Just So Far Away

Just Series #2

by Xavier Neal

From best-selling author Xavier Neal comes a unique single-dad, second-chance romance.I've never cared much for the labels I was given.Criminal.Screw-up.Failure.But when I got a new one added to the list, it felt different from the others.It felt important.It felt life-changing.Father.And now that I'm fresh out of jail, honoring that one is the only thing that matters to me.Even if it means dealing with my overly dramatic bitter ex.Even if it means scrubbing toilets for piss pay - joke intended.Even if it means letting the nerdy know-it-all I never expected to see after high school taught me to rewrite all the others.I may not have cared much for the labels of my past, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to not ruin the new ones of my future.

Genres: Interracial Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance, Romance

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 13, 2016

About the author

I'm USA TODAY Bestselling Romance Author who has published over ninety works to date.

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LIST OF BOOKS!


Standalones


Cinderfella (YA Contemporary) - https://amzn.to/2pBHZff

The Gamble (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/2uf4ZFw

Part of The List (Contemporary Romance) - https://amzn.to/2udYwuz

Walking Away (Contemporary Ménage Romance) - https://amzn.to/2pAOEGf

Can’t Match This (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/2XapsVw

Hike, Hike Baby (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/32QqyJJ

Baewatch (Romantic Comedy) -https://amzn.to/2IHjMAl

Sleigh Bride (Holiday Romantic Comedy)- https://amzn.to/3nOfJ4L

Aleatory (Contemporary Age-Gap Romance) - https://amzn.to/2Pqt07F

Picnic Perfect (Romantic Comedy) -
https://amzn.to/3DKKrE2

Eden (Dark, Taboo Romance)-
https://amzn.to/3gfgQsj

Baby Got Pack (Romantic Comedy) -
https://amzn.to/3KZt0U0

Waiting (Contemporary Age- Gap Romance)
https://amzn.to/3BnItLc

SERIES

(COMPLETED)
Senses Series
https://amzn.to/31fG013
Duched Series
https://amzn.to/2EXUF7B
The Bro Series
https://amzn.to/2IsPDRo
Private Series
https://amzn.to/2MzZURd
The Bennett Duet
https://amzn.to/36tEi0h
The Love Duet
https://amzn.to/3wLOFJp
The Compassion Series:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL3WL1Y4
The Free:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5S4SR5W

(OPEN)
Dalvegan Dragons-
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS48MFW9
The Hockey Gods Series- https://amzn.to/31KBuXo
Adrenaline Series - https://amzn.to/2MAo669
Prince of Tease Series- https://amzn.to/2Iu3ZkA
The Just Series - https://amzn.to/2MBGDPi
Must Love Series- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074HX1VK2
Hollywood Exchange Series- https://amzn.to/2WqmfFo
The Culture Blind Series- https://amzn.to/2K5hDOv
Camelot Misfits Series - https://amzn.to/2XfW5pn
Synful Syndicate Series- https://amzn.to/2K311Xw
Haworth Enterprises Series-
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Draak Legacy Series -
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(My links listed here, my website, and on my social media are Amazon affiliate links.)

Reviews

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad boy goes good

I really liked this book. Isaac had a hard life and got mixed up with Tasha in high school. I think Tasha is psycho, but that's my personal opinion. Anyway Tasha does a double cross and Isaac end up in jail. When he get out a year later, he has nothing, no home, no job, no girl, just nothing. All his criminal friends have changed their ways, so he's stuck. In comes Reagan, she had a huge crush on him in high school. Reagan is one of those "to good to be true" people. She immediately offers to help Isaac.
This is a great story about over coming past deeds, about believing someone. What I liked the most was the way it was written. The author wrote it so at times we were not only hearing Isaac or Reagan's thoughts, but they were talking directly to the reader by asking a question. Or telling the reader not to judge.
This is a romance with a HEA, but it focuses more on the characters and the story. Yes, sex was mentioned, but not vividly.
This was well written with a great story! I'll be looking for more books by this author.

[Jamie Stahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isaac and Teagan could not be more different. He is a career criminal who barely graduated high school. She is a shy, awkward book nerd. When their paths cross years after high school, they seize the chance to break the broken patterns in their lives. He has just gotten out of jail with no where to go and a son to prove he can be a father to. She lives in a world of books, reports, and statistics, but no real friends and not really living.

This second chance romance proves that no matter the differences, if you grow together, anything is possible.

As always, a binge worthy, smart, sexy read from this author!

[Tammi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Both books in this series are about real people with real problems coming together and working through them.
I am truly going to have to rethink the statement Once a thief always thief because we definitely saw Issac change his ways.
As I read I was so worried for Teegan because she was so immediately trusting but she saw what was on the inside not the outside and looked towards the future instead of judging him by his past. I loved that about her.
And in the end the helped each other break old habits and start a forever together.

[Annmarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good read about a book nerd who has a great job and knows a lot of random facts meeting up with her high school crus, Isaac, who just got out of prison for theft because his ex F buddy/partner set him up. Whoo, that's a mouth full. Anyway, he has a son and wants to go legit and bumps into Teagan. There is immediate sex and they fall into a tentative relationship. They are definitely I to each other and there is no dating others. Okay, so he falls into some depression some times and heads back to his old stomping grounds or friend, Tasha, the ex F buddy/partner. She touches him and he goes for dinner with her, he says, to tell her to stay away. Anyway, he goes to a bar another time, where they used to hang out and have sex, and Surprise, she's there. They get drunk together, after he promises Teagan never to see her again, and she leads him to her hotel. He knows this is wrong so he calls a friend to get him from the lobby. My problem is WHY dinner and WHY drink with her? She put him in Prison, obviously is after something, and wants to sleep with him and he's supposedly taken! She also notices her body and remembers having sex with her in his thoughts. He does say that Teagan is so much better and it's different with her and he will always want her more so that's a plus I guess. But why does he put himself in that spot? He didn't even tell her, a waitress let it slip that she saw them together having dinner. Then he tells her what happened at the bar, drinking and Tasha taking him to the hotel and him calling the friend to get him. The end is great, he is faithful, but at first he was slightly tempted and that sucked. But he went through a lot to prove his love and did some pretty humbling things to get his son (with another woman, but she's married now to someone else) and Teagan back in his life. I give it 3.5 stars for his stupidity in even spending one minute with Tasha when he had Teagan. Even if he didn't, she put him in JAIL! Ugh, anyway, HEA and no real cheating.

[Andrea Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xavier has written a saucy little book with compassion and second chances. If you love a good romance with some twist, this book is for you.

Issac.... He's arrogant, sexy, and trouble. He is living a life that will lead him behind bars or dead. He needs to find himself and get his life together. But in all honesty you can't help but to love him. You see his hard work and dedication through this story.

Teagan.... GOD I LOVE HER! I need one of her in my life like pronto. This girl is lovable, sassy, smart as a whip, and is selfless. I think everyone needs her in their lives. One of my favorite lines by her is "I don't make mistakes, I make money." Yes you do girl, go and make that money, honey.

This story is going to grip you, you will be turning the pages, and it leaves you wanting more. I love the family dynamic of this story. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have.

[Sheri Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Xavier did not disappoint! The story twisted and turned and held my attention from start to finish. If you are looking for a good read, you will want to read Just So Far Away. Xavier sucked me into the story and I kept telling myself one more chapter until it was 2 a.m. and I was finished with the book!

[kittykat AKA Ms. Tortitude · Rating 3 out of 5]

BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2020

3.5 ⭐️, and yet again and indie author proves why I love some of them.

Ex-cons in romance are much more likely to be in for some kind of violent crime (ie proving his level of masculinity); murder or assault, sometimes in an incident of self-defense, or as a product of an abusive home life or quite often in defense of the helpless heroine. And sometimes he has copped to a crime he didn't commit - usually to save a sibling or again the heroine from 'doing hard time' for something they actually carried out. How very noble. Most of the time we tend to feel for the hero and accept that his crime was for the greater good and when he is free we are oh so willing to accept that he has paid his dues.

BUT, How often do we hear from a thief/con artist (mostly a non-violent criminal), someone who CHOSE their unseemly way of life, trying to go straight? Nothing to do with proving one's manhood, but everything to do with the inherent nature of one's level of honesty (amoungst other socio-economic issues). How refreshing. And he does exactly what he needs to, dirty jobs and all, to prove is worth as a father and earn money to help in raising his child. As a 'friend' from their bad/sad days to the hero in the previous book, Issac is helped along the way with a chance to earn some honest money doing a proper job and is also empowered by the lovely Teagan who because of a past acquaintance (!), allows herself to see something worthy in him and give him the first step up in his new life.

But the 'villain' was obvious as was her actions, so the story could probably have done without that.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was EVERYTHING! My typical go to for books is dark romance filled with angst and drama. This had drama, and angst on a realistic level that kept me engaged. It was a great read that drew me in despite the initial difference.

Bad boy lead character, Isaac is what you want in a book boyfriend. Although at times I wanted to reach through the story and hug him....he would have hated that though. He's determined and though he has a lot to learn in the way of forgiving, accepting and loving himself, he always looks for a way to fix and make up for his mistakes.

Teagan will be a favorite character for me. She loves to read and learn and that led to a socially awkward woman. She owns it and is mostly unapologetic for herself and what she loves.

These two characters fit despite looking completely opposite on the outside. They both are lonely and wanting to feel unconditional love. They fill something in the other that they're missing but had accepted as just how it is.

Isaacs past catches up to him threatening his future. He doesn't want to slip but his past is familiar and with his self loathing already prevalent, it's almost like a self fulfilling prophecy. Can he get himself out of trouble and stay there and Teagan look past her own insecurities.

This so well written and the characters are wonderful. It's relatable and realistic without losing the "escape" feeling you get from reading.

[SaviLeeLind · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not get enough of Isaac and Tee! They are one of my top favorite book couples, and I can honestly say I have read this book dozens of times. Xavier Neal as always has given us the most magnificent story with characters you are going to fall in love with. This book was sweet, steamy, dramatic, and had the right amount of chemistry across the board.
When Isaac comes out of prison he is unsure of what to do or how to do it. With luck on his side he runs into an old acquaintance from HS named Teagan or "Tee." She is of course sexy, sweet, and extremely intelligent. Having always had a thing for Isaac and seeing the good in people in general she invites him to stay with her and also offers to help him get on his feet. Her job being in statistics and numbers she figures that the chances of him repeating the past or less likely with someone by his side, and that person is her. Their attraction is through the roof, and the sexual chemistry steams up the pages. Isaac wants to leave the criminal life behind and build a better life for his son as well as a relationship with Tee. Teagan wants someone real in her life and a family to fill her home. Together the each get something that is missing in their lives.
This story is one that is completely unforgettable, and the HEA is better than any fairy tale you have read. This book is one that you have to buy because its not going to be enough to read it just one time.

[Stephanie Jynelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life is full of choices. We can continue on a path that in the end will destroy you or fight to be better, do better forgive yourself so that you can have what the heart and soul need to thrive.
Isaac didn't have an easy childhood or adulthood because of what he saw as his lot in life.
Thank goodness he reconnected with an old true friend that saw his value. Teagan/Tee, was the one person who wanted him for him. She helped him reconnect with his son and her. The familiarity of her was the only good thing from high school.
They both had their things to work on, but they did it together. We can't control what others do or don't do. The saw the truth that lead them back together when it was time.
Xavier Neal has the amazing gift to bring you into a story so completely that you want even the hardest person to succeed. The love and passion are perfect for each couple. The ability to weave a story so completely and connect familiar people from other stories. It's that kind of writing that has me reading anything and everything she writes.

[Cody Smith-Candelaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the series but can be read as a standalone. Isaac hasn't always been on the right side of the law but he's not a bad person. He just hasn't ever had anyone to believe in him, to help him believe in himself. Teagan lives in her book world and isn't really participating in life. It's a chance reconnection that might be all they both need to really start living life.
I really adore the characters in this book Teagan is a classic book nerd but with so much heart and understanding. Isaac is a bad boy that is so vulnerable. The supporting cast is more background in this series but I like that they are there for the important things and then stay back so we can focus on the main story.
Filled with emotioinal ups and downs and even a villian, I mean seriously I yelled some names and thought about punching my kindle, LOL, the story takes you on a journey and you'll love every minute of it!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My emotions were all over the place with this story. I wasn’t sure if I liked Isaac or if I wanted to reach in and smack him over and over. He frustrated me to know end! Teagan is a very unique woman. She’s super smart, sassy, fierce in her own way and has no problems telling everyone exactly what they don’t want to hear but what they need to be told. She is a MF boss and I loved that about her.

Teagan and Isaac’s story had me on the edge of my seat not knowing how things were going to turn out for these two. There was a lot stacked against them right from the get-go. Teagan is a fierce fighter and I loved that she sees the goodness is people and wants to give them a chance to be better and do better.

This story is filled with suspense, nail biting moments, twists and turns and some shocking events, but mostly this story is filled with passion and a second chance at life and love.

I loved this story (even if it frustrated me at times) and I definitely need more like it.

[Christa Bohannan · Rating 5 out of 5]

You always do what you have to to survive. This is what Isaac has always done. Pick pocketing, Cons, whatever just to survive. Tasha was his partner in crime, also his downfall. Deciding he wanted to go clean for his son Colt, this caused Tasha to con Isaac. This bought him a year in jail. After getting out realizing he has missed a year of his sons life, also realizing he has nothing and no where to go. He runs into Teagan a friend from school, someone who he was always slightly interested in. He cant believe his eyes. She is absolutley stunning and beautiful. These two both had insecurities about themselves. While helping each other through these insecurities they have to not only over come those but everything else that is thrown at them. Wonderful read. Loved Isaac and Teagan.

[Michelle Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

So so Good!!!

This story was just what I've come to expect from Miss. Neal. She draws you into her stories and makes you wish you were one of the characters. Isaac and Teagan were good for each other. Even though he was an ex .con and Teagan an introverted career woman, they clicked. Teagan was a very sweet person who had a huge crush on Isaac back when they were in high school . Teagan wanted Isaac to realize his self worth and realize that he was worth living and caring for. He had some struggles because it seems like he could never escape his past, no matter how much he tried. But his love for his son and Teagan led him to see the bigger picture. This was truly an enjoyable read.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Isaac and Teagan's romance. This book delivers some major feels with its sharp edged antihero and the sunshiny, nerd girl heroine. Gritty realism, powerful emotions, poignancy, drama, sweetness, desire, humor and romance are skillfully woven together with plenty of heart to create a story that comes across as heartbreakingly realistic and extremely swoon worthy. The characters were complex and I thought very relatable. Teagan was brilliant, quirky, sassy and genuinely good-hearted. Isaac is a rough, dirty talking bad boy that has made some bad choices and bigger mistakes. Trust me when I say you will love hem both and as a couple? Best be prepared for the heart melting swoon that is headed your way.

[Tami czenkus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED Isaac and Teagan's story, what a great second chance romance.
Isaac has been dealt a bad hand in the game of life and when he finds himself homeless and alone after he gets out of jail that UP is the only way his life can go, or so he hopes.
He didn't count on one of his old classmates to be the one to give him the chance he thinks he doesn't deserve.
Teagan is used to being alone but she is content in her world of work and books, the last thing she thought she would encounter is her high school crush to be sleeping on a diner booth when she stopped to get her morning beverage.
There are a lot of ups and downs to finally get to their happily ever after but together they can conquer everything.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great read that had me giggling and laughing and other times twisted my heart. I just loved Teagan. She's quirky, and the more I got to know her the more I loved that part of her. Isaac grew on me as the story progressed. His love for his son... swoon worthy for sure. Teagan and Isaac knew each other back to their school days so that was an addition to their story, that little snippet of history. I loved them together, I enjoyed the story, the ups and downs and everything else that pulled me in. It's a great read and a must on any list!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Cynthia Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tee the nerdy girl, who loves her job, loves to read, and is somewhat lonely. Isaac bad boy, with tattoos, body piercings, bad attitude, and son to support. High school friends sorta, but one when up and one went down. Can they meet in the middle and become more or will things from the past come back and keep them apart? Absolutely amazing, emotional, sweet, sorta second chance, with a few twists, and a whole lot of turns that will keep you wanting more and not wanting it to end. I absolutely loved the dialogue with the reader it made it interesting and different. I so can't wait to read what she has next.

[bookramblings1. · Rating 5 out of 5]

:)

Just so far away
Xavier Neal....
As with all Xavier books this rocked. It drew me in from the first page and didn't want to let me go. The storyline so real tee she's so darn adorable. If only she could see her worth :) isaac contrary to popular belief he's a pretty awesome guy who has just had a lot to work through and with the help and support of an old friend he can do anything. Including stopping history repeating itself.
And that ending serious feel good factor that was most needed after a crappy week :)

[Melinda Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Issac found himself alone.  After paying his dues for his crimes, he’s trying to build a future for his son.  Life isn’t making that easy.  When a chance encounter with a past classmate gives him new opportunities, he takes it.

Teagan is accomplished, beautiful, and a small part of Issac’s past life.  She finds herself wanting to help when he’s down on his luck.  Providing him a second chance.  Sparks fly and physical attraction burns.  These two begin to form a relationship and an alliance. 

When the past suddenly becomes the future...anything is possible.

[Tiffany Levin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in this series can be read as a standalone. I loved how the story focused on Isaac and his return to the real world after leaving jail. It showed how he grew from a man that would do anything to make a buck to really turning his life around for his son. Teagan comes in to his life and helps in his journey and shows him he is not as bad as he thinks he is.

The characters are very well written and the story grips you from the beginning and takes you along for the ride with all of the emotions and feelings. Amazing story and get addition to the series!

[AmiNickris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loves it

At first I thought the constant inner dialogue was going to be off putting,but eventually I got used to it.there was levity and a chance to take a deeper look inside their thoughts, so it balances out the story. Isaac was a potty mouth but I guess that went along with his character. Tee I thought would eventually get annoying but the more I read the more I began to understand her. In the end I really enjoyed a book I thought I wouldn't.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isaac and Teegan show just how important second chances are. Being fresh out can definitely put you in a mind frame of "woe is me" but having someone to help figure it out can make all the difference. Teegan being that person for him was beautiful to read. We all need someone like her in our lives. And having a hot tattooed man in our lives doesn't hurt 😉. Their relationship was sweet, steamy, and uplifting. Great read!

[Sherry Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just So Far Away is second book in the series and I highly recommend reading in order just because well....I enjoyed the first book and that is where we first meet Isaac and Tasha.

Read this book to find out how Isaac overcomes his bad boy ways to be single dad and what role Teegan's role is in helping him. Expect twists and turns in this single bad boy dad/nerdy girl in a book that shows second chances in life require work but worth it in the end.

[Everything Bookish Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This duet was sweet and entertaining. This story is full of angst and passion and weak-kneed swoon moments. The level of connection when the female main character is a bookaholic is astounding. Their chemistry is natural and all-consuming. I loved being in their heads. Getting to see the story from dual POVs help make the emotions that dripped from the pages all the more real. The ups and downs had my heart stuttering and begging for more. Well worth the read.

[Julia Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think this might be my new favorite book! It was funny, and sad, and all the feels! Tee with her bookish manner and ability to quote statistics is a excellent foil to Issac's Bad Boy stuck in the past issues! But they make it work, even with all the insecurities and drama thrown their way! They are a team to root for! Best answer to Where's your Boyfriend? Somewhere between page 46 and 47!

[Tabitha Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this Author and I was not disappointed... this book has well established characters and an amazing storyline. I fell in love with the person Issac is trying to be come and I rooted for him all the way... was so happy that he got everything he deserved in the end with Teegan... and she is such a amazing person that this world could use more of...

[Deedee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Xavier Neal book to read. Amazing author. And I love this book.

I have never read a book where the characters talk to me in the story. With the characters involving me, I was going through all the emotions with them, it really sucked me into the story.

I found it very hard putting this book down.
An amazing book to read.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book

I love this book. Totally original story. Great that it was not another billionaire to the rescue or a mob/gangster that rescues the heroine. Just two humans who help each other. Plus I love that the heroine is rich and the hero doesn't let macho feelings get in the way of them being together.

[Jill Bridgeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second romance and a second chance at a life that wasn't necessarily expected to happen.
When you find the one you're meant to be with and that person is willing to help you in any way possible to be a better person, you take it and you don't look back. Isaac and Tee helped each other in that aspect.