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The Space Between Us

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They always belonged to each other but even a fated love can be fractured.

Shy, artistic, and withdrawn 11-year-old Charlie McBride tries to get her footing as she copes with the loss of her mother, the move to a new town, and starting a new school. Asher Carmichael steps into her life, provides a steadfast friendship that offers her protection to grow into a beautiful, young woman. As years pass, their friendship evolves into a passionate first love neither one of them can deny. Together they explore a new relationship filled with all the butterflies and heartache expected as two young adults navigate sex, love, and trust.

One fateful night, a painful mistake leads to cataclysmic results, setting the lovers on separate paths. Charlie is too hurt to forgive and Asher has never been so lost without his Charlie. Years pass. Hearts remain broken. Neither one can forget their first love or overcome the space between them.

Contains sexually explicit language and other mature content. Readers should be 18 or older.

Unknown Binding

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About the author

Anie Michaels

30 books838 followers
Anie Michaels is the author of the Never series, the Private serial, the Love and Loss series, the With a Kiss series, and stand-alone novels The Space Between Us and Instead of You. She started writing her first novel in June 2013 and hasn’t looked back since. Working at home as a full-time writer of books, when she is not pounding on the keyboard she can be found reading, playing with her kids, spending time with her family, and connecting with her close friends. She’s spent her entire life in the Pacific Northwest, lives in Portland, Oregon, and can’t imagine ever being anywhere else… except maybe somewhere tropical.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
Profile Image for Geri Reads.
1,232 reviews2,136 followers
September 10, 2014
3.5 stars!

Charlie is quiet and reserved girl who moved in to Asher's neighborhood after she lost her mom to cancer. After Asher helped Charlie fend off a bully in school, they became best friends and then later on fell in love. A painful mistake ruined their happily ever after forcing Charlie to run and hide from her family and from Asher.

This book is divided into three parts. The first part of the book spends time showing us how Asher and Charlie met and how their friendship developed and then how they fell in love; their first dance, first date, first kiss. This is my favorite part of the book. It's very sweet and you can really see how their feelings for each other grew.

Part two is their college years. This is one was difficult for me. You still see them very in love but unlike their younger years, there are plenty of distractions. When While I understood his reasons in some ways, I could never understand why As you can probably guess he did something stupid which drove them apart even more.

Part three is when Charlie had to go back home after receiving news that her father died. Asher of course was waiting for her, waiting for her to give him another chance. But Charlie was not the same person he fell in love with. This is where the story started to sort of lose its luster for me. It wasn't bad. Not at all. The writing was excellent and the emotions were there, and I felt every single moment of it. But I was dissatisfied with Asher's explanation of his behavior during that time. Yes, he explained but it was very unconvincing, at least to me.

Maybe it would have been better if I read about Asher's thoughts and feelings it as it happened instead of just being told about it. I'm pretty sure he was heartbroken too but the effect was minimized somewhat. And I really think he should have groveled more. Another things which I didn't understand was he knew where to find Charlie or at least his law firm knows her phone number and yet he never bothered to go and beg for her forgiveness. In fact, when

That doesn't sound like a guy who's still very in love with his ex to me. Plus, this book seriously needs an epilogue. Stories like this demands it. Despite that, the writing is brilliant and the characters were well developed for the most part. I really did enjoy this one very much.
Profile Image for Nancy❤The❤Bookaholic.
1,180 reviews141 followers
September 9, 2018

~~5 HEARTS~~

OMG! This was such a sweet book.

This book is broken out into 3 different parts of Charlie and Asher’s life. They were friends at a very young age and then became a couple in high school. I love seeing how their love for each evolved. This is a perfect sweet, romantic love story with a little bit of reality thrown in. Asher was always such a gentleman. There wasn’t any annoying characters. Though I didn’t like the way Asher’s poor judgement ruined things I believe it could happen with them being so young. The misunderstandings were big and it didn’t sit well with me that they didn’t try later on to find the each other until over a decade later. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I really enjoyed it and it left a lasting impression with me. Best second chance love story I read in awhile.
Profile Image for Elisabeth Cole.
1,050 reviews20 followers
September 2, 2014
Warning - this review contains spoilers, only because this book annoyed me so much I want to warn other readers!!!!
Charlie and Asher basically grow up as best friends, which morphed into love in high school. Asher is constantly proclaiming his devotion to her, how she's it for him, he doesn't want anyone else, they're going to build a life together blah blah blah. They get to college and Charlie finds out she's pregnant. How does Asher react? Doesn't want anything to do with her anymore. Not only that but he tells her to "get rid of it" and wants to know how the pregnancy even happened in the first place. Charlie and her BFF call and text Asher for weeks but he's too busy with his new party life at the frat house to respond. When Charlie starts to have a miscarriage and is spewing blood all over the place, she makes her BFF stop by the frat house before going to the emergency room because she's SURE Asher will relent and go with her for support. Instead, with blood dripping down her legs, she walks in on him in his room with a naked girl on top of him.
After her miscarriage Charlie moves back home with her Dad to try to rebuild her life. Asher tried to call her and her Dad told him to leave her alone to heal. Guess he only needed to be told once because he didn't try to contact her again but instead cozied up to Charlie's Dad after she left town. Supposedly it was because Asher wanted any connection he could have to Charlie, even though Charlie's Dad never once talked about her to Asher. Fast forward several years to Charlie living in New York with a boyfriend and Asher a lawyer in their hometown. For some reason, Charlie's Dad dies of cancer without her even knowing he had it, even though they were close. Asher of course is the one to be handling his affairs. They have contact and Charlie is (in my opinion) incredibly stupid for wanting to "just be friends" with him again. Of course NOW he wants to cry and commiserate over the loss of their babies. He also blames her for some of their problems because she "ran away" after the miscarriage. Ugh. This book was bad from about the 4th chapter but when it got to this point I just felt like punching Asher right you-know-where! Maybe if he lost his baby-making abilities he wouldn't have so many hard decisions to make.
I'm sure you can tell how the story ended. I wish I had read my review before I bought the book so I could have saved myself $3!
Profile Image for Aestas Book Blog.
1,059 reviews75k followers
Want to read
July 30, 2014
I'm hearing some amazing things about this book! I can't wait to read it!! I hear its quite emotional :)



They always belonged to each other but even a fated love can be fractured.

Shy, artistic, and withdrawn 11-year-old Charlie McBride tries to get her footing as she copes with the loss of her mother, the move to a new town, and starting a new school. Asher Carmichael steps into her life, provides a steadfast friendship that offers her protection to grow into a beautiful, young woman. As years pass, their friendship evolves into a passionate first love neither one of them can deny. Together they explore a new relationship filled with all the butterflies and heartache expected as two young adults navigate sex, love, and trust.

One fateful night, a painful mistake leads to cataclysmic results, setting the lovers on separate paths. Charlie is too hurt to forgive and Asher has never been so lost without his Charlie. Years pass. Hearts remain broken. Neither one can forget their first love or overcome the space between them.
Profile Image for Justadele.
926 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2014
***CONTAINS MILD SPOILERS***


OMG this book pissed me off!!!! I loved it from the beginning & would have given it 5 stars however there were certain things that happened that left me reeling. It's difficult without giving too much away but I felt so sorry for David 5 years wasted the poor sod, and after forgiving Asher for a major fucked up situation that to be honest I don't think he fully accepted the details of what Bit was telling him, after promising to stay with her forever Asher had a hissy fit & walks out! The balance of this book was all wrong for me & it desperately needed an epilogue, I felt cheated!
Profile Image for Gitte TotallyBookedBlog.
2,094 reviews940 followers
Read
August 10, 2014
description

J&G Rating: We couldn’t decide on an overall rating for this one and decided to split it as follows:
Asher : 4.5 Stars
Charlie : 3.0 Stars
Story: First half 5 stars/Second Half 3.0 Stars/Final & lack of Epilogue : 1 Star
Emotion: 5 Stars
Writing: 4.5 Stars

‘There was finality and sense of being settled when it came to Asher. I knew he was it for me, that we were it for each other.'


Well this was quite the emotional rollercoaster! The Space Between Us held some truly beautiful, captivating and memorable moments. Charlie and Asher lived a true friends to lover’s story that spanned 20 years with lots of good times, fun times, bad times, sad times and a heck of a lot of unnecessarily wasted years and they shared a love that was held together through an invisible bond which you felt as they grew up.

At times the beautiful words and actions of Asher would have us clutching our hearts and swooning over his romanticism.

“What kind of heart is beating in your chest that makes you the most compassionate and thoughtful man I’ve ever met?”

We would be welling up over the sadness in some parts of the story and yeah, we also spent a bit of time on the phone having a very heated and passionate chat about how some parts of the story unfolded. At one point we both had to put our Kindles down and debrief. At no point though, did we consider not pressing on and finishing this story because we were so invested and had to know how Asher and Charlie’s story played out.

We both felt the author did an excellent job of expressing Asher’s love and commitment through Charlie’s POV. If anything, he was the one who held the emotional pull, more so than Charlie, who at times could come across quite nonchalant and ‘non-committing’ in her feelings towards Asher. There was never any doubt whatsoever in our hearts though, of the commitment and soul deep love that Asher held for Charlie. Not once did we question his unyielding dedication to her and his need to protect her. We felt it in our hearts!

Herein lays our problem on why this book didn’t take us to the overall emotional heights we had expected. The author did such a brilliant job making us feel and believe that Asher’s world revolved around Charlie’s happiness and his love for her was unquestionable, his words and actions were so heartfelt and beautiful that we became angry at the complete 360 his character took a couple of times in the book.

We were gobsmacked, sad and above all, angry at the treatment the author dealt her character. It was undeserving and instead of being pissed off and disappointed in Asher, we felt he was let down for the sake of added drama and he didn’t deserve it. Truly, he didn’t…it wasn’t in him.

“You mean everything to me, Charlie. I’m not sure I even understand what that means fully right now, but every day it becomes clearer to me. You are my everything.”

Asher was a wonderful and romantic character who laid his heart bare time and time again. Charlie was the more reluctant of the two but Asher never gave up on her. He never belittled her, forced her or made her feel less than the most important person in his life. That was Asher.

When the time came for Asher’s explanation of a particular miscommunication, the reasoning for his actions were unbelievable. It felt as though 13 years of torment and heartache had just been swept under the carpet.

“I’m afraid that I’ll let you in, you’ll see me, and you’ll realise that you don’t want me anymore.”

Also, the missing 13 years in all other aspects of Charlie’s life were not explored nor were they convincing in the sense that no one, not even her best friend really knew her anymore. Reeve and Charlie were in fact complete strangers knowing absolutely nothing of what had happened to the other during the missing years. Their ‘friendship’ and feelings were therefore not believable once reunited.

Once the story moved along and we got over the “Asher incident”, we were again immersed in their love, only to have to endure a totally uncharacteristic temper tantrum by Asher. By this time we had almost stopped believing theirs was a soul deep, endless love that could withstand anything because from there on end never shown proof this was still the case. Instead, we were left believing that, at the first sign of trouble, these two would sadly cave. We wanted them to prove otherwise and didn’t feel they did. The communication and soul searching stopped.

The ‘afters’ were pretty non-existent too and after going through all their ups, downs and heartache, the ending felt rushed and not convincing.

We waited with bated breath for the epilogue which we felt would be the glue to permanently seal this all together. Imagine our disappointment when found there wasn’t one! If ever an epilogue was imperative to a story it was this one. We had put our hearts on the line for Asher and Charlie and couldn’t help but feel a little ripped off at the end.

This story did hold a lot of beauty, happiness, pain, passion, a lot of heartache, a few tears and moments of true magic and we really wanted to believe theirs was an enduring love.

‘I knew the words I said to him in this moment were the truest words I’ve ever spoken. If I lived, if I breathed, if I walked this earth, I was his. And maybe even beyond that.’

Watching these children grow through the years was beautiful, captivating and special. We’re only sorry we didn’t feel completely satisfied by the end that this was it…..true love which conquers all.

‘I had become numb to the term ‘broken heart’. My heart wasn’t broken. The word broken implied that it could be fixed or repaired. My heart wasn’t fixable…’

♥♥♥♥

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Profile Image for Lustful Literature.
1,822 reviews336 followers
October 8, 2014
** JOSIE'S 4 STAR REVIEW **

The Space Between Us by Anie Michaels is a beautiful love story about Charlie and Asher. Asher and Charlie have been friends since the 5th grade. What I liked about the story was that it was not an instant love. Their love grew over the years and was innocent, pure and natural. I loved how the author takes readers through the phases of their relationship from the start up until adulthood. They were together for years until a tragedy and misunderstanding sends Charlie running which tore the couple apart. It is not until 13 years later that Asher and Charlie cross paths again. Asher is not prepared for the anger and how much Charlie has changed. He has always regretted what happened years ago and wants to make amends. Their relationship is not easy and it is confusing. The Space Between Us is a stand-alone novel and it is not that long of a read however, do not let that fool you. The author gives readers so much in this book. Angst, love, betrayal and heart breaking loss.





Ever since being bullied on her first day of school, Asher has always looked out for Charlie (Little Bit). I absolutely loved how the author showed their unique and special relationship. They were best friends for years but Asher always knew he wanted Charlie as his. Charlie is a bit more naïve and innocent, she knew she had feelings for Asher but she cherished their friendship more than anything. I enjoyed the author showing readers the bond that Asher and Charlie had with one another. From the time they were children and despite the years that passed and their break up, whenever they were together you can tell they were true lovers.





I cannot say enough about Charlie. She was unique. She had a handful of people she could rely on, and despite two life shattering events, she was a strong female heroin. She did not let those events destroy her, she pushed forward and pulled through. Even years later when she sees Asher again, she does not want to let the past consume her. She wants to let it go and move on. Charlie wanted to go back home and go back to her life in New York, but Asher was not willing to let Charlie walk away again.



I loved Asher’s character from the start of the book, he was always protective of Lil Bit. I never had my doubts in him, that was until College and Asher was no longer on the top of BBF list. I could not understand what happened to Asher, to make him react the way he did. I was reeling in anger and grief. I was like ok this Asher, this can’t go down like this. I pushed through and I want to thank the author for throwing in the Hell Mary and redeeming Asher’s character for me. Asher as a boy and Asher as a man were no different. The years away from his Lil Bit only made his determination and alpha tendencies increase. He was not willing to let his reason for breathing walk away again, he knew he messed up, he just had to show Charlie how sorry he was.


“I never look as you, at your body and wish for something else. You’re all I’ve ever wished form all I could help for.”

“How long have you belonged to me?”

“Forever”

“Exactly, and that’s how long I’ve belonged to you, Bit.”





The author did an amazing job in sharing Charlie and Asher’s relationship over the span of time. She makes it easy for readers to see just how much they were meant to be together. The story is not all hearts and flowers. She gives readers enough angst to keep you on your seat and she does not over tell their story either. The book is told in two parts, and in dual POV’s which I am grateful for. I think I was able to forgive Asher because we can read what he was going through and I felt his pain and grief for Charlie’s absence from his life for all those years. Charlie’s character will make you cry even though she is strong. The author shows readers how much she suffers from her losses and she is empty without Asher in her life. I love a good 2nd chance love story where you get to see everything from beginning to end. This book is one you don’t want to pass up on.
Profile Image for Three Chicks.
2,632 reviews419 followers
August 4, 2014
4.5 Wonderful Stars
Review by Allison East


Anie Michaels is a new author for me, I have not read any of her other books- but this won't be my last. And as much as I hated the hero around 49%- I had to finish in hopes that he redeemed himself, and he did.

The story takes us through Charlie and Asher's lives from fifth grade, all the way through adult hood. How they started as friends; and turned into so much more- then parted ways after a tragedy, then once again back in each other's arms, for a tumultuous relationship, but ultimately a happily ever after. And even though they had their problems, they were soul mates, and you couldn't help but enjoy them as a couple.

Charlie got bullied the first day of her new school, and Asher stood up for her then. They became best friends, and even in the back of their minds they knew it was going to be more. I loved how they met, and how Charlie and Asher formed a bond that a lot of people don't get to have- a best friend in the fifth grade, turns into a friend for life.

Charlie turned out strong and capable- even after life threw some shit her way, she handled it very well, and going into part three, where they were both adults-I knew Asher was going to have some explaining to do. And I am glad he was given the chance.

Asher is definitely an alpha male and would do anything for his Charlie. But after an unforgivable situation happens in college- he went from hero of the story- to villain in my book. I knew Ms. Michaels had to have some tricks up her sleeve if she was going to make me like this character again after what he did. And I almost put the book down there! But boy am I glad I kept reading. I just had to know if that same boy would turn into an equally repugnant man, and that was furthest from the truth.

The Space Between Us is a fantastic novel, told over time- with a well thought out plot and lovable characters- and interesting secondary characters as well. I would have liked an epilogue- but my mind can wonder at what happened to this couple, and I only have good thoughts. Pick up this book to add to your library.
26 reviews10 followers
July 24, 2014
Anie Michaels BLEW me away again!!!!!! I Am a total FAN GIRL of her and her books and this one didn't disappoint in the least!!! What an EPIC love story!! I thought by god how will she give me a man as edible and lovable as Porter, but Anie I might love Asher More!!!

This story takes us through childhood to adulthood of Charlie and Asher lives. You can’t help but connect with these characters from the first page. You feel their every emotion. This book is about friendship, love, loss, heartache, pain and happiness. There is an overwhelming amount of feelings going on in the book that keep you planted firmly in place begging for no interruptions so that you can hang onto every word and keep reading.

I can’t tell you enough that this a MUST MUST MUST read... Breathtakingly beautiful, full of Both Happiness and gut wrenching pain. I went through two boxes of tissues and almost messaged Anie screaming at one point!! Sometimes we all need that one book that can make us ugly cry but yet leave us wanting and begging for MORE!!!!! This is that book!!! Anie nailed it, she gave a voice to these characters, made me want to know them and forced me to fall in love!
2 reviews
August 12, 2014
This book gave me really mixed feelings after I finished reading it. The first part of the book I loved, it was great to see the characters' journeys and their love blossoming, and some of the things Asher does are very sweet.
However the second half of the book just made me feel angry and a bit disappointed and I started to dislike both Asher and Charlie.
Charlie treated David awfully and I was also annoyed when she forgave Asher so quickly after seeing him again, when quite frankly he behaved terribly after the event occurred. Their issues with each other were also 'resolved' so quickly considering that the event had left her supposedly so distraught.
Asher then also promised to forever be with her and then at the slightest bit of conflict he runs again, showing that he really hadn't learnt anything from their time apart, even though he so say loved her so much and had spent all those years searching for her ( but he cant have really tried that hard to find her) he just so easily was going to give everything up again.
Profile Image for Cc.
1,228 reviews153 followers
February 27, 2019
I NEVER say this, but, good grief, drama, drama drama. I like drama, big feelings, cheating and angst. Those are my kryptonite in a romance, but this just was too much. If I knew someone like her in real life, I would suggest institutionalization, stat. And the ending! The only person I thought deserved a break was poor David, bc he sure didn't deserve her.
Profile Image for Angel.
107 reviews11 followers
July 31, 2014
4.5 heart-wrenching and heartwarming Stars


Those two adjectives pretty much described this novel. It was both heart-wrenching and heartwarming at the same time.
The book will warm your heart so much that it feels like your heart is full with love and giddiness then all of a sudden, it will shatter your heart and even make you cry. And then, it will slowly piece your shattered heart together again.

The Space Between Us is a standalone novel about falling in love with your best friend and a second chance at romance. This is not just Asher & Charlie's love story, but it is about their entire journey.

I feel like this novel is 3 stories in one book. Part 1 is a young adult story, Part 2 is new adult/college and Part 3 is contemporary/ second chance romance. The story started with them being as kids and the story grew with them. Interestingly, each part has its own sub-plot; The first part is about them struggling with being more than friends, the second is about them facing realities in life and making their relationship work, and the last one is about life, forgiveness, moving on and love.

You can't help but fall in love with Asher, no matter how old he is. As a kid, he is just so adorably sweet then slowly he becomes just so romantic and swoon-worthy. At some point, you might not like him, but of course, he is just too irresistible to hate. He will redeem himself and then some.

And I just have to mention Papa Bear. I loved him. He was such a good father to Charlie and even to Asher. Not to mention, I love the letter he wrote and how it made me love Asher even more.

My favorite lines:

"I'll be forever grateful for the privilege of you."

"I love you, in every sense of the word, in every capacity imaginable."

"A lifetime of love will never be enough, but it's all I have to offer."


One thing I would like to change: I need an EPILOGUE.

The Space Between Us is pretty much a jack of all trades, which could appeal to a wide range of readers. I look forward to more works from Anie Michaels.


HEA?
Profile Image for Jenny - TotallybookedBlog.
1,908 reviews2,056 followers
Read
August 11, 2014
description

J&G Rating: We couldn’t decide on an overall rating for this one and decided to split it as follows:
Asher : 4.5 Stars
Charlie : 3.0 Stars
Story: First half 5 stars/Second Half 3.0 Stars/Final & lack of Epilogue : 1 Star
Emotion: 5 Stars
Writing: 4.5 Stars


‘There was finality and sense of being settled when it came to Asher. I knew he was it for me, that we were it for each other.'

Well this was quite the emotional rollercoaster! The Space Between Us held some truly beautiful, captivating and memorable moments. Charlie and Asher lived a true friends to lover’s story that spanned 20 years with lots of good times, fun times, bad times, sad times and a heck of a lot of unnecessarily wasted years and they shared a love that was held together through an invisible bond which you felt as they grew up.

At times the beautiful words and actions of Asher would have us clutching our hearts and swooning over his romanticism.

“What kind of heart is beating in your chest that makes you the most compassionate and thoughtful man I’ve ever met?”

We would be welling up over the sadness in some parts of the story and yeah, we also spent a bit of time on the phone having a very heated and passionate chat about how some parts of the story unfolded. At one point we both had to put our Kindles down and debrief. At no point though, did we consider not pressing on and finishing this story because we were so invested and had to know how Asher and Charlie’s story played out.

We both felt the author did an excellent job of expressing Asher’s love and commitment through Charlie’s POV. If anything, he was the one who held the emotional pull, more so than Charlie, who at times could come across quite nonchalant and ‘non-committing’ in her feelings towards Asher. There was never any doubt whatsoever in our hearts though, of the commitment and soul deep love that Asher held for Charlie. Not once did we question his unyielding dedication to her and his need to protect her. We felt it in our hearts!

Herein lays our problem on why this book didn’t take us to the overall emotional heights we had expected. The author did such a brilliant job making us feel and believe that Asher’s world revolved around Charlie’s happiness and his love for her was unquestionable, his words and actions were so heartfelt and beautiful that we became angry at the complete 360 his character took a couple of times in the book.

We were gobsmacked, sad and above all, angry at the treatment the author dealt her character. It was undeserving and instead of being pissed off and disappointed in Asher, we felt he was let down for the sake of added drama and he didn’t deserve it. Truly, he didn’t…it wasn’t in him.

“You mean everything to me, Charlie. I’m not sure I even understand what that means fully right now, but every day it becomes clearer to me. You are my everything.”

Asher was a wonderful and romantic character who laid his heart bare time and time again. Charlie was the more reluctant of the two but Asher never gave up on her. He never belittled her, forced her or made her feel less than the most important person in his life. That was Asher.

When the time came for Asher’s explanation of a particular miscommunication, the reasoning for his actions were unbelievable. It felt as though 13 years of torment and heartache had just been swept under the carpet.

“I’m afraid that I’ll let you in, you’ll see me, and you’ll realise that you don’t want me anymore.”

Also, the missing 13 years in all other aspects of Charlie’s life were not explored nor were they convincing in the sense that no one, not even her best friend really knew her anymore. Reeve and Charlie were in fact complete strangers knowing absolutely nothing of what had happened to the other during the missing years. Their ‘friendship’ and feelings were therefore not believable once reunited.

Once the story moved along and we got over the “Asher incident”, we were again immersed in their love, only to have to endure a totally uncharacteristic temper tantrum by Asher. By this time we had almost stopped believing theirs was a soul deep, endless love that could withstand anything because from there on end never shown proof this was still the case. Instead, we were left believing that, at the first sign of trouble, these two would sadly cave. We wanted them to prove otherwise and didn’t feel they did. The communication and soul searching stopped.

The ‘afters’ were pretty non-existent too and after going through all their ups, downs and heartache, the ending felt rushed and not convincing.

We waited with bated breath for the epilogue which we felt would be the glue to permanently seal this all together. Imagine our disappointment when found there wasn’t one! If ever an epilogue was imperative to a story it was this one. We had put our hearts on the line for Asher and Charlie and couldn’t help but feel a little ripped off at the end.

This story did hold a lot of beauty, happiness, pain, passion, a lot of heartache, a few tears and moments of true magic and we really wanted to believe theirs was an enduring love.

‘I knew the words I said to him in this moment were the truest words I’ve ever spoken. If I lived, if I breathed, if I walked this earth, I was his. And maybe even beyond that.’

Watching these children grow through the years was beautiful, captivating and special. We’re only sorry we didn’t feel completely satisfied by the end that this was it…..true love which conquers all.

‘I had become numb to the term ‘broken heart’. My heart wasn’t broken. The word broken implied that it could be fixed or repaired. My heart wasn’t fixable…’


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Profile Image for Sandra Shipman ~ Two Book Pushers.
2,079 reviews52 followers
July 17, 2014
I love Anie Michael's novels, she is on my list of authors where I don't even have to look at the synopsis to know that I will be reading their book. I know I am guaranteed to be on a emotional roller coaster from start to finish and this one was massive.

Asher and Charlie met in the a Fifth grade on the playground and even from an early age they felt a connection. On that same day of school, Charlie was lucky enough to meet Reeve a boy crazy chatter box. The three of them quickly not only became friends but best friends, they did everything together. Asher was even a protecter at such a young age, he knew he would protect Charlie from anything or anyone for the rest of his life.

As teenagers Asher and Charlie finally figured it all out. Their friendship was shifting and everyone around them knew it except for them. It was an amazing teenage love that could never be forgotten. It was a very sweet and mature for their age type of love. The three best friends went to college together and had their friendship tested the first year. By the second Asher and Charlie were hot and heavy with promise in their future but one night, one mistake could change everything....

It will be years since Charlie has been back to her hometown and she was not looking forward to it. It would force her to confront her past, the good and the bad. She is a different person and didn't know if she would ever be the same. When she is forced to come face to face with her old friends she is torn. She misses the friendship but she can not go through the heartache again. She was not ready to forgive herself or forget what happened all those years ago in college. Can Asher and Charlie get over their past? Do they move on without each other? Does Asher still have the need to protect her?

This love story is over a span of 20 years and let me tell you that it completed gutted me! You get to see Asher and Charlie as kids growing into teenagers in love. It is so beautiful and true. Then you see then as college students that make mistakes and go apart. And then you see them as adults and you see what real sadness is like.

I was so emotionally invested in the couple. They are sweet, funny and mature with their friendship and love toward one another. I do tear up while reading but these was not tearing up, this was crying. I had tears running down my face and if someone walked in they would be worried something was wrong with me. It was amazing!!! And I can't wait to read whatever Anie writes next. Her writing makes me like I am right there along with the characters. I am so glad I have a few days before I need to start a new book...Major Hangover.

Side Note: I love his nickname for her.

Quotes:

The familiarity of his arms was like a drug. No matter what I was feeling- happy, sad, panicked, flustered, agitated, angry - when his arms wrapped around me, so did peace.

"All these years, I've seen you, I've hugged you even. But right now, as I am holding onto you, I am amazed that something so important to me and so vital to my life can be wrapped up in such a small package."

I'm sure to everybody else I looked normal, maybe even happy. But I knew better.

Profile Image for Nstefa.
3,464 reviews21 followers
September 24, 2016
A -FREAKING -MAZING!!! I loved this book it was definitely a brilliant book!!! I will rave to anyone who would listen!!!!
Asher and Charlie start off as best friends and fall in love but as you guessed it life gets in the way and the plans you made aren't always the way you want !!! Heartache, betrayal, angst and shock are here.... definitely a must in a good book!!!
Profile Image for The Book Fairy Reviews.
2,485 reviews43 followers
July 18, 2014
An Epic Story! The kind of love movies are made of!

Asher and Charlie and Epic romance! This story take us from the very first meeting at 11 years old through their lives and adulthood. This is a story of how powerful that first instant connection can be. Yes some people are just meant to be forever even if they found their love at such a young age.
For Charlie and Asher it wasn't instant love, it was a love that grew from friendship into more a more that grew into forever. They have a rocky ride interrupting and destroying what they have for a brief time but through that separation they never stopped loving each other making their reunion that much sweeter.
I loved this story of love and loss and love found again. It was beautiful! They captured my heart right from the moment that Asher saves her from the Bully. I knew right then and there that this was going to be one of those books that speaks to my heart and soul.
I love Anie's books her style of writing connects to you, they feel real and raw and passionate and did I say real? Yes, there is no billionaire waiting in the wings there is just a boy and a girl that fall in love, have problems and overcome them making them stronger....Real. I can't wait for what she write next!
28 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2014
From the very first page I had this connection with Charlie, I went on this very emotional wave with her. Throughout this story you read about loss,friendship,heartbreak and love. I was happy when she met Reeve, ecstatic when she formed a connection with Asher.
With Asher you could feel his devotion his protectivness and his love jump out of the pages. I loved that I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I had to hold my breath a couple times, dreading but also axnious to turn the page.
"All these years, I've seen you, I've hugged you even. But right now, as I'm holding onto you, I am amazed that something so important to me and so vital to my life can be wrapped up in such a small package." -Asher
I'm telling you, you will fall in love and swoon , you'll get angry and sad but most of all you will not be able to put it down. This is phenomenal.
I finished The Space Between Us in four hours, I recommend this whole heartdly. Anie Michaels has completely out done herself, and I'm looking forward to whatever wave you are creating next.
Profile Image for Sandy Knox.
1,280 reviews19 followers
September 10, 2017
HOLY MOLY! I LOVED THIS BOOK! This story was so breathtaking it pulled at my heartstrings so hard I was breathless. From the first time Asher and Charlie meet I was hooked, As their friendship grew so did my love for them. When their friendship started to grow beyond friendship their chemistry flew off the charts. I was so enthralled and then after their best friend Reeve was hurt and everything started rolling down hill. When Asher walked away from Charlie at one of the scariest times in her life I wanted to kill him myself. I was so drawn in by this story line that at times I felt as though I could almost feel the characters emotions coming off the pages. At times I was crying so hard I could hardly see and my heart was breaking for Charlie. And I mean the screaming ugly cry . Lol. The anguish that these two people go through to be together is overwhelming. Well, Charlie more than Asher. Their love and devotion to each other is unlike anything I could imagine feeling. I extremely recommend this book to everyone. Just make sure you have tissues handy. But it's so worth it.
Profile Image for Michelle .
63 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2014
*SPOILERS* This book started out really well and then just died in the arse. It was way too long, it was full of unnecessary scenes that dragged out eg: Meeting Angie, Reeve's almost rape, the surprise party etc....... lots of fluff that didn't add anything to the story. And I got really sick of the uninspiring, long winded sex scenes. Started skimming through the book trying to get to the "one fateful night" part. Got to that, same old same old, then started on Part 3. I couldn't believe Charlie's father didn't tell her he was dying, how stupid. The fact that Charlie didn't visit Reeve because Reeve had kids and it was difficult for Charlie was idiotic! I thought Asher's explanation of what happened that "fateful night" was lame, and thought the fact that Charlie excepted it so easily even lamer. Then the make up sex started and I had to turn my Kindle off because I just couldn't handle another boring sex scene. So yeah, didn't finish although I'm sure I didn't miss much.(less)
Profile Image for Leigh Lunsford.
Author 19 books320 followers
July 25, 2014
Beautiful

Beautiful

I love books. I always feel something in each book. It has been awhile since I ached while reading and without doubt I hurt in this book. I rubbed my heart because of the pain the words caused, I felt that deeply while devouring this book. I pulled an all nighter into the morning because I couldn't stop reading. Asher and Charlie took me places I had no idea where I was going but I followed them blindly. This book is about love. About mistakes. About being young and poor choices. About passion. About friendship. About healing and most importantly about forgiveness. Everyone at some point needs forgiveness, but it isn't an easy path. Anie Michaels makes it a beautiful, emotional, heart griping reality.
Profile Image for RCK *don’t be all, like, uncool*.
782 reviews64 followers
July 31, 2014
Decent read but unfortunately the ending felt rushed which sucked cus throughout the book are given such details about random things. Also, there was no epilogue :( it really could have used an epilogue.

SPOILER: Also, I didn't like when Charlie "used" David when she clearly states that she didnt love him but was just using him to feel normal.. and really did she need to use him for 5 years?? that REALLY annoyed me! I felt that was unfair especially since she had been hurt by Asher - it was like she was hurting someone else, not in the same way she was hurt but still hurting someone nonetheless.
Profile Image for GTR33GURL.
850 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2014
This book was just ok for me the first half was perfect I could feel something building up some drama about to explode and then it happened and I was shocked Asher went from Hero to Zero in 0.60 seconds I was left reeling thinking this character was amazing and then BOOM he's the biggest douche ever def 360 turn the second half was just horrible for me I was heartbroken for Charlie and she just couldn't recover and what happened to the dad's girlfriend no mention of her timeline jumped from college to 13 years later wait what yup just jumped so I was not prepared for the long separation and no epilogue not cool it was a HEA in the end but......
Profile Image for Amy.
216 reviews11 followers
July 28, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Parts 1 & 2 perfectly captured young love -the newness if it all. The us against the world vibe ---you really got that from Asher and Charlie. A really sweet love story that built naturally from childhood. I would have given five stars, save for the out if character reaction at the end of Part 2. Really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Ashley Williams.
Author 1 book273 followers
January 5, 2015
3.5 stars
The Space Between Us was a good emotional read. I love it when an author takes you through the life of a couple! I liked both of the characters okay and the romance was steamy. My only issue, was the conflict/resolution. The conflict seemed pretty harsh, but nothing that would take 13 years to get over and the resolution was too quick for a lifetime of baggage. Overall, I liked it.
Profile Image for Crazies R Us Book Blog.
76 reviews55 followers
August 15, 2014

If you're looking for a FANTASTIC best friends to lovers story this is the book for you! Spanning the years of grade school to adult hood this tale of Asher and Charlie will give you that unforgettable feeling of first love, break your heart, then put it all together again and leave you in a euphoric state of happiness.

This is one of those books you won't soon forget! 5 "Crazie" good stars!!
Profile Image for Kate Smith.
20 reviews
August 19, 2014
I truly loved this book and yes I agree an epilogue would have been nice but most readers would have still wanted more. I believe that people do grow and become different and it's lovely to have memories but we have to accept that we mature and grieve from life's experiences. It was sad, heart renching, but fabulously written. Thanks for this book.
Profile Image for Evette.
843 reviews61 followers
July 29, 2014
Over all I enjoyed the love story, just felt unfinished, usually with dual POV more of a balance-thoughts, reactions etc. Didn't connect with Charlie as much as Asher. Their relationship as children was the sweetest and most well written, as was the very end when they came back together.
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