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Distance #1

Distance

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Lexi has sworn off guys for good.
She’s always been a hot mess, but accidentally finding her boyfriend of three years cheating on her is just too much for her to handle.
All she wants is to get this summer done and over with, so she and her best friend Elena can travel cross country for college. Then she will finally be free of this town, the friends that dropped her in favor of her ex, and her klutzy reputation.
Lexi's policy was working perfectly, until a guy named Mason comes to her rescue. Not once but twice in one night. For once, her mishaps have led to something good.
She’s feeling things that scare her, but she’s drawn to him. Can Mason break through her walls, or will she stick to her plan and steer clear of him?
This is a new adult romantic comedy.

Unknown Binding

First published September 23, 2014

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476 people want to read

About the author

Andrea Heltsley

15 books325 followers
Author, biologist, book nerd, and Greyhound lover.

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah Elizabeth.
5,004 reviews1,409 followers
March 5, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Andrea Heltsley and NetGalley.)

“Stay away from me, Jameson; we are never ever getting back together.”



This was an interesting YA/NA contemporary romance, and I was glad with the way things ended.

“The sight of Mason took my breath away.”



I felt quite sorry for Lexi at the beginning of this book. Her boyfriend, Jameson’s, behaviour was absolutely disgusting, and just unforgivable, and I couldn’t fault her for not wanting to be in a relationship with him any longer!

“There before me, screwing Christy was my boyfriend, Jameson.”



The storyline in this was about Lexi leaving her ex-boyfriend and meeting someone new – Mason, who seemed really sweet. The course of true-love didn’t exactly run smoothly though with Jameson constantly trying to get in the way and generally behaving badly.

“I miss you, let’s meet up and talk. Christy was a mistake.”



The romance between Lexi and Mason was pretty sweet, and there were also some funny moments. I didn’t really think this book was all that explicit though. There were a few moments where sex was mentioned, but when the main event happened it was basically closed-doors sex.

“I just couldn’t get my mind off Mason.”



The ending to this was good and happy, and I was pleased with where we left things.
6 out of 10
Profile Image for Lauren.
197 reviews27 followers
March 7, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free for a read to review. Thank you to Andrea Heltsley and NetGalley.)

What can I say about this that will convey how much I loved it.

In the begining of the story I felt really sorry for Lexi when she caught her boyfriend cheating on her.

However this is when we see the character develop and then she meets Mason. From the first time they met I knew they were meant to be and I was rooting for them throughout the whole book.

Things try to stand in Lexi and Masons way including crazy ex's and college but eventually they give into fate and be together.

I loved this book from start to finish and when it ended I didnt want it to end. It was however a great ending. However there is going to be a second one SO EXCITED!!

if you like sweet romances with some summer love this is definatly worth reading.

if i could give this book a ten out of ten I would.

Andrea Heltsley has a new fan

Profile Image for Mandy.
1,560 reviews235 followers
March 2, 2015
3.5 stars. This was a really sweet romance. Lexi catches her boyfriend of 3 years cheating on her at her high school graduation. She's heartbroken and swears off men. When she meets Mason, she tells him she's not looking for a relationship but would be willing to be friends. Mason was really sweet and I love how patient he was with Lexi. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more by this author.


**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Abi.
1,998 reviews664 followers
March 5, 2015
(I received a copy from Netgalley, In exchange for an honest review.)

Actual rating - 2.5

Lexi was an okay character, But I didn't love her. I did feel a bit sorry for her at the start though, as finding your boyfriend cheating on you in the school toilets isn't a nice thing to discover!

This started out alright, but after a bit I lost interest. Apart from the ridiculous parts that made me raise my eyebrows and ask "really?!", nothing much happened.

Overall, Started out alright but went downhill quickly.
Profile Image for Crina | booktwist_.
610 reviews285 followers
April 30, 2015
This book wasn't New Adult in my opinion and if is considered New Adult just because the characters graduated high school, then it means that I have a problem.

You can read this if you don't like New Adult or detailed sex scenes, because they aren't. Are just kisses and touches, and just little hints that something happened. Is like a Young Adult love story. A very easy, short and not so complex written. The writing style was nice and I liked the characters and the descriptions, but all was just common and nothing felt original. I felt like I have read some scenes over and over again in other books.
The main characters are ok, nothing too special; sometimes I felt that they were just sketched and maybe I wanted more than their physical description. I didn't feel emotions or anything like that and for me the love thing between Lexi and Mason was too fast and instalove.

I recommend this to who hasn't read so many love stories or Young Adult love stories. Also people who want to read something more 'mature' can try it, because as I said, is not New Adult. At all!

@thanks to netgalley for approving me.
Profile Image for Tina.
320 reviews86 followers
March 30, 2015
Distance is a light quick read. I ended up finishing it within a couple hours. You could find me laughing or smiling at my kindle because the situations that Lexi (our main character) founds herself in are embarrassing but they are hilarious.

When we first meet Lexi she is waiting for her boyfriend after her high school graduation but he is nowhere to be found. She goes to use the farthest restroom so she can avoid the crowd and what does she find in one of the stalls? Her boyfriend of three years Jameson having sex with Christy (the school slut). Lexi is heartbroken and has sworn off men. The summer before college is for having fun and not having a relationship with anyone.

Everything is going according to plan until one night when her best friend Elena and her hit up a summer party. She sees Jameson all over Christy ripping open the wounds that have been slowly healing. She goes outside to catch some fresh air and begins to cry because he could move on so quickly from a relationship but she can’t. That’s when a stranger comes and sits with her trying to comfort her and he’s extremely good looking. She finds out his name is Mason and he has a things for saving damsels in distress.

Mason and Lexi begin a friendship but things get awkward when Mason’s best friend and Lexi’s best friend start hooking up. Finally, Mason and Lexi begin “dating” and it’s really nice to see their relationship grow. She starts to realize that things with Jameson never felt the way they do with Mason.

Jameson keeps butting in realizing that he’s making a huge mistake letting Lexi go (duh you idiot). He keeps trying to win her back and so Christy becomes involved telling Lexi to leave him alone and to top it off we have Mason’s ex girlfriend bugging Lexi too! The poor girl can’t catch a break.

Summer is coming to an end but does that mean the end for Mason and Lexi? You’ll have to read and find out!

OVERALL

I liked the story. I thought it flowed well and in some parts I found a bit boring. Nothing was explicit when it came to sex. it was pretty much closed door sex not much detail. Lexi is a klutz so you will laugh at all her embarrassing moments. I would have liked to see a little more character development with Lexi and Elena. Sometimes I felt disconnected with them. I do plan on continuing the series just to see what happens next. I mostly enjoyed how the title connected with the story. I thought Andrea did an excellent job of incorporating the title throughout the story.
Profile Image for Mercedes Roth.
272 reviews8 followers
August 15, 2020
**I have already read this book because I am one of the editors. That being said, my friendship and professional relationship with Andrea in no way affects my rating and review of this novel**
Okay, where to start? I'm a big fan of Andrea and really enjoy all her works, but this one was different.
There is nothing paranormal about this book; the characters, setting and issues are all real. You could call this a coming of age novel, but it wouldn't do it justice.
This book defines what it means to grow up, lose first love, know betrayal of the harshest kind, find love when you don't want it and what a true friend is. This is the tale of a girl who finds out what true love is just before her life changes.
This book is about what it's like to be a teen: the parties, the hooking up, the journey to find ones self, and the pain of being wrong about people.
It's about discovering that love knows no distance or time, and that when you find it you'll do anything to keep it.
This story had me laughing till it hurt, rolling my eyes, yelling and threatening characters, but most of all realizing that this story is mine.
We're all Lexi: we all know the pain of losing first love, of being cheated on, of finding love when to don't want it, of having the best friend you can't imagine living without and of growing up.
This story is exceptionally long, there aren't any John Green moments, but it is real and it will speak to you. Yes, there are some sexy scenes and some moments that will have you shaking your head, but it's an amazing book and I greatly enjoyed reading it.
I'm not saying it will change your life, but I am saying that it shows you what life is about.
Profile Image for Jessica.
189 reviews6 followers
May 8, 2015
The writing style of this book had me not wanting to stop reading- I read the whole book in one night cause I just kept picking it back up. I enjoyed reading about Lexi May and Elena's friendship- it felt real and some of the things they said to each other I've said or had said to me by one of my friends.

I felt like Lexi May really was a little bit inspiring because even though she was upset she handled the boyfriend cheating on her with a good maturity. It was kind of nice to see someone so down to earth, and someone who wasn't all "too good" or all "too bad". She drank, partied and all that but she had a head on her shoulders and made some good decisions.

I really liked the majority of the characters- except that jerk Jameson and Christy. I'm excited that there is another book coming out that features these characters and jumps a little farther into their lives.

Great feel good novel, excited to see more
Profile Image for Andrea Heltsley.
Author 15 books325 followers
April 21, 2018
I hope you all enjoy this book!
Here is the playlist for Distance!
(I really should have added Taylor Swift's We are Never Getting Back Together..eek!)

1. Hangover — Hey Monday
2. Bitchin’ Summer — Avril Lavigne
3. Let’s Get it Started — Pitbull & Shakira
4. Timber — Pitbull & Kesha
5. Body Electric — Lana Del Rey
6. Counting Stars — One Republic
7. Soak up the Sun — Sheryl Crow
8. Almost Lovers — A Fine Frenzy
9. Come on Get Higher — Matt Nathanson
10. Jealousy — Jennifer Nettles
11. Truth or Dare - Shakira
12. Summertime Sadness — Lana Del Rey
13. Crying All These Tears — Cassaddee Pope
14. Wide Open Spaces — Dixie Chicks
15. Free — Faith Hill
16. Now is the Start — A Fine Frenzy
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,235 reviews19 followers
March 27, 2015
Your first is always special or at least we all hope it is. Lexi May was holding out even with dating her boyfriend Jameson for the last three years of high school, she was a hold out. On the day of their graduation after checking with her BFF, Elena, to see if she knew where he was she started calling to no response.
With students in a mad rush she got plastered against the brick wall getting a run in her nylons. She decided to get out of them and go pee at the same time. The restrooms were over crowded due to the event so she went to the ones farthest away. She was almost to the door on her way out when she hears sexual moaning of male and a female. She is like “GROSS!” It was when the male spoke words that she knew who it was. YUP! You got it her own personal scumbag and now ex Jamieson.
Needless to say they broke up. After a month of tears and old memories filled with pain Elena couldn’t take it anymore. I was Henry’s annual summer bash and she was not going to let them miss it. She said she didn’t want to go but Elena said she would drag her if she had to. Since she always got what she wanted we went. All was going well after several songs that they danced their hearts out. Lexi needed some fresh air and who does she run into on the front porch making out? You got it again, Jamieson and Christy. When Jamieson called out to her it was just too damn much she just walked off down the street she would not give them the satisfaction to let them see her cry. She finds a nice dark front yard to sit at the curb and balls her eyes out.
She sends a text to Elena it was time to go because she just couldn’t go back to Henry’s. She closes her eyes and begins to realize how she was glad she broke up with Jamieson that he didn’t deserve her. She closes her eyes to let that sink in when she feels Elena walk up and sit next to her. But when she slumps into her she realizes it’s not her at all. They smelled male and was hard bodied. She was about to yell thinking it was Jamieson when it was the most gorgeous guy she ever saw when she opened her eyes. She started to freak when he spoke and asked if she was okay. His voice was so calming to her. Like being at home. For some reason she wasn’t afraid, she was completely drawn to him. He introduced himself as Mason, Henry’s friend since they were kids and their moms were kids.
From that moment on Lexi’s life changed. All that she knew would be altered by meeting Mason. She couldn’t get him off her mind but since she was going away at the end of summer to go to college it wouldn’t be wise to start a new relationship. So, friendship it was…or was it?
You will have to read and see for yourself. Lexi and Elena get into and do things as a parent I would not recommend. Yet as a youth I could see them happening. Poor Lexi is accident prone so it is always a comedy of errors with her.
I give this 5 stars. Provided by Net Galley.
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Profile Image for 2kasmom.
1,448 reviews52 followers
March 8, 2015
This is the story of Lexi and Mason. They meet outside of a party, where she is crying and he is walking by and stops to comfort her. They are both attracted right from the start - but Lexi is swearing off men and dating at the moment due to ex-boyfriend who cheated on her and made her feel bad.

Lexi and Mason start off as friends who get together with others. Their friends hit it off and then they start to feel awkward. She like Mason, and he likes her - it is just this weird place they are at - since Lexi is not in a "dating" place right now.

Lexi is also close to her mother, a single mom who works as a nurse. They like to spend time together and it is good to read. I like seeing that a mother figure can be important to a story and hers is very supportive. They have an honest relationship and it adds to the story.

My only warning - since the book is pretty good and moves along well - is that some of the dialog feels a bit forced between Lexi and Elena, her best friend. I know friends can be pushy but this felt very forced and was hard to read.

On the lighter side, Mason and Lexi finally give their "dating" a chance and it feels good. He is good for her, only we do not know much about him. This is only Book # 1 in the Distance series, so I am looking forward to finding out the rest of the story there.



***This ARC copy was FREE from Netgalley.com for review purposes. My honest opinion does not reflect Netgalley, nor its affiliates.
Profile Image for Amy Michalecki.
25 reviews
April 9, 2015
I requested this novel from NetGalley and received a pre-released copy in exchange for an honest review :)

This novel was a crazy mess :) a fabulous crazy mess. I loved how real and modern Lexi is throughout the story. It tells a story of real life and first sexual experiences and I found it refreshing and sweet. Lexi has a strong head on her shoulders and the story is told from her point of view - going through a high school breakup, swearing off boys, then falling head over heels for one, Mason. There is also lots of drama which you dont see alot throughout but seems to build behind the scenes. I would recommend this book to someone in their senior year of high school just for a fun read. OR anyone who enjoys a good heartfelt story about growing up.
Profile Image for Jennifer Scott.
200 reviews3 followers
April 23, 2015
I received a copy of this story from Net Galley. Yay books.

Spoilers possible ahead...

So this was a cute, quick read. It seemed as though it was a little rushed for me. I wasn't too crazy about that. It was like we didn't get to know the people in the story. And I would really like to know more about them. The good news is, there will be a sequel...that makes me happy. Because I don't like the idea of Lexi leaving to go to Cali and there not be a Mason. Even though long distance relationships suck. We will just have to wait to see what happens in the next one. I, for one, am really, really hoping for a happy ending!
Profile Image for Claire's book shelf.
Author 2 books10 followers
March 14, 2015
I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks you Andrea Heltsley and NetGalley

Actual rating 3.5

Distance started out promising but i lost interest half way into the story. I wanted more to happen. I felt this book was lacking something. The storyline felt rushed, which was a disappointment.

I didn’t love the characters, i just couldn’t get the feel of them.
Profile Image for Zurri.
101 reviews18 followers
March 31, 2015
Distance was just the beginning of an Epic love story between Mason & Lexi May. This story is so close to reality these days.

The Jerk, The Slut, The Crazy Best Friend, The Gentlemen & The Innocent Girl - First love and mistaken love with all the heartache that comes with it.

This is a very enjoyable easy read. Will definitely be looking out for the next in this series "The Distance Between You & Me" The glimpse shared was just enough to get me hooked <3
Profile Image for Gaele.
4,076 reviews85 followers
December 18, 2015
What happens when your life and your plans change in an instant? Andrea Heltsey presents the story of Lexi, a senior in high school with plans to leave the town and school behind with her best friend and head to California for university.

But one night at a party, everything changed. Her boyfriend of the past three years was cheating on her: and the crushing blow left her crying outside, alone. Mason tries to comfort her, but the instant attraction he finds is buried beneath his desire to help her.

Now, as the story progresses, we see more of Melanie’s home life: her mother is supportive and a good model, her best friend Elena is a good match, and her plans for university are the hope that keeps her moving forward.

But then, the story stalls: I didn’t find a ton of development in the characters that gave an emotional connection. While Mason was sweet, and Lexi seemed to have much of her life together, we didn’t see a great solidity to their relationship either. Much of the plotting felt rushed and pulled together to give a sense of ‘impending change’ but there was little to no sense of the changes to come in an emotional sense.

While the story read quickly and the issues were relevant and possible, there was just a miss in the development of characters that would have provided the necessary elements that made them feel alive and real for me.

I received an eBook copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Profile Image for Selena Lang.
664 reviews6 followers
April 5, 2016
Disappointed in this one. I was hoping for an entertaining read, but instead I was bored to death. A lot of this book was just "thoughts" and those thoughts were a lot of the same just regurgitated in a new way. I ended up skimming through most of it to finish and was disappointed in the ending as well. Looks like there is a second book to finish this out, but I have no intention of reading it. I don't really care what happens with these characters.

The characters were also much younger than I expected. I was thinking from the blub that they would be 20 somethings, not 18 or so and just graduating high school.

The writing felt stilted, dry and uninspired.
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