Cover Image: The Space Between

The Space Between

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Member Reviews

I could not put this down! A story of great love, mistakes, tragedy, music, and finding home. Andi, Jace, and Reid are captivating. Their families are too. It’s a rollercoaster of a story but it’s good for the soul!

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OH THE ANGST AND AGONY! The Space Between is Sarah Ready's most emotionally immersively and stunning story to date! SO MUCH ANGUISHING LONGING AND MISALIGNMENT! It's a long and painful journey for these two to find their HEA...the proverbial space between is miles long. But Sarah makes the story worth the heartache and challenge.

I've read a few other of Sarah's books, but I must say this is the best of hers I've read. I find each of her books sweetly emotive and profoundly resonant, but in subtle and ligther ways. This book definitely had a heavier, in part because it's a pretty long story told in multiple time periods. Normally that's not my thing to slog too long in past context just to understand the present, but here it really worked. Jace and Andrea have a story that is told in different parts, each almost functions as a complete mini story, starting from many they are teens and spanning many years. The more immersive time in different phases of their complicated love story helps really establish the core of them as characters and their dynamic, from the foundation of their connection to their boarder life ecosystems that make them who they are. These characters are so much more than their love story, and that really plays out on the pages.

There is a lot of angst and heartache here as they are constantly torn apart. At times the agony is beautiful and emotionally affecting, and towards the end I did feel it dragged on a bit too long. But certainly it makes their HEA feel all the more deserved and hard fought. The obstacles are a plenty, and along the way there are some unexpected elements that really surprised me too.

Most of all, I adored both of these characters. In the prior books I've read of Sarah's, I've really found her character writing so deftly wielded. The people on her pages feel tangible, their struggles palpably experienced, and their journeys complexly realized. I enjoyed rooting for Andrea and Jace in this beautiful story. And, the audio was really well done too- pulled me even more into the story. My fav of Sarah Ready!

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WOW - I was not ready for this one. I expected this to be a light romantic contemporary and boooooy was I wrong. This was a full on tear jerker. This one hit me right in the feels. I cried several times. There were parts that felt super heavy followed by lots of levity so it felt nice and balanced. Fans of Colleen Hoover will LOVE this one. The style of this and how it is broken into 3 parts reminded me a lot of CoHos style mixed with Taylor Jenkins Reid and really resonated with me. The development of the relationships is so well done. I loved everything about this and thought each page was more perfect than the last. It is so unbelievably emotional and raw at certain parts that it's hard not to get completely wrapped up in the story. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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I liked the cover of the book and the title and went in on blind. And what a ride I had! This was like a crazy roller coaster ride full of emotions. Yes, you will be heartbroken, yet you cannot stop reading it.
The characters were just perfect. The main characters as well as the side ones are so well developed that you will end up loving all of them! I don’t want to go into too much detail so I would not spoil anything, but be prepared for some plot twists that will blow your mind.
This was my first read from Sarah Ready and this book is now one of my favorites. Easy 5 stars read!
A huge thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC! All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.

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The Space Between is a contemporary romance novel about two young people from different worlds who fall in love. Andrea Leighton-Hughes is the daughter of a wealthy New York business mogul. Jace Morgan is a young performer in a family band. The two meet one night in Central Park and are instantly drawn to each other. However, their relationship is complicated by their different backgrounds and the obstacles that life throws their way.

The book is well-written and engaging. The characters are well-developed and relatable. The plot is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. The book also explores themes of love, loss, family, and redemption.

If you enjoy contemporary romance novels, then you will definitely want to check out The Space Between. It is a well-written and heartwarming story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

I thought the author did a great job of capturing the different perspectives of the two main characters. I could really understand why Andrea and Jace were drawn to each other, even though they came from different worlds.
I also appreciated the way the author explored the themes of love, loss, family, and redemption. These are all universal themes that we can all relate to, and I thought the author did a good job of weaving them into the story. I thought The Space Between was a well-written and heartwarming romance novel that I would definitely recommend to fans of the genre.

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This was a beautiful and heartbreaking journey. Love, loss, betrayal, destiny, and music are a few of the main messages within this story. Sarah Ready wrote this so beautifully and in a way that left me wanting more and more.

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It was fun to read. Loved the characters too. Enjoyed till the end. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a free e-book.

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The Space Between is a love story that spans over a decade. Andi and Jace meet when they are young, but circumstance keeps them apart and then pushes them back together 10 years later. Though parts of this hit me in the feels, and I did enjoy Andi and Jace's love story, much of it felt too forced and contrived and predictable, and ultimately, it missed the mark for me.

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Definitely gripping and readable. I felt like it was incredibly action-packed from the get-go, and the short chapters gave it a very fast pace. I like a softness with my contemporary romance, which was lacking here. It wasn't for me, and I stopped at the end of chapter 2 (6%).

Thank you to NetGalley and Sarah Ready for the ARC.

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I really enjoyed this lovely novel, which Is a love story, but so much more than that. It is a novel about friendship, family, music and the impact of grief. Andrea (Andy) and Jace come from totally different worlds. While Andrea’s history is one of riches and privilege, she lacked the love and support Jace’s poor family provided him with. I engaged with them both and wanted them to find fulfilment and happiness. The path they follow was unexpected and this added depth to the story. With a cast of other likeable, and not so likeable, characters, this isn’t just about whether Andy and Jace will end up together. I would definitely recommend this lovely book. .

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Thank you to W. W. Crown and NetGalley for the ARC of The Space Between. The Space Between begins with two teenagers, one an orphaned 17 year old, Jace, whose brothers are scraping to get by and trying to get their family band off the ground. Heading home through the Ramble after busking in Central Park on night, he gets attacked by some bullies from his school. He is rescued by a pretty girl who he saw at their performance earlier that night. After beating the boys off with her rock filled purse, Andi and Jace decide to become best friends and spend their summer after graduation together. Of course, their friendship instantly blossoms into something more. Right after their respective graduations, Jace's oldest brother Dean informs the band that a producer is interested in their band and has gotten them a tour opportunity. The band votes to take it and Andi decides to go with them. When Andi and Jace tell Andi's parents, who are some of the wealthiest people in NYC, they vow to disown her. She leaves with the band anyway. While on tour a series of disasters break the young couple apart. Can their love ever be redeemed? I did not enjoy the first half of this book. Insta-love is my least favorite trope. But, as the characters mature and handle their own tragedies, I came to really enjoy this one.

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“No matter how long the road to get here, no matter the twists and turns, I’m yours.”

This book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster of love, heartbreak, and second chances. It’s like a warm hug that tugs at your heartstrings and makes you believe in the magic of love - my favourite kind of story.

Andrea and Jace, two souls who collide in Central Park, bringing with them a connection that defies all logic. We're talking about Andrea, born into wealth and deception, and Jace, a musical genius from the Bronx who's seen his fair share of heartbreak. Their love story defies circumstances, and as life throws curveballs at them, their bond is put to the ultimate test. It's an emotional ride that spans years, full of love, betrayal, and second chances.

The protagonists are like characters that step off the page and become your friends. Andrea's Upper East Side facade crumbles when she meets Jace, the guy who finally sees her for who she truly is. Jace, with his musical magic and a history of loss, ignites a spark in Andrea's life. Their journey is an emotional rollercoaster that will tug at your heartstrings and keep you invested from start to finish.

Sarah Ready has a knack for making you feel every emotion, and this book is no exception. With the story divided into three parts, you'll laugh, cry, and cheer for the couple as they navigate the highs and lows of their relationship. It's a beautifully paced story that keeps you hooked, making you emotionally attached to every twist and turn.

Love, resilience, and redemption are at the heart of this story. The unique aspect of exploring the moments when Andrea and Jace are apart adds a layer of authenticity to their relationship. Their growth as individuals and their journey back to each other are the soul of the story, proving that love can conquer even the toughest challenges.

This is one of those books you'll want to keep on your shelf forever. It's not just a love story; it's a life story. It's about moments that make your heart soar and the ones that break it into a million pieces. If you're a sucker for romance, heartache, and second chances, grab this book as soon as possible. Be ready to laugh, cry, and be captivated by Andrea and Jace's extraordinary journey. Trust me, you won't regret it.

Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Ready, W.W. Crown and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Loved it ❤️ beautifully written book about love and hope. Emotional and heartwarming love story. Loved all the characters, Jace, Andrea, and Ried. It's all about love and understanding compassion. Jace and Andi were meant for each other from the start. But, I loved the relationship between Andi and Ried, too. Characters are defined thoroughly and progressively. Love the dual point of view highlyrecommended. .

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This book was too painfully slow for my liking. I am definitely in the miniority for this book, but I hope if you like topics like insta-love,celebrity, Dual POV, definitely try reading this one.

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I think this was more a me issue than a story issue. The writing itself is excellent but the movement was too slow to keep and hold my interest.

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I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC via Netgalley.

Jace and Andrea. Andrea and Jace. 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?

🎶Opposites Attract

This book at me hooked from the beginning!! I loved Jace and Andrea’s characters. They were so different but so good together. This book had me feeling every emotion possible. I even shed a tear around the 75% mark.

I definitely recommend this book!!

Rating: 4 / 5⭐️’s

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My heart! This book was everything i didn't know i needed at the time. The unlikely meeting of a rich upper East side girl and a poor, down of his luck musician from the Bronx, takes us on a roller coaster of emotions throughout the book. Jace and Andrea have the love of a lifetime but entirely too many obstacles to face. Then there is Reid, the not so like-able high school boy who grows up to be a wonderful human. This book, all the characters and all the details made for a great story.

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I have been a BIG fan of Sarah Ready's novels from the start. Her Romeo series charmed me, and I was super excited to get an ARC of this latest book through NetGalley. Early reviews promised all the feels with this story. And yes ... it did deliver the feels ... but it took me a LONG time to get hooked on this story, which was disappointing. The slow setup of the relationship between Andi and Jace was simultaneously too drawn out and too superficial. The book really hit its stride in the second act, which came rather late in the book tbh, when complexity in Andi's story arc made for a much more captivating read.

At any rate, I did ultimately find the last third of this book to be satisfying and faster paced, and I finished the second half faaaaaaaar more quickly than I did the first. I'm not sorry I read this, but I am lamenting how many other books I could've sped through more enjoyably while I stuck with this one.

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Sarah Ready has already written one of my favorite books this year, French Holiday which was extremely charming and funny. I knew from the moment I read that one that this would be an author to watch for and she solidified my love of her novels in THE SPACE BETWEEN. This is an emotional and heartfelt novel that touched me to the core. It’s an epic love story about two souls who know they are meant to be, but everything seems to want to tear them apart. There’re family issues, heartbreak, betrayal, and everything else under the sun that can hurt two people who just want to be together, and I fell HARD for it. Emotional novels aren’t normally my cup of tea but DANG this book had me hooked. Get ready because once you start reading Jace and Andi’s story you won’t be able to stop until the very end. I loved it!

𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙
❥ Epic Love Stories
❥ Emotional Reads
❥ Stories filled with heart that are relatable and hopeful

𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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OMG what a book!! Let me sort through my emotions and find a way to put into words my review
The Space Between by Sarah Ready is not her usual rom-com, instead she has written a stunning but heartbreaking love story about Jace Morgan and Andrea Leighton-Hughes.
The boy who looks like a sinner but sings like an angel and the beautiful rich girl who is his reason for singing and only wants to be with him. It is love at first sight but their journey to a HEA is filled with obstacles which will have you grabbing the tissues. It reaches down into you and pulls out all your emotions over the three parts. I felt the title of the book was so appropriate because I found myself needing ‘the space between’ each part to recover before continuing to read this story that looks at all the different ways to love.

“ A love so big, a song so beautiful, that it heals the world.”

Jace and Andrea are both seventeen but come from totally different worlds. He lives in the Bronx with his brothers Dean and River and plays guitar in their band with best friends Dallas and Pauly. He has struggled since losing his parents so puts everything into his music. Andrea is the daughter of a wealthy businessman and controlled by the obligations to her family. She survives by pretending to be Andi and one day comes across the Morgan Brothers playing in Central Park. One look between her and Jace changes their lives forever. No one understands their love but they promise each other forever.

They become friends and experienced an all-consuming love, positive they are soulmates. He wants to play and make the whole world happy and every song he writes is for her. When the band get the opportunity to go on tour, can she give up everything for him and go with him. Catastrophic events and mistakes are made with devastating results. Does their love fail or was it torn apart? When shocking truths are revealed can there be forgiveness? Can she learn to live again without the one she loves?

A love fourteen years in the making. The space between is their time apart. Have they ended up where they were always meant to be? From the day they met she had been his always and forever. They both knew they were meant for each other even though their journey to be together was a long one. Promises were made and kept, even though the years between have been hard. She always felt a magnetic pull towards him and that force never left her. She has let the past rule her present but showed strength in adversity. Jace continued to sing just for her as he helped fulfil his brothers dreams.

I loved there was no bitterness or regrets and they both accepted things happened for a reason. Their “give me a lyric” saying to each other was very poignant and I looked forward to each line they came up with. I found the guitar incident and how they keep meeting in Central Park very symbolic.

The story looks at family dynamics and friendships, loyalty and forgiveness, guilt and miscommunications, betrayal and lies, grief and loss, the choices made and trauma endured but most importantly the passion and love throughout the book. This is one of my favourite books so far this year, it takes a lot to make me cry and this one did it a lot!! I totally recommend this bittersweet tale. I felt their love and then their devastation and my heart broke with them but then it mended with theirs in the perfect ending.

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