Close to You

Winslow Grove #0.5

by S.M. West

I’m locked in a gymnasium with Oliver Winslow—the only man I’ve ever loved.
Sounds like a dream come true.
But it’s not.

The man is hot as hell with the biggest heart, but the kicker—he isn’t mine
One truth is heart-wrenchingly obvious.
Unrequited love sucks.

Just being near him makes my heart stutter, and the way he stares at me, intense and soul-searing as if he knows every one of my secrets, causes me to unravel.
I won’t make it through the night.
Being stuck with him may break me.

While he’s looking for a way out, I’m looking for a way in.
Into his heart.


Close to You is the sizzling prequel to the steamy small town Winslow Grove Series.

Genres: Audiobook, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Novella, Apple, Second Chance, Forced Proximity

Audiobook

First published January 4, 2024

About the author

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author, S.M. West, writes sexy, angsty stories about brave hearts and wild love, including, more times than not, heart-pumping twists and turns.

Apart from her infinite love of books, she’s a self-professed wine, chocolate, and travel junkie. When not writing or hanging with her family, she’s usually talking to her characters (in her head) or planning her next adventure!

She currently lives near Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two smart and sassy daughters.

Pinnacle Book Achievement Award
Griffin - Best Thriller
Smash - Best Romance

Global eBook Awards
Griffin - Gold, Romantic Suspense
Scoring the Player - Silver, Romance

Global Book Award
Griffin - Silver, Romantic Suspense

NYC Big Book Award
Reverb - Distinguished Favorite, Romance

Finalist National Indie Excellence Awards
Griffin


Visit her at:

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website:https://www.smwestauthor.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/smwestauthor/
Instagram:hhttps://www.instagram.com/smwestwrites/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/SMWestAuthor
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https://www.pinterest.com/smwestwrites/

Reviews

[Yesmina · Rating 1 out of 5]

This novella is a prequel. Since the first book is not out yet I thought let me read this to get a taste.

But the writing style was repugnant to me. The setting is about a homely cute small town but the dialogue is out from a strip club.

Secondly, Why the hell would I want to read a novella about an MMC whining about his ex-fiancée?
A fiancée that he never loved but was with her for 4 years.
2years in a committed relationship and the other 2 in a fake relationship because she's psychotic or something????
(If I had a penny for every coward man labeling his GF crazy in order to cheat I'd be a gazillionaire)

After all the explicit misplaced sex scenes MMC tells FMC he needs to do the right thing and just leaves. (And now the author expects me to be hocked!?)

[Marrissa Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a small town, second chance, forced proximity romance, and Close To You is a great beginning of one! This sweet and spicy novella is the introduction/prequel to S.M. West’s Winslow Grove Series. After reading this, I cannot wait to see what happens next for Oliver and Wren. I already love them! I listened to the audio narrated by Robert Hatchet and Samantha Brentmoor and thought the performance was fantastic!

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Than A Game of H-O-R-S-E



Oliver "Twist" Winslow is a complication for Wren Tyler. Or is it that she's one for him? Hmm...🤔😉 Either way, I love how this starts and their chemistry is so good - in both friendly and really friendly ways. Hubba hubba! 😘

I can't wait to see what comes next! I'm curious to see if where my mind is going and where Suzanne's went match at all. I suspect it'll be somewhere in the middle, but time will tell.

I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrators are Robert Hatchet and Samantha Brentmoor, both of whom I always enjoy.

Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x

[Kristi - ReetzyTheBookNerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hold everything! I need the rest of Wren and Oliver's story ASAP. Close to You is the sweet yet spicy novella from author S.M. West. In this prequel we get a peak into these old friends' past relationship as they take a trip down memory lane when they get trapped in their high school's gymnasium and are forced to spend the night together. When past feelings are revealed, Wren has one foot inside the preverbal door, while Oliver has his foot outside of it. Will Oliver choose to leave or will he stay and chase after the girl he's always wanted?

Samantha Brentmoor and Robert Hatchet narrate the beginning this new series. These two were everything. Despite this being just the beginning, Samantha brings all of the aspects to Wren's conflicted personality to life, from her fears and doubts all the way to her wants and desires. There is just something so soothing about Robert. Oliver is the smooth-talking, swoon-worthy, high school heartthrob of Wren's past and Hatchet's performance just encapsulates all of that and more. The chemistry between these two old friend's is palpable and you can feel it from these two narrators. Again, I need the continuation to Wren and Oliver's story... like, now.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Audiobook Review**

The perfect novella to set up the new series coming from S.M. West. “Close to You” is a flirty and steamy start to the Winslow Grove series.

Wren has had a crush on Oliver for what seems like forever. But the opportunity to be more was never right with the timing. But now they’re locked in a gymnasium overnight while the power is out so anything can happen.

I loved this look in on what we can expect from Wren and Oliver. Both are genuine people and someone that anyone could connect with. It might be a novella but it’s not lacking in the steamy scenes at all. One line Oliver said had me gasping metaphorically grasping my pearls. I loved that line. I can’t wait for their full length story.

Samantha Brentmoor and Robert Hatchet were so great as Wren and Oliver. I loved listening to them bring this story to life. And I hope they are the narrators for the full length story.

[kreadsoften · Rating 4 out of 5]

Close to You is a prequel novella to the Winslow Grove series.

Wren and Oliver knew each other when they were younger, and Wren had always had a crush on Oliver. Now, they find themselves locked in a gymnasium for the night, and secrets are revealed.

This was a great introduction to the characters. There was a little of their history, and they talked and learned about each other’s current situation in life. And despite this being a novella, it was clear that these two had chemistry. This ends on a cliffhanger, so I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here.

Audio:
Narrators: Robert Hatchet and Samantha Brentmoor
Style: Dual

These two did an excellent job bringing the characters to life. They were able to capture all the emotions of their respective character. And, they did a great job on performing the opposite gender’s voice (i.e. Samantha’s “male” voice and Robert’s “female” voice).

[Noëmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great novella 😊 a beautiful introduction for this series and I can't wait to read the first book and the full love story of Wren and Oliver.

I loved the audiobook, Robert Hatchet and Samantha Brentmoor were the perfect voices for both characters.

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this prequel novella to the Winslow Grove series and a glimpse into Oliver and Wren’s story!

This was a really quick listen and I need the rest of their story asap! 

Robert Hatchet and Samantha Brentmoor were phenomenal and I loved the way they voiced the opposite sex. Samantha Brentmoor is one of my favorite narrators and I always enjoy her work.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jojoreadsromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Audio Review*

Close to you is a Novella prequel to the new Winslow Grove series and the beginning of Oliver and Wrens story.

Oliver and Wren find themselves locked in their old  high-school  gym overnight, where they both learn that the secret feelings they harbored for one another in high school were not as one-sided as each had thought. Alone in the dark and the truth brought to light, they find themselves unable to deny the attraction they have. But with Oliver set to be moving away from their small town the next day, they wonder if one night of passion is all they will ever have…

Oh, I can not wait for the rest of this story to unfold! This Novella was a great start to a new series and a wonderful introduction to Oliver and Wren. This is exactly what a prequel should be . It  has enough back story to get to know the characters a little more. It showcases the chemistry between the couple, it had heart, and it had STEAM! And some conflict, and a cliffhanger that has me counting the days until the next book!

Samantha Brentmoor and Robert Hatchet did a wonderful job with dual narration. In such a short book, they really captured the heart of Wren and Oliver with their vulnerabilities and uncertainties. I’m looking forward to listening to more from both of them!

If this book is any indication of how this new series will be, then I know it will be a good one! I can’t wait for the Winslow Grove series, and I really can't wait for Oliver and Wrens full story.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and sexy prequel to Oliver and Wren's story. It's a small town romance taking place in Winslow Grove. The author takes you into their lives with secrets, misunderstandings and heat. It's well written with descriptive scenes, moves quickly and smoothly and has me looking forward to reading more to their story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Cams Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A prequel novella that packs a punch. There’s mutual pining, forced proximity and a nasty vindictive ex.
A stormy Montana night and a faulty gym door give Oliver and Wren the night together they’ve both wanted. However, there are complications which will be explored in the first book in the series.
An interesting start, I’m hoping Oliver makes the right decision.

[Donna McEachran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely short prequel to All of You, Oliver and Wren's book.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute second chance romance that ends on a cliffhanger. I liked the dual perspectives. Looking forward to seeing what happens to them in the full novel next.

[Suze Prescot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wren and Oliver have both - separately - been taking a trip down memory lane by visiting their old high school. They end up locked in, and the attraction both had felt as teens, comes to the surface.
I set aside another story to read this, knowing that because it's SM West, I would love it. And I did. It's a prequel and I cannot wait for the next in this series.
We feel the buried emotions, the angst both has felt in the intervening years, and we are soon rooting for them as we experience how steamy they can be together!
An excellent read, and a tempting introduction to the coming Winslow Grove series. First class and highly recommended!

[Audiotastic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook Review

I chose "Close to You" because I was curious to try a new-to-me author and two new-to-me narrators. It also promised some of my favorite tropes: small town, friends-to-lovers, and forced proximity. And since it’s a short prequel at just 2 hours long, I figured it was a quick, low-risk listen.

Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite work for me, and it took me a few days to finish. Both narrators have beautiful voices that I’d gladly listen to again, but they didn’t seem to match the characters in this story. Samantha Brentmoor’s voice is rich and full of emotion, but it came across as too mature for the 25-year-old female lead, Wren. I also struggled with her portrayal of the male lead, Oliver, who she made sound more like a teenager than the grown and irresistible man he was supposed to be. Brentmoor is clearly talented, and after listening to samples of her other work, I know how versatile she is. But in this case, it just didn’t align with how I pictured the characters.

Robert Hatchet’s voice is wonderfully smooth, but like Brentmoor, his tone felt more suited to an older, more experienced character—not someone like Oliver, who has been stuck in the past and avoiding dealing with his problems. I also found it difficult to differentiate between his voices for Oliver and Wren, which made some scenes confusing.

That said, the author delivered on the tropes, and there were moments I enjoyed. However, I struggled with Oliver’s lack of action and found it hard to invest in his story or be swayed by his seduction skills. As a result, I’m not interested in continuing with the follow-up novel about these characters.

Even so, I’m curious to try more from this author in the future, perhaps with a different kind of hero. And despite my challenges with this particular audiobook, I’d happily give both narrators another chance—especially if they each focused on a single character, like in a duet-style recording, rather than this dual narration.

If you’re looking for a short and oh-so-spicy listen performed by two popular narrators and aren’t bothered by some of the things that didn’t work for me, this might still be a good pick for you. Just keep in mind it ends on a cliffhanger, as it’s a prequel.

✨ Story: 3 stars
✨ Narration: 3 stars

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Close to You is the prequel novella to S.M West’s all new Winslow Grove series and is the forced proximity, one steamy night, friends to lovers, small town romance of Oliver and Wren.
Wren has been crushing on Oliver for forever, but the timing has never been right. However, one stormy night librarian Wren is dropping books off at the high school when she hears someone in the gymnasium and discovers none other than Oliver on his own.
Oliver is ready to leave town to escape the relationship he’s been faking for two years. In fact, he’s sure he’s never loved Dot, only having eyes for one woman but bad timing always seemed to keep them apart. Oliver heads to the high school to meet with the gym coach and stays after he leaves to clear his head. What he doesn’t expect is for Wren to waltz in and for them to get trapped and for the power to go out giving them the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane when past secrets are revealed, and they finally give in to their feelings. Will Oliver stay or go?
The incomparable Samantha Brentmoor and Robert Hatchet bring this novella to life and boy do they pack a punch!
Ms Brentmoor’s performance as librarian Wren who takes the bull by the horns and gives in to years of pent-up frustration and desire was utterly magnificent! Samantha’s beautifully hypnotic honeyed tone perfectly highlighted Wren’s wants, needs and desires as well as years of frustration.
Mr Hatchet’s portrayal of the long-suffering business owner who has had enough of playing the dutiful fake husband to be was superb. Robert’s deep, masculine authoritative brogue perfectly showcased Olivers need to control and be pestered into doing things he doesn’t want to do and ultimately taking control of his life.
Overall, I loved this audiobook. I screamed out loud when it was over, and we ended on a cliffhanger. I am salivating at the thought of diving into Oliver and Wren’s full book.
Be sure to grab this audiobook and feel all the warm and fuzzies from the fantastic new series opener!

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous Winslow Grove Prequel & Narration🎧Captivating & Steamy!

Close to You
Winslow Grove Prequel
By: S.M. West
Narrated by: Samantha Brentmoor, Robert Hatchet

This is a fabulous start to a new series written by S.M. West and I can already tell that the “Winslow Grove” series is going to be amazing. This novella sized prequel flew by too quickly, captivating my attention the entire time and left me wanting, no needing, more. The series can not come out soon enough. Oliver and Wren had a thing for each other when they were younger, but nothing ever came of it because of circumstances beyond their control. They never had the right timing, but maybe fate is in their favor now that they are both single, older, and wiser, too. They not only meet again in their old high school but get locked in together, giving them enough time to catch up and steam up the windows. Will this finally be their time, or does fate have something else in store for them? I loved how everything played out in this book and getting to know these characters. The writing, plot and world building are wonderful and I am looking forward to what happens next for these two and in Winslow Grove. S.M. West, thank you for this fabulous story.

🎧📚🎧 And for wonderful narration, Samantha Brentmoor and Robert Hatchet are the perfect cast to bring these characters and story to life. I loved how they took each role and made them their own, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters would sound. You could hear how much heart they put into their performance as they captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling every single one. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their narration enhances an already fabulous story to another level. Thank you for another fantastic listen.

[Eleanor Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful introduction into this sweet Novella

🎧AUDIOBOOK🎧
CLOSE TO YOU by: S.M. West

Narrated by :
Samantha Brentmoor and Robert Hatchet

🎧📕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎙️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🥵🌶️🌶️
Wren Tyler and Oliver Winslow story
An introduction to the Winslow Grove Series.
A peek into these childhood friend story.
It began with a basketball game between the two with Wren being all flirty and sassy, but she soon learned that her childhood crush wasn’t going to be around too long until they found themselves looked in together. And then plunged into darkness, giving them more time to be together and sharing so much more than they had before.

This prequel gave the back story of these childhood friends who clearly have a real connection that somehow never became apparent to either of them. Until Now.
One night forced proximity that leads to a night of Reminiscence, Revelation, Regret, indecision and a few stolen moments.

The dual narration performed by Samantha Brentmoor & Robert Hatchet was perfection. The passion and emotion was felt throughout their performances, and I loved every second of listen my two favorites on this novella !

Now I can’t wait to jump into more of Wren and Oliver Story!
ALL OF YOU

Prequel Novella 🎧
🏀Cliffhanger
🧡Friends to Lovers
🏀Right Person / Wrong Time
🧡The One that Got Away
🏀Forced Proximity
🧡Childhood Crush
🏀Small Town

Close to You is the sizzling prequel to the steamy small town Winslow Grove Series.

Totally recommend this Audiobook I listen to on the Chirp App.

Thanks for reading my review and ratings for this sweet quick read.
Hope to catch you on the next one 💋
ONE LOVE 💕
@ Georgious_eleanorpb🦋

[greenapplemojito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick, 70-page prequel to the first book, "All of you". I would say that if the first book weren't out and we had no idea of the description of the first book and just read this prequel on its own, it might not have excited you much. And even with the first book out and giving this a quick read since it is anyway short, I wouldn't say that it is that great but since it is a quick read it is nice to have a quick context.

This prequel kind of deals with forced proximity, hinting at second chances and an opportunity to change the "right person wrong time" setup. The ending kind of just made us want to know the answer to, "will he be staying back now?". As quick as they discuss and resolve things and not delay discussing stuff (Thanks to the FMC for that), they cross lines and act on their lust pretty quickly as well.

I would have never expected to see much 🌶️ packed in this 70-page book because it is 70 pages arghh. I feel like if the prequel kind of had given a sneak peek into their lives before and made us also wanna yearn to have them end up together, it would have been great rather than giving a small intro to the first book.

In this prequel, you can expect or you can expect to expect [in the first book], small-town, miscommunication-based fallout, forced proximity, MMC's evil ex-fiancee, right person wrong time, friends to lovers, strong MCs who fight for one another and despite all the lies that the evil Dot spreads, how there was not a single third act breakup and they figured and fought together, dual POv and a very light cliffhanger.

[Leslie || original book nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Close To You - Winslow Grove Prequel Novella - Review 

Author: S.M. West

Couple: Wren & Oliver 

Tropes: Cliffhanger, Friends to Lovers, Right Person / Wrong Time, The One that Got Away, Forced Proximity, Childhood Crush, Small Town

Review: An angsty prequel that kicks off the Winslow Grove series! SM West gives us just enough to want more in this novella that introduces Wren and Oliver. The way these two are drawn into each other sucked me in and left me devastated when it all ends. This novella ends on a HUGE cliffhanger and I was not prepared to say goodbye to Wren or Oliver when it ended but it also left me reeling to see how their reunion would go for book 1!

This is a small town romance with the town good girl and I enjoyed how Wren was unapologetically herself but also a little shy. I am excited to see how she grows in book 1 and CANNOT WAIT to see her run into Oliver again! Oliver on the other hand is kind of the villain in this book and I was not happy with how he left things with Wren. I am curious how he will earn her forgiveness and if his situation with his “almost” girlfriend will go. Overall, this book set me up to NEED the next book just to see how these two navigate their romance!

Rating: 4/5, an angsty prequel between two people who are constantly drawn back to one another!

[Elyvia (eliv_bookstagram) · Rating 2 out of 5]

🎙️Narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Robert Hatchet
⏳120 minutes

The best thing about this audiobook is the narrators, I love Samantha and Robert, and listening to their voices is a treat, However, I can't say the same thing about the story. This is a prequel to the actual book, it's the beginning of a second-chance romance between 2 people who have known each other all their lives but always missed their chance. The continuous misunderstanding is so frustrating, and if you can believe I was enraged for at least a good half an hour from this 2 hours audiobook. The meeting that led them to be trapped for the night was fun and steamy, and I did like that part. But when the hero spills everything about why they never got the chance to be together, despite having a sweet moment in high school was dumb. This man, let a woman who he didn't even love control his life even after he broke up with her for more than 2 years. He then decides to just leave town, cause he doesn't want to deal with the repercussions of breaking up with her for good. And they still hooked up that night, knowing he still going to leave town. Overall, it was just a frustrating storyline, and I don't think I want to find out how the story will go, Oliver is just not the type of MMC that I can root for.

✨I received the audiobook in a GIVEAWAY from Homecooks Audio, this is my honest opinion✨

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Close to You
Winslow Grove Prequel
By SM West
Narrated by Samantha Brentmoor, Robert Hatchet

I love getting a little background as I start a new series, and this spicy, small town prequel has whet my appetite for more. SM West gives a sneak peak at Wren and Oliver's budding relationship as I got to see the history of their friendship. Childhood friends that led to circumstances where dating was not an option, the two danced around each other and lost touch over the years. Now locked in their high school gym during a storm gives them the chance to not only catch up, but divulge the long locked up feelings of the past. The question is where will it all lead in the morning! I devoured his novella and now cannot wait to hear their story!

With Samantha Brentmoor and Robert Hatchet narrating, this quickie was an all out Christmas present! Brentmoor is perfectly cast as Wren as she muddles through her feelings from long ago and where she is now. Hatchet with his smooth sound gives Oliver that feeling of a hug as spills his past and keeps his secrets. Bring on the series, I cannot wait for more of this fantastic team!


#ALC #comingsoon #contemporaryromance #secondchanceromance #smalltownromance #audioromance #smwest #roberthatchet #samanthabrentmoor #homecookedbooks

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Robert Hatchet



📚⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• Prequel Novella • Cliffhanger • Friends to Lovers • Right Person / Wrong Time • The One that Got Away • Forced Proximity • Childhood Crush • Small Town

This is a prequel novella to the upcoming Winslow Grove series by S.M. West. I loved this peek into the dynamic of Wren and Oliver. The basketball game of horse starts off the book with a confident and a bit sassy MFC, Wren. 



I loved the pace of this story - just enough information to create an amazing scene around these two characters and their backstory and also moves forward to jumping into their long overdue connection.



The situation of them being in the dark gives a bit more mystery - the MCs have the safety of the dark to feel safe; to be honest in a way they maybe wouldn’t have otherwise.


The dual narration performed by Samantha Brentmoor & Robert Hatchet was perfection. The passion and emotion was felt through their voices. I hope they continue narrating the story in the upcoming book.



I received a copy of the audio from Home Cooked Books and listened to it through BookFunnel. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.



[Just A Girl And Her Smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧Audiobook Review
📚CLOSE TO YOU by SM West
🎤Narrated by Robert Hatchet & Samantha Brentmoor

Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration 🎤🎤🎤🎤.5

What happens when you find yourself locked in a gym with the man you’ve had a crush on since school? A lot, a lot can happen in one night. This novella was a great introduction to Oliver and Wren, a prequel to the Winslow Gove series. In Close To You we get to know our MMC & FMC, what their life was like in school, where they are now, & some secrets they’ve been holding onto. This was a quick listen and it left me wanting more … I need to know what happens after this like NOW!!

Both narrators did a great job with their characters as well as portraying the opposite sex. This is my second narration by Samatha Brentmoor, I’ve got several others in my audible library, so needless to say I enjoy listening to her. This is my first listen with Robert Hatchet but I’ve just discovered I’ve got several other books in my Audiobook library narrated by Robert so I’m excited to listen to those now.

I can’t wait for the rest of Oliver & Wrens story in All Of You coming out in February.

[LAJordan Leigh Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Home Cooked Books for the ALC.

Close to You
by S.M. West

Narrated by Samantha Brentmoor & Robert Hatchet

Story Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5)
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 (0-5)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥 (0-5)

What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 At 1.0 speed, I could listen to Samantha Brentmoor tell me any story, especially with beautiful details like S.M. West writes.
🤩 And, I did not need to speed up for Rob—his voice is deeply delicious and seductive.
🤩 These two MCs, Oliver and Wren, are so much fun together.
🤩 Novella prequel to a new series—steamy, small-town Winslow Grove.
🤩 Secret pining both ways is the best!
🤩 Timing has never been on their side, but it might finally be the right time.
🤩 Forced proximity—fun and original!
🤩 Recollecting that first kiss, together, just after having their second kiss years later.
🤩 Goodness, all of their pent-up desire is oh so hot!

What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 I hate a cliffhanger, but I definitely have that need to know what happens, to get their HEA.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Wren Tyler is the only woman I can truly say ever fit me.”

Close To You is a deliciously steamy novella that whetted my appetite for Oliver and Wren’s full-length story. These two have both been secretly crushing on each other for years, but misunderstandings and circumstances always conspire against them. When they both find themselves single at the same time, can they confess how they feel and move on together? Full of heat and heart and a bit of angst, this novella has me anxiously waiting to find out what happens next with Oliver and Wren.

Samantha Brentmoor and Robert Hatchet narrated the audio of this title and they were fantastic together. Samantha made all of Wren’s hidden feelings and insecurities believable while Robert conveyed all of Oliver’s conflicting feelings of want and need and doubt to perfection. They had me hanging on their every word and had me completely immersed in this short, spicy novella that leaves us with a cliffhanger ending.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

“And being with me is the right reason?” “The only reason.” I kiss her tenderly. “If not you, then no one.”

I am feral for the rest of Wren and Oliver’s story! Close to You is a lovely introductory novella to S.M. West’s new Winslow Grove series. This charming and quick listen is a forced-proximity, former friends to quickie encounter between town librarian Wren and heartthrob carpenter Oliver. This origin story gives readers a glimpse of their childhood friendship and reveals their unrequited teenage crushes. S.M. West packs amazing depth, longing, and passion into a two hour audiobook. The characters are engaging, delightful, and swoony. And I already love Winslow Grove and we’ve only seen the gymnasium so far!

Samantha Brentmoor and Robert Hatchet are wonderful as Wren and Oliver. They brought these characters to life beautifully in this prequel snapshot of life in Winslow Grove. I cannot wait to listen to them bring even more of S.M. West’s steamy small town romance to life!

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧Audio Review🎧
Narrated by Samantha Brentmoor & Robert Hatchet

What a hot teaser of a novella this is. And I need more. Oliver and Wren have always been attracted to each other but remained friends throughout school. Poor timing over the years has gotten in the way of any possibility of them discovering what could be more between them. But being locked in a high school gym when the electricity is out may just be the key to open up about their feelings. S.M. West writes an engrossing sweet and sexy prequel about Oliver and Wren’s love story. The banter, the longing and the gradual unveiling of feelings is charmingly done. This ends in a cliffy! And we want the rest 🥰

Samantha Brentmoor is perfect as Wren, portraying the longing and subtle vulnerability.
Robert Hatchet narrates Oliver, delivering a convincing Male lead yearning for an unrequited love. And his female voice is really impressive.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully well written and narrated sweet and steamy novella. A great introduction to what promises to be a fantastic new series. In this short we have the beginnings of Oliver and Wren’s story, and I really must have more after this listen! While short, it delivers. Both sweet and steam can be found, and the storyline captivates from the beginning and flows well throughout. I often find that novellas feel rushed, but I didn't get that from this listen. Also, the dual narration by Robert Hatchet and Samantha Brentmoor was perfection and each did their character to perfection and brought them to life. West writes in a way that makes me feel a part of this town and friends with these characters, so I automatically get vested in their journey. A lot can happen in one night and while we've learned a lot from Oliver and Wren I can't wait from more!

This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this book.

[Confessions of a Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

********AUDIO REVIEW********

This is the prequel novella to All of You by S.M West and oh goodness...I cannot wait to get into All of You. It sets up the story of Wren and Oliver. I am going to call this a "one that got away"!

Timing has never been right for either one of them ever since high school and because they keep their feelings a super secret from everyone but themselves neither of them know how the other feels. A mishap at the high school gym on Oliver's last night in town clears the air and the record gets set straight. The question is...will Oliver stay for Wren or follow through with his plans to leave town?

Narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Robert Hatchet, this two hour listen was over entirely too fast for me. Their voices pair very well together and they are both narrators I adore listening to. I cannot wait to see how they do with this couple in All of You!