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Chasing the Dream #5
More than Distance
She’s off-limits, but he’s the only one who can help her…
Carla Jackson has her life all mapped out, so when her plans fall apart she’s more lost than ever. A spot on the reality TV show Road Trip Race seems like the perfect escape, except she needs a partner. The only option is her brother’s best friend: the man she’s secretly loved forever and the last person she wants to be stuck in a car with.
Tech billionaire Ryan Evans has done everything he can to put his bitter past behind him. He’s avoided Carla ever since they shared a forbidden kiss six years ago, but when his best friend asks him to protect her on the show, he can’t refuse—even if the biggest threat to her heart might be himself.
As Carla and Ryan drive across the country while competing on the show, there’s no escaping the undeniable chemistry between them. But when they’re thrown off course, can they find their way home together?
Carla Jackson has her life all mapped out, so when her plans fall apart she’s more lost than ever. A spot on the reality TV show Road Trip Race seems like the perfect escape, except she needs a partner. The only option is her brother’s best friend: the man she’s secretly loved forever and the last person she wants to be stuck in a car with.
Tech billionaire Ryan Evans has done everything he can to put his bitter past behind him. He’s avoided Carla ever since they shared a forbidden kiss six years ago, but when his best friend asks him to protect her on the show, he can’t refuse—even if the biggest threat to her heart might be himself.
As Carla and Ryan drive across the country while competing on the show, there’s no escaping the undeniable chemistry between them. But when they’re thrown off course, can they find their way home together?
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First published January 10, 2017
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About the author
Elizabeth Briggs
46 books2,724 followersElizabeth Briggs is a New York Times and Top 5 Amazon bestselling author of paranormal and fantasy romance featuring twisty plots, plenty of spice, and a guaranteed happy ending. She's a Stage IV cancer warrior who has worked with teens in foster care and volunteered with animal rescue organizations. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, their daughter, and a pack of fluffy dogs. Find her online at http://www.elizabethbriggs.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 13, 2018
Best-friend little sister trope and road trip. Cute. Nothing deep. Slightly repetitive.
The rating is a little harsh because I wanted an easy read and this book was exactly that. So it is good in the "light fluffy" category. But under the general "contemporary romance" umbrella, it is not that great.
The rating is a little harsh because I wanted an easy read and this book was exactly that. So it is good in the "light fluffy" category. But under the general "contemporary romance" umbrella, it is not that great.
December 23, 2018
Three and a half stars.
I was convinced I had read this before, perhaps I just got part way and dropped it?
Carla Jackson was madly in love with her brother's best friend Ryan Evans. She was the annoying younger sister who tagged along everywhere and Ryan was so sweet to her until the night she huilated herself. That night she left home and moved to New York where she's been studiously avoiding Ryan ever since. A successful model the world is at her feet until in quick succession her spot as a judge on America's Top Model gets cancelled, she loses her boyfriend and her apartment. When she is offered a spot as a contestant on the reality tv show Road Trip Race as a consolation she jumps at the chance to win a million dollars, drive round the US and star on her favourite show. The only problem is she needs a reliable partner and the only person available is Ryan.
Told in alternate POVs by Carla and Ryan we gradually find out what happened that night all those years ago and why each of them did what they did. But with each of the suffering from that YA/NA 'I'm not good enough' angst there's a lot of push-me, pull-me before our star-struck lovers get their happy ending.
I was convinced I had read this before, perhaps I just got part way and dropped it?
Carla Jackson was madly in love with her brother's best friend Ryan Evans. She was the annoying younger sister who tagged along everywhere and Ryan was so sweet to her until the night she huilated herself. That night she left home and moved to New York where she's been studiously avoiding Ryan ever since. A successful model the world is at her feet until in quick succession her spot as a judge on America's Top Model gets cancelled, she loses her boyfriend and her apartment. When she is offered a spot as a contestant on the reality tv show Road Trip Race as a consolation she jumps at the chance to win a million dollars, drive round the US and star on her favourite show. The only problem is she needs a reliable partner and the only person available is Ryan.
Told in alternate POVs by Carla and Ryan we gradually find out what happened that night all those years ago and why each of them did what they did. But with each of the suffering from that YA/NA 'I'm not good enough' angst there's a lot of push-me, pull-me before our star-struck lovers get their happy ending.
February 6, 2017
4.5 stars!
I loved the Chasing The Dream series. More Than Distance was one of my favorites. I could not put it down once I started it!!
There are something things I love in books. Brother's best friend and brother's little sister are one of my favorite types of reads. LOVE them.
Carla is having a tough time in her life right now. The job she was hired to do fell through, her paren's decided to separate, and her one time crush and the man who broke her heart in back home and in Carla's parent's kitchen. Ryan is back in LA because of his dad and does not want to be there. He is happy with the life he has created for himself.
When Carla is offered a once in a lifetime opportunity on a reality show to travel across the country, she jumps on it. The crazy fact that Ryan offers to go with her, shocks both Carla and Ryan. When the learn it is a couples competition, things go from awkward to crazy fast. Carla and Ryan can fake being a couple, that is until it becomes a little too real for both of them.
I enjoyed this book so much. I am hoping this is not the end of the series (I think it is and I am terribly sad). Every book was an awesome read for me. I love how Elizabeth makes her characters so real. It is like visiting with old friends.
I loved the Chasing The Dream series. More Than Distance was one of my favorites. I could not put it down once I started it!!
There are something things I love in books. Brother's best friend and brother's little sister are one of my favorite types of reads. LOVE them.
Carla is having a tough time in her life right now. The job she was hired to do fell through, her paren's decided to separate, and her one time crush and the man who broke her heart in back home and in Carla's parent's kitchen. Ryan is back in LA because of his dad and does not want to be there. He is happy with the life he has created for himself.
When Carla is offered a once in a lifetime opportunity on a reality show to travel across the country, she jumps on it. The crazy fact that Ryan offers to go with her, shocks both Carla and Ryan. When the learn it is a couples competition, things go from awkward to crazy fast. Carla and Ryan can fake being a couple, that is until it becomes a little too real for both of them.
I enjoyed this book so much. I am hoping this is not the end of the series (I think it is and I am terribly sad). Every book was an awesome read for me. I love how Elizabeth makes her characters so real. It is like visiting with old friends.
January 10, 2017
3.5 stars.
If you’re a fan of best-friend's-little-sister romances, then you should have fun with this. I have to admit it’s a trope I don’t have much patience for at the moment, but I like this series and I’ve been waiting to see how Carla’s story would pan out. And for the most part it’s an enjoyable read, filled with reality TV challenges, a bit of drama, emotional angst and plenty of heat.
Although, if I’m honest, there isn’t much of a plot. Carla starts out the book with her plans already starting to disintegrate, when Ryan walks back into her life and everything else falls to pieces. For someone so smart and seemingly together in many ways, her flapping around at the beginning was kind of disappointing. She has a degree! Why did she get it if she isn’t going to use it? And if she loves engineering so much, why didn’t she stick with it? She’s a nice woman (a bit too nice at times) and so much more than her beautiful face, but there were times when I struggled to believe in her hidden depths.
Likewise with Ryan. He’s a billionaire app genius with a terrible relationship with his father. He’s always wanted Carla, but in order not to hurt her, he… er… hurts her. For me there was way too much overblown angst when it came to him and his feelings towards Carla. He’s a jerk, then he’s all over her, then he’s in love, then he’s doing it to protect her. His behaviour was sadly a bit too predictable for me. I could understand him not wanting to damage his relationship with Daniel, but he goes about so many things in completely the wrong way.
The reality TV plot was kind of a non-starter for me. There’s no real sense that they’re on television, even when they think about the cameras in the car. I usually like reality TV stories because of the weirdly skewed reality they present, but this one didn’t really bother with that. Mostly it’s a road trip book, which is still a good thing, but because of the challenges it was mostly driving and not much experiencing.
So overall it’s okay. I didn’t love it as much as the early books in the series, but it feels kind of on par with the latter few. In terms of romance it’s an easy read, with plenty of angst and lots of heat, and when the pair of them forget about everything else they are cute together. If you’re looking for something easy but with a high emotional drama rating and love a bit of angst regarding forbidden flings, then give this a go. It’s not the best in the series, but I still enjoyed it.
(ARC provided by the author.)
If you’re a fan of best-friend's-little-sister romances, then you should have fun with this. I have to admit it’s a trope I don’t have much patience for at the moment, but I like this series and I’ve been waiting to see how Carla’s story would pan out. And for the most part it’s an enjoyable read, filled with reality TV challenges, a bit of drama, emotional angst and plenty of heat.
Although, if I’m honest, there isn’t much of a plot. Carla starts out the book with her plans already starting to disintegrate, when Ryan walks back into her life and everything else falls to pieces. For someone so smart and seemingly together in many ways, her flapping around at the beginning was kind of disappointing. She has a degree! Why did she get it if she isn’t going to use it? And if she loves engineering so much, why didn’t she stick with it? She’s a nice woman (a bit too nice at times) and so much more than her beautiful face, but there were times when I struggled to believe in her hidden depths.
Likewise with Ryan. He’s a billionaire app genius with a terrible relationship with his father. He’s always wanted Carla, but in order not to hurt her, he… er… hurts her. For me there was way too much overblown angst when it came to him and his feelings towards Carla. He’s a jerk, then he’s all over her, then he’s in love, then he’s doing it to protect her. His behaviour was sadly a bit too predictable for me. I could understand him not wanting to damage his relationship with Daniel, but he goes about so many things in completely the wrong way.
The reality TV plot was kind of a non-starter for me. There’s no real sense that they’re on television, even when they think about the cameras in the car. I usually like reality TV stories because of the weirdly skewed reality they present, but this one didn’t really bother with that. Mostly it’s a road trip book, which is still a good thing, but because of the challenges it was mostly driving and not much experiencing.
So overall it’s okay. I didn’t love it as much as the early books in the series, but it feels kind of on par with the latter few. In terms of romance it’s an easy read, with plenty of angst and lots of heat, and when the pair of them forget about everything else they are cute together. If you’re looking for something easy but with a high emotional drama rating and love a bit of angst regarding forbidden flings, then give this a go. It’s not the best in the series, but I still enjoyed it.
(ARC provided by the author.)
September 13, 2017
I think this is my least favorite book in this series and I still very much enjoyed it.
I might have mentioned before I often have a hard time connecting with the heroines in Contemporary Romance. So far I didn't have that problem in Briggs' books, but I had trouble connecting with Carla. Even with the problems she had in her past and the problems she has with her family, she just seemed too perfect for me. Successful model, car mechanic, every guys dream girl. Meh...
And Ryan didn't really impress me either: billionaire playboy, lusting after his best friend's little sister...
But although it took me some time to warm up to them, I very much enjoyed the story. Once again there's a reality TV show with challenges and competition. At the point where the TV show wasn't the focus of the story anymore I had warmed up enough to both Carla and Ryan to root for them and to look forward to their Happy End.
This being the last book in the series, there were a few glimpses at how the other couples were doing, and it was fun to read about that as well. All in all a very enjoyable read.
I will keep an eye out for other books by Elizabeth Briggs.
I might have mentioned before I often have a hard time connecting with the heroines in Contemporary Romance. So far I didn't have that problem in Briggs' books, but I had trouble connecting with Carla. Even with the problems she had in her past and the problems she has with her family, she just seemed too perfect for me. Successful model, car mechanic, every guys dream girl. Meh...
And Ryan didn't really impress me either: billionaire playboy, lusting after his best friend's little sister...
But although it took me some time to warm up to them, I very much enjoyed the story. Once again there's a reality TV show with challenges and competition. At the point where the TV show wasn't the focus of the story anymore I had warmed up enough to both Carla and Ryan to root for them and to look forward to their Happy End.
This being the last book in the series, there were a few glimpses at how the other couples were doing, and it was fun to read about that as well. All in all a very enjoyable read.
I will keep an eye out for other books by Elizabeth Briggs.
February 22, 2019
I'm sad this is the last book in this series. This book is everything I need in an awesome road trip, scavenger hunt, reality show story. I laughed so much in this and I absolutely love Carla and Ryan! They gave me all the feels. This is a great series and I hope we get a novella or something in the future!
January 12, 2017
I first discovered Elizabeth Briggs about a year ago and quickly read all her books. So when I got the chance to read More Than Distance before it’s official release, you know I snapped it up!
Carla is a strong woman who’s had everything bad happen all at once, but she doesn’t let that keep her down – even when the love of her life shows up unexpectedly. Ryan is as dreamy a lead character as any Brigg’s has written, and I loved the tension between them immediately.
The two join forces to compete on a reality TV show similar to the Amazing Race (the fact that I LOVE AR did not hurt matters) and the chemistry between Carla and Ryan keeps getting better and better.
As this is the 5th book in the Chasing the Dream series, characters from the other books are there too, making this book a must read!
Carla is a strong woman who’s had everything bad happen all at once, but she doesn’t let that keep her down – even when the love of her life shows up unexpectedly. Ryan is as dreamy a lead character as any Brigg’s has written, and I loved the tension between them immediately.
The two join forces to compete on a reality TV show similar to the Amazing Race (the fact that I LOVE AR did not hurt matters) and the chemistry between Carla and Ryan keeps getting better and better.
As this is the 5th book in the Chasing the Dream series, characters from the other books are there too, making this book a must read!
January 10, 2017
For more reviews click HERE
Actual Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
*I was provided a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review
Guys, after waiting for months for More than Distance I finally read it and I’m so happy about it. If you don’t know I already read and reviewed all the books in the Chasing the Dreams series and this is one of my favorite new adult series out there.
I was really excited for this one mainly for two reason. First of all, this is the last book in the series so I knew it would probably be amazing. Secondly, Carla, the main character, is half-portuguese. I might be freaking out a little bit about this but you need to understand that you don’t see portuguese characters out there unless you read portuguese books (which I don’t but should do) so for me this is awesome and that makes everything even better. Let me tell you that starting the morning reading about caldo verde, bacalhau com natas, tarte de amêndoa and especially broa made me really hungry… and yeah, these are all portuguese dishes and I won’t even try to translate it.
I really loved this book and one of the things I loved the most is that not only this book was a “best-friend little sister” romance but it was also kind of second chance romance. I already love these two tropes by itself so if you combine both them it’s granted that I’ll love it. Carla and Ryan were such amazing characters and they were so cute together and had a great chemistry. I just loved them. At the beginning of the book they were both kind of lost but I really enjoyed to see them spending time together, getting to know each other again and helping each other finding themselves. Also, I really enjoyed the fact that they practically spent most of the book in a road trip because that gave them more chances to reconnect and talk about their lives. Another thing I loved was that both main characters were biracial. Carla was half white and half african-american and Ryan was half white and half chinese.
I also loved that all the characters from the previous books made an appearance and it was great to see how they all were. I also really liked Carla’s brother and Ryan’s best-friend, Daniel. I know this is the last book from the series but I would totally read a book about him. The guy deserves his own happy ending.
Once again, I really liked the writing in this book. This is not my first Elizabeth Briggs book, by far, and can really see how much her writing developed and how it got better after each book. I really enjoyed that this book had a dual POV and that Carla and Ryan had unique voices. Also, the book flew super easily and it was a really fast read.
Overall, this was a great romance and a great conclusion of a series. While I really loved this book I’m still a little bit sad that it’s the end of the series. I 100% recommend this book (and the series) to everyone who’s looking for a great romance.
Actual Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
*I was provided a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review
Guys, after waiting for months for More than Distance I finally read it and I’m so happy about it. If you don’t know I already read and reviewed all the books in the Chasing the Dreams series and this is one of my favorite new adult series out there.
I was really excited for this one mainly for two reason. First of all, this is the last book in the series so I knew it would probably be amazing. Secondly, Carla, the main character, is half-portuguese. I might be freaking out a little bit about this but you need to understand that you don’t see portuguese characters out there unless you read portuguese books (which I don’t but should do) so for me this is awesome and that makes everything even better. Let me tell you that starting the morning reading about caldo verde, bacalhau com natas, tarte de amêndoa and especially broa made me really hungry… and yeah, these are all portuguese dishes and I won’t even try to translate it.
I really loved this book and one of the things I loved the most is that not only this book was a “best-friend little sister” romance but it was also kind of second chance romance. I already love these two tropes by itself so if you combine both them it’s granted that I’ll love it. Carla and Ryan were such amazing characters and they were so cute together and had a great chemistry. I just loved them. At the beginning of the book they were both kind of lost but I really enjoyed to see them spending time together, getting to know each other again and helping each other finding themselves. Also, I really enjoyed the fact that they practically spent most of the book in a road trip because that gave them more chances to reconnect and talk about their lives. Another thing I loved was that both main characters were biracial. Carla was half white and half african-american and Ryan was half white and half chinese.
I also loved that all the characters from the previous books made an appearance and it was great to see how they all were. I also really liked Carla’s brother and Ryan’s best-friend, Daniel. I know this is the last book from the series but I would totally read a book about him. The guy deserves his own happy ending.
Once again, I really liked the writing in this book. This is not my first Elizabeth Briggs book, by far, and can really see how much her writing developed and how it got better after each book. I really enjoyed that this book had a dual POV and that Carla and Ryan had unique voices. Also, the book flew super easily and it was a really fast read.
Overall, this was a great romance and a great conclusion of a series. While I really loved this book I’m still a little bit sad that it’s the end of the series. I 100% recommend this book (and the series) to everyone who’s looking for a great romance.
January 19, 2017
I've been a fan of this series since the very first book, so going into More Than Distance I was excited but also sad. I couldn't wait to see what the next installment held but also didn't want this book to end, knowing that when I turned the final page it was all over.
Carla, is someone who we have previously met in More Than Fashion, where she is the model for Julie. Now that school is over Carla plans to move to NY for her new job, and to live near Julie and Gavin. However, unforeseen circumstances change her plans and Carla finds herself going on Road Trip Race, with someone who she didn't really want.
Ryan Evans is a blast from the past, and his arrival at the family dinner is a shock for Carla, but when things calm down and plans are changed Carla finds out she needs him more than she imagined she would. Together this duo go on a trip of a lifetime, and learn more about each other along the way.
More Than Distance was I book I enjoyed. I loved the road trip factor of this, even more with the time limit for the show. It really made me wasn't to make a lost of my own of things to see if I ever got to travel across America. This added a fun twist to the plot and is really what forced this pair to work together. The history between Carla and Ryan is explained in snippets throughout the story, and from both points of view, which lets us see all sides to the story, and also that they are both stubborn to a fault.
Both Carla and Ryan have thier own stories to deal with, for Carla it's escaping from her life, from being treated like glass, and to get over a shock from her parents. For Ryan it's to pass the time, to make a decision about his business and his father. I liked how the story played out, and that Carla and Ryan finally got thier friendship back on track. Especially as Ryan is considered part of the family and has been for years.
Final Verdict
One thing I love about interconnection books in a series is catching up with the previous characters and seeing thier stories weave within one another. There were a few twists within the pages of More Than Distance that I didn't expect but do like how it all ended. This is a must read for anyone who has read these books.
Carla, is someone who we have previously met in More Than Fashion, where she is the model for Julie. Now that school is over Carla plans to move to NY for her new job, and to live near Julie and Gavin. However, unforeseen circumstances change her plans and Carla finds herself going on Road Trip Race, with someone who she didn't really want.
Ryan Evans is a blast from the past, and his arrival at the family dinner is a shock for Carla, but when things calm down and plans are changed Carla finds out she needs him more than she imagined she would. Together this duo go on a trip of a lifetime, and learn more about each other along the way.
More Than Distance was I book I enjoyed. I loved the road trip factor of this, even more with the time limit for the show. It really made me wasn't to make a lost of my own of things to see if I ever got to travel across America. This added a fun twist to the plot and is really what forced this pair to work together. The history between Carla and Ryan is explained in snippets throughout the story, and from both points of view, which lets us see all sides to the story, and also that they are both stubborn to a fault.
Both Carla and Ryan have thier own stories to deal with, for Carla it's escaping from her life, from being treated like glass, and to get over a shock from her parents. For Ryan it's to pass the time, to make a decision about his business and his father. I liked how the story played out, and that Carla and Ryan finally got thier friendship back on track. Especially as Ryan is considered part of the family and has been for years.
Final Verdict
One thing I love about interconnection books in a series is catching up with the previous characters and seeing thier stories weave within one another. There were a few twists within the pages of More Than Distance that I didn't expect but do like how it all ended. This is a must read for anyone who has read these books.
February 7, 2017
Quinto libro de la serie "Chasing the Dream" una serie original centrada en reality shows...
Conocemos a Carla Jackson en el libro anterior, la amiga de Julie y la modelo que ayuda a Gavin a ganar la competencia. Carla es una mujer que planea todo con antelación, tiene su vida planeada pero de repente se ve, sin trabajo, sin casa, sin novio, enfrentando la separación de sus padres después de 25 años juntos y como si fuera poco es el momento en el que Ryan Evans decide hacer una reaparición después de 6 años.
Ryan es el mejor amigo del hermano de Carla y coincidentemente el chico del que siempre ella ha estado enamorada hasta que sin nada de tacto él le dice que sus sentimientos no son correspondidos.
Una nueva oferta aparece para Carla... unirse a un reality show haciendo un viaje por varios estados recogiendo pistas y ganando puntos. El único problema... es que necesita un compañero. Sorpresivamente Ryan sale al rescate y se ofrece a acompañarla, sus problemas tiene y esta oportunidad es un escape de los problemas del multimillonario Ryan.
No es insta-love ya que Ryan y Carla se conocen desde la infancia y ésta es su oportunidad para reconectarse y aclarar un montón de cosas que quedaron pendiente entre ellos. La historia es entretenida, sexy y divertida; nos reencontramos con todos los personajes de libros anteriores, mis favoritos: Jared y Maddie (con un momento muy especial!) y Becca y Andrew.
Mi única queja es que el final es muy abrupto y tal vez un poco muy rápido.... entiendo que el final feliz es la meta pero tal vez seguir el ritmo con el que venía el libro hubiera hecho que le diera las cinco estrellitas.
Elizabeth Briggs es una autora al cual recurrir cuando cuando quiere leer una linda historia y pasar un lindo rato con adorables personajes.
Pregunta e inquietud pendiente...... habrá libro de Daniel?
January 25, 2017
This was my first Elizabeth Briggs novel. Elizabeth writes a good story, but I felt like I could not connect with the characters. They seemed one dimensional. The first half of the book has Carla and Ryan avoiding each other. Then, the second half the book has them having sex every chance they get. Now, don't get me wrong, I love a spicy novel, but struggled to find the actual plot story somewhere in there.
January 10, 2017
Read full review HERE
Oh boy, this last book of the series took a seriously long time to come, but hell, it was worth it. This one, guys, is now my favorite book of this series, and I loved this series already. But there’s just something about childhood friends finding love together, right?
First of all, I’m super glad that Elizabeth Briggs went with the dual POV model for this book again. See, not all books in the series are dual POV, but I’m beyond happy that this one is, because I think it was necessary to actually know both sides of the “problem” here, given the distance between both main characters. If I look at the series, I guess Briggs’ choices when choosing her POVs make a lot of sense, because she used dual POVs when the characters had some kind of physical and emotional distance, and made the books single POV when the girl’s (or guy’s) POV was enough to tell the tale. Either way, first person dual POV? YES PLEASE!
We already knew Carla from previous books, since she’s Maddie and Julie’s roommate and friend in the previous books of the series, so she had already showed up a few times. I have to say, I love that we get a half portuguese character, and Carla and her brother Daniel have not only Portuguese names, but some cultural things are present in their story too. Also, PORTUGUESE FOOD in this book! And I’m so glad that Briggs’ didn’t even try to translate the dishes’ names, because that would be blasphemy – and also, this made me hungry while reading, but that’s beside the point.
Back to Carla, not only is she half portuguese, but she’s also biracial, with her mom being Portuguese and her dad being Afro-American (and I love that the cover reflects that!). She’s also a model and gorgeous! And she loves to eat, she’s super super smart, and she knows how to work on cars! And she’s just so damn nice (too nice sometimes).
Ryan was a very nice surprise. He too is biracial, as his mom was chinese, and again, he’s super smart and a self-made billionaire. I loved his relationship with Daniel, Carla’s brother, and their whole family, and obviously with Carla.
I loved the romance, it was just amazing. Carla and Ryan had been in love with each other since they were teens, but because Ryan never thought he deserved her – and because his BFF and only family warned him to stay away – he rejected her time and time again, until he couldn’t anymore. I really liked the fact that they actually KNEW each other, and even though their chemistry was off the charts, it wasn’t all about that, and they spent so much time actually talking and sharing and understanding each other.
While I always love the Reality Show aspect of these books, I was so glad that the show itself didn’t play a major role in the story, as it did in previous books. Instead, the Road Trip element itself was the most important thing, and I really liked it, because they were going through the country, seeing things and having fun, while we were watching their relationship grow.
This book was a perfect way to end this series, though I still don’t want it to end… can’t we have a book about Daniel?! Either way, it was great to see the gang all together again, and see all the changes and amazing news in each of their lives. The ending of this book was kind of perfect too, I really liked that Carla and Ryan inspired and supported each other to follow their dreams.
SO PEOPLE, HAVE YOU READ THIS SERIES?
IF YES, THOUGHTS? AND WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE COUPLE?
AND IF NO, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? I MEAN, ROMANCE, REALITY SHOWS, COMIC-CON, MUSIC, FASHION, ROAD-TRIPS, …, READ THEM!
Oh boy, this last book of the series took a seriously long time to come, but hell, it was worth it. This one, guys, is now my favorite book of this series, and I loved this series already. But there’s just something about childhood friends finding love together, right?
First of all, I’m super glad that Elizabeth Briggs went with the dual POV model for this book again. See, not all books in the series are dual POV, but I’m beyond happy that this one is, because I think it was necessary to actually know both sides of the “problem” here, given the distance between both main characters. If I look at the series, I guess Briggs’ choices when choosing her POVs make a lot of sense, because she used dual POVs when the characters had some kind of physical and emotional distance, and made the books single POV when the girl’s (or guy’s) POV was enough to tell the tale. Either way, first person dual POV? YES PLEASE!
We already knew Carla from previous books, since she’s Maddie and Julie’s roommate and friend in the previous books of the series, so she had already showed up a few times. I have to say, I love that we get a half portuguese character, and Carla and her brother Daniel have not only Portuguese names, but some cultural things are present in their story too. Also, PORTUGUESE FOOD in this book! And I’m so glad that Briggs’ didn’t even try to translate the dishes’ names, because that would be blasphemy – and also, this made me hungry while reading, but that’s beside the point.
Back to Carla, not only is she half portuguese, but she’s also biracial, with her mom being Portuguese and her dad being Afro-American (and I love that the cover reflects that!). She’s also a model and gorgeous! And she loves to eat, she’s super super smart, and she knows how to work on cars! And she’s just so damn nice (too nice sometimes).
Ryan was a very nice surprise. He too is biracial, as his mom was chinese, and again, he’s super smart and a self-made billionaire. I loved his relationship with Daniel, Carla’s brother, and their whole family, and obviously with Carla.
I loved the romance, it was just amazing. Carla and Ryan had been in love with each other since they were teens, but because Ryan never thought he deserved her – and because his BFF and only family warned him to stay away – he rejected her time and time again, until he couldn’t anymore. I really liked the fact that they actually KNEW each other, and even though their chemistry was off the charts, it wasn’t all about that, and they spent so much time actually talking and sharing and understanding each other.
While I always love the Reality Show aspect of these books, I was so glad that the show itself didn’t play a major role in the story, as it did in previous books. Instead, the Road Trip element itself was the most important thing, and I really liked it, because they were going through the country, seeing things and having fun, while we were watching their relationship grow.
This book was a perfect way to end this series, though I still don’t want it to end… can’t we have a book about Daniel?! Either way, it was great to see the gang all together again, and see all the changes and amazing news in each of their lives. The ending of this book was kind of perfect too, I really liked that Carla and Ryan inspired and supported each other to follow their dreams.
SO PEOPLE, HAVE YOU READ THIS SERIES?
IF YES, THOUGHTS? AND WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE COUPLE?
AND IF NO, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? I MEAN, ROMANCE, REALITY SHOWS, COMIC-CON, MUSIC, FASHION, ROAD-TRIPS, …, READ THEM!
July 26, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
Carla: "It's so beautiful. The stars, the moon. You never see a night like this in LA." I glanced over at Ryan, but he was staring at me with his dark, intense eyes. I nudged him, feeling self-conscious. "You're not looking!"
Ryan: "I'm looking at the most beautiful thing here. You outshine the moon and all the stars."
My mouth fell open. I couldn't form words. Ryan, who'd rejected me time and time again, was now telling me I was beautiful.
Carla: Ryan was my favorite "what if," the guy who'd starred in every one of my fantasies, my first love and the man I could never get over. I'd tried to move on a dozen times, but it always came back to him.
Now I would finally have him.
Ryan: "I tried to convince myself what we had didn't mean anything, but it didn't work. When I went back to my place im Seattle, everything about it seemed wrong. It wasn't my home anymore, because you weren't with me. Even before I knew about the accident, I'd decided to fly back to New York or wherever you were and beg you to take me back. To teel you I wanted to give this relationship thing a try."
Carla: "I thought you didn't want a serious relationship."
Ryan: "Before, I didn't. With any other girl, I couldn't. But with you, I can. I will. Carla, I love you. I've loved you from the time we were kids and every year since. You've defined the word 'love' for me since I first understood it's meaning."
Carla: "I've waited so long to hear you say those words."
Ryan: "It took me far too long to say them."
Carla: "I love you too, Ryan. I've loved you forever. It's always been you, and only you."
Ryan: "I'm not good at this, but I'll try to be. For you."
Ryan: "I'm madly in love with you and I will never stop trying to give you what you want. I plan to spend the rest of my life making you happy."
Ryan: "Carla, I love you more than I could ever say. There's nothing I want more in the world than to be with you for the rest of my life. You're my home. My family. Will you marry me?"
Carla: "Oh, Ryan. Yes, I will marry you. I love you so much."
Ryan: "This ring was my mother's. I know she'd want you to have it."
Carla: "Thank you. I love it."
Carla: Everything was changing, but this wasn't the end of our adventure. Love was the ultimate journey, and ours was just beginning.
Carla: I glanced around at all of my friends, every one of us happy and in love. It seemed almost too good to be true. Somehow, against all odds, we'd all found our perfect soul mates, while also going after our dreams. Sure there were bumps along the way, but the road forward looked smooth.
As for me and Ryan? He was finally an official member of my family, much to my mother's delight. My brother seemed pretty happy about it too, surprisingly. Ryan and I were living here in LA while he worked at the new office of Meta Entainment and planned the launch of an all new game. Meanwhile, I was starting graduate school in the fall to get my engineering degree. We were planning to buy a house next, and soon we'd get to work on adding some new members to our family.
I couldn't wait to get started.
Carla: "It's so beautiful. The stars, the moon. You never see a night like this in LA." I glanced over at Ryan, but he was staring at me with his dark, intense eyes. I nudged him, feeling self-conscious. "You're not looking!"
Ryan: "I'm looking at the most beautiful thing here. You outshine the moon and all the stars."
My mouth fell open. I couldn't form words. Ryan, who'd rejected me time and time again, was now telling me I was beautiful.
Carla: Ryan was my favorite "what if," the guy who'd starred in every one of my fantasies, my first love and the man I could never get over. I'd tried to move on a dozen times, but it always came back to him.
Now I would finally have him.
Ryan: "I tried to convince myself what we had didn't mean anything, but it didn't work. When I went back to my place im Seattle, everything about it seemed wrong. It wasn't my home anymore, because you weren't with me. Even before I knew about the accident, I'd decided to fly back to New York or wherever you were and beg you to take me back. To teel you I wanted to give this relationship thing a try."
Carla: "I thought you didn't want a serious relationship."
Ryan: "Before, I didn't. With any other girl, I couldn't. But with you, I can. I will. Carla, I love you. I've loved you from the time we were kids and every year since. You've defined the word 'love' for me since I first understood it's meaning."
Carla: "I've waited so long to hear you say those words."
Ryan: "It took me far too long to say them."
Carla: "I love you too, Ryan. I've loved you forever. It's always been you, and only you."
Ryan: "I'm not good at this, but I'll try to be. For you."
Ryan: "I'm madly in love with you and I will never stop trying to give you what you want. I plan to spend the rest of my life making you happy."
Ryan: "Carla, I love you more than I could ever say. There's nothing I want more in the world than to be with you for the rest of my life. You're my home. My family. Will you marry me?"
Carla: "Oh, Ryan. Yes, I will marry you. I love you so much."
Ryan: "This ring was my mother's. I know she'd want you to have it."
Carla: "Thank you. I love it."
Carla: Everything was changing, but this wasn't the end of our adventure. Love was the ultimate journey, and ours was just beginning.
Carla: I glanced around at all of my friends, every one of us happy and in love. It seemed almost too good to be true. Somehow, against all odds, we'd all found our perfect soul mates, while also going after our dreams. Sure there were bumps along the way, but the road forward looked smooth.
As for me and Ryan? He was finally an official member of my family, much to my mother's delight. My brother seemed pretty happy about it too, surprisingly. Ryan and I were living here in LA while he worked at the new office of Meta Entainment and planned the launch of an all new game. Meanwhile, I was starting graduate school in the fall to get my engineering degree. We were planning to buy a house next, and soon we'd get to work on adding some new members to our family.
I couldn't wait to get started.
May 12, 2017
This whole series is so so good that it's a tough decision to pick the best book. I can't :) All are perfect...each it's own way. I love book with strong characters, passion a desire to accomplish their dreams. And this series is full of them. I'm just sad that it's over a there will be no more books about this bunch of friends.
November 3, 2019
Oh my God! I loved this book so much I wish I could give it ten stars. I finished it in 24 hours. I couldn’t put it down. The road trip reality show was entertaining. And the characters were very likeable with great chemistry. This book had it all- humour, a good story, great characters, steamy sex and a happy ending. And of course a great road trip!
May 25, 2024
My favourite so far....
I love the teenage love and angst that is the backdrop to this installment, so glad the HEA was not too drawn out as they both deserved to find their happiness with each other. Absolutely brilliant, loved it!
I love the teenage love and angst that is the backdrop to this installment, so glad the HEA was not too drawn out as they both deserved to find their happiness with each other. Absolutely brilliant, loved it!
August 4, 2017
Actually my rating is 2.5 stars.
August 16, 2017
Perfection. I love the entire series but there is something special about these two.
December 20, 2018
No surprises
A brother’s best friend /friends to lovers story, More Than Distance isn’t breaking any new ground but it’s a nice easy read all the same.
A brother’s best friend /friends to lovers story, More Than Distance isn’t breaking any new ground but it’s a nice easy read all the same.
March 1, 2021
Amazing series!
January 13, 2017
Review to come!
March 21, 2017
What a brilliant read!! I have really enjoyed this whole series but this has been my favourite story. The chemistry between Carla and Ryan is fantastic and totally believable, their back stories are solid, I like that it's set a little further down the time line from the last book and we get glimpses of the characters in the previous books. The whole series is on KU which is an added bonus if you have enjoyed the series then you will love this, but you could easily read it as a stand alone too.....though there will be spoilers if you decide to go back and read from book 1.
January 17, 2017
Cute! I like the concept of the reality show in this one. Also: Hamilton, Harry Potter, and biracial characters? It's like this book was made for me.
January 21, 2017
Just when you thought you knew what was going to happen, it doesn’t! This is a fun read, a little emotion, a little hot sex, and of course the HEA we all want and expect! I thoroughly enjoyed this one and closed the last page with a smile on my face and a hug in my heart!
Carla Jackson, the rule follower, note taker, life planner – she has to have everything done according to plan or her life will fall apart – or so she thinks. As long as she can control things, her heart can’t be broken. She’s got a job on the horizon in a new city where she can begin a new chapter. She didn’t plan to see the guy she’s loved her entire life when she goes to one last family dinner. Ryan Evans practically grew up in their house since he had such a tragic family situation. Losing his mom in an accident made his father bitter and angry. His best friend, Daniel Jackson, became a brother to him and kept him out of trouble. Little sisters of best friend can’t be anything more than that.
Ryan has made millions in the video game world but his father still is angry for him not taking over the family business. His stepmother has let him know that his father is ill and he’s only back to talk to him. Then he sees Carla, still the same girl he knew,except she’s grown up and only gotten better. She’s still off limits to him.
When Carla’s job offer falls apart, she’s offered a chance to participate in a reality show that she loves – but she needs a partner. Ryan volunteers and after much turmoil, she agrees. Then they find out that the theme is romantic partners which was not in the plan. Can they convince the producers and viewers that they are a couple, if only for the filming? It’s going to be difficult for both of them when what they really want it for that to be reality.
I enjoyed the path of this story, not a straight line plot of enter and win, but a more complex route to love and all that comes with that, sometimes even the heart break that heals.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was expected or received for this review.
Carla Jackson, the rule follower, note taker, life planner – she has to have everything done according to plan or her life will fall apart – or so she thinks. As long as she can control things, her heart can’t be broken. She’s got a job on the horizon in a new city where she can begin a new chapter. She didn’t plan to see the guy she’s loved her entire life when she goes to one last family dinner. Ryan Evans practically grew up in their house since he had such a tragic family situation. Losing his mom in an accident made his father bitter and angry. His best friend, Daniel Jackson, became a brother to him and kept him out of trouble. Little sisters of best friend can’t be anything more than that.
Ryan has made millions in the video game world but his father still is angry for him not taking over the family business. His stepmother has let him know that his father is ill and he’s only back to talk to him. Then he sees Carla, still the same girl he knew,except she’s grown up and only gotten better. She’s still off limits to him.
When Carla’s job offer falls apart, she’s offered a chance to participate in a reality show that she loves – but she needs a partner. Ryan volunteers and after much turmoil, she agrees. Then they find out that the theme is romantic partners which was not in the plan. Can they convince the producers and viewers that they are a couple, if only for the filming? It’s going to be difficult for both of them when what they really want it for that to be reality.
I enjoyed the path of this story, not a straight line plot of enter and win, but a more complex route to love and all that comes with that, sometimes even the heart break that heals.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was expected or received for this review.
January 7, 2017
I loved this book so much. I have read several of Elizabeth Briggs' books now and have been thoroughly entertained and taken on a journey every time.
Carla Jackson has known Ryan most of her life and had a crush on him most of that time. When he walked out of her life to go to college when she was 16 she finally told him how she felt but he left her anyway. Now she is shocked to find him back in town, just when it seems nothing is going right and her life is completely falling apart. Then an unexpected opportunity throws her together with Ryan and she thinks maybe they still have a chance.
Ryan had his life turn upside down when he was a kid, and the Jackson family taking him in was a saving grace. He and Daniel have been best friends ever since, along with Daniel's younger sister Carla. But Daniel has warned Ryan to not get involved with her, made him promise, and Ryan is intent on not breaking that promise or jeopardizing his place in the family. When Carla is offered a position on a reality show pitting couples against each other Ryan insists on being her partner so she won't be paired with a stranger. Now Ryan will battle inside to keep his promise to Daniel while trying to be true to himself.
For a man who is terrified of losing the only family he has left Ryan will struggle through all kinds of issues to find a way to his own happiness.
I highly recommend this book!
Carla Jackson has known Ryan most of her life and had a crush on him most of that time. When he walked out of her life to go to college when she was 16 she finally told him how she felt but he left her anyway. Now she is shocked to find him back in town, just when it seems nothing is going right and her life is completely falling apart. Then an unexpected opportunity throws her together with Ryan and she thinks maybe they still have a chance.
Ryan had his life turn upside down when he was a kid, and the Jackson family taking him in was a saving grace. He and Daniel have been best friends ever since, along with Daniel's younger sister Carla. But Daniel has warned Ryan to not get involved with her, made him promise, and Ryan is intent on not breaking that promise or jeopardizing his place in the family. When Carla is offered a position on a reality show pitting couples against each other Ryan insists on being her partner so she won't be paired with a stranger. Now Ryan will battle inside to keep his promise to Daniel while trying to be true to himself.
For a man who is terrified of losing the only family he has left Ryan will struggle through all kinds of issues to find a way to his own happiness.
I highly recommend this book!
February 5, 2017
Elizabeth Briggs' Chasing the Dream series has been one of my favourite NA romance series from the very first book. This last work in the series, More Than Distance, is a more than perfect ending to it. The series is based around several reality shows, with this book featuring an Amazing Race-esque scavenger hunt road trip across the States. Sound perfect already? Pretty much. Then add in an older brother's best friend/(sort of) second chance romance?? Total romance novel fan catnip.
If you've read an Elizabeth Briggs book before, then you'll find that More Than Distance has all the awesomeness you'd expect from her stories. If you haven't, I highly recommend you start at the beginning of the series to experience the full joy of getting to know Carla's whole group of friends and each of their romances.
Another plus I'll point out about this book is that both the hero and heroine are biracial, and this fact is a part of their stories, but it is in no way the entirety of them.
If you're a fan of friends to lovers romance, of forced close proximity, of interesting side characters -- I could go on, because there are a lot of great aspects to this book -- then definitely check out More Than Distance.
If you've read an Elizabeth Briggs book before, then you'll find that More Than Distance has all the awesomeness you'd expect from her stories. If you haven't, I highly recommend you start at the beginning of the series to experience the full joy of getting to know Carla's whole group of friends and each of their romances.
Another plus I'll point out about this book is that both the hero and heroine are biracial, and this fact is a part of their stories, but it is in no way the entirety of them.
If you're a fan of friends to lovers romance, of forced close proximity, of interesting side characters -- I could go on, because there are a lot of great aspects to this book -- then definitely check out More Than Distance.
February 14, 2017
what snooze
please skip this book i caught my eye because its was interracial congrats but omg i flipped through so many chapters just to get to the end
please skip this book i caught my eye because its was interracial congrats but omg i flipped through so many chapters just to get to the end
May 1, 2023
My rating 3.5 stars
Things I liked:
-the writing
-the characters
-the road trip elements
General Thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I really like Elizabeth’s realistic fiction that I’ve read and this series. This is a cute, fun read. It was a great way to pass some time. I gave it a 3.5 because I enjoyed it. A fun lighthearted read.
Steam Meter:I thought that this one was more on the new adult side of things. There are explicit sexual scenes. There is also some not vanilla sexual scenes that are pretty steamy. This is for 18+.
Romantic Tropes
-game show love
-best friend’s brother
-unrequited childhood crush
-slow-burn
-road trip love
-forbidden/off-limit love
Things I liked:
-the writing
-the characters
-the road trip elements
General Thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I really like Elizabeth’s realistic fiction that I’ve read and this series. This is a cute, fun read. It was a great way to pass some time. I gave it a 3.5 because I enjoyed it. A fun lighthearted read.
Steam Meter:I thought that this one was more on the new adult side of things. There are explicit sexual scenes. There is also some not vanilla sexual scenes that are pretty steamy. This is for 18+.
Romantic Tropes
-game show love
-best friend’s brother
-unrequited childhood crush
-slow-burn
-road trip love
-forbidden/off-limit love
January 17, 2017
I love the concept of this book. I've never been into many reality TV shows but I found it unique how the author got into how this particular reality show worked. I loved following Carla and Ryan as they went on this adventure. It was unique watching Carla step out of her norm but also show Ryan just how strong of a woman she truly could be. I loved when they finally gave into their attraction to each other and admitted that they had feelings for each other. Great read and would definitely read more by this author
November 11, 2017
4 stars
Carla and Ryan are the couple that you want to lock in a room until they kiss and make up. There's so much passion in their "non-relationship" that you just want to shake them to say 'why don't you see you are meant to be!?'
The reality show is the perfect trial for them to go on to rekindle what they had, or well didn't get a chance to have. I love that this book brought out my emotions and am glad that there's a HEA in it for the reader.
I'm totally #TeamRyla
Carla and Ryan are the couple that you want to lock in a room until they kiss and make up. There's so much passion in their "non-relationship" that you just want to shake them to say 'why don't you see you are meant to be!?'
The reality show is the perfect trial for them to go on to rekindle what they had, or well didn't get a chance to have. I love that this book brought out my emotions and am glad that there's a HEA in it for the reader.
I'm totally #TeamRyla
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