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La Jolla
5,331 Miles
We spent a lifetime chasing firefly dreams
Jaxson and I devised a life list when we were kids in Holmes Chapel. Just a few things on that list:
*Climb the Eiffel Tower.
*Visit every zoo in the world.
*Eat peanut butter every day.
But all the promises he made dissolved into dust, so when he comes around years later wanting to go live out our list, I want no part of it...or him. The universe seems to agree with me because everything we try is a disaster.
The heart though—it's a tricky beast; I'm just not sure mine is strong enough to survive Jaxson one more time.
Jaxson and I devised a life list when we were kids in Holmes Chapel. Just a few things on that list:
*Climb the Eiffel Tower.
*Visit every zoo in the world.
*Eat peanut butter every day.
But all the promises he made dissolved into dust, so when he comes around years later wanting to go live out our list, I want no part of it...or him. The universe seems to agree with me because everything we try is a disaster.
The heart though—it's a tricky beast; I'm just not sure mine is strong enough to survive Jaxson one more time.
First published March 3, 2019
About the author
Willow Aster
37 books3,388 followersWillow Aster is a USA Today Bestselling Author of emotional, angsty love stories with a side of quirk. She is co-writer of The End of Men series with Tarryn Fisher and co-writer of the G.D. Taylors series with Laura Pavlov.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
March 4, 2019
4.25 stars
Jaxson and Mirabelle’s story was a ride. It’s been a while since I’ve read such an angsty second chance romance. This one truly hooked me!
Jaxson and Belle have been friends since they were children. Their mothers are best friends as well. When Jaxson moves to America, it feels like Belle’s life is ending. Then, she and her mom pick up and move there just a year later. Their friendship feels a little different though. Jaxson is a year older than Belle and has a girl friend. Belle doesn’t feel like she fits in anymore. Due to a lot of crazy things happening, Belle and Jax sort of fall out of their friendship in high school.
Now, Belle is in college. Jax is back in town and determined to make things right. But let me tell you, Belle really makes him work for it. And for that, I say good. He deserves to grovel some. Jax was young and dumb in some of the older chapters. I mean, I adored the kid, I really did, but there were moments I wanted to slap him silly. Both of these characters made mistakes, they’re not perfect. But the friendship and love they have for one another just might be. I loved the list they had. It was what brought Belle back to Jax and it was fun to watch them attempt to cross items off of it.
This book alternated chapters from past to present. I, for one, am usually not a fan of that. For some reason, it worked really well with this book. Every time a past chapter ended, I needed more from the past to piece together what happened. And every time I was in the present I didn’t want it to end because I was dying to see where things were headed.
5,331 Miles had angst, but it also had loads of emotion, and was a sweet story of friendship and romance. I really enjoyed this one and recommend to all lovers of friends to lovers romance, first loves, and second chance romance!
Jaxson and Mirabelle’s story was a ride. It’s been a while since I’ve read such an angsty second chance romance. This one truly hooked me!
Jaxson and Belle have been friends since they were children. Their mothers are best friends as well. When Jaxson moves to America, it feels like Belle’s life is ending. Then, she and her mom pick up and move there just a year later. Their friendship feels a little different though. Jaxson is a year older than Belle and has a girl friend. Belle doesn’t feel like she fits in anymore. Due to a lot of crazy things happening, Belle and Jax sort of fall out of their friendship in high school.
Now, Belle is in college. Jax is back in town and determined to make things right. But let me tell you, Belle really makes him work for it. And for that, I say good. He deserves to grovel some. Jax was young and dumb in some of the older chapters. I mean, I adored the kid, I really did, but there were moments I wanted to slap him silly. Both of these characters made mistakes, they’re not perfect. But the friendship and love they have for one another just might be. I loved the list they had. It was what brought Belle back to Jax and it was fun to watch them attempt to cross items off of it.
This book alternated chapters from past to present. I, for one, am usually not a fan of that. For some reason, it worked really well with this book. Every time a past chapter ended, I needed more from the past to piece together what happened. And every time I was in the present I didn’t want it to end because I was dying to see where things were headed.
5,331 Miles had angst, but it also had loads of emotion, and was a sweet story of friendship and romance. I really enjoyed this one and recommend to all lovers of friends to lovers romance, first loves, and second chance romance!
“You are my forever. You always will be. I knew it as a kid, and I know it more than ever as a man.”
Want to read
March 3, 2019LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS!
Stand-alone.
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
We spent a lifetime chasing firefly dreams
Jaxson and I devised a life list when we were kids in Holmes Chapel. Just a few things on that list:
*Climb the Eiffel Tower.
*Visit every zoo in the world.
*Eat peanut butter every day.
But all the promises he made dissolved into dust, so when he comes around years later wanting to go live out our list, I want no part of it...or him. The universe seems to agree with me because everything we try is a disaster.
The heart though—it's a tricky beast; I'm just not sure mine is strong enough to survive Jaxson one more time.
LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS!
Stand-alone.
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
We spent a lifetime chasing firefly dreams
Jaxson and I devised a life list when we were kids in Holmes Chapel. Just a few things on that list:
*Climb the Eiffel Tower.
*Visit every zoo in the world.
*Eat peanut butter every day.
But all the promises he made dissolved into dust, so when he comes around years later wanting to go live out our list, I want no part of it...or him. The universe seems to agree with me because everything we try is a disaster.
The heart though—it's a tricky beast; I'm just not sure mine is strong enough to survive Jaxson one more time.
March 3, 2019
4.5 “Mira & Jaxson Forever” Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Mirabelle Hart & Jaxson Marshall were inseparable growing up together in Holmes Chapel, England. Their mums were best friends, and so were they. They'd been each others everything for years, and then life happens, and they spend some time apart. When they are reunited things don't fall back into place quite the same. They both grow and change over time, and move in different directions. It seems their feelings had never aligned at the same time.
Mira has loved Jaxson Marshall most of her life, but over time all his promises slowly faded away as they got older. She was hurt, and had finally shut the door on them ever being a couple. She was home from college for the summer, and would just have to do her best to avoid Jaxson. He was always her one weakness she could never resist, because when he's near, he's all she can see.
Jaxson didn't fully know what he had until it was gone. Until she was gone. He wants Mira to give him another chance, and he wants her friendship back. He needs the opportunity to prove himself to her. He's asked her to give him the summer, and makes it his mission to remind her of all the good things still between them.
Figures right when Mira finally tries to move on, Jaxson decides to go all in pursuing her. He wants to do the things on the list they made as kids, and she wants nothing to do with him. The universe seems to agree with her as everything they try seems to end in disaster. He was beautiful, overwhelming, and still affected her more than she would like. She wasn't sure her heart could survive him again, but the heart wants what the heart wants.
-“You are the best friend I’ve ever had, Mirabelle. Ever. I know a lot of time has passed, but... my heart is still yours.
-It’s a shame I keep shutting him down, because those lips are all I can think about...
-“You steal my breath, Mira.”
-“You’ve always been the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”
-I know I can’t live without you in my life.
-Every moment we were together, I knew I was right where I was supposed to be.
5,331 Miles was my first book by Willow Aster, and it was fabulous! I really loved it, and look forward to reading more by her. This was a sweet friends to lovers romance packed with angst. It goes from past to present as we follow Jaxson and Mira's journey of friendship & love.
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2Xzm3Rc
(ARC provided by author)
Mirabelle Hart & Jaxson Marshall were inseparable growing up together in Holmes Chapel, England. Their mums were best friends, and so were they. They'd been each others everything for years, and then life happens, and they spend some time apart. When they are reunited things don't fall back into place quite the same. They both grow and change over time, and move in different directions. It seems their feelings had never aligned at the same time.
Mira has loved Jaxson Marshall most of her life, but over time all his promises slowly faded away as they got older. She was hurt, and had finally shut the door on them ever being a couple. She was home from college for the summer, and would just have to do her best to avoid Jaxson. He was always her one weakness she could never resist, because when he's near, he's all she can see.
Jaxson didn't fully know what he had until it was gone. Until she was gone. He wants Mira to give him another chance, and he wants her friendship back. He needs the opportunity to prove himself to her. He's asked her to give him the summer, and makes it his mission to remind her of all the good things still between them.
Figures right when Mira finally tries to move on, Jaxson decides to go all in pursuing her. He wants to do the things on the list they made as kids, and she wants nothing to do with him. The universe seems to agree with her as everything they try seems to end in disaster. He was beautiful, overwhelming, and still affected her more than she would like. She wasn't sure her heart could survive him again, but the heart wants what the heart wants.
-“You are the best friend I’ve ever had, Mirabelle. Ever. I know a lot of time has passed, but... my heart is still yours.
-It’s a shame I keep shutting him down, because those lips are all I can think about...
-“You steal my breath, Mira.”
-“You’ve always been the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”
-I know I can’t live without you in my life.
-Every moment we were together, I knew I was right where I was supposed to be.
5,331 Miles was my first book by Willow Aster, and it was fabulous! I really loved it, and look forward to reading more by her. This was a sweet friends to lovers romance packed with angst. It goes from past to present as we follow Jaxson and Mira's journey of friendship & love.
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2Xzm3Rc
March 31, 2019
4.5 ⭐'s
I was sooo happy to read this! It really gave me similar vibes that True Love Story did.
Jaxson and Mira grew up together in England. Their "Mums" are best friends. Everything is pretty great until Jaxson and his mom move to California. Jaxon vows to stay in touch and they sort of do. I was actually impressed at how well they did for basically being children.
Things take a turn for Mira's family and they end up moving to California as well and right near Jaxson's family. Mira is hoping that their relationship picks right back up where is left off but Jaxson has changed.
He's a year older and popular with lots of girls after him. This is the part I struggled with because we don't get Jaxson's POV and it was never really explained why he did some of the things he did.
Needless to say, some things get back to Mira and she quits having anything to do with Jaxson. She gets her growth spurt between sophomore and junior year and that along with learning how to do her hair and makeup, makes her suddenly noticeable. It really helps things that there's a new guy at school but Jaxson surely doesn't like it.
The story goes back and forth from the present (21 and 22 years old) to things that happened in their past. In the present, he wants her back and he wants to make amends on what he did in the past. She just has a hard time believing he has changed and that she can trust him.
They have a bucket type list of things they made up when they were kids and he tries to get her to do some of them. It becomes a comedy of errors but a few good things do come out of it like Winston.
I was glued to the book wanting to find out what had happened and finished the book in one day. Besides the lack of Jaxson's POV, I didn't care for the lack of information on their college years...it felt like a big, black hole.
I was a little shocked at what happened at the end but I enjoyed the good things came out of it!
I was sooo happy to read this! It really gave me similar vibes that True Love Story did.
Jaxson and Mira grew up together in England. Their "Mums" are best friends. Everything is pretty great until Jaxson and his mom move to California. Jaxon vows to stay in touch and they sort of do. I was actually impressed at how well they did for basically being children.
Things take a turn for Mira's family and they end up moving to California as well and right near Jaxson's family. Mira is hoping that their relationship picks right back up where is left off but Jaxson has changed.
He's a year older and popular with lots of girls after him. This is the part I struggled with because we don't get Jaxson's POV and it was never really explained why he did some of the things he did.
Needless to say, some things get back to Mira and she quits having anything to do with Jaxson. She gets her growth spurt between sophomore and junior year and that along with learning how to do her hair and makeup, makes her suddenly noticeable. It really helps things that there's a new guy at school but Jaxson surely doesn't like it.
The story goes back and forth from the present (21 and 22 years old) to things that happened in their past. In the present, he wants her back and he wants to make amends on what he did in the past. She just has a hard time believing he has changed and that she can trust him.
They have a bucket type list of things they made up when they were kids and he tries to get her to do some of them. It becomes a comedy of errors but a few good things do come out of it like Winston.
I was glued to the book wanting to find out what had happened and finished the book in one day. Besides the lack of Jaxson's POV, I didn't care for the lack of information on their college years...it felt like a big, black hole.
I was a little shocked at what happened at the end but I enjoyed the good things came out of it!
February 27, 2019
A sweet and sexy childhood friends to lovers romance... As young adults we make mistakes but when we learn from them and try to fix the mistakes of the past to win back the love of the one who always mattered the most, that's when the true romance comes in.
“When did you start saying all the right things again?”
“When I remembered to start saying what I really feel instead of what someone might want to hear…”
*le sigh*
“When did you start saying all the right things again?”
“When I remembered to start saying what I really feel instead of what someone might want to hear…”
*le sigh*
April 26, 2021
Hero: Jaxson
Heroine: Belle, AKA Mirabelle, AKA Mira.
Jaxson and Mira were childhood friends fro birth. Their mothers were BFFs in England and then when Jaxson's mom moved to California, Mira's mom followed a short time later. When they were 10 or so, Mira and Jaxson made a list of things they were going to do together when they got older. Sometime in middle school, Jaxson changed. He got a lot of attention from girls and Mira ate when she got sad which was a lot then. Her parents divorced and she lost her two BFFs. Then in high school, things got worse between Jaxson and Mira. Their relationship ended when Jaxson did something that was unforgivable. Jaxson comes back to Mira's life when she is 20 years old on break from school. She has a boyfriend and lost all the weight she gained in high school at this point. Basically she is beautiful and now Jaxson comes back. Jaxson said he wanted her back a year before, but I called BS.
I liked the first half of the book, but then the flashbacks became too much. I wish we would have found out about out what really happened at 50% not at 75%. Things draaagggeeed. Several message boards said that this was a great book that showed groveling. Yes, Jaxson groveled, but I was never really connected to their story. There is a FREQUENT switch in Flashbacks. Not a fan.
Jaxson has sex with OW during their separation. Mira also has sex with OM during separation.
Jaxson is a singer in a band when he comes back to Mira's life. I guess he has gotten several offers to tour, but tells Mira that it was not for him and because he wants her in his life. Blah.
I love OW drama, but in this one, I felt that Jaxson may have had a bigger heart for the OW. He may have been young and stupid when he made some of his poor choice, but that one scene just rubbed me the wrong way AND like I said I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE OW drama.
Two stars because I skimmed to the end.
Good luck. You may love this one. Reading is subjective and all that jazz.
Heroine: Belle, AKA Mirabelle, AKA Mira.
Jaxson and Mira were childhood friends fro birth. Their mothers were BFFs in England and then when Jaxson's mom moved to California, Mira's mom followed a short time later. When they were 10 or so, Mira and Jaxson made a list of things they were going to do together when they got older. Sometime in middle school, Jaxson changed. He got a lot of attention from girls and Mira ate when she got sad which was a lot then. Her parents divorced and she lost her two BFFs. Then in high school, things got worse between Jaxson and Mira. Their relationship ended when Jaxson did something that was unforgivable. Jaxson comes back to Mira's life when she is 20 years old on break from school. She has a boyfriend and lost all the weight she gained in high school at this point. Basically she is beautiful and now Jaxson comes back. Jaxson said he wanted her back a year before, but I called BS.
I liked the first half of the book, but then the flashbacks became too much. I wish we would have found out about out what really happened at 50% not at 75%. Things draaagggeeed. Several message boards said that this was a great book that showed groveling. Yes, Jaxson groveled, but I was never really connected to their story. There is a FREQUENT switch in Flashbacks. Not a fan.
Jaxson has sex with OW during their separation. Mira also has sex with OM during separation.
Jaxson is a singer in a band when he comes back to Mira's life. I guess he has gotten several offers to tour, but tells Mira that it was not for him and because he wants her in his life. Blah.
I love OW drama, but in this one, I felt that Jaxson may have had a bigger heart for the OW. He may have been young and stupid when he made some of his poor choice, but that one scene just rubbed me the wrong way AND like I said I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE OW drama.
Two stars because I skimmed to the end.
Good luck. You may love this one. Reading is subjective and all that jazz.
March 3, 2019
☆
"Olive You"
☆
I will definitely be reading more by this author. My 1st book by her and I very much enjoyed.
❤ This is a very cute-charming-heart twitching-coming of age-real friends-romantic story. ❤
I loved going on Mirabelle and Jaxson's journey and seeing them grow. It is told in a past/present which adds a little uncertainty (anxiousness) and a bit of a guessing game of "What did they do?" I didn't want to stop reading...
It's easy to read, page turner with a great flow of events.
I will definitely be reading more by this author. My 1st book by her and I very much enjoyed.
❤ This is a very cute-charming-heart twitching-coming of age-real friends-romantic story. ❤
I loved going on Mirabelle and Jaxson's journey and seeing them grow. It is told in a past/present which adds a little uncertainty (anxiousness) and a bit of a guessing game of "What did they do?" I didn't want to stop reading...
It's easy to read, page turner with a great flow of events.
March 27, 2019
A book hang over never felt this good. Willow Aster is a new author to me and I'm incredible impressed by 5,331 Miles. I was completely sucked into the good, bad, and complicated story of Jaxon and Belle.
Belle's once bestfriend and first love Jaxon is back in town and making it very clear that his feeling for her have never changed. After a complex and at times painful history Belle is unsure if she can ever fully put her trust and heart in Jaxon's hands again. Ever persistent Jaxon insists that he has changed and he isn't going down with out a fight.
Belle has such a distinct voice and as a heroine I found her unique and relatable. Although I wanted to smack Jaxon upside the head he was endearing and I couldn't help but root for him. The single POV was refreshing from all the dual POV that dominate contempered romance and the past and present writing was well done. One of my favorite reads of 2019!
Belle's once bestfriend and first love Jaxon is back in town and making it very clear that his feeling for her have never changed. After a complex and at times painful history Belle is unsure if she can ever fully put her trust and heart in Jaxon's hands again. Ever persistent Jaxon insists that he has changed and he isn't going down with out a fight.
Belle has such a distinct voice and as a heroine I found her unique and relatable. Although I wanted to smack Jaxon upside the head he was endearing and I couldn't help but root for him. The single POV was refreshing from all the dual POV that dominate contempered romance and the past and present writing was well done. One of my favorite reads of 2019!
November 20, 2019
4.5 ⭐️
This was such a fun book to read. I really loved the way the chapters were divided - the past and present both took turns building the story. It added a depth and dimension to Jaxson and Belles’ tale. The history they shared, both heartwarming and heart wrenching, helped make me feel invested in their lives. Willow’s impeccable writing painted the perfect mental picture often making me feel as though I was watching the action play out in my head. I enjoyed this one so much. And, of course, I can’t forget Willow’s sweet Winston who stole my heart! ;)
*ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a fun book to read. I really loved the way the chapters were divided - the past and present both took turns building the story. It added a depth and dimension to Jaxson and Belles’ tale. The history they shared, both heartwarming and heart wrenching, helped make me feel invested in their lives. Willow’s impeccable writing painted the perfect mental picture often making me feel as though I was watching the action play out in my head. I enjoyed this one so much. And, of course, I can’t forget Willow’s sweet Winston who stole my heart! ;)
*ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2022
*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*
*DNF*
1 Kiss
I always say this…with every book I DNF, but this seriously sucks. I hate this feeling…I never enjoy voluntarily giving up on a book, but if I get to the point where a novel is not working for me, then I know forcing it any further is just going to lead to anger and resentment and I never want that. It’s not something I take lightly…and I cannot stress how much I hate it…but every now and then it has to be done. The decision to DNF a book written by an author whose work I love and respect very much is just salt on an already sore wound. I truly truly tried with 5,331 Miles but there were just too many things that did not work for me.
The main reason why I stop reading most books is a lack of emotional connection to the characters and that is definitely true in this case. I’m not saying there wasn’t any emotion present…but what I did get was fast and fleeting and about 10% of what I needed overall. I feel like I have no real true understanding of who Mirabelle is – I wanted to like her, the desire to know her better was there…but I didn’t have a firm foundation as to who she was other than loving Jaxson and that she was British. And I got glimpses of Jaxson that I really loved…mainly it was stuff that he said to Bells, but that wasn’t nearly enough.
The huge issue that I had with 5,331 Miles was the lack of detail. It truly felt like we were skimming the surface on so many things – obviously the emotional level, but also in ways that impacted the scenes. There is a whole scene at the beginning where it’s going to be the first time she is seeing Jaxson for…I don’t know how long (because it’s not stated…or if it is I couldn’t find it because I went back to double check) and it felt sooooo disjointed – there was no flow or rhyme or reason, and her ‘boyfriend’ was involved…just none of it made sense. Speaking of the ‘boyfriend’ (and I’m calling him a ‘boyfriend’ because he was barely one!)…there was seriously no point to him except a reason to leave that party early – I couldn’t find any logical reason for him, he felt like a waste of a character. Then there was the scene in Mira’s bedroom…it could have been so impactful and aspects of it were but it was so rushed, it threw it off completely for me. Another scene was when they were swimming with dolphins – which…don’t even get me started on them swimming out, on surfboards, to swim with wild dolphins – but it had the opportunity to be such a rich and vibrant scene, Mira even says “…and it is such a beautiful experience, my heart nearly explodes.” After the 3 sentences before it that were used to describe what was happening…that felt like an extreme over exaggeration. I had no way of relating to what she was telling me because I could barely visualize it. It basically felt like every scene we were in felt lacking…I was missing emotion, depth, clarity of the scene, all of the rich detail that helps me paint a picture of what is going on.
It’s hard to really concisely describe the last thing I had issues with but it was something that built over the course of the book. It started when Mirabelle and her mom decided to move from England to the US…and they decided to do it in 2 days. I don’t care who you are or how much money you have (which…none of that was really even discussed) but…that flat out just doesn’t happen. It’s not logical or realistic…especially when you throw in the fact that her mom has a job offer – that requires visa’s and paperwork and a whole lot of other stuff that I can’t wrap my brain around. Then there was also the timeline of events – the story is told in the past and present and we get the year at the beginning of the chapter but it doesn’t state the month – which wouldn’t be a big deal but we go from 2010 to 2011 and Jaxson is still playing football…and that is a fall sport, not a winter/spring sport. I know it sounds dumb and picky but it stuck out in my mind.
There were other small details like that that didn’t add up in my brain and I wanted to keep pushing them away but it wasn’t helping the situation. I’ve been doing this long enough to know when it’s time to stop and it was sadly time. I hate that I’ll never get Mira and Jaxson’s full story because I seriously love best friend to lovers books – couples with history are my Kryptonite!!! Plus, this is a double whammy because it’s a second chance romance…ugh! I hope everyone else falls in love with them.
*DNF*
1 Kiss
I always say this…with every book I DNF, but this seriously sucks. I hate this feeling…I never enjoy voluntarily giving up on a book, but if I get to the point where a novel is not working for me, then I know forcing it any further is just going to lead to anger and resentment and I never want that. It’s not something I take lightly…and I cannot stress how much I hate it…but every now and then it has to be done. The decision to DNF a book written by an author whose work I love and respect very much is just salt on an already sore wound. I truly truly tried with 5,331 Miles but there were just too many things that did not work for me.
The main reason why I stop reading most books is a lack of emotional connection to the characters and that is definitely true in this case. I’m not saying there wasn’t any emotion present…but what I did get was fast and fleeting and about 10% of what I needed overall. I feel like I have no real true understanding of who Mirabelle is – I wanted to like her, the desire to know her better was there…but I didn’t have a firm foundation as to who she was other than loving Jaxson and that she was British. And I got glimpses of Jaxson that I really loved…mainly it was stuff that he said to Bells, but that wasn’t nearly enough.
The huge issue that I had with 5,331 Miles was the lack of detail. It truly felt like we were skimming the surface on so many things – obviously the emotional level, but also in ways that impacted the scenes. There is a whole scene at the beginning where it’s going to be the first time she is seeing Jaxson for…I don’t know how long (because it’s not stated…or if it is I couldn’t find it because I went back to double check) and it felt sooooo disjointed – there was no flow or rhyme or reason, and her ‘boyfriend’ was involved…just none of it made sense. Speaking of the ‘boyfriend’ (and I’m calling him a ‘boyfriend’ because he was barely one!)…there was seriously no point to him except a reason to leave that party early – I couldn’t find any logical reason for him, he felt like a waste of a character. Then there was the scene in Mira’s bedroom…it could have been so impactful and aspects of it were but it was so rushed, it threw it off completely for me. Another scene was when they were swimming with dolphins – which…don’t even get me started on them swimming out, on surfboards, to swim with wild dolphins – but it had the opportunity to be such a rich and vibrant scene, Mira even says “…and it is such a beautiful experience, my heart nearly explodes.” After the 3 sentences before it that were used to describe what was happening…that felt like an extreme over exaggeration. I had no way of relating to what she was telling me because I could barely visualize it. It basically felt like every scene we were in felt lacking…I was missing emotion, depth, clarity of the scene, all of the rich detail that helps me paint a picture of what is going on.
It’s hard to really concisely describe the last thing I had issues with but it was something that built over the course of the book. It started when Mirabelle and her mom decided to move from England to the US…and they decided to do it in 2 days. I don’t care who you are or how much money you have (which…none of that was really even discussed) but…that flat out just doesn’t happen. It’s not logical or realistic…especially when you throw in the fact that her mom has a job offer – that requires visa’s and paperwork and a whole lot of other stuff that I can’t wrap my brain around. Then there was also the timeline of events – the story is told in the past and present and we get the year at the beginning of the chapter but it doesn’t state the month – which wouldn’t be a big deal but we go from 2010 to 2011 and Jaxson is still playing football…and that is a fall sport, not a winter/spring sport. I know it sounds dumb and picky but it stuck out in my mind.
There were other small details like that that didn’t add up in my brain and I wanted to keep pushing them away but it wasn’t helping the situation. I’ve been doing this long enough to know when it’s time to stop and it was sadly time. I hate that I’ll never get Mira and Jaxson’s full story because I seriously love best friend to lovers books – couples with history are my Kryptonite!!! Plus, this is a double whammy because it’s a second chance romance…ugh! I hope everyone else falls in love with them.
March 11, 2019
Mirabelle and Jaxson put me through it!
This is sweet and sour.
This is angsty and beautiful.
This is a second chance romance spanding over years!
Mirabelle "Bells" and Jaxson have been best friends their whole lives, inseparable. So are theirs mothers, so close that when Jaxson's family moved from the small town in England to California....Bells family followed 6 months later.
They've always had this list, list of things they're going to do and accomplish together. Always together. One of those things that's just written in the stars, meant to be. Just like them but as they get older things change, or rather.....people do.
California was a game changer. Jaxson and Mirabelle started drifting apart and to be honest Jaxson started getting on my nerves. I didn't like who he was becoming or the choices he was making.
So years later through the ups and the downs, through the list and the loves and losts.....can two former best friends come back together or is it too late?
This is sweet and sour.
This is angsty and beautiful.
This is a second chance romance spanding over years!
Mirabelle "Bells" and Jaxson have been best friends their whole lives, inseparable. So are theirs mothers, so close that when Jaxson's family moved from the small town in England to California....Bells family followed 6 months later.
They've always had this list, list of things they're going to do and accomplish together. Always together. One of those things that's just written in the stars, meant to be. Just like them but as they get older things change, or rather.....people do.
California was a game changer. Jaxson and Mirabelle started drifting apart and to be honest Jaxson started getting on my nerves. I didn't like who he was becoming or the choices he was making.
So years later through the ups and the downs, through the list and the loves and losts.....can two former best friends come back together or is it too late?
March 11, 2019
No início até que tava bom, mas parece que desandou, o presente ficou tãoo chato que nem queria mais ler o livro, mas consegui acabar *com muita força de vontade*.
:(((
:(((
March 8, 2019
Se a autora focasse só no passado , com ctz seria 4 estrelas mas o presente/futuro foi difícil de engolir ...
March 4, 2019
I am so in love with this story. Willow Aster never seizes to amaze me with her writing game. This slow burn, friends to lovers romance made me burn, bleed, and cry all at once. I loved these characters. I saw myself in them. The emotions that stir you as a teenager and harden you as an adult. Gosh this story was so fantastically beautiful, yet heart breaking.
I’m very picky when it comes to past to romance. I usually get bored very fast. In this story I was reading so damn fast just to get back to the past. Willow impacted both the past and the present, perfectly.
This story is about two best-friends who love, and grow, and make promises, but as we all Know, life has other plans. That’s all I’m saying about the story.
Jaxon. I loved you, but boy, did I HATE YOU TOO. I just wanted to shake him. Wake him up. I saw so much love in him, & when he finally gets it right, he gets it right.
Mira. I loved every single thing about this girl. From her insecurities, to her shyness, to her blossoming into her own. She stole the show. It was so breathtaking to see her grow, and transform. Gah. I may have loved her more than Jaxon.
These two show want true young love looks like and how you can find your soulmate as a child. It just may take some extra hurdles as an adult.
THIS WAS A DEFINITE, MUST READ.
I’m very picky when it comes to past to romance. I usually get bored very fast. In this story I was reading so damn fast just to get back to the past. Willow impacted both the past and the present, perfectly.
This story is about two best-friends who love, and grow, and make promises, but as we all Know, life has other plans. That’s all I’m saying about the story.
Jaxon. I loved you, but boy, did I HATE YOU TOO. I just wanted to shake him. Wake him up. I saw so much love in him, & when he finally gets it right, he gets it right.
Mira. I loved every single thing about this girl. From her insecurities, to her shyness, to her blossoming into her own. She stole the show. It was so breathtaking to see her grow, and transform. Gah. I may have loved her more than Jaxon.
These two show want true young love looks like and how you can find your soulmate as a child. It just may take some extra hurdles as an adult.
THIS WAS A DEFINITE, MUST READ.
March 4, 2019
4.5 Stars
I was lucky enough to receive an arc for Willow's latest release and it was nothing short of amazing. And it really made me wonder why I have only read one other book by her - I am truly scratching my head on this one.
Anyway, 5,311 Miles is truly a testament to young love; a true friends to lovers romance.
Jaxon and Mira have been friends for their entire lives. But during high school, things were different and their friendship fell apart.
I really enjoyed Mira and her the strength she gains in their college years. She understands her self-worth and really makes Jaxon work for what he wants; something she was ready to walk away from. Mira was my shining moment in this book.
5,331 Miles in told in both past and present POVs and truly, it need to be to understand the depth of Jaxon and Mira's friendship and connection. This book is definitely emotional and will tug at your heart. And Willow lets the story play out beautifully (sometimes very emotionally) and the ending is just so damn good.
I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves a great book that will leave you emotionally drained but so damn happy.
I was lucky enough to receive an arc for Willow's latest release and it was nothing short of amazing. And it really made me wonder why I have only read one other book by her - I am truly scratching my head on this one.
Anyway, 5,311 Miles is truly a testament to young love; a true friends to lovers romance.
Jaxon and Mira have been friends for their entire lives. But during high school, things were different and their friendship fell apart.
I really enjoyed Mira and her the strength she gains in their college years. She understands her self-worth and really makes Jaxon work for what he wants; something she was ready to walk away from. Mira was my shining moment in this book.
5,331 Miles in told in both past and present POVs and truly, it need to be to understand the depth of Jaxon and Mira's friendship and connection. This book is definitely emotional and will tug at your heart. And Willow lets the story play out beautifully (sometimes very emotionally) and the ending is just so damn good.
I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves a great book that will leave you emotionally drained but so damn happy.
December 28, 2020
3 1/2 "It was always you." Stars!
I wanted to really strangle Jaxson at times, but I did enjoy this teenage/ early twenties angst feast. I rooted hard for Jaxson and Mira. #bestfriendsforever Happy reading!
I wanted to really strangle Jaxson at times, but I did enjoy this teenage/ early twenties angst feast. I rooted hard for Jaxson and Mira. #bestfriendsforever Happy reading!
March 3, 2019
5,331 is the utterly charming coming of age story by Willow Aster. A tale about two lifelong best friends in Jaxson and Mirabelle and the bumpy road they had to take to hopefully find each other at the end. It's the kind of book that simply made me feel good. I fell into an easy rhythm right from the start and I honestly did not want to put it down.
Told in both past and present, which is completely necessary and never felt the least bit tedious, we truly get the whole story. The whys of the fine line of the love/hate that Mira feels for Jaxson. We get to witness firsthand all the horrible teenage angst and the dopey ways in which hormonal boys manage to hurt those closest to them by just being a guy. With each new moment of bad behavior, told from Mira's POV, when Jaxson would manage to damage her heart once more, I cringed for her. Thankfully, the chapters in the present gave us a stronger Mira. Still battling harsh memories and still trying to figure out how to be around Jaxson without losing her very soul all over again.
Oh my goodness. The angst. The longing. The love. All of it is there for the taking as Jaxson finally pulls his head out of his a$$ and is relentless in claiming his girl, his best friend, his Bells for good. But I was so angry at him for what he put Mira through. The bad decisions, the miscommunication, the rush to judgment. It just continued to get worse and worse as her past thoughts continued to threaten what her heart truly wanted in the present.
Even though she put Jaxson through the wringer, something he most definitely deserved, I was happy that Mira found her strength as a 21 year old and she stood her ground, not wanting to be anything more than friends. The almost-constant nudging from well-intentional Mums in Anne and Vanessa, definitely tipped the scales in Jaxson's favor and provided the much-needed comic relief from all the intensity they and I both witnessed. Their own stories were told in the background and that definitely added an additional rich layer to this book.
Combined with great and some not so great, secondary characters, 5,331 Miles is quite simply a wonderful look at the trials and tribulations of young love. Even when both Mira and Jaxson were beyond frustrated with how their story continued to unfold, there was always that hint of fate that they would beat the odds and find their happy in each other's arms once and for all.
With the most satisfying of conclusions, I happily give 5,331 Miles a huge 5 stars!!
Told in both past and present, which is completely necessary and never felt the least bit tedious, we truly get the whole story. The whys of the fine line of the love/hate that Mira feels for Jaxson. We get to witness firsthand all the horrible teenage angst and the dopey ways in which hormonal boys manage to hurt those closest to them by just being a guy. With each new moment of bad behavior, told from Mira's POV, when Jaxson would manage to damage her heart once more, I cringed for her. Thankfully, the chapters in the present gave us a stronger Mira. Still battling harsh memories and still trying to figure out how to be around Jaxson without losing her very soul all over again.
Oh my goodness. The angst. The longing. The love. All of it is there for the taking as Jaxson finally pulls his head out of his a$$ and is relentless in claiming his girl, his best friend, his Bells for good. But I was so angry at him for what he put Mira through. The bad decisions, the miscommunication, the rush to judgment. It just continued to get worse and worse as her past thoughts continued to threaten what her heart truly wanted in the present.
Even though she put Jaxson through the wringer, something he most definitely deserved, I was happy that Mira found her strength as a 21 year old and she stood her ground, not wanting to be anything more than friends. The almost-constant nudging from well-intentional Mums in Anne and Vanessa, definitely tipped the scales in Jaxson's favor and provided the much-needed comic relief from all the intensity they and I both witnessed. Their own stories were told in the background and that definitely added an additional rich layer to this book.
Combined with great and some not so great, secondary characters, 5,331 Miles is quite simply a wonderful look at the trials and tribulations of young love. Even when both Mira and Jaxson were beyond frustrated with how their story continued to unfold, there was always that hint of fate that they would beat the odds and find their happy in each other's arms once and for all.
With the most satisfying of conclusions, I happily give 5,331 Miles a huge 5 stars!!
March 3, 2019
First of all, Willow had me hooked in the newsletter. Each month when an installment would come, I would stop what I was doing and read. I'm not a big YA fan, but this story had me invested from the first chapter. Jaxson and Mirabelle stole my heart with their teenage drama and angst. To be honest, there were times while reading this book that my stomach was in knots and I was sweating. Their story was something I could relate to and I needed to know all of it. So as soon as it hit my kindle, I dove in, no matter there was a party at my house for my birthday, I sat on the couch and read.
I was rooting for Jax from the start, even if I knew there had to be a lot of drama that went along with why Bells wasn't talking to him anymore. I felt like I couldn't stop reading until I devoured all the words. Their story made me relive emotions from my high school experience and while not all of them were pleasant, I could really put myself into the situation and see all the sides of the story.
There were times this story was heart wrenching and other times it was heartwarming and other times I wanted to throw my kindle. That is exactly what I want out of a book and it was great!
I was rooting for Jax from the start, even if I knew there had to be a lot of drama that went along with why Bells wasn't talking to him anymore. I felt like I couldn't stop reading until I devoured all the words. Their story made me relive emotions from my high school experience and while not all of them were pleasant, I could really put myself into the situation and see all the sides of the story.
There were times this story was heart wrenching and other times it was heartwarming and other times I wanted to throw my kindle. That is exactly what I want out of a book and it was great!
March 16, 2021
A friends-to-enemies-to-lovers-to-nothing-to-lovers romance. Yeah, that complicated 🤣
The books is written from the h POV and it alternates between past and present. I liked more the past part, the present one seemed to be a little over the top and overly sweet.
I hated teen Jax ..he was a moron. So self absorbed and so obsessed with the OW.. and when he finally realized that he wanted the h in his life , that he was in love with her, he believed the OW and not the h and he thought to spend the night with that b*-++ch. Anyway, he made me mad.
In the present, 4y later, at 21and 22 he is trying to make her understand that they are meant to each other but the heroine is afraid to trust him only to lose him again.
The books is written from the h POV and it alternates between past and present. I liked more the past part, the present one seemed to be a little over the top and overly sweet.
I hated teen Jax ..he was a moron. So self absorbed and so obsessed with the OW.. and when he finally realized that he wanted the h in his life , that he was in love with her, he believed the OW and not the h and he thought to spend the night with that b*-++ch. Anyway, he made me mad.
In the present, 4y later, at 21and 22 he is trying to make her understand that they are meant to each other but the heroine is afraid to trust him only to lose him again.
February 23, 2019
WOW! I've been in a serious book funk the past while but I managed to finish this book in less than a day, while also working. I could not put it down.
You'll fall in love with Bells and Jaxson and then you'll hate one of them. But I promise you that you'll end up loving them again.
Might I suggest having tissue handy at all times, just in case it "gets dusty" wherever you read this book.
Another amazing read by the beautiful and talented Willow Aster!
You'll fall in love with Bells and Jaxson and then you'll hate one of them. But I promise you that you'll end up loving them again.
Might I suggest having tissue handy at all times, just in case it "gets dusty" wherever you read this book.
Another amazing read by the beautiful and talented Willow Aster!
February 24, 2019
Such a beautiful story of friendship and love. So many different feelings and emotions while reading this story and so many smiles as well.
I have read a collaborated book by Willow and it was great. I always wanted to read her words and I am so happy I finally did.
Jaxson and Mira’s story is a must read it will take you on a beautiful journey.
I have read a collaborated book by Willow and it was great. I always wanted to read her words and I am so happy I finally did.
Jaxson and Mira’s story is a must read it will take you on a beautiful journey.
April 6, 2019
4.5 Stars
This was my first time reading this author and I'm so glad I decided to give this one a try. Once I started the book, I couldn’t put it down. I’m usually not a fan of flipping between past and present during a story, but it worked. My heart broke for Mira in the past. I enjoyed seeing her grown into herself and to start standing up for herself. I really enjoyed the story and hope, hope, hope Miles will have a story told. That poor guy really needs to find his HEA.
I definitely will be moving more of Ms. Asters books up my TBR after reading this.
This was my first time reading this author and I'm so glad I decided to give this one a try. Once I started the book, I couldn’t put it down. I’m usually not a fan of flipping between past and present during a story, but it worked. My heart broke for Mira in the past. I enjoyed seeing her grown into herself and to start standing up for herself. I really enjoyed the story and hope, hope, hope Miles will have a story told. That poor guy really needs to find his HEA.
I definitely will be moving more of Ms. Asters books up my TBR after reading this.
April 23, 2020
3.5 stars
The guy of this book is a complete moron and his only
saving grace is that he was in high school when he
acted like the worst kind of asshole. I was very generous
with my rating because he was basically a hormonal
riddled teenage boy who was dating the hot popular
girl. Still, no excuse on his whole pathetic mantra
of, I loved you all my life but I need to stick my dick into
the hot popular girl because you're too pure. Ugh, I hate
it when guys use this lame ass excuse. The heroine
was not that bad, she was actually strong in her own
way and I kind of wish she would have dated Miles.
Anyways, I actually did enjoy this book, it's the perfect
angsty read for someone like me who runs away
from angst in books. It's a very tame angst.
The guy of this book is a complete moron and his only
saving grace is that he was in high school when he
acted like the worst kind of asshole. I was very generous
with my rating because he was basically a hormonal
riddled teenage boy who was dating the hot popular
girl. Still, no excuse on his whole pathetic mantra
of, I loved you all my life but I need to stick my dick into
the hot popular girl because you're too pure. Ugh, I hate
it when guys use this lame ass excuse. The heroine
was not that bad, she was actually strong in her own
way and I kind of wish she would have dated Miles.
Anyways, I actually did enjoy this book, it's the perfect
angsty read for someone like me who runs away
from angst in books. It's a very tame angst.
April 26, 2019
This super angsty, swoon worthy romance is a solid 4.5 stars!
I think we all need a Jaxson in our lives. Did he mess up? Sure did, and who doesn’t at a young age? Did he redeem himself? For sure! Once he realized what he was missing he did everything he could to win Bells back. I mean who doesn’t want a man who fights for what he wants?!
Mirabelle has some issues she’s working through and it takes her longer than expected to come around. I did find some of her back and forth with her feelings a bit annoying but I can relate (I think as a female we were all like this at one point or another).
I found this second chance at romance heartwarming and real.
I think we all need a Jaxson in our lives. Did he mess up? Sure did, and who doesn’t at a young age? Did he redeem himself? For sure! Once he realized what he was missing he did everything he could to win Bells back. I mean who doesn’t want a man who fights for what he wants?!
Mirabelle has some issues she’s working through and it takes her longer than expected to come around. I did find some of her back and forth with her feelings a bit annoying but I can relate (I think as a female we were all like this at one point or another).
I found this second chance at romance heartwarming and real.
March 1, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. Such an easy read. Mirabelle and Jaxson are now one of my favorite couples. There was a lot of angst between them. It was sweet love story with a lot of bumps in the road. So glad I got the Arc copy to read.
March 16, 2019
Stop what you are doing. Get this book. Read it now! It was so hard to put down!! I love the past and present storylines! This was no different! The past was so heartbreaking for her! I could relate! Gah I wanna re read!
March 14, 2019
I LOVED Jax and Bells!! This was my first book by this author and I can’t wait to read more!
May 24, 2019
Growing up, Jaxson and Mirabelle were the best of friends with their parents being friends; it only made sense for the two of them to do everything together. When they were children, they made a bucket list of everything they wanted to do together before they got married and lived their HEA together. Then Jaxson moved, and Mirabelle was without her best friend until her mum received news, and the two of them moved overseas to be closer to Jaxson again. Things though weren't the same as Jaxson had new friends and he was popular, and Mirabelle aka Belle was like the little sister hanger-on, and then one year, she overhears Jaxson telling his then-girlfriend that he only hangs around Belle because his parents make him do so. This broke her, and the pair stopped talking, it was a massive fallout that lasted for years until one summer Jaxson returns home and holding their bucket list wants to make things right with Belle, but she has moved on, right? Can Jaxson prove to Belle that he really missed up and wants her to be his forever or will Belle hold onto that grudge forever and not let Jaxson break the walls again and ruin her as he did those many moons ago as she can't take a second heartbreak and rejection from the boy she secretly has always loved. I did enjoy this story as it was a sweet childhood friend to lovers and in parts I was glad that Belle stood her ground and didn't let herself be walked all over by a single smile or hello - You go, Girl, and that she made Jaxson work for her affection as that was the least she deserved from him to show he really had changed and cared about her.
February 26, 2019
This story is divided into past and present, it’s done very well so there was no chance of me getting confused or lost.
Jaxson and Mira’s love story starts when they are kids but then so many things happen to stop them being together.
I loved both characters in this story but I also hated them both at one point or another. 5,331 Miles is a rollercoaster ride of emotions and I wasn’t sure how I wanted it to end. I loved waiting for a ‘past’ chapter to reveal a little more of what happened to the couple and how they’d ended up where they were.
I really enjoyed this book and I’m hoping to read more by this author now. Four stars.
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