From New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy comes an angst-filled new adult romance featuring Drew + Fable’s (One Week Girlfriend) daughter, Autumn Callahan!Asher Davis. My first crush. My first kiss. The boy who ripped my heart out of my chest again and again. Over and over. I let him have it every single time. Willingly. We are that toxic high school couple you hear about, the one you … school couple you hear about, the one you witness in the hallway as they avoid each other. You laugh at them in class when they’re forced to work together, their gazes full of hatred. We are the couple you gossip about when they win homecoming prince and princess their sophomore year…
The back and forth is what kills me the most. I’m not his princess, I’m the girl he toys with when he’s bored. And he’s definitely not my prince, no matter how badly I want him to be.
Finally it’s our senior year and we’re months away from never having to see each other again when disaster strikes—and brings us closer together. All it takes is one touch, and I’m burning for Ash. Hotter than I ever have.
But will that burn turn into a devastating fire? Or can we actually make it work this time?
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Wow! If you love Bully romance then you need to read this one! It’s one of my favorite tropes lately right along with enemies to lovers! Bad boy quarterback from the wrong side of the tracks meets the rich girl, goodie two shoes cheer leader. Ash and Autumn go back and forth through the years crushing/hating on each other but never getting together until something happens to bring them to gather again their senior year.
This book has lots of teenage drama and angst. It definitely kept me entertained. If you’ve read One Week Girlfriend series then get ready for more from Drew and Fable!! But it can be read without reading this too. Ending was a little rushed but hopefully we get updated on them in Jake’s story in book 2. 4.5 stars for me!
I started with a sample for Close to Me on release day. Then I snuck in chapters throughout the afternoon. Close to Me wrapped itself completely around me and kept me in a cocoon until the very last page. I stayed up all night! I was so excited to read Autumn Callahan’s story. Her parents, Drew & Fable are my favorite couple and to know we get to hear about their kids had me smiling so big.
Close to Me is exactly what I needed in my life. Autumn is the oldest of Drew & Fable and she isn’t perfect, but close. Asher Davis is dangerous and mysterious. He has a past and current upbringing that no one wants. From their first meeting, Autumn hates Ash and you know from there that it’s only the beginning of a tortuous relationship. Pick up this book now but beware, it’s not easy to put down.
Monica Murphy is going back to her New Adult roots with Ash and Autumn in Close to Me.
Close to Me is a classic boy from the wrong side of the tracks falling for the good girl romance. Through football, her parents and high school we get a great story that takes the readers through a definite journey. We get to see the evolution of their relationship starting their freshman year and throughout high school which I really enjoyed. As with any teenage romance, there are lot of ups and downs and with Ash and Autumn, that is no different. Though in the end I truly believed they are good for each other.
4.5/5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
This is a book that I could not put down. It was totally addicting and I binged this book in a single day. Monica Murphy always has a way of pulling the reader into the story and into the characters’ lives.
No matter what type of story she tells, I always find myself loving Monica Murphy’s stories. She has a writing voice that really speaks to me. Her writing style is one that I always look forward to. It is never clunky and the dialogues are always realistic and on point. Her smooth and clever writing style always wins me over.
I fell into these characters’ lives effortlessly. Autumn, one of the main characters, is the daughter of Drew and Fable from Murphy’s One Week Girlfriend series. I honestly have not had the pleasure of reading that series, but the author does an amazing job of pulling the reader into their world even if they haven’t read the other series. What’s better is that the reader doesn’t really feel lost for not having read the other series, yet can still feel the compound world-building. Ash, the other main character, has some excellent character growth in this story. I loved his character development and his backstory was detailed and relevant. Autumn’s character also had some nice development. These characters are written so wonderfully that the reader can’t help but sink their teeth in.
While there is a lot of build-up in terms of the relationship and the tension between Autumn and Ash, I felt that the physical part of their relationship moved a little too quickly once they finally gave in to their feelings. Sure, they are teenagers, and yes, they have hormones, but I felt that in terms of their relationship it went a bit too fast. They needed a little breathing room to get used to being a couple before they hopped into the sack with each other. Otherwise, I think that Murphy did an excellent job with the build-up and the sexual tension between Autumn and Ash. They definitely had a spark with each other and the reader could feel it through the pages. We get to see them throughout their high school career, not just in the present.
The plot of the story was done really well. The plot has a very fluid progression and all the details align in the end. I really liked the plot points in the story. I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
Overall, this was another fantastic story from Monica Murphy! You’ll fall in deep with this one and you won’t be the least bit sorry. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into Jake’s story, which will the next story in the Callahans series. He’s a character from this book that I was curious about and I can’t wait to see where Murphy takes his story.
I have long been a fan of Monica Murphy ever since reading One Week Girlfriend, so I was super excited to discover this would be about Fable and Drew’s daughter, Autumn! Murphy far exceeded my expectations.
Close to Me is a story filled with lots of angst and drama. Asher Davis was Autumn’s first crush, her first kiss, and her first heartbreak. Whenever he is around her, he tends to bring out all of her insecurities yet he makes her heart race. She thinks he enjoys toying with her feelings, but what she doesn’t realize, is that this boy doesn’t know how to express his feelings for her. She does things to him he can’t explain. After a lot of push and pull between them, they agree to just avoid one another. That works for awhile until something happens that will force them together. They come to a brand new understanding about each other, but will it be enough to last forever?
Murphy uses angst and drama quite unlike any other author, always to her advantage, and always making the storyline even better. In other books I have read, some writers overdo the angst, and it completely overwhelms the story itself. Murphy knows just how much of that push and pull to use, and it worked beautifully between Asher and Autumn.
I quite like how Murphy also wrote the book from several POVS. It was mostly told in Autumn’s voice. However, she used Asher in several chapters, as well as Fable and Drew. Through Drew, readers learn how deeply he loves his family and what a huge heart he has. He spotted something special in Asher and didn’t let him down. Fable has a background so similar to Asher’s that she understands him to a certain extent. She is one of his biggest cheerleaders.
Autumn is such a special girl. She is smart, intelligent, and pretty independent. She isn’t afraid to stand up to Asher, which he loves by the way. Despite being from a family who has a lot of money, she realizes how fortunate she is. She never judges those from different backgrounds. Her biggest weakness is Asher!
When readers hear Asher’s voice, they get a glimpse into this beautiful boy’s mind and heart. He adores Autumn, but he feels like he would never be good enough for her. He hasn’t always made the best decisions, but he had to in order to survive. Despite his smart mouth and attitude, I couldn’t help but love him.
I loved catching up with Fable and Drew and seeing all their children. They are great parents, the perfect combination of strict and loving, always wanting their children to work towards their goals and succeed, much like we all do as parents.
This was just a wonderfully beautiful, emotional read full of the feels. The ending couldn’t have been better. It is just the beginning for this young couple. The two are just starting their own journeys. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series which is Jake’s story, Autumn’s younger brother.
Close to Me is a sweet and lovely YA love story.
The hot, bad boy, quarterback, with a troubled life and the sweet, innocent and lovely “good girl”. The epitome of what I wanted (and needed) to read right now. Even though the story had a few cliques in it, I still enjoyed reading it. It is a fun and sweet love story.
I fell in love with Autumn and Ash from the start. Those two characters had the perfect chemistry together. And the dynamic and the tension between them was just over the top. It was fun to read about the ups and downs of their (non-existing) relationship. The storyline was
At one point something happened I didn’t like that much, that’s why it’s just 4 stars, but overall I really enjoyed Close to Me and would definitely recommend it. Also I’m excited to read what happens to the other characters form this book.
I loved everything about this book! The characters are so great and are dealing with so much. Ash is just so broken that you can’t help but hope that he finds his way. Autumn is a well adjusted and has a loving family. She cannot fight her feelings for the bad boy. At times he treats her like he can’t stand her and other times like he likes her. Oh the mixed signals and angst is just perfect. Loved seeing Drew and Fable as parents. You will not be disappointed!
Who doesn’t want more of the Callahans!!!
Whenever I am looking for a great YA romance, Monica Murphy is one of my favorites. She brings the emotion and feelings that make up a great story.
This story is an extension of the One Week Girlfriend series. The characters have now grown up and have children of their own. While Drew & Fable play a part in this story, this is the story of their offspring, Autumn.
Autumn and Ashers journey goes through their 4 years of high school and the joy, pain, betrayal, and love that they experience.
I loved the journey the two go on. Nothing in life is perfect at all times and these two live out their lives and mistakes perfectly to this story.
I look forward to what else comes in this series.
He’s the quarterback, she’s a cheerleader. They’ve danced around each other for years. Now he’s living in her home.
When the two are in the sane room sparks fly. Ash and Autumn are totally made for each other. He comes from nothing and she’s privileged but that doesn’t matter cause these two are made for each other.
Really enjoyed this read. Loved the characters and their story.
*Review by Michelle
He’s the quarterback, she’s a cheerleader. They’ve danced around each other for years. Now he’s living in her home.
When the two are in the same room sparks fly. Ash and Autumn are totally made for each other. He comes from nothing and she’s privileged but that doesn’t matter cause these two are made for each other.
Really enjoyed this read. Loved the characters and their story.
I have two words for you with this book or rather one name. Asher Davis. I absolutely loved his character so much. He was everything! Yes, he was a bad boy who could be an asshole but he was hurt…almost completely broken down and that’s just how he guarded his heart. What he goes through in this book is heartbreaking. I am so glad he finally allows himself to open up to Autumn and allow her and her parents to help him heal. I mean how awesome were Autumn’s parents,Drew and Fable? Pretty freakin’ awesome! I had no clue going in that this was a spin off of one of the author’s other series “One Week Girlfriend”. I have read and loved several other books by her but not that one yet. Now I definitely will be. I loved Asher and Autumn’s story and can’t wait for the next book in the series.
THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING!!!!!
I became so obsessed with this book once I read the blurb, Monica has a way of making get so hooked with her stories I just cannot explain. Close to Me was EVERYTHING, I loved every single thing about this book, I was up until the am reading this.
Asher was someone who is so strong, I loved how determined and sweet he was. He hasn’t had it easy and I loved seeing him let people in. Autumn was the girl who followed the rules, she was used to staying out of trouble and focus on school. She wasn’t expecting Asher to come into her life and shake it up a bit.
This book was so much more than a high school romance, this book was about love, friendship, and life. The chemistry between Asher and Autumn was off the charts, I loved how these two made each other whole and stronger. This is a MUST READ, this is a book you do not want to miss.
I really enjoyed the banter between Autumn and Asher. These two have known each other throughout high school. Over time their relationship evolves. I loved how the timeline spanned. Great read!
Autumn Callahan is the oldest of four siblings and the daughter of famous NFL superstar Drew Callahan. When her dad retires from football, her family moves to a small town to get away from everything. They buy a mansion in the mountains, and plan to live a normal life, but no matter where they go everyone still knows who her celebrity dad is. Autumn is starting high school, and hoping to make new friends. What she didn’t anticipate was meeting Asher Davis. The gorgeous, cocky, arrogant jerk who drives her crazy. They clash at every turn. He’s the quarterback on the foot a team who is rough around the edges. He’s had a tough life, and is full of attitude. He looks like trouble, and makes her feel on edge when he’s near.
Autumn and Ash can’t stand one another, and she tries to avoid and ignore him, but he’s always there. They are constantly being thrown together and partnered up in school. She’s frustrated how attracted she is to him, and over the years they go back and forth with their reckless, toxic relationship. She feels like he plays games, but there is an undeniable connection and spark between them that never goes away. She can’t deny how much she wants him anymore, but their timing is never right. He makes her feel too much, and soon she’s falling for the bad boy. Will he cherish her heart, or destroy it?
Close To Me by Monica Murphy is an enemies to lovers, standalone new adult, high school romance full of emotion, drama, angst, amazing chemistry, and fabulous banter! This story is about Drew and Fable Callahan’s daughter from the One Week Girlfriend series all grown up. This book takes you along for the journey of Ash and Autumn’s turbulent, love/hate relationship through four years of high school. I really loved this story, and getting more of Drew and Fable as well. I adore the Callahan’s and hope we get more books for the other siblings too!
Close to Me
Monica Murphy
5 Stars
Close to Me is absolutely beautiful! It’s full of angsty, hot sexiness, and raw. Love the characters and their banter.
“Forget this boy. Forget JT too. They’re all quarterbacks like my dad. Meaning they all want to get close to me because of my dad. Never because of me.”
Amazing and fabulous read!! Loved it!
I forget how emotional teenagers get at this age. There were times I wanted to smack both Autumn and Asher. I loved that we got to see how their relationship started from the beginning. I hated it when they weren’t together but loved it when they were because you knew they were meant to be together.
Close to Me is a new book by Monica Murphy that had me with the ups and downs with emotions. I had to argue with these characters to get out of their own heads and just be. But of course, Monica would let it be that easy and that is one of the many reasons I love her writing!
Autumn is very cautious when it comes to her heart. Ash is bull headed and these two clash so well. They balanced each other out. The angst if they would or wouldn’t had me on the edge at times. I enjoyed the story line and how it all played out at the end!
Close To Me details the relationship between Autumn Callahan and Asher Davis, spanning all four years that they’re in high school together. Autumn is the daughter of NFL great Drew Callahan, whose own love story was chronicled in the One Week Girlfriend series (which I have not read, so no, you do not have to have the previous stories to follow Close To Me).
Autumn is a “good girl”, who never breaks the rules, tries hard not to disappoint her parents, and dates the right kind of guy. But she keeps finding herself inexplicably drawn to the *wrong* guy, Asher “Ash” Davis, who, while he has a bright future in football, comes from a broken home and continually makes the wrong choices. There is definitely an attraction between them, but they’re also very wrong for each other… or so they think. They spend a lot of their time bickering, pushing each other away for one reason or another.
As an adult, I found quite a few moments between Ash and Autumn to be somewhat problematic, so I had to remind myself that they’re both teenagers, and teenagers aren’t always the most mature bunch. There is plenty of angst, which I love, sexy times and optimism. Better yet, there is also enough character development to keep me invested. Honestly, I kept waiting for some catastrophic moment between the two that would thrust us into the future to find Autumn and Asher apart as adults, but this remained strictly a contemporary YA novel, which I was not expecting. That’s not a bad thing, but I hope Murphy revisits Ash and Autumn down the line, when they’re both older.
I have read a handful of Murphy’s novels now and have always enjoyed them. I read CTM in one day, if that tells you anything. She’s a talented writer, so I’m looking forward to reading more of the Callahan series as they come. If I knock this story for anything, it’s the unstable psycho ex-girlfriend subplot that felt a little out of place and rather generic. Other than that, I found myself really enjoying Autumn and Asher’s story.
Definitely recommend to Murphy fans and anyone who likes a bit of an edge to their YA romances.
If you read the “One Week Girlfriend” series then this is a MUST! Follow Drew & Fable’s daughter Autumn through her high school years.
After moving to a small town after her father retired from the NFL to live the quiet life, Autumn hates her parents. When a quiet pyromaniac warns her about the football’s team bet on getting nudes from her and turns her life upside down.
Ash is trouble. Ash is annoying. Ash is hot!
I couldn’t put this book down! Their chemistry drips from the pages. It was nice having Drew and Fable still be prominent since they were my favorite.. Ash and Autumn definitely gave them a run for their money!
You must read this story now! I can’t wait for the next book!
Being an avid re-reader of Drew and Fable I was a little worried by Monica writing about their children, but I should have had more faith. It is a high school angsty book and there were times I struggled to connect. Then again i’m far to old to be reliving high school!
Filled with considered and well written moments, characters which you can’t forget and just enough drama without being an episode of Eastenders.
I loved how both Autumn and Asher grew up across the book. Those familiar hormones causing doubt and worry over the simplest words and actions.
Its not a high octane read but sets the scene , I hope, for the next books.
I did feel as if I needed more but I will see how the next book goes. Knowing Monica there’s a plan.
It can be read as a stand alone although knowing the background to Drew and Fable will help you navigate some of the scenes.
Thank you Monica for being able to share in the start of the next generation.