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The Distance Between Us
Cameron Hayes used to be ready for forever. But a year after a plane crash that took his fiancé’s life, the New York City-based flight attendant is still lost in the wreckage of his grief. Every memory is a ghost, and moving on feels impossible, until a chance encounter begins to shift everything...
Greggory Harwell appears to have it all. He’s the heir to a global real estate empire, and his life is defined by wealth, society, and expectation. But beneath the polished surface, Gregg is hiding a truth that could unravel everything, and longs for a life that’s his own...
When their worlds collide — literally — a fleeting connection quickly deepens into something undeniable. But love rarely comes easy… Cameron fears opening his heart again, while Gregg must decide if he’s ready to risk everything for the life and love he deserves.
Set on a global stage from New York to London, San Francisco to Scotland, the two men must confront their pasts and discover whether love can truly close the distance between them.
The Distance Between Us is an emotional contemporary romance about grief, healing, and the courage to choose love again.
Greggory Harwell appears to have it all. He’s the heir to a global real estate empire, and his life is defined by wealth, society, and expectation. But beneath the polished surface, Gregg is hiding a truth that could unravel everything, and longs for a life that’s his own...
When their worlds collide — literally — a fleeting connection quickly deepens into something undeniable. But love rarely comes easy… Cameron fears opening his heart again, while Gregg must decide if he’s ready to risk everything for the life and love he deserves.
Set on a global stage from New York to London, San Francisco to Scotland, the two men must confront their pasts and discover whether love can truly close the distance between them.
The Distance Between Us is an emotional contemporary romance about grief, healing, and the courage to choose love again.
386 pages, Paperback
Published June 9, 2026
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June 16, 2026
Ok but why was this so close to perfect?
I loved the premise, the characters back stories, their growth, the third act split. Everything!!
My one personal downside was not enough spice BUT that's because I like the graphic stuff.
I loved the premise, the characters back stories, their growth, the third act split. Everything!!
My one personal downside was not enough spice BUT that's because I like the graphic stuff.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to Love Notes PR for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
It is always such an honour to read someone’s debut novel and James Howard’s is no different. The Distance Between Us is a gut punch. It’s an emotional rollercoaster. It is tragic and romantic, fearful and sexy. These characters really go through it.
I did not expect The Distance Between Us is to be the story it was. I expected a meet cute, a long distance love affair, lots of yearning. I assumed there may be some exotic locations, and lots of hotel rendezvouses. If you’re looking for a happy, easy read, this book may not be for you. If you are okay to sit in hurt and anger and grief for a while to get to the romance, this book may be for you. I implore you all to check trigger warnings and also read James’ authors note before proceeding with this story.
As a queer romance, many authors feel a duty not to shy away from real, lived experiences while also not basking in trauma. This book compromises to produce a story that is both sweet and sad. Cam and Gregg’s lives and their sexualities are completely different, and we get to see this paved out through their individual arcs.
Cameron’s journey is full of tragedy and grief. The book starts with a devastating loss (I will warn you, if you’re afraid of flying, you may want to skip the prologue. The rest of the book will still make sense if you don’t read it) and we witness Cam navigating his grief, or rather staying stuck within it. Meeting Gregg allows him to branch out and begin experiencing the world again through fresh eyes, not just a lens of grief and depression. Cam’s story is less about his sexuality and more about just awful things happening because the world is cruel sometimes. It’s heartbreaking because he experiences devastating loss and is hurt multiple times over, but his trauma does not stem from being queer.
Gregg’s story is more typically reflective of the tragic queer stories we are used to. He has been raised his entire life to fit in a mold. His family have tried to shape him to fit the image they want to portray to the world: the money, the business, the wife. It’s not what he wants, and no amount of pressure can make him forget who he really is. In living up to these impossible standards to a certain degree while also needing to calculate how he can avoid them, Gregg finds himself in a routine filled with work and no opportunities to settle down. He can meet someone for a night, but they’re never able to give him more and he doesn’t know if he’d even be able to accept it if they could. Gregg’s story is heartbreaking in how realistic it is. I dream of a world in which everybody is free to be themselves and love who they love, but we aren’t there yet.
Gregg is a complete juxtaposition at times. In so many ways, he is confident and sure of himself, particularly in how he pursues Cam. Yet, in others, he is terrified of straying from the box he was placed in by his family and society, and is not at all sure about himself, Cam or his future.
Something I really liked about this book is that, though Cam and Gregg both have devastating backstories, they also each have a village. Their best friends are their lifeline, and they also both have positive relationships (though very different) with their mothers. They have hobbies and careers they enjoy, and eventually they have each other. Their lives are filled with so much joy, even among the sadness and hurt.
The Distance Between Us had me sobbing from the prologue, and continuously throughout the book. It is utterly tragic, yet the characters are compelling enough to keep you reading. At times, Cam and Gregg’s relationship felt a little too rushed for me to fully embrace their feelings so soon but what really sold me on them and also this book as a whole was the friendships. Before anything, Cam and Gregg were friends but they also have wonderful friends in Riley and Julian who I’d be host to read hundreds more pages about. The support these characters give each other is perfect. Tough love is given when it’s needed, reassurance when it’s not. We all need friends like that.
I’d have loved to have spent some more time with Cam’s mum. She seems like a gem, and I think it would have been interesting to see more of their dynamic.
I’d also have loved some closure and/or justice from Cameron’s . HOWEVER, it’s completely realistic that we don’t get that. Do I know anybody who’s had justice? No. Still, that could have made our happy ending even happier! I just want bad things to happen to bad people in fictional settings. This book wasn’t written to heal us from that, but I’d very much enjoy some consequences.
As a Brit, it was interesting reading Gregg’s chapters and how we are perceived. There were a couple of Gregg’s Britishisms that didn’t feel overly realistic or felt more like a perception of Britain rather than a reflection but, largely, I think the UK was portrayed well. The locations in this book are protagonists in their own right, so it was nice to spend so much time in different places and seeing them through Cam’s eyes as an American.
The Distance Between Us is a triumph as a debut novel. It’s easy to think James Howard has been publishing for years. He captures his readers’ hearts from the first page and, yes, puts them through the wringer but, also, pulls them out and wraps them in cotton wool with a little hug. There is some comfort amongst the sad and, through it all, love prevails.
It is always such an honour to read someone’s debut novel and James Howard’s is no different. The Distance Between Us is a gut punch. It’s an emotional rollercoaster. It is tragic and romantic, fearful and sexy. These characters really go through it.
I did not expect The Distance Between Us is to be the story it was. I expected a meet cute, a long distance love affair, lots of yearning. I assumed there may be some exotic locations, and lots of hotel rendezvouses. If you’re looking for a happy, easy read, this book may not be for you. If you are okay to sit in hurt and anger and grief for a while to get to the romance, this book may be for you. I implore you all to check trigger warnings and also read James’ authors note before proceeding with this story.
As a queer romance, many authors feel a duty not to shy away from real, lived experiences while also not basking in trauma. This book compromises to produce a story that is both sweet and sad. Cam and Gregg’s lives and their sexualities are completely different, and we get to see this paved out through their individual arcs.
Cameron’s journey is full of tragedy and grief. The book starts with a devastating loss (I will warn you, if you’re afraid of flying, you may want to skip the prologue. The rest of the book will still make sense if you don’t read it) and we witness Cam navigating his grief, or rather staying stuck within it. Meeting Gregg allows him to branch out and begin experiencing the world again through fresh eyes, not just a lens of grief and depression. Cam’s story is less about his sexuality and more about just awful things happening because the world is cruel sometimes. It’s heartbreaking because he experiences devastating loss and is hurt multiple times over, but his trauma does not stem from being queer.
Gregg’s story is more typically reflective of the tragic queer stories we are used to. He has been raised his entire life to fit in a mold. His family have tried to shape him to fit the image they want to portray to the world: the money, the business, the wife. It’s not what he wants, and no amount of pressure can make him forget who he really is. In living up to these impossible standards to a certain degree while also needing to calculate how he can avoid them, Gregg finds himself in a routine filled with work and no opportunities to settle down. He can meet someone for a night, but they’re never able to give him more and he doesn’t know if he’d even be able to accept it if they could. Gregg’s story is heartbreaking in how realistic it is. I dream of a world in which everybody is free to be themselves and love who they love, but we aren’t there yet.
Gregg is a complete juxtaposition at times. In so many ways, he is confident and sure of himself, particularly in how he pursues Cam. Yet, in others, he is terrified of straying from the box he was placed in by his family and society, and is not at all sure about himself, Cam or his future.
Something I really liked about this book is that, though Cam and Gregg both have devastating backstories, they also each have a village. Their best friends are their lifeline, and they also both have positive relationships (though very different) with their mothers. They have hobbies and careers they enjoy, and eventually they have each other. Their lives are filled with so much joy, even among the sadness and hurt.
The Distance Between Us had me sobbing from the prologue, and continuously throughout the book. It is utterly tragic, yet the characters are compelling enough to keep you reading. At times, Cam and Gregg’s relationship felt a little too rushed for me to fully embrace their feelings so soon but what really sold me on them and also this book as a whole was the friendships. Before anything, Cam and Gregg were friends but they also have wonderful friends in Riley and Julian who I’d be host to read hundreds more pages about. The support these characters give each other is perfect. Tough love is given when it’s needed, reassurance when it’s not. We all need friends like that.
I’d have loved to have spent some more time with Cam’s mum. She seems like a gem, and I think it would have been interesting to see more of their dynamic.
I’d also have loved some closure and/or justice from Cameron’s . HOWEVER, it’s completely realistic that we don’t get that. Do I know anybody who’s had justice? No. Still, that could have made our happy ending even happier! I just want bad things to happen to bad people in fictional settings. This book wasn’t written to heal us from that, but I’d very much enjoy some consequences.
As a Brit, it was interesting reading Gregg’s chapters and how we are perceived. There were a couple of Gregg’s Britishisms that didn’t feel overly realistic or felt more like a perception of Britain rather than a reflection but, largely, I think the UK was portrayed well. The locations in this book are protagonists in their own right, so it was nice to spend so much time in different places and seeing them through Cam’s eyes as an American.
The Distance Between Us is a triumph as a debut novel. It’s easy to think James Howard has been publishing for years. He captures his readers’ hearts from the first page and, yes, puts them through the wringer but, also, pulls them out and wraps them in cotton wool with a little hug. There is some comfort amongst the sad and, through it all, love prevails.
Review of advance copy
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
The Distance Between Us is a heartfelt contemporary romance that explores love after loss, healing from grief, and finding the courage to embrace who we truly are.
A year after losing his fiancé in a tragic plane crash, Cameron is still struggling to move forward. Gregg, meanwhile, appears to have the perfect life on the surface, but beneath the wealth and expectations of his family lies a man who has never truly been free to be himself. Despite coming from completely different worlds, Cameron and Gregg form an unexpected connection that slowly grows into something meaningful.
I really enjoyed their relationship. Their romance develops through chance encounters, long-distance conversations, and making the most of the time they have together. Cameron and Gregg are almost opposites in many ways, yet they complement each other surprisingly well. I loved watching them not only learn about each other's lives and experiences, but also discover new things about themselves through the other's perspective.
While the romance is at the heart of the story, there are plenty of heavier themes woven throughout. Cameron's grief is a constant presence, and the author does a good job of showing both the pain of loss and the gradual process of healing. Gregg's journey is equally compelling, as he struggles with family expectations, his fear of coming out, and the difficult choice between living the life others want for him and pursuing the life he truly desires.
While I loved the emotional core of the story, I did find myself wishing for a bit more exploration of some of the major events that occur later in the book. Certain storylines felt like they were resolved rather quickly, and I would have liked to spend more time with the characters as they processed the emotional fallout.
That said, these issues never lessened my investment in Cameron and Gregg's journey. I was completely drawn into their story from beginning to end, rooting for them through every setback and triumph. Their relationship felt genuine, their growth felt earned, and I loved watching them find both love and a better understanding of themselves along the way.
Overall, The Distance Between Us is a heartfelt, emotional debut that tackles grief, healing, self-acceptance, and second chances with warmth and sincerity. It may not be perfect, but it was exactly the kind of story that kept me turning pages and thinking about the characters long after I finished. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for what James Howard writes next.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
The Distance Between Us is a heartfelt contemporary romance that explores love after loss, healing from grief, and finding the courage to embrace who we truly are.
A year after losing his fiancé in a tragic plane crash, Cameron is still struggling to move forward. Gregg, meanwhile, appears to have the perfect life on the surface, but beneath the wealth and expectations of his family lies a man who has never truly been free to be himself. Despite coming from completely different worlds, Cameron and Gregg form an unexpected connection that slowly grows into something meaningful.
I really enjoyed their relationship. Their romance develops through chance encounters, long-distance conversations, and making the most of the time they have together. Cameron and Gregg are almost opposites in many ways, yet they complement each other surprisingly well. I loved watching them not only learn about each other's lives and experiences, but also discover new things about themselves through the other's perspective.
While the romance is at the heart of the story, there are plenty of heavier themes woven throughout. Cameron's grief is a constant presence, and the author does a good job of showing both the pain of loss and the gradual process of healing. Gregg's journey is equally compelling, as he struggles with family expectations, his fear of coming out, and the difficult choice between living the life others want for him and pursuing the life he truly desires.
While I loved the emotional core of the story, I did find myself wishing for a bit more exploration of some of the major events that occur later in the book. Certain storylines felt like they were resolved rather quickly, and I would have liked to spend more time with the characters as they processed the emotional fallout.
That said, these issues never lessened my investment in Cameron and Gregg's journey. I was completely drawn into their story from beginning to end, rooting for them through every setback and triumph. Their relationship felt genuine, their growth felt earned, and I loved watching them find both love and a better understanding of themselves along the way.
Overall, The Distance Between Us is a heartfelt, emotional debut that tackles grief, healing, self-acceptance, and second chances with warmth and sincerity. It may not be perfect, but it was exactly the kind of story that kept me turning pages and thinking about the characters long after I finished. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for what James Howard writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Disclosure: I received a complimentary Advance Review Copy (ARC) of
The Distance Between Us
from the author in exchange for an honest review.
James Howard has delivered an absolute triumph for Pride month. The Distance Between Us is a stunning contemporary MM romance that explores the vast landscapes of grief and the profound courage it takes to rebuild a life after a devastating loss. Set against a beautiful global backdrop—stretching from New York to London, San Francisco to Scotland—the scenery itself possesses a romance of its own, mirroring the emotional journeys of the two leads.
The story centers on Cameron Hayes, a New York-based flight attendant completely lost in the wreckage of his grief a year after a plane crash took his fiancé's life. When his world literally collides with Greggory Harwell—the heir to a global real estate empire trapped under the crushing weight of family expectations and societal pressure—an undeniable connection sparks.
Howard maps out an incredibly realistic, hard-won road to a happy ending. He balances the intense, bright love between Cam and Gregg against the deeply frustrating realities of a hostile, status-obsessed society.
This book does not shy away from the ugly realities of prejudice and familial duty. Certain bigoted characters will make you see absolute red, and they do not deserve a comfortable life or forgiveness. However, the narrative explores a powerful truth about healing: forgiveness isn't for the person who receives it; it is for the one who gives it. Moving on doesn't mean lowering your standards or foregoing your ideals—it simply means refusing to let the people who hurt you anchor you to your past.
From a heartbreakingly beautiful letter that will make you sob to a crucial, lingering mystery involving Bangkok, the narrative structure is flawless, breaking you down only to rebuild you into something softer.
More than just a romance, this book is an extraordinary source of reassurance and hope for the queer community. It reminds us that no matter how hard society tries to paint our love as wrong, they can never strip away our history, our compassion, or our capacity to love deeply.
The Distance Between Us by James Howard is a mandatory addition to your reading list this June.
James Howard has delivered an absolute triumph for Pride month. The Distance Between Us is a stunning contemporary MM romance that explores the vast landscapes of grief and the profound courage it takes to rebuild a life after a devastating loss. Set against a beautiful global backdrop—stretching from New York to London, San Francisco to Scotland—the scenery itself possesses a romance of its own, mirroring the emotional journeys of the two leads.
The story centers on Cameron Hayes, a New York-based flight attendant completely lost in the wreckage of his grief a year after a plane crash took his fiancé's life. When his world literally collides with Greggory Harwell—the heir to a global real estate empire trapped under the crushing weight of family expectations and societal pressure—an undeniable connection sparks.
Howard maps out an incredibly realistic, hard-won road to a happy ending. He balances the intense, bright love between Cam and Gregg against the deeply frustrating realities of a hostile, status-obsessed society.
This book does not shy away from the ugly realities of prejudice and familial duty. Certain bigoted characters will make you see absolute red, and they do not deserve a comfortable life or forgiveness. However, the narrative explores a powerful truth about healing: forgiveness isn't for the person who receives it; it is for the one who gives it. Moving on doesn't mean lowering your standards or foregoing your ideals—it simply means refusing to let the people who hurt you anchor you to your past.
From a heartbreakingly beautiful letter that will make you sob to a crucial, lingering mystery involving Bangkok, the narrative structure is flawless, breaking you down only to rebuild you into something softer.
More than just a romance, this book is an extraordinary source of reassurance and hope for the queer community. It reminds us that no matter how hard society tries to paint our love as wrong, they can never strip away our history, our compassion, or our capacity to love deeply.
The Distance Between Us by James Howard is a mandatory addition to your reading list this June.
June 15, 2026
4/5⭐
✦ my favourite aspect of this book was the exploration of grief. it was heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. tears were shed throughout the book.
✦ i wish some aspects were explored more, especially towards the end of the book. a lot happened, but the resolution was not satisfying enough for me. i appreciated the scene with Cam's therapist, but we've seen mostly the end of their work and not all the work he had to put into it. i would've rather shorten some things throughout the book and see more of this, but that just might be a personal preference.
✦ Cam went through a lot in this book and i just wanted to give him a hug all the time. i was happy to see him in a good place at the end, because the journey there definitely wasn't easy. i wish there was more justice for what Marc did to him, but this is probably how it would play out in reality as well, so if the author went for realism this was spot on. i just personally like to escape from that stuff in books, so i would've preferred more consequences.
✦ Gregg's father triggered me so much and everytime he was present on page i could feel my heart rate go up. i had mixed feelings about how the conflict was resolved in the end. he has done and said some really nasty stuff and it felt almost easy how he was forgiven. like i'm sorry but almost dying doesn't absolve you from all you've done and all the hurt you caused. for me it wasn't satisfying enough.
✦ another thing i really enjoyed was the portrayal of the relationship between Cam and Drew. the flashbacks to their little moments made me really emotional and i could feel their love so vividly. it blended so beautifully with the ending (the letter was another thing that made me sob uncontrollably).
✦ now don't get me wrong i liked Cam and Gregg together as well, but some moments with them didn't get me as much as the flashbacks did. they had chemistry, but the feelings were sometimes hard to grasp. maybe it was because of the insta-love i don't know, there was just something missing for me. but i also very much enjoyed their interactions and more vulnerable moments. the third act break up not so much.
✦ overall this was a really well written debut and a good blend of more emotional story with some character exploration and some lighter funny moments.
✦ my favourite aspect of this book was the exploration of grief. it was heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. tears were shed throughout the book.
✦ i wish some aspects were explored more, especially towards the end of the book. a lot happened, but the resolution was not satisfying enough for me. i appreciated the scene with Cam's therapist, but we've seen mostly the end of their work and not all the work he had to put into it. i would've rather shorten some things throughout the book and see more of this, but that just might be a personal preference.
✦ Cam went through a lot in this book and i just wanted to give him a hug all the time. i was happy to see him in a good place at the end, because the journey there definitely wasn't easy. i wish there was more justice for what Marc did to him, but this is probably how it would play out in reality as well, so if the author went for realism this was spot on. i just personally like to escape from that stuff in books, so i would've preferred more consequences.
✦ Gregg's father triggered me so much and everytime he was present on page i could feel my heart rate go up. i had mixed feelings about how the conflict was resolved in the end. he has done and said some really nasty stuff and it felt almost easy how he was forgiven. like i'm sorry but almost dying doesn't absolve you from all you've done and all the hurt you caused. for me it wasn't satisfying enough.
✦ another thing i really enjoyed was the portrayal of the relationship between Cam and Drew. the flashbacks to their little moments made me really emotional and i could feel their love so vividly. it blended so beautifully with the ending (the letter was another thing that made me sob uncontrollably).
✦ now don't get me wrong i liked Cam and Gregg together as well, but some moments with them didn't get me as much as the flashbacks did. they had chemistry, but the feelings were sometimes hard to grasp. maybe it was because of the insta-love i don't know, there was just something missing for me. but i also very much enjoyed their interactions and more vulnerable moments. the third act break up not so much.
✦ overall this was a really well written debut and a good blend of more emotional story with some character exploration and some lighter funny moments.
June 17, 2026
The Distance Between Us by James Howard - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR and James Howard for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The Distance Between Us follows Cameron, a flight attendant still grieving the loss of his fiancé, and Gregg, the heir to a powerful family who feels trapped by expectations he never chose. When their paths cross— in the form of a collision in the middle of the airport involving a spilled iced coffee— an unexpected connection begins to form, but both of them are carrying more than they're ready to let go of.
While this is definitely a romance at its core (a queer M/M romance at that!), this story also does a remarkable job of tackling grief, healing, vulnerability and finding the courage to choose happiness again. Some moments hit harder than I expected, and I found myself genuinely rooting for both characters as they tried to navigate everything life had thrown their way. The romance is beautiful, but it's everything surrounding it that made this book stand out for me.
One thing I particularly loved was that neither character exists solely for the romance— they both have friendships, family relationships, careers, dreams, and struggles outside of each other, fully fleshed out characters and individuals. Cameron’s grief is handled so tenderly, and the pressure Gregg feels regarding his father’s— and society at large’s— expectations is never treated lightly.
Not only did I love Cameron and Gregg’s relationship, I also adored the emphasis on friendship and support systems: after Cameron’s fiancé passes, his best friend, Riley, moves into his apartment, so Cameron isn’t alone and has his support system right there. I *loved* Cam and Riley's friendship, they clearly both love each other a lot and are each other's number one supporters. And Gregg’s best friend Julian serves as a much-needed safe space in their upper-class English world, where status and reputation are everything.
The third act conflict makes sense in the overall story— I did feel like the way that they came back together was a bit rushed, but the sweet epilogue helped to offset some of that feeling.
Overall, this is a wonderful debut novel by James Howard! I would recommend it for anyone who wants to go on an emotional journey and fall in love with the characters on the way. 🩵✈️
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR and James Howard for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The Distance Between Us follows Cameron, a flight attendant still grieving the loss of his fiancé, and Gregg, the heir to a powerful family who feels trapped by expectations he never chose. When their paths cross— in the form of a collision in the middle of the airport involving a spilled iced coffee— an unexpected connection begins to form, but both of them are carrying more than they're ready to let go of.
While this is definitely a romance at its core (a queer M/M romance at that!), this story also does a remarkable job of tackling grief, healing, vulnerability and finding the courage to choose happiness again. Some moments hit harder than I expected, and I found myself genuinely rooting for both characters as they tried to navigate everything life had thrown their way. The romance is beautiful, but it's everything surrounding it that made this book stand out for me.
One thing I particularly loved was that neither character exists solely for the romance— they both have friendships, family relationships, careers, dreams, and struggles outside of each other, fully fleshed out characters and individuals. Cameron’s grief is handled so tenderly, and the pressure Gregg feels regarding his father’s— and society at large’s— expectations is never treated lightly.
Not only did I love Cameron and Gregg’s relationship, I also adored the emphasis on friendship and support systems: after Cameron’s fiancé passes, his best friend, Riley, moves into his apartment, so Cameron isn’t alone and has his support system right there. I *loved* Cam and Riley's friendship, they clearly both love each other a lot and are each other's number one supporters. And Gregg’s best friend Julian serves as a much-needed safe space in their upper-class English world, where status and reputation are everything.
The third act conflict makes sense in the overall story— I did feel like the way that they came back together was a bit rushed, but the sweet epilogue helped to offset some of that feeling.
Overall, this is a wonderful debut novel by James Howard! I would recommend it for anyone who wants to go on an emotional journey and fall in love with the characters on the way. 🩵✈️
Review of advance copy
First off, thank you to Love Notes PR and James Howard for giving an opportunity to read this arc!
While this was his debut novel, James Howard already has a way with words, and emotions were pouring from the pages. The first chapter got me hooked immediately! I was also in tears for most of the book, but in the best way possible.
We met Cameron about a year after his late fiancée passed in a horrible airplane crash. His best friend, Riley, moved into his apartment, so Cameron wasn’t alone and had his support system right there. I loved Cam and Riley’s friendship, they clearly both love each other a lot and are each other’s number one supporters.
Then we meet Greggory as he’s flying into New York from London for a big business meeting that he ends up nailing! We meet Gregg and learns his and did him have a very complicated relationship, to say the very least. He also had a phenomenal best friend named Julian. Julian is Gregg’s safe space in their upper-class English world, where status and reputation were everything.
One of the themes in this book was finding love after loss and being able to look grief in the eyes and not cower away from it. Also, learning to be okay with yourself and learning to let love in.
This was a beautifully written book, and I just wanted to share some of my favorite quotes!
“What was the point of being part of a world that could carry on so easily, when my own world had come to a screeching halt” (this one had me staring at my wall for a good 10 minutes)
“That’s rare for you,” Julian says, head tilted, studying me. “You don’t usually let anyone that close.” “No,” I admit quietly. “But with him, it doesn’t feel like I need to let someone in. It’s more like he was already there, and I’ve only just noticed.”
“Then maybe that’s your answer,” Mom says quietly. “It’s not about forgetting. It’s about finding someone who helps you remember yourself.”
“I think,” he continues, “the only things worth choosing are the ones that frighten you a bit.”
While this was his debut novel, James Howard already has a way with words, and emotions were pouring from the pages. The first chapter got me hooked immediately! I was also in tears for most of the book, but in the best way possible.
We met Cameron about a year after his late fiancée passed in a horrible airplane crash. His best friend, Riley, moved into his apartment, so Cameron wasn’t alone and had his support system right there. I loved Cam and Riley’s friendship, they clearly both love each other a lot and are each other’s number one supporters.
Then we meet Greggory as he’s flying into New York from London for a big business meeting that he ends up nailing! We meet Gregg and learns his and did him have a very complicated relationship, to say the very least. He also had a phenomenal best friend named Julian. Julian is Gregg’s safe space in their upper-class English world, where status and reputation were everything.
One of the themes in this book was finding love after loss and being able to look grief in the eyes and not cower away from it. Also, learning to be okay with yourself and learning to let love in.
This was a beautifully written book, and I just wanted to share some of my favorite quotes!
“What was the point of being part of a world that could carry on so easily, when my own world had come to a screeching halt” (this one had me staring at my wall for a good 10 minutes)
“That’s rare for you,” Julian says, head tilted, studying me. “You don’t usually let anyone that close.” “No,” I admit quietly. “But with him, it doesn’t feel like I need to let someone in. It’s more like he was already there, and I’ve only just noticed.”
“Then maybe that’s your answer,” Mom says quietly. “It’s not about forgetting. It’s about finding someone who helps you remember yourself.”
“I think,” he continues, “the only things worth choosing are the ones that frighten you a bit.”
Read
June 17, 2026En The Distance Between Us conocemos a Cameron Hayes, un auxiliar de vuelo de Nueva York que, un año después de perder a su prometido en un trágico accidente de avión, sigue atrapado en un profundo abismo de dolor donde avanzar parece una tarea imposible. En el extremo opuesto se encuentra Greggory Harwell, el aparente heredero perfecto de un imperio inmobiliario mundial, cuya vida está estrictamente dictada por el lujo y las asfixiantes expectativas de su familia, lo que le obliga a ocultar quién es en realidad. Cuando sus realidades colisionan literalmente por accidente, surge una conexión innegable que sacudirá sus mundos. Sin embargo, el camino no será fácil: Cameron está aterrorizado ante la idea de volver a abrir su corazón, mientras que Gregg deberá enfrentarse al dilema de arriesgarlo todo por fin para reclamar la vida y el amor que verdaderamente merece.
Le doy 4 estrellas porque ha sido una lectura profundamente emocional que me ha conquistado de principio a fin, aunque con algún pequeño detalle que le resta la puntuación perfecta. El autor hace un trabajo estupendo equilibrando temas muy duros; transmite a la perfección el desgarrador viaje de sanación de Cam y la frustrante lucha de Gregg contra los prejuicios y la presión familiar. Me ha encantado cómo su relación se cuece a fuego lento a través de encuentros por diferentes partes del mundo —desde Nueva York hasta Escocia—, y cómo se sostienen en una red de amistades maravillosas como Riley y Julian, que aportan mucha luz a la historia. Es una novela preciosa que te rompe el corazón para luego curártelo; definitivamente, un romance contemporáneo que se gana a pulso su hueco entre mis descubrimientos literarios de este 2026.
Le doy 4 estrellas porque ha sido una lectura profundamente emocional que me ha conquistado de principio a fin, aunque con algún pequeño detalle que le resta la puntuación perfecta. El autor hace un trabajo estupendo equilibrando temas muy duros; transmite a la perfección el desgarrador viaje de sanación de Cam y la frustrante lucha de Gregg contra los prejuicios y la presión familiar. Me ha encantado cómo su relación se cuece a fuego lento a través de encuentros por diferentes partes del mundo —desde Nueva York hasta Escocia—, y cómo se sostienen en una red de amistades maravillosas como Riley y Julian, que aportan mucha luz a la historia. Es una novela preciosa que te rompe el corazón para luego curártelo; definitivamente, un romance contemporáneo que se gana a pulso su hueco entre mis descubrimientos literarios de este 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Distance Between Us ✈️
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & James Howard for trusting me with this ARC!🩵
What a beautiful,emotional story The Distance Between Us was.I missed seeing people being boldly in love,while trusting each other and truly feeling like their person is the one they are currently looking at.Cameron and Gregg were truly what you say to be destined for each other.
Yet,through their eyes we see how hard it still is to be an open gay man to the general public,while specifically reading about the business world part of that public.Cameron had to mask himself for years in order to succeed in his filed,be taken seriously and be accepted by him workmates and family.More,the emotional weight of having to endure all this pressure for years,can be seen through his eyes,but in the end my boy got exactly what he needed.
Gregg,on the other side was the hottest pilot around!I loved his energy,the support he gave and that he was the only person in this entire universe who could "unlock"Cameron.Together,were beautiful,unstoppable and I could sense through the pages how much the mean to each other (my Shayla🥹)
Getting on the more juicy parts,we have incredible smut scenes,which were exactly what this romance needed in order to be 5 star for me.You see,in a world in were this couple could not show up to anywhere,could not tell anyone about the,cannot express their love outside of an apartment's wall,making love is the only way they can express that fierce feeling to each other without any fear or anything worrying or stopping them.So,having such good written scenes of that kind really,really made that story amazing.
Lastly,I loved the writing.But not just because he knew how to write.I loved the way he made me scream when anything happened,the way he used little twists to describe possible anything that I read,the way he unfolded the characters and my personal favorite,the way he wrote THAT DAMN EPILOGUE.Like,I had months to hop out of my positions while reading,because something SO GOOD happened.
As you understand,this book is a MUST read.
Out On June,9th.🍭
5⭐
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & James Howard for trusting me with this ARC!🩵
What a beautiful,emotional story The Distance Between Us was.I missed seeing people being boldly in love,while trusting each other and truly feeling like their person is the one they are currently looking at.Cameron and Gregg were truly what you say to be destined for each other.
Yet,through their eyes we see how hard it still is to be an open gay man to the general public,while specifically reading about the business world part of that public.Cameron had to mask himself for years in order to succeed in his filed,be taken seriously and be accepted by him workmates and family.More,the emotional weight of having to endure all this pressure for years,can be seen through his eyes,but in the end my boy got exactly what he needed.
Gregg,on the other side was the hottest pilot around!I loved his energy,the support he gave and that he was the only person in this entire universe who could "unlock"Cameron.Together,were beautiful,unstoppable and I could sense through the pages how much the mean to each other (my Shayla🥹)
Getting on the more juicy parts,we have incredible smut scenes,which were exactly what this romance needed in order to be 5 star for me.You see,in a world in were this couple could not show up to anywhere,could not tell anyone about the,cannot express their love outside of an apartment's wall,making love is the only way they can express that fierce feeling to each other without any fear or anything worrying or stopping them.So,having such good written scenes of that kind really,really made that story amazing.
Lastly,I loved the writing.But not just because he knew how to write.I loved the way he made me scream when anything happened,the way he used little twists to describe possible anything that I read,the way he unfolded the characters and my personal favorite,the way he wrote THAT DAMN EPILOGUE.Like,I had months to hop out of my positions while reading,because something SO GOOD happened.
As you understand,this book is a MUST read.
Out On June,9th.🍭
5⭐
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Final rating: 3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to James Howard and Love Notes PR for an ARC of The Distance Between Us in exchange for an honest review.
The Distance Between Us following Cameron and Gregg, both with their fair share of struggles, who come together in a definite meet-cute type of way. For Cameron, he is still mourning the death of his late fiance who died in a plane crash one year ago. Not only his Cameron grieving the death, he also blames himself for what happened. On the other hand, Gregg is struggling with the expectations of his family, and is conflicted about what path he should take forward. In addition, he is not out yet to almost anyone, and is terrified that his family won't welcome him anymore once they know the truth.
When Cameron and Gregg meet at the airport in a true meet-cute collision, it sets off a chain of events that changes both of their lives.
I want to say first and foremost that the trigger warning at the beginning of the book is important. There are some dark aspects of this book that not everyone will want to read. Howard also provides the exact chapter of the SA. Please protect your mental health.
I really appreciated the journeys that both Cameron and Gregg went on throughout the course of this book. They both had to confront pieces of their lives that they would have rather glossed over or put on the back burner for a bit longer. You can really tell that Howard cares about the characters that he created in how they are written, and the thought and care that he puts into their personal journeys. I also appreciated how Cameron and Gregg both encouraged the other, listened and validated their own experiences.
The third act conflict made sense in the overall story. I did feel like the way that they came back together was a bit rushed, but the epilogue helped to offset some of that feeling.
Overall, this is a strong debut novel by James Howard, and I would recommend it for anyone who wants to go on a emotional journey and fall in love with the characters on the way.
The Distance Between Us releases June 9, 2026.
Thank you to James Howard and Love Notes PR for an ARC of The Distance Between Us in exchange for an honest review.
The Distance Between Us following Cameron and Gregg, both with their fair share of struggles, who come together in a definite meet-cute type of way. For Cameron, he is still mourning the death of his late fiance who died in a plane crash one year ago. Not only his Cameron grieving the death, he also blames himself for what happened. On the other hand, Gregg is struggling with the expectations of his family, and is conflicted about what path he should take forward. In addition, he is not out yet to almost anyone, and is terrified that his family won't welcome him anymore once they know the truth.
When Cameron and Gregg meet at the airport in a true meet-cute collision, it sets off a chain of events that changes both of their lives.
I want to say first and foremost that the trigger warning at the beginning of the book is important. There are some dark aspects of this book that not everyone will want to read. Howard also provides the exact chapter of the SA. Please protect your mental health.
I really appreciated the journeys that both Cameron and Gregg went on throughout the course of this book. They both had to confront pieces of their lives that they would have rather glossed over or put on the back burner for a bit longer. You can really tell that Howard cares about the characters that he created in how they are written, and the thought and care that he puts into their personal journeys. I also appreciated how Cameron and Gregg both encouraged the other, listened and validated their own experiences.
The third act conflict made sense in the overall story. I did feel like the way that they came back together was a bit rushed, but the epilogue helped to offset some of that feeling.
Overall, this is a strong debut novel by James Howard, and I would recommend it for anyone who wants to go on a emotional journey and fall in love with the characters on the way.
The Distance Between Us releases June 9, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4✨
• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - 9 June, 2026
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- MM romance
- love after loss
- grief & healing
- second chance at love
- airport meet cute
- emotional trauma
- hurt/comfort
- slow burn
- found family
- opposites attract
- mental health representation
• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
The Distance Between Us follows Cameron, a flight attendant struggling with the devastating loss of his fiancé after a tragic plane crash. A year later, he is still drowning in grief and guilt, convinced that he is somehow responsible for what happened. Then Gregg enters his life, a successful businessman carrying his own emotional baggage and loneliness. As their paths cross, both men slowly learn how to heal, trust, and open their hearts again.
This book was such an emotional journey. My heart broke for Cameron from the very first chapter. His grief felt raw, real, and heartbreaking. There were so many moments where I just wanted to hug him and tell him everything would be okay.
I loved how the romance wasn't rushed. Gregg and Cameron took their time getting to know each other, and their connection felt genuine and meaningful. Watching them slowly become each other's safe place was beautiful.
The healing aspect of this story was my favorite part. It showed that moving forward doesn't mean forgetting someone you loved. The emotions were intense, and a few scenes genuinely made my chest ache.
The reason this is a 4-star read instead of 5 is because some parts felt a little slower than I wanted, especially in the middle. But overall, the emotional depth, character growth, and beautiful romance made this a memorable read.
Thank you lovenotepr for the ARC!
• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - 9 June, 2026
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- MM romance
- love after loss
- grief & healing
- second chance at love
- airport meet cute
- emotional trauma
- hurt/comfort
- slow burn
- found family
- opposites attract
- mental health representation
• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
The Distance Between Us follows Cameron, a flight attendant struggling with the devastating loss of his fiancé after a tragic plane crash. A year later, he is still drowning in grief and guilt, convinced that he is somehow responsible for what happened. Then Gregg enters his life, a successful businessman carrying his own emotional baggage and loneliness. As their paths cross, both men slowly learn how to heal, trust, and open their hearts again.
This book was such an emotional journey. My heart broke for Cameron from the very first chapter. His grief felt raw, real, and heartbreaking. There were so many moments where I just wanted to hug him and tell him everything would be okay.
I loved how the romance wasn't rushed. Gregg and Cameron took their time getting to know each other, and their connection felt genuine and meaningful. Watching them slowly become each other's safe place was beautiful.
The healing aspect of this story was my favorite part. It showed that moving forward doesn't mean forgetting someone you loved. The emotions were intense, and a few scenes genuinely made my chest ache.
The reason this is a 4-star read instead of 5 is because some parts felt a little slower than I wanted, especially in the middle. But overall, the emotional depth, character growth, and beautiful romance made this a memorable read.
Thank you lovenotepr for the ARC!
June 16, 2026
3.99 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read the acknowledgments and discovered this is a DEBUT novel… NO WAY, it’s so good!!
I went in and realised I hadn’t read the blurb and had no idea what I was walking into so that first chapter was insane. Honestly I thought I was waltzing on in to a fun MM romance and was gonna call it a day but NO! this wrecked me emotionally. I feel like I went through a therapy session in the best way.
This book deals with some heavy themes (so definitely check your content warnings) and it’s done so elegantly and addressed realistically which I find isn’t always the case. This book was very real which I appreciated, it was unique and rare.
I find most MM contemporary romances focus on the struggles of being gay and there’s a lot of homophobia in it which is obviously understandable because that is unfortunately the world we live in. However, this was realistic in the opposite way of, sometimes people don’t care, they’re accepting and they get on with their day and that was really refreshing to witness.
I was struggling in the first half to commit to the book because I felt like I wasn’t connecting with Cameron and Gregg and I’m not sure if that’s a book problem or a me problem but that’s something to note as to why my rating is the way it is. I definitely recommend this book, I am very glad I pushed myself and kept reading it, I honestly think it’s quite revolutionary to the genre. It’s definitely going to be a book I compare all future MM romances to.
The last 20% of this book, I’ve cried for like an hour straight.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to James Howard and Love Notes PR for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.”
Read the acknowledgments and discovered this is a DEBUT novel… NO WAY, it’s so good!!
I went in and realised I hadn’t read the blurb and had no idea what I was walking into so that first chapter was insane. Honestly I thought I was waltzing on in to a fun MM romance and was gonna call it a day but NO! this wrecked me emotionally. I feel like I went through a therapy session in the best way.
This book deals with some heavy themes (so definitely check your content warnings) and it’s done so elegantly and addressed realistically which I find isn’t always the case. This book was very real which I appreciated, it was unique and rare.
I find most MM contemporary romances focus on the struggles of being gay and there’s a lot of homophobia in it which is obviously understandable because that is unfortunately the world we live in. However, this was realistic in the opposite way of, sometimes people don’t care, they’re accepting and they get on with their day and that was really refreshing to witness.
I was struggling in the first half to commit to the book because I felt like I wasn’t connecting with Cameron and Gregg and I’m not sure if that’s a book problem or a me problem but that’s something to note as to why my rating is the way it is. I definitely recommend this book, I am very glad I pushed myself and kept reading it, I honestly think it’s quite revolutionary to the genre. It’s definitely going to be a book I compare all future MM romances to.
The last 20% of this book, I’ve cried for like an hour straight.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to James Howard and Love Notes PR for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.”
June 15, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book, and overall it was a really emotional and lovely read!
This is an MM romance that explores love after loss and a long-distance relationship, and I thought both of these elements were handled with a lot of care. The story deals with some heavy topics, but it never felt overwhelming. Instead, it struck a good balance between emotional moments and an engaging, enjoyable romance.
One of the strongest aspects of the book in my opinion was the characters. Both main characters felt fully formed and had their own personal journeys alongside the romance. Neither existed solely to support the other's story, which made their relationship feel realistic. The complexities of their circumstances and emotions were explored really well, and I found myself invested in both of them individually as well as together.
I also really enjoyed the supporting cast and the various side plots woven throughout the story. The secondary characters felt just as real and interesting, and I would happily read books about several of them. I was impressed by how everything connected back to the central story, creating a book where no word felt wasted.
There are some potentially triggering topics explored in this book, so I would recommend checking the content warnings beforehand if you're sensitive to certain themes.
Overall, this book has left a lasting impression on me, and I'm looking forward to seeing what this author writes next.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
This is an MM romance that explores love after loss and a long-distance relationship, and I thought both of these elements were handled with a lot of care. The story deals with some heavy topics, but it never felt overwhelming. Instead, it struck a good balance between emotional moments and an engaging, enjoyable romance.
One of the strongest aspects of the book in my opinion was the characters. Both main characters felt fully formed and had their own personal journeys alongside the romance. Neither existed solely to support the other's story, which made their relationship feel realistic. The complexities of their circumstances and emotions were explored really well, and I found myself invested in both of them individually as well as together.
I also really enjoyed the supporting cast and the various side plots woven throughout the story. The secondary characters felt just as real and interesting, and I would happily read books about several of them. I was impressed by how everything connected back to the central story, creating a book where no word felt wasted.
There are some potentially triggering topics explored in this book, so I would recommend checking the content warnings beforehand if you're sensitive to certain themes.
Overall, this book has left a lasting impression on me, and I'm looking forward to seeing what this author writes next.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
I don’t read a lot of debut novels, but if this is what James Howard’s debut looks like, I’ll be reading whatever he writes next.
The Distance Between Us completely caught me off guard. I expected a romance, but what I got was a story about grief, identity, healing, friendship, family expectations, and finding the courage to be yourself. The romance is beautiful, but it’s everything surrounding it that made this book stand out for me.
Cameron’s grief is handled with so much care, and there were moments where my heart genuinely hurt for him. Gregg was probably my favourite character. There is such a kindness to him, especially in the way he notices what Cameron needs without always being told.
One thing I particularly loved was that neither character exists solely for the romance. They both have friendships, family relationships, careers, dreams, and struggles outside of each other.
The writing itself is incredibly immersive. There were scenes where I felt like I was right there with the characters, experiencing everything alongside them. Some moments had me smiling like an idiot, while others left me wiping away tears. It takes a talented writer to create that kind of emotional connection.
This story made me laugh, cry, hope, and occasionally want to throw my Kindle across the room. Most importantly, it made me feel all the emotions ❤️❤️❤️
I don’t read a lot of debut novels, but if this is what James Howard’s debut looks like, I’ll be reading whatever he writes next.
The Distance Between Us completely caught me off guard. I expected a romance, but what I got was a story about grief, identity, healing, friendship, family expectations, and finding the courage to be yourself. The romance is beautiful, but it’s everything surrounding it that made this book stand out for me.
Cameron’s grief is handled with so much care, and there were moments where my heart genuinely hurt for him. Gregg was probably my favourite character. There is such a kindness to him, especially in the way he notices what Cameron needs without always being told.
One thing I particularly loved was that neither character exists solely for the romance. They both have friendships, family relationships, careers, dreams, and struggles outside of each other.
The writing itself is incredibly immersive. There were scenes where I felt like I was right there with the characters, experiencing everything alongside them. Some moments had me smiling like an idiot, while others left me wiping away tears. It takes a talented writer to create that kind of emotional connection.
This story made me laugh, cry, hope, and occasionally want to throw my Kindle across the room. Most importantly, it made me feel all the emotions ❤️❤️❤️
Read
June 13, 20264.5
This has been one of the hardest books to rate in a long time...
As with The Open Era, I can't believe this is a debut! I don't know where these 2 authors came from but I am looking forward to read more from them!
James Howard has such a good control over the language. He manages to create clean images with so little words.
To be honest, I don't think I have ever seen an author embodying "show don't tell" as well as he does it in the first part of the book.
And I absolutely adore the main characters and their best friends. They all feel strong but human.
That being said... Howard's lack of experience might be showing here too.
There are moments towards the last quarter of the book were I wished more was said or, rather, described. I feel an empathy reader or someone with trauma understanding would have fixed the missing aspects.
I felt cheated by showing the passage of time without any meaningful work being presented. It was bold to take the story in the direction it went but I wanted more on page to "deserve" it. This might be lack of experience or an intentional decision...
Still, a very strong debut.
This has been one of the hardest books to rate in a long time...
As with The Open Era, I can't believe this is a debut! I don't know where these 2 authors came from but I am looking forward to read more from them!
James Howard has such a good control over the language. He manages to create clean images with so little words.
To be honest, I don't think I have ever seen an author embodying "show don't tell" as well as he does it in the first part of the book.
And I absolutely adore the main characters and their best friends. They all feel strong but human.
That being said... Howard's lack of experience might be showing here too.
There are moments towards the last quarter of the book were I wished more was said or, rather, described. I feel an empathy reader or someone with trauma understanding would have fixed the missing aspects.
I felt cheated by showing the passage of time without any meaningful work being presented. It was bold to take the story in the direction it went but I wanted more on page to "deserve" it. This might be lack of experience or an intentional decision...
Still, a very strong debut.
June 18, 2026
What a heartfelt and lovely story! It's always an honor to read an ARC, but to also read an author's debut amazing. James Howard delivered a romance full of emotion and heart. We have a MMC Cameron, who a year after tragedy took his finance' meets our other MMC Gregg on a flight where he's a flight attendant. It was a super adorable "meet cute" in the airport before the flight and I really liked Gregg's determination to be able to spend more time with Cameron. I appreciated that the author didn't shy away from the hard parts of being an openly gay man - especially in the business world. I also haven't read many romances where an MC is a flight attendant and based on my knowledge, I think he really hit that part of the story out of the park. the secondary, supporting characters were integral to the plot and added the perfect back ground as Cameron and Gregg navigated their long distance relationship. We did have a "bad guy" and I kept WAITING for the twist and o boy - it was not what I expected. There are def some potentially triggering events that happen through the book - they were handled with grace and compassion and as a reader, I really felt all the emotions in this book. And we got an amazing epilogue! Thank you Love Note PR and the author for an amazing story.
June 9, 2026
The Distance Between Us is a thought-provoking novel that explores some serious themes of grief, healing, relationships, and personal growth. Through the characters and emotional storytelling, the author examines how life experiences, loss, and connection can create both distance and opportunities for building relationships.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its focus on the emotional journeys of the characters, especially Cameron. I loved the way the author portrays the complexities of relationships in a realistic way, showing how individuals respond differently to pain, change, and vulnerability. I really connected to Cameron's experiences of loss and how substance use helped with the grief.
I thought it was a bit slow after the first chapter, but it picked up, and I realized that the pacing allowed the themes to develop more naturally. It allowed me to consider how grief, forgiveness, and personal growth influenced my own life.
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy contemporary fiction that combines emotional depth with themes of resilience and hope. Definitely read the trigger warnings before as well.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its focus on the emotional journeys of the characters, especially Cameron. I loved the way the author portrays the complexities of relationships in a realistic way, showing how individuals respond differently to pain, change, and vulnerability. I really connected to Cameron's experiences of loss and how substance use helped with the grief.
I thought it was a bit slow after the first chapter, but it picked up, and I realized that the pacing allowed the themes to develop more naturally. It allowed me to consider how grief, forgiveness, and personal growth influenced my own life.
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy contemporary fiction that combines emotional depth with themes of resilience and hope. Definitely read the trigger warnings before as well.
July 2, 2026
The writing was just weird. Like we were told what happened in past tense in a memory but shown in that memory at the same time. Like why not just “show” it when it’s happening if we are just going to be shown in a memory anyways? It was kind of pointless and dumb. I’d rather see it in real time.
It was very repetitive and way too drawn out and too long. It just bored me most of the time. It was a huge chore to get through.
The third act breakup was quite ridiculous honestly. It didn’t need added in there at all. I’m so sick of third act breakups in books! Authors seriously think the third act breakup is the wholly grail to excellent literature! 🙄
Then…THEN…there is a graphic rape scene after this? Because why??? WHY??? That definitely didn’t need added in there!
In the beginning it in the Author’s note it stated that it was added for the characters “healing journey”. I don’t know about you, but if I’m starting to heal and move on from one tragedy then that happened to me, there wouldn’t be any healing left. Again, that did not need to be added.
Also, the ending was just way too rushed.
It was very repetitive and way too drawn out and too long. It just bored me most of the time. It was a huge chore to get through.
The third act breakup was quite ridiculous honestly. It didn’t need added in there at all. I’m so sick of third act breakups in books! Authors seriously think the third act breakup is the wholly grail to excellent literature! 🙄
Then…THEN…there is a graphic rape scene after this? Because why??? WHY??? That definitely didn’t need added in there!
In the beginning it in the Author’s note it stated that it was added for the characters “healing journey”. I don’t know about you, but if I’m starting to heal and move on from one tragedy then that happened to me, there wouldn’t be any healing left. Again, that did not need to be added.
Also, the ending was just way too rushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2026
Ok this book deals with many issues and it was heart-wrenching to read, but oh-so eye opening. I’ve never read a book quite like this and seeing how Cameron deals with this grief is intense. And watch his growth was wonderful. Even if I hated the third act break-up. And kept screaming at Gregg to just go back and grab his man. But it was important for this growth. I understand.
I swear this book has me tearing up a bunch towards the last half of the book. So many moments had me tearing up. Swear this was a roller coaster ride…..especially that note Cameron found 😭😭 ‘You have been, and will always be, my favorite adventure’ yup, I was ruined after that 😭😭
But honestly, the only thing I didn’t really care about were some of the sex scenes. They just seemed so off from what the characters were like that it kinda threw me. And I just didn’t care for some of those scenes as much. But still well worth a read. And I would absolutely read it again.
Thanks to LoveNotesPR for the advanced copy for my honest review!
I swear this book has me tearing up a bunch towards the last half of the book. So many moments had me tearing up. Swear this was a roller coaster ride…..especially that note Cameron found 😭😭 ‘You have been, and will always be, my favorite adventure’ yup, I was ruined after that 😭😭
But honestly, the only thing I didn’t really care about were some of the sex scenes. They just seemed so off from what the characters were like that it kinda threw me. And I just didn’t care for some of those scenes as much. But still well worth a read. And I would absolutely read it again.
Thanks to LoveNotesPR for the advanced copy for my honest review!
June 13, 2026
The Distance Between Us is James Howards debut novel.
The book is a contemporary romance which navigates heartache, loss, love after loss, healing from grief and a journey of self healing.
Cameron, a cabin crew member, loses his fiance after a tragic plane accident.
Gregg, a wealthy business man, bumps into Cameron whilst in the airport spilling coffee all over him. Unbeknownst to the pair of them, they are destined to be on the same flight.
Cameron and Gregg realise they have a deep but unexpected connection but should they give it chance to blossom?
Cameron is still grieving his loss and Gregg never expects to be chosen as someone's first choice.
The books explores many different issues and it has a beautiful story line.
Its very heartfelt and emotional and you feel like you are living amongst them both.
There are hurdles along the way but can they overcome everything that's working against them?
I really enjoyed reading this and I really hope James will produce more books as he will definitely be an author I follow!
The book is a contemporary romance which navigates heartache, loss, love after loss, healing from grief and a journey of self healing.
Cameron, a cabin crew member, loses his fiance after a tragic plane accident.
Gregg, a wealthy business man, bumps into Cameron whilst in the airport spilling coffee all over him. Unbeknownst to the pair of them, they are destined to be on the same flight.
Cameron and Gregg realise they have a deep but unexpected connection but should they give it chance to blossom?
Cameron is still grieving his loss and Gregg never expects to be chosen as someone's first choice.
The books explores many different issues and it has a beautiful story line.
Its very heartfelt and emotional and you feel like you are living amongst them both.
There are hurdles along the way but can they overcome everything that's working against them?
I really enjoyed reading this and I really hope James will produce more books as he will definitely be an author I follow!
June 14, 2026
eARC review
Thank you to Love Notes PR and the author for this eARC
When I read about this book and requested the arc I thought it would be focusing on the romance and that past tragedies would be shared as part of the healing process, not the main story.
The story follows Cameron and Gregg. Cameron who is grieving his fiancé and struggles to get back to a life without him. Greg is also grieving in a way. The loss of control of his life where the family's expectations have formed his career and personal life.
There is a meet cute and romance, friendship and healing but it’s definitely not a feelgood. There are several heavy themes such as grief, assault and trauma. For me the focus on tragedy, anxiety and grief makes the book a bit long even with the flirting and dating. The romance part is much needed to lift all the heavy feelings. Sometimes it’s a bit repetitive and yes, healing works that way but when reading it makes the story go in circles.
It is, however, well written and I’m sure it will find its readers.
Thank you to Love Notes PR and the author for this eARC
When I read about this book and requested the arc I thought it would be focusing on the romance and that past tragedies would be shared as part of the healing process, not the main story.
The story follows Cameron and Gregg. Cameron who is grieving his fiancé and struggles to get back to a life without him. Greg is also grieving in a way. The loss of control of his life where the family's expectations have formed his career and personal life.
There is a meet cute and romance, friendship and healing but it’s definitely not a feelgood. There are several heavy themes such as grief, assault and trauma. For me the focus on tragedy, anxiety and grief makes the book a bit long even with the flirting and dating. The romance part is much needed to lift all the heavy feelings. Sometimes it’s a bit repetitive and yes, healing works that way but when reading it makes the story go in circles.
It is, however, well written and I’m sure it will find its readers.
June 17, 2026
REVIEW OF ADVANCED COPY
I would like to start by thanking love notes PR and james Howard for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. Where to start. This book completely exceeded my expectations. It was a heartfelt ride start to finish.
Cameron’s and Riley’s friendship means everything to me. They remind me of my own friendships. Having someone by your side who doesn’t judge you but helps you become the best version of yourself is so important.
I love that Riley got her own happily ever after as well. She’s an absolute diva; Julian is perfect for her!
Gregg. The man that you are. Before he even knew about drew he wouldn’t push for answers, and he never put cam in a position where he felt forced to tell him. Everything was so natural between those two sweethearts and it pulled at my heartstrings.
Thank you james for such a gorgeous book. As a fellow flight attendant I wanted to read this to support you but it’s so much more than that now!
Ps I’m watching titanic now and it’s simply just not the same anymore 🥺
I would like to start by thanking love notes PR and james Howard for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. Where to start. This book completely exceeded my expectations. It was a heartfelt ride start to finish.
Cameron’s and Riley’s friendship means everything to me. They remind me of my own friendships. Having someone by your side who doesn’t judge you but helps you become the best version of yourself is so important.
I love that Riley got her own happily ever after as well. She’s an absolute diva; Julian is perfect for her!
Gregg. The man that you are. Before he even knew about drew he wouldn’t push for answers, and he never put cam in a position where he felt forced to tell him. Everything was so natural between those two sweethearts and it pulled at my heartstrings.
Thank you james for such a gorgeous book. As a fellow flight attendant I wanted to read this to support you but it’s so much more than that now!
Ps I’m watching titanic now and it’s simply just not the same anymore 🥺
June 3, 2026
I don’t even know where to begin.
The pain in this book is so relatable for people and it’s heartbreaking yet beautiful.
This book could be very healing for someone or re-open a fresh wound depending on where you are in the healing cycle. For me it hit close to home in several ways, but was healing for me and a nice reminder of how far I have come.
I didn’t loose a significant other but I lost a best friend and trying to relearn life after losing someone so special and close to you is extremely hard. Trying to learn to move on and be happy and not feel like you are betraying them is also a challenge.
This book explores a lot of challenges that people encounter in their lives and how to navigate them. It’s not easy we are human. We struggle. We wander too far sometimes.
James thank you so much for allowing me to be an arc reader. Congrats on your book! You should be so proud of it! It’s going to change lives!
The pain in this book is so relatable for people and it’s heartbreaking yet beautiful.
This book could be very healing for someone or re-open a fresh wound depending on where you are in the healing cycle. For me it hit close to home in several ways, but was healing for me and a nice reminder of how far I have come.
I didn’t loose a significant other but I lost a best friend and trying to relearn life after losing someone so special and close to you is extremely hard. Trying to learn to move on and be happy and not feel like you are betraying them is also a challenge.
This book explores a lot of challenges that people encounter in their lives and how to navigate them. It’s not easy we are human. We struggle. We wander too far sometimes.
James thank you so much for allowing me to be an arc reader. Congrats on your book! You should be so proud of it! It’s going to change lives!
Review of advance copy
You've got to be joking. As if this is a debut novel!?!?!?! No exaggeration I think this is one of the best written novels I've ever read. Ever!!
I love how much of an empath Gregg is, without Cameron even mentioning the grief he is going through Gregg picked it up almost straight away and help space for it.
The space that is also held for Gregg and his trauma is dealt with so well. It kind of reads how I imagine he felt, not even just literally, but figuratively.
I felt giddy like a little school girl when they had drinks before going to the bar. The wink! Ahh this writing is just so beautiful I cannot get over it!
The writing is actually insane. I feel like I'm there in the moment.
"Gregg’s hand slides along my lower back, guiding me even closer. Our hips are aligned and our breath mingles in the charged heat between us. We don’t kiss. But the space where a kiss would go? It burns."
This story feels so real and raw and emotional. The way the emotions are written on the page make me feel like I'm living them myself and not just reading them.
But also, my god do I love Riley 😂😂😂 Both Julian and Riley are such an incredible friends. The spice was so much fun and honestly just the right amount to cut through the tension and all the feelings.
I'm honestly struggling to put into words how good this book is. Do yourself a favour and pick it up! 🩷
I love how much of an empath Gregg is, without Cameron even mentioning the grief he is going through Gregg picked it up almost straight away and help space for it.
The space that is also held for Gregg and his trauma is dealt with so well. It kind of reads how I imagine he felt, not even just literally, but figuratively.
I felt giddy like a little school girl when they had drinks before going to the bar. The wink! Ahh this writing is just so beautiful I cannot get over it!
The writing is actually insane. I feel like I'm there in the moment.
"Gregg’s hand slides along my lower back, guiding me even closer. Our hips are aligned and our breath mingles in the charged heat between us. We don’t kiss. But the space where a kiss would go? It burns."
This story feels so real and raw and emotional. The way the emotions are written on the page make me feel like I'm living them myself and not just reading them.
But also, my god do I love Riley 😂😂😂 Both Julian and Riley are such an incredible friends. The spice was so much fun and honestly just the right amount to cut through the tension and all the feelings.
I'm honestly struggling to put into words how good this book is. Do yourself a favour and pick it up! 🩷
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5.
Que hermosa historia. Hace mucho tiempo que no leo una historia tan conmovedora, todo me esta perfecto. Gregg es cielo, paso por muchas cosas feas y no dejo que lo definieran, no se rindio nunca y su camino para superar el duelo hacia Drew fue hermosamente manejado. Gregg es paz personificada, me transmitia tranquilidad y como evoluciono la relacion con su padre fue muy conmovedora e inesperada. Ambos son hechos el uno para el otro, su relacion aunque de rapida evolucion se sintio super natural y ningun momento se sintio como que sobro o falto, fue perfecto. Yo generalmente no gengo mucho que comentar sobre personajes secundarios pero en esta ocasion hay que mencionar a Riley y Julien que aunque breves cada ves que estaban en pagina tenian algo importante que hacer y decir. Me encanto todo y la conclusion de todas las historias me dejo el corazon lleno. Voy a estar atento a todo lo que publique James Howard de ahora en mas ☺️.
Que hermosa historia. Hace mucho tiempo que no leo una historia tan conmovedora, todo me esta perfecto. Gregg es cielo, paso por muchas cosas feas y no dejo que lo definieran, no se rindio nunca y su camino para superar el duelo hacia Drew fue hermosamente manejado. Gregg es paz personificada, me transmitia tranquilidad y como evoluciono la relacion con su padre fue muy conmovedora e inesperada. Ambos son hechos el uno para el otro, su relacion aunque de rapida evolucion se sintio super natural y ningun momento se sintio como que sobro o falto, fue perfecto. Yo generalmente no gengo mucho que comentar sobre personajes secundarios pero en esta ocasion hay que mencionar a Riley y Julien que aunque breves cada ves que estaban en pagina tenian algo importante que hacer y decir. Me encanto todo y la conclusion de todas las historias me dejo el corazon lleno. Voy a estar atento a todo lo que publique James Howard de ahora en mas ☺️.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I enjoyed this book. The romance was sweet, but I just found myself wanting more of something between the main characters and I can't quite put my finger on it. Perhaps it's because of all the emotions and chaos surrounding Cameron and Gregg that I struggled to connect on any one thing.
I also found the pacing a little slow at times and the drama with Marco throughout the book made it harder for me to stay fully engaged. Keeping up with everything surrounding Cameron made me feel for him - how much can one person go through before they break? I also wanted to see more of his relationship with his mom and the support he pulls from her.
This is a book full of emotional moments and you should definitely read any trigger warnings before hand. There were definitely moments I liked, and I still enjoyed the romance enough to keep reading, but I wanted more depth and less nonstop turmoil.
I also found the pacing a little slow at times and the drama with Marco throughout the book made it harder for me to stay fully engaged. Keeping up with everything surrounding Cameron made me feel for him - how much can one person go through before they break? I also wanted to see more of his relationship with his mom and the support he pulls from her.
This is a book full of emotional moments and you should definitely read any trigger warnings before hand. There were definitely moments I liked, and I still enjoyed the romance enough to keep reading, but I wanted more depth and less nonstop turmoil.
June 8, 2026
Before you think about reading this book, please read the content warnings. There are heavy themes depicted on the page, but the author is clear and upfront about what they are and where they appear.
Overall, this is a solid debut novel. Howard's writing is eloquent and moving. I definitely cried at least twice. The intimacy is also beautifully written. I appreciate spending time reading more MM romances written by male authors.
There were some things in this book that took me out of the narrative. The instalove didn't feel believable, and also the conflict resolution between Gregg and Cam felt too quick, given how big the fallout was. Gregg did not seem to take accountability for the ways he hurt Cam, and they both moved on from it too easily.
This author's writing style is exquisite, but it would be nice to see him edit the story further. Thank you to Love Notes PR for sending me this ARC. My rating: 3.5
Overall, this is a solid debut novel. Howard's writing is eloquent and moving. I definitely cried at least twice. The intimacy is also beautifully written. I appreciate spending time reading more MM romances written by male authors.
There were some things in this book that took me out of the narrative. The instalove didn't feel believable, and also the conflict resolution between Gregg and Cam felt too quick, given how big the fallout was. Gregg did not seem to take accountability for the ways he hurt Cam, and they both moved on from it too easily.
This author's writing style is exquisite, but it would be nice to see him edit the story further. Thank you to Love Notes PR for sending me this ARC. My rating: 3.5
June 15, 2026
Have you ever wondered what happens when life hands you a second chance at love… but you’re not sure you’re ready to take it? Well, The Distance Between Us explores exactly that feeling, and it’s a bit of a ride! 🎡
We follow Cameron, a flight attendant still grieving the loss of his fiancé, and Gregg, the heir to a powerful family who feels trapped by expectations he never chose. When their paths cross, an unexpected connection begins to form, but both of them are carrying more than they’re ready to let go of.
This definitely wasn’t your typical light and fluffy romance. Instead, it’s a story about grief, healing, vulnerability and finding the courage to choose happiness again. Some moments hit harder than I expected, and I found myself genuinely rooting for both characters as they tried to navigate everything life had thrown their way.
I also loved the sense of movement in this story. One moment you’re in New York, the next you’re somewhere completely different across the world. As someone who loves travel, that added a whole extra layer to the reading experience. Thailand? San Fransisco? You choose.
That said, there were a few subplots that I would have liked to see explored in a bit more depth. By the end, I found myself wanting a little more closure and a few more pages with some of the side stories.
Overall, though, this was an emotional and engaging read that tackles some heavier themes while still delivering a romance worth rooting for! ❤️
We follow Cameron, a flight attendant still grieving the loss of his fiancé, and Gregg, the heir to a powerful family who feels trapped by expectations he never chose. When their paths cross, an unexpected connection begins to form, but both of them are carrying more than they’re ready to let go of.
This definitely wasn’t your typical light and fluffy romance. Instead, it’s a story about grief, healing, vulnerability and finding the courage to choose happiness again. Some moments hit harder than I expected, and I found myself genuinely rooting for both characters as they tried to navigate everything life had thrown their way.
I also loved the sense of movement in this story. One moment you’re in New York, the next you’re somewhere completely different across the world. As someone who loves travel, that added a whole extra layer to the reading experience. Thailand? San Fransisco? You choose.
That said, there were a few subplots that I would have liked to see explored in a bit more depth. By the end, I found myself wanting a little more closure and a few more pages with some of the side stories.
Overall, though, this was an emotional and engaging read that tackles some heavier themes while still delivering a romance worth rooting for! ❤️
June 12, 2026
I went into this one blind as I had the privilege of being an ARC reader and I was delightfully surprised. An MM (I would call kt closed door) romance. Slow burn.
The complexity of the characters story lines within the story itself was nicely written. It flowed well within the pages. There is grief and loss with one MMC and can he over come his grief to accept someone else? I loved that the author didn't just make the grief a "fleeting" moment but it was well thought out and made the character more "real" as we have all been there at some point in our lives.
The other MMC (British, because who doesn't like a man with an accent) dealing with an over controlling father whom doesn't do well with someone pushing back against them. A man who needs to pick whether his happiness is worth going against his father.
I was laughing in places. I wanted to hug the MMC in some places and I wanted to throat punch the father in others. All around a great read.
The complexity of the characters story lines within the story itself was nicely written. It flowed well within the pages. There is grief and loss with one MMC and can he over come his grief to accept someone else? I loved that the author didn't just make the grief a "fleeting" moment but it was well thought out and made the character more "real" as we have all been there at some point in our lives.
The other MMC (British, because who doesn't like a man with an accent) dealing with an over controlling father whom doesn't do well with someone pushing back against them. A man who needs to pick whether his happiness is worth going against his father.
I was laughing in places. I wanted to hug the MMC in some places and I wanted to throat punch the father in others. All around a great read.
Review of advance copy
4 solid ⭐️
Thanks to love notes for the ARC
Cameron a flight attendant is dealing with grief and the loss of his partner.
This was somewhat personal to me as I have a close family member that lost his partner in 2021 so I really felt the feelings in this one ❤️
But it’s not all about grief it’s also about moving on not forgetting of course, but making a new way in life
Enter Gregg the real estate/business man they have a super cute meet cute and explore lots of avenues in life .
I liked that Gregg let Cameron move on at his own pace.
Loved the side characters Riley and Julian definitely stole the show.
I’d recommend and definitely would read more from James Howard
What to expect:
💞 Opposites Attract
🤭 MM Romance
🔥 Slow Burn
🧡 Found Family
❤️🩹 Love After Loss
✈️ Airport Meet Cute
Thanks to love notes for the ARC
Cameron a flight attendant is dealing with grief and the loss of his partner.
This was somewhat personal to me as I have a close family member that lost his partner in 2021 so I really felt the feelings in this one ❤️
But it’s not all about grief it’s also about moving on not forgetting of course, but making a new way in life
Enter Gregg the real estate/business man they have a super cute meet cute and explore lots of avenues in life .
I liked that Gregg let Cameron move on at his own pace.
Loved the side characters Riley and Julian definitely stole the show.
I’d recommend and definitely would read more from James Howard
What to expect:
💞 Opposites Attract
🤭 MM Romance
🔥 Slow Burn
🧡 Found Family
❤️🩹 Love After Loss
✈️ Airport Meet Cute
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