Came The Closest

Del Ray Brothers #3

by Cleopatra Margot

As a child, Cheyenne Kolter expected her life to look drastically different when approaching 30—a fairytale marriage like her parents, children to raise, and a successful career in the art world. Reality is being freshly divorced from a toxic man, moving to her lakeside hometown after a catastrophic end to her career in Chicago, and navigating life while her father is comatose after a near-fatal accident.

She just didn’t think she’d be redefining herself by becoming a nanny for the summer, let alone for a man she’s determined to forget.

Two-time world champion bull rider Colton Del Ray is a loner by nature, making his home on the road and keeping relationships surface level. But after he loses his temper during a live online podcast, he’s forced to lay low in Balsam Falls, only be thrown a curveball when he learns his absent mother named him guardian of his four-year-old half-brother, Milo.

The catch? He must be in a stable relationship, and when Cheyenne proposes a fake engagement, an arrangement is made.

They will live in her family’s vacant lake house, she’ll agree to be Colton’s fake fiancée for the duration of the three-month guardianship if he allows her to nanny Milo. After the court hearing, things will go back to normal. It’s not personal, the past is in the past, and new feelings are as fleeting as a summer sunrise. But what happens when they realize they’ve come the closest they’ve ever been to being truly happy?

Genres: Romance, Clean Romance, Contemporary

395 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 27, 2024

About the author

Cleopatra Margot resides with her family and their golden retrievers in small town, rural Nebraska. Inspiration for her novels comes from both real life + fictional storylines she dreams up. She was homeschooled, alongside her two younger siblings, and she enjoys traveling with her family. When she’s not writing, Cleopatra enjoys reading, time with family and friends, dancing, playing cards, being outside, and enjoying life.

Reviews

[🪴jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I can definitely see the improvements Cleopatra has made in her writing!

Here’s what I loved:
- The pace! The pace was steady, there were no lulls in the middle or 2/3 of the way through. I think writing Colton + Cheyenne with a lot of history helped with that. Every step taken in the plot felt natural.
- I love Colton — he is definitely my favorite Del Ray brother! We LOVE cowboys! Also some of his quotes had me blushing — whata guy!!!
- Cheyenne is by far my favorite girlfriend/wife of the series! I cared about her so deeply! She’s so sweet and believable as a character. Not cheesy at all.
- Milo is literally the most precious thing and I don’t love kids in books but I loved him so much! 🥺 Cleopatra did a great job writing such a sweet and believable kid. They way she described him, his mannerism & all of his interactions, I could picture them so effortlessly! 10/10 kid!
- Cleopatra just writes family so well. I love that this book is, yes Colton + Cheyenne, but it’s mostly the family interacting with each other and I love that! I care about each person in the Del Ray family so so much! Even Hazel, who I was skeptical about at first.

Here’s what I didn’t love so much:
- the ending was a little drawn out for me. I know the point is to wrap up everyone’s story but it still felt a little long for my taste.

Overall, cute, precious, satisfying last book in the Del
Ray series! Can we get an Indi + Grayson???👀

Thank you so much again, Cleopatra for an ARC!

[Mary Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ ARC Review: I initially rated this book 4.5 stars, thought about it for a couple days, and finally came to the conclusion that it was 5 stars! I don’t have many 5 star reads, but I felt this one was worthy. l just absolutely adored it. I'm seriously just in awe with how much I loved it.

This seems contradictory, but the book wasn’t necessarily the best writing in the world, but that’s not what I usually look for in a 5 star read. What it had that I loved was, real and raw emotions, events, characters, romance, all the things. Sometimes I want more than the fluffy, cheesy rom-com ya know?

Like I said, there was emotional healing, strong family relationships, and amazing, imperfect characters. Colton and Cheyenne were some of the most beautiful characters I have ever read about. With real life struggles and some serious character growth, you couldn't help but absolutely fall in love them. I found myself wanting this to be a movie every time I picked it up.

The story wrapped up perfectly (iykyk), and I couldn't have asked for more. The Del Ray family holds my heart, and I cannot wait to read the rest of their stories.

*Thank you to the author, Cleopatra Margot, for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read if you enjoy:
- Multiple POVs
- Second chance romance
- Fake engagement (y’all. This!)
- Childhood best friends
- Roommates
- Nanny FMC
- Bull rider MMC
- Clean/closed door romance

[Lena Canu · Rating 4 out of 5]

i feel so lucky to have been given this arc!! I quite literally ate it up & finished this book in less than 24 hours. Cleo’s writing-i fell in love with it when i read ‘Sun To Me’ and i knew that this book would follow the same sentiment.

This book primarily follows childhood best friends Cheyenne & Colton, however also gives such good character spotlights to all the other characters in this series. I felt like i was living a lakeside summer next to Fini & Colt, and i loved each of their inner struggles and their growth amongst their own stories. The vibes, all the characters, the setting and the writing style-it truly was done so beautifully. Thank you again for the arc Cleo!!

[Amber Harms (Fox) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily my fave Del Ray book. I’m in love with this story. From the complexities of the characters to the love they have for each other and everyone around them… the drama and the heart and just everything about this book… spectacular.

Cheyenne and Colton are goals. The ultimate best friends to lovers. They’re funny and sweet and silly and wonderfully human.

I can’t wait for number four. Incredible work.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Came the Closest is a sweet romance novel centered around second chances and healing from trauma. The third book in the Del Ray series, Colton and Cheyanne (Annie) are brought together to help one another for a summer and are hopeful for a second chance at rekindling their childhood friendship. What they discover is a whole lot more!

Colt, a run when things get tough kind of guy, is looking to find his place and see if he can make a change to be the one that stays. Annie, the one who has always sought to be part of a family, is hurt from past trauma and afraid to make her dreams come to life. Can they learn from each other and take a chance at love and a future?

I loved the family dynamics in the story which included Colton’s two brothers, Graham and Jordan, his sister Indigo, his niece Jolene, and his 4-year-old half brother Milo, among other characters. And, I absolutely fell in love with the dynamics between Colt and Milo, and Annie and Milo.

Read this book if you like second chance romance, childhood friendships, large family dynamics, and stories where characters are healing from trauma.

Thank you to the author, Cleopatra Margot, for including me on her ARC team and providing an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Abigail G. Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5; I loved Cheyenne’s and Colton’s story. I also loved the pro-life themes that were sprinkled throughout. I have no idea if they were intentional, but they were definitely present.
My only critique is that in this particular story Hazel’s chapters did not feel needed. I feel like her and Sam’s arc has been completed. I understand Cleopatra probably kept her in for continuity sake, but it felt pointless to me. That is only my opinion, however.

This book is a quality contemporary romance and ranks up there with Becky Wade and Courtney Walsh. It such a lovely read on the closing days of summer.

[Rachyl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the absolute privilege of being a beta reader for this book. I loved the first two in the series, but didn’t think anything could top Sun to Me (the first Del Ray Brothers book). I was wrong! I loved everything about this book. The vibe was pure summer and the way the setting was described made me feel as if I was in Balsam Falls and enjoying all the best parts of summer right alongside the characters. Cheyenne was a character I deeply related with. She’s good at caring for others and keeping herself grounded, yet she seems to have lost a a bit of what makes her happy along the path of life. Colton was the comedic relief we all need in our lives, yet his maturity and seriousness when it was needed was enduring and engaging. We also got more of a look I to Jordan & Sydney, Hazel & Sam, and Graham and Ember’s stories and it was like getting old friends after not hearing from them for a while. This book is full of beautiful lines and reflections that I am definitely going to be highlighting once I get my paperback in hand. Bravo, Cleo!!

[bookswjb · Rating 4 out of 5]

arc review:
4.5⭐️

simply put:
this is a second chance romance, but it’s also about 2 souls finding each other, but also themselves again. it’s a story about love, second chances, self discovery & self acceptance.

Cleo writes in such a poetic way, it truly just keeps you engaged through the whole story.
I have been anticipating Colton & Cheyenne’s story since i read Sun To Me. i knew the moment they interacted, it would be special & it went beyond my expectations. i absolutely love them together. they were two broken souls who simply spent the summer together & fell back in love. their love was slow & tender. I didn’t expect to relate so much to Colton’s character but wow.

& as usual I can’t write a review about one of Cleo’s books with mentioning the sibling banter! it truly is top tier, i absolutely love them!

[Mikella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, this review has honestly taken me longer than any other review because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to highlight from this book because there are so many things I want to say!!

TLDR: You need to read this book for all of the summer lake time feels, the sweet second chance + fake fiancée romance, and tumble into an idyllic town filled with flawed but lovable characters at every turn. Cleo’s books always leave you in a great mood but itching for the next book in the series with the “wait, WHAT?!” At the end! Absolutely love this book, congrats Cleo!!

Colton has always been a bit of a mystery in the Del Ray series and to get a look into his past and his present was so sweet and the fact that I was a perfect summer romance on the lake had me devouring this book! Cleo weaves a heartfelt stories effortlessly filling in gaps from the past, building on characters already known, and keeping the mysteries and twists coming. While this book was 100% about Colton and Cheyenne, I can’t help but recognize how it is more a story about a place and an ever growing family! I want to know what’s going on in each of the characters’ lives and Cleo delivers little nuggets throughout the story of Colton and Cheyenne without detracting from them!

While I absolutely loved this story, I think Hold My Hand still sits at number one for me because Sydney and Jordan have a special dynamic as characters alone and together - and Jolene is probably my favorite Del Ray😉 I can’t wait to see where all of these stories go and who we get to meet next 🤩

Thank you so much Cleo for the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book! And for creating a place so much like Okoboji and characters that are so loveable, it makes the books for me personally that much sweeter!

[Courtney Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been eagerly awaiting Colton's story ever since I read "Hold My Hand," and it truly did not disappoint. Yes, Colton is a cowboy, but this isn’t your typical cowboy romance. It’s a summer romance set in a charming lake town, focused on the themes of family and friendship—whether by blood, marriage, or choice. This book delivered all the feelings and emotions I was looking for. "Came the Closest" deals with some heavier topics, including parental abandonment, miscarriage, divorce, and parental death—all handled gracefully by Cleopatra, but please read with care if these topics are sensitive for you. Just like in "Hold My Hand," the relationships in "Came the Closest" are pivotal to the story and the series, and it warms my heart to see how interconnected everyone is. Seeing Milo and Indi's bond was both heartbreaking, knowing what they’ve been through, and heartwarming. The cliffhanger totally got me and has me eagerly anticipating what’s to come. Once again, Cleopatra did an outstanding job with this book.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Came the Closest is the third book in the Del Ray Brothers series. While each book focusses on a different brother and could probably be enjoyed just fine as a standalone, I do think readers will get the most out of the story by reading in order. There are some complicated family dynamics at play, and I imagine it might get confusing to readers coming in at this point.

While I have enjoyed the other Del Ray brothers so far, I have found my new favorite in Colton. On the surface, he's the rodeo star who always has a quick one liner and doesn't like to commit... but once we get to really know him, he is a character with such depths. I could absolutely feel his emotions coming off the pages and found myself reaching for the tissues several times throughout. Him and Cheyenne together were truly just absolute perfection. There was such a tenderness between them that I absolutely couldn't help but adore. And with Milo added into the mix!? Oh my goodness, my heart! There was a lot going on in this story and I don't want to give too much away, but truly, this was just such an amazing book that I absolutely could not get enough of!

While the story ends in a happily ever after, there are a lot of tough topics brought up on the way there to include miscarriage, traumatic childhoods, etc., which I thought were all handle very well. The author does a really good job of letting readers know what to expect before the story begins, so I definitely recommend reading that to decide if it's for you.

Came the Closest is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Anna :)]

This novel is the perfect summer read, featuring second chances, healing, and besties to fr-enemies to lovers!

I was blessed with an ARC copy and read it in one day. As my first read by this indie author, it's also the first of the Del Ray series I've read! While there was some context missing for me for certain characters, it absolutely worked as a stand alone peak into the family's storylines.

Speaking of storylines, Ms Margot did a beautiful job of interweaving adorable summer adventures with heartbreaking struggles in a way that kept the reader experience enjoyable while also tackling heavy irl issues. I loved Cheyenne as a MC, and I can't wait to dive into Indi's backstory as soon as it's released!

I need a small town summer at a lakeside cabin, please?


QUOTES I SAVED:

"Only as alone as one can be while surrounded by hundreds, if not thousands, of fictional friends waiting to be brought to life in the vivid mind of a reader."

"Home. Not a specific place and not a singular person. A collaboration of places and people who are my home."

"Love is choosing one person, and it’s choosing them over, and over, and over. It’s choosing them when they don’t know how to choose themselves and trusting them to choose you too."

[Elizabeth - Write Read Eat Repeat · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an absolutely precious book! This book has so much to love, with deep family connections, sweet characters, and swoon-worthy romance. I loved this book so much!

🩷 Here are my favorite things about this book:
- Milo is just the cutest kid!
- I love Cheyenne and Colton together! He was so supportive and understanding and I loved seeing how he was helping her heal 🥹
- I loved the vibes of this book. The whole book just feels like Chiquita by Abba meets Pink Skies by Zach Bryan. That nostalgic, summer feeling is just so prevalent in this book!

It was a little slow at a couple of points, to me, but I also generally struggle with ebooks even if it's really good just because of all the distractions on my phone/Kindle.

Thank you so much, Cleopatra, for giving me an ARC! It was an honor to read and review your amazing story! You are SO talented! I cannot wait to see what your next novel is! Hopefully something starring Indigo and Grayson 😉
.
🚨 Content/Trigger Warnings:
Copied out of the front of the book: Parental abandonment (maternal; off page), miscarriage (off page, discussed frequently), divorce (off page, discussed frequently), parental death (maternal; off page).
Kissing/making out (semi-detailed)
A fade-to-black scene between a married couple

[Jenah Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I lost track of the amount of times I shed tears. There were so many emotional moments throughout, but it was so perfectly intertwined with the happy and funny moments. Every part of Colton and Cheyenne’s story was so beautiful and meaningful. The way they were both able to heal parts of their past on their own AND together made for such an incredible story of hope, love, friendship and family. Annnnnd, we’ve been left on another cliff hanger that leads into the next book and I am sooo ready for Indi’s book!

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the perfect summertime read!! If you want a perfect swoon worthy read, amazing banter and great family dynamics it is this book. The picturesque summer lake vibes in this book with various mentions of Jimmy Buffet makes me miss summer days on the lake.

Childhood friends become lovers but that is not how this story goes. Colton and Cheyenne are brought back together with a fake engagement for the summer to help with the custody of Colton’s half brother, Milo. They both have some past trauma that is shaping who they are today. Being brought back together seems like fate for the two of them. The depth of the story kept me engaged and wanting to know more.

[Alyssa Critchfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Lindsey Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Cleopatra for the ARC! I think this is her best writing yet and the storyline between Colton and Cheyenne felt very well thought out. I think of the three books in this series, Hold My Hand might be my favorite, but this one comes in a close second. I loved how all of the previous characters were integrated into this book, but the story was still very much about Colton, Cheyenne, and Milo and how Colton and Cheyenne’s past has brought them to where they are now. I’ve also enjoyed Indi being introduced into the series and am excited about hopefully another book about her and Grayson!

[tatum nevill · Rating 5 out of 5]

ATEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

[Cierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s done it again!
This book has everything you need in a story!

Honestly, it’s hard for me to come up with the right words to say. This book is amazing. I loved this series and each one of the books. I appreciated this one because of the main characters. Cheyenne was dealing with and going through a lot but wasn't afraid to express how she felt, but was also such a strong female character, and Colton, oh my goodness, several times throughout the book the emotion he displayed were so real, and pulled at your heart string. It’s not often the male character expresses or displays emotion like this is stories. And Milo, love him!! There are several reason why you need to grab a copy- the storyline, characters, etc.. I could go on and on about why you need to get a copy but the characters were just one of many reason why I loved this book

I don’t want to give too much information out because you need to read it for yourself.
All I have to say is that this story is top notch, I just LOVED IT!!
So thankful to be chosen as ARC reader!

[isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

🕊️⚓️💍🩵
All of Cleopatra’s books have been five star reads. I’m not joking. I honestly can’t get enough of her writing. Her stories are always wholesome and bring out so many emotions when I’m reading them. And Came the Closest is another example of how wonderful of an author Cleopatra is.

Note: best read on a sunny day (or rainy day to lighten the mood), outside, and by a lake — if possible

Cheyenne is one of my favorite female lead in a romance book. Her personality felt so three dimensional and unique. I was absolutely touched by her character and the realness of her. Her role in Milo and Colton’s lives and how she treats them was so heartwarming and had me smiling and awww-ing so often. Side note, I love Milo. He’s the cutest, little (fictional) four year old ever.

Colton AGGGHHHHH okay, okay, I won’t freak out. But I love him. absolutely love him. I love all the Del Ray brothers. Yes, ANOTHER book boyfriend. And let me tell you, he is high on the book boyfriend chart right now. I highlighted so many lines in this book and most of them were from his dialogue or perspective. Him and Cheyenne are one of the best bookish couples ever. Their relationship is sweet and built on emotional bonds.

Apart from characters, I loved the storyline. The way the rest of the other characters from previous books are all tied in together is so good. I was so happy to see Ember and Graham’s wedding was a big part of the plot. The summer/lake romance vibes are all there too. Desperately wishing I lived at a lake house right now.

Best second-chance romance ever.

Thank you so much for the arc, Cleopatra!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

like the rest of Margot’s books, this one is a clean romance with a few passionate kisses, but appropriate for teens too!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars.

🌊 The vibes:
- best friend turned stranger
- Fake engagement
- Family dynamics
- Multi pov
- Closed door
- grief/loss

🌊 My thoughts:
World champion bull rider, Colton Del Ray is a ladies man and he knows it. He never wants to settle down in one place. Cheyenne grew up knowing Colton. They even did the best friends to lovers thing and it didn’t work. So now they’re estranged friends.

🌊 When Colton finds out that a 4 year old boy has been placed in his care - who happens to be his half brother that he never knew about- his entire world is flipped. Needing a stable relationship- he and Cheyenne make an arrangement.

🐂 This is book 3 in the Del Ray Brothers series. In my opinion- they must be read in order and should not be read as standalones. The plots throughout are very intricate and detailed, and I recommend starting at the beginning. I had a hard time remembering / understanding Cheyenne and Colton’s past which I know was weaved into the previous books in the background - so for this reason I recommend reading them all in order.

⛵️ Things I loved in this book: I loved the playlist in the beginning. I loved the prologue that shows the childhood friendship at its beginning. So so cute. I loved the fatherly bond between Tripp and Colton. It was so endearing for me. I loved the uniqueness of Cheyenne’s anxiety regarding storms. This is literally me and I’ve never seen anyone else mention this type of anxiety so I felt very seen. 🙈

⛵️ Something that this series explores is multi POVs. While the four POVs is interesting - it did make me feel a little bit overwhelmed at moments. I still enjoyed all the characters regardless. The plot set up with Indi towards the end was a little bit confusing to me but it did give me just enough to make me intrigued for the next book for sure.

⛵️ Cleopatra always writes life lessons in her books so flawlessly. I love how much heart she puts in her stories. It makes them feel very meaningful. Her books are more than just romances. This book is no exception. While romance is obviously a major element here, this book is very much about two individuals finding healing through their own journeys while also finding eachother again.

🖤 I loved the fun elements in this book - specifically the family texting chats. They were absolutely unhinged but my family group chat is literally the same level of wild so I thought it was funny and relatable for me.

Release date: July 27, 2024
Note- closed door; check CW.

Thank you so much to Cleopatra Margot for the gifted copy.

‼️ A note about CW - possibly a spoiler - ‼️

Miscarriage is a heavy theme. The conversation around this trauma really hit me and made me emotional. Cleopatra handled this subject beautifully-  in my opinion and once again- I felt very seen by the way it was addressed. 

[Beka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book, then I remembered that if I read it immediately on the day that I got the ARC then it would be over and I'd just be in a kinda purgatory. So I waited. And thenI had to read it ...and now it's release day and I'm still in some kinda book purgatory. This is what Cleopatra has done to me with this Del Ray series.

I absolutely loved this one. And I know, I know, I've said that bout both Jordan and Graham but...I CANNOT GET ENOUGH! Cheyenne and I connected on a level that I wasn't prepared for (even tho I knew what I was getting going into the book lol) The girl didn't know where she fit in. She was dealing with some heavy grief. Dealing with her father. Dealing with her best friend coming back into town. And then, she had to open up her mouth and quite literally tell that long lost best friend that she would be his fake fiancé to help out with the temporary guardianship.
I loved watching her grow and deal and come to terms with things. Got her infinity

Colton...oh man. I know it's the era of cowboys, but this man. The things he would say. Watching him try to navigate his way thru a life without the rodeo. I absolutely loved watching him have his 'parent' moments that he wasn't even aware he was doing with Milo. I know he was terrified and hated the absolute idea of doing the guardianship, but he fell so easily into the role, my heart hurt.

These two are the ULTIMATE best friends to lovers and I'm so glad we got a fake engagement/marriage of convenience! I love, love, loved Milo. With his shark jammees and all things sailboats. He was written in a way that we got to see a little behind the scenes of how baby Colton would have been. This family will always be one of my favorites. I'm still super curious as to what's going on with Grayson and Indi.
But thank you Cleopatra Margot for trusting me with an early copy of this. Thank you for dealing with some heavy topics and writing them so beautifully. Thank you for making your characters so relatable. You honestly can do no wrong in my eyes

[Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This - committing to you, and to Milo - is my last ride. My last eight seconds. And I want them to be the best I’ve ever had.”

I had the absolute honor of beta reading this book for Cleo & I knew after I finished the prologue that this was going to be my favorite book of hers yet! 🤩

Some messages I sent her while reading:
* I’m in a puddle of tears - I love them 🥹
* I am SCREAMING
* I’m sending you my therapy bill omg

Cleo truly did SLAY this book 👸🏼 now, let’s get into what I truly loved!!!

OUR MCs 👥 Graham step aside, I’ve got a new book bf from Balsam Falls - Colton Del Ray 🥵 like ur kidding meeeee, this man is head over heels for his woman Cheyenne and I am SO here for it 🥺 & Cheyenne… probably one of my favorite FMCs ever 🥰 She felt so real and genuine & I definitely related most to her out of the over FMCs in this series!

THE WRITING 👩🏻‍🍳💋 Cleo truly has a way with words! I felt like I was in Balsam Falls with the characters the entire book. Her imagery was so vivid - pls can I step through the book and be there?! Thanks 🫠

THE SIDE CHARACTERS 🫂 there is such a big theme of found family in this series which I LOVE! So the family dynamics are always fun and I am always looking forward to the interactions between the characters 🩵 Milo is definitely one of my favorite children to be included in a book too 🥹

I could go on and on and on about everything I loved about this book but here’s what you need to know:

If you are looking for a *perfect* summer set childhood friends to lovers to strangers to friends to lovers with found family and so many wholesome moments - then this book is for YOU! 👉🏼

Read if you like:
💞 second chance romance
🙋🏻‍♂️ he falls first
👩🏻‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏻 childhood best friends to lovers
💍 fake engagement
🛏️ forced proximity
🗣️ witty banter
🫂 found family
👥 dual POV
🚪 closed door

[Kara Linaburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel very lucky to be able to have an ARC of the third book in the Del Ray Brothers and as always the author gives us fun and sometimes flirty banter, family humor, a believable story world and plot, and hard themes and moments that always shine hope and light.
I love how Cleopatra isn't afraid to expose the darkness in our world because that would only be realistic. I like some meat but I also love my fluff and she delivers (as always).
The cuteness is five stars and 10/10. Fake relationship? YASSSSS.
My reasoning for the less stars is because I didn't like how Cheyenne realizes Colton and her will never be more than friends and yet they flirt, hug, and banter back and forth. I wanted more conversation in the beginning.... why exactly did they break up and why are they allowing this fake relationship when emotions are clearly getting in the way and they are aware of it? I felt they should be conflicted. Cheyenne is smart enough to know that this is something more and I felt they should have also had more conversations about Milo if he got too attached and things changed, how would he deal with this fake relationship?
These would be real conversations real-life people would be happening.
Edit: They did have this conversation on different levels, but not until later. I just felt it should have been sooner. ;)
In the end, it is a rom-com and I think that the author continues to step up her game every time! Don't let my little critique stop you from checking out the Del Ray brothers -- their world is worth diving into.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I was so excited for Cheyenne and Colton’s story, and it did not disappoint.
Colton was such a fascinating character. He truly thought he was broken and I loved seeing him learn how to open up and trust people again. His mother’s death had changed everything for him including making him the guardian of a four year old. I loved his relationship with Milo! It was the sweetest thing ever, and it was adorable to watch him redeem his relationship with his parents partly by being a dad himself.
I felt for Cheyenne so much. She had been beaten down by life, but she slowly healed with Colton, Milo, and Indi. Her journey was amazing, and I feel like both her and Colton got their moment to shine. I felt for her as she navigated so much heartache, and I loved seeing her choose happy.
The Del Ray family is the best as always! While they’re definitely all a bit broken still, they're slowly coming together. I really like how each book you get to see a little bit more of the family dynamic along with Sam and Hazel’s story. They are adorable together!
I would definitely recommend this book! It’s a closed door romance, but there are themes of family and redemption. It’s part of a series, and I would recommend reading the other books first.
Content warnings: parental abandonment (maternal; off page), msicarriage (off page; discussed frequently), divorce (off page, discussed frequently), cheating (off page, discussed frequently), parental death (maternal; off page).

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

[Chelsey 🪩 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Came The Closest is a sweet lake town romance read about two childhood friends who get fake engaged to get custody of the MMC’s adorable four year old half brother.

I adored this book and all of the characters so much! I honestly want to live in Balsam Falls. I mean, who doesn’t want to live in a lake town with pastel shops including a bookstore called “Wildflower Acres Book Shoppe” and a bridal shop called “Happily Ever After”.

I don’t think I can put into words how much I loved the love story in this book - truly a fairytale love story. This book has so many tropes that I love: childhood best friends, fake dating/ engagement, second chance romance. And instead of a third act breakup, there’s a third act wedding! (and it’s the boho wedding of my dreams ☁️)

There’s not a single thing that I didn’t love about this book. I loved it so much that I’ve already pre-ordered signed copies of all three books in the series.

Add this to your TBR immediately if you love fairytale lake town romance books where the main characters live in lake houses and drive baby blue broncos.

Cleopatra - Thank you so much for an ARC of Came The Closest! I’m so so grateful and I can’t wait to read the other books in the Del Rey Brothers series.

[Lyon.Brit.andthebookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my sixth novel I’ve read by Cleopatra Margot… and do I dare say a new favorite?!

Came The Closest is the third book on the Del Ray Brothers series and while I have enjoyed all three, there was just something about Colton and Cheyenne’s story that really bumped it up on my favorites list…

I was captivated by the way Cleopatra wrote…

A second chance romance for Cheyenne💖
Colton’s heart for wanting to stay in one place🤠
The love and care given to Milo⛵️

These characters have my heart and I was happy to have spent some time with some of the previous characters from the other books and experience big moments in their lives.

In all my reviews for Cleopatra’s books I aways state how impressed I am with her writing and her growth as an author. She truly has created this world that I look forward to revisiting with every story she creates… the ending leaves off on a major… I MUST HAVE THE NEXT BOOK SOON… moment.

If you haven’t yet picked up this series… now is the time!

Thank you Cleopatra Margot for sending me an arc copy!

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[Amila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all 3 of the Del Ray brothers books- but this one takes the cake for me. They’re all 5 star reads, but this one is infinity stars (pun intended, iykyk)

It’s hard to put into words what this story meant to me and how much I absolutely loved it. I was giddy and happy one moment, and then crying with Cheyenne the next. This was a wholesome story for me. It was a story that I truly needed to read to help my own self grieve a situation that is relatable to this story.

Cheyenne is such a relatable FMC. I love her so much. She cleans when she’s anxious, eats her Honey Nut Cheerios out of a different mug each day, struggles with loss/fertility, and she gets anxious about summer storms.

Colton is someone who has had such an incredible character development. From the first time he was introduced in Sun to Me, Hold My Hand and now Came The Closest.. it’s amazing to see how much he’s changed and how much he’s grown as a person.

Colton and Cheyenne were childhood best friends who gave love a shot and it didn’t work. Call it fate- but they get a second chance at it. Even if it is fake. Colton finds out his mom made him guardian to his 4 year old half brother Milo. The catch is, he must be in a stable relationship. This is where the fake engagement enters the chat. It’s just a temporary fake engagement until the court hearing for Milo’s guardianship, but Cheyenne jumps at the opportunity to be a maternal figure- even if its for the summer.

Milo is the sweetest 4 year old ever. He is so smart for his age and loves with all of his little heart. In a way, Milo healed the broken parts of both Cheyenne and Colton, and honestly the entire Del Ray family.

This story goes beyond just being a love story- its a second chance. Not just for love, but for family. It tackles some very hard topics such as divorce, parental death, pregnancy loss/fertility struggles, anxiety and much more.

This series is a comfort series for me. I love all 3 books so so much, and I never want to leave the Balsam Falls world. I really recommend reading this series in publishing order (because they’re all so amazing and it’s the best way to avoid any spoilers) but also to just get the full effect of each characters story.

[Hailey Brzoska · Rating 4 out of 5]

⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️/5

@cleopatra.margot sure knows how to write a book that has you sighing over how cute the family is!

While this book was based on Colton and Cheyenne, I always adore these books because of the entire Del Ray family. I often smile so big over the familial moments and they definitely win me over. Perhaps I’d say that’s why I keep coming back, because I love the intimate family moments the best!

Colton is someone I wasn’t so sure about when I started this book. I wasn’t sure I could relate to him, and his personality versus his interactions seemed a bit…off. But once we really get to know him I adored him. He’s witty and funny. But so sweet and downright empathetic. The things he says out loud always match what’s he’s feeling inside and there were so many swoon-worthy words from him to Cheyenne.

Cheyenne I enjoyed right away. She’s relatable and caring and entirely too easy to love. Every moment with her felt special and real. And those moments between her and Milo were my absolute favorite due to the way she loved and cared about him as if he was truly her own child.

Everything about this book felt intimate and so emotionally powerful. The whole situation with Milo being brought into the family was special. The grief and healing both Colton and Cheyenne had to experience together and individually was inspiring. And every moment felt like it was a treasured summertime memory that will last forever.

However, there were a few things I didn’t totally love. Like how I felt the situation with her dad added depth to the story but also felt used solely as a plot device due to the happy ending there. Amongst other things. But overall, I think the good moments outweighed the few less developed ones.

If you like second chance romance, childhood friends to lovers, emotional stories, sweet children, big families, summer activities, and boats then this is the book for you!!

[courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, summer, lake romance, then this book is it!

Colton is maybe my new favorite Del Ray brother. I was giggling and kicking my feet at some of the things he said during this book. He had the perfect amount of banter with Cheyenne, and the amount of times he said “my wife” while they were faking an engagement… swooning 🤭

Cheyenne was such a real FMC and I adored her! Her love for Milo and urge to want a family while trying to find herself again after a horrible marriage was everything.

Milo is such an adorable little boy! He was written absolutely perfectly and so believable for a four year old boy. You could picture all of them together.

My love for the Del Ray family only grew as I read this book, even Indi who I was so skeptical about at first. Her and Cheyennes relationship that grew during this book was amazing to read!

There are just so many layers to this book and I can never stop recommending this series to people!

Thank you Cleo for giving me a copy of this ARC! I could not be more grateful!