Skylar Orion’s life has been complicated ever since his mother abandoned him and his sister Evie. Making ends meet seemed impossible until Tate Chandler took them in — his knight in shining armor who promised to make life about more than just surviving. But Tate is not the man he seemed to be, and even his whispered I love yous and generous gifts do little to soothe the pain he causes. Knowing … Knowing he can’t give his sister all that she deserves without Tate, Skylar stays with him, relying on bad puns and a worse sense of humor to keep up the charade.
He will do anything for his sister, even if that means acting the responsible adult and going back to his old high school to meet Dexter Weston, the hot math teacher who can make even algebra interesting. Sparks fly between the two of them, but with his dependence on Tate, Skylar isn’t free to follow his heart. He wants what is best for Evie, but can he pass up the chance to find love that heals instead of harms?
Warning: This book contains scenes of domestic violence/abuse that some may find triggering to read.
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This is more than a romance. It’s the story of a young man who reclaims his life after going through what amounts to brainwashing by an abusive person. The tension amps up through the book until I wanted to scream. There’s a HEA, or really more of a HFN, but getting there is emotional.
If domestic violence is a trigger for you, use caution in reading it.
Audiobook Review:
It’s been three years since I first read Too Close. In all that time, it’s still one I frequently recommend because it left an indelible mark on me. When I heard there would be an audiobook, I was intrigued. When I heard who the narrator would be, I was excited. And yet, I didn’t expect Too Close to have the same impact the second time around. I was completely wrong. Maybe I forgot how powerful the author’s words were, or maybe I didn’t think a narrator could capture all the emotion those words held…but either way, I was held captive by this audiobook. I knew what would happen, when it would happen, how it would happen- and yet, I couldn’t stop listening. Once again, Too Close wrecked me- it left me breathless, hopeful, shaking my head at puns, and simply in awe.
For me, a good audiobook elevates a book, playing up its strengths and making the story take even more shape than the written word does. Mr. Lesley did just that, ensuring the power of this book couldn’t be ignored. He delivered a fantastic performance- putting weight into the pauses and sighs so that everything had extra meaning and I could feel the emotion pouring through my headphones. Honestly, I’m not a frequent rereader. There’s simply so many books I want to experience and, for me, most stories lose their magic a bit after the first go around. Not here. Three years later and I’m again floored by the rawness and honesty in Too Close. I know I’ll be recommending this title and audiobook for many more years because I have yet to read one that does this subject as much justice.
One of the finest erotica, taboo, and dark romance authors out there, R. Phoenix writes a powerful tale. Her stories are intense, and whether it tugs on my heartstrings like Too Close or it’s one of her deliciously macabre sci-fi/fantasies, I know I’m always in for a treat.
Narrated by Michael Lesley, Too Close was recently released as an audiobook. Mr. Lesley has a beautiful voice, and he turns in a stunning performance. He captures every bit of angst, hope, and intense emotion the author has infused into these characters.
R. Phoenix digs deep inside these men. It’s not just the surface reactions that everyone can see, and what’s directly revealed in the story, this talented author gives us so much more. She explores how each action impacts their experiences, and there’s no doubt how they’re really feeling. And in audio? Michael Lesley makes the most of every opportunity to add to the feels.
I love how R. Phoenix finds redeeming qualities in all of her antagonists. Woven subtly throughout the story, there’s always something to help us relate (and even sympathize) with them. For me, this elevates her stories to a completely different level. Nothing’s black or white in R. Phoenix’s worlds, and Too Close is a prime example.
Enjoyable if not utterly groundbreaking. Some good dialogue and nice insight into people;s thoughts.
This was a great book, it shows how easy and fast your life can change and not always for the better,by that i mean when overnight he had to care for his sister when he wasn’t sure how to care for himself.
Domestic violence comes in all shapes and sizes,the key is if they act aggressive with you 9 times out of 10 they will hit you!
This book tears at every single emotion and pulls you along. I laughed, cried, got so mad I wanted to punch someone, laughed and then cried a lot more. My heart truly broke for Skylar, and it broke for Evie too. The author has done a beautiful job writing this story. She wrote about abuse, and I’m not just talking about the physical kind, I’m talking the emotional kind, in a raw, visceral way. The depth of the characters flows of the pages, and it made me fall in love with them. I truly want to wrap Skylar, Evie and Dexter in a big hug. As for Tate, I’ll let you decide what you want to do to him! Loved this book so much.
A dose of reality. Abuse is everywhere, it’s just more subtle sometimes. Great story, great characters.
I really enjoyed Skylar & Dexter’s story of love and friendship built over the destruction of Skyler’s previous relationship.
I think the author did a thoughtful and respectful job of describing what a victim of abuse goes through, the cycle of manipulation from the abuser, as well as the guilt and shame of the victim. I liked the point of view that Skylar felt he had no choice in his life bc he had someone else to take care of, someone he was responsible for. Not everyone has someone to run to or a safe place to go to escape a bad situation.
I also appreciated that the author pointed out a very realistic truth that you can love someone even after they mistreat you. That you can love the moments of kindness that you are shown or maybe love the good memories and care about someone even when they don’t deserve it.
All around I think this author did a wonderful job of giving a truthful look at abuse and how hard it is to rebuild yourself after you escape. Skylar’s struggles to move on and make a life for himself and his sister were realistic and I liked that he learned how to live on his own.
If I had to pick a negative in the book it’s that I wish the author had given a more detailed physical description of the characters. I’m a visual person and it helps me get into the story if I can picture the characters but that’s just a personal preference.
Skylar and Dexter were so sweet together and I really loved reading their story!
I also enjoyed the ridiculous jokes and puns;)
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest review