Book Review: In the Distance (In the Kitchen #3) by Eileen Griffin & Nikka Michaels

After being kicked out and forced to live on the street when he came out to his parents, Tyler Mitchell is slowly rebuilding his life. With the help of his honorary big brothers, Ethan and Jamie, Tyler found a job, acquired an apartment and is attending culinary school. Everything seems to be going in the right direction, but different professional interests and his desire to have the sort of love Ethan and Jamie share weighs heavily on his mind.

Trevor Pratt is rich and successful in all things except love. He nearly lost his friendship with Jamie when he tried to meddle in his relationship with Ethan for selfish reasons. Even though he's no longer in love with his best friend, it still stings. While visiting Seattle on business, Tyler catches Trevor's eye, much to the chagrin on both Ethan and Jamie. Will he be able to prove himself worthy or will he fall back into his old habits?

I first want to say that I did not read the first two books in this series, but I never felt lost. Sure, there were instances in which I wish I had a just a little more information, but I don't think it's completely necessary to read other books first.

I really enjoyed this book and felt that all of the characters were well-developed and complex. The story moved quite steadily and I never found myself bored with the interactions between the main characters or the secondary characters. I was instantly pulled into Tyler, Trevor, Ethan and Jamie's worlds and how they deal with their professional and personal lives.

I think my biggest complaint about the book was how often Trevor felt the need to apologize and atone, whether it was for past behavior or a misunderstanding in the present. Just from his early descriptions, I knew that he was going to be the one to somehow mess up and have to beg on his knees for forgiveness, and I was right. It's stated many times that Trevor is the "love 'em and leave 'em" type who doesn't believe in relationships. The one person he did fall in love with didn't love him back, so he's scarred and very apprehensive. No one, not Tyler, Jamie and especially Ethan gave Trevor the benefit of the doubt. They always thought he was manipulating, lying or scheming when it came to Tyler. Even though Tyler was more apt to try, he often took the victim stance when things were misunderstood or didn't go the way he thought they should. Thus, Trevor was forced to apologize.

He apologized to Jamie for what his relationship past.

He apologized to Ethan for jeopardizing his relationship with Jamie.

He apologized to Tyler for treating him to expensive dinners and attempting to make him feel special.

Granted, Trevor is no angel. He often didn't see things from others' perspectives, but I truly thought his heart was in the right place much of the time, but everyone continued to knock him down a peg and distrust him. Again, these behaviors most likely stem from things that happened in the second book, which I did not read.

Out of all of the characters, I liked Ethan the least. I've read in reviews for the other books that he is definitely a difficult character to like, and not much changed in this book. He's hot tempered, sarcastic, mean, stubborn and very childish at times. There were a few glimpses of a good guy, but I often wondered how Jamie could stand living with the man.

All in all, I did enjoy this book and am happy I gave it chance. You should too.

This book will be released on June 15, 2015.

A copy of this book was provided by Carina Press, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

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~ M