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A party gone wrong. A dangerous attraction. And a game of pretend. But is it really?

Lilian
It was just one night, one impulsive choice. But now he’s in my life, and hiding is no longer an option.

Sebastian
Maybe it was the raw pain in her voice that made me stop. Or maybe I'm just a sucker for a damsel in distress.

Lilian Edmunds never wanted the spotlight. She’s more comfortable with her nose in a book than in the middle of a party. But one reckless night, everything changes. Caught up in a game she didn’t want to play, she finds herself face-to-face with Sebastian Barron—campus golden boy, heartbreaker, and the one person who sees right through her walls.

Sebastian Barron doesn’t do attachments, but there’s something about Lilian that’s impossible to ignore. She’s quiet, vulnerable, and so out of place in his world of parties and shallow flirtations. But there’s fire underneath her surface, and he wants to be the one to stoke it. Especially since he knows exactly who she is.

What neither of them realizes is that their families' blood feud runs deeper than hate, and some secrets are worth destroying everything for.

Perfect for readers who crave forbidden love, possessive quarterbacks, steamy college settings with deep emotional trauma recovery, secret relationships, and dynamics that blur the lines between obsession and devotion.

The spicy college romance 'close' is the third book in the interconnected Distance series and the first part of the Duet with 'closer.' Close ends on a cliffhanger. Dual POV. Please check the content note before reading.

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2024

4 people are currently reading
62 people want to read

About the author

Gigi Vale

9 books18 followers
🍬😈🌶️ 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.

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda .
54 reviews
November 7, 2024
Close left me desperate for more... this a college, dark romance with mystery & spice! This book is giving modern day Romeo & Juliet filled with lots of past secrets, undiscovered trauma, and interesting characters that you want to get to know more about. Sebastian is just... swoon! He's going to be your new favorite quarterback & book boyfriend and I loved his relationship with Lilian. Can't wait for part 2 of this duet - Closer!

This book is for fans of: dark romance, contemporary romance, lovers x enemies x lovers, playboy x shy girl, best friends brother's, forbidden lovers/family rivals. As always, please check your trigger warnings.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nessa.
3,939 reviews74 followers
October 20, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Jenny .
232 reviews
February 4, 2025
Tropes: college romance, forbidden romance, best friend's brother, playboy x book girl, he falls first, family feud.

The first book of a duet within the Distance series, so this book does end on a cliffhanger.

Lillian is shy and likes to stay out of the spotlight, while Sebastian is the complete opposite. Campus golden boy and heartbreaker. She wants a sense of normalcy, considering her family, and goes to college with her friend Jason to watch out for her.

Lil hides away in a random room at a party that she was persuaded (and begrudgingly) agreed to go to by Jack, which happens to be Bash's room. Will their feelings for each other be enough to get them past all the roadblocks that seem to be in their way?

The story is captivating, making you never want to put the book down. But will have to wait for the next book for the conclusion to Lil and Bash's story. And this is when their lives start to entangle with each other's.
73 reviews
February 18, 2025
Wow! This book kept me up into the morning. I kept telling myself one more chapter, until I didn't have any more chapters left. The characters have so much passion and depth to them. At one point I seriously was crying. I can't wait to find out what happens to Bash and Lil in their next book. I like how what happens to her and her parents were teased throughout the entire book. A fantastic book, that I definitely recommend reading.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Marie.
835 reviews16 followers
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January 2, 2025
This is the third book in this series and what a story it is. Lil has finally gone to college and is out of her uncle and brothers control, or so she thinks. She hasn't had an easy life loosing her parents at the age of ten, then at sixteen the nightmares and anxiety attacks started. But now she was hoping for a little normality or as much as she could have with Jason constantly turning up. Now her life consists of study, classes and more study. When she convinced by her boyfriend if you could call him that to go to a party the last think she expected to find was him wrapped up in another girls embrace. Hiding away is her only option, entering the room and shutting the door thinking she was alone. That is until somebody taps her shoulder so she turns around and punched him in the face. Sebastian didn't expect to walk out of his bathroom to find a strange girl curled up on his floor, then she goes and punches him, and what a punch she didn't hold back. Then when she realises it's not who she thought, he got a glimpse of the gorgeous shy scared woman. This is the start of a very complex and romantic story, which is full of hidden truths and secrets. Sebastian has a history of being a playboy quarterback with every woman giving into his charms. Lillian hasn't many friends and people she can trust, her uncle and brothers are her only family and of course Jason who is just always there. Will the past and present meet and build bridges and relationships that broke along time ago. Or will it just comeback and cause more heartbreak and tears. This story just keeps giving more intrigue, romance and new found friendships. But it also keeps you guessing about the outcome. I cant wait to start the next book to find out if this story has a happy or sad ending. Gigi has given us a very complex and compelling series and withveach book we get to know the characters and their back story more clearly. I can't recommend this series enough, although I will say its extremely spicy and sometimes crosses a few lines but is so addictive you won't want to put the book down
Profile Image for Crystal Junebug.
392 reviews
January 16, 2025
This is the second book in this series that I read and I have to say, I loved this one just as much as the first one. I loved all the back and forth between the MMC and the FMC and to get a view of these characters as their younger selves enriched the reading experience in the series for me. I plan to read the other two in the series would highly recommend that you add this one to your TBR list in 2025. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
917 reviews7 followers
January 15, 2025
I hate cliffhangers , but Lil and Sebastian made it worth it. Lil is what I would characterize as an introvert. Lil and Sebastian attending college could not be more opposite, yet seems perfect for each other. The complexity of their relationship is fascinating. Sebastian is protective of Lil. Entertaining until the end.
Profile Image for Sammyll.
340 reviews17 followers
December 30, 2024
What a rollercoaster of emotions, it grabbed my attention from the first page and didn't let go. Intrigue, grit, angst, mystery, secrets,who is really who they say they are. This had it all!

Lilian and Sebastian a perfect match but not on paper, their family feud is controlling Sebastian, but Lilian isn't aware of her past, her traumas that still haunt her, nor the feud. When she discover's it all she is devastated. Both of them having the same nightmares, not realising. Both caught up in the past, who can they believe one another or their families determined to end their relationship.

This ends on a cliffhanger, so I can't wait to continue reading the next book to reveal all of the secrets, I'm sure they will be shocking, I hope they can work through the past to gain a better future.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
651 reviews3 followers
December 26, 2024
Sebastian (Bash) & Lilian (Lil): Book 3 of Distance Series: First part of a duet in an interconnected series. Cliffhanger ending. Family feud/ opposites attract/ spicy college romance: Intense and captivating read. Love this series so far & I can’t wait to read the second part of this duet! Gigi Vale’s writing style has me addicted.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tracy ann  Robinson.
1,159 reviews26 followers
December 26, 2024
I so love this series, and we finally get Lilian and Sebastian story part one. Lilian wants to be normal, so her brother and uncle agree for her to go to college with her friend Jason to look after her she loves reading not a party girl .and one night when she does go to a party, she meets Sebastian, and they fall in love but it's not easy for them won't say no more but can't wait to start second part
Profile Image for …Welcome to My World &#x1f30e...
245 reviews4 followers
December 19, 2024
Wow! I’m speechless. I was hesitant to read this book knowing it ends on a cliffhanger, but I don’t regret it, because I have the next one now! I always wondered what happened between Sebastian and Lilian. Their story was so passionate and broken and just so complex and it has left me speechless and grasping for the next revelations. Sebastian was so protective and broody and he’s the perfect one for Lil. I absolutely loved how he protects her through her panic attacks and how in the midst of all these other girls, he chose her. My draw dropped at the end of this one. I was not expecting this ending,I still have so many questions but fingers crossed they are answered in the next book. This is now a book series that I really like by Gigi! She’s now another favorite author of mine. I’m so glad I found her books and I definitely encourage other readers who enjoy intense and true romance like me, to give her works a try.

I received an ARC copy and I’m volunteering leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for …Welcome to My World &#x1f30e...
245 reviews4 followers
Read
December 19, 2024
Wow! I’m speechless. I was hesitant to read this book knowing it ends on a cliffhanger, but I don’t regret it, because I have the next one now! I always wondered what happened between Sebastian and Lilian. Their story was so passionate and broken and just so complex and it has left me speechless and grasping for the next revelations. Sebastian was so protective and broody and he’s the perfect one for Lil. I absolutely loved how he protects her through her panic attacks and how in the midst of all these other girls, he chose her. My draw dropped at the end of this one. I was not expecting this ending,I still have so many questions but fingers crossed they are answered in the next book. This is now a book series that I really like by Gigi! She’s now another favorite author of mine.

I received an ARC copy and I’m volunteering leaving my honest review.
1,201 reviews
December 20, 2024
This is an entertaining forbidden love, romance book that holds your attention from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing and dramatic as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with deaths to their personalities and steamy chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bre E..
302 reviews10 followers
December 15, 2024
Sebastian and Lilian's story has stayed with me for a few days after I finished the book! Lilian is a sweet, shy girl, not a party girl like her friend Ju. But being a good friend, Lilian goes to a party with Ju, hoping to find Lilian's boyfriend-but-not-boyfriend. Sebastian comes home to a full-blown party. Sparks fly once Lilian and Sebastian look at each other!! Family obligations, friend interference, and overall fear have me scrambling to read Closer!! Read this now!!
Profile Image for TrishSparklerReads.
379 reviews9 followers
November 24, 2024
@TrishSparklerReads Bookstagram:

“Close” by Gigi Vale
Series: Distance Series, Duet Part 1
Genre: Dark Academic Romance
POV: Dual

Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 4🌶️
Darkness: 2🩶

Highlights:
🖤Playboy/Bookgirl
🖤He Falls First
🖤Suppressed Memories
🖤College
🖤Family Feud

Thoughts:
This was a classic, romantic Romeo and Juliet love story. I loved how Sebastian the football star got Lil the wallflower out of her shell. There was lots of Spice and I loved the push pull that their relationship went through. The secrets from her past and a classic miscommunication trope added tension and played against their love. I can’t wait for part 2 where I hope their love prevails.

🛑Please read all the author warnings as themes and events in this book could be triggering. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rechal.
96 reviews
October 16, 2025
I had the opportunity to read this book as an ARC through BookSirens, and it completely swept me away!

This book had me hooked from start to finish! Close is a modern-day Romeo and Juliet story set in college, and it’s got everything I love—romance, drama, mystery, and just the right amount of spice. Sebastian, the confident yet vulnerable football star, and Lil, the sweet, book-loving girl, have a connection that jumps off the page. I couldn’t stop rooting for them, even as their secrets, miscommunication, and a messy family feud kept getting in the way.

Sebastian totally stole my heart—he’s charming but also so raw and real. And Lil? I saw so much of myself in her quiet strength and her love for books. Honestly, I’m already dying to read Part 2 because I need to know if they can overcome everything and find their happy ending!
Profile Image for Samantha.
109 reviews5 followers
November 24, 2024
Close left me desperately wanting more. This a college, dark romance with mystery and the perfect amount of spice! Is giving modern day Romeo & Juliet filled with lots of past secrets, undiscovered trauma, and interesting characters that you want to get to know more about. Sebastian is just... swoon! He will be your new favorite quarterback & book boyfriend and I love the relationship with Lilian. Keeps you wanting more. I can not wait to read more of these two!
Profile Image for Ann.
547 reviews4 followers
November 16, 2024
This was an ARC I was very happy to get. Oh. My. God. This was so good. Lil and Sebastian were so amazing together. She made some great friends and it was all on track. The book ends in a cliffhanger and I'm gutted. I don't want to wait until next year to find out how it all comes out. Do yourself a favor and read this. Even with having to wait for the next one, it was well worth it.
Profile Image for Kalene.
456 reviews6 followers
January 1, 2026
Such an amazing story 😍. The plot and everything that happened within was just outstanding
266 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2024
What a powerful book and duo! Oh my gosh, the relationship between Lil and Sebastian is hot and oh so spicy. I loved how Lil grew from a timid and shy FMC to a strong and confident one. And Sebastian is the one to bring her out of her shell. This book is full of hot and sexy scenes that make you want to read more. They are a powerful couple that their families want to destroy. It's like a modern day Romeo and Juliet but with spice.

The mystery about her parent's death makes me wonder if Sebastian's family had something to do with it. They both keep having dreams about blood and seeing the color red. I'm interested to know if that mystery will be revealed in the next book. It'd be interesting to see how that plays out.

I have enjoyed reading this book and really loved it! This book ends in a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Robin G..
70 reviews
May 20, 2025
close by Gigi Vale is book 3 of the Distance series, and it is hot, sexy and frustrating, as it ends on a cliffhanger. I knew it would, but I still shrieked a little. I have so many questions, and I can only hope they are all answered in book 4. Based on the other books in this series, I am certain they will. This book covers Lil and Bash’s story. We get their college romance, which has some Romeo and Juliet influence. There is a history between their families, and Lil has some seemingly awful suppressed memories from when her parents died. Bash knows more about that night than was revealed in this part of the story. I cannot wait to get book 4. I have read books 1-3, and I highly recommend all three.

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Ann.
65 reviews
December 14, 2024
Fantastic read, a bit Romeo and Juliette in modern time.
Absolutely loved this book, the only disappointing thing is having to wait for the next book, Closer.
Seb and Lil were great together, hot and spicy. He was a football star, she a quiet, timid bookish girl, but with Seb she became confident.
There was a lot going on, secrets and surprises.
Taking into account of some of the subject content, I would definately recommend this book.
Profile Image for Sandy N.
626 reviews4 followers
December 3, 2024
Duet story. This first book ends on a cliffhanger. This is my first book from this author and I was hooked. This book has it, good characters development, a bit of mystery, and plenty of spice. Bring on book 2.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,012 reviews34 followers
December 20, 2024
close is a good, and enjoyable steamy coming of age forbidden love best friends brother college romance read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line. The characters are great, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining dark romance read with mystery and spice.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
766 reviews5 followers
December 28, 2024
I need book 2 in my hands stat! This awesome dramatic tale ends on a bit of a cliff hanger that I cannot wait to see the conclusion of! It's a best friend's brother, college romance with so much drama! I'm hooked in!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for brenda hurley.
1,379 reviews7 followers
December 22, 2024
I thought this book was good It's the third book in this series. It was well written and I can't wait to read more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.2k reviews19 followers
December 28, 2024
The steamy college romance 'close' is the third book in the interconnected Distance series and the first part of the Duet with 'closer.' Close ends on a cliffhanger. Looking forward to the next book. I got a copy of the book and voluntarily leaving my review.
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