happiness, finding it wherever they can.

I loved these characters. Andrea is a formidable woman who knows her power and isn’t afraid to use it. And Jace is the perfect opposite to her, helping her soften and open up to love. I was also completely hooked into the story, enjoying every twist and turn and was dying to see how it would all turn out.

I highly recommend this to everyone who loves a story about true love, and how it stands the rest of time. I can also recommend the audiobook, where the narrators really brought all the characters to life and helped me feel all the emotion in the book.

Oh my gosh. My heart was NOT ready for this one. I went in blind, and I was so surprised by how much I LOVED this one.

This story spans roughly 20 years— two kids meeting in high school, falling fast in love but being from complete opposite sides of the tracks. Life ripped them apart (which seriously broke my heart). I felt so connected to these characters- the love was just beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time.

If the love story between Jace and Andrea wasn’t enough— then we have Andrea and Reed. The crack my heart felt.. gosh. You know they painful feeling in the back of your throat when you just know you’re going to cry. YEP I was feeling it. She was so extremely lucky to have both of these great loves over the course of the years. I loved them both for different reasons, and felt that they were both in her life at the right times.

If you have the opportunity to read this one… I’m telling you, do it!! I know I’m going to be thinking about this one for a long time! Absolutely going to need a physical copy when it releases.

I got this on a whim as a ‘listen now’ and I am SO glad I did because this will absolutely be one of my favorites for the year. This story about first love took me on an emotional rollercoaster and I was hanging on for dear life until the very end. I laughed, swooned, and cried my eyes out. This is one I will recommend to everyone. I will definitely be checking out Sarah’s other books! Thank you so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this early.

🎧 #audiobookreview

This is the kind of book u hug to ur chest for a while after you've finished because #allthethings 🩵

I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked up this book-
cute cover, author I'm familiar with in the romcom genre, why not just skip the synopsis and jump right in? And jump in I did, and fall and fall until I was so deeply invested I almost forgot these aren't real people.

Jace hasn't lived a privileged life but he's grateful, grateful for his parents, who both died at way too young an age, who taught him what a house full of love looked like, what family is and what they do for each other unconditionally. He's grateful for his 2 brothers, the only family he has left and his 2 neighbors, found family who all make up the members of his band.

Andrea doesn't know life outside of privilege - a world she knows she's but a pawn in, one she can't afford to shed her mask in- but she knows there's something there, in that outside world, that she's lacking and so desperately needs and wants. It's only when she comes across Jace, playing music in the park for cash, she sees she may have found it.

Jace, immeasurably talented, could never overcome the roadblock he encounters on stage, the one that inhibits him from being able to do more than just play, to sing. For now his brother takes the lead singing, it's only when he meets Andy that he starts to see how to open his heart, both to her and to his musical abilities. It's only when he sees her in the audience that he's able to sing and truly catapult the band's career

But nobody understands their love. Each of their families fear the other is holding them back, Jace from real stardom outside of this city, Andy from her rightful place in her family's empire. As life throws obstacle upon obstacle their way we watch it all build up and all crash down. And then holding on to hope they come back around to each other, we're made to face the lives they've lived in the space between their time together then and who they've become now. Will all that's happened bring them closer together or stand to wedge them further apart?

I can't stress enough how deeply invested I was in these characters. The anguish was real, the circumstances they faced impossible. And even when u think there are clear cut evil characters in their stories, it's not that simple, and maybe they're not diabolical after all, and maybe the couple isn't supposed to be together??

This is the ultimate star-crossed lovers story, made all the more emotional, painful even, because the unforseen events holding them apart from each other truly do have merit. Be prepared to be left bereft for the couple, but also rooting for the circumstances at hand, but also wanting desperately for them to be together, but also maybe not.... I'm a hot mess and I loved every minute of this read.

Oh! And the audiobook aspect was so great, they had alternating male and female voices narrating each of the characters' respective chapters. So you got the perspective of both sides of things and the voices just made it all the more dynamic of a read

This book was such an experience. It gave me TJR "One True Loves" vibes in the way that I felt sick to my stomach while reading that book because I was so STRESSED. 😅 however, this was a very beautiful story.

The Space Between follows Andrea and Jace as they fall in love young, then spend years separated, and all the space between. This story so well written. I have read another book by Sarah Ready, and I had a great time, but I feel this story and writing blows the other out of the water. What frustrated me sometimes was the characters and their decisions but I think that's the point. This is a very human book. People mess up, people make mistakes, people miscommunicate, LIFE happens. Definitely check the CWs for this book, (they would be spoilers though, just a warning) because this book is very heartbreaking. Once you hit a certain point in the book it’s just hit after hit after hit. However, I personally love a book that is very emotional because I just love when books can evoke that much feeling that out of me. To me, it means I care!

One main criticism is that this book is a bit long. There was a point when it just kinda dragged on before it picked back up. There were portions of the story that where we didn’t see certain characters for a long time as well, so that the structure of that was kinda hard for me at times because I missed seeing other characters.

Overall, even with some structural issues and length, this was a beautiful human story about love, family, and forgiveness. It was also a fantastic audiobook. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I received a complimentary copy of this book "The Space Between Us" and all opinions expressed are my own. I listened to the audiobook. This one started off slow for me so I was glad I was just able to listen. It definitely picked up and kept my interest. I liked all the characters even though at times I did not like them. A beautiful love story in which you discover there are many different types of love. I thought this was a very good book and I liked it a lot. The book had some twists that I really didn't expect. At times it was a bit hard to listen to as I have lost my husband and we had that forever love. So there were a few moments in the story that I got choked up. You really cannot plan out your life, life has a way of going where it wants to.

I love Andrea and Jace’s love story but I loved Andrea’s story so much better! Young love, loss, grief, forgiveness, second chances…
I also found myself rooting for her and Reed when I thought I would have ultimately loved for her and Jace to come back together.
4 stars only because I found myself having to push through the first half of the book but then things really picked up.

This was a good listen! It definitely took me on an emotional roller coaster ride. This was a free advanced listener copy and I am leaving my review voluntarily

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
What a great contemporary romance with passion, loss, heartbreak and love. The story was well written with plenty of ups and downs and twists. I loved the unpredictable ending. I will definitely be looking for Sarah Ready's next book!

From the moment of their fate-filled first meeting in Central Park they’ve known one true thing—they’re meant to be.

Life doesn’t have many certainties but for Andrea and Jace forever is one of them.
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. Her world is one of lies, manipulation, and reputation. Jace is the first and only person to see who she truly is.

Jace Morgan knows the ugly side of life and he hasn’t always kept his nose clean. A musical prodigy from the Bronx, 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.
No one understands their connection. No one understands their love.

As Jace and Andrea struggle to stay together and prove that love defeats all obstacles, life sets out to prove them wrong.

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

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

When this one first started I was hooked. But then it starts over from the time when our characters are younger and in high school. It moves through the years. I am just not a fan of that and really do not care for the younger parts as it reads very young adult.

I tried pushing through, but I could not get into this one.

Netgalley does not allow a Did not Finish. I am giving three stars as it is not fair to the author for me to give less than that considering I did not finish the book.

The Space Between was so good, and I really enjoyed the audio version, with two narrators representing the two main characters, telling their story from each perspective. This is a powerful love story with some tragic twists and turns making for addictive reading/listening.
Many thanks for the ARC.

Sarah Ready - The Space Between.

I’ve read a few of Sarah Ready’s books now, but I have to say, #TheSpaceBetween is my favourite so far.

Jase and Andrea come from very different worlds. But from the moment that they meet as youngsters, there is a spark between them that burns intensely.
The course of true love never runs smoothly. And as the years pass by, life gets in the way. There are misunderstandings and interference from those close to the pair.
But will love eventually win the day, and give Jase and Andrea their happily ever after?

I was pulled into this book from the very beginning and totally invested in Jase and Andrea’s love story.

I fell completely in love with Andrea (Andi) and jase. They loved each other whole heartedly.
Sarah Ready conveyed their love powerfully with her beautiful, touching and at times heart breakingly raw writing.

#TheSpaceBetween is an epic love story. It’s funny, moving and utterly gorgeous.

If you’re a fan of Colleen Hoover, you’ll adore this outstanding book from Sarah Ready.

The audio version is narrated superbly by James Fouhey and Rachel F Hirsch. Together they captured the essence of the book and cast it’s spell on the listener.

Definitely one of my books of 2023.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With thanks to Netgalley and W W Crown for an audio arc of this title.

DNF at 20%. Way too quick with the insta-love, perfect together, I only want you-ness. The wealthy MC cosplays as poor (like — scandalously buys a polyester dress and wears it out, and it feels so good!). There is absolutely zero build up or reason for the characters to be in love within 24 hours of meeting.

Sad bc I really liked French Holiday but this one is soooo not for me.

Sarah Ready delivers a romance filled with depth and realistic characters in The Space Between. Both Andrea (Andi) and Jace have their own strengths and own flaws when we're first introduced to the two teens, each of whom fights against their family to find their own path in life. The story isn't a typical love at first sight romance, though; there are layers and nuances that drive each character to be a fully developed, flawed, good-at-the core person. Even the supporting characters (Dean, River, Paulie, Dallas, Rob, Reed, etc) are more than just background players--they're people faltering on their own paths and then having to face the consequences, good or bad.

The dual POV and subsequent two voice narration worked so well for this book. It allowed the readers to fully embrace the two MCs and aided in the switching perspectives through their voice. Listening at 2x speed, it was easy to understand their reading, hear the emotion, and follow the pacing.

This is a SOLID romance, and I'm so glad it wasn't just surface level cheesiness, but something of real substance.

Overall: 4.5 stars

I'll tell my students about: alcohol, drugs, parental death, sexual assault, language, trauma, LGBTQIA+, cancer

**Thank you to NetGalley and W. W. Crown Audiobooks for the free ALC. All opinions expressed are my own.**

ALL. THE. STARS.

5 big, shiny, bright stars - this book has it all!!It’s official, this is my favourite romance of 2023 so far! This is my first book by author Sarah Ready, and it was a long one! I typically shy away from long books (this one was 540 pages!) but it felt so short, and I flew through it switching between audio and ebook. (Note: audiobook was so well done alternating between male and female voices which created an awesome dynamic)

The story between Jace and Andrea was just so heartfelt, beautiful, and quite frankly felt like a rollercoaster of emotions. It was a deep heartbreaking love that seeped through the pages, and I just did not want it to end. I will definitely be picking up this book when it releases.

I recommend this book if you enjoy:
- Contemporary romance genre
- First love and soulmates
- Rich vs. Poor / Upper East Side vs. The Bronx / Star-crossed lovers
- Dual POV
- Strangers to lovers tropes
- Second chance romance tropes
- Young love to adult romance
- Finding your person
- Overcoming impossible situations
- Time jumps
- Romantic connections through music
- Giving up everything for love
- Situations that come full circle
- Stories that take place in New York City

Trigger Warnings: Mention of accidental drug overdose, cancer, death, parental abandonment, cheating/infidelity

In this opposites attract romance, we meet Jace, a music prodigy from the Bronx who's had a tough life, struggling with his band as they are searching for their big break. Andrea, however, comes from a very wealthy millionaire family on the upper East side. Fate brings these two together by chance in Central Park and they're pretty much inseparable since. Everything is great, until it isn't. Circumstances drive them apart for years, until one day Jace hunts Andi down, determined to mend things between them. Except, everything's different and she's getting married now. What a rollercoaster ride! I really liked this audiobook. I found the narrator's pleasant and enjoyed the dual POV. I really cared about these characters and were rooting for each and every one of them. I laughed, I cried. Sarah somehow managed to break my heart and put it back together again. My only complaint was that it was a bit lengthy, but the story was worth it.