The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
Published by Tantor Media on October 2nd 2014
Genre(s): Teen Romance, Contemporary
Length: 6 hours and 42 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
GOODREADS | AMAZON
★★★☆☆
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.
Having not read any of Kasie West’s books before, I did not know what to expect. From the description, I knew this wasn’t going to be a heavy read of any sort, but I have to admit that I am disappointed.
The plot is your typical poor girl meets rich boy, and drama ensues, which I can totally enjoy, but that was it. There was nothing special or particularly striking about this story. Majorly though, it’s just the conclusion I dislike. I feel like the story wrapped up way too quickly. The resolutions, if you can even call them that, did not balance the magnitude of the conflicts and problems that occurred. I’m still left questioning how, and why?
I also found that the characters lacked depth. They felt flaky. Besides a few quirky aspects, like Caymen’s sarcastic nature, or Skye’s dramatic personality, I was not able to attach myself to the characters. Caymen and Xander’s romance was cute though, I’ll have to give West that. :’)
One character I particularly dislike is Susan, Caymen’s mother. I was unable to understand her motives. In turn, I could not see that her extreme actions were justified by her circumstances and experiences.
As for the writing style, I’d say that it’s pretty standard of romance author’s. West knows how to wind her words to make you feel something, but her character development and plot structure could use more work.
This is not one of my favourite contemporary romances, but it’s not bad. I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a light read. And so to conclude, the only word I could use to fitfully describe this book is satisfactory. It was short and sweet, but there was no cherry on top.
Have you read this book? Or any other of Kasie West’s books? I’d love to know what you think in the comment section!
The Jinxed Goblet 