Closer

Distance #4

by Gigi Vale

She never expected to see him again. He’s haunted by their past. And a love neither of them can forget, but one secret could destroy or bind them.

Lilian
He’s the last person I should want, but my heart never got that message.

Sebastian
I should let her go. But I can’t. She’s the one thing I can never escape.

Lilian Edmunds made her choice. Now, far from the shadows of her past, she’s determined to build a new life—one without the dangerous pull of Sebastian Barron. But the ghosts of their shared history won’t let her rest, and when fate throws them together once more, old wounds reopen.

Sebastian Barron has always lived by his own rules. But seeing Lil again cracks his carefully constructed armor, reigniting a fire he thought he’d extinguished long ago. She’s still the one woman he can’t have and the only one he’s ever truly wanted.

Between stolen moments and searing passion, old truths surface, including the devastating secret that connects their lives in ways they didn't plan.

Perfect for readers who crave second-chance romances with possessive, protective heroes, hate-to-love, steamy scenes that burn up the pages, characters reunited against all odds, and emotional storylines where love conquers family feuds and dark secrets from the past.

The spicy billionaire romance 'closer' is the fourth book in the interconnected Distance series and the conclusion to the duet that began with 'close.' Happily Ever After (HEA) is guaranteed. Dual POV. Please check the content note before reading.

Genres: Second Chance

438 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2025

About the author

🍬😈🌶️ A mix of sweet, dark and spicy

GIGI VALE is an indie author who blends sweet, dark, and spicy elements to craft captivating contemporary romances. She’s been dreaming up stories since her teenage years, but only recently found the courage to share them with the world. Now, she’s on a mission to bring the characters that live rent-free in her mind to life, fulfilling her passion for storytelling one book at a time.

Reviews

[Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON THE DUET : CLOSE + CLOSER
OMG!! Is it terrible of me to ENJOY a GROVELLING, DESPERATE MALE who wants his girl back? This was an emotional rollercoaster I did not see coming!! Blindsided me in a good way!

CLOSE features SEBASTIAN & LILLIAN's story when they were in college, and CLOSER is the 7 year time skip that features them as adults. If you ask me, the time skip was so unnecessary and I can't believe they broke up and saw other people!! It's such a betrayal to this reader's heart. The amount of time wasted and the insignificant partners they slept with? Ughh!

SEBASTIAN is one of the best yet flawed MMC's written that I can appreciate. I'll blame his IDIOCY for believing his father over ASKING Lillian about the truth before he broke them up and fuck it all up, thus resulting in the 7 year time skip. Sorry, I had to get that off my chest. I WAS SO FUCKING PISSED AT HIS STUPIDITY and THE AUDACITY to show up at her wedding later as if HE NEVER DID HER ANY WRONG? BOY, THAT GOT ON MY NERVESS!!! As the reader, we will know that Sebastian was the one who THREW THEM AWAY first, so HE NEEDED TO GROVEL!

And yes dear readers, the MAN DELIVERS! Sebastian was the active pursuer in their relationship, several times over and I liked how proactive and determined he was to not let Lillian slip away. He was so sure she was "The One". I LIKED HOW HE NEVER GOT COLD FEET despite having the reputation of a player.

Naturally, I wish LILLIAN gave him more shit and hell, because she was a victim of many manipulative shit heads. Some may say Lillian's character is weak or soft, and partially true, but I didn't dislike her for it. Her softness and vulnerability is likely what attracts Sebastian to her like moth to flame.

SEBASTIAN for all his faults was truly devoted to Lillian when they were together, and when he was determined to win her back. Those were the highlights of the story for me, and there were PLENTY. Chemistry was never a problem, their sex life was passionately vivid. Emotional connection? They had it in spades. I guess they can't be perfect and someone had to muddy the waters before they could have their HEA.

Lillian and Sebastian were cute together. Minus the faults, they would be what every in-love couple would be like in a better world without divorce, unhappy couples and etc. It's the DREAM relationship that you can imagine will last until death do they part, with a beautiful family, kids and the fact that their love for each other WILL NEVER DIE.

OVERALL this was real fucking sweet and despite the road bumps that would make you swear out loud and want to punch Sebastian in the face?? This duet really made my Sunday.

[Robin G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

closer by Gigi Vale is book 4 of the Distance series, and it is another hot, steamy and intense book that wrapped up the cliffhanger in book 3. The questions I desperately had were answered. This book covered Lil and Bash’s story, as they meet again on her wedding day to scumbag Jason. Since it happened so early in the book, I do not feel like it is a spoiler to say that Lil runs away, and celebrates with her besties, Mary and Gemma. This all happens a few months before the events in books 1 and 2 which cover Mary and Gemma’s stories, respectively.

I love the alternating POV in these books, as well as the complementary nature of the stories happening simultaneously. Although some bits are repeated, it doesn’t feel repetitive and adds to the stories. Lil and Bash have a lot of trust issues to work through, and we finally learn what happened the night Lil’s parents died. Her flashbacks and memories had been getting more intense, so it wasn’t a complete surprise when the horrifying truth was revealed. I am going to get book 5 now, because I need to see what happens next. I highly recommend books 1-4 of this series, although books 3 and 4 get extra love for the loving mentions of Pride and Prejudice.

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Sammyll · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster ride! Lil and Sebastian are reunited after a few years after their college breakup. Their families involved in their lives, lying to them, pulling them apart with lies and bitter memories that are long buried in the past. They belong together, star crossed, but time again they break up. Oh the angst!

I loved this duet, Close and Closer pull you in with brilliant writing. It is fast paced flawless, gripping, full of heartache, angst, I couldn't put it down.

Lil has memories that she can't quite recall, driving her crazy, giving her anxiety and nightmares. When all is revealed, shock and distrust cause Lil to run away from Sebastian, something that almost leads to her death.

A perfect ending for a beautiful couple. The ending leads me to believe more is to come. I hope we get to read more about Levi and Landon, they are both ruthless, but Landon's dark side is waiting to be heard! I will definitely delve into the other books in the series, where it all began, and I can't wait! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sebastian (Bash) & Lilian (Lil): Book 4 of Distance Series: Best friend’s brother/ forbidden/ second chance/ obsessive/ family feud/ hate to love/ enemies to lovers/ dark romance: Interconnected Distance series and part 2 of the duet with Close. Gigi Vale did a great job with this series, and I loved Bash and Lil’s duet. The writing style had me captivated and entertained throughout. Plenty of spice, drama, and excitement.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dessie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gigi Vale has really out done herself! She is one of those writers who can make you forget where you are and what you're supposed to be doing. I found myself hiding from my kids trying to get in one more chapter. Closer is the chefs kiss of books. It has everything you could want, suspense, tragedy, obsession and romance. I really hope we get to read about some of the background characters. Gigi Vale has quickly become one of my absolute favorite authors! Highly recommend reading she writes!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story carries on from Close. Lil is due to marry Jason, when she knows its not him she wants to marry. Can she really go through with it, then a disturbance catches her attention. Mary and Gemma came and won't leave and it gives her the courage to do the right thing and walk away. Now having burnt her bridges with her uncle she moves in with her best friends. Finally trying to live the life that she wants, so she was working in a library, but she loved it. But again she's drawn by the one person who totally broke her heart, she knew she'd see him but how can it still hurt so much. Sebastian still felt the draw to her, his dreams were haunted by her and yes she was always there in his mind on a constant wheel spinning with memories. The problem is that Lillian was haunted by a past she couldn't or maybe didn't want to remember. Her whole life is built on secrets, lies and nightmares. Always nightmares. Can anything be resolved without confronting the past. Or will the pair just constantly hurt each other. Maybe walking away is the right thing to do. This series just grips you and with each turn you think you've worked it out. But then something else happens and you move into another direction. Sebastian tries to be better, he's romantic, caring and yet still ends up doing the wrong thing. I couldn't put this book down, each book you think it can't get any more addictive, yet then you open the next book and YES it gets better. Gigi has given us a brilliant series that is definitely going in my favourites pile.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that follows Close, which ends with a cliffhanger. The chemistry between Lil and Sebastian is intense. Sebastian wants another chance because he cannot get Lil out of his mind. The tension between the two is palpable. The secret of Lil's past gets revealed. An extraordinary read.

[Bre E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book! I needed to know if Bash and Lil worked things out! The way Close ended had me in tears, and I couldn't rest until I finished Closer. Reading this entire book series makes you feel like you are one of their friends and/or family members, and I definitely recommend reading all five books. I'm a sucker for a happy ending, but I also love these character's dynamics with each other.

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

we finally get to unravel the mystery from Lilian s past this series is an amazing read .Lilian flees her wedding and moves in with her friends Sebastian still wants Lillian .and this is the final instalment of their story. tearful and amazing read this book has it all so can't wait to see what we have next from this Author

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The MMC - Sebastian, Sebastian, Sebastian... maybe if I write it three times he will appear? Because sheesh... if I was in love with college QB Sebastian in book 1 'close: a college romance' then I fell madly in love with grown up billionaire Sebastian. He's dark, tortured and broody -- yet still so swoon-worthy and you can't help but root for him and for his relationship with Lilian. The FMC Lilian aka Lil is finally waking up to the realities of her life & relationships with family, friends, and Sebastian. It was nice to see her character grow independently and start to stand up for herself. This book is serving up lots of spice with a side of emotional rollercoaster, and a HEA for dessert. Enjoy!

This book is for fans of: dark romance, contemporary romance, enemies x lovers, forbidden lovers/family rivals, billionaire romance and forced proximity. As always, please check your trigger warnings.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not crying, you're crying 🥹🥹🥹 This one... i thought Close broke me but GIGI..... you broke, healed then broke and healed... I got whiplash with all the emotions 😂🤣 So fucking good, even tho i wanted to reach through my kindle and smack Seb & Lil... but LORDY! I need more... i love these 2 so much 🫶🫶🫶.

[Rechal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sebastian. If I wasn’t already head over heels for him, this book completely sealed the deal. In Close, we saw him as a young boy, the ultimate dream boyfriend anyone could wish for. But in this book, he’s matured into the epitome of husband material—dependable, loving, selfless and kinky. And let’s not forget the incredible sacrifices he made for his princess, giving away his innocence at such young age. His love for her never wavered, even when he was hurting.

Lil’s love for him was just as deep, if not more. Her character growth was beautifully written—from being someone who blindly followed her uncle’s demands to protect Sebastian, to finding the strength to walk away from the altar. My heart broke knowing how much pain her father had caused her—how his cruelty shattered her as a child and haunted her as an adult. Yet, despite her scars, Lil emerged stronger, and her journey was a testament to her resilience and the power of love.

The book was flawlessly written. I was so eager to dive into it that I ended up devouring the entire series. It couldn’t have been more perfect! A masterpiece from start to finish.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandra Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sebastian and Lil are made for each other! I love their chemistry! Sebastian can't stop thinking about Lil and will do anything to get her back. Lil wants a knight in shining armor to help her through her demons and make her nightmares go away. Lil doesn't remember her past or parents much since they died when she was young but Sebastian is holding a secret about their deaths and is not sure if he should tell her. They both have a push and pull in their relationship but Sebastian wants a future with her. Lil is not sure if Sebastian really wants her but she knows that she doesn't want to get heartbroken again.

They both know what they want but how do you make someone see their truth and not second guess if it's a lie? This is the second book to Close and the fourth book in the Distance series. Can't wait for the next book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery of Lilian is revealed, bit by bit.
I absolutely love this book two of Lilian and Sebastian. It moves up a notch in this, with some surprising discoveries.
Lilian leaves Jason on their wedding day, knowing it would be a dreadful mistake. She tries to get her life back together, but Sebastian is always around. When they are together it becomes very steamy, and then they part, Lilian struggles to forget how he ended their relationship in college, and now trust he won’t break her heart again.
It’s not till near the end do you get to find out the mystery of Lilian’s nightmares. There is quite a lot of angst as well as lust in this book.
I have thoroughly enjoyed both Close and this book Closer, and would definately recommend them.

[Crystal Junebug · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was waiting for end Sebastian/Lil's story to come to conclusion and boy... It was so worth the wait. This is the last one in the Distance series of books and I read the first three. They all can be a standalone, but if you read it in a row, things string together so much more satisfyingly. Sebastian is close to perfect when it comes to a book boyfriend. Just read the entire series. Stop arguing with me. JUST READ IT! You'll thank me later.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[…Welcome to My World &#x1f30e.. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful conclusion to Sebastian and Lilian’s story. These two were absolutely incredible characters and their story was complex and just right. We see how these two grew over the years and the questions and secrets are finally revealed. I can’t wait to see whose story comes next.

I received an ARC copy and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The steamy billionaire romance closer is the fourth book in the interconnected Distance series and the conclusion to the duet that began with close. It’s an intriguing read. I received a copy of the book and voluntarily leaving my review.