Melissa West

Miles From Kara

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After getting just a small dose of Kara's story in the first book in the Charleston Haven series, I was anxious to learn more about this girl. I knew about her past with Preston and the impact it very nearly had on her friendship with her roommate, Olivia. What I didn't know was just how much it had impacted her personally. I mean, it stands to reason a young girl couldn't go through something like that without it having an impact, but I didn't realize how much she struggled with her past on a daily basis. After spending a book in her head, I definitely get it. Regret is awful, especially when it wasn't *your* decision that you regret so much. She was just far too young to have to deal with what she did. I didn't agree with everything she did in this book and I certainly thought a lot of her behavior was unhealthy, but I could understand why she behaved as she did. But I found myself hoping someone could pull her out of that destructive behavior before she broke. Kara's growth in this book is my favorite part, even though it was also what I found the most frustrating. She took her time getting to a better place and I just wanted to shake sense into her sometimes. 

I adored Colt from the very start. I mean, how can you not fall in love with the adorable Aussie? He was the perfect balance to Kara's personality, too. I loved the pace at which their relationship developed. It seemed real and right and I was on board with them from the beginning. For those who aren't fans of love triangles, I didn't really think of what was going on in this book with Kara, Ethan and Colt as a triangle. Kara and Ethan weren't working anymore. It was obvious. Her growing attraction to Colt helped her realize it, but it never felt triangle-y to me. They were just right together. They started as friends and their relationship built slowly, which meant I had lots of time to fall in love with the idea of them together. I love when that happens in books. They definitely had a spark and some intense chemistry. 

While, technically, the books in this series can be considered standalone stories, I definitely recommend reading both and in the order they were released. It's the only way to get the whole story. Plus, you know, you'd miss out on the great characters from the first novel. I don't know if this is the last book in the Charleston Haven series, but I hope not. They're good new adult stories with an emotional punch. I love how Melissa isn't afraid to tackle slightly controversial "real world" issues in her books. I went back and forth with my rating for this book. It was more than a three, but not *quite* a four, for me. Since I don't give half stars, I went with three. But please don't take that as me not liking the book. Three is a good, solid rating for an enjoyable book like this one. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Miles From Kara

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