Love You From Afar

Thompson Brothers #1

by Morgan Paige

I always thought a person had to be a ghost to haunt you,
but Everett Thompson is very much alive, and to make matters worse, he's my fiancé's brother.

For years, I promised myself I would stay away from him. I tried putting as much distance between us as possible, yet here we are on a twelve hour road trip together. With each mile that passes, I'm reminded of that night under the stars… the night that changed my life forever.

Before the trip started, ground rules were set that we both agreed to follow. But the further we drive into the mountains, the more rules we seem to break.

He's always been my greatest weakness, and he's only gotten harder to resist over time.
For three years, I've tried to douse the fire burning between us, but I fear this trip will be all it takes to
send everything up in flames.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Forced Proximity, Forbidden Romance, Friends To Lovers, Road Trip, M F Romance

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 20, 2023

Reviews

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angst, angst, angst!!!!!! Run to read this if you love an angsty, emotional and steamy read. ❤️

We all love a good road trip, right? How about one with your fiance's brother? Sounds like it would be quick and simple, right?? WRONG. Imagine having to share a confined space FOR HOURS with the one person you've been avoiding like the plague for the past few years, someone you have ✨history✨ with. That's where Skylar and Everett end up finding themselves. The two end up having to finally face each other and their feelings when they're forced to travel together for an upcoming family wedding.

I ate this book UP. From start to finish, I was fully invested in Skylar and Everett's story. I was salivating at the MOUTH with how yummy the tension between them was. This book did forced proximity RIGHT. This is only Morgan Paige's second book and I can't wait to see what else she puts out in the future!!

[Tetyana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5
Тропи:
-заборонене кохання;
-наречена брата;
-вимушена близькість.

Скайлар - наречена брата Еверетта. Але в них з Еверетом є спільна історія - одна ніч, три роки тому назад, яку обоє не можуть забути. В силу певних обставин герої вимушені здійснити подорож вдвох на весілля своїх близьких. І ось тут все починається...

Еверет - ще один прекрасний книжковий чоловік. Дуже терплячий, чуйний, уважний, вірний, захисний і ставиться до головної героїні з обожнюванням, турботою і розумінням.

Скайлар мені не сподобалася взагалі. Я не оцінила, ні її рішень в минулому, ні поведінки в теперішньому. Вона мене просто напросто бісила.

Також не сподобалося, яким чином герої зійшлися, я чекала, що це буде усвідомлене рішення Скайлар, що вона захоче бути з Еверетом, тому що кохає його, а не тому що так склалися обставини, звісно кохання теж було. Але ну блін, якби не сталося, того, що сталося, Скайлар і пальцем не поворохнула б, аби щось змінити. Бісить таке.

Загалом, це було непогано, якби мене так не дратувала головна героїня, я б поставила 4

[Irina · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a disappointment this book was!

It was definitely a mistake to read Skylar and Everett’s story AFTER Elliot’s book. Don’t do that, fellow reader. If you fell in love with Elliot in book 2 (like me), this book doesn’t work because you already know there’s more to Elliott. You know that he’s not just the one-dimensional villain, the heartless, cheating egomaniac that the author is trying to sell here to justify the betrayal by his fiancée and his brother.

To be honest, I’m pretty sure I would have liked the book better if there wasn’t my love for Elliot and the problem with the wrong order, but not that much better. The plot and characters are not exactly convincing.

Everett is the exact opposite of his younger brother (a suit-wearing loaner), he works in construction and is more of a lumberjack type of guy. He has high standards regarding other people’s morals (especially Elliott’s), he’s totally fine with hitting on his brother’s fiancée, though. That’s because Skylar deserves to be the center of someone’s world and Elliot can go blame himself for not treating her like a treasure.

Then there’s Skylar (who I really liked in book 2, but not anymore), cheating on her then-boyfriend a few weeks into their relationship. With his brother. On a family cruise. Not cool, but she’s already unhappy, obviously. So why not fuck the guy with the “most perfect cock [she has] ever laid eyes on,” who is everything her boyfriend isn’t? Of course, she falls madly in love with him but unfortunately, she doesn’t have the guts to follow through. Instead, she decides to stay with Elliot.

You think that’s weird? Wait for her reasons to walk away from Everett: she was young (22), she was afraid that Elliot would retaliate and she would lose her job (they are co-workers) and she wouldn’t be able to finance her life. Even more, she was terrified of the depth of her feelings for him and of being “loved in the way that he wanted to love me”. She was just used to being content. Huh…

Sorry?! Seriously, I will never ever understand the ‘our love is too big to handle’-problem.

Anyway. After the cruise incident they love each other from afar, avoid each other at all costs, both unhappy with their lifes, one of them living in a poor relationship, the other one living in a self-imposed celibacy, and you might wonder – rightly so – why they do nothing about it. Luckily, three years later, Elliot arranges a road trip from Dallas to Colorado for them and that’s that. Destiny takes its course after a few eye-opening events like a winter storm and a night in a run-down hotel, catching Elliot balls-deep in another woman when arriving in Colorado, and a completely unnecessary car accident.

I wondered if it is the cheating plot per se I can’t stand, but I don’t think that’s the case. It’s the way Everett and Skylar handle the situation and justify their behavior while demonizing Elliot. It’s like they did nothing wrong and it’s all Elliot’s fault. But aren’t two people in a relationship? If you are unhappy, talk. If talking doesn’t make things better, maybe try talking again. If that doesn’t change anything, walk away. It’s not that hard, especially when you’re only 26 years old und financially secure. But Skylar? She puts up with an unsatisfying relationship for three years and then complains afterwards that she was unhappy for a long time. I really, really disliked her in the conversation with Elliot after they broke up (and Elliot broke down), especially when adding insult to injury: „How does it feel to have a taste of your own medicine, to be completely blindsided by someone you love?“ She also confesses to Everett that “it always was you” und you might wonder who is the worst liar and cheater in this book.

Still, Skylar shows at least a hint of a guilty conscience from time to time. Everett? ZERO. He is firmly convinced that it serves Elliot right, and he is totally self-righteous. Claiming he started something with his brother’s fiancée only because Elliot treats her indifferently, is a blatant lie–he simply wants her for himself. Screwing his brother’s fiancée and suggesting they are not cheaters because Elliot is an asshole, is eyewash. “I know that’s not who you are, and I hope you know that’s not who I am either. If it were anyone else but Elliot, I would have been absolutely sick after what we did.“ Give me a break, dude! What kind of argument is this? Even if Elliot is a reckless asshole and has done unpleasant things in the past, it’s not a viable excuse to fuck or steal his fiancée. It’s your brother, after all. Family. It makes you look as bad as him!

I kind of sound like a moralizer, don’t I? Be assured, I am not. As said, it’s not the cheating, it’s how they deal with it to justify their own betrayal. I didn’t help either that I also didn’t feel the chemistry between Everett and Skylar and didn’t like their spinning in circles. Besides, Skylar view of their relationship with Elliot was pretty inconsistent: Sometimes she says their relationship was consistently bad, then she says they also had good times. Sometimes she claims that Elliot was always indifferent to her and totally self-centered, then she says he gave her bits and pieces of his heart. In the end, I guess I’m just happy it worked out the way it did, so Elliot was free to find Roxanne.

The more I think about it, the more I believe it was a good thing to read the books in the wrong order. Otherwise I probably would never have touched Elliot's book. What a shame that would have been!



Side note: I wonder why Elliot’s alcoholism isn’t mentioned even once. The author probably came up with the idea later, after finishing this book. It was still very strange, especially because it would have been a very good reason for a difficult relationship.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s an interesting story about cheating and the author knows how to navigate through the minds of the characters .
It’s worth reading.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4.5 ⭐

I kept hearing rave reviews about Morgan's books and wanted to check them out for myself. I really enjoyed the story and devoured the book within a day!

I enjoyed reading the interactions between Skylar and Everett. They had some really good banter and were so cute together. Everett was so sweet! The characters definitely had chemistry and I really enjoyed their moments together and the dual POV. I liked the tie-in of the book's name to one of the key moments of dialogue within the book and I also liked the shout-out to Nikki (my favorite booktuber)...that was so meta and cute!

*Spoiler Alert 👇🏻:
If I had one criticism that brought this book down from a 5 star rating it was that I would have loved to see some more flashback scenes between Skylar and Everett on their week-long family cruise where they first met. I think it would have made me root for the characters a little more. I know we got one or two scenes with them regarding being cruise buddies for the week but I think it would have solidified their connection with each other. I also would have liked to see their interactions more at family functions. It would have been interesting to see that tension unfold and see some awkward encounters between each other.

Looking forward to reading the next one... starting it right away!

[P_Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick and easy read. I was looking for something with a forbidden element and this definitely gave that. Fiancé's brother? Hell yes.

It started really strong and I enjoyed the angst but it fell short once i reached the half way point. It started to get a little cheesy for me. Also felt that Elliot was painted as the villain throughout the book, only to then have substance and depth at the end. Just didn’t quite deliver the desired impact.

[Morgan Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

First to rate my book! :)

[Bryanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spoiler free review of 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗔𝗳𝗮𝗿 𝗯𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗲

What happens when you give into the chemistry you have with your new boyfriend’s brother and then three years later you have to roadtrip alone with him??

Did I mention there’s a snowstorm and they get stuck in a motel with only one bed?!

I absolutely loved this romance! The tension and chemistry were top tier! Highly recommend for those who love a forbidden steamy romance.

• ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ
• ʀᴏᴀᴅ ᴛʀɪᴘ
• ʜᴇ’ꜱ ʜᴇʀ ꜰɪᴀɴᴄÉꜱ ʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀ
• ɪᴛ’ꜱ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ʙᴇᴇɴ ʏᴏᴜ
• ʜᴇ ꜰᴀʟʟꜱ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ
• ᴏɴᴇ ʙᴇᴅ ᴛʀᴏᴘᴇ
• ᴄʜᴇᴀᴛɪɴɢ
• ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴ ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ
• ɪɴᴄʟᴜᴅᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴋᴜ

4/5 ⭐️ (great on my scale!)
2.5/5 🌶️ Perfect level of spice in my opinion!

[Laura Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️
The blurb for this book had me hooked from the beginning. I heard “fiancés brother” and I said “say less, let’s go!” Give me the forbidden messy love story, I’m here for it!

This book ended up being a really sweet and beautiful love story. Everett and Skylar had that “it’s always been you” vibe and it warmed my heart. Everett showed Skylar what true loyalty, admiration, and affection was in just one short night. He reached a level of trust with Skylar that Elliot never could. On the other side, Skylar was that light in the dark for Everett, some one who was always in sight but yet just out of reach. And watching these two come together was really beautiful.

This was a really great sophomore novel from Morgan and I can’t wait to see if she explores more in this world! If you like forbidden romance, with a little then/now moment, and some heart, give this book a shot!

Thank you Morgan for this ARC!

PSA: there is cheating in this story, but NOT between the main love interests!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wait is over.

Two brothers in love with the same girl. Not a love triangle but an interesting read. Cheating is involved but it works for the story. I fell for the hero instantly.

[Ele (bookishnora) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,75 ⭐️
Great premise, good writing but poorly done execution. I couldn’t really connect with either of the characters and it all happened so fast…nah this definitely did not do it for me sorry

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Era obvio por la sinopsis que habría infidelidad, sin embargo, me imagine que el prometido sería un monstruo y que la infidelidad estaría justificada, pero no, el prometido no era el mejor, pero tampoco el peor.


Skylar y Averett son unos hipócritas y se merecen el uno al otro.

Lo que le hizo el prometido a Skylar fue tan hermoso. Karma, le llaman. No puedo sentir empatia por una mujer que le fue infiel a su novio con el hermano, se hizo la loca, siguió con su relación por 3 años como si nada y se comprometió; además de que durante toda su relación tuvo sentimientos por el otro.

Me dio risa la reacción Skylar y Everett cuando vieron al prometido con otra, cuando ellos unas horas antes estaban coqueteando y foll.... en seco, ¿con qué cara se ponen a reclamarle a Elliot?.

¿Cómo es posible que la madre de Elliot y Everett apoyara la infidelidad?

Todo el libro, Skylar, pintó como el villano a Elliot, hizo comentarios en donde daba ha entender que él la lastimaba y que la tenia controlaba con algo. Al final resultó que el tipo descuidó su relación por estar trabajando y posiblemente engañandola. No me molestaron sus infidelidades porque ella le hizo lo mismo y todos se lo aplaudieron, entonces, ¿por qué cuando él lo hace esta mal, pero cuando ella lo hace está bien?. Además, Skylar jamás le dijo a Elliot lo que le molestaba, ¿espera que él le leyera la mente?, ¿cómo esperaba tener una buena relación si no hablaba?.

Everett se quejaba de que Elliot era un mal hermano, y él no se queda atrás.

Everett justificaba la infidelidad diciendo que era culpa de su hermano por descuidar a Skylar y dejarla sola.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ we all know by now that “it’s always been you” is my kryptonite so it’s really no surprise that I loved this 😂

Skylar is preparing to go to her fiancé’s cousin’s wedding in Denver. She made some decorations for the wedding so he tells her he asked his brother if she can ride with him instead of flying to bring them along. What he doesn’t know is the history Skylar has with Everett Thompson and how it’s really not a good idea to be stuck in a car together for 12 hours. Will the secrets stay hidden or will the past come back to haunt them both?

As a girlie who loves a simp and some ✨history✨ I absolutely ate this up. It’s forbidden, it’s messy, but it’s also so sweet and raw and real. Everett is everything and he’s so good to Sky. I loved that we got some flashbacks to where all of this started too. The banter between Everett and sky was TOP NOTCH, they had me cracking up with how they pick on each other, but the emotional heaviness comes through clear as day too. My heart hurt for them 🥺 it’s a slow burn - they have to spend 12 hours on the road together, getting caught in a snow storm in a hotel with only one bed 👀

TW: cheating - if that’s not your thing, you might not like this (but tbh I usually hate cheating in books and I absolutely loved this one. Elliot sucks anyways 🫣)

Tropes:
It’s always been you
Fiancés brother
Only one bed
Road trip
Mutual pining
Forced proximity

[Baleigh's Bookends · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!! This was a really good book and I enjoyed the plot! It was a little tiny bit cringey for me in places but overall was good!

[Rebekka · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, and I was hoping for lots of angst and longing and conflicting emotions - but unfortunately (despite the potential I feel this book could have had), there were too many things I didn’t enjoy.

To name a few:

📖 Too much “on the nose” writing (this was probably my number one pet peeve with this book. We don’t need to be expressly told about every single cheeky wink, cocky smirk, flirty smile or teasing twinkle they exchange after every single freakin’ sentence they speak to each other. You’re flirting. We get it.)

📖 I couldn’t really connect with either of the main characters. I just… didn’t really like either of them that much.

📖 Too predictable. Like… basically every part of the storyline. There was nothing original in my opinion, and every time I guessed at what would happen next, it basically happened exactly like that.

📖 I’m not a big fan of the characters “getting away” with the bad decisions they make without any real accountability or emotional/conflicting emotions about their choices by using the typical cop-outs (aka asshole boyfriend, the other partner also cheated, yada yada).

On the plus side, there were a couple of phrases in this book that I thought were really well written. But otherwise, all in all a miss for me - unfortunately.

2⭐️

[Stephanie Hubenak · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Morgan told me that she was writing another taboo romance, I said "sign me up and say less." Friends, this book did not disappoint! I loved Everett and Skylar so much and the battles that these two went through to be together was so emotional.

You know I don't like to give away spoilers and prefer to go into my books blind but just know that Everett is Skylar's fiances' brother....yes...you read that right. And while there IS cheating in this book, it's not on each other. So...keep that in mind. I truly believe that Rett and Sky were meant to be together. He's everything you could possibly want in a fictional man. He is so swoonworthy and checks all the boxes.

The plot in this book is SO good. It makes you feel the entire range of emotions. My stomach hurt for some of it...which means Morgan did it right!

Did I mention the spice? The spice is in this book is....::fans myself::...so good. While I would consider this more of a slow burn...it's worth. the. wait.

Happiest of release days to this beauty. I highly recommend scooping this up and falling for Rett and Sky. Free on KU...worth the book trophy!

[Cheyenne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️
Morgan has a beautiful writing voice! I did really enjoy the story of Everett and Skylar. My only complaint is I really didn’t like the cheating trope. To be fair I knew it was in it before hand and chose to look past it because a few of my friends told me she does it really well and it’s different than previous books with that trope. But unfortunately I still didn’t like it. If the story didn’t have the very beginning affair with Rett and Sky I would have LOVVEED this book.
All that aside, Morgan wrote incredible characters and I will gladly be readying more of her books in the future! 🖤

[Jesslin Chandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it can be better, what i love about this book is it focuses on the main leads. BUT, let me tell you, there's a lot going on the 2nd half, it's a literal roller coaster, you have the drama, the cheating, the past came unfolding. Whoa, it could be even better if they probably talk more and solve the issue instead of being intimate in every chapters.

[Firefly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast easy ish read for me at least. If you are looking for a super angsty super steamy forbidden type romance book check this one out!

[Colleen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Morgan Paige for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Skylar Wood and Everett Thompson haven't been able to stop thinking about each other for the last three years. They have avoided each other for this long, mainly because Elliott, Everett's brother, is Skylar's now-fiance, and things happened between them on a family trip, making things a little awkward between these two. Everett and Elliott's cousin is getting married in Colorado, and Elliott is already in Colorado for a business meeting. This means that Everett and Skylar will have to take a 12-hour trip by car to get there. Together. After they haven't spoken and pretty much despise each other.

The two of them set guidelines that they won't bring up their past, but it becomes more difficult to avoid the subject and their true feelings for each other. Skylar realizes that she may have picked the wrong brother, which could change everything for both of them.

I discovered Morgan Paige through Nikki Witt, whom I follow on YouTube and Instagram (Nikki's Book Nook). I ordered Morgan's first book, Ruled Out, but this has stayed on my TBR for a while. I saw on Morgan's Instagram that she was looking for ARC readers for this novel, and I jumped at the opportunity. I'm so glad I took that plunge.

I cannot tell you how much I love this book. There was a steady burn between Skylar and Everett for at least half of the book, and I had to know how these two would end up. I could barely peel myself away from this book. Morgan Paige has a wonderful way of writing and describing the sexual tension and the way she builds anticipation is just chef's kiss. What's going to happen between the two of them? What could happen next? I thought certain things were predictable, and then my initial instinct was thrown on its head.

And oh my God...the spice in this book. Whew. I have to admit I felt rather naughty reading the love scenes, but I couldn't look away. These scenes are enough for the reader to need a cold shower and a cigarette several times over.

This is easily one of my favorite books of 2023 and I urge you to read this if you like spicy, second-chance romances. You will not be disappointed!

[Katelynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morgan Paige has created another stunningly angsty, emotion filled gift of a book! This book focuses on Skyler, who needs to travel by car to a wedding for one of her boyfriend's cousins. Her traveling companion is none other than his older brother Everett. Everett and Skyler share a forbidden secret along with unresolved feelings that have bubbled for three years and are ready to explode. As the weather worsens, these two will have to face their past and decide if they exist in each other's futures.

All the tropes in this book are spot on! One bed, forced proximity, age gap, forbidden... you name it. Everett is romantic and someaht broody given his defenses are locked and loaded. Despite how he feels, there's never a moment he's not putting Skyler first. Skyler has to do some major reflecting and reconsider the life she's known and her fiancé's role. She seems willing to take accountability for her actions, yet she also finds strength as the book goes on. Together, these two have plenty of chemistry that easily flies off the pages. I immensely enjoyed this book and am constantly impressed by this new author. I'll certainly be reading more from her!

⛰️ forced proximity
⛰️ fiance's brother
⛰️ one bed
⛰️ age gap
⛰️ road trip

[Destini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, Morgan has done it again!!!

I read this book in 4 days which is an actual record for me. This was so good, so angsty, so sweet, and so spicy. I cannot express how much I love second chance romances, soul mates, and the it’s always been you trope. Also Skylar and Everett being living in Dallas TX was one of my favorite things about this book because we are literally not prepared for any type of weather that isn’t scorching hot and humid.

So much was happening in this book in a good way, and I seriously could not put it down. Like, the plot was so good and I was so invested and it had the elements of a book lover’s dream:

One bed? ✅
Forced proximity? ✅
Secrets? ✅
Forbidden? ✅
Spicy? ✅

It’s like Morgan asked me what my favorite tropes were and I said yes. It checks literally every single romance box and I loved reading it so much.

[Alyssa Epnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️✨️ LOVE YOU FROM AFAR ARC REVIEW ✨️✨️

This book is everything to me! ALL THE FEELS! I'm usually not one for cheating tropes but man did Morgan Paige knocked it out the park with this one! When I tell you I have laughed and sobbed and cussed and threw my phone across my bedroom, not once but TWICE!

I fell in love with Skylar and Everett. It's going to take me a lifetime to get over the fact that Everett is a fictional character and not a real man bc BABY 😍😍😍

Highly recommend to anyone who will listen.
DON'T WALK, RUUUNNN ON JULY 20TH TO GET THIS AMAZING BOOK!!!

Also, HUGE thank you to Morgan Paige for allowing me the honor to read this before it came out! 100% my new favorite author! 🫶

[Alicia Musgrove · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited when I saw that @morgan was releasing her sophomore novel! I had the privilege of read an ARC of her debut, Ruled Out, and I loved it! I jumped at the chance to read an ARC for Love You From Afar!

This story was so good. The forbidden romance was everything and had you pulling for Everett from the very beginning. His immediate, deep, and heart stopping love for Skylar was palpable. When he was hurting, I was hurting. I just wanted to shake Skylar to come to her senses about her relationship with Elliot. When everything came to a head, I was clutching my kindle and wanting to smack Elliot, hug Skylar and pump up Everett. He always knew what both he and Skylar deserved and I love that we get such a good HEA 🫶🏻

Go preorder your copy!
Release date July 20, 2023

[Carmen De Kwant · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE YOU FROM AFAR ARC REVIEW
Thank you to Morgan Paige for the opportunity to read this ARC!

THIS BOOK WAS SO FREAKING GOOD!! EVERYTHING!! REALLY ALL THE FEELS!

I always hate starting a new book, but I was immediately sucked in this story. I will not lie when I say this is my new favorite book of 2023.

I’m normally not in for cheating tropes but Morgan rocked this trope!
This was so real and raw. It make me sob and laugh and then sob again!

I’m absolutely in love with Skylar and Everett. The connection between this two is absolutely what everybody should need in their relationships.
Also… the spice in this book, omg

I definitely recommend reading this book to everyone.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed, I cried, I swooned. This book was amazing….. the whole journey. Skylar & Everett’s story will be stuck in my head forever. 10/10 recommend!

[Katie ᥫ᭡. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book 😭🩷 I had all the feelz. Everett is EVERYTHING. Adding to my ‘all time favorites’ 🫶🏼

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just….true love! A heart wrenching story that has a beautiful ending. It’s always been you. 🌶️🔥💙🩶

[Dana | Rainbow Romance Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

”I have loved you from afar since the day I met you, and I can’t live like that anymore.”

I get most of my book recommendations from Morgan Paige’s TikTok account, so imagine my delight when I found out that she actually writes books too!

Love You From Afar is a tale of forbidden/second chance romance, between Skylar and Everett (who is also her fiancés brother, oops). Skylar and Everett shared one night of passion right at the beginning of her relationship with Elliot, and have since spent the last 3 years avoiding each other and their feelings. However, when Everett is tasked with driving Skylar to a family wedding over 12 hours away, neither of them can hide anymore.

This book has a shopping list of tropes - forbidden romance, cheating (not between MCs), forced proximity, one bed, second chance, insta-love, etc - it was very predictable but still thoroughly enjoyable. I was impressed with Morgan’s writing and storytelling, especially as a fairly new author.

I loved Everett’s character - he is firmly up there in terms of book boyfriends. He’s rugged, witty, filthy, and possessive, but also soft and sweet in all the right places. He and Skylar had great chemistry together, and it was palpable even in the early stages of their relationship. It’s a slow burn to reach the spice, but boooooyyyy is it worth it!

What I didn’t like was the portrayal of Elliot, Sky’s fiancé. He is basically written to be the blandest shade of asshole, with no redeeming qualities, and nothing in common with Skylar. I couldn’t for the life of me understand why she walked away from Everett to begin with, just to be with that, and why she agreed to marry him. Later in the book she explains this to Everett, but her reasons were weak and made no sense. The fact that Elliot is such a jerk made the stakes feel very low too, as Sky really had nothing to lose. The story could have had a much bigger emotional impact if she actually had a proper relationship with Elliot, and had to choose. It felt like this was done to make the readers more forgiving of Skylar, but it had the opposite effect for me.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, even though it was predictable. It’s sweet, spicy, angsty, and the characters had great chemistry. I’m looking forward to reading more of Morgan’s work in the future!

[Rachel🌸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Skylar is a young professional with a promising career and a fancy fiancé to go along with it. She gets roped into driving from Texas to Colorado to attend her fiancés cousins wedding, but because she’s taking a bunch of decorations that won’t fit on the plane, shes set to drive with her fiancés brother Everett, who she shares a secret with. 😏Both haven’t spoken to each other in three years, and will always try to keep their distance. So going on this little roadtrip is what they both don’t want, but end up realizing that there is still something between them that they just can’t fight.

✨I thought this was such a good book! I loved the angst between Skylar and Everett. Their banter was perfect! As soon as they get together, you can feel it. Everett is the complete opposite of his brother he’s more laid-back and rugged and has his own construction company. His brother Elliot is more corporate, suits and ties more flashy. Something happens between them one night three years ago, which we get a flashback of 🫠 that has them not speaking about the past. I loved thier relationship. They were so playfull and just natural around each other. Skylar never felt the way she did with Elliot how she felt with Everett, and when they all come together it gets intense LOL it was so good though! Everett was so swoony omg 😩 I think every girl deserves an Everett in their lives 🫶🏽 he made sure to make her feel like she always was the first choice 🥹the only thing I would change was having more flashback scenes! And wanting the ending to stretch a little more because i definitely could have read more! I loved the road trip, them getting to know each other after so long. And of course it has the (one bed trope 👀) overall I loved it and I need to read Elliot’s story next!

Read if you like:
Age gap
Forced proximity
Road trip
Fiancés brother 👀
One bed
Angst
Spice
“It’s always been you”