I love a good second chance romance and I’m also a fan of books that feature road trips so when I saw that A Thousand Miles by Bridget Morrisey featured both, I knew I had to read it. The story follows Dee and Ben, two former best friends who had a falling out and haven’t spoken to each other for ten years. One night Ben shows up unexpectedly on Dee’s doorstep simply stating “a promise is a promise.” The promise in question is to recreate the 1,000 mile road trip to Colorado that the two of them completed their senior year before their falling out. Even though she’s still angry and confused about what happened ten years ago, Dee agrees to take the trip, hoping for answers and to reconnect because as upset as she is, she has missed Ben more than she wants to admit.

I really enjoyed this book. Ben and Dee’s road trip was so entertaining, and I loved the whole nostalgic vibe that surrounded it as they went to all of the same places they went the first time around. I liked the contrast between the memories of when they were best friends versus experiencing the same things now but with so much awkwardness and tension between them. It’s a fun trip for them, but there is also a lot of angst as those memories of their fight are still hovering between them.

I also thought both Ben and Dee were fantastic characters. I loved their friendship, particularly as they slowly rekindled it, and was fully invested in learning what happened ten years ago and hoping they could move beyond it. It was also pretty clear that they have more than just friendly feelings toward one another, which gave me another reason to be invested in their future.

The entertainment factor doesn’t just come from Dee and Ben’s road trip though. Dee hosts a popular podcast called “Did I Forget to Tell You?” where she and her cohost share personal stories about their pasts, both the highs and especially the lows. Transcripts of some of the episodes where Dee discusses her troubled relationship with Ben (or Name Redacted as she refers to him) are sprinkled throughout the book. I loved the added in-depth look at Dee’s life and personality that those excerpts provided. You can tell just how much the falling out with Ben has dominated her thoughts over the years.

A Thousand Miles is a delightful and insightful story about love, friendship, and second chances. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fun but angsty summer read and especially to those who are fans of road trip books.

Dee Matthews is a successful podcaster. At 28, she has built up her brand by asking friends and near strangers on to her podcast to talk about personal issues. Starbucks Girl, who Dee thought was asking her out but was really just wanting to be friends, came on the podcast, and they straightened out the misunderstanding. Dee and her cohost Javi talk about their relationships, their thoughts, their hopes, their dreams. But there is one thing Dee won’t reveal on her podcast, and that’s who is Name Redacted.

Name Redacted is her high school boyfriend, who broke her heart and left her right before their senior prom. She moved on from him, maybe, although she still talks about him a lot on the podcast. Just not his name. There are posts on Reddit of listeners who are trying to figure out who this person is. Dee is trying to move on from that relationship, and from other difficult relationships (particularly family relationships)of her past.

And then, one day, Name Redacted shows up at her apartment and knocks on the door. Ten years ago, they had gone on a road trip from Illinois to his grandmother’s house in Colorado, and then he shows up on Dee’s doorstop, asking her to take the trip again. That was the plan, to take that same trip again in 10 years. And now Ben’s back, saying that a promise is a promise.

Dee is stunned that Ben has showed up out of the blue, but she’s on hiatus with her podcast and can’t help but wonder what would happen on the trip all over again. So she agrees. And as the states roll by, the adventures stack up. From Dee’s choosing tofu fish sticks in Iowa to Ben and Dee’s kiss at the Nebraska-Colorado border to Ben discovering the scene-stealing Abe, that thousand-mile trip creates new memories and brings up a lot of old (and new) feelings.

Dee is not one to back off from a difficult conversation, so she pushes Ben to reveal some of his secrets. They talk about what had gone wrong in high school. They talk about their lives now. Ben tells her the family secret that set him off on this trip, and Dee has to pull back on her instincts to poke the bear. But when Ben’s family drama takes center stage, Dee has to choose to make herself a part of it or back away. Will their love be able to survive real life, or will this trip end up just being another podcast about Name Redacted?

A Thousand Miles is a moving romance about growing up and learning what it takes to make an adult relationship work. Author Bridget Morrissey has crafted this lovely, funny, sweet, honest romance that makes you cheer for these characters. It’s realistic but also original. It sparkles like champagne, or maybe more like a good ballpark beer.

I fell for these characters. I wanted to race through this book and get to the happily ever after at the end, but I couldn’t. This story is so powerful that I had to slow down and take some time with it. I needed a chance to turn this over in my head and in my heart. I needed to process. And I’m glad I did. This book deserves time and attention. It’s worth the wait. And just a warning: if you’re anything like me, Abe will steal your heart completely.

Egalleys for A Thousand Miles were provided by Berkley through NetGalley, with many thanks.

Second chance romances scratch a very special itch. You knows it’s going to be emotional to get to the end, but it’s beautiful! I just loved Dee and Ben. Their journey from best friends, to estranged for a decade, and back again to their love story really pulled at my heart strings. The trip for his grandma made me cry.

This was well written. The portrayal of grief, loss, friendship, and finally to forgiveness and love was gripping. I didn’t want to put this down while I was reading it. This is a great summer read for anyone who likes friends-to-lovers or second chance romance. So cute!

A Thousand Miles by Bridget Morrissey was such a fun second-chance road trip romance! Two high school best friends haven't spoken in ten years, but they reunite after a decade of silence to fulfill a promise they made to each other before graduation.

Dee and Ben are fun characters that are easy to root for. There's the sexual tension; there's a "nurse her while she's sick" tenderness; there's a whole lifetime of history. Morrissey has created two main characters that are realistic and flawed but so very likeable.

I also really enjoyed the format. The book switches between the current narrative and transcripts of Dee's popular podcast. It's all stitched together perfectly and leads the reader to a very satisfactory happily ever after.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for providing me with an opportunity to read an advanced copy of A Thousand Miles.

Read this one if you enjoy:
- Second chance romances
- Friends to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Road trip stories

"and he insisted I would enjoy it. He was, of course, correct, because the place looks like it’s made from Lincoln Logs. That’s something I will always need in my life." 

I love one liners like this cause I need a Lincoln Log building in my life too. And I know my man would find funny places that would make me smile or giggle. 

This was such a cute second chance romance. Full of so much humor, banter, inside jokes, and podcast transcripts.

I love a good second chance romance but this one her high school bestie showed up 10 years later on her doorstep to take her on a roadtrip. And they slowly revealed why they stopped talking.

I love roadtrips! I took one from Florida to California with my husband when we were dating. It was the ultimate relationship test. It went by so quick and I wish it was longer, so I think we passed.

There was so much pain at the end of their high school relationship that they never resolved and held with them. I loved that she talked about him on her podcast but didn't say his name. She Google stalked him and he kept everything locked down. We all process loss differently. Grieving over relationships is natural and we all need time. Honestly the one that got away is always on your mind, esp these two that seemed like soulmates.

That grand gesture at the end was my high school dreams! I've gone to my high school reunion and it's only people getting very drunk I wish someone would do something sweet like that.

Thank you berkleyromance and netgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫

A Thousand Miles is a second chance, friends-to-lovers story about high school BFFs and exes–Dee and Ben. A decade ago, the pair took a road trip together to see Ben’s grandma, buried a time capsule, and vowed to return ten years later to open it. Shortly after, they ended not only their romantic relationship, but also their friendship.

A decade later, Dee cohosts a super popular podcast- Did I Forget to Tell You? It’s full of secrets revealed, mistakes revisited, and reliving memories with friends, family, and exes. Ben is the only part of Dee’s past that’s off limits. He’s known only on the show as Name Redacted and it’s a whole thing. When Ben knocks on Dee’s door ten years after their split, he fully intends on making good on his promise to make the return trip to his now (late) grandma’s house.

Despite years apart, Dee and Ben fall effortlessly back into the comfort zone with each other. It’s fun to watch them hit the road together, with nothing but miles and miles ahead to fill in the blanks and try to figure out where things went so wrong between them. It doesn’t take too long for their friend zone boundaries to be tested and crossed, but are they doomed to repeat history?

There was quite a lot to love about A Thousand Miles. (I love a road trip setting.) There’s a great caretaking scene between Ben and a barfing Dee. There’s some good steam and great chemistry between Dee and Ben. My favorite part had to be the easy banter between the pair! I also enjoyed the side characters, especially Ben’s best friend and his whole family. Dee was so open, but I really loved how she learned how to balance keeping some parts of her life a little more private. She showed fantastic growth, and the addition of the podcast transcripts added such an entertaining layer to the story!

Thanks so much to Let's Talk Books Promo, Berkley, and NetGalley for a gifted digital review copy.

As soon as I read the premise for A Thousand Miles, it sounded like a wonderful summer read, and it was. The story follows childhood friends Dee and Ben, as they embark on a road trip from Illinois to Colorado - a promise they made to one another 10 years prior on their first road trip. After not speaking in 10 years, Ben shows up on Dee's doorstep ready for the big adventure.

It's a very typical romance read (a little steamy, but not too much...) and their relationship is pretty predictable, HOWEVER, it's still a very fun read. They have some pretty great laugh-out-loud adventures, while at the same time tackling some tough topics like abandonment, grief, and loss.

The ending was wonderful, and I loved how it all ended up playing out (no spoilers!)

Thank you Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC!
4/5 stars

This was a cute second chance romance. I also loved the roadtrip aspect of it as well. I will say I did feel the characters acted a bit immature for their age but I loved their banter and how much fun Ben & Dee had together.
The podcast element was cute but I don't feel like it added a ton to the story.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for na honest review

CW: death of a loved one (past), caretaker for sick loved one (past), grief, cheating (past, non-MCs), family tensions, toxic relationship with a parent, paternity issues

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f roadtrip romance
-estranged childhood best friends to lovers
-a rescue cat
-second chance romance
-opposites attract

I really enjoyed this one. The segments of the podcast were a smart and fun twist that truly added to the story. Great secondary characters, witty and smart writing, this was wonderful escapism. This book had just the right amount of wild moments as Dee and Ben embark on a roadtrip together. These two butted heads but I loved how their prior friendship glowed through.

About how much we share, with ourselves, with our loved one, and with the public all wrapped up in a soft romance. I was cheering for these two to have it all including their rescue cat. Another great read from Bridget Morrisey and I'm excited to see what comes next.


Steam: 2.5

A Thousand Miles by Bridget Morrissey is a witty, humorous, and sweet second chance road trip romance!

Ben and Dee were best friends in high school, but they haven’t spoken since they had a falling out 10 years ago. It affected Dee so much that she refers to Ben only as “Name Redacted” on her podcast. Needless to say, Dee is shocked when Ben shows up on her doorstep out of the blue to ask her to make good on her promise to dig up the time capsule they buried at Ben’s now deceased grandmother’s house. Will they be able to survive a road trip together from Chicago to Colorado?

I loved the concept of this book - a road trip to dig up a time capsule, complete with the essential road trip snacks, where both characters are simultaneously taking their own trips down memory lane and trying to come to terms with the past. I especially enjoyed getting both Dee’s and Ben’s POV to see where they were each coming from, although I was more partial to Ben. He was just so sweet, friendly, and easygoing! Abe the cat was hands down my favorite though! I also loved the podcast episodes! They were highly entertaining and I wish there had been more of them! I really enjoyed this friends to lovers romance about second chances, self-discovery, and forgiveness!

I loved this book. It was an absolute delight. The banter between these two was perfection.

Dee hosts a podcast with one of her friends about sharing secrets, yet she has the biggest secret of all. Her high school best friend Ben is referred to only as Name Redacted so no one knows who he is, yet she talks about him a lot. However, they have not talked to each other in 10 years. Their senior year spring break, they took a road trip to visit Ben’s Grandma and at the end of the trip they promised to take the same trip 10 years later. Then shortly after the trip they get into a fight and never talk to each other again. Until Ben shows up at Dee’s doorstep asking her to take the trip with him again after his Gran has died.

The chemistry in this book just pops off the page and I loved it. Dee and Ben were so great together and I loved their relationship and their banter. I also loved their comfort together. Because they had been best friends growing up they immediately slipped back into the well worn friendship and I loved that. I also appreciated that they didn’t just ignore their past but they dealt with it and tried to work through it.

I was a bit surprised by how easily they fell back into their feelings, but I guess in a way they never went away. I wouldn’t have minded a little more resistance from Dee but I didn’t mind it. I did love that every few chapters we got to read a transcript from the podcast. I would love to listen to this podcast and I loved how it was connected to things that were occurring.

I think another reason I enjoyed this book so much is it starts in Chicago (I’m from the suburbs), involved the Cubs and a baseball game on a road trip, and also includes a cat. I was on a road trip with my friends while I read this book and there were so many moments that I loved that I would read out loud to my friends. I also read this book right after another romance novel and this one just blew it out of the water. I didn’t even have major issues with the conflict that they had. While it wasn’t my favorite type of conflict, I was ok with it and I appreciated how it ended up being resolved.

This book is a 4.5 star for me but I decided to round up. I just loved it and flew through it. It made me happy and not many books make me laugh out loud and this one did. It is such a strong debut novel that I wish it was her fourth or fifth so I could go back and binge her backlist. I highly recommend this as a summer read if you’re looking for romance and a laugh.

3.5 stars

An enjoyable second chance/road trip romance about two childhood friends who haven't spoken in the 10 years since their high school graduation. Dee is the co-host of a popular podcast where she shares everything about her life with the exception of the name of someone from her past who she refers to as "Name Redacted" - aka her childhood friend, Ben. Ben shows up at Dee's door proposing that the two of them roadtrip across country from Chicago to his late grandmother's home in Colorado as they had promised each other they would do ten years after graduation and Dee reluctantly agrees. Over the course of the road trip, the two confront their past mistakes and come to terms with the feelings they still have for each other as they try to figure out whether or not they have a future together. An easy summer read!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a digital Advance Review Copy (ARC).

I loved A Thousand Miles. It is the adorable story of two estranged childhood friends reunited years later to take a road trip across the country. Quirky banter, slapstick humor, parts of a hilarious podcast interspersed and a sweet (with some 🔥) romance all mixed together. This is a perfect summer romcom that will give you warm fuzzies while making you giggle.

Thank you to Berkley, Netgalley, and Penguin Random House Audio for providing advanced copies of this book. All thoughts and opinions are still my own.

I was so excited for this summer road trip romance. I'm a sucker for a friends lovers/second chance romance and I was ready to fall in love with this romance. Unfortunately it didn't quite pan out as a new favorite.

This book is definitely full of the summer road trip vibes and the perfect beach read for this time of year. It's a quick read with romantically charged banter and all the classic road trip themes.

However this book didn't leave me feeling much of anything. I didn't connect to the characters as individuals or as a couple. Which made it difficult for me to get invested in what they were doing and going through.

Overall this book was a completely FINE read. I'm just left with no feelings about it. And it's not a book that I think I will think much about again.

Bridget Morrissey's Love Scenes was one of my favorite romances of 2021 and I was delighted to read another one from her! This book provides a big dose of nostalgia and high school feels. It features two estranged high school best friends who reunite to open a time capsule. A Thousand Miles is a pretty emotional and reflective read. It really asks the reader to think about the people of your past. Dee and Ben find a way to mend their broken bridges and it was just so lovely to go on that adventure with them.

There's a little something for every romance reader in this book - family secrets, a road trip, second chances, friends-to-lovers, and a fun podcast-based plot! Fans of The Ex Talk and The Shaadi Set-Up will love this book!

What a fun read! I went into this story blind, and was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it!

Dee and Ben were such a fun couple. I am team happily ever after and I appreciate the author not dragging things out for too long. They were both so hung up on each other and seeing them fall back in love was wonderful.

As much as I loved Dee and Ben, all of the supporting characters and their stories were amazing as well! Javi made me laugh, the story of his mother catching him with his pants down during a tornado had me giggling. The role his sister Victoria played in bringing Ben and Dee back together was so thoughtful and made too much sense. I loved it.

The ending was cheesy but honestly, I was so on board! The whole story felt like a movie and I hope it gets adapted into one. Authentic characters + a bit of steam + so much depth = a winning combination! I whole heartedly recommend this story to anyone!

This was fine but also boring? There was nothing strictly wrong with this, except the stakes were low maybe. The banter was cute, both characters were likable. I was just really bored. Neither of these characters were unique enough to make me really care and while there was some tension in the beginning, it wasn't long before that dissipated.
As I got closer to the end I realized I just didn't care about this couple at all and decided to not finish. Its a super meh from me.

Road trip, high school sweethearts, second chances and friends to lovers. SO many perfect tropes in this story and it did not disappoint in the least.

Thank you #netgalley for an early read of #athousandmiles

I loved this story!! As a podcast host myself, I totally related to Dee and her story!! I love me a second chance romance and this story had so many of my favourite aspects in a perfect love story!! I love the whole road trip element, too! Great use of tropes and an overall fun romcom!