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The Miles That Made Us
After a heartbreak that shattered him, Jake is done with love. Caught between who he used to be and what’s supposed to come next, he’s sunk into the darkest place of his life with no desire to climb out.
Alana lives by one rule: no distractions. A scholarship student at UT with everything riding on her focus, she doesn’t have room for complications—especially not Jake. But months of being class partners wear down her defenses brick by brick, and Jake thaws right along with her. The more he softens around her, the more addictive her presence becomes. And when she finally lets him glimpse the shadows of her past, something fierce and unexplainable awakens in him—a need to protect her at all costs.
But Alana is carrying more than she’s willing to admit. Her carefully separated worlds are on a collision course, and when they finally crash, everything they’ve built is thrown into the fire. When the smoke finally settles, only one question remains—will the love they found be enough to keep them together, or is it just another one of life’s heartbreaking detours?
Alana lives by one rule: no distractions. A scholarship student at UT with everything riding on her focus, she doesn’t have room for complications—especially not Jake. But months of being class partners wear down her defenses brick by brick, and Jake thaws right along with her. The more he softens around her, the more addictive her presence becomes. And when she finally lets him glimpse the shadows of her past, something fierce and unexplainable awakens in him—a need to protect her at all costs.
But Alana is carrying more than she’s willing to admit. Her carefully separated worlds are on a collision course, and when they finally crash, everything they’ve built is thrown into the fire. When the smoke finally settles, only one question remains—will the love they found be enough to keep them together, or is it just another one of life’s heartbreaking detours?
350 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 12, 2026
I am going to start out this review by saying that Sam’s writing is hands down the most beautiful, inspiring, raw, heart tugging writing I have ever read. It is so captiviating. Even from just the first page. I am invested in the characters from the second we are introduced to them, and the love for them just continues to grow. While reading Sam’s writing, it makes me feel like those of us that feel so broken by some of the life’s events are still lovable despite feeling so broken.
Jake Cooper. That should be the review. Jake is hands down my favorite MMC I have ever read. He is the broken pieces of all of us, wrapped into HOPE and HEARTACHE. The heartbreak that broke him, broke me in so many ways… but then finding Alana.. who is truly everything imaginable to him, life changing. Alana was truly everything I could have imagined for Jake and more.
This book was full of such angst, tension, push, pull, and everything in between… but yet full of so much love between two characters who deserved the world. My heart hurt so many times, because I just wanted Jake to have the world handed to him on a silver platter.. but the book was worth every single word, every single second.
Sam. Sam. Sam. You wrote the greatest redemption for our favorite man. The one he absolutely deserved. But your writing, I wish you knew, just how healing it is to some of us. I wish you knew just how much the words you write, heal hearts every day. Because I know that those words, helped heal parts of me in a time when they really needed it. So thank you - thank you for writing the words of pain, of the push and pull, the heartache, but also the hope, the joy, the little glimmers.. thank you. Thank you for giving us Jake and Alana.
Jake Cooper. That should be the review. Jake is hands down my favorite MMC I have ever read. He is the broken pieces of all of us, wrapped into HOPE and HEARTACHE. The heartbreak that broke him, broke me in so many ways… but then finding Alana.. who is truly everything imaginable to him, life changing. Alana was truly everything I could have imagined for Jake and more.
This book was full of such angst, tension, push, pull, and everything in between… but yet full of so much love between two characters who deserved the world. My heart hurt so many times, because I just wanted Jake to have the world handed to him on a silver platter.. but the book was worth every single word, every single second.
Sam. Sam. Sam. You wrote the greatest redemption for our favorite man. The one he absolutely deserved. But your writing, I wish you knew, just how healing it is to some of us. I wish you knew just how much the words you write, heal hearts every day. Because I know that those words, helped heal parts of me in a time when they really needed it. So thank you - thank you for writing the words of pain, of the push and pull, the heartache, but also the hope, the joy, the little glimmers.. thank you. Thank you for giving us Jake and Alana.
March 26, 2026
ARC Review.
Honestly. I think I was still getting over the fact that the first book in this series was S.Grants DEBUT.
My favorite book of all time is a love letter to whiskey. Right person a million wrong times…angst..love triangles..the works..and the first book on this series was that.
Now this book…this book was something so completely different…and gave me everything I never knew I needed.
Jake is the perfect broken boy…I mean I couldn’t have dreamt up a more perfect man…and what goes well with a broken boy…the perfect girl to “fix” him…but Alana is far from perfect…and she’s broken…if not even more than Jake.
To watch these two be exactly what the other needs…and fight their own hearts…my poor eyes are swollen from the amount of tears I shed (I’m a crier) but,
This author has a way of writing that draws you in and has you feeling so many emotions for characters that in most cases don’t get another chance at love…atleast for our eyes to see.
Her subtle nods to characters from classic romances had me feeling nostalgic while looking at classic love stories from such a different perspective.
My reviews never give too much into the actual story because I personally love going into books blind…but what I can tell you is that if you’ve ever read a love triangle and rooted for the boy who didn’t get the girl…this is it for you.
I feel so incredibly honored to have read Jake’s story early..and I can’t wait to shout about it from the roof tops.
This book is out 6/15 which gives you plenty of time to catch up on the first story.
Honestly. I think I was still getting over the fact that the first book in this series was S.Grants DEBUT.
My favorite book of all time is a love letter to whiskey. Right person a million wrong times…angst..love triangles..the works..and the first book on this series was that.
Now this book…this book was something so completely different…and gave me everything I never knew I needed.
Jake is the perfect broken boy…I mean I couldn’t have dreamt up a more perfect man…and what goes well with a broken boy…the perfect girl to “fix” him…but Alana is far from perfect…and she’s broken…if not even more than Jake.
To watch these two be exactly what the other needs…and fight their own hearts…my poor eyes are swollen from the amount of tears I shed (I’m a crier) but,
This author has a way of writing that draws you in and has you feeling so many emotions for characters that in most cases don’t get another chance at love…atleast for our eyes to see.
Her subtle nods to characters from classic romances had me feeling nostalgic while looking at classic love stories from such a different perspective.
My reviews never give too much into the actual story because I personally love going into books blind…but what I can tell you is that if you’ve ever read a love triangle and rooted for the boy who didn’t get the girl…this is it for you.
I feel so incredibly honored to have read Jake’s story early..and I can’t wait to shout about it from the roof tops.
This book is out 6/15 which gives you plenty of time to catch up on the first story.
Review of advance copy
beta review - more to come
MY BOY JAKE 😭 I absolutely loved Jake in TRTLTY. Even while rooting against him because he wasn’t who I wanted to be end game for Syd. But now we get HIS STORY… and it’s beautiful and emotional and full of all the angst and yearning. Jake is so grumpy and broody and protective and soft for only Alana and i love him so incredibly much. And Alana, this broken girl. She’s just trying to find and make her own way in a world that’s set out to destroy her. These characters drove me mad, but in the best way possible. The push. The pull. I just wanted them to get their HEA because the two of them deserve it more than anything and when you’re finally able to pick this up, you’ll understand why. If you haven’t started the Journey of the Broken Hearts series, you’re doing yourself an injustice. Go pick up The Roads That Led to You NOW to get up to speed before book two releases in June!
Thank you for the opportunity to BETA for you, Sam. You are so incredible and I’ve loved the relationship we’ve built. I absolutely cannot wait to see what you do in the future.
read if you love:
sad boy x broken girl, redemption story, protective hero, friends to lovers, college romance, dual pov, banter and angst and tension, grand gestures
MY BOY JAKE 😭 I absolutely loved Jake in TRTLTY. Even while rooting against him because he wasn’t who I wanted to be end game for Syd. But now we get HIS STORY… and it’s beautiful and emotional and full of all the angst and yearning. Jake is so grumpy and broody and protective and soft for only Alana and i love him so incredibly much. And Alana, this broken girl. She’s just trying to find and make her own way in a world that’s set out to destroy her. These characters drove me mad, but in the best way possible. The push. The pull. I just wanted them to get their HEA because the two of them deserve it more than anything and when you’re finally able to pick this up, you’ll understand why. If you haven’t started the Journey of the Broken Hearts series, you’re doing yourself an injustice. Go pick up The Roads That Led to You NOW to get up to speed before book two releases in June!
Thank you for the opportunity to BETA for you, Sam. You are so incredible and I’ve loved the relationship we’ve built. I absolutely cannot wait to see what you do in the future.
read if you love:
sad boy x broken girl, redemption story, protective hero, friends to lovers, college romance, dual pov, banter and angst and tension, grand gestures
June 20, 2026
WOW WOW WOW WOW HOLY FORK BALLS!!
S. Grant has the most BEAUTIFUL poetic incredible writing, we absolutely adore her. THE WAY SHE WRITES A LOVE STORY?!? Beyond incredible!!
Jake is the sweetest & deserves the whole wide world and extra!! And Alana sweet beautiful broken soul who would give her life to anyone who asked
This book this so breathtaking and raw!! A must read especially if you love, slow burn angsty, romance.
Tropes
Sad boy x broken girl
Friends to lovers
Redemption story
Dual POV
Protective hero
Thank you so much @ for the ARC!! You are incredible!! And we love you and your writing.
S. Grant has the most BEAUTIFUL poetic incredible writing, we absolutely adore her. THE WAY SHE WRITES A LOVE STORY?!? Beyond incredible!!
Jake is the sweetest & deserves the whole wide world and extra!! And Alana sweet beautiful broken soul who would give her life to anyone who asked
This book this so breathtaking and raw!! A must read especially if you love, slow burn angsty, romance.
Tropes
Sad boy x broken girl
Friends to lovers
Redemption story
Dual POV
Protective hero
Thank you so much @ for the ARC!! You are incredible!! And we love you and your writing.
April 14, 2026
♾️⭐️
I didn’t know how Sam could top book 1 but she really said hold my beer! I fell in love with Jake and I was really hoping to see him get a happy ending.
This book is beautiful, emotional, and raw. Jake and Alana both have traumas they’re healing from. Their friendship is so sweet and the way they help each other find joy was so beautiful. Not to mention, the yearning!!! I’m a sucker for yearning and Sam writes it so well!! Alana and Jake just want the best for each other even if it isn’t them being together. I just loved them so much and I don’t think I’ll be over them anytime soon!
I can’t say enough amazing things about this book and if you haven’t started this series, take this as your sign!! It will break your heart but it will be put back together in the most raw and beautiful way!!
Thank you S Grant for the arc!
Releasing 6/15!
Read if you love:
✨sad boy x broken girl
✨friends to lovers
✨redemption story
✨dual POV
✨protective hero
I didn’t know how Sam could top book 1 but she really said hold my beer! I fell in love with Jake and I was really hoping to see him get a happy ending.
This book is beautiful, emotional, and raw. Jake and Alana both have traumas they’re healing from. Their friendship is so sweet and the way they help each other find joy was so beautiful. Not to mention, the yearning!!! I’m a sucker for yearning and Sam writes it so well!! Alana and Jake just want the best for each other even if it isn’t them being together. I just loved them so much and I don’t think I’ll be over them anytime soon!
I can’t say enough amazing things about this book and if you haven’t started this series, take this as your sign!! It will break your heart but it will be put back together in the most raw and beautiful way!!
Thank you S Grant for the arc!
Releasing 6/15!
Read if you love:
✨sad boy x broken girl
✨friends to lovers
✨redemption story
✨dual POV
✨protective hero
June 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) — ARC Review
I thought the first book was amazing, but The Miles That Made Us completely blew me away! Like COMPLETELY!! Somehow, S. Grant took everything I loved about the first story and made it even better. This book was emotional, captivating, and impossible to put down from beginning to end.
One of the biggest reasons I was excited to pick this up was Jake. (And yes.. He was a young Freddie Prinze Jr in my head!) After everything he went through in the first book, I was so invested in his character and desperately needed to know what happened next. Seeing his story unfold and watching his broken heart slowly find healing was everything I hoped for and more. There’s something so satisfying about seeing a character you’ve grown attached to finally get the love and happiness they’ve been searching for.
S. Grant has such a gift for storytelling. The characters feel real, the emotions feel authentic, and every moment carries weight. I found myself completely immersed in the story, feeling every heartbreak, every hope, and every triumph right alongside the characters. That’s the mark of a truly talented writer.
The romance was beautiful, but what stood out most was the emotional depth. This wasn’t just a love story—it was a story about healing, growth, second chances, and finding your way back to yourself. Those are the kinds of stories that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Honestly, this book needs to be a movie. The emotions, the characters, the atmosphere—it all felt so cinematic while I was reading. I could picture every scene playing out perfectly on screen.
This is easily going on my favorites list. I loved every minute of it, and I already know it’s a story I’ll be thinking about for a long time. Huge thank you to S. Grant for allowing me to read this ARC. What an unforgettable journey. ❤️
I thought the first book was amazing, but The Miles That Made Us completely blew me away! Like COMPLETELY!! Somehow, S. Grant took everything I loved about the first story and made it even better. This book was emotional, captivating, and impossible to put down from beginning to end.
One of the biggest reasons I was excited to pick this up was Jake. (And yes.. He was a young Freddie Prinze Jr in my head!) After everything he went through in the first book, I was so invested in his character and desperately needed to know what happened next. Seeing his story unfold and watching his broken heart slowly find healing was everything I hoped for and more. There’s something so satisfying about seeing a character you’ve grown attached to finally get the love and happiness they’ve been searching for.
S. Grant has such a gift for storytelling. The characters feel real, the emotions feel authentic, and every moment carries weight. I found myself completely immersed in the story, feeling every heartbreak, every hope, and every triumph right alongside the characters. That’s the mark of a truly talented writer.
The romance was beautiful, but what stood out most was the emotional depth. This wasn’t just a love story—it was a story about healing, growth, second chances, and finding your way back to yourself. Those are the kinds of stories that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Honestly, this book needs to be a movie. The emotions, the characters, the atmosphere—it all felt so cinematic while I was reading. I could picture every scene playing out perfectly on screen.
This is easily going on my favorites list. I loved every minute of it, and I already know it’s a story I’ll be thinking about for a long time. Huge thank you to S. Grant for allowing me to read this ARC. What an unforgettable journey. ❤️
June 17, 2026
Um. Hi. Hello. What do you mean this is a debut series? I’m truly in awe. If you like messy, angst filled stories with top tier yearning and tension oh do I have a series for you.
This is a story of redemption and forgiveness. Two broken individuals finding eachother and their journey to healing together. An emotional rollercoaster but you never actually want to get off the ride.
My sweet baby angel Jake getting his HEA was everything I needed and more. Book 1 you’re screaming for E and Syd to be together but also feeling like your heart is being ripped out for Jake. Truly a beautiful execution of everything happens for a reason. Because while E and Syd were destined from the start, Jake and Alana are an absolute perfect match.
Truly begging all of you to give this series a try. I for one have found a new auto buy author and I can’t wait to see what she creates next.
4.5 ⭐️
This is a story of redemption and forgiveness. Two broken individuals finding eachother and their journey to healing together. An emotional rollercoaster but you never actually want to get off the ride.
My sweet baby angel Jake getting his HEA was everything I needed and more. Book 1 you’re screaming for E and Syd to be together but also feeling like your heart is being ripped out for Jake. Truly a beautiful execution of everything happens for a reason. Because while E and Syd were destined from the start, Jake and Alana are an absolute perfect match.
Truly begging all of you to give this series a try. I for one have found a new auto buy author and I can’t wait to see what she creates next.
4.5 ⭐️
June 15, 2026
I have to constantly remind myself this is only S. Grant’s second book and for her to be able to grab and hold your attention like a seasoned vet is a complete wonder. Now we’re back to get Jake’s HEA after he went through it in The Roads That Led To You (but let’s be real, it was always going to be Sydney and E).
Understandably jaded and unattached, he wasn’t prepared for the determination of Alana. While she was trying to avoid a past of her own, she still managed to shake Jake out of the haze he’d been living in. Loved seeing him end up happy with his match and how they both healed each other a bit.
Now I’ll be sat and waiting for the next story S. Grant blesses us with.
Understandably jaded and unattached, he wasn’t prepared for the determination of Alana. While she was trying to avoid a past of her own, she still managed to shake Jake out of the haze he’d been living in. Loved seeing him end up happy with his match and how they both healed each other a bit.
Now I’ll be sat and waiting for the next story S. Grant blesses us with.
June 16, 2026
*Review of an advanced reader copy*
This story was beautifully written. It touched on just how messy life can be. The MCs have their own mess that they need to work through. They think they have to do it all and that they are not worthy of love. The author shows, through her story, that it is okay to need help and ask for it. Trust is scary to give to someone, but that right person will make it worthwhile.
I loved how the chapters were set up like a cassette tape! So unique and genius. I love the MCs and how they find not only each other, but themselves.
This story touched me on a deeper level and I am grateful to have been given the chance to read it.
This story was beautifully written. It touched on just how messy life can be. The MCs have their own mess that they need to work through. They think they have to do it all and that they are not worthy of love. The author shows, through her story, that it is okay to need help and ask for it. Trust is scary to give to someone, but that right person will make it worthwhile.
I loved how the chapters were set up like a cassette tape! So unique and genius. I love the MCs and how they find not only each other, but themselves.
This story touched me on a deeper level and I am grateful to have been given the chance to read it.
April 8, 2026
Jake’s redemption story was everything! The highs and lows, it wasn’t easy for him and there were so many twists and turns that kept me sucked in just waiting for him to get his HEA! I just love his character, a true gentleman, hero complex, protective… he is ALL the things! S. Grant’s writing style truly makes you feel like you are there with the characters and like they are your friends that you just keep rooting for! I’m a big slow burn fan, theres just something about having to fight for a relationship that keeps me sucked in and this book did just that!
**I did read TRTLTY first and while this could be read as a standalone I truly think it was so beneficial to read the first book before beginning this one**
**I did read TRTLTY first and while this could be read as a standalone I truly think it was so beneficial to read the first book before beginning this one**
June 18, 2026
This was an emotional and heartfelt read that pulled me in from the very beginning. Jake and Alana both carry heavy burdens, and watching their relationship slowly develop felt authentic and meaningful. I loved the mix of romance, personal growth, and deeper themes of healing and trust. The chemistry was undeniable, and the emotional moments hit hard. If you enjoy character driven romances with plenty of heart, tension, and all the feels, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Did Not Finish
June 24, 2026I did end up dnf'ing this book due to the heavy use of language just within the first couple of pages and that type just isn't my preference. -however, the pain portrayal of this character was done absolutely amazingly .
Should I ever circle back to this book, I will definitely update this review to reflect my thoughts.
From what I read the writing style was so so good and it was truly so captivating right from the start.
I did receive and arc copy from the author!
Should I ever circle back to this book, I will definitely update this review to reflect my thoughts.
From what I read the writing style was so so good and it was truly so captivating right from the start.
I did receive and arc copy from the author!
June 4, 2026
This book was an absolute masterpiece! I had such high expectations because The Roads That Led to You was so amazing, and this book definitely exceeded them. First of all, it’s so beautifully written without being corny, I took so many amazing quotes from this and could have had MANY more but I got so into the story. I also loved that Alana and Jake both had their own issues but were so forgiving and not toxic/problematic. It’s so easy to connect with S. Grant’s characters…she does a great job of writing them so you really care about them. Also, the yearning and the slow burn??? 10/10 loved every second of it. And it’s a SLOW burn but SO WORTH IT IN THE END, TRUST ME! Honestly, I just loved everything about this book and if you’re a fan of romance, you NEED to add it to your TBR!
June 20, 2026
didn’t love this one as much as the first book in the series but gahhhh i adored jake.
just a little too insta-lovey for me. jake is 100% against love and everything that comes with it but the second he meets the fmc he folds. also hated how alana kept pushing him away like girl please just let him love you!!!
really hoping we get a book for parker and jamie next bc that storyline rlly intrigued me
just a little too insta-lovey for me. jake is 100% against love and everything that comes with it but the second he meets the fmc he folds. also hated how alana kept pushing him away like girl please just let him love you!!!
really hoping we get a book for parker and jamie next bc that storyline rlly intrigued me
June 6, 2026
4.5⭐️
Review of Advanced Copy Received from the Author
The best part about this book is how real it felt. The raw emotion in every page, and you could feel every tug on your heartstrings right alongside the characters. The author's writing is beautiful and incredibly detailed, making it easy to feel like you’re experiencing this with them.
Jake is heartbroken, and Alana is just, broken. They're both carrying heavy burdens and pushing themselves away from the one thing they want more than anything… each other. Watching them navigate their pain and guilt while finding their way back to themselves was so emotional.
This is the second book in the series, and after that ending, I can't wait to see what happens next!
Review of Advanced Copy Received from the Author
The best part about this book is how real it felt. The raw emotion in every page, and you could feel every tug on your heartstrings right alongside the characters. The author's writing is beautiful and incredibly detailed, making it easy to feel like you’re experiencing this with them.
Jake is heartbroken, and Alana is just, broken. They're both carrying heavy burdens and pushing themselves away from the one thing they want more than anything… each other. Watching them navigate their pain and guilt while finding their way back to themselves was so emotional.
This is the second book in the series, and after that ending, I can't wait to see what happens next!
Read
June 16, 2026“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘶𝘱 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 — 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.”
I loved this book so much. The writing is raw. It feels deeply personal. It’s beautiful. I was hooked from the start. When we have descriptions like “chestnut swirls of his hazel eyes” I know I’m going to be a mushy puddle.
“𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧?”
“𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.”
Poor Jake is heartbroken. His heartbreak took him down a road that had a bit more of a curve to it than he had planned. And, let me tell you — Jake had his life planned out. So, when his life shifted in not just one way he’s thrown into a darkness. His road has no street lights to guide him and there’s nowhere to safely turn around. He’s just stuck on it.
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.” 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴 “𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘳𝘭.”
“𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨.”
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵.”
Alana has set a rule for herself: no distractions. Her heart didn’t make it to the meeting with her brain, though. She sees Jake. No, no. Not like that. Her eyes have seen him for a while. She /sees/ Jake and is determined to help him loosen up.
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶? 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘵?”
But can she loosen herself up once she slams that door shut again? Can she overcome her own darkness once Jake catches fire in her eyes?
PS. Can we take a moment to appreciate the Nat King Cole songs as chapter headers? Freakin’ FAB.
Thank you for the advanced copy of this book!
I loved this book so much. The writing is raw. It feels deeply personal. It’s beautiful. I was hooked from the start. When we have descriptions like “chestnut swirls of his hazel eyes” I know I’m going to be a mushy puddle.
“𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧?”
“𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.”
Poor Jake is heartbroken. His heartbreak took him down a road that had a bit more of a curve to it than he had planned. And, let me tell you — Jake had his life planned out. So, when his life shifted in not just one way he’s thrown into a darkness. His road has no street lights to guide him and there’s nowhere to safely turn around. He’s just stuck on it.
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.” 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴 “𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘳𝘭.”
“𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨.”
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵.”
Alana has set a rule for herself: no distractions. Her heart didn’t make it to the meeting with her brain, though. She sees Jake. No, no. Not like that. Her eyes have seen him for a while. She /sees/ Jake and is determined to help him loosen up.
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶? 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘵?”
But can she loosen herself up once she slams that door shut again? Can she overcome her own darkness once Jake catches fire in her eyes?
PS. Can we take a moment to appreciate the Nat King Cole songs as chapter headers? Freakin’ FAB.
Thank you for the advanced copy of this book!
June 16, 2026
This story was beautifully written. I loved Jake and was so happy that he would get his HEA.
You have two broken characters with very different reasons that they feel broken that come together.
Alana, feels broken because of her past with her family and Jake is broken from his past relationship. Such a beautiful story! Broke me and put me back together.
4.5⭐️
You have two broken characters with very different reasons that they feel broken that come together.
Alana, feels broken because of her past with her family and Jake is broken from his past relationship. Such a beautiful story! Broke me and put me back together.
4.5⭐️
June 16, 2026
WOW WOW WOW WOW HOLY FORK BALLS!!
You guys S Grant has the most BEAUTIFUL poetic incredible writing I have ever read in my life. THE WAY SHE WRITES A LOVE STORY?!? Beyond incredible!!
My sweet baby Jake deserves the whole wide world and extra!! And Alana sweet beautiful broken soul who would give her life to anyone who asked😭
This book this so breathtaking and raw!! A must read
Tropes
Sad boy x broken girl
Friends to lovers
Redemption story
Dual POV
Protective hero
Thank you so much Sam for the ARC!! You are incredible!!
You guys S Grant has the most BEAUTIFUL poetic incredible writing I have ever read in my life. THE WAY SHE WRITES A LOVE STORY?!? Beyond incredible!!
My sweet baby Jake deserves the whole wide world and extra!! And Alana sweet beautiful broken soul who would give her life to anyone who asked😭
This book this so breathtaking and raw!! A must read
Tropes
Sad boy x broken girl
Friends to lovers
Redemption story
Dual POV
Protective hero
Thank you so much Sam for the ARC!! You are incredible!!
April 15, 2026
4.5⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm so blessed to have been accepted as an ARC reader for this wonderfully beautiful book. Thank you Sam!
🎵 After reading her debut novel last fall, I knew Sam was a talented author.(Ngl this topped book 1 for me) Not only are her characters compelling, flawed, and REAL but her stories are so much more than romances Her writing is so poetic in a way that fits perfectly with the story and isn't hard to understand. It's raw and honest but the metaphors and descriptions are soooo creative and really help immerse you into the characters minds. I'll use her own quote to describe it:
"Just one, long, unforgiving, twisting, winding road full of turns you never saw coming."
🌦️That's what this book--this love story--was. It was a sad and depressed boy letting the shards of his broken heart rip through him until a girl, like the sun itself, brought him out of his darkness. A girl, who was broken from her last and holding on to a hope she didn't have any right having. A girl who, for all her outward optimism and lover girl nature, didn't believe she'd ever experience it. Not with her baggage.
❤️🩹 But these two people, neither ready and both broken, showed up for each other. They were vulnerable despite their fear and watching the sweet beginnings move between comfort, to avoidance, to pain, to admittance, and to courage was so so beautiful. This book definitely deals with darker themes but they are handled so well.
🎵 Jake, I LOVED him in book 1, and honestly felt so bad for him. I grieved for him because he was so perfect and caring and compassionate. And when those characters got their HEA he was swallowed into the darkness. 🥺 I'm so glad we were able to read his story. A characteristic I adored was his protectiveness. When he fell for Alana, he fell hard and all he wanted was for her to be safe.
🌦️Alana was such a strong character, with secrets and an unsavory past, but so much hope and heart.
❤️🩹 These two characters had so much chemistry from the get-go! Their flirting and just the way they cared for each other and pushed each other a way to avoid what they both knew would come next. But, yeah, I was FLOORED by them and ooohhhhh my gosh I just loved it.
🎵 I giggled, I squealed, I kicked my feet, I gasped, I broke the fourth wall, my heart broke and was out back together. Literally multiple of my notes on kindle are literally just "*that Sabrina Carpenter meme*" you know the one.
🌦️This is the kind of book that wreaks you while you're reading it but leaves you SURPREMELY happy and satisfied in the end. It's crazy how characters can go through so much on what seems like so few pages.
❤️🩹 I will read anything sam writes. Xoxo 🥰
🌶️ PSA for my girlies:
This is an adult book and contains spice. There is one spicy chapter that you can skip and it doesn't affect the plot! There is some buildup tension/physicality in that department throughout the book if that's something you don't want.
I don't read books with spice but I love Sam and this story is so much more than that and it's easily skippable!
🎵 After reading her debut novel last fall, I knew Sam was a talented author.(Ngl this topped book 1 for me) Not only are her characters compelling, flawed, and REAL but her stories are so much more than romances Her writing is so poetic in a way that fits perfectly with the story and isn't hard to understand. It's raw and honest but the metaphors and descriptions are soooo creative and really help immerse you into the characters minds. I'll use her own quote to describe it:
"Just one, long, unforgiving, twisting, winding road full of turns you never saw coming."
🌦️That's what this book--this love story--was. It was a sad and depressed boy letting the shards of his broken heart rip through him until a girl, like the sun itself, brought him out of his darkness. A girl, who was broken from her last and holding on to a hope she didn't have any right having. A girl who, for all her outward optimism and lover girl nature, didn't believe she'd ever experience it. Not with her baggage.
❤️🩹 But these two people, neither ready and both broken, showed up for each other. They were vulnerable despite their fear and watching the sweet beginnings move between comfort, to avoidance, to pain, to admittance, and to courage was so so beautiful. This book definitely deals with darker themes but they are handled so well.
🎵 Jake, I LOVED him in book 1, and honestly felt so bad for him. I grieved for him because he was so perfect and caring and compassionate. And when those characters got their HEA he was swallowed into the darkness. 🥺 I'm so glad we were able to read his story. A characteristic I adored was his protectiveness. When he fell for Alana, he fell hard and all he wanted was for her to be safe.
🌦️Alana was such a strong character, with secrets and an unsavory past, but so much hope and heart.
❤️🩹 These two characters had so much chemistry from the get-go! Their flirting and just the way they cared for each other and pushed each other a way to avoid what they both knew would come next. But, yeah, I was FLOORED by them and ooohhhhh my gosh I just loved it.
🎵 I giggled, I squealed, I kicked my feet, I gasped, I broke the fourth wall, my heart broke and was out back together. Literally multiple of my notes on kindle are literally just "*that Sabrina Carpenter meme*" you know the one.
🌦️This is the kind of book that wreaks you while you're reading it but leaves you SURPREMELY happy and satisfied in the end. It's crazy how characters can go through so much on what seems like so few pages.
❤️🩹 I will read anything sam writes. Xoxo 🥰
🌶️ PSA for my girlies:
This is an adult book and contains spice. There is one spicy chapter that you can skip and it doesn't affect the plot! There is some buildup tension/physicality in that department throughout the book if that's something you don't want.
I don't read books with spice but I love Sam and this story is so much more than that and it's easily skippable!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Everyone’s out here looking for new beginnings, but I’m still choking on an ending I never saw coming.”
“I learned how to never show my need for anyone- because needing people was the fastest way to losing them.”
“The scars we bear aren’t failures. They’re mile markers. The evidence that you went somewhere. That you existed. That you loved hard enough to lose yourself and were brave enough to find your way back.”
“You stepped in to fix what you didn’t break, and I love you so much more for that.”
Thank you so much Samantha Grant for this eARC of The Miles that Made Us! I have so many thoughts to share about this book, starting with how amazing and emotional it was. I finished this book in a day and am not above admitting that I cried multiple times alongside these characters. Grant’s writing style is elegant and she has such a special way with words that this book was both easy and addicting to follow. The character development and mutual healing in this book was beautiful to read, and I fell hard for these main characters. Both were broken in their own ways, and throughout their journey they pulled each other out of these dark places and showed that light exists outside the darkness. Having dual POV’s was so vital in telling this story and hearing about their individual experiences in their own words, I was obsessed with the plot and characters. My heart was shattered, pieced back together, and broken all over again many times throughout this story, and the amount of tears is what told me that this was an amazing book. I am in awe at how beautifully well this was written, and so grateful for the opportunity to read this book. I absolutely adored Jake and Alana’s relationship, and their witty banter but also emotional moments made them such a strong couple. I connected instantly with this book because of how well these characters were written, and if you love emotional romance books that will leave you absolutely wrecked, please do not hesitate to pick this one up. Having read this one before The Roads that Led to You, it makes me absolutely terrified for the heartbreak I will experience knowing how Jake’s story ended, but I’m so excited to pick it up. Samantha Grant is a new contemporary romance favorite author, and I’m so excited to see what books she has in store for the future!
The Miles that Made Us releases June 15th 2026, so please get ready to add this to your TBR and come along for the ride.
Thank you again Samantha for this eARC and sharing this beautiful story with the world. I hope you know what a talented, gifted writer you are, and I know you will continue to do great things.
“I learned how to never show my need for anyone- because needing people was the fastest way to losing them.”
“The scars we bear aren’t failures. They’re mile markers. The evidence that you went somewhere. That you existed. That you loved hard enough to lose yourself and were brave enough to find your way back.”
“You stepped in to fix what you didn’t break, and I love you so much more for that.”
Thank you so much Samantha Grant for this eARC of The Miles that Made Us! I have so many thoughts to share about this book, starting with how amazing and emotional it was. I finished this book in a day and am not above admitting that I cried multiple times alongside these characters. Grant’s writing style is elegant and she has such a special way with words that this book was both easy and addicting to follow. The character development and mutual healing in this book was beautiful to read, and I fell hard for these main characters. Both were broken in their own ways, and throughout their journey they pulled each other out of these dark places and showed that light exists outside the darkness. Having dual POV’s was so vital in telling this story and hearing about their individual experiences in their own words, I was obsessed with the plot and characters. My heart was shattered, pieced back together, and broken all over again many times throughout this story, and the amount of tears is what told me that this was an amazing book. I am in awe at how beautifully well this was written, and so grateful for the opportunity to read this book. I absolutely adored Jake and Alana’s relationship, and their witty banter but also emotional moments made them such a strong couple. I connected instantly with this book because of how well these characters were written, and if you love emotional romance books that will leave you absolutely wrecked, please do not hesitate to pick this one up. Having read this one before The Roads that Led to You, it makes me absolutely terrified for the heartbreak I will experience knowing how Jake’s story ended, but I’m so excited to pick it up. Samantha Grant is a new contemporary romance favorite author, and I’m so excited to see what books she has in store for the future!
The Miles that Made Us releases June 15th 2026, so please get ready to add this to your TBR and come along for the ride.
Thank you again Samantha for this eARC and sharing this beautiful story with the world. I hope you know what a talented, gifted writer you are, and I know you will continue to do great things.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so excited to read Jakes story. What happened to him in the first book needed a happy ending.
He got one, but it took a long road of figuring things out.
This book hooked me from the start about how much pain Jake is in and how jaded he is on love. It shows you how much growth he had during the entire story.
Jake is in the depression of losing a loved one not through death but from them leaving.
He hates the world, he just wants to get his class done and move on. But fate doesn't want him to just move on. It wants him to live.
Enter Alana. Sunshine in human form that also has shadows in her eyes.
She sees the pain that Jake is in and wants to help him overcome it.
She didn't mean to fall in love with him, and she thinks that telling him to let her go will be the best thing for him. It's not. Leaving the one you love is never easy.
Alana had a rough childhood - they both did! But she is still living the consequences of hers. Guilt will do that. She thinks it up to her to take care of her family.
When her brother shows up for her and lets her know she can chase her happiness I was saying Finally!!!! I didn't think what she did to Jake was warranted. She took his choice from him. Told him this is how things will be. Jake being the standup guy that he is listened to what she told him and stayed away.
I love how she owned her mistakes and her mental dilemma's and told Jake he will have to be patient with her. I know they will have a rocky road but I also know Jake won't let her walk away again. Now that he knows she wants him and came back there is no way he will let her talk her way out of staying.
I really hope Parker gets a story. He needs a redemption story where his past is wiped clean and the real bad guy is punished farther.
He got one, but it took a long road of figuring things out.
This book hooked me from the start about how much pain Jake is in and how jaded he is on love. It shows you how much growth he had during the entire story.
Jake is in the depression of losing a loved one not through death but from them leaving.
He hates the world, he just wants to get his class done and move on. But fate doesn't want him to just move on. It wants him to live.
Enter Alana. Sunshine in human form that also has shadows in her eyes.
She sees the pain that Jake is in and wants to help him overcome it.
She didn't mean to fall in love with him, and she thinks that telling him to let her go will be the best thing for him. It's not. Leaving the one you love is never easy.
Alana had a rough childhood - they both did! But she is still living the consequences of hers. Guilt will do that. She thinks it up to her to take care of her family.
When her brother shows up for her and lets her know she can chase her happiness I was saying Finally!!!! I didn't think what she did to Jake was warranted. She took his choice from him. Told him this is how things will be. Jake being the standup guy that he is listened to what she told him and stayed away.
I love how she owned her mistakes and her mental dilemma's and told Jake he will have to be patient with her. I know they will have a rocky road but I also know Jake won't let her walk away again. Now that he knows she wants him and came back there is no way he will let her talk her way out of staying.
I really hope Parker gets a story. He needs a redemption story where his past is wiped clean and the real bad guy is punished farther.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I read The Roads That Led to You last year, I was completely hooked and honestly shocked that it was her debut. Her writing is incredibly beautiful and immersive, and the emotion just pours off every page. She has this way of making you feel everything so deeply, and somehow the emotional damage feels so good in the best way!
In the first book, Jake was my favorite, and my heart absolutely broke for him after everything that happened. He is such a sweet soul and truly did not deserve all that pain. So when I found out that The Miles That Made Us was going to follow his story, I was beyond excited. His heartbreak and the way he carries that hurt felt so real to me. It reflects that experience of losing pieces of yourself when you give everything to someone else. It hit close to home in a way that made this story even more meaningful.
But what made this journey so special was seeing that small spark of hope begin to grow when he met Alana. The tension, the yearning, and the push and pull between them was so emotionally satisfying. My heart was being pulled in every direction because of these two. Watching them slowly become exactly what the other needed was such a beautiful experience. Their growth felt natural and deeply earned, and it was inspiring to see them find their way not only to each other but also to themselves.
I think what made this book affect me so deeply is that I saw parts of myself in both Jake and Alana. That connection made every moment hit harder, every setback feel heavier, and every bit of healing feel so rewarding. This story will stay with me for a very long time.
Sam, this book came into my life at exactly the right time, and I will always be blown away by your writing. You have such a gift for storytelling, and I cannot wait to see what you create next!!
In the first book, Jake was my favorite, and my heart absolutely broke for him after everything that happened. He is such a sweet soul and truly did not deserve all that pain. So when I found out that The Miles That Made Us was going to follow his story, I was beyond excited. His heartbreak and the way he carries that hurt felt so real to me. It reflects that experience of losing pieces of yourself when you give everything to someone else. It hit close to home in a way that made this story even more meaningful.
But what made this journey so special was seeing that small spark of hope begin to grow when he met Alana. The tension, the yearning, and the push and pull between them was so emotionally satisfying. My heart was being pulled in every direction because of these two. Watching them slowly become exactly what the other needed was such a beautiful experience. Their growth felt natural and deeply earned, and it was inspiring to see them find their way not only to each other but also to themselves.
I think what made this book affect me so deeply is that I saw parts of myself in both Jake and Alana. That connection made every moment hit harder, every setback feel heavier, and every bit of healing feel so rewarding. This story will stay with me for a very long time.
Sam, this book came into my life at exactly the right time, and I will always be blown away by your writing. You have such a gift for storytelling, and I cannot wait to see what you create next!!
May 28, 2026
🛣️ 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓜𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓼 𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓜𝓪𝓭𝓮 𝓤𝓼 🛣️
✍🏼 @sgrantauthor
🗓️ 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝟬𝟲.𝟭𝟱.𝟮𝟲
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙛𝙚. 𝙄𝙩 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙩. 𝙄𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙚𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙨. 𝙄𝙩 𝙖𝙨𝙠𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙡𝙡 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙤𝙪𝙨.”
AHHHHHH! JAKE’S REDEMPTION STORY!
Okay, let’s go…
Let me start by saying I read BOTH books in this series in less than 24 hours. That’s how freaking good they are. Sam just has such a beautiful way with words and storytelling, and I’m honestly flabbergasted that this is only her second book! ALL the angst! ALL the emotions! I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough, and now I’m sad it’s over…
“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚.”
After the ending of book one, my heart just BROKE for Jake. He is seriously top-tier boyfriend material. Alana enters the picture, and even though she’s fighting her own demons, she ends up being the perfect balance for him. Watching the two of them slowly find healing in each other absolutely got me in the most gut-wrenching and heartwarming way. It wasn’t easy or perfect, but they found a way through it together…HARD fought HEA!
“𝙃𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙨 𝙪𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩. 𝙋𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚.”
This will be one I recommend to everyone and will be talking about often. Forever fan of Sam’s work and will read anything and everything she writes in the future.
Thank you so much to @sgrantauthor for the opportunity to ARC read this! I’m so happy I’ve found my way to you. Did we just become best friends!? *insert Stepbrothers gif*
*𝘼𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙄 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚.
🍃 ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀꜱ
🍃 ʀᴇᴅᴇᴍᴘᴛɪᴏɴ ꜱᴛᴏʀʏ
🍃 ꜱᴀᴅ ʙᴏʏ x ʙʀᴏᴋᴇɴ ɢɪʀʟ
🍃 ᴘʀᴏᴛᴇᴄᴛɪᴠᴇ ʜᴇʀᴏ
🍃 ᴛʀᴀᴜᴍᴀ/ʜᴇᴀʟɪɴɢ
🍃 ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ
✍🏼 @sgrantauthor
🗓️ 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝟬𝟲.𝟭𝟱.𝟮𝟲
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙛𝙚. 𝙄𝙩 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙩. 𝙄𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙚𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙨. 𝙄𝙩 𝙖𝙨𝙠𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙡𝙡 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙤𝙪𝙨.”
AHHHHHH! JAKE’S REDEMPTION STORY!
Okay, let’s go…
Let me start by saying I read BOTH books in this series in less than 24 hours. That’s how freaking good they are. Sam just has such a beautiful way with words and storytelling, and I’m honestly flabbergasted that this is only her second book! ALL the angst! ALL the emotions! I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough, and now I’m sad it’s over…
“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚.”
After the ending of book one, my heart just BROKE for Jake. He is seriously top-tier boyfriend material. Alana enters the picture, and even though she’s fighting her own demons, she ends up being the perfect balance for him. Watching the two of them slowly find healing in each other absolutely got me in the most gut-wrenching and heartwarming way. It wasn’t easy or perfect, but they found a way through it together…HARD fought HEA!
“𝙃𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙨 𝙪𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩. 𝙋𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚.”
This will be one I recommend to everyone and will be talking about often. Forever fan of Sam’s work and will read anything and everything she writes in the future.
Thank you so much to @sgrantauthor for the opportunity to ARC read this! I’m so happy I’ve found my way to you. Did we just become best friends!? *insert Stepbrothers gif*
*𝘼𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙄 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚.
🍃 ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀꜱ
🍃 ʀᴇᴅᴇᴍᴘᴛɪᴏɴ ꜱᴛᴏʀʏ
🍃 ꜱᴀᴅ ʙᴏʏ x ʙʀᴏᴋᴇɴ ɢɪʀʟ
🍃 ᴘʀᴏᴛᴇᴄᴛɪᴠᴇ ʜᴇʀᴏ
🍃 ᴛʀᴀᴜᴍᴀ/ʜᴇᴀʟɪɴɢ
🍃 ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ
Review of advance copy received from Author
🤍✨
“Love takes, yes, but it also gives. It gives moments so bright they burn themselves into your memory forever, branding themselves onto your soul. A hand reaching for yours in the night. A voice that grounds you. A feeling so big it rewrites your definition of life and everything in it.”
"The scars we bear aren't failures. They're mile markers. The evidence that you went somewhere. That you existed. That you loved hard enough to lose yourself and were brave enough to find your way back."
The Roads That Led to You is already one of my favorite reads of the year, so when I heard Jake was getting a book I was SOOO excited. I love S. Grant’s writing, making you feel emotionally attached to her beautiful stories and the characters within them. I loved Jake and Alana so so much 🥹
Jake had his heart broken in book one, I couldn’t help but root for Syd and E though. I’m glad we now have Jake’s redemption story in our hands, my heart broke for him and he deserved his happy ending. Jake and Alana are two broken people fighting their demons, forming a beautiful friendship. Breaking down each other’s walls, finding healing and much more.
Just like the first book, this felt like a movie was playing out in my head. This was a rollercoaster of emotions in the best way, their healing journey is vulnerable and messy but beautifully written. Alana was a broken girl, trying to find her way in a world that seemed out to get her. Jake the sad boy who was hurt in his past relationship, coming off as a jerk but really he’s trying to protect his heart. These two were meant to be but scared to let anyone fully in, the push and pull that lead to a beautiful HEA.
Thank you to S. Grant for the ARC!
“Love takes, yes, but it also gives. It gives moments so bright they burn themselves into your memory forever, branding themselves onto your soul. A hand reaching for yours in the night. A voice that grounds you. A feeling so big it rewrites your definition of life and everything in it.”
"The scars we bear aren't failures. They're mile markers. The evidence that you went somewhere. That you existed. That you loved hard enough to lose yourself and were brave enough to find your way back."
The Roads That Led to You is already one of my favorite reads of the year, so when I heard Jake was getting a book I was SOOO excited. I love S. Grant’s writing, making you feel emotionally attached to her beautiful stories and the characters within them. I loved Jake and Alana so so much 🥹
Jake had his heart broken in book one, I couldn’t help but root for Syd and E though. I’m glad we now have Jake’s redemption story in our hands, my heart broke for him and he deserved his happy ending. Jake and Alana are two broken people fighting their demons, forming a beautiful friendship. Breaking down each other’s walls, finding healing and much more.
Just like the first book, this felt like a movie was playing out in my head. This was a rollercoaster of emotions in the best way, their healing journey is vulnerable and messy but beautifully written. Alana was a broken girl, trying to find her way in a world that seemed out to get her. Jake the sad boy who was hurt in his past relationship, coming off as a jerk but really he’s trying to protect his heart. These two were meant to be but scared to let anyone fully in, the push and pull that lead to a beautiful HEA.
Thank you to S. Grant for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the honors to ARC read S.Grant her Second book and I absolutly loved it!
•
Jake is in a bad place for months, feeling alone and heartbroken, then he meets Alana and she pulls him out of the darkness and they become friends.
Along the way they get closer and closer until the lines blurr, only Alana has her past too, and that past keeps following her to drag her down, and she doesn't want Jake to go down with her.
•
Dare I say, I loved this second book even a little bit more than the first book!
Friends to Lovers is a favorite trope of mine for a reason, but then it has to work as well, but I can say S. Grant made it work so good!
They both needed someone to safe them in a way, both looking for the light, and they become so much more than friends even though they don't know it yet.. the yearning, the slowburn (yes even in a shorter book there can be a good slowburn!) The moment they give in, it was written perfectly and so poetic. I highlighted so many quotes and parts of the story, and re-read the epilogue multiple times because I felt connected to it and I think everyone will in his own way.
𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒕𝒆 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕, 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓.
Jake needed his happily ever after, after reading *The Roads That Lead To You* I think we can all agree to that, and Alana needed that too.
So if you're looking for a series with 2 short standalones (advised to read in order) with friends to lovers, angst, slowburn and lots of beautiful written LOVE. This is for you!
•
Jake is in a bad place for months, feeling alone and heartbroken, then he meets Alana and she pulls him out of the darkness and they become friends.
Along the way they get closer and closer until the lines blurr, only Alana has her past too, and that past keeps following her to drag her down, and she doesn't want Jake to go down with her.
•
Dare I say, I loved this second book even a little bit more than the first book!
Friends to Lovers is a favorite trope of mine for a reason, but then it has to work as well, but I can say S. Grant made it work so good!
They both needed someone to safe them in a way, both looking for the light, and they become so much more than friends even though they don't know it yet.. the yearning, the slowburn (yes even in a shorter book there can be a good slowburn!) The moment they give in, it was written perfectly and so poetic. I highlighted so many quotes and parts of the story, and re-read the epilogue multiple times because I felt connected to it and I think everyone will in his own way.
𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒕𝒆 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕, 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓.
Jake needed his happily ever after, after reading *The Roads That Lead To You* I think we can all agree to that, and Alana needed that too.
So if you're looking for a series with 2 short standalones (advised to read in order) with friends to lovers, angst, slowburn and lots of beautiful written LOVE. This is for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book didn’t just hit… it wrecked me like a taco so good you sit there in silence after the last bite trying to process your life choices 🌮😩
Jake and Alana? Yeah… they’re not a simple love story. They’re the kind that crawls under your ribs, sets up a taco stand, and starts serving you feelings you didn’t order.
Jake is walking heartbreak—like a storm wrapped in a tortilla—and watching him slowly thaw?? Painfully delicious. And Alana? Strong, guarded, and layered like the perfect taco—soft, spicy, and hiding a whole lot beneath the surface.
Their connection builds so naturally it’s like slow-cooked carne asada—takes time, but when it hits?? IT HITS. Every glance, every moment, every “oh no I care” had me clutching my emotional margarita.
And when things collide??
Not a gentle crunch.
A full-on overstuffed taco explosion 🌮💥
The tension? Seasoned.
The angst? Marinated.
The love? Messy, real, and absolutely worth the emotional calories.
✨ 6 stars (six tacos, actually)
✨ Emotional damage: extra spicy
✨ Would I consume again? Immediately. No hesitation.
If you love:
🌮 broken boy meets strong girl
🌮 slow burn that simmers perfectly
🌮 protective, slightly feral energy
🌮 and love that feels like both comfort food and chaos
…this one is going to ruin you in the best way.
I didn’t just read this book.
I devoured it. 🌮
Jake and Alana? Yeah… they’re not a simple love story. They’re the kind that crawls under your ribs, sets up a taco stand, and starts serving you feelings you didn’t order.
Jake is walking heartbreak—like a storm wrapped in a tortilla—and watching him slowly thaw?? Painfully delicious. And Alana? Strong, guarded, and layered like the perfect taco—soft, spicy, and hiding a whole lot beneath the surface.
Their connection builds so naturally it’s like slow-cooked carne asada—takes time, but when it hits?? IT HITS. Every glance, every moment, every “oh no I care” had me clutching my emotional margarita.
And when things collide??
Not a gentle crunch.
A full-on overstuffed taco explosion 🌮💥
The tension? Seasoned.
The angst? Marinated.
The love? Messy, real, and absolutely worth the emotional calories.
✨ 6 stars (six tacos, actually)
✨ Emotional damage: extra spicy
✨ Would I consume again? Immediately. No hesitation.
If you love:
🌮 broken boy meets strong girl
🌮 slow burn that simmers perfectly
🌮 protective, slightly feral energy
🌮 and love that feels like both comfort food and chaos
…this one is going to ruin you in the best way.
I didn’t just read this book.
I devoured it. 🌮
Review of advance copy received from Author
Did I finish this book or did the book finish me!!! I was left speechless by the end. I felt like I was on the worlds largest rollercoaster that was filled with twists and turns and had done a marathon by the end. The way that Sam captured my heart at the prologue, was absolute chef's kiss! Jake is absolutely shattered and finds himself into the deepest pits of darkness and doesn't have any desire to find his way out. The way that Jake describes how he feels from his heartbreak was gut wrenching. To watch him close himself off to potential love because he couldn't believe he could ever trust it again, was so tragic. Alana is focused on one thing, making it to graduation. There's no room for distractions. I loved Jake and Alana's relationship. She is the sunshine and light that Jake finds solace in. Both have tragedy that threatens to pull them under but seeing them overcome their trauma both individually and as a couple was so beautifully written. Sam, is one of the most brilliant authors I've found. She takes you on one heck of an emotional ride, but it is so worth it! Goodreads only lets me give 5 stars but this is actually an infinity star read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review
“I told you rain was romantic.”
I truly don’t know if I’ll be able to put into words what the book made me feel. It was so beautiful and frustrating at the same time. The push and pull between them was honestly so real. Alana showing up for Jake in the beginning when he was feeling lost and beginning a new chapter in life and then Jake fighting for Alana to know how much she means to him and what he’d do for her even if they’re not together was incredible. They both deserved to feel 100% mutually loved by the other even through the ups and downs.
I’m not usually into books that have this slow of a burn, but the way Sam wrote these characters I couldn’t not keep reading and making sure they got their happy ending. And honestly the foundation these two were making was so engaging to read I never got bored along the way.
Thank you for the ARC, it was a pleasure to read!
“I told you rain was romantic.”
I truly don’t know if I’ll be able to put into words what the book made me feel. It was so beautiful and frustrating at the same time. The push and pull between them was honestly so real. Alana showing up for Jake in the beginning when he was feeling lost and beginning a new chapter in life and then Jake fighting for Alana to know how much she means to him and what he’d do for her even if they’re not together was incredible. They both deserved to feel 100% mutually loved by the other even through the ups and downs.
I’m not usually into books that have this slow of a burn, but the way Sam wrote these characters I couldn’t not keep reading and making sure they got their happy ending. And honestly the foundation these two were making was so engaging to read I never got bored along the way.
Thank you for the ARC, it was a pleasure to read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Miles that Made Us by S. Grant 🤎
Absolutely incredible.
This story is beautiful, heartbreaking, full of angst, yearning and I loved every single second of it.
Two sad and broken individuals who find eachother when they least expect it. Jake and Alana form a beautiful friendship that is filled with ups and downs, heartache and healing. They help mend the scars and bruises that their past has shaped them with. I was truly rooting for the two of them the entire time.
I am so happy that sweet baby, Jake got his redemption story. Sam’s writing is one of a kind and I will continue to be impressed with her storytelling and ability to rip your heart out in the best way.
What to expect:
Sad boy x broken girl
Friends to lovers
Redemption story
Dual POV
Protective hero
Thank you so much Sam for the arc!
Absolutely incredible.
This story is beautiful, heartbreaking, full of angst, yearning and I loved every single second of it.
Two sad and broken individuals who find eachother when they least expect it. Jake and Alana form a beautiful friendship that is filled with ups and downs, heartache and healing. They help mend the scars and bruises that their past has shaped them with. I was truly rooting for the two of them the entire time.
I am so happy that sweet baby, Jake got his redemption story. Sam’s writing is one of a kind and I will continue to be impressed with her storytelling and ability to rip your heart out in the best way.
What to expect:
Sad boy x broken girl
Friends to lovers
Redemption story
Dual POV
Protective hero
Thank you so much Sam for the arc!
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