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The Distance Between Us

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West was the perfect book for me to pick up on a Saturday afternoon following a harsh and stressful week.

Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Caymen Meyers studies the rich like her own personal science experiment, and after years of observation she’s pretty sure they’re only good for one thing—spending money on useless stuff, like the porcelain dolls in her mother’s shop.
So when Xander Spence walks into the store to pick up a doll for his grandmother, it only takes one glance for Caymen to figure out he’s oozing rich. Despite his charming ways and that he’s one of the first people who actually gets her, she’s smart enough to know his interest won’t last. Because if there’s one thing she’s learned from her mother’s warnings, it’s that the rich have a short attention span. But Xander keeps coming around, despite her best efforts to scare him off. And much to her dismay, she's beginning to enjoy his company.
She knows her mom can’t find out—she wouldn’t approve. She’d much rather Caymen hang out with the local rocker who hasn’t been raised by money. But just when Xander’s attention and loyalty are about to convince Caymen that being rich isn’t a character flaw, she finds out that money is a much bigger part of their relationship than she’d ever realized. And that Xander’s not the only one she should’ve been worried about.


I could really identify with Caymen. She is a sarcastic, smart, socially awkward high school senior. She is trying not to worry about her future by ignoring the terror she feels in her present situation with her mom's store not doing so well. She sort of gets swept up in Xander's charm (as any girl would) and finds herself falling for him despite her fears that she shouldn't. Xander is a bit too perfect of a romantic hero. He does most things exactly right, but he is saved from being too unrealistic by his typical teenage guy failure to communicate important information, leaving Caymen feeling confused. 

What I liked the most about the book is that, while it is a romance, Caymen and Xander's relationship evolves slowly. This is not insta-love. This short book covers weeks of time as Caymen and Xander get to know each other as friends. Yes, they are attracted to each other and that is abundantly obvious, but this is no headlong rush into forever true love. The entire romantic element is dealt with realistically, but with enough sweetness and fun that it makes a lovely romantic read. AND THE DIALOGUE! I mentioned that Caymen was sarcastic. She's so sarcastic she is sometimes hard to read, and I love how she sometimes had Xander so confused. He gave as good as he got most of the time though and their banter is marvelous.

My only quibble with the book is that there was a whole lot that happened and suddenly came together in the end that tilted a little too far on the wish fulfillment scale. 

The Distance Between Us is a perfect lighthearted read for anyone who is looking for a romantic and witty way to relax. 

Comments

Kritika said…
Hooray for sarcastic and smart characters! This book sounds like a nice break from all the cerebral and disturbing things I've been reading lately. Thanks for posting a review!

- Kritika @ Snowflakes and Spider Silk
Anonymous said…
This was a fun read, wasn't it? I'm really a fan of YA romance that isn't instalove. Plus there was good banter in this. Looking forward to seeing what Kasie West comes up with next.
Brandy said…
That is exactly what this book is! If you need a break, git it.
Brandy said…
I'm a fan of any romance that's not insta-love. And fun banter is even better!
Christina said…
Def agree about the tilt to wish fulfillment, but this really is the perfect read for when you're feeling down, and I'm glad it came to you at the right time. Sorry that your week was so stressful. :(
Brandy said…
Thanks. I'm so glad that I had it on hand to read when I needed it.

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